The position was described as a short-term assignment to convert existing manuals into Framemaker and rewrite the copy. It was definitely well within my skill set, and although the hourly rate wasn't great, I thought it would be a good addition to my portfolio. The director of applications engineering conducted a phone screen in which we went over the details of my writing career and my approach to creating documentation. It was a pretty standard interview, and he was pleased enough with my answers that Ideal Power invited me for onsite interviews. I met with one of the directors, and then with the VP of Engineering. The VP seemed to have very little idea of what tech writers do, and even asked me about my typing speed! However, Ideal Power seemed to be pleased with my resume and interview answers, and offered me the position. Fast forward to my first day: I was handed a schedule of 80 hours, with half-days spread out over four weeks! No one at the company had told me the contract was part-time! When I expressed astonishment at the part-time aspect and inconvenient hours, the director of applications engineering suddenly decided I wasn't "flexible" and "not a good fit", then ended my contract then and there.
I had been in the office for all of one and a half hours. My recruiter and workforce management company were as astonished as I. I have never seen such disorganization and unprofessionalism.