UNPROFESSIONAL, UNORGANIZED & UNFAIR.
I was reached out by a recruiter via email. He asked to set up time for quick 15-30 mins chat over the phone.
It started with reasonable questions and answers. "Tell us about yourself ?", "Why do you want to move ?", "How did you hear about us ?" etc.
I asked them "What kind of talent are you looking for ?", "When do you expect candidate to join ?", "Can you explain interview process ?" etc. The recruiter told me that after the telephone call they will send me a online test link(HackerRank). If I do good then (final step), they will have me talk to manager over the phone and they will make the decision.
So, I took the test, which most mostly text book puzzle question. Recruiter called me back, he said they want to proceed to next round. (**Strike#1**) He asked a time for me to come for 5 hour long on-site interview. I reminded him of our last conversation, his reply was "Oh, that meeting could happen too, but I want to give you an opportunity to explore our work culture." It was different than what he said earlier so, it was bit weird & comforting at the same time. Hence, I agreed and provided my availability. (**Strike#2**) Very soon after that I got an email back asking for me to confirm the onsite interview on wrong date. I asked my recruiter to schedule interview within the availability I provided, if he need I can provide more availability. He said, he would need more availability. I did, finally we did schedule an interview.
A day before my interview, I reached out to my recruiter to confirm the interview and ways to get to the office. He said, since the office is in Boston they don't have parking and due to ongoing construction public transport is little unusual. I ask him if I can take uber/lyft would DataXu reimburse the fare. He said "No". That was it (**STRIKE#3**) for me, I TOOK A DAY OFF ($$) for this and they won't pay 30 bucks for transit. Sounded pretty unfair to me.
I cancelled my interview(using some excuse) used my DAY OFF for myself and my family.
Recruiter, called me back and asked would I be able to reschedule the interview. I said, I am not available for on site interview. (To my surprise) He said "Ok, no problem, I will have manager call you." At this point, I was being polite and I agreed to talk to manager.
Finally, when manger called, sounded like he was driving with a baby in the background while he is interviewing me . At that point it was funny(like a joke) because I made up my mind that I am not joining DataXu anyway.
I have interviewed for 2 person startups & multi-national companies, this experience was so unique. During interviews, usually companies are in their best behavior. I do wonder how are DataXu's regular employees surviving this.
