The hiring process consisted of two interviews and one working interview. The first two interviews were held over Zoom and consisted of standard questions regarding my past administrative experience.
The office manager reached out to schedule a third "working" interview to take place within the next few days. At this time I was living 10 hours away from this office but would be moving up in a week and a half. This had been communicated to the hiring manager during my first interview to ensure that my start date aligned with their hiring process. I did not want to waste my own or an employers time if they needed someone to start immediately.
However, I had already done two interviews with them and figured this invitation implied that they were serious about my potential employment. I wanted to show that I am a committed employee who prioritizes their work. So, amidst my packing, I cancelled a dentist appointment and bought a hotel room for the night prior to the interview. I would be driving up spending the night and then driving back directly after interview.
I was welcomed by the Office Manager who was kind and outgoing. I spent the 5 hour day sitting with the current Scheduling Coordinator as she explained her daily responsibilities. I called clients, performed some simple data entry and comprised emails in their standard format.
The work was very simple and mostly high-volume data entry. I am very personable and the women seemed to like me, although I am much younger than them both. At the end of the day I asked what they thought of my performance, what issues they may had observed in my work ethic and if they think I am a fit for the role. They all gave me great reviews without acknowledging any concerns, told me they really enjoyed having me in the office and that they would be in contact asap.
They gave me a check for $30 for the 5 hours I had worked and I thought it was strange. They sent me an Indeed message 4 days later saying they had hired someone else.
I am assuming I was not a cultural fit or they clicked with another candidate better than myself. Hey, it happens and wouldn't have left a bad taste in my mouth if I had not invested so many hours and so much money for under minimum wage.
These managers knew I was unemployed, in the middle of a huge move and located 10 hours away. I absolutely can not imagine working for an employer who has such a disregard for their employees personal time and isn't willing to provide reasonable compensation for a "working interview". Even requesting a working interview will now be a red flag for me.