I recently had an interview with Autodesk, and my experience was less than ideal. The HR was based in Shanghai, which led to scheduling issues. Despite promptly responding to her request for an earlier time, I heard nothing for a week and then got a sudden call setup with just a few hours' notice.
During the interview, it felt like the HR didn't understand my role and asked irrelevant questions. When discussing salary expectations, she was quite blunt, implying that if money was my main concern, I should reconsider because she didn't want to waste anyone's time. This felt harsh, and I immediately apologized. I then asked about the company culture, stability, and layoffs, but her answers were vague. She told me to check Glassdoor for more information.
When I asked about increments and promotions, she gave me unclear answers, mentioning percentages without any real context. She repeatedly emphasized not to waste their time if money was my only concern. While I understand that money shouldn't be the sole factor in job selection, it is still a significant one.
Overall, the interview left me with a negative impression. I felt the communication could have been handled more professionally and respectfully. Even in her follow-up email, she reiterated not to waste their time if I was only interested in money.
I understand the importance of passion and culture in a job, but financial stability is also crucial. Companies should recognize that it's okay for candidates to consider salary as a key factor. The way this was communicated felt dismissive and unprofessional.