Lately, I've been meeting with hiring managers and not HR where they don't know anything officially about the role but they want to have a conversation.

10 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 22,2022 at 9:07PM UTC

   A hiring manager does not know about the role? As in responsibilities or duties? As a last attempt, if they make you an offer, I would request a follow on discussion to have some of your questions answered. You do not have to accept an offer if you are unsure as to what it entails. You can also request to speak to someone who performs similar or related duties (if the manager is the hands off type). You can also ask to shadow the job for a day or 2 to see what it is like before you accept an offer.

2. AnonymousJuly 22,2022 at 9:37PM UTC

   Both as he couldn't explain about what would be my role or even his direction. I spent so much time preparing for the interview that is now feeling like wasted efforts. I'm not casually looking so taking this much time away from finding another opportunity makes me angry rather than sad about the possible position.

3. AnonymousJuly 22,2022 at 9:25PM UTC

   Wow what a weird experience with a hiring manager. The very person who should know exactly what the role is, what the plan for the department is,etc. If the hiring manager doesn't have a clue, then I would recommend skipping those companies as they are no where near filling the position.

   I would expect HR to be clueless.

4. AnonymousJuly 22,2022 at 9:34PM UTC

   Thank you for supporting my stance. I was so surprised that when I asked about the role, plans for the company or next steps, he didn't have a clue. He would be the person I would be reporting to and although he's a few months into his role, I don't know how they are interviewing when they don't know what they want. I have an eclectic background so I didn't know what to focus on during the interview. I felt like I was constantly grasping at anything the hiring manager said to have some sort of guideline. When I even asked questions at the end, he couldn't answer them as he wasn't sure. I'm still shaking from the interview.

5. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 22,2022 at 9:43PM UTC

   Where was the recruiter in all this? Didn't you have a conversation with them first? Where they explained the position to you? And discussed compensation, etc.?

   A hiring manager that does not know basic information about a position that reports to them is a gigantic red flag. What are you supposed to have a conversation about?

   I would consider finding out this info about a company as a bullet dodged. They're supposed to be on their best behavior during the interview process to try to convince you to go work there. Well that's their best behavior. Imagine what a freaking nightmare it must be to work there.

6. AnonymousJuly 23,2022 at 9:17PM UTC

   The shocking part was that the recruiter was excellent. The initial one I spoke told me about the company and then said the hiring manger would fill me in on the rest. She said my background was exactly the company needed and my background would be the perfect fit. I spent a lot of time preparing as I wanted to answer any questions that were asked as well offer my advice if requested. That's why I was shocked that it was so disorganized. I kept trying to make it work as I need a job but I was more angry and the end as I spent so much time away from what could have been pursuing another opportunity. I agree that's it a red flag but it was a well-organized company, it would have been what I was looking for a career role.

7. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 24,2022 at 2:30AM UTC

   I'm really sorry that you were treated so poorly and they took up so much of your time. That is not the way to treat candidates. And to have this happen more than once - completely out of bounds.

   Best of luck with your job search.

8. JenniferJuly 23,2022 at 5:36AM UTC

   So this has happened to you multiple times?
   Was it with the same company?

   The good new is that this is really weird and really unusual.

   How are you finding out about these positions? Are they posted somewhere? Is someone reaching out to you? Are these real positions that they are actively interviewing and hiring for NOW, or just hypothetical positions that are going to be created at some point? Established companies or start-ups?

   I'm sorry you've had to waste time and energy on this nonsense. Once you have that job at the company that does know "how to company" it'll be a good story. For now, at least you got some practice on how to handle bizarre interview situations.

   Hang in there! Good luck

9. AnonymousJuly 23,2022 at 9:20PM UTC

   Thank you, Jennifer. The job was posted on LinkedIn and I applied for the position as I was aware of the company and "thought" it was a good opportunity. I have had this happen a few times lately where the last person was the most clueless regarding the role. They were posted as actively hiring. If I was only browsing positions it would be disappointing but the fact I need a role is bothersome as they are wasting my time. Thank you for the best wishes!

10. Crystal HowellJuly 23,2022 at 12:16PM UTC

    The question to ask, if they don't where the company is heading, why would you want to work there?