McCrabby received this email today; it is reproduced here, exactly as it came in, without a word changed, except names removed. It is posted here, with permission of the sender.
McCrabby responded to this email, and doesn't have much more to add, so that response is included, as well. This Dallas reader has stated what so many people feel. And she has more to say, so there may be a follow up. Comments are encouraged and sought -- please share your thoughts.
____________________________________________Subject: ANOTHER Situation -Sarcasm, Insight, or Comedy Please
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 11:52 AM
Dear McCrabby,
It has happened yet again! Why are people that are doing hiring these days either stupid or mean or both?
Situation: Three weeks ago I began the interview process for a marketing research position I was very excited about, not to mention a great match for. Flew me out to LA for the day to interview with the CEO and others at HQ. Feedback was positive. Hiring manager indicated they were "moving toward making an offer". This was on a Friday, asked until Monday or Tuesday to get back to me with something more concrete. Late Tuesday afternoon CEO emailed me that they wanted me to meet head of marketing research at one of partner firms in this venture.
Hiring manager ASSURED me this was only a courtesy interview and that this person had no say in the decision to hire me. In fact, he mentioned during this conversation that his plan was to be in Dallas the Tuesday,Wednesday, and Thursday following Labor Day to work with me. Met this person this past Friday. Great interview. At end of interview, this person said to me "I have no doubt you can handle this position but think it is more than 1 person can handle. I will let you sort that out with them after you get in there"
Called CEO and hiring manager after to interview as requested and left my feedback in voice mails. Both emailed me late Friday afternoon that they would definitely be touch on Monday. Late Monday afternoon CEO emails me that he wants to "introduce me to the new strategic marketing consultant" and asks me what I would be available for a phone interview that afternoon. I told him anytime that afternoon. Turned out not to be until 10A yesterday morning. Conversation last an hour. Called hiring manager left message.
Finally connected with hiring manager late yesterday afternoon. His first question was how the conversation went earlier in the day. I replied "Great". He then asked, a bit questioningly "Did it?". I told him I had thought so etc.
He then informed me they had decided to pass because the last two people had felt I did not have enough database management experience and that all the data crunching was below me. I replied that I found that puzzling since neither one had ever asked me a question about my database experience. And remember he had assured me that the person from last Friday had NO SAY in my hiring, but apparently he did. Did not confront him on this, even though at this point I had nothing to lose. The hiring manager told me there was going to be a lot of growth toward the end of the year and that he definitely wanted to keep in touch with me and he was sorry things worked out this way. I asked him "Since I did not fit into this position then with all the upcoming growth what position DO you see me fitting in to?" He replied that since he had not met me in person it was an unfair question. HMMMM didn't seem to be a problem not meeting me for this position. I have no intention of keeping in touch with him.
I was shocked and stunned and very angry. He lied to me several times through the process. And yes I know - that tells you that you do not want to work for the company.. but in the 6 months I have been out of work I have come close on 3 positions, and in all 3 they have strung me along and then handled the conclusion in an immature and very unprofessional way. I can handle not being the last man/woman standing. But why do they have to act so childish and unprofessional? And treat the candidates this way?
In less than 4 hours I go into the final round of interviews for another position. I know that I am 1 of 2 finalists. I should be ecstatic... one that I have this opportunity... two that timing is such that it is right after this... but right now I am feeling shell shocked.. and scared and wondering what this next company is going to do to screw me around. I know that is not the right attitude. I even had two (fellow) Alums pushing and pulling for me in this last position. They did their best...
Any advice???
Thanks!!
Down In Dallas
________________________________________
Dear Double-D,
Wow!! Even though I’ve heard this often, way too often, it is shocking each time. And your first paragraph sums it up. They are either stupid or mean; probably both. It’s frustrating, maddening, and shakes one’s confidence. You always wonder, “Why? What payback do they have for treating you in this manner? What reason do they have for stringing ANYONE along and then pulling the rug out? I don’t have the answer.
If you would like to talk about it, please call.
I wish you the best and I am genuinely rooting for everyone that is going through what you going through. It’s an amazingly-changed hiring world out there, and it hasn’t improved much in the past three years, despite what our politicians tell us (Congress has a 12 % approval rating, yet keeps getting reelected – how stupid is our electorate?).
McCrabby
______________________________________Wanna connect??
Don't forget to sign up on the left or here (where it says "join this site") so we can see your picture on this site. And follow us on twitter (@curtmacrae), where we don't post much, but we'd love to see you there