Quick on the interview update. Recruiter messaged me on LinkedIn, message Recruiter back, and was able to set up first interview call in 2 days. Shoutout to the Recruiter I spoke to, they communicated very well and was prompt in response and updates.
After the initial call, the recruiter walked me through what they needed and explained the interview process: Initial call with recruiter-> provide resume -> book and do mock call with hiring manager -> If you pass (my recruiter said its a 2% selection for this role, not too sure abt this) -> provide 2 references and do a self assessment which they will check using program called CrossChq (1 manager and 1 peer) -> reviewed with the executives -> Job offer -> finalize/negotiate -> approval and signature from higher ups -> hired.
It was going very well at first, especially with such a pleasant recruiter, personality and competency wise. First they asked me to provide an updated resume to match my linkedin. No biggie.
Then the redflags started appearing. The Recruiter warned me not to ask about compensation and salary if I made it with the hiring manager. They hinted I'd also have to be flexible with doing service/administrative work on top of my sales work even though the job posting said Inside Sales Admission??
When I actually booked my first mock call with the HM they had to reschedule it bc the selected HM was going to a conference that day and they weren't sure if they can find another replacement HM to fill in. Slight red flag, we rescheduled the mock call to a later date. Once the mock call happened the HM sounded pretty well knowledged with the role and expectations with my questions at the end, BUT when I asked them what do you like about working at this company, they hinted "I've only worked here for a month, but I can say the people/community so far" (possible indication of high turnover). Moreover, they confirmed also I'd have to work a service role as well, hinting I'd have to adaptable, open to administrative work later in the day, and gave me scenario question on an experience(s) on dealing with sudden changes at the workplace. I finished the mock interview call with the HM which I thought went well (HM confirmed I did good as well) and my recruiter reached back out to me to echo back my results on the Mock call and let me know I've made it to the next stage.
Before making it to the next stage, referrals, they asked some very prodding questions to see if I had any other companies in mind i.e. what do you consider a big corporation? Do you mind working for a smaller size company/not being involved in the corporate ladder? Have you received any offers? -> Especially this last question, I was honest and let them know I had offers and interviews still from different companies, but they were one of my top selections. Immediately, they pointed out unless you're sure and ready to fully commit to our company let's hold back on the next stage which is referrals. The reason they gave me being, they're very careful in selecting candidates and they don't want to waste their time or effort on people who weren't interested + retract their offer if you don't show signs of interest within 2-3 days within whatever stage you're on in the interviewing process. HUGE RED FLAG, do they not consider this is also a significant decision on the interviewees end, risking it all to maybe go with them? What if the interviewee doesn't get the poisition but they already went forward with dropping the other companies and fully commited to your process, won't their time and effort be wasted as well? (All that aside, I definitely think I did very well on the initial interview call and good on the mock call which both the recruiter and hiring manager confirmed. My background definitely helped with 3+ yrs with Sales Development and Customer Service Experience)
I digress. After, I told them I have prioritized to go with them if they provided me clear answers regarding around religious accommodation and maximum salary offered (This company was offering 20-30k less base salary than what I had been offered at others, they only stuck with me bc of their mission) (This was also the first time I mentioned my religion). The recruiter did their best on getting me my questions answered which I'm very grateful for.
They do provide religious accommodation/policies but were firm on the maximum salary being at 60k. I accepted that and went ahead and the recruiter gave me the link to give both my referrals and to do a self assessment (all done within 1 day of receiving it btw).
The recruiter call me 1-2 days later to let me know, I didn't get the job bc they've selected a candidate with more Healthcare experience than me? I'll give them the benefit of the doubt on that, but are they only selecting one candidate? On their postings and the recruiters page it hinted they were still trying to consistently build their sales department... On top of that they mentioned they only select 2% of applicants, so if I made it through the rigorous filtering why are they just be declining me like this?I believe it allegedy had something to do with me mentioning my religion and making accommodations. This is a STRONG Allegedy.
Anyway, I was a bit disappointed after putting in all that work and effort, and was confirmed I did really good just to be turned down like this. I understand my recruiter did not have any authoritative say in it and I really appreciated their effort and work ethic on guiding me through the process.
I'm especially thankful to God that he answered my prayers when I asked him, if this is the job that is meant and good for me then make the interview and hiring process easy. Which was not the case as it went on.
