I had an interview today.

Anonymous

June 15,2023 at 6:25AM UTC

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I had an interview today. I arrived about 15 minutes early. I was seated in the reception area where I had a clear view of the glass conference room. I saw 3 people inside. I sat there for nearly an hour because the two senior leaders I was to meet with where still in a meeting that had run over by an hour. I later learned that they had been interviewing another candidate (she was one of the three I saw in the glass conference room). At one point one of the gentlemen (later learned was the hiring manager) stood up, opened the door and I heard him say "This discussion is so good, I dont want to leave. I'm already late for another meeting but I cant pull myself away." He then walked off and reemerged with the recruiter who walked over to me apologizing profusely. She offered me coffee and said that both gentlemen were tied up in the meeting which had already gone over an hour. When it was finally my time to interview, they were polite, both apologized for making me wait. The interview lasted about 35 minutes. I'm outraged and feel like writing them to let them know how unprofessional their behavior was. Thoughts.

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AnonymousJune 15,2023 at 9:19AM UTC
I would ask why interact at all?
Clearly they have no respect for your time and only value what they want.
What they did was extremely unprofessional but was a gift in many ways as it showed you how they handle themselves and how little they think about others.
Only if writing them would help you would I bother.
The world is a very small place and the professional space even smaller, so I wouldn't put anything out in the world that you don't want to follow you. Just my 2 cents.
AnonymousJune 15,2023 at 10:55AM UTC
Redirect your energies. It's ok for them to tell you they were in a meeting. That's the truth. Odd that you would have a direct hearing and visual of meeting, tbh. You just saw what happens all the time, a candidate can have a longer interview than another due to multiple reasons too. They have no investment in you, so your talents will shine elsewhere. Shake it off!
AnonymousJune 15,2023 at 10:56AM UTC
As you deserve better, don't bother writing. They won't take you seriously, much less offer any opportunities to you.
For better or worse, you got a glimpse of their demeanor. The other person will eventually see through their show.
Move on -
AnonymousJune 15,2023 at 12:27PM UTC
What rude jerks. You don't want to work for those people.
Heather McJune 15,2023 at 2:25PM UTC
As rude and unprofessional as that was, count yourself lucky that you witnessed this now. Run away.
AnonymousJune 15,2023 at 3:27PM UTC
I can’t believe you waited that long. They get 20 minutes and then I’m gone. Even if it’s a job I really want, that kind of behavior tells you everything you need to know about the way the company is run and the way that you’ll be treated there. You wouldn’t be happy.
Crystal HeitzenroderJune 15,2023 at 4:09PM UTC
They may have multiple positions they were interviewing for. Just because yours didn’t last as long doesn’t necessarily indicate that they didn’t like you or don’t want to hire you.
AnonymousJune 16,2023 at 12:53PM UTC
I understand this sentiment but, moreover, the point is that they had OP waiting for an absurd amount of time and that’s clearly disrespectful.
The candidate experience is atrocious and this undercurrent notion that suggests the jobseeker has to put up with anything from the hiring company is toxic.
AnonymousJune 16,2023 at 10:15PM UTC
The candidate in the conference room was interviewing for the same position
Heather (she/her)June 16,2023 at 8:29AM UTC
I definitely would not have kept waiting. They showed clear disrespect for you and your time, and you didn't owe them anything in return.
Marlane LordJune 16,2023 at 12:42PM UTC
I can imagine how you felt. I am an impatient person by nature, but I know I would have stayed the whole time also, because after all, I wanted the job. It is possible they were interviewing for another position simultaneously. It says a lot though that they couldn't stay within a schedule and be respectful of everyone's time. Is it possible your disappointment put a damper on your interview performance? Just chalk this up to experience. You will tell this account many times I'm sure. I know I have told similar stories to folks as part of my Interview Horror Series. Chin up! You will prevail!
AnonymousJune 16,2023 at 10:14PM UTC
The candidate in the conference room was interviewing for the same position
AnonymousJune 16,2023 at 12:50PM UTC
OMG this is wrong, beyond insulting on so many levels. I’m sitting here with my mouth open and I thought I had seen everything as a Recruiter but this tops it. The fact that you had to even sit there for that length of time on top of watching other people be interviewed tells me a lot about the company. chalk it up and run away. This is not a place that you would want to work I am sorry for what happened to you
Valerie RiegerJune 16,2023 at 12:58PM UTC
I'm pretty sure they know how unprofessional they were. You saying it to them isn't going to help them know it any better. Don't let them have any more space in your head. Move on to a better situation.
