I applied online. The recruiter reached out to me to schedule an interview, not once but twice. She didn’t even realize she had reached out to me twice. This was the first red flag. I had a in person interview with the hiring manager. It was a basic interview. Everything that was discussed from a benefits standpoint wasn’t difficult. They are replacing someone who was in the role for quite some time and she had more experience in benefits then the hiring manager. This person moved to a different state. There were a few things that I didn’t have experience in, but I was willing to learn. What person applies for the exact same role they were in before, not willing to learn something new in the next role? Well, the problem, you can’t be taught because the hiring manager who probably grosses over six figures doesn't know how to do those things herself, so they’re looking for someone to fill those gaps.
She described herself as having 10 years’ experience in benefits but more experience in compensation. She "handles" both areas. She was honest enough to admit she is a micromanager who is use to delegating. If she needed a benefit policy implemented based on leadership request she would get the benefits specialist to do it. Everyone who has ever reported to her has more experience in benefits then she does, 20 years of experience to be exact based on her explanation. So, she would just delegate what was needed and wasnt involved.
She even disclosed how she expects this person to manage the entire function. It blew me away when said that she doesn’t know all the answers due to her lack of benefits expertise, so don’t expect to go to her for the answers. But, if its compensation she can help. If its excel she can definitely help because she's an advanced user. Leadership partners with stakeholders and vendors, so odd someone at her level didn’t seem to know how to do this. She is so use to having direct reports who have more experience than her, seems she never had to do much benefits related. But how can you interview someone and deem them qualified or not qualified for this role?
I can see why they have been hiring for this position since January. They’re looking for the perfect person to replace the shoes of the last person. They aren’t willing to train or invest in an applicant who doesn't meet every bullet point because the hiring manager said up front as well as the recruiter, they cant. You cant train someone on something you dont know but there are other alternatives!
The interview was difficult and this role isnt complicated. Its the hiring manager.
If you’re looking for development don’t bother applying here. Apply if you have 20 years of benefits experience, desire to only be a benefits specialist with a micromanager who has 10 years benefits experience (but doesn't know much based on her explanation), and she expects you to manage the entire function with zero help. They are hiring for multiple HR positions so that’s a red flag itself. I was no longer interested after other issues on their behalf. It was a sloppy process and disappointing experience in which I tried hardly to overlook because of other factors. Sadly, only positive aspect is their mission.
I could write more about my negative experience related to the actual process. I hope this review helps job seekers.