1st Round – HR Screening (30 min)
The first interview was a general conversation with HR, covering my experience, expectations, and the role itself. The Application Manager position was briefly discussed, and the overall tone was friendly and professional. No technical topics were covered.
2nd Round – Technical Interview (1 hour)
The second round was conducted by a Project Manager and the IT Manager. However, no technical details were provided in advance, making it difficult to prepare effectively.
The IT Manager joined on time, and despite the role explicitly requiring only English, the very first question was about my German skills. I clarified that I am at A2 level and actively learning, but this line of questioning immediately set an unnecessary tone.
Additionally, I was asked why I claimed to be an "expert in the fair business" on my CV—something I never wrote. I had to prove that I never made such a statement, which felt like an unfair attempt to put me on the defensive rather than assess my actual experience. Similarly, I was questioned about how much I knew about the company, and when I could name only one event, I received an unnecessary remark implying that I should have studied more.
Reference Requests: When reference letters were requested, I immediately confirmed that I have them and could provide them after the interview. However, further demands for a direct contact from my previous employer felt unexpected and challenging, especially considering the significant layoffs at my last company.
Post-Interview Ghosting
At the end of the interview, they told me they would provide feedback within 3 days. However, it has now been 12 days, and I have received no response. No rejection, no follow-up, no communication whatsoever. This kind of ghosting is highly unprofessional, especially after a multi-stage interview process.
Final Thoughts
Frankly, this was the first time I felt like an outsider in Switzerland, not based on my skills, but on my background. I was hoping for a professional and fair discussion about my abilities, but instead, I felt interrogated over irrelevant matters.
The IT Manager’s approach created a hostile and unwelcoming environment, where instead of evaluating my technical expertise, I was repeatedly put in a defensive position. If this reflects the company culture, I seriously question whether this would have been the right environment for me.
To make matters worse, the lack of follow-up after the interview further reinforces their unprofessionalism. If a company cannot even communicate a rejection properly, it raises serious concerns about how they treat their employees.
Would not recommend this interview process to others unless they clarify expectations upfront.