This was one of the worst experiences I have had going through a recruitment process. Finding out I hadn’t got the job was actually a relief. I was approached by a search executive for the role. It wasn’t something I would have initially looked at. It was very different to my current work and in an entirely new sector, which I was upfront about. But I received a compelling spiel from the recruiter and the location, salary and autonomy for the role were enticing. I was also led to believe that they were struggling to find the right candidate and so I was likely to one of a couple of people they approached. I was told that they also wanted to move fast on the process. After a quick consideration, I decided that I had nothing to lose and put myself forward with a CV and cover letter. I made it clear that of the two locations offered, I was only interested in the Bristol site. I received a quick response saying I was being offered an interview. However, the date given was almost a month away. That was the first alarm bell, as it contradicted what I had been told. I was also only given the option of being interviewed in person at the Castle Donnington site. I questioned this as I had been clear about location already but was told it was due to most of the team in question being based there. That was alarm bell number two and at that point, I considered pulling out. However, I decided to still go for the interview despite it requiring a six hour round trip driving and an overnight stay (all at my own expense). I wish I hadn’t bothered. During the interview, one of the panellists was only available on an iPad, which dropped out at times. Another panellist had used their intro to explain that they would be taking notes. However, half way through they very obviously stopped taking any notes, which was hugely off-putting and disrespectful. Even if you don’t believe a candidate has the right qualities midway through the interview, they should be given the courtesy of your attention given how much effort and preparation is required. Additionally, I spotted on the desk in front of me a list with my name on and at least another 5 candidates for interview the following day. All in all, it felt like I had no chance even before I got there. Follow up phone calls with the recruiter always came late. And when the inevitable unsuccessful result was communicated, I was offered zero feedback. I was given a very brief line about how they wanted to keep in touch for future opportunities. Frankly, I saw straight through it, particularly as they couldn’t get off the phone quickly enough. To be clear, I wasn’t happy with my own interview performance and that’s why I didn’t get the job. But I am frustrated I even went for it now, as it feels like I was set up to fail. If the company believes in its own values, it certainly didn’t demonstrate them to me as a candidate. The whole experience has left me feeling that I would never consider putting myself for a role with the company ever again (which I have no doubt would be a mutual feeling anyway).