Looking back, I wish I had read more of the reviews about the interview process before engaging, doing so would have helped me go into it with clearer expectations. Based on both those reviews and my own experience, I’d describe this as one of the more unprofessional interview processes I’ve encountered.
I spoke with a former employee during the process who had been with the company for over two years. His warning was candid: "This is a toxic work environment with high turnover - proceed with caution." Unfortunately, that comment echoed in my mind as things unfolded.
Here’s what I experienced:
Initial Phone Screen: A standard 30-minute call covering background, role expectations, and compensation alignment. I was told about recent organizational changes, including a new CEO and a renewed focus on profitability. I was then fast-tracked to a second interview.
Second Interview with the CLO: This was a professional and relatively positive conversation. He shared more detail about the goals for the role and expectations for success. He had to step away briefly for a personal matter, which he gave me a heads-up about in advance, something I appreciated and didn't view as unprofessional. The only downside was a hard stop at 30 minutes, which didn’t allow time for a deep dive into the role.
At the end of the interview, I directly asked if there were any concerns that might prevent me from moving forward. The response was, "No, I think you're a strong candidate, and I'd like to continue the conversation. The recruiter will be in touch to schedule the next step."
What followed was silence. After three business days without communication, I sent a professional follow-up email. I never received a response. Days later, I noticed the same role reposted online, something I’ve now seen mentioned in other reviews as well.
If an organization claims to value accountability, ownership, and a commitment to others, those values should be reflected in how they engage with candidates. When basic communication and follow-through are lacking, especially after expressing continued interest, it raises red flags about the company’s culture and integrity.
Respecting people’s time and being transparent, even if the decision is to move in another direction, are foundational to building a people-first culture. Sadly, that wasn’t my experience here.