AnonymousJune 16,2023 at 1:04PM UTC
I would take it as a sign of what’s to come if you do get the job. I’d move on and decline any additional interviews.
Cyndy TrivellaJune 16,2023 at 1:07PM UTC
Ironically, they did you a favor. I’ll share some sage my husband offered when this situation happened to me. If a potential employer treats you poorly before they have any control or say over what you do, imagine how they will treat you once you become an employee.
GirlBossanova934974June 16,2023 at 1:14PM UTC
RUN, do not walk away from this company! No need to inform them how unprofessional they are. That is wasted time. What is this company telling you? They treat employees like numbers or objects. The latest and greatest gets their attention and the rest are dropped like garbage. I would also strongly reconsider any future dealings with the recruiter as the recruiter has done a very poor job of vetting the companies she does business with! The recruiter seems to be focused on collecting a commission and not much else!
AnonymousJune 16,2023 at 6:40PM UTC
Its an internal recruiter
GirlBossanova934974June 16,2023 at 10:04PM UTC
That is even WORSE! Company HR is putting up with this and letting this completely unprofessional behavior go on. I don't get it with companies like this and their HR departments. LONG GONE are the days when this stuff went on unnoticed and no one could find out. Social media puts all these bad actors up front and center for the ENTIRE WORLD to read about.
Jacqueline CutlerJune 16,2023 at 1:23PM UTC
How rude and what a waste of your time. Don't bother wasting another second on this place. Consider it a favor. You now know who they are and how they treat people.
AnonymousJune 16,2023 at 1:27PM UTC
Blessing in disguise. You had the rare opportunity to see how they truly operate.
I wonder if you feel more outraged because of the lack of professionalism that you normally wouldn’t see at the beginning so if anything it was more disheartening- especially while in the trenches looking for work.
This would have eventually come out. I understand your frustration right now, later on when you find your role, you’ll probably be grateful you witnessed this and moved on from this one.
Rebecca MillikenJune 16,2023 at 1:27PM UTC
I know you're annoyed but I wouldn't write to them. I wouldn't have anything more to do with them. I have made the mistake of writing things when I'm angry and it's almost always a bad idea. You never know if it can come back to haunt you. I know in my field, I have run into the same people over and over in 20 years. It's best to just move on and be glad you dodged a bullet.
Balanced372207June 16,2023 at 2:26PM UTC
Best answer here.
Kimberley Ferretti HammettJune 16,2023 at 1:38PM UTC
This is definitely rude and I could absolutely understand being outraged, however, I'm going to suggest you not fall into the trap of living in that anger.
Think about this scenario: You go into an interview and really hit it off with the interviewers and they are very intrigued and interested in your experience as well as the great questions you brought up. The back and forth is like fireworks, even building on each other's ideas. They find so much value in your conversation they postpone their other meetings to continue the momentum. As the candidate, wouldn't you feel so valued and excited!?
They 1000% should have let the recruiter or someone know what was happening or better yet, asked that person to have lunch or something after your interview to continue their conversation later. But I don't think what they did was so egregious we can judge them or their company and immediately label them bad or "toxic". They were really engaged.. if you didn't hear the conversation we can't assume it wasn't worthy.
That said, it is in no way a reflection on you or your capability and it does suck that it negatively affected you. Try not to spend too much time living in the frustration, you have so many more positive things to spend that energy on. Sucks, but you'll prevail. Maybe it can even be a spark to brainstorm goals to become so engaging your interviewers can't tear themselves away! On to the next one.
Good luck.
Miesha AgrippaJune 16,2023 at 2:31PM UTC
You’re awesome
RiaJune 16,2023 at 6:26PM UTC
You gave her great advice. Well said
AnonymousJune 21,2023 at 3:36PM UTC
I had an interview with a company that was being purchased by another much larger company. During the interview the manager of the smaller company needed to step away for emergency. While we sat waiting for him to return, the manager of the larger company looked at me to say, he would not have interviewed me because I didn't look as good on paper to him. What he didn't know is I had dimmed down my resume to match the job description. I honestly didn't care what the larger manager's comment was because he was not the hiring manager. Unfortunately, that was a red flag I should have considered. While I love the job, the larger manager became my manager, and his initial attitude is how he treats me daily. We have been to ethics, had one-on one's, and nothing changed. I endure him because I like the job and will retire shortly, but if I had it to do again, I would have refused the job where someone had no value on me from the beginning. I was told by an agency that unless I really want to be considered for the position and feel it's worth the wait, after 30 minutes, let the front desk know that I was there, leave my resume and tell him / her if there is still interest to have them reschedule. Thank them for their time.
