The VP of Talent reached out to me via voicemail to gauge interest in their open HR positions. I responded requesting to schedule a time to chat since I was in the office. This was not granted - instead it was followed by a 30 minute discussion, in which we decided to talk more about their openings and a possible fit. I met virtually with the VP and another exec level staff later that day for over 30 minutes, again discussing openings and a possible fit. We decided to move forward, and the VP told me it wasn’t too soon to prepare references and asked about my availability for an interview in the following two days, which I provided. They also shared their desire for the process to move quickly, hoping to make an offer by the end of the following week. I appreciated the transparency, and planned for a speedy interview process. After the discussion, I emailed an updated resume, reached out to references, and watched my email for interview scheduling. I didn’t hear from them for a week, and I was the one to reach out to make sure I hadn’t missed anything. Then we were back to rushing - multiple phone calls that day, again rushing to schedule an interview, and this time awkward questioning - they must not have taken good notes, because I was asked the same questions as the week before and this time had my interest in the role repeatedly questioned. It was very awkward to go from “we are interested in speaking with you” to “tell us how much you are interested in us” multiple times, especially after their purportedly rushed timeline and need for strong talent. A final phone call came in after 6pm to schedule an interview in the coming days. The interview went well, lasted about an hour, and I sent my references as requested. The exchange ended awkwardly when the VP asked if I wanted to continue with the process, or if they should check to see if my salary requirements for the role could be met (which they previously had stated they could be, one of the reasons I was interested in the role). I said something about being confident that if I was found to be the best candidate for the role that the offer would meet expectations. I was left with a “bad taste in my mouth” from the on again, off again rushing, repeated questioning of my interest, and repeated questioning of “will you be loyal and stay for at least 3 years if we hire you.” I didn’t hear from them for 5 weeks. I did receive a decline email, which is marginally better than none at all, since clearly after 5 weeks they were not interested, and after such a bungled process neither was I.