Interview Experience: Disappointing and Unprofessional Candidate Journey
I rarely leave interview reviews, but this experience was poor enough that I feel future candidates deserve to know what they may encounter.
I was approached regarding an opportunity and initially had a positive impression of the company. The role itself sounded interesting, and I was genuinely excited to learn more. Unfortunately, the recruitment process quickly became one of the most frustrating interview experiences I have encountered.
My first interview was scheduled and confirmed. I took time away from work responsibilities, prepared for the discussion, and joined as requested. At the scheduled interview, the recruiter advised that they had a conflicting priority and needed to reschedule. While unexpected issues can happen, it was disappointing that the conflict was only raised at the interview itself rather than communicated beforehand.
The proposed reschedule was particularly strange, as one of the suggested alternatives was Australia Day, a public holiday. I ultimately suggested moving the discussion to the following business day instead.
The interview was then rescheduled. I again prepared, arranged my schedule, and received automated confirmation and reminder emails from the company. Everything appeared to be proceeding as planned.
Approximately one hour before the rescheduled interview, the meeting was cancelled for a second time.
What made the situation especially frustrating was the complete lack of communication surrounding the cancellation. There was no explanation, no context, no apology, and no meaningful follow-up. Shortly afterwards, I received another automated request asking me to provide my availability again. I completed the request in good faith, expecting the process to continue.
After that, nothing.
No update.
No rescheduled interview.
No clarification.
No acknowledgement.
No closure.
At that point, the issue was no longer the cancelled interviews themselves. Hiring priorities can change, recruiters can become unavailable, and schedules can shift. The real problem was the apparent lack of ownership and communication throughout the process.
Candidates invest significant time preparing for interviews. Many are balancing full-time jobs, family responsibilities, study commitments, and other obligations. The least a company can do is communicate openly and respect the time that candidates dedicate to its hiring process.
The role may be excellent and other teams within the business may operate differently. However, based solely on my experience, the recruiting process felt disorganised, poorly coordinated, and lacking basic professional courtesy.
I hope the company reviews its candidate experience processes because no candidate should have to prepare for multiple interviews, experience repeated cancellations, submit availability multiple times, and then be left without any meaningful communication.
Pros:
1.) Interesting role.
2.) Initial outreach generated enthusiasm.
Cons:
1.) Interview cancelled after being confirmed.
2.) Second interview cancelled shortly before commencement.
3.) Poor communication throughout the process.
4.) Lack of transparency regarding delays or changes.
5.) No meaningful follow-up despite requesting additional availability.
6.) Candidate time did not appear to be respected.
Overall, one of the most disappointing recruitment experiences I have encountered