Interview feedback - overreacting?

oatcake

Hi all,

I got some feedback on an all day onsite interview with over 12 people(first person to be put through this process with them) and I'm not sure what to make of it. I'm in the IT industry and late twenties female with great experience/knowledge. For this particular role I worked really hard on my tests, presentations and gave it my all during each interview step as I was very excited about the role.

They called me in to give feedback this week and roughly three days after the onsite. It was negative feedback mainly aimed at what feels like my personality(I have never had an issue with my personality before as someone who does get along with others very well). Their biggest complaints were: I am too friendly, I am introverted, my laugh could be toned down, I gave formal answers and they wanted me to not do the norm.

I had to ask if their was any good feedback. I was apparently very creative, driven, gave great examples, experienced and they were very impressed with me but not wowed.

My problem is they want me to do another interview with them(this will now be interview nine) that I have to really wow them in or else it is a no go but I feel very berated, demoralised and I am unsure if I should go ahead with this company. I know finding a job is very difficult right now and I should be grateful for the opportunity, however I am scared that with that I will get this kind of open feedback daily which the company is known for.

In all I feel bullied and used as simply an interview process guinea pig and I really don't know what to do or think. Am I overreacting to the criticism or are they nitpicking at me? You would think it's a million dollar job not a simple web dev job.

I should add that they told me it would have been the end of the road if not for one of the guys liking me.

Thank you in advance.

RedXIV

Do you really really want this job?

If it's just you testing the market, I'd give them the honest feedback of "your interview process has given me a bad taste of your company and I'm no longer interested" they may get their act together but I wouldn't bet on you getting an offer.

There are plenty of other places for a good Web dev, that won't make you jump through hoops, go to one of them instead.

Wompa1

Sounds like Google....

Their interview process is BS. They've even admitted it doesn't work, the employees have not been any better after bringing in these exams and interview techniques. Don't feel bullied this is just part of the game. You might even still get it.

I interview people for jobs all the time. If you're interested in it. Keep going. If not, it's not worth the extra effort. When they get to the end of the process and have to pick. They could say well she didn't share her personality at all during the first 7...but she asked for feedback and worked on it and made a marked improvement. That might be enough.

If you don't get it. Don't sweat it. Working for a big company like that s*cks!

strandroad

I really would not like to work for a company whose "biggest complaints were: I am too friendly, I am introverted, my laugh could be toned down". It sounds like a cult! Imagine getting this kind of stuff in your regular reviews.
I think I know who they are...

LegacyUser

Nine interviews? Nine?

Methinks they either don't know what they are looking for or else they are completely rubbish at interviews (which would make me wonder what else they might be rubbish at)

To say that someone is too friendly and too introverted is (to me) a complete contradiction - which would also make me wonder about them.

Look OP, the job market is tough - but not that tough. The most I've gone to in terms of interviews is two. The worst I've heard is 5. Nine is completely ridiculous. What exactly are they going to get out of you in 9 interviews that they couldn't get in 2 or 3? What are they looking for? Unless you really want this job, I'd tell them thanks but no thanks at this stage. Do you really want a job where you got it because only one guy out of the 12 person (?Seriously?) panel liked you? Do you think that's a good starting point for any job?

Interview processes are as much on your side as on the company's side, something that really only came home to me in recent months. I desperately wanted out of a rubbish job, and got an interview that seemed like a great opportunity - but 3 interviews later, my gut feeling was bad and I turned them down. I had personal reasons for it (ie, not financial or job progression type reasons) - I just didn't think this was a company I wanted to work for. I have managed to get a better job since then. You are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you, and if the whole thing is not sitting well with you, then you are perfectly entitled to turn them down. After 8 interviews you should have a good feel for them now, and this should help you in your decision.

If it's for you, then fine go for it. If not, don't feel bad about turning them down.

InTheTrees

oatcake wrote: »

Their biggest complaints were: I am too friendly, I am introverted, my laugh could be toned down, I gave formal answers and they wanted me to not do the norm.

I had to ask if their was any good feedback. I was apparently very creative, driven, gave great examples, experienced and they were very impressed with me but not wowed.

How absolutely disgusting. It sounds like scientology. Or Amazon.

They start by telling you what they don't like about you and you have to ask if there were any positives?

And then they ask you to come in again?? For more of the same?

So hopefully you dont laugh so loudly this time?

It sounds like a truly horrible and borderline creepy place to work.

:mad:

That feedback isn't exactly consistent is it?
If you're not stuck for a job I'd tell them to cop on and move on ...

LegacyUser

Interview number nine? That seems like madness to me. I would pack it in with them tbh. They sound like a bunch of gobsh*tes that you shouldn't waste your time on

magicmushroom

Gosh, I'm actually annoyed for you.
I'm amazed that they felt it appropriate or constructive to comment on your laugh? How on earth is that anything to do with the job?

