This was my first interview as an enthusiastic film graduate and I was so pleased to be considered by an independent and female-led film company. Due to nerves, I didn’t perform well in the interview and I rightfully didn’t get the position I applied for. I respected and understood that decision. It is after experiencing further interviews and eventually landing a job in another film company that I realised how unprofessional and disrespectful this interview process was. I came to the interview with the best enthusiasm and etiquette I could offer, but can honestly say that this was not reciprocated in any way. After my arrival, and waiting some time, I was made aware that the interview process was going to be late because the MD was having her lunch. At the time, I thought this was acceptable, I am the one wanting the job after all; but it became evident that my waiting time was not respected in the slightest. I got called into the meeting room to see the MD and another female colleague; and honestly, the whole interview gave me the impression that they were disinterested in what I had to say from the beginning. I was asked to complete a small brief before the interview had started, which I thought was an interesting exercise. I understand this is typical in creative interviews, but as it was my first ‘professional’ interview, I considered it a good learning experience. When asked to pitch my ideas they were dismissed in a condescending manner; as I tried to explain them as best as I could, I was interrupted and told that it was unrealistic to the brief. This might have been true, but why not offer me a reason as to why it was unrealistic? Or perhaps say something along the lines of ‘good try, but it’s not suitable because…’ – something encouraging, but honest, rather than being rude and offensive. I was often asked questions to be interrupted, which made me feel very small and foolish. As the interview progressed, I understood that there was a generally humiliating atmosphere, almost as if I was never going to be given a chance from the beginning and I was just something to laugh at. To put a cherry on top of the entirely rude experience, the MD burped in my interview (I assume from having her lunch prior to my interview?), in which her female colleague and the MD burst out laughing and exclaimed it smelt of tuna. ??? I appreciate this review sounds ludicrous, but so was the interview. It completely unsettled me and made me very insecure in the interviews I had following to this. I thought it was something I had to get used to, or something I was being naïve about. It was only when I experienced the interviews afterwards that I realised how completely disrespectful it was and nobody should be made to feel like that ever. No matter what their experience status is or their performance in the interview. There’s always a respectful way to go about things, and I hope nobody else experiences the same trauma I had to. Very unwelcoming and unkind people. I received a rejection email to tell me I hadn’t got the job and to say ‘…sorry for the disappointing news’. It wasn’t disappointing because why would I want to work for a company that behaves like that?