Seven Rounds: Personality Test, Outside Recruiter, Written Assessment, Hiring Manager, Peer, CEO, Professional References
After the 2nd, 4th, and 6th rounds, I connected with a staff member, which is where issues arose.
I received a verbal offer from the CEO. While initially positive, the process ultimately proved unproductive due to a lack of transparency and compliance awareness when engaging a UK-based independent contractor (outside IR35).
Pros:
- The hiring manager and team members were professional and pleasant.
- The CEO was engaging and seemed genuinely interested in bringing on strong talent.
Cons:
- Lack of Compliance Awareness: asserted the role was outside IR35, but the structure given by the staff member contradicted this classification, risking foundational legal and tax concerns.
- Reluctance for Transparency: Despite the CEO informing an offer would be received the same day, I was repeatedly denied access to a contract for review; highly unusual and concerning.
- Dismissive Responses: Contract and compliance concerns raised after multiple rounds were dismissed with a tone by the staff member. The unwillingness for collaboration made the process feel resistant and ultimately pointless.
While the team itself seemed promising, Woolf needs to improve its practice by ensuring potential hires fully informed and are not being exposed to risks.