I would be in agreement with RecXIV who suggested you look elsewhere and give them the feedback that their interview process has turned you off the company.

I would walk away with your head held high and find somewhere else, it wouldn't be a crowd I'd want to work for anyway!

WhatYaSay

Somewhere that commented on your laugh as negative feedback, what a pile of gob****es. I'd be giving them a swift pfo! Best of luck with the hunt, from the list if positives that you had to ask for it sounds like you should have no problem. Honestly can't believe they'd overlook the positives because you were 'too friendly'! They sound like they've their priorities a touch off.

oatcake

Thank you all for your replies, I'm glad I was not overreacting to their feedback as I also felt it did contradict in terms of introvert but too friendly etc and that none of it actually had anything to do with the job and my capabilities.

A few friends of mine think it may be partly because I am female but I'm unsure of that. What gets me the worst is they seem to have made up the interview process for me only, which was confirmed at the feedback meeting.

They also did the feedback in the lunch room at the start of lunch time...

lifecrisis! wrote: »

Do you really want a job where you got it because only one guy out of the 12 person (?Seriously?) panel liked you? Do you think that's a good starting point for any job?

I was told 50% of the panel or just thereabouts gave me the green light. The one person reason for giving me the extra interview opportunity was the person with whom I would be working alongside and who I did my technical interviews with previously.

stickyfinger

Maybe try going to a company that do practice interview sessions before the next one if you want to feel like you gave it your all. But with feedback like that it doesn't sounds like a nice company to work for and especially to work along side that person, I reckon you're better off somewhere else. 9 interviews is crazy, it's fairly obvious after 2 interviews whether you're going to hire someone, I think they are just stringing you along (and whoever else they are interviewing at the same time) until they find someone else who fits their cult, that kind of treatment certainly is not the norm.

InTheTrees

oatcake wrote: »

They also did the feedback in the lunch room at the start of lunch time...

I would consider writing a lengthy review of the process to the HR manager and if possible the HR Managers boss.

I wonder if they broke any laws? Did they ask you personal questions?

Its a deplorable and unprofessional way to conduct business anyway. Using you as a guinea pig and even having the gall to tell you about it is just inexplicable.

MouseTail

How much do you want this job, and how many more hoops do you have to jump through?
Its completely OTT, but if you really want the job I guess you have to suck it up.

TimeToShine

The job is clearly a cut above the rest if you were willing to go through 9 interviews. You could follow some of the advice in this thread and "move on" but quite frankly judging by your commitment and emotional investment this job is the equivalent of the holy grail in IT, meaning that it may be best for you to just get on with it and play their little game.

DeanAustin

Sweet Jesus. 9 interviews. These people either don't know what they are doing or are slavishly following a process that makes no sense.

You should tell them in your next interview that you aren't the most productive because it takes you nine attempts before you can complete a task. See how that goes down.

Their feedback is inconsistent too. Obviously a sign that its come from multiple different people.I'd still take each element at face value and see if there is anything you can improve but "your laugh is too loud" sounds to me like there is someone on the panel who has no good input to give.

If you can avoid this company, you should. Otherwise good luck.

Eric Cartman

OP , I'm not sure if this is going to help but just my 2 cents. Im going to guess by 9 interviews that this job is a somewhat senior position, if I'm wrong this may apply less.

Ive spent 12 years in IT and the biggest wall that employers tend to hit is introversion. If this is a senior role, chances are that the role itself involves presenting to a whole team, upper management or clients (a lot of whom may be complete strangers to you) either that or the job is the pool where they pull management / project leads / product managers etc.. from, which does involve presenting, networking, client meetings.

the issue comes for a company where they can have the best engineer/developer/analyst in the world but if that person starts getting anxious around new people or can't instantly dismiss curveball questions or criticism or can't pipe up and make a clear, concise point off their own bat in a room of 30, 40, 100 strangers or won't go to the social events (drinks after meetings, client social events etc.. ) they are useless to the company in that role.

when they said you were 'introverted' does that resonate with you ? would you walk up to a stranger and start a conversation or address a room of 50 strangers without even a second thought about it ? I think thats what they're looking for, if it is try as hard as you can to just put it on, confidence is something you can build on and to me it sounds like they have no issue with your technical ability or your proficiency for the in house stuff, it sounds like their only gripe is when they pull you out of the routine or your comfort zone how will you perform.

strandroad

I don't think introverted means what you think it means. It's not shyness or anxiety. Introverted people are typically very good speakers or debaters who express themselves well, they just don't enjoy small talk or some popular forms of social life as they don't recharge among people but on their own.
If they felt she needs more confidence presenting, they should have framed it appropriately. Making contradicting statements on her personality is not professional and does not bode well with regard to team culture and priorities.

