jobbite
Went there for an interview in 2011, guy who interviewed me was some 26-year-old dude who wasn't much older than me. He went over my resume and told me I had the skills required for the job, and everything seemed to be carrying on like a regular interview. Then he says this weird thing to me. He says "I don't think you write enough to be qualified for this position." Since I was writing close to 5,000 words a week at the time, this puzzled me. Not so much because he said I couldn't handle the work load, but because he was singing my praises just two seconds ago and then, all of sudden, he said I wasn't qualified. Didn't make any sense.
Not to mention, they flat-out lied in their job ad. Saying they go out and cover events and all that. When I asked him if they covered anything, he said "Oh no that stuff requires money we're still a young company." I wanted to go "Well why did you say that in your job ad then?" He then said he would get another guy in touch with me after the interview, but he never called. Good riddance, because there was something shady about that place. I feel like its either a sweatshop like atmosphere where people slave away typing story after story just to generate traffic (sad truth for how digital journalism is expected to make a profit these days) or their just really disorganized and unprofessional. Both are probably true.
Bottom line: I didn't like the sound of this place. I've done probably about 15 interviews since I got out of college, and this one was by far the weirdest. If you really want to live in the city, go for it. Otherwise, steer clear.
Well I would like to state that with interviewing for the past couple of months this indeed has to be the most humiliating disrespectful interview I have ever endured.
Position: Office Manger/ Receptionist
Location: 7 Hanover Square, New York, NY
I was call by Mr. *** in regards to an application I submitted for office manager/receptionist after a 20 minute phone interview I was invited for an in person interview the following week. Excited and research oriented I did my best to learn about the company.
The day of my interview I was dressed very professionally and very organized.
I arrived at the Wall Street Location at 1pm I was told to have a seat by a teenage female serving as receptionist, the office is fairly spacious and empty I could tell the location was new.
After waiting 45 minutes I was told by the receptionist that the “HR lady *** did not come into work today. I was surprised that no one would call to neither reschedule my interview nor inform me not to arrive. The receptionist then proceeded to inform me that the CEO *** would like to meet with me but at a later time of 2:30pm. Since I have already wasted so much time thus far I figured maybe my wait would not be in vain and looked upon as drive and dedication.
However after 2:30 passed I got a little concerned at 3:00pm the receptionist told me Mr. *** was running a little late, a little late turned out to be an hour and half late! At 4:10 Mr. walked into the office not acknowledging me nor apologizing for IB Times neglect to my other engagements. Totally confused after waiting from 1:00pm to 4:00pm I glanced at the receptionist and she gave me an uncertain smile, which followed, he will be with you shortly.
When ushered to Mr.office I was not giving any type of greeting he actually had the demeanor as if I was suppose to wait 3 hours to be interviewed he NEVER apologized about anything. The interview was rushed 5 minutes to be exact so yes reviewers I waited 3 hours for a 5-minute interview.
Within the interview I expressed my ability to go beyond the call of duty by completing 16 hr shifts in my previous position. Mr. then asked me what time clocking system did my previous company use, I responded they used a hand identifying machine, he then proceeded to ask me if I'm sure I did not know how to rig the system, was I sure I did not have a fake hand or someone else clocking in and out for me?
Confused on whether Mr. was making a bad joke or insulting my integrity I let the comment blow over. I did inform him that this was impossible and frequently there was a manager on site to confirm my attendance. This was not professional why would any company insinuate theft within an interview?
I was appalled by Mr disregard but I remained confident that this might be the one since I’ve waited as if I was employed already and my qualifications seem to be a perfect fit to what the company was seeking. Mr. told me I would know a decision within the next day and asked did I remember my way out.
Feeling a little hopefully because of the quick decision time expressed. I put aside the blatant disrespect that I had occurred. That night I sent a thank you letter with attachments of my references. The next day around 4pm I decided to give a call just to confirm they received my email. Mr. Uzac did inform me that I would know by today. When I called first the receptionist did not know if he was in the office then after a brief hold she told me he said to email him and he already received my Thank You letter already.
Well this is what I received today...
Hi
Thank you for coming to interview with me.
We decided to not move forward with your application.
Best of luck in your job hunting endeavors.
Best,
No explanation just a cold mechanical letter after all the woes I’ve endured! I write this review after being very humiliated; I am certain that after 1 second Mr. probably knew that he would not hire me because I was not the right complexion for his company! I for one never jump to the race conclusion but in this situation it is bold and blatant.
If I could I would attach a picture of my appearance the day of my interview and my resume if allowed. There was no way I could be critiqued in 5 minutes, my patience and dedication was completely ignored by IB Times and Mr. . I’m saddened that this type of ignorance is still present in such a multi-cultured city.
In closing this is NYC home of diversity it's shameful that I now send a link with my professional profile and picture just to ensure that my time is not wasted upon the perception of my non ethnic name.
IB Times, you should all be very ashamed of yourselves. I am aware that IB Times is a private corporation but if any board members are reading this and do not agree with this type of pretentious degrading behavior I suggest correcting the HR process immediately.
Please feel free to contact me in regards to this ordeal.