My interview process lasted a little over a month. The team members I met were kind and thoughtful, and I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the organization. That said, the process itself felt longer than necessary, and communication was inconsistent. Most updates came only after I reached out, and there were stretches where the team went quiet for extended periods. I understand that staff have many competing priorities, but as an excited candidate, the silence made the experience challenging to navigate.
Another concern I feel is important to share is that, although I provided a list of professional references, the organization chose to contact individuals outside of that list. I recognize that employers sometimes seek additional perspectives, but in this case, it appears that feedback from unknown sources was used in the final decision without giving me an opportunity to address or clarify any concerns. While I cannot speak to who was contacted or what was said, relying on unverified third parties over provided references raises ethical questions and may approach improper HR practice depending on the circumstances.
Throughout the process, I was genuinely enthusiastic about the role and invested significant time preparing, including spending more than twenty five hours on a job simulation intended to demonstrate my skills and approach. I was disappointed in the outcome, particularly because I never had the chance to respond to or correct any information that may have influenced the final decision.
Overall, the people were warm and the mission is meaningful, but I believe the hiring process would benefit from clearer communication, greater transparency, and consistent adherence to standard reference practices.
