6-month process wasted my time and expertise, rejected over a degree question after 6 interviews, a full strategic presentation, and positive reference checks. With 18 years of senior communications experience, including a big tech background, I applied for a leadership role at Kao. What followed was one of the most disrespectful and disorganized hiring experiences of my career. Over 6 months, I completed: 6 interviews with internal and external stakeholders A 23-slide strategic brand presentation (never acknowledged with any feedback) Live reference checks, which my referees confirmed went very well. A trip to Frankfurt/ Darmstadt for which I was promised reimbursement, still unpaid as of July 2025!! After all of this, I was suddenly asked whether I had a university degree : a requirement that had never been mentioned at any earlier point. I was rejected shortly afterward, with no feedback and no explanation. I even requested written feedback directly, and was ignored. To be clear: If a degree is a dealbreaker, ask that first, not last. Don’t collect strategic work, contact references, and invite candidates to travel if you're not committed. Reimbursing candidate expenses is a basic standard, not a favor. I expected more from a global company with Japanese heritage and a German HQ, especially for a senior leadership role. Instead, I walked away with the sense that real experience was devalued in favor of outdated checkbox thinking. Advice to candidates: Even if you're highly qualified, don’t expect professionalism. Ask early: “Are there any non-negotiable formal requirements?” Don’t assume they’ll respect your time or deliver on promises even basic ones like a refund or written feedback. Advice to Kao : This process reflects poorly on both of you. If you’re not serious, don’t take candidates through months of interviews. Don’t ghost people after reference checks. And if you request strategic work, acknowledge it, at the very least.