The interview process starts off fairly normal in comparison to most companies. A short phone interview with a company representative to feel you out and determine if you would be a sufficient candidate for the position and if so, offer you an in-person interview. However, the suspected normalcy evaporates as soon as you finish the phone interview.
When asked to come to an in person interview, usually a representative from the company will send you a confirmation of the date, time, and specific details you may need prior to your arrival (where to park, who to check in with, etc.). I didn't receive any of this information and decided to arrive for my interview a few minutes early, just in case I needed to make a phone call to gather more information to get in the front door.
I was seated in a conference room that was only mildly private, as it was directly in front of the reception area and adjacent to the front door. I was asked by an older woman in casual clothing if I would like anything to drink. I wasn't sure if she worked there judging by her appearance, but I asked for some water. When she returned, I was surprised to receive a glass of ice water instead of a bottle. This wasn't really a red flag or cause for concern but because I'm a bit of a germaphobe, I went the entire interview without touching it.
After receiving the water, the woman left me alone in the conference room for some time and returned with a paper application, asking me to complete it. ****LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: we are currently in the year 2024. If you apply for a job on a website with a resume, land a phone interview because of said resume, get asked to come to an in person interview, and then are asked to fill out a paper application before the interview - RUN. ****
This was red flag #1.
Because I was excited for the opportunity and wasn't thinking clearly, I began completing the application, but realized all of the information they were asking me for was on my resume. So I stopped.
After 30 minutes or so, the older woman returned with an older gentleman, dressed in professional attire. The older gentleman sat across from me at the desk and introduced himself as Gary, the owner as well as the person who needed to hire a full time assistant. The older woman, who I later determined was Gary's wife, sat beside me.
This was the first time I'd ever been to an interview where I had to wait a 1/2 hour for the interviewer to not only arrive but also to begin the interview. This was also the first time I was ever interviewed by more than one person where both people didn't sit across from me at a table, but instead one person sat beside me on the other side of a desk.
These were red flags #2 and #3.
It seemed everyone had arrived that needed to be there because based on my observation, there were no more chairs left. So we are finally ready to start the interview. Gary has a pen and pad to take notes on. This is completely normal so the interviewer can take notes on how the interviewee answers their questions. However, Gary started writing things before he had even asked me any questions. I wasn't sure what he was writing, but I waited patiently in an awkward silence while staring at him alongside his wife.
Finally, Gary officially starts the interview by giving me a detailed, lengthy explanation of the work he does, how long he has been doing it, and why he does it. This went on for what seemed like eternity. At some point Gary finally asked me my first interview question. I had been practicing my interview questions for days; I was ready.
He asked me: "What is your opinion of Wall Street guys?"
This was not an interview question I practiced for.
Red flag #4.
After over an hour of continuously nodding my head while he spoke at record speed, Gary asked me what my salary requirements were. I explained that I could not take a cut in salary and if I decided to leave my current position, I would have to make the same amount. However, my salary was identical to the minimum salary listed in the job posting on LinkedIn. Therefore, I did not think a negotiation of salary was necessary as I was asking for the same amount that was advertised by their representative when I applied for the job. Gary responded and told me that they could not offer me what I was asking for and that the salary for my position started at $10,000 less than what I required. After this, he said that I would earn a minimum of $10,000 in bonuses every year and would also qualify for a $5,000 Roth bonus after 1 year of work.
Surprise! Red flag #87.
The interview from start to finish lasted two hours. By the time I left my bladder was ready to burst, my mouth was parched, and my face and neck hurt from constantly smiling and nodding for that length of time.