I applied online. The process took 4 days. I interviewed at Careerlink People Solutions (Adelaide) in Jul 2021
Interview
Background:
The recruiter, who is also the Managing Director of the company, explained to me that they were on the last stage of the recruitment timeline for the role, and so needed to hire someone soon. While I understood this, I felt that I was still rushed through the process.
During the phone screening, the interview said she was "reading between the lines" and could supposedly tell I was unenthusiastic and unmotivated simply because I did not agree to come in for an in-person interview that very same day. It was a highly uncomfortable experience wherein I felt judged for my availability. I was also compared to other candidates who were supposedly waiting on a hiring decision and were far more "enthusiastic" than me, even though I had only applied for the job on a Saturday and was being phone screened on Tuesday morning.
The recruiter told me that I should not let the other candidates wait, and therefore I should come in immediately for an in-person interview the same day so they can make a decision quickly. I set my boundaries and explained I could not come in for another interview later in the day, and the recruiter proceeded to make me feel bad about that. I felt this was not a good sign of a potential future working relationship with the Managing Director.
In short, my availability was used as a metric to judge my enthusiasm and motivation. Serious value judgments regarding work motivation and commitment were made over the phone. I was given negative feedback during my very first interview (told I was unenthusiastic and unmotivated after only several minutes over the phone). The recruiter implied that other candidates are better than me because they "can't wait to come into the office." I walked away questioning why they hadn't already hired those candidates instead. The experience told me that I would not be a good fit with the company as I do not tolerate guilt-tripping and manipulation, even if it comes from a person with a higher position than myself.
Timeline:
Saturday night: Applied for the job online
Sunday morning: Received an email from recruiter to schedule an interview for Monday morning
Sunday afternoon: Replied and requested for a reschedule for Wednesday, recruiter explained they received my application "late in the process" and requested a phone interview for Tuesday morning instead, to which I agreed.
Tuesday morning: Phone interview. Was asked when I could come in for an in-person interview; I stated Wednesday morning, consistent with my first email reply to them. The recruited reacted negatively and told me I should be willing to come in that same day and my inability (or lack of desire) to do so meant I was unenthusiastic and unmotivated, compared to other eager candidates. Had to explain why I could not come in on the same day, including highly personal information to get them to back off. Was guilt-tripped until the end.
Overall, highly negative experience. The Managing Director is an unprofessional interviewer; judgmental and quick to point out flaws.