Man Left His Big Interview With a Tech Startup Early When it Went Sideways, Yet What the Company Did Next Had Him Second-Guessing.

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When the Original Poster (OP) was left hanging during a crucial interview at a tech startup, the ensuing conflict between professionalism and disrespect for time ignited. Amidst rising frustration, OP took a dramatic step, leaving the interview abruptly, triggering a frantic follow-up from the company. However, the story reaches a climax when OP faces a bewildering choice after an unexpected job offer, leaving us wondering, will he embrace the opportunity or stand by his principles?

The Job Hunt

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Around this time the previous year, OP was job hunting for a position in technology sales. Having spent a decade in the industry, he had recently been laid off. His search led him to a potentially promising opportunity at a growing startup downtown.

The Interview Call

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OP was granted an interview at the downtown startup. After clearing an initial phone screen, he conducted thorough research about the company in preparation. Then, he went on-site for their in-person interview, arriving notably early.

The Long Wait

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Upon arriving twenty-five minutes before the scheduled time, OP found an unattended front desk. He signed in via the iPad and patiently waited. When the interview time came, and nobody had acknowledged them yet, he sought the attention of the office staff.

Miscommunication Unveiled

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A lady finally engaged with OP fifteen minutes past the scheduled interview time. Informed about the interview, she left to check and returned with an agenda. The agenda confirmed OP’s interview and indicated two interviewers would engage them in consecutive 30-minute blocks.

Solo Prep Time

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A new staff member ushered OP into a room, instructing him to review the company materials. OP obeyed and spent forty-five minutes reading. However, when the Vice President of Sales failed to appear for the interview, OP felt frustrated.

The Stand-Up

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OP’s irritation at waiting without communication led them to a decisive move. He left the room and navigated back to the front desk. He informed the now-present receptionist there that he was leaving and bid them farewell.

The Frantic Call

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Approximately fifteen minutes after his departure, OP received a panicked call from the recruiter. The VP of Sales was searching for OP, ready to start the interview. OP stood his ground, explaining his reasons for leaving.

The Workplace Insight

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OP expressed his disappointment with the company’s disregard for their time. He took this as an indication of the company culture and asserted that the experience provided enough insight into what working there would be like.

Sharing the Experience

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OP relayed his experience to multiple people, creating a split in opinions. Some individuals sided with OP’s decision to leave the interview, while others suggested he should have stuck around. This mixed feedback led to questions about his actions.

The Unsolicited Advice

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Among those OP shared the story with, some questioned his decision to leave. They argued that OP could have completed the interview and later communicated his feelings.

The Second Chance

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As OP grappled with the decision, the VP of Sales reached out personally with a phone call, apologizing for the previous miscommunication. The VP requested a second interview, promising to make amends.

The Final Verdict

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OP decided to give the startup a second chance with some reservations. He attended the rescheduled interview, this time experiencing a stark contrast in the company’s attitude and punctuality. The VP personally conducted the interview, marking a significant shift in the company’s approach.

A Surprise Revelation

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During the second interview, the VP explained that the initial scheduling mishap was due to a significant crisis the company was dealing with on the original interview day. This information made OP reassess his initial judgment of the company.

Was The Man’s Behavior Appropriate?

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OP posted his experience online for feedback. The readers in the community forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter.

Forum Responds

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One reader said, “The interview goes both ways. If they aren’t organized enough now or don’t respect your time, you can’t expect much difference once you’re hired.”

Another Commenter Thinks

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Another responder wrote, “Extremely unprofessional of them. Even if it was an honest mix-up or something, they were at fault, and no way you should have waited around any longer. You probably avoided an awful workplace.”

A Third View on The Story

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A different person stated, “When I interview people, I am acutely aware that I am representing my company, and as such, it’s as much my job to impress candidates as it is theirs to impress me. The way that company treated you was inexcusable.”

A Final Perspective on the Matter

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Another reader commented, “It’s up to you to decide if the potential of getting that job was worth the time it took. You decided it wasn’t and were happy to accept the consequences of that decision. You were entitled to do what you did.”