Eric Cartman

mhge wrote: »

I don't think introverted means what you think it means. It's not shyness or anxiety. Introverted people are typically very good speakers or debaters who express themselves well, they just don't enjoy small talk or some popular forms of social life as they don't recharge among people but on their own.
If they felt she needs more confidence presenting, they should have framed it appropriately. Making contradicting statements on her personality is not professional and does not bode well with regard to team culture and priorities.

and in a client facing environment or where sociability / networking / going to client events etc.. are required, this would be an issue.

oatcake

Hi all,

Thank you again for the replies.

InTheTrees wrote: »

I wonder if they broke any laws? Did they ask you personal questions?

I have no idea. I think they did ask some personal questions but nothing too personal.

TimeToShine wrote: »

The job is clearly a cut above the rest if you were willing to go through 9 interviews.

I thought it was, but this a small to medium sized company...

Eric Cartman wrote: »

when they said you were 'introverted' does that resonate with you ? would you walk up to a stranger and start a conversation or address a room of 50 strangers without even a second thought about it ?

The role is actually a junior role so a step back from what I am.

I am perhaps in some ways introvert(never been told it before in fact most people are shocked that I work in IT as I have an outgoing personality however sometimes I like to be alone as does everyone) but I never stopped talking, I was polite, had a few fun chats and laughs but I was professional throughout the interviews. I even did a presentation in front of 20 or so of their employees and everyone seemed to have loved it.

They stated I was introvert, I think because I was professional in my interviews which they also told me they didn't like.

strandroad

Eric Cartman wrote: »

and in a client facing environment or where sociability / networking / going to client events etc.. are required, this would be an issue.

Actually the introverts I know do very well in such situations, it comes with the job. They would just choose something else for themselves. They also tend to present very well as they have focus and often great wit.
To be deficient in the above you would really need to have anxiety or deeper social issues. In which case you would most likely not be described as friendly.
What the OP got sounds like a hodge podge of personal impressions of the panel rather than any structured feedback. And on a lunch break too... Think about facing annual reviews produced by a team like that... or of someone develops a grudge... shudder!

strandroad

oatcake wrote: »

They stated I was introvert, I think because I was professional in my interviews which they also told me they didn't like.

OP are they styling themselves as some sort of young and hip startup company where everyone is super laid back and "loves the team"?...

LegacyUser

It really, REALLY annoys me that introversion is seen as a negative characteristic. Introverts are often excellent public speakers. Introversion is not the same as shyness (something I associate with five-year-olds rather than adult professionals) or social anxiety. Some of my references have called me 'quiet' as if that's a bad thing, but it's because I can work independently for long stretches of time without the need for external stimulation that I am good at what I do. It doesn't affect my ability to also work as part of a team or to be articulate and confident when addressing crowds. I'm tactful and discreet with other staff, but not stand-offish. If I had my way, every employer in this country would be forced to read 'Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking' by Susan Cain before damning excellent candidates based on something as nonsensical as their level of introversion. I don't know what to say to the OP except that I empathise.

oatcake

mhge wrote: »

OP are they styling themselves as some sort of young and hip startup company where everyone is super laid back and "loves the team"?...

Yep, nail on the head! They aren't a start up though...

Stheno

9 interviews for a junior role is insanity

strandroad

Stheno wrote: »

9 interviews for a junior role is insanity

Yeah, I know a certain IT giant who does this but then the pay & the swag is worth it.

strandroad

oatcake wrote: »

Yep, nail on the head! They aren't a start up though...

OK so it feels like you "don't fit the culture", whatever it is, and they are giving same random reasons (hence contradictions) to strike you off. Your work must be good so they don't critique that and it took you that far, but they don't see you on the team. They might be wrong of course and you'd be flying once in, but is a step back job worth pursuing after that?

Stheno

mhge wrote: »

Yeah, I know a certain IT giant who does this but then the pay & the swag is worth it.

There's a few of them at it

DeanAustin

Stheno wrote: »

9 interviews for a junior role is insanity

9 interviews for any job is dumb. It's symptomatic of the "afraid to make a decision in case it turns out to be wrong so I'll cover my ass by involving everyone in the decision" attitude that pervades in so many companies today.

Stheno

DeanAustin wrote: »

9 interviews for any job is dumb. It's symptomatic of the "afraid to make a decision in case it turns out to be wrong so I'll cover my ass by involving everyone in the decision" attitude that pervades in so many companies today.

True
I had six over two months once

Eric Cartman

oatcake wrote: »

Hi all,

Thank you again for the replies.



I have no idea. I think they did ask some personal questions but nothing too personal.



I thought it was, but this a small to medium sized company...



