All went well enough at first. I was on time, happy to be there, and psyched. Interviewers were professional and respectful face-to-face. The information exchange started off very well, however I began to notice some uncomfortable vibes, and one of the interviewers was very tense. It was plainly understood prior to the interview what my background was, but it became painfully apparent that they were actually looking for someone with more technical experience, though I was assured that this was not an issue prior to the interview many times. I began to sense more scrutiny, however, it was not directly expressed. One comment was made about one of my work samples that seemed to suggest in a slight condescending manner to the other interviewer that it was a "typical" sample from this previous employer alright. It did not seem to matter that this was a quality sample of a technical document of another kind from a giant world class global corporation and it took a lot of work to complete it for customers. Then, I was asked if I could create something that the interviewer seemed to consider very important, but it was using a very common software, and using industry standard symbology. Again, perhaps this meant I needed to be able to completely understand immediately about their technology, though that was definitely not what was expressed up front. I knew then, that this would be a problem. We ended on a decent note after I plainly told them that I was interested in the position and the technology and felt that I could catch on and do the work, but wanted to know if they thought I could. They seemed to agree, however, the usual answer, we have other candidates to interview and we'll get back to your agency later. The results of this interview were not a surprise, considering the technical issue, however, if they would have expressed it up front, it would have saved everybody some time. I wasn't that concerned about that. The last comment was that I was not chosen as well because I lacked enthusiasm and energy and the other candidate did. This brings to mind all kinds of possible internal problems, personality problems with the manager, and most likely an unprofessional environment. I am very confident on the other hand had the positive attitude as I should have had, I was attentive, had plenty of energy, alert, interested, happy and engaged in the interview process, but I've never mastered the art of being a disingenuous suck up. Comments such as this let me know that I could never trust this person and that there exists some maturity issues, that will improve with time hopefully. They had every opportunity to express any concerns otherwise. I am an adult and this isn't my first rodeo. I don't know anyone that begs for a job, however, the feeling I got after those snarky comments that the manger thought I should have done just that--beg! After all, I was psychoanalyzed completely in an hour. I tend to walk in the middle of the road in terms of enthusiasm so as not to seem desperate. It is beyond me to think that some believe the interviewers aren't interested, so why would they waste their time. We also spend a lot of time preparing for the interview typically...this is serious business. Another comment was made that they would like to keep me in mind, just in case they needed someone down the road should I be availabe. That was confusing and aluded to the fact that they didn't think I had the stamina for the job (after just meeting me for one hour), didn't particularly like me much personally though I was very respectful, open and hoping to be able to provide the best in class of anything...my attitude was great! My comment to them--too late! I am not subserviant or giddy. I don't work for people that devalue others like this, but at least I know about this group. Couldn't pay me enough to work for them. My profession is just that, a profession and just as important to me as theirs is to them. It's not just a skill. I have never considered any IT Engineer an object of awe, sorry...it's all a level playing field at work to me...a job is a job.