I’m not one to write reviews, especially negative ones, but I believe my experience interviewing with CCS should be shared for both job and client prospects to shine a light on how the firm operates. I felt I was the only one upholding etiquette while trying to navigate CCS’s questionable hiring practices. Context: I applied for a Regional Consultant role (South and Midwest) at the end of April 2021. I have considerable experience consulting on change management, digital transformation, experience research and data strategies. I’m familiar with CCS’s work and know a few people at the firm. First steps: CCS acknowledged my resume soon after it was received and requested an interview within a week. It was a 45 minute conversation with an Assistant Vice President that went pretty well. She talked a lot (70/30) — mainly about the demands of the job, sink or swim mentality, etc. There was some confusion about her role – she mentioned being a “stand-in” for HR/Recruitment as they did not have enough resources to help in their expansion efforts. [Red Flag #1] But, the call ended well. I completed a formal application (i.e., sign off for background check) and was given my first written assignment. Two days after, I received an email asking to speak with the Executive to whom I’d be reporting. The conversation with the EVP at this phase was positive, informative, honest — all around lovely! This was the highlight of the entire process; sadly, it was all downhill from here. Breakdown of failures: - Change in hiring goals midstream – I began interviewing for a Consultant, Development Operations position with its “own process” at the near-final interview stage for the role (Regional Consultant) to which I originally applied. None of this was communicated to me or made clear by the teams. I thought the subsequent interviews were a continuation of the previous and I had to ask for clarification repeatedly as things felt very disorganized. No doubt, it’s flattering to be considered for two roles, but I didn’t know if that was the case. This was a huge turnoff – confusing, taxing, and a poor use of time and resources. It signaled a lack of transparency, poor communication, and management. [Red Flag #2] - Extended hiring process – 4 interviews (now the norm; less of my concern but still worth mentioning re time, energy, and commitment from both parties). - Excessive work requests – I was asked to complete 3 assignments based on prompts provided by the firm that would take someone 3-5 days to complete depending on how much free time you have (NOT the norm; major concern). [Red Flag #3] During my final presentation, the Principal praised my work and said he “wanted to use [my deck] that day for his clients.” It made me wonder if they held interviews just to get ideas and free labor. In summation: There were four (45min-1hr) interviews, three (15-hour) assignments; thank you and follow-up emails sent in a timely manner; values-fit, culture-fit, skills and experience communicated and aligned. They gave the impression they were very interested in me and provided positive feedback during the interviews. - Promised a decision 3 days after my final interview. No word. - Kindly followed up, expressing interest and request for update or feedback 7 business days after my final interview. No word. - 2 weeks after the final interview, I received an email stating they switched strategy and were pausing hiring for the system’s service line. However, the day after my final interview they hired someone for a systems director role AND 2 days prior to this email, they reposted the same consultant position on LinkedIn. Final takeaways: I spoke to a few folks and learned how abhorrent the DEI practices have become and how most people feel devalued unless they’re at the executive leadership level. The firm’s reputation used to be great but, the poor culture coupled with my personal experience as an interviewee make it plain to see – I dodged a bullet. What’s most disappointing is feeling disrespected. I’m someone who cares deeply about the work I do and, at the very least, felt I deserved an honest response – some feedback I could take with me and apply to future scenarios. I was dragged through the mud then lied to...that doesn’t sit well with me. I know how people deserve to be treated and it is NOT like this – regardless of the job outcome/decision.