The role is actually a junior role so a step back from what I am.

I am perhaps in some ways introvert(never been told it before in fact most people are shocked that I work in IT as I have an outgoing personality however sometimes I like to be alone as does everyone) but I never stopped talking, I was polite, had a few fun chats and laughs but I was professional throughout the interviews. I even did a presentation in front of 20 or so of their employees and everyone seemed to have loved it.

They stated I was introvert, I think because I was professional in my interviews which they also told me they didn't like.

i think somebody on that panel just rubber-stamped an answer so OP. that whole interview process seems mad and Id disregard the feedback so.

via4

I cannot believe they spoke to you like that a persons laugh is their own imagine being happy in work but have to stop and think before you laugh because its not up to their standard. You would end up changing yourself to suit a company that seems very impersonal and wasting time on doing all those interviews on people of they had any sort of people skills they would be able to tell after the second interview if a person was right for the job or not.

jimgoose

Load of bull. Tell them thanks but no, you'd prefer to work in a sane environment.

EricPraline

oatcake wrote: »

Their biggest complaints were: I am too friendly, I am introverted, my laugh could be toned down, I gave formal answers and they wanted me to not do the norm.

I would not take this personally. This sounds like complaints from incompetent or disinterested interviewers who felt they had to provide some kind of token negative feedback, even if it was meaningless. They are likely aware that each individual interview on its own is rather unimportant, given that you will be inevitably have to complete another round of interviews.

While a large number of interviews is often intended to make successful candidates feel "lucky" if they get an offer, I would ask yourself whether you want to work for an organisation like this.

IlmoNT4

I think this company has acted very unprofessional.

I wouldnt continue interviewing with them and I'd tell them I wasnt going to continue on because for their lack of professional standards.

If this is for Google, Facebook, Amazon etc consider this a lucky escape.

homerjay2005

oatcake wrote: »

It was negative feedback mainly aimed at what feels like my personality(I have never had an issue with my personality before as someone who does get along with others very well). Their biggest complaints were: I am too friendly, I am introverted, my laugh could be toned down, I gave formal answers and they wanted me to not do the norm.

it sounds like its the person who is giving this feedback that needs the personality transplant and not you.

to be honest, if this company is employing people like that and puts them in places of control, you are best avoiding them.

Berserker

I am amazed that you had to do nine rounds OP. Would love to know what company that is. I have heard that interviews at Google and the like are off the wall but I have never ever heard of someone doing nine rounds and I know people who hold senior exec roles in companies. I myself am a senior level developer and I only had two rounds for my current job; one technical and one HR.

cowboyBuilder

Sounds like a typical sociopathic American cult company to work for, I'd pass on it OP.

They'll expect you to work all hours and have no personal life.

maninasia

cowboyBuilder wrote: »

Sounds like a typical sociopathic American cult company to work for, I'd pass on it OP.

They'll expect you to work all hours and have no personal life.

Ive had some experience of interviewing with international/American companies over the last few years. It's not uncommon to have 4-6 interviews, spread over weeks or ever months. However the chance of landing such a role is usually less if the time is spread out; they are often fishing for more and 'better' candidates.

For my last role I went through something like 7 interviews with different managers located worldwide. Large corporations are often more careful when hiring that you can successfully fit into their working culture and you are likely to stick around or not. I recall
That this is often their number one concern, cultural fit. Once you get the foot in the door of these companies they may not apply the same pressure, at least after
You pass the probationary period. You can also move to
Other positions in the company given the amount of internal opportunities.

I've also been shot down after an interview before, said I was nervous or something. well yeah I was because I really wanted the job Einstein. a few months later ended
Up working for a much better organization. The multiple
Interviews were
Tiresome but most of the interviewers (although) not all treated me with respect. I won over enough to get hired. You can't expect to satisfy everybody when interviewing
by panels, so don't sweat it. I had to go through 7 interviews and a long probationary period, now I earn a lot more and am on a much improved career part, you can't expect things to fall into you lap, it's going to be competitive for these positions. Maybe I was successful because I had the right blend of introversion and extroversion and thick skin to be a cultural fit in their complex organization. There's not much you can do to change those facts of who you are.

I also work for an American public corporation, it's the nature of their corporate beast that you are expected to work hard and sacrifice personal time on occasion, but it is not particularly onerous in all such companies,
and they tend to reward performance with high pay.

being able to present well can be an important skill set for career progression but making intelligent coherent arguments based on facts or being able to manage
People well or brown nose the right people will
also being you far. Being in the right place at the
Right time also cannot be overlooked.


Just to bring some levity to the
Discussion I was also interviewed in an airport cafe once for a senior job and went on to work for them for four years. But that kind of hiring process is pretty rare these days for bigger organizations.