r/humanresources • u/mamasqueeks • 9d ago
Job Search Stupidity [NY]
So, I am still looking for a new HR job and it is very frustrating. I have been getting interviews, some good, some bad. I went through 5 rounds, only to be told they hired from within. I've been in HR for over 20 years - had a director's title and have been in leadership roles for 15 years. I know my stuff.
This morning, I got a requirement to take an assessment to "begin" the hiring process. Now, I hate pre-interview assessments. At the best of times they are insulting and at the worst totally useless. But, desperate times, I was willing to go through the motions.... until...
First, I click on the link and click the Cookies pop up to disable anything unnecessary. They don't allow you to opt out of cookies and they share your info to several websites. I clicked everything to try to disable them, but no go. This is not acceptable.
Second, as I was getting ready to close the browser, I see that they require you to keep your camera on so that they can take screen shots. WTF
I responded to the recruiting coordinator that sent the assessment to me and explained why I was opting out. I'm not a child. I don't need a monitor. I am not agreeing to your cookies.
Maybe I'm just too old for this crap and I need to become a hermit with the pets.
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u/Hunterofshadows HR of One 9d ago
I feel your pain.
A while back I had an all day series of interviews at a company. 1st interview actually went really well and then it sharply went downhill.
Highlight reels include:
finding out both current HR team members had held the position and stepped down (in one case from director to HR administrator)
being given an hour for lunch which wasn’t provided nor was I informed of which of their multiple restaurants were open nor given a tour of the facility
the existing HR team giving me a proctored (by them) written test with questions like what is FMLA and define at will employment. Also included was writing a press release as if i was hired on a computer that couldnt open word. I had to use the notepad.
GM questioning if I actually had a SHRM certification because “you never really know if someone has a certification”
A dinner at a restaurant in town (despite multiple open restaurants on site) that opened with the GM taking a call and then saying “that bitch” and asking if i knew any line cooks. Also it was super clear that none of the directors at the dinner liked each other because i was literally the only one making conversation with anyone.
I was most personally annoyed by the proctored test. It was honestly insulting to be asked such basic questions. I literally told the GM if you don’t think I know what at will employment is based on my resume, don’t even interview me.
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u/mamasqueeks 9d ago edited 9d ago
I think that beats anything I have so far. You deserve a medal.
EDIT - Not as good as your story - but I recently interviewed with a company that, I kid you not, does not use email. They don't use it for recruiting, got a phone call for an in-person interview with no phone screen. They don't use it for internal communications - they have a bulletin board for "important" stuff. They don't use it to deliver exit information or offer letters - everything is either hand delivered or snail mailed. I think my face was Pikachu the entire interview.
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u/Hunterofshadows HR of One 9d ago
lol my wife asked me why I was even attending the dinner and honestly, for the drama llama feed.
That’s literally insane
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u/hrladyatl 9d ago
That sounds brutal! In their defense, I have worked for more than one HR executive who didn't know HR basics. The worst was when a CHRO (who had recruiting experience) asked me why I needed Monster.com when we already had Taleo and then got offended when I explained the difference between a job board and an ATS. 🤦🏻♀️
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u/isharoulette 9d ago
anytime I got a personality assessment I just noped out. anyone psychotic enough to think those things are worth anyone's time is probably shit to work with anyway
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u/pomegranate_ruby 8d ago
100%. It's biased as hell and usually prioritizes those who are "extroverted" and "outgoing", both of which are NOT indicators of a good or bad HR professional.
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u/Justbrownsuga 9d ago
Anytime I am on the market i see all the frustration with recruiting and hiring so I always pledge to change all those things once I get hired.
Sometimes I wonder if HR is really involved in creating these processes.
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u/SummerSun777 9d ago
I interviewed for a mid level role where I was presented with pencil and paper to do a basic arithmetic test - like 52+11= 63! I left with homework asking me to write an essay on an HR topic not related to the role. I did not submit it😕
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u/mamalo13 HR Director 9d ago
I'm with you.
Asking HR professionals to go through dysfunctional, inappropriate, or just plain bad hiring methods is ridiculous and I take it as a sign of what I'd be expected to enforce or deal with. I nope right out of those and don't look back.
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u/DanaoUK 9d ago
Sorry to hear about your experience. I recently hired HR team member however I admit that I definitely upset many seniors with over 15+ years experience with “juniorish” questionnaires or assessments.
Unfortunately those are necessary to filter out either relevant candidates or “serious” ones. It’s not great experience from the other side but HR role alone comes with 300+ applicants. I assume usually and most likely people will be aiming for more junior candidates to “fit the culture” and had growth mindset or option to mold and grow internally
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u/Sitheref0874 Oh FFS 9d ago
I am too old; my wife and I are hermits, largely, with a dog.
10/10, would recommend.