I recently interviewed for the Manager of Student Services role at Ascend. The process stretched over a month, with an in-person interview taking up three hours of my day. I spent considerable time preparing, bringing in requested materials, and participating in a multi-step interview process that included a panel interview, roleplay scenarios, and an auditing activity. While the staff initially appeared professional, the process itself revealed serious flaws: 1. Disrespect for Candidate Time: • Despite waiting a month for the interview, I received a generic rejection letter from someone I had not even interacted with, rather than the person who oversaw my interview process. • The email completely lacked feedback, transparency, or acknowledgment of the time and effort candidates invest. 2. Misaligned Expectations: • A roleplay scenario focused on empathy and effective communication was poorly implemented. The actor’s aggressive and unrealistic behavior distracted from assessing real problem-solving skills. Feedback nitpicked superficial aspects like “empathy” while ignoring more critical factors such as logical problem-solving and professionalism. 3. Inconsistency in Communication: • The hiring team appeared responsive initially, but post-interview, they became uncommunicative. When I requested feedback, my point of contact ignored my email, adding to the overall lack of respect. 4. Disorganization: • Scheduling changes during the in-person interview day highlighted internal inefficiencies and a lack of preparation. In short, Ascend’s hiring process felt disingenuous and inefficient. While they claim to value collaboration, empathy, and professional excellence, their actions during the hiring process reflected the opposite. I would caution candidates to carefully evaluate whether this organization truly aligns with their professional goals and values.