Linda KrugerJune 16,2023 at 1:49PM UTC
Take a walk and breathe. Reflect on what you learned during the interview that will serve you. Don’t take it personal or give it any more energy.
send a thank you and move on with your search.
M. TaylorJune 16,2023 at 1:57PM UTC
Let it go. You probably dodged a bullet. It wasn’t meant to be.
Kimberly AnneJune 16,2023 at 3:03PM UTC
You dodged a bullet. Be thankful., I once interviewed at a local hotel to work at the front desk. I was a walk in and took a chance they may need someone. The manager definitely liked me and gave me a second interview. It was now him and a snooty sales manager who was rude and just didn’t like me from the first moment. I sat and waited 30 minutes for this second interview because they went out to lunch and according to this sales manager the service was too slow and she was horrified. This was 2021. So I guess they didn’t get a clue that people are short staffed? You would think working in the hotel business that this is just how it is. I was treated rudely by her during the entire interview and the manager started to stop responding to me. Didn’t thank me for my time. Just stop responding to me. I’m glad this happened because in hindsight I see they did me a huge favor. I was so excited to work at the front desk of a large hotel that I let it go, now I’m glad they didn’t hire me.
AnonymousJune 16,2023 at 6:05PM UTC
I would do this for sure. Let them know how humiliating it was for you to witness this and then let them know that you are removing yourself from further consideration with the company. CC the CEO and HR and be sure to name names. Be professional but very, very direct. Will it ever get you reconsidered there? NO! but you can walk away with your head held high and do post the experience or simply cut and paste what you posted here to glassdoor. It's pretty shameful that you had to deal with this, it's hard enough looking for work and then to have to be treated this poorly is really horrific.
AnonymousJune 16,2023 at 6:24PM UTC
One of the gentlemen was the CEO, the other was the COO.
AnonymousJune 17,2023 at 12:59PM UTC
Clearly she was no longer being considered for the position, so removing herself as a candidate would be pointless. It would only serve to make her appear bitter and childish, thus confirming their choice. The world is a very small place and you never know who you will encounter in the future so burning bridges is never a wise choice.
AnonymousJune 16,2023 at 6:59PM UTC
They treat you that way as a candidate??? You dodged a bullet. I can’t imagine their manners and common sense improve once you’re an employee.
Maria Scutaro-MullenJune 16,2023 at 7:35PM UTC
Not worth the effort. You dodged a bullet.
AnonymousJune 16,2023 at 7:47PM UTC
Let it go. I’m sure it was not intended as a personal affront. It would be a mistake to write them and make a stink over it - don’t burn yourself.
AnonymousJune 17,2023 at 12:24PM UTC
I don't think that you would be posting this if you were the candidate in the conversation that they couldn't pull away from. Things happen, meetings run over all the time. Be flexible and don't take it personally.....
Pamela PuskarichJune 17,2023 at 12:52PM UTC
Only if you don’t ever want to work for them at any place they may be - or anyone they know. You run into the same people in other places. It could hurt you in the future. Figure you dodged a bullet, go do something to make yourself feel better, and go get an even better job.
Mike DixonJune 17,2023 at 2:01PM UTC
you missed your moment. While you were in front of them and they were wrapping it up, you could have smiled and joked and told a little of your story. You could simply say the waiting room allowed you to see the prior interview that obviously went well. Then ask constructively what you could do to improve your marketability as a candidate elsewhere and what made the prior interview so incredibly effective. Hide your anger. Show interest and sincere curiosity. A job is a social engagement not your right. You were treated fairly and have no right to be angry. They just liked her and didn’t like you. Your goal should be to find out why. Then learn from that.
