I recently interviewed with Optiv for Canadian position and was disappointed by the lack of professionalism throughout the process. I was told by the recruiter that it would be a one-on-one interview, but three interviewers unexpectedly joined the call without prior notice. The interviewers themselves seemed disengaged and uninterested, making the conversation feel awkward and unwelcoming. I showed them my enthusiasm how much I want to join at Optiv. Told them about attending the conferences and meeting the people from Optiv. They didn't say anything and not smiling at all even throughout the interview. However bear in mind, I am visible minority and your experience with them might not be same as mine. I was also rejected very quickly after the interview, which felt like they were never seriously considering me in the first place. The overall process felt rushed and poorly coordinated.

It took the company months to complete my interview process. The first interviewer was stellar. He is very bright, interesting, and it would have been great to have him as my boss. The second interviewer, a colleague of the first, not as stellar. For one, he clearly was looking for anything negative he could dwell on at the onset of the interview. He wasn't prepared, clearly hadn't attained any feedback from those I'd interviewed with and started reviewing my information during the interview which had an "inconvenienced" tone to it as if he were personally put out for having to waste his time selecting candidates. He asked pointed questions, but it was pretty clear that his mind was made up before the end of the call. If I had one word that best describes him, it would be arrogant. He struck me as exactly the type of individual that might be offended by someone with more experience or knowledge that he has. Thus, he wouldn't be a fun person to work with and certainly not someone I'd enjoy going to lunch with. This person is actually leading people? Frightening. I wouldn't follow him in line at the supermarket. Overall, it wasn't worth the effort nor the trouble to interview with Optiv. My time would have been best served elsewhere with other firms that are more serious about hiring someone with depth and experience. If they are unable to see my value, it isn't on me. I presented a polished presentation to them as to how I'd benefit the organization. Simply because the second interviewer was unable to find value or understand how my skills and knowledge could bring Optiv to the next level does not diminish my abilities, knowledge, or skills. As a hiring manager, when you focus on only negatives, that is what you'll receive in abundance. It's simply a wasted opportunity that they failed to capitalize on - which I'll take these qualities and help their competitor. As I build up their competitor's sales, clients, and business model, I'll keep in mind those individuals that I met at Optiv and remember that they lost out on a solid candidate which my present employer now takes full benefit. Best of luck to them; sounds like they are going to need it.