The Absurdity of Hiring Processes: A Personal Experience

Recently, I had a mind-boggling encounter during a senior finance role interview at a prominent startup. After impressing the Finance Director and Controller, I expected an interview with CFO as a logical next step. Instead, I found myself facing an Independent Director—a puzzling addition to the process, especially with a CFO in place. What baffled me more was the interview's focus. Despite the role's clear scope within India, the Independent Director bombarded me with international tax inquiries, completely unrelated to the position or the company's operations. It felt like a ploy to glean free consultancy for personal matters. This experience left me questioning the rationale behind hiring protocols. Why subject candidates to irrelevant interrogations by individuals detached from the role's purview? It's disheartening to witness such a flawed process at the hands of those meant to guide a company's growth.

I am applying for the role of chief of staff for a startup. I already am currently swamped with work. They have shared the details regarding the hiring process. Do you guys feel that the hiring process looks very time consuming? Or is it normal for such roles?

Corporate catfishing? More companies are posting realistic job listings that don't exist. Companies doing this are trying to trick employees into thinking the company is growing and that they are hiring more workers to alleviate their workload. This is not only manipulative, but immoral. If you want to increase productivity and alleviate stress in your office, start by showing appreciation for your employees and encouraging them. Share some companies you might know that have been doing this.

I applied for a Chief of Staff role at a recently funded startup and the first question during the interview this particular founder asks me is that why have I applied for this role when I don't have any experience with these kinda roles and my current and previous roles were literally working in the Founder's Office. No wonder startups don't sustain themselves in the long run.

Not surprised. They have a shitty model. Probably going to shut this FY or next unless they turn things around 180 degrees and fast. Similar case for others they've mentioned in the article as their competition. https://inc42.com/buzz/exclusive-revenue-based-financing-platform-velocity-lays-off-around-14-workforce/

So I interviewed for a SaaS company serving US clients. I got selected after three rounds (basic email chat, built a project, technical coding round at last) and got selected. Finally, it was time to discuss salary and joining date with the CEO. He was impressed by the about section on my portfolio, where I mentioned that I like to go on treks, hikes, read books, lift weights, go on a run, etc. During our call he mentioned that everyone at the startup works 6-7days a week, 12hrs a day and asked if I'd be fine with it as I have a "happening life". I said that I'm not used to it but I'll manage and work in appropriate working hours. He seemed to agree on it. But he ghosted me after that, and when I pinged him in the email thread; he said he's not moving ahead with me because my other properties won't allow me to "work as much as other employees". How am I supposed to react to this lol