Through a consultant, who was very helpful. Communications were open and informative. I felt we briefed before the interview, knew names of interviews, key focus areas. Told this was a one stage process, helpful prep advice. The consultant approached me about the role, I hadn't gone looking.
Arrival at BT HQ was painless and staff were pleasant.
Interview was was a shocking experience. Bear in mind this is a role within HR/L&D for a £60k salary. The kinda place where you expect to see good practice modelled.
A minor point is that the interview panel was not as had been advised, one of the two was different.
Was told that this was part of a multi stage process, not as had been advised previously 'one stage'.
The line manager for the role was rather dismissive and sneering in her approach. Her HR colleague was fine.
No questions seemed to have been prepared, they both seemed to be winging it. The questions that the lead interviewer asked seemed to involve scanning my CV and then asking me about something I hadn't done. I'd prepared well, matching my experience with to role description preparing knowledge and experiences that related to the key role requirements etc. Sadly none of it paid off. They seemed to be interviewing for a completely different job. Clearly we weren't a match made in heaven. The lead interviewer had a knack of focusing in on what I hadn't done or didn't know and little interest in anything else. It was as if she was out to 'take me down a peg or two.'
I am a reasonably confident person with good experience and knowledge. I've just secured a job with a global world class brand at a higher level and in the same discipline to this role... so can't be utterly rubbish; this interview seemed as though they wanted to demonstrate that I was and that I was wasting their time. Bleurgh.
The recruiter has tried many times since to have a teleconference with the lead interviewer to get feedback. I understand that I wasn't the only candidate to report an unpleasant experience. Nothing.
I eventually got a form to claim expenses for the day. They had to be asked to provide that info. I sent my forms to the named contact. First they replied and asked me why I was making a claim on behalf of another candidate, copying him in. When I said I wasn't, I am a candidate in my own right, the reply came "you sent these to the wrong person, I am not dealing with that job. Ask your agency who to send them to"... "I did, they gave me forms with your name on".... "Ask them to find out, it's not me, I am not dealing with that job". You get the picture. I did get my expenses back. Not all of them. I couldn't claim for station car parking, it would have taken me over their limit!