Position Applied For: Senior Manager - Applications System Development
Interview Date: Late January 2024
Interview Process:
The process started when a recruiter reached out to me to schedule the initial interviews, which were with a Project Management (PM) Manager and an offshore IT Manager. Surprisingly, neither was on camera, but both were respectful and professional throughout our conversation. I performed well, which led to a second interview with the Vice President (VP).
During the second interview, several red flags appeared. Despite the interview being conducted remotely, the VP was casually dressed in a t-shirt, which seemed unprofessional given the senior level of the role being discussed. The VP explained that the primary responsibility for this role would be to rescue a project that had previously been mishandled by consultants. Furthermore, it was highlighted that the position would involve significant micromanagement from the leadership team, as this was viewed as the last opportunity to save the project. Given these factors, I determined that the role and its conditions were not aligned with what I was looking for, and I respectfully declined to proceed.
Additional Notes:
The position has been reposted several times since my interview. Candidates considering this role may want to consider these dynamics when making their decision.
Overall Impression:
While the initial interview went smoothly, the subsequent encounter with the VP and the insights into the role’s requirements and company's approach raised serious concerns for me. The combination of a less-than-professional presentation by leadership and the stressed nature of the role were decisive in my decision not to continue with the application process. Prospective applicants might want to weigh these factors heavily.