I submitted my resume to an open position. I received an automated response, not surprising. The next communication was similarly an automated response, albeit with the name of an individual which I was told was not an actual person at the company. This response was, in essence, a cattle call. Asked to select a time from a list of slots at 30 min intervals. Not a good first impression. Still I thought I'd pursue this opportunity with a seemingly good company.
When I arrived for my interview, there were several interviewees sitting and waiting to be taken into the 'pen'. The first person I met with detailed the actual position and salary. When we both realized that I was over-qualified for this position, it was stated that by going through the interview process with a great result, there was a possibility that something positive would come of it. I chose to continue with the process (a poor choice in hind sight) and sailed through each 'station' with ease.
When I finally met with the Support Manager, he informed me that his team had expanded from 20 to over 100 in about 2 years...!!!?? 100+ support engineers for a company of that size? hrmmm His last words were (roughly): thanks for your time, you are very qualified and would be a great addition to our team. Someone from HR will be in touch with you very soon to follow up. This is what I call "Blowing rainbows"...
I followed up with an email of 'Thanks' the next morning and after hearing nothing from them 4 days later, I sent another follow up email and got no response at all. After 8 days, I sent another (the last intended) and still received no response. The next day, 9 days after the interview process, I received a poorly scripted and completely impersonal form email from someone with the title "Sales Recruiter" stating that they were going in another direction.
For a company that is so highly regarded, this whole process was surprising, disappointing and eye-opening. Knowing how quickly the company is growing, there is no doubt that they have lost sight of the important things, how to treat people. In the long run, this attitude can come back to haunt them if not addressed.