Beyond disappointed! I interviewed for a NEWLY created role within FMP. The interview process took 3 months. I was beyond excited to potentially work for a woman owned business. Each interview panel was amazing. The people I met were awesome. I felt comfortable to be my authentic self which is top priority to me being a DEI professional. After competing my 3rd interview with the CEO and another 15+ year associate, I waited another week to hear back from the HR rep. When we spoke, the rep stated that they wanted to offer me the position . She then proceeded to say that after further consideration, they decided to demote the role to a “consultant”. She proceeded to say that this was based on me not coming in with what the company deemed as consulting experience. This was odd as I have 7 years of experience working in a client facing role which functioned very similar to the role I was being offered. additionally, this role has duel responsibilities as it serves the company and future clients. The rep continued and informed me that the pay would be adjusted as well. She then offered me a salary that was 7k LESS than what I currently make. This was odd as the application process asked what my desired salary was and I submitted a number that was significantly higher than what was offered. After this exchange I stated that I’d need time to think it over. She asked how I felt and I said that I was open to considering the title change but the pay was an issue. She asked what was my concern. I stated that it was lower than what I currently make and that I am in the process of buying a house. She proceeded to ask me: What housing program I was in? What part of the process am I at within the house buying process? She then asked how much I wanted to be compensated and why I thought I should get that amount. Of which I reiterated my years of experience in addition to stating that I have proven success as a DEI professional with credentials. After that exchange, she said she would get back to me by the following Monday. I decided over the weekend that this company was not best suited for me. I turned down the offer that Monday. I’m thoroughly disappointed. Below is some advise for FMP; 1. Be upfront with applicants if you plan to low ball them on the position and pay. 2. Adjust your interviewing process time. I wasted 3 months of my time. Companies with these outdated long interview processes will loose out on top candidates every time. I had another interview lined up the next Wednesday and they sent me to my second interview within 5 days. 4. Be mindful of what you don’t know. To ask me so many questions about why I’m qualified to be appropriately compensated after 3 months of interviewing when you have never hired nor seen this new role function was insulting to say the least. I have direct experience and a simple review of my LinkedIn posts would confirm all that I said that I can do and have done. You could have also requested references. I have plenty! 5. Optics! As a woman of color, this was horrible to experience. I was more than qualified. To be offered a lesser title and compensation says a lot. This is why you needed my contribution. You don’t get it and now you will have to start over on your journey. I part no other person of color accepts this insulting offer. 6. Do not allow an applicant to interview without telling them that the title has changed. This is false advertisement and just plain inconsiderate! 7. Do your research about the applicant previous work history. I have spent 8 years at my previous organization. With upward movement every 2 years. That alone shows my ability to learn a process and excel! To imply that I had to “Prove” my ability to get the proper compensation is nonsense especially when I have over 20 years of work experience. I turned down another offer holding out for this role and I now regret it. I thought this was my next stop on my career travel plans. I thought they were ready for change and open to new possibilities. I was wrong. Good luck to whom ever takes this job. They have a lot of work to do.