Strange Interview Experiences: Am I the Problem?
I recently went through an interview for a position that left me feeling frustrated and disheartened. It’s with a well-known international organization that contacted me via LinkedIn, which took me by surprise since I hadn’t applied for the role. During the process, I had some misunderstandings with the recruiter. For example, they failed to clarify that there were two interview calls, resulting in me missing the second one initially and needing to reschedule. When I explained the situation, the recruiter seemed to place the blame on me but claimed they were still interested.
When I joined the first of the two final round interviews, I was immediately taken aback when the interviewer stated they would have to cancel the second interview scheduled for the following day. There was no preceding explanation or discussion, which made me feel as if they had already made their decision before I even had a chance to engage. Despite this, the interviewer continued asking me questions for the next hour.
A couple of hours later, I received an email stating that—despite positive feedback from the interviewer—they were moving forward with another candidate. They also expressed interest in keeping me in mind for future opportunities. I was left feeling confused and disappointed, especially since I didn’t receive any specific feedback; only a vague nod to “positive feedback.” I couldn’t help but wonder if this was merely a polite formality.
It felt disrespectful to think that a decision seemed to have been made without allowing me the opportunity to fully participate in the interview. I found myself reflecting on whether I could have done anything to influence their choice. However, the reality is they likely had already made up their minds. The lack of a proper conclusion in our conversation left me feeling that my time had been wasted and that I didn’t get to adequately present myself.
Additionally, I was informed that the proposed salary was going to be 30-40k less than what we initially discussed, which further contributed to my feeling of being misled. Throughout this entire process, the recruiter misspelled my name twice and sent multiple messages rife with typos, which felt unprofessional. They even requested a call on short notice regarding the salary reduction but reached out 24 hours before my stated availability.
All of this has made me question the company’s interview process and their handling of the situation. It felt like I wasn’t respected during the interview, and my time was taken for granted. The experience has led me to feel like a failure, despite knowing the decision likely wasn’t a reflection of my abilities. Still, I can’t shake the feeling that, given a fair opportunity, I could have performed better.
Having just three years of career experience and having been fortunate to receive offers after each interview, I may not fully grasp the realities of the job market.
Is this kind of experience typical in the interview process? Was it more about me, or was it reflective of the company’s shortcomings?
RCadmin
It’s completely understandable to feel frustrated and disheartened by your recent interview experience. From what you’ve described, it seems there were multiple factors at play that contributed to the negative feelings surrounding the process. Here are some thoughts to consider:
Communication Issues: It sounds like there was significant miscommunication between you and the recruiter, especially regarding the structure of the interviews and the salary discussions. Clear communication is essential in the hiring process, and the way the recruiter handled these elements suggests a lack of professionalism on their part.
Interview Experience: It’s not uncommon for candidates to feel sidelined in an interview, especially if it seems like decisions have been made prior to their participation. The abrupt cancellation of the second interview and the way the first interviewer presented it could understandably lead to feelings of being undervalued and disrespected.
Feedback and Transparency: The lack of constructive feedback and the vague mention of “positive feedback” can be frustrating. Providing clear, specific feedback is an essential part of the interview process, as it helps candidates learn and grow, regardless of the outcome.
Salary Expectations: Being told about a significant salary decrease at the last minute can feel misleading, especially if you had previously discussed a different range. Transparency regarding compensation is vital during the hiring process, and any discrepancies can lead to disappointment and distrust.
Reflecting on Your Feelings: It’s important to remember that this experience does not reflect your capabilities or worth as a professional. You indicated that you’ve had success in your career thus far, which speaks to your skills and potential. It’s human to question yourself after a tough situation, but it’s crucial to separate your self-worth from the whims of a company’s hiring process.
Common Experience: Unfortunately, your experience is not unique. Many candidates encounter similarly frustrating interview processes. It can vary widely from company to company, and sometimes, internal issues or company culture can significantly affect how they interact with candidates.
In conclusion, it sounds like the issues you faced stem from the company’s practices rather than anything you did wrong. It’s vital to take these experiences as learning opportunities, both to refine your own interview approach and to help identify potential red flags in future opportunities. Don’t let this one experience discourage you; each interview is a chance to find a suitable fit and strengthen your career journey. Stay positive, and keep pushing forward!