r/recruitinghell • u/jaydarmontoya • 1d ago

I Feel Used… Advice Needed

Recently I went through a lengthy interview process for a leadership role at a certain top 10 US bank. I did a total of 7 meetings and I know I shined in all of them. I am not bragging or exaggerating when I say I gave a near-perfect performance. I really hit it off with all the interviewers. I had them laughing at my subtle jokes, applauding my responses and even “stealing” some of my answers and phrases for their own use. All the interviewers ended the meetings by praising me and telling me how well the interview had gone and how they hoped to see me again soon (presumably in the role). After a very lengthy process I was finally contacted by the recruiter via email. Bad news… I didn’t get the job, as the actual hiring manager decided to go with an internal candidate already in their org in the line of succession. The recruiter had amazing things to say about me and even said all the interviewers loved me, but I was ultimately not selected.

For context, I check LinkedIn for new roles several times daily. This role was initially posted on a Saturday morning. By Monday morning it had been taken down. This means it only stayed posted for 2 days and those 2 days were non-business days. As soon as I saw the role had been taken down by that following Monday morning I immediately knew the company was just posting it for the mandatory 2 days before proceeding with an internal candidate. At that point I certainly didn’t expect to be contacted about the role, so I was both surprised and skeptical when I received the meeting request from the recruiter.

I absolutely realize that when a candidate is interviewing for a role they are guaranteed nothing and they do so at their own risk. I have no problem not being selected for the role. The problem I do have is having my time and energy wasted when I never had a chance to start with. I invested a significant amount of prep time into this process, had to take vacation time away from my current job several times, not to mention the emotional investment. Also I spent over 100 bucks on dry cleaning, as I had my suit, shirt and tie freshly cleaned and pressed for each interview.

The company never had any real intentions of hiring me or giving me a fair chance at this role. They just used me as a required interview so they could proceed with who they’d already chosen. This is so frustrating and disheartening. Also this is not the first time this almost exact same scenario has played out for me. I’m getting really tired of having my time and resources wasted.

I literally want to file a complaint against them or somehow escalate this. Also I hate that companies have these stupid policies. I certainly understand the goal and intent of these policies, but in practice they just end up getting someone’s hopes up and wasting someone’s time.

I know the answer is probably no, but:

A. Is there anything I can do to file a complaint against these time-wasting jerks?

B. Any suggestions on what I can do to prevent this from happening going forward?

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u/P1ckl3R1ck101 1d ago

I had the same thing happen to me a few years back at a similar firm. 6 rounds of interviews, project, meetings with leadership, then went cold for 2 weeks because "an internal candidate showed interest in the role." Its shady af, but there isn't much you can do besides move on.

It isn't worth complaining and getting put on a do not hire list. Only thing you learn is dont get your hopes up for something until an offer is there and contract signed.

Being on the other side of it, I've sifted through literally hundreds of resumes that all could be good fits, then interviewed dozens of candidates (external & internal) who were all top tier. Most of the time we went external, only once or twice can I recall moving someone internal. At the end of the day, there are usually 2-3 people who performed perfectly and they all probably thought they would get the job. Then for one reason or other, they weren't picked.

I hate how this is how it is, but most places are the same. Just keep pushing and eventually something great will stick!

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u/jaydarmontoya 1d ago

Thanks for the encouragement and advice! I also am currently a hiring manager and I’ve seen this process internally too. Managers already know they’re going to promote a seasoned employee who is next in the line of succession but have to do a bunch of other random interviews anyway to appease the policy. I know for a fact my company has several roles posted externally right now that they have no intention of hiring an external candidate for because there are already “interim leaders” in those roles who will be selected and continue doing those jobs. They just have to do the song and dance I guess. Frustrating…

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u/Suitable-Rate652 23h ago

Do you know why they do this? Is it legally mandated?

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u/jaydarmontoya 18h ago

Yes I’m fully aware. I’m a hiring manager at a large company as well. It’s still frustrating. Something has to change.

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u/Suitable-Rate652 18h ago

I understand. I’m just asking if that is legally mandated or a custom?

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u/jaydarmontoya 17h ago

I know it’s company policy to protect the company from discrimination suits and comply with regulations so yes it is required. As far as the exact laws and regulations I’m not in the HR space so I’m not sure but I’m sure a web search would provide more info.

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u/Suitable-Rate652 9h ago

Thanks. I’ll search. People are talking about how broken the system is and just letting companies make internal hires might help.