First and foremost, I must state that as a former employer who has faced the displeasure of rejecting candidates, I am not one to become hostile or bitter when it comes to rejection (nor have I ever left a review of this nature before), as I comprehend that this can occur for a multitude of reasons (for proof of this, upon submitting their required task following the final and third interview. I clearly stated that “it has been a pleasure to discuss this role, regardless of the outcome”).
However, in the case of this organisation , I do view it as a moral duty to share my experience as it has (frankly) appalled me, especially when considering the “ethical” mission and values that TBB advocates.
Timeline:
Following my first interview, I was promptly invited for a second round, where I was asked to suggest some times that I would be available, and I did so (and I was ignored for almost one week until I followed up). This is the first red flag that I disregarded, assuming they could have just been busy and are worth the benefit of the doubt (my mistake).
Nevertheless, I did have the second interview, and was invited for a third round with the company’s co-founder and the UK/Europe Director.
After the third interview, I was asked to complete two practical tasks, within a period of three days (two of which was the weekend).
It was exactly during this weekend that I became aware of my mother’s diagnosis with cancer. Nevertheless, I still completed their required practical tasks (12 hours earlier than the deadline).
In my final email, I briefly stated the aforementioned, and that it may have impacted my usual creativity, given the nature of the task (you be the judge), although I endeavoured to meet the deadline/.
However, I still explicitly stated that I appreciated their time and consideration of my application “regardless of the outcome” (precise wording) to signify that I would happily accept a rejection.
I am experienced and mature enough to appreciate that rejection is a part of life and some things simply do not work out due to a multitude of reasons. This was done to both assure TBB and to ensure that I receive a timely response, so that I was able to prioritise my other commitments.
After 16 days, I was informed that I was unsuccessful, with the following two reasons being the most notable:
-The role would require “a lot of commuting to London and they would need a presence in London as soon as possible”: yet in the initial informational communication to the role, it was stated that they would require a minimum of 1 day in London every fortnight (ideally more) with some travel required for conferences, a direct contradiction to the initial information required. Moreover, they were fully aware of my circumstances in relation to this from the first interview and that I am based in another city , yet still progressed me to 2 other interviews and demanded me to complete a practical task.
-The task had a clear instruction to send it to one specific individual, the Global Communications Director (which I did per their precise instruction), yet they stated that they were concerned that I “have always been self-driven and self-managed” and despite asking me to send this to the aforestated individual, I should have sent it to the person who asked me to do the tasks (UK Director)? (This was perhaps the most unreasonable and shocking part). I can happily provide proof of this.
If this review assists even one individual avoid the frustration and wastage of time that I have endured, then my objective has been achieved. And to note: my primary incentive in applying for this role was my commitment to their proclaimed vision and values, given that I have plenty of options, nor am I in any need of immediate employment.
