Very bad experience. I applied (and I knew a strong contact at the company), had an initial screening with HR (who was amazing) and things went great. My experience perfectly fit the opening (if not a little overqualified) and I was told all the info was going to be sent to the hiring manager and I will get a call back scheduling the next interview. Well, I got a call from HR that the hiring manager didn't want to move forward. I asked for the reason and was told hiring manager stated I "didn't have enough sponsor level experience" (they required 7 years, I had 9+ years). I clarified that I had more than required and she went back to the hiring manager who then stated I didn't have enough line manager experience- this was not part of the job description. So I basically caught the hiring manager in a lie, she clearly didn't bother opening my resume which clearly shows in multiple spots right at the top bolded and colored that I have 9+ years sponsor experience and she was just looking for a reason to not move forward. Likely hiring her friend. I was very excited to move forward, the company was great, benefits great, I knew someone who was in an adjacent department who enjoyed it, but after all this back and forth of the HR going to hiring manager trying to get clarification and inform her I had the right requirements (took 1.5 weeks) I was heartbroken. Now looking back, I am very happy to not work with someone who is not truthful and doesn't bother putting in an effort to make their lie seem a little more supported or even believable.
