After an initial phone screening with an HR representative, I was invited for a face to face interview. The interview, I thought, went well and felt very natural and I even got a tour of the facility. They said they would be in touch. After about 1.5 weeks, I received a phone call again from HR asking if I would come back for a 3rd interview and I gladly accepted. The second face to face interview was an all day process which lasted approx. 5-6 hours. I met with 8 different people from a VP to the CMO and each one had a completely different priority for the role. About half way through the day, I started to get the sense that this company had not thought through the role creation process as I felt that the scope of the position was incredibly loose. The end of the day came, and I asked the hiring manager how she felt about everything, to which I received very good feedback that the interviews went well. I asked her how soon I would hear back about the position, and this is where things went wrong. She said, she didn't know and that they needed to think more about the position and what kind of responsibilities would apply. At this point, I was also told that I was the first person who they had interviewed for the position and they would need to interview more candidates to narrow down the decision.
The conclusion: I didn't hear back and I assumed after a month later that I did not get the job. I moved on with my career search at this time. One day, I received and email from HR stating that they would likely make a decision by the end of the week. 2 weeks later, I received another email stating that they had determined a candidate and confirmed that I did not get the job.
Some feedback and opportunities for management:
First, never put someone through 3 interviews when you have not defined the role and responsibilities. This is a complete waste of the interviewees and just downright rude. Second, before you have senior leadership interview a candidate and waste precious company time, consider conversing and get on the same page for what is the priorities of the role will be. This will save everyone a TON of time and energy in the end. Best of luck with your new hire!
