The first interview was over the telephone. The HR rep pointed out the eHealth was going through a re-org and needed someone hired before a certain date. I was asked to come in for a formal technical/behavioral interview which was scheduled.
The formal interview panel consisted of the hiring manager, his boss, the HR rep, and a member of the team. I was reminded that this is a Senior Position, and the interview has two parts, technical, then behavioral and that they were going to start with the technical questions first. The questions were scenario based as in a problem would be presented and they assessed how I would handle the task, or what recommendations I would provide. After one hour time ran out, they informed they may have to call me back for the second part of the interview.
I receive a call the next day to come in for the second part of the interview the following day! I went to the interview, the panel consisted of the hiring manager and his boss. I was asked behavioral questions which I answered successfully.
I get a call a week later from the same HR rep informing they would like to offer me the position. Keep in mind until this point, salary was not discussed. The HR rep indicated the starting salary which was lower than what I was currently making, and was also at the bottom half of the range that was listed in the job posting. I asked if we could negotiate, the HR rep informed negotiation is not possible. I did my homework and know from other peoples reviews that it is possible. I indicated I am currently making more than the salary being offered, the HR rep did not care one bit. I gave a number which was just 2k above what I was making so I could at least cover my travel costs. A few days later I receive a call informing it was not accepted. I suggested a salary of 1k below what I was making, a few days later I received a call informing it was not accepted and the offer is no longer available.
My experience with HR was terrible, this was a total waste of my time and everyone else's. The HR rep didn't pay attention to detail failing to understand many times I had no issues with an early start date. There was NOT competitive at all compared to private corporations. There is no bonus which almost all private corporations provide for ITSM positions. They could not book ample time to complete the interview process in one session. The HR rep didn't think LinkedIn was a tool to find qualified candidates, and indicated she wanted to keep the salary in line with others on the team even though the hiring manager indicated in the interview that this was a Senior Position! What a waste of time...
At the end of the day I can say I have learned one thing. Always discuss compensation during the phone interview before you let HR waste your time. Ensure they know your current salary and that you would ideally like to get paid more. This way you don't get low balled like I did.