Unfortunately, I found the experience to be unprofessional and disappointing for the following reasons.
Lack of Communication:
I sent two emails before the interview, confirming if it was still scheduled, as the job listing on Wellfound stated that the role was no longer open. I received no response to either email.
One of these emails was sent at 10 AM today, and I was later informed that it was sent "outside of business hours." Is 10 AM truly outside of your standard business hours?
Interviewer Delayed Arrival:
The interviewer joined the call 5 minutes late. For a candidate who had proactively followed up twice to confirm the interview, this delay was frustrating and reflected poorly on the candidate's experience.
Lack of Engagement During the Interview:
The conversation lasted no more than 5 minutes, with only three questions asked and no meaningful follow-up questions.
During my "tell me about yourself" response, I explained why I wanted to join the team. Yet the next question was, "Why do you want to join the team?"—a clear indication of a lack of active listening, which detracted from the experience.
Transparency and Communication:
If the role had closed or hiring plans had changed, I should have been informed ahead of time. Meeting with me simply to check a box is unacceptable. Transparency in communication should be paramount, especially for a company like yours that focuses on enhancing communication and visibility for small businesses.
As an HR professional, I understand the challenges of a busy schedule, but I also recognize the importance of treating every candidate with respect and ensuring a positive experience. Candidates invest significant time and effort to research the role and the company—just as I spent time learning about Homebase and its mission. A 5-minute interview with little engagement and professionalism is not an appropriate or respectful way to evaluate a potential hire.