My recent experience interviewing for the Head of Sustainability role at Victrex was one of the poorest recruitment processes I have encountered at this level.
I was initially approached by a recruitment agency and progressed through three interview stages, investing considerable time and preparation. After this, Victrex HR contacted me to complete what was described as a “first stage interview” via a one-way recorded video assessed by AI.
For a senior leadership role, this approach felt inappropriate and highly impersonal. There was no opportunity for live discussion, no ability to engage with stakeholders, and no meaningful two-way assessment of fit.
More disappointing was the complete lack of follow-up. After submitting the video interview, communication stopped entirely — no feedback, no outcome, and no professional courtesy despite the time already invested across multiple stages.
This process does not reflect well on the candidate experience expected from an organisation hiring at executive level. Significant improvement is needed in transparency, human engagement, and basic candidate care.