I had numerous conversations with the in-house recruiter before moving forward. Technical skills and salary requirements were discussed and I thought it was right on par.
The position was for a remote (work from home) Linux engineer. I connected via telephone with a racker and we did a break-fix. I was almost stumped on a couple of them but years of experience with dumb problems paid off. I really enjoy the break-fix idea. All the while, I was talking through it with the racker and giving him an idea of my thought process. It was and is a good idea for e process.
Next step- fly to San Antonio and spend the day there. Mine was a quick night at the aLoft (I told my wife that the hotel looked like IKEA threw up in my room). Apparently I'm just a bit too old to appreciate the neon bar in the lobby or the techno music. It was nice of them to put me up there, though. I was told by someone in the know that it's a common place to stay and that the hotel is "part of the experience".
On-site was cool. Conference room naming convention and just about everything is done in a fun way. It's a place I'd LOVE to work, but the essence was lost, as I'd be working from home a few states away.
Multiple interviews with multiple people. Average of 3 people in 3 different interviews. We did "the alphabet game" -- I put each letter from A to Z on a whiteboard and had to name a Linux command for each. The interviews were clearly 10% "let's double-check his tech skills" and 90% "is he a jerk.". I guess I passed.
The offer came in. It was 30k below the figure discussed as my "LOW" salary. Recruiter reminded me that I'd also get bonuses and stuff. Seemed annoyed when I pointed out that I already get bonuses and 40k more. We had a clear understanding before I flew out-- before the break-fix. I feel like I wasted a vacation day on an interview that was little more than an awesome "bait and switch"
I'm pretty cautious to make unfounded accusations but there is no possible way the recruiter thought I would accept their offer. I truly feel like they were trying to get good talent for cheap, awestruck by the awesome environment.
I was VERY polite in my rejection. I left room for her to raise it even 5 or 10k. I absolutely couldn't take it even then, but I wanted to see. Nope. Skilled Linux engineer with 10+ years, offered about what the LOW end of the salary section shows for this company.
Bait and switch was more offensive than the lowball offer.
