I recently interviewed (virtually) for a high level Directors role. The interview felt disorganized and awkward from the beginning, the VP was distracted answering texts from leadership and even removed herself to take a call, leaving the other person to finish the interview…

12 Comments

1. AnonymousNovember 5,2025 at 4:53PM UTC

   So, just some food for thought, not that this is the case or not. However, you have no clue what type of emergency or situation may have been happening that may have demanded the VP's attention. The fact that they were obviously distracted is a bit concerning, but I have checked my phone during virtual interviews, because I keep it right next to me, or right on the keyboard on silent. My boss and I would communicate back and forth during the interview that way to discuss things about the interview.

   That being said, the fact that she removed herself from the interview and allowed the others to continue, maybe her child had an emergency situation at school and she had to go get her?

   I do think it was rather unprofessional to be clearly distracted during an interview. But I just wanted to give you a devils advocate perspective that might help you look at the situation a bit differently. Wishing you the best!

2. Barb HansenNovember 5,2025 at 5:46PM UTC

   As you move up the leadership ladder, one of the most underrated skills you have to learn is how to “manage up.” It’s not just about leading your team, it’s also about figuring out how to work with (and sometimes around) executives who might not be great managers themselves. Unfortunately, not every VP or C-suite leader is skilled at people management. Sometimes they’re stretched too thin, and sometimes... they’re just not good at it.

   That said, I wouldn’t write off the opportunity just yet. Instead, use what happened in that interview as information and go into the next conversation ready to ask some revealing questions, like:

   -- “What’s the biggest challenge or priority on your plate right now?”

   -- “Of all the directors or managers who’ve reported to you, what did the best one do that made your job easier?”

   -- “How would you describe your management style with your direct reports?”

   How they answer will tell you a lot, not just about how they lead, but about whether they’d respect your time, input, and boundaries.

3. AnonymousNovember 5,2025 at 6:10PM UTC

   Great advice!

4. Wamboi SusanNovember 6,2025 at 1:40PM UTC

   Awesome ??

5. BeaBoss568754December 25,2025 at 10:58PM UTC

   I love this reply so much. Thank you for your insight and feedback

6. AnonymousNovember 5,2025 at 7:30PM UTC

   The interview is a clear view of the organization's culture. If your gut is telling you that this may not be a fit for you, listen to your inner voice. On the other hand, expectations can sometimes be unrealistic and flexibility and agility almost always win. Good luck!

7. AnonymousNovember 6,2025 at 8:50PM UTC

   I experienced something like this a few years ago. I was interviewed virtually by two people. First, they were late to the interview, and the person who was going to be my boss was distracted and texting most of the time, leaving her colleague to lead the interview. Because I really wanted to work at the company, I took the job, and it ended up being one of the worst job experiences I ever had, and I ended up leaving the position a year later. I wish I had listened to myself more and also asked questions about what the work culture was like on a daily basis because, as others have noted, it could be a one-off situation and therefore atypical behavior by the management.

8. BeaBoss568754December 25,2025 at 10:56PM UTC

   I decided this same thing. The place I’m currently at doesn’t have the best culture but… i do have great relationships with most of the people I work with. I really do not want to trade one bad GM for a bad VP. Also… I’ve learnt since the interview that other candidates have had similar experiences

9. AnonymousNovember 7,2025 at 2:31PM UTC

   Yes I've had a similar experience. What ended up happening was the role was not filled. The VP and the interviewing team (I think I did 4 interviews) decided it was unnecessary later. When I interviewed with the VP I did have his attention, but it didn't seem focused on the role. Now I understand why. Years later I'm in a director level role in another company. It might turn out differently for you but don't be surprised if the position vaporizes or if they hire someone else and keep looking!

10. Dr. Patty GrossNovember 9,2025 at 2:24PM UTC

    This happens frequently when interviewing with a VP. Emergencies happen, and I have had them be late and call out at the last minute for interviews as well. When you get called back for another interview, and if it happens again, it probably means that whatever the VP is reacting to is more important than filling the role you are interviewing for (especially if it is for a Director position). That can tell you a lot about how this company operates and how committed they are to filling this position.

11. AnonymousNovember 12,2025 at 1:54PM UTC

    I have and its generally a sign. I would given them a second shot, but even as a President or General manager, I shut off the phone during interviews - from everyone. If its really an emergency, then I explain to the candidate - and possibly reschedule so they can have my full attention. Hiring is one of the most important things - especially the higher up you go.

12. BeaBoss568754December 25,2025 at 10:46PM UTC

    Yes! This is how I handle interviews as well.

    I even suggested at the beginning of this interview that if we needed dot reschedule, I would understand. After a lot of thought I decided that as perfect as this opportunity was, I didn’t feel that it would be good leadership to work with. I also learned the position has been open with an interim director sitting in for about 2 yrs…. Too many red flags in my opinion.