Two step interview process:
- Initial technical interview with a lead software developer went really well
- Took a little but scheduled another final interview with the Head of Engineering (HOE), went well as well. Was promised to receive an offer end of that same week, beginning of next week.
I had to email HR end of the second week to ask if I should expect any offer, and to inform them that I'm time constrained because of another opportunity. Asked if I could receive a draft email offer and received one. 4 bullet points with an offer that came below what was discussed on the phone. Wrote to them with detailed feedback. Also asked for information on relocation discussed with HOE during salary talks. It was important to me, so put salary negotiation on hold.
It was very hard communicating with Fidor HR. It took 2 weeks after our phone chat to send out a draft email with a promise to progress things quicker. I had several emails unanswered and had to phone in several times. I was in contact with 3 different HR members because they kept going on vacation.
During the interview with the HOE, I was informed that there will likely be relocation. Initially HR said they don't offer anything like this. After which I mentioned that HOE said there is likely going to be relocation. HR then came back with a one month accommodation. I informed HR that I don’t have the means to bear the initial relocation expenses and asked for a more comprehensive package. I also mentioned that there is more to relocation than 1 month accommodation, to which HR replied, "like what?"
Even flight and visa expenses on top of the one month accommodation would have greatly helped me (€500 more). I also sent them all the expense information I gathered after exploring a few accommodation options, and found one that could act as an interim and long term accommodation.
The one month accommodation offered was overpriced as it would cost them about €2000 for that month. So as a suggestion I asked HR if it's possible to be given a signing bonus/relocation directly on a Fidor account to use it to arrange my own things. Also another suggestion was to be contractually obligated to pay any of the relocation expenses Fidor pays out in case I leave within the first 12 months.
All with the intention of moving things forward and showing my commitment. I contacted HR again after waiting with no response, HR finally got back to me with a thank you email and that they don't have a position that matches my experience and expectations.
Keep in mind, during this whole time (about a month+ of dealing with HR), they couldn't get their act together and send out an actual offer instead of the 4 bullet point email that came 2 weeks after the final interview. I would have expected to see an offer with whatever they could offer and thats it. Even if they can't meet what I'm asking for.