I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Zeus Labs (London, England) in June 2022
Interview
- 2:1 with HR (and sole internal recruiter) and manager
- 1:1 with COO
First interview was a nice chat with HR and the team manager (who I was really excited to be working with.) It was quite relaxed with a few *interesting* questions which highlighted their differing interview styles but I was perfectly comfortable answering all of them. I had applied to two roles; one of them I was more qualified for but the interview was set up for the position I was less qualified for. HR hadn't seen my application for the former and they later agreed that I would be considered for the better role for me.
Second interview was a more relaxed chat with the COO who wanted to dive into my fit in the company and was incredibly interested in fostering a great culture in the workplace.
I was offered a place 6 minutes after the interview finished and the offer letter contained a five day deadline for accepting or declining. During this time, I was told that I wouldn't be able to meet the team until I had accepted the offer which I thought was interesting given how quickly I was accepted on the grounds of culture. Part of the reason why I requested the meeting was because I wanted to see whether I would be a good fit and to give the team an opportunity to provide their opinion to the people I had previously interviewed with. I used the offer letter deadline to have that very meeting with another company who organised it with no issues.
The fifth day was a Saturday and I emailed in on a Sunday to arrange a call to accept the offer. I understand they don't work weekends. I stated that I would be accepting the role in an email before our call on the Monday afternoon and HR was still shocked that I was accepting. In the call, I was told:
"I didn't know you were accepting because I hadn't heard from you" despite me asking outstanding questions the day after offering and saying I was accepting a few hours before.
"We have been interviewing for the position all week" even though I had the offer.
"We have had new candidates who are interested in the job so I will need a day or two to check with the team to see whether they will still [accept you instead of someone else.]” I understood that they weren’t hiring for the role I was offered anymore (hence why HR hadn’t seen my application) but it seemed like a good opportunity for them to hire me then and there …and for me to work with them.
I emailed in elsewhere to see if we can get that answer quicker than the two days and got no reply. It would have only taken a five minute call to iron it out. Two days later than that phone call, I have let them know I will be going elsewhere regardless of their decision.
I had issues with what seemed to be confusion over what my role would be; how long it would take to get a simple answer (in a freight company of all places); not being able to meet the team beforehand; how HR was presenting; the ethics of maybe interviewing for a position they had already offered and not completely honouring the offer letter.
Advice/information for candidates:
- Be prepared to accept your offer letter very soon after your second interview
- Office is currently in St. James’ (at time of writing) with an intention of moving to Old Street
- Company aims to get staff in the office three days a week
- Team manager and COO are lovely with relaxed interview styles so no need to stress about them