In 2021, after working the same position about a year, I found an open lateral transfer requisition within my company related to my Master’s Degree which I took. The job was a good learning experience but not what I wanted to do forever so after doing this for two years I wanted to go back to my old group just because I liked the work better. They had an open req that would land me a promotion that I qualified for at the same time. I applied and immediately got an interview.
During the interview, the interview panel who I knew all personally ripped me to shreds. I can honestly say I’ve never had a worse interview. I was so excited for the job because I knew the team and we worked well together. They asked me if I only applied because I wanted to get more money and promotion, I was shocked. They also told me the only reason I was even at the company was because they hand picked me back in 2020. They continued to ask me why I wanted back in and I gave kind and professional answers, I was flustered though I wanted to just leave. They even asked me if I was scared. I was just so disappointed. When the interview was over they kept telling me how much they wanted me back and how great I was, but it felt like they did the interview out of spite. It was an hour and 15 mins but it was 45 mins of them attacking me.
I am not sure if I should tell HR that I don’t want this job or should I directly tell the panel how unprofessional it was and how I would like to decline the job? I know it was unfair because other candidates would not be treated the way that I was since they probably come from other backgrounds. I expected them to ask me why I want to come back once not a majority of the interview…
TL;DR interview was really unprofessional and hostile, should I reject them through the hiring manager or HR?