I was reached out by a recruiter a few years ago for to be interviewed for this role. At the time I was working in a similar role, while also assisting HR. The recruiter told me the position would be similar and I would be reporting to the HR team. I initially interviewed with a gentleman from the Human Resource team who was very nice, and had a conversational interview approach. He also mentioned the role would be assisting human resources. I was then called back for a second interview, and was completely blind sided, as the recruiter did not tell me it would be a panel interview consisting of the sales team and owner. That interview was awful. The interviewers talked over each other, didn’t let me fully answer questions without interjecting. Additionally, one of them was very condescending in how he spoke to me. For instance, he asked me why I left my first job when I was 22 and fresh out of college after 5 months. I mentioned that the commute was very long and the tolls were expensive, so I wanted to find something closer to home. (Again, I was 22, living on my own and paying rent. So it made sense to me why this would impact my choice)- but he responded “we all commute far.” There were several other condescending remarks made, including “she obviously doesn’t want to be a receptionist her whole life.” Which is completely demeaning of individuals in that job, and shows an utter lack of respect and ego. As well as repeating “it very important the conference room fridge is always stocked with soda” a million times. Which I acknowledge wouldn’t be a problem, the first time. Additionally, they mentioned they were looking to integrate this individual into the sales team, which was not something initially told to me by the recruiter or the first interview. Nor, was I interested in being in sales. It shows a clear lack of communication between departments. Honestly, looking back, I wish I would have just walked out of that interview and spoke up for myself, especially to the interviewer who was extremely condescending. If anyone reads this who is currently job hunting, just remember you are also interviewing them as much as they are you. You are worthy of respect regardless of if you are the best choice for the position. I’m now a HR Generalist, and my main goal with the candidates I interview is to treat them with respect and make sure that the hiring team does the same. It takes so little to be kind to people. I also hope they see this, read it, and grow from it.