I had three phone interviews which actually went well. I was called on-site.
I was extended an offer.
The HR recruiter was downright rude and very uninformed (also had no idea about the benefits structure, work life at Aruba) when I tried to explain that the offer is actually worse than my current package.
When I asked a few basic questions (work life balance, opportunity for growth) to better understand the company, responses were curt, vague and unhelpful. Negotiation was a pain. I was told multiple times that money is not primary. I understand, but it is important and my efforts to try to make them understand that what they were offering me was not compelling by any means (and honestly, worse than my current package) went in vain.
So here's the deal. If you're going in for an interview with this seemingly life-sucking group, a few words of wisdom:
People are a company's prime resource. It is why when a company looks to bring on-board new employees, it has the absolute right to be choosy.
Keep in mind – a job seeker, also, has the right to be picky. It is a two way street.
Unfortunately, that is something, companies such as Aruba, forget. I noticed this very distinctly with many interviewers the day I interviewed, and also post the interview in my conversations with Aruba.
Aruba, at least in the TME group, seems to be looking for pushovers. Not for me, thank you.
Go, if you have no other options.
