I applied twice on Linkedin and somehow the HR managed to miss my profile, even though they opened it once. So, I contacted a VP whom I knew from an earlier interview and whom I respect very much. After that my application was transferred to the direct manager. So, advice (general, not only for this company) – try to bypass the HR. The first interview was on Teams with the direct manager (HR BP should have been there too but did not join) – a very pleasant interview, full of mutual understanding. The second interview was in Geneva, in LEM location, with the direct manager and the mentioned VP – again, perfect atmosphere, a real professional discussion. After this one I had a big desire to join LEM and have the rest of my career there. I also learned that I am the number one candidate and that they would like to have me join as soon as possible and that I should ideally sign a contract before end of August to start in December, or even earlier if my current company allows me to. Referencing back to the fact that HR ignored my application twice. Now, the interview with HR. Third one, again in Geneva. That was rather pleasant as well, again I confirmed myself as the best choice. But… Then things go south. She starts talking about “benefits” which are basically peanuts – discount on lunch in nearby restaurants, lot of places to run or exercise (outside), subvention for public transport (this one was the only benefit worth mentioning, but the company location is not well connected in terms of public transport). Some context here – I am a manager in another company, negotiating to move to management position in LEM and we talk about lunch discounts… When I was asked if I would move for the same salary I already have in my current company it became clear that things are going south. Finally, they did offer some 15% more (my request was 20%) but even that would mean a relatively low base salary and important annual bonus and that bonus would depend on many things so it would likely never be the optimal amount. No stocks or bonds were ever offered. The complimentary retirement fund (LPP) was also stingy and way less favorable than the one I have now. On top of that, they did not offer company credit card. Meaning that I would be a leader of 30 people international team which directly means I would need to pay for some events involving many team members and then be reimbursed. In theory nothing wrong with that – just in reality the amounts are not small, and you pay them initially out of your pocket. Not serious. Finally, I rejected the offer.
