During the interview process, I encountered aspects that led me to question the transparency and fairness of the selection process. It was simply a way to fulfill an internal requirement by selecting an internal candidate for the position. The super informal nature of the interviews raised concerns regarding the seriousness of the process and left me wondering whether external candidates were given genuine consideration or if the process primarily focused on internal candidates as a formality. At least the last and fourth interviewer was honest with me in written communication: "Several candidates are being evaluated. Among them are internal candidates. The preference is to promote internally to provide professional growth; I think it is something very good about our organization." However, the preference for internal candidates from the outset raises questions about the transparency of the external hiring process.
Furthermore, the absence of Human Resources involvement beyond the automatic notification was noteworthy and contributed to the overall perception of the process. Based on my experience, Sunflower Bank should consider enhancing its hiring process to ensure transparency and fairness for all candidates involved. Individuals need to recall that, at one point, they were also external candidates. Giving exclusive consideration to internal candidates would have hindered their advancement to the senior positions they currently hold—four unprofessional Informal Interviews to comply with the process and promote an internal candidate.