I had my interview few months ago. the interview process was lengthy and was emotional draining as each round took almost a week for confirmation and during this process I also got a chance to stay connect with the HR manager herself. Its only after 3rd round the real game play from pattern's end began, Initially, they requested my accolades, credentials, awards, and other accolades. I shared without hesitation because I know I've always been honest and I thought they might want to confirm that the information on my resume is correct.
My interviewers asked me questions surrounding my technical knowhow and behavior round. I had like 3 employers in the past and this person started scrutinizing the details in depth. Asked me questions like a) How will your manager rate your technical knowledge, b) How was your bond with your manager, c) How will your manager describe you and so on... These questions were asked to me for all the companies I have ever worked in.
Further more They had asked me for 7 reference info. i.e. there email address and mobile number, 2 being mandatory my ex-managers.
After almost seven to ten days, the HR manager said, "We typically send our CEO, who resides in the United States, the new hire's resume and other pertinent information." so that we can hire the best candidate, we believe in hiring the best and yours being a A+ resume we want to share the same with our CEO, dont worry you are 95% on HIRING LIST we just need that 5% APPROVAL from our CEO,I initially thought why the CEO would want to know about someone in India, especially for a mid-level role, but then I thought, Hey!, must be their way of maintaining transparency, so I accepted their explanation and continued to assist them with the procedure, AKA the CEO APPROVAL PROCESS.
Both the recruiter and the HR manager kept in contact with me during this two-week process, telling me things like, "We are really excited to work with you, you seem like someone I would want to be friends with outside of the work space, etc." AKA giving me the lollipop treatment.
Everything was bright and beautiful, even I started preparing myself to join such a wonderful org until this happen, it was only post 14-16 days I was completely ghosted by both the HR manager and the recruiter, after 18 days until I finally spoke with the HR manager, who informed me that the CEO had REJECTED my résumé.
I was honestly shocked and completely speechless at that time, when they took over two months to complete the process, gave me hope that I would be hired, and then out right reject me because their CEO was likely in a BAD MOOD mood that day and thought I wasn't a good fit without providing me with an explanation. He made that choice after merely reviewing my resume, awards, and accolades; he was never part in the actual interview process, and none of the interviews were recorded for his perusal, as I recall. Having come from some very large organizations, I don't think any CEO has that much spare time to look over a simple resume.
My final thought I mean what can I say about the whole process.