So I've had some free time lately and thought why not pick up a part time role? I have the experience, I know what I'm doing, it should be straightforward.
It was not straightforward.
Two companies. Three weeks. Here's what the process actually looked like:
First, the video introduction. Both of them. Record yourself, 2 minutes, tell us who you are. I'm an EA with years of C-suite experience. You already have my CV. But sure, let me perform for the camera so you can decide if my face matches the role.
Then the tasks. Not one task. Multiple tasks. At every single stage. By the time I was done I had completed four different assessments across both processes and I still have no idea what they were looking for because the brief had zero context. No exec background. No working style. Just here's a scenario, go.
I did them. I think I did them well. Nobody told me either way.
Then comes the personality test. I'll just stop on that one.
And then finally, the face to face with the recruiter. Who showed up with an attitude 30 minutes late. Like they were doing me a favour by being in the room. Ma'am, you posted the job. You reached out. You needed someone part time. And now you're sitting across from me like I'm lucky to be here?
The questions were things I'd already proven in the tasks. But of course I don't know if I proved them correctly because — say it with me — no feedback.
I'm not entry level. I wasn't applying for a stretch role. I was applying for part time support work in a field I've spent years mastering.
And the process treated me like I needed to earn the right to be considered.
Is this everyone's experience right now or did I just get unlucky twice?