I was invited to an interview screening a week after submitting my application. I replied to the email with my availability, but the recruiter did not reply, so I had to chase her up the following week and send further availability.
Once the interview started, I was asked a standard question about my background and why I was suitable for the role. After this question, I was asked why I had a career gap, and I explained why I left my role and that I have been applying to roles since I left, but stressed this market is very competitive for graduate jobs. She responded, "You didn't think to apply to unrelated roles". I replied that I had applied to both related and unrelated roles; however, there is stiff competition in both related and unrelated roles, which I am sure, as a recruiter, she is aware of. I was asked whether I had had interviews with other companies. I replied I had, and she said, "Well, you didn't get the roles, did you?".
The line of questioning continued to be patronising and condescending. I was asked whether I could relocate. I replied not initially, but after a short period, I would consider relocation if required and that initially I would be commuting; it's a very manageable commute via car. I was then interrogated about my licence, whether I had a car, and whether it was drivable.
I was also asked a personal question: "Do you live with your parents?". I have never been asked this question before in an interview. I do not think asking about personal living arrangements is professional, and recruiters should not be allowed to ask probing questions about candidates' personal lives.
Overall, I found the interview screening patronising and unprofessional. I was not even asked what I knew about the company, or any other role-specific questions, other than the first standard background question.
