I interviewed at Mondelez for a brand specialist role. For a balanced review, I will describe both sides about my experience as factually as possible: Good: -I was clearly informed by HR what each step in the process would involve. -I found HR approachable and human regarding any concerns I had at each interview stage. -The hiring managers were very thorough regarding what they wanted from a candidate. I felt confident about what the role involved and how my skills could be applied. - The hiring managers were down to earth, approachable and encouraging, respecting my experience and what I could bring to the table. Bad: - The online form asks for your salary expectations. I wrote them, only to go through a detailed interview process (including two presentations, two long interviews) for HR to tell me at the end that my expectations didn't match their salary bracket. I am told this was a grave mistake on their part. - I was told the HR managers were looking to make me an offer, but with no clarity over next steps. All I was told was that my salary expectations didn't match and that HR would maybe see what they could do. - Not knowing what to do, I emailed HR the next day about the possibility of negotiating my salary. I was emailed back with news that they were going to try and find a solution that would suit both parties. - Two days later, HR emailed to say they had further information for me and would I be available to speak the next day. That evening, I saw that the role had been re-advertised. - HR called me up the next day to let me know that, after some thinking, the hiring manager had had a change of heart and had decided that to pay someone what I was looking for, he'd need a candidate with more marketing management experience. I informed HR I had never been treated this badly as a candidate. They attempted to open up the discussion again and said this was in no way a closed case. - The next day I emailed to say that, after consideration of how the interview process went overall, I would not be carrying on with the possibility of working at Mondelez. I then asked, in writing, that my work would not be used by the team. She confirmed this three days later. Aftermath: I wrote a formal complaint to the senior hiring manager. She and another senior member of HR called me up to apologise. They said lessons had been learnt, the HR contact in question was crying over their mistakes, and they were sorry I had to write a review as it would really damage their employer brand. I said I accepted their apology and really appreciated the time they took to speak to me, which I do, however I am left as a candidate feeling quite frankly 'damaged' myself and deceived over the process. They said no deception was involved and they won't be making these mistakes again. This review is acting as the 'full-stop' at the end of a process which I would never want another candidate to go through. I am hopeful they will not make the same mistakes and am sure that the process can only improve going forward. Advice: - Be totally upfront and honest on what you expect from a candidate, in terms of job role and salary. I had been told throughout the process how much we could all achieve together, and grew more excited with every round. To then have the rug pulled from underneath me, which is how it felt, was more than disappointing. - Do not make the candidate wait weeks or several days before further decisions are made. They have given their time and effort to choose to apply for your company; the least you can do is respect this and keep them well informed. - Remember that candidates are people, not numbers, who again have give their time and effort to these interview processes. I was left feeling completely exploited, hyped up, then dropped with the company able to suffer no consequences on their side. As a candidate, my right to write a review therefore is more than justified. - Clearly define your employer brand and, before you do, ensure that whatever you talk about outside the company is being fostered inside the company. Any mismatch will be highlighted, either by candidates looking for a job or employees who are working there.