Pepperl+Fuchs

Application

I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Pepperl+Fuchs (Twinsburg, OH) in September 2014.

Interview

I was initially contacted by the HR department in Houston. This individual was very polite and helpful throughout the entire process. Stage 1) She set up a phone interview with the two hiring managers who had open positions. That interview lasted approx 45min and went rather well. Stage 2) I was called back and asked to participate in a skype interview with the two hiring managers and the director of engineering. The HR rep called me about an hour after the interview and told me that they were impressed and wanted me to fly in for a face to face interview. Of course I accepted.

Stage 3) I interviewed on a Monday and was scheduled to be there at 1000. They had no idea that I was supposed to be there at that time, they were expecting me around 1200. So with that they were not prepared to interview me and everything seemed rushed and thrown together. I spoke with the two hiring managers, learning about their product lines. Each gave me a tour of the facility and introduced me to their engineering teams.

I then went to lunch with the two hiring managers and the director of engineering. This where the red flags started going off. They began to ask me personal questions that had nothing to do with the position. They better be careful with that line of questioning as it may get them into some trouble. Lunch went well outside the awkward questions. Once back at the plant we were saying our goodbyes because I had a plane to catch. The director of engineering pulled me into his office and asked me my expected salary and what I currently made. I told him and he then said I would hear their decision on Friday because they had another interview to conduct.

The HR rep called me the next day and told me that they thought I was a good fit for their company and I was fully qualified in their eyes for both positions. She said they were going to decide which position to offer me and I would know on Friday. Well Friday came and after not hearing anything by 1500 I decided to call. She told me that they had not yet decided, but was being rather awkward on the phone. I asked what the possible hang up was and she told me that they didn't like my current salary and didn't feel I was worth it based on my experience. This made absolutely no sense to me as I told their HR my current salary during my initial contact with the company. They knew my experience going in as well as. So if that was the issue then why waste my time and their money. She then told me that they said they would send an offer regardless on Monday but if I didn't hear from her then to call on Tuesday. Once again not a bit of professionalism once Monday rolled around, no phone call was received. I gave them till the end of the week and called back on Friday to remove my name from consideration. They had no intentions to call me. This has to be the most unprofessional group of people that I have ever dealt with. A simple courtesy call informing me that they were not interested would have gone a long way. I'm not upset that I didn't get a position with P+F, I just don't appreciate being lied to and having my time wasted. Glad I found this out up front though, no way would I want to work for such a company.