I took a half day at my current job in order to accommodate the 4 hour commitment. The interview consisted of a tour of the work space, a coffee and casual sit-down time with the creative director, followed by an interview with the creative team. Hip open-space concept, with a lot of young folks collaborating and getting things done. Great location at the Oceanfront of Virginia Beach. HR rep was pleasant. Everyone I shook hands with was pleasant. Upon sharing my portfolio with the creative team, I was encouraged by some solid feedback and by most of the personalities.
All in all, I felt things went pretty well, and was told I'd hear back in a week's time. Ended up being 3 weeks later that I received a call being offered the position on a Friday. I was excited about the opportunity, but had not yet made up my mind so I asked for the weekend to think it over. The following week, I tried to touch base with the HR contact, who had offered the position. Had no luck. But was instead contacted that next Friday being told that they needed another week or two before providing further details about the job they offered, to sort through some in house staffing dilemmas as a result of a new CFO and some company changes. I was told the offer was still good. I sat on it for a day, and ended up emailing in to decline the offer after feeling uneasy about the situation. A few days later I was contacted by HR who was apologetic about the situation but who conveyed that after the CFO took time to review the standing of the company, they opted to close the position in light of other needs and so forth.
Overall, I was glad to have met the creative director and a few old colleagues of mine, but felt that it was a bit of a waste. This may have been as simple as being at the wrong place at the wrong time, but nonetheless reflected poorly on my experience with the brand.