Interview was staright forward. Everyone was friendly and it was a good experience, for the most part.
However, after reflecting on the interview a couple of weeks later, there was one part that left me wondering if maybe I dodged a bullet by not getting hired.
I used to work for a company that has recently been the subject of some nasty rumors. Well, as I was doing my interview, I was asked about my work history. When I mentioned that I once worked at this company, one of the interviewers asked if the rumors were true.
This threw me for a big loop, since it is pretty much agreed that these rumors were falsely made up and have been debunked. Someone asking a candidate during an interview if they thought made up rumors about a former employer were true should have been a red flag for me.
After the interview I told my wife who thought it was highly inappropriate for the interviewers to have asked me this. At first I blew it off since I know everyone makes mistakes. However, that did stick in the back of my mind. I became concerned that if the people who are doing interviews, who are supposed to give the candidate a feel for the company culture, are speculating about conspiracy theories, what else are they likely to believe. Candidates aren't the only ones that have to make good impressions, the people who are interviewing are also the face of the company and should refrain from gossiping.
I delayed in sending a follow-up email partly because I was busy at work but also because that question started to bother me. Anyway, I got my rejection email today letting me know they had moved forward with another candidate. I have a feeling that I may have dodged one here but I also have to wonder if the fact that I was once employed by this other company play a part in the final decision.
