Interviewed for the Pioneer Program in Human Resources. Extremely lengthy interview process. I was referred to the company by a classmate who had started the interview process for the pioneer program but ended up accepting another offer before finishing. I made it all the way until the very last round. There are 4 formal interviews (way too many). The first round was mostly a screening with some behavior based questions. The second round was with a couple other team members with more behavior based questions, third round is the exact same with even more people. The fourth round that I didn't make it to would have been with people from corporate in Denmark. In between all of these formal interviews I had a at least 3 semi-formal phone calls. These revolved around various types of logistical questions and more screening. In addition to phone calls I was also asked to complete a Korn Ferry assessment. This assessment also came with another formal debrief meeting. Despite being told multiple times that the Korn Ferry assessment has no bearing on an offer I believe I was removed from consideration because of the way I scored on this assessment. Throughout the entire interview I was given really positive feedback that they liked me, I was a very strong candidate, we even started discussing pay and what types of projects I would be working on (above and beyond what you would typically discuss in an interview situation). Despite all this feedback there was a sudden disconnect and shut off of contact. I had to reach out and ask if we were still good for the fourth round interview that was already scheduled. Only after this did I get a call saying they were proceeding with other candidates. When I asked for feedback and why the sudden change in direction they couldn't give me anything. This was INCREDIBLY frustrating! Eventually I was told that the he would get with his supervisor to come up with some feedback as to why I was not selected to move on (definitely should have had this ready before telling me I was being rejected). It has been two weeks and I have been completely ghosted and no further follow-up has happened. Even though I reached out with a sincere interest in feedback as finding a job is very difficult at this time I haven't received or heard anything. By far the most unprofessional interview process I have ever been in. Also, with my years of HR experience and two master degrees the maximum they were prepared to pay me was $57,000. A very low amount compared to industry standard and with the level of education I have. Part of the justification was the culture of the company. Employees shouldn't have to pay for culture!!! So many orgs these days are "charging" their employees for providing an adequate working culture. It is pathetic. Overall I really wish Hempel didn't waste my time. The entire process from initial contact until I was rejected was 1 month and 1 week with 10+ hours dedicated to interviews, phone calls, and assessments. Already an incredibly long time and I didn't even finish. Pioneer program applicants beware.