Attn Reviewer: Why is this entry not accepted - what needs to be changed?
My interview process consisted of 4 trips to the HQ location and entailed 18 interviews varying from one on one, team, case study and panel. After each meeting the feedback regarding the status was ambiguous in terms of next-steps and timing, (yes, I clearly asked). After 5 months, this experience has certainly hardened me and taught me about the reality of how this organization functions by 99% consensus and bureaucracy. At a unique level, BD remains to be an attractive organization to work for but has unfortunately lost credibility on how they orchestrate the interview process. A significant displeasure was the lack of communication I received, which after time turned into disrespect and became practically unethical. Let's remember that all people and teams operate differently, however their 2 key organizational values of “respect” and “doing what’s right” echo in my mind as hypocritical. It’s also important to remember that not all people and leaderships styles are the same inside of an organization’s culture. Unfortunately, the impression and perception of this organization has come true based on my experience.
Closure to this topic finally came after 141 calendar days via phone call from the hiring mgr. stating they went with their internal candidate which is an associate from another BD (non-U.S.) international location. Perhaps this situation was an anomaly due to economics and the job market. The talent management process at time of writing this is broken and is internally recognized by others in need of improvement. I hope this organization can fix it for their longevity and livelihood as arrogance and perceived complacency should not be any organization modus operandi. After 90 days of having the “chain pulled”, I realized this was a game. I however continued to invest my interest and desire to do well. Overall, I rank the interview process as “average”, but would rather use the description as “frustrating”. The experience of the process was not just “negative”, but unprofessional which made me ask myself, “if they are looking for someone to lead an area and demonstrate process improvements techniques, I’m not really sure if this environment would openly permit this based on how they operate”. Also, “can I perceivably thrive in a team or management style that cannot clearly communicate, also how would I be treated if I did get the role after this exhausting experience?” Throughout the process, it was never made clear from BD what the salary range was and description of the overall compensation package was. They knew what my experience rendered.
Some take aways:
1) What an incredible waste of human resources.
2) Poor external facing to public as organization gives impression of treating people as commodities and is clearly hypocritical to their values. Management needs to appreciate they are stewards of an organization. Not a good thing especially in this economy (2009).
3) Disappointed, as was eager to make positive difference. Just a reminder how not treat people during recruiting process. First impressions mean a lot.
4) BD has serious talent management/sourcing problem and process is disjointed between HR and hiring functions.
5) An experience I will not forget for a while, however, sense of humor and personal ethics remain strong.
6) Not jaded, but smarter.
Best of luck!