Latoya SavalaJune 17,2023 at 4:06PM UTC
Great insight, Mike. But I must disagree with one aspect of your comment. No right to be angry. I firmly believe that employers should be respectful of a prospective employee's time. By the actions of the interviewer, this could be a sign of how they may treat their employees and the company culture. I would definitely move forward within my job interviewing process and apply to other companies. Definitely use Glassdoor to see current employees and prospective employees experiences before applying to other companies as well. Stay encouraged. You will find the opportunity that is meant for you!
AnonymousJune 17,2023 at 5:32PM UTC
I disagree, to wait an hour is ridiculous, I would have left or told them they were unprofessional in having her wait that long. They could have came out earlier and said something.
AnonymousJune 17,2023 at 6:54PM UTC
I disagree as well and honestly, Mike has no right to tell anyone how they should feel. The reality of it is, you dodged a bullet. Your time is valuable. You decided how you want to be treated and how long you will wait for the interview. Unfortunately, this is how that company runs and your feedback won't be heard. Help other candidates, as another poster stated, and add your comments on Glassdoor, Fishbowl. I imagine, there are others who have had similar experiences with this company. I feel sorry for the Recruiter.
AnonymousJune 17,2023 at 9:40PM UTC
I was not in front of them. The hiring manager was at quite a distance and he was talking to the recruiter. He went back into the conference where the COO and other candidate was.
AnonymousJune 19,2023 at 10:51PM UTC
Wow this remark was uncalled for, most comments agree it was improper treatment and callous to make her wait in an area in clear view of another candidate and we can’t argue with how someone feels
AnonymousJune 19,2023 at 11:25PM UTC
She didn't miss anything. It's nerve wracking enough to prep and then sit in a lobby waiting. Asking those a-holes what she can do to improve her marketability? Pahleese! Take your mansplaining someplace else. She was treated poorly and they were unprofessional.
Ms. S.June 20,2023 at 9:36PM UTC
Spot-on!
AnonymousJune 20,2023 at 6:13PM UTC
No. She doesn’t need to ask them for feedback or waste any more energy on them than she already has.
Mike you are speaking of toxic practices where employees and candidates should smile, accept any mistreatment and then ask what they can do better. That’s a very outdated, dysfunctional view of the employee and employer relationship.
What possibly makes you think they would give her actionable, unbiased feedback? This isn’t a circus and she isn’t there to perform tricks. She was asked to interview at a certain time and she did. All parties need to be respectfulof each others time.
These two “senior leaders” demonstrate how inadequate many managers are. She would only be degrading herself asking for their feedback.
I'm baffled by people upvoting your comment. This is absurd. We don’t even know if the other candidate was hired! Wouldn’t surprise me if they hire no one and claim “no one we interviewed was qualified.” They seem a bit rudderless.
Michelle CJune 17,2023 at 4:15PM UTC
I've had a similar situation with job interviews. If they kept me waiting 30 minutes and no update was provided, I'd leave. The fact that the hiring manager said that within hearing shot, I'd walk out fast. I don't think writing to them directly will help because they won't do anything about it. If you're deadset on providing feedback, leave it on Glassdoor as a warning for other candidates considering that company.
AnonymousJune 17,2023 at 10:13PM UTC
It will make you feel better but they won't do anything about it. Some people are rude and are not cognizant of their surroundings.
Montoya EvansJune 18,2023 at 10:07AM UTC
They were disrespectful. Remember that interviews go two ways. You are seeing right away that your time isn't valued. That glass wall gives you full view of how the company operates. Waiting an hour was your first red flag. Based on the conversation you heard, the interview went chit chat, on your time another red flag.
In the future after waiting 15 minutes ask the receptionist to tell the interviewer that you need to reschedule as they are clearly not ready at this time. Then leave. Jobs need employees.
Cindy GloverJune 18,2023 at 2:21PM UTC
Exactly!!
Ms. S.June 20,2023 at 9:34PM UTC
Exactly.
Cindy GloverJune 18,2023 at 2:21PM UTC
I’d have left ?‍♀️
My time is just as valuable
Erin BeemerJune 19,2023 at 11:33AM UTC
Why waste any more time with them?
AnonymousJune 19,2023 at 5:21PM UTC
Maybe they were testing you to see if you had the gumption to ask someone when your interview would start?
AnonymousJune 21,2023 at 7:59PM UTC
Leave a Glassdoor review about the interview experience to warn others about the unprofessional creeps that manage the place.