Applied online, and within a day was invited to take the cognitive and personality tests other candidates have referenced. Within two days, I received an invite for a phone interview, which we agreed to hold the following day.
Recruiter was five minutes late to the phone interview -- not necessarily a big deal, but no apology. Immediately jumped into noting my diverse background, asking why I was attracted this job. FYI, here are select elements from the job description:
- "Contract Analysts ... identify and resolve issues that have a direct bearing on compliance and which impact the manner in which our customers buy and use our products. Additional responsibilities include monitoring, analyzing, and strategically optimizing contract terms and revenue, as well as working with customers directly during the contracting and implementation phase of a solution."
- "Review and negotiate contracts relevant to the purchase and utilization of the FWI Software Platform (NDA’s, Master Services Agreement, Software License Agreement, End User Agreement, Maintenance Agreements, etc.)."
- "Work directly with various disciplines (Sales; Delivery and Support) to identify and resolve issues relevant to Intellectual Property protections and related Compliance Initiatives."
- "Helpful for Success: An interest in technology, intellectual property, data security and basic contract terms governing a commercial transaction"
I explain I have a background in operations strategy, enterprise content management system implementation, and vendor management, as well as recently serving in a client-facing government cybersecurity standards writing position. She responds, "Why would you be applying to an entry level role, then?"
I told her was no indication this was an entry-level role in the job posting; moreover, I would not necessarily interpret the listed responsibilities as being entry-level ones. (Editorial comment: How many people would?)
She replied, "I usually never discuss salary requirements in a first interview (editorial comment: Why not, most other places do?), but I need to know yours right now." I gave a *very* reasonable range for what is more or less written up to be a client-facing professional services role in the Denver marketplace, and she said, "That is way outside of what we're willing to pay, so I'm sorry this is not the right fit for you." Offered to keep my resume on hand for future positions. Total conversation lasted five minutes.
Advice:
- Write better job descriptions to get the applicants you're looking for and keep other applicants away.
- If someone's initial application materials don't match what you're looking for, don't waste anyone's time -- mine or yours. Between taking their assessment tests, negotiating a phone interview over email, researching the company, and preparing speaking points and questions for the interview, I wasted several hours of my time for a zero-value five minute phone call, and it turns out we never had to speak at all.
