My experience with Benchmark Senior Living for the Development Director role was disappointing, disorganized, and ultimately misaligned with the company’s stated values of professionalism, integrity, and respect.
I applied in early April and, after a few weeks, participated in an initial phone screen with HR. That conversation was surface-level—largely a reading of the job description followed by a qualification check. I then had a brief, high-level virtual TEAMS call with the hiring manager, which was informal but gave no real insight into strategy, expectations, or culture.
Shortly thereafter, I was abruptly asked to travel to Boston for a “super day” of in-person interviews. The request came with minimal notice due to the hiring manager’s personal travel plans later that week. I rearranged my schedule, drove several hours, and participated in six back-to-back interviews with individuals from across departments—accounting, development, asset management, construction.
It was during these in-person meetings—particularly with the hiring manager—that the process took a troubling turn. Rather than engage substantively or collaboratively, he appeared visibly insecure and out of depth, struggling to navigate a conversation with someone more seasoned and accomplished. The tone shifted from what should have been a strategic, solutions-focused dialogue to something defensive and guarded. It became clear he was unprepared to manage or work alongside a peer with broader leadership experience.
A week later, I was asked to visit and tour one of their senior living properties with another colleague. Again, I made time, believing this step suggested forward progress. I was then asked for professional references, which I provided selectively under the impression an offer was imminent.
And then: silence. No rejection. No feedback. No explanation. Just complete disengagement.
To make matters worse, the reimbursement process for my travel expenses—despite my submitting all documentation on May 27—remains unresolved more than 10 days later. I've followed up multiple times and continue to receive vague assurances that it's “in process.” Lastly, the one reference I did provide also confirmed he was never contacted.
For a company that brands itself around care, accountability, and excellence, the actual candidate experience fell well short. There was no transparency, no communication, and no regard for a candidate’s time and effort.
If this is how Benchmark treats senior leadership candidates—those expected to drive strategy and development—I worry what that signals about their internal culture. If you're considering a role with them, ask tough questions up front and don’t mistake polish for professionalism. My experience left me with more skepticism than respect.
