I’m back with an update. Here’s the original post for the curious.
tl;dr: I was invited to interview for a role at the Pasadena Center Operating Company only to be ghosted by the HR rep. A week later, I learned they hired someone else, but didn't bother to cancel my interview. So, I emailed the HR rep expressing my disappointment and, later, the CEO and ED.
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Okay, it's been about 24 hours and I got a response from the HR rep and the ED. But before I share the exchange, I just wanna address two things that came up in my original post:
- Some folks said I was too polite in my email. I get it. Give respect, get respect, right? I am a brown skinned trans person and have a very non-white name. Racial bias during a job search is real and code switching is my way of surviving that. Plus, I am not about to give anyone any ammo to talk negatively about me. So yes, I took the “high tone” as one commenter put it, and I'm not apologizing for that.
- Others were upset I didn't name and shame from the get-go. Eventually, I named PCOC, but not the name of the HR rep. I didn't want strangers involving themselves in something I'm personally dealing with. Yes, their info is public. You do you. I'm just here sharing what I did to advocate for myself and future applicants.
Okay, I eventually found the emails I needed. This was the message I sent yesterday to the CEO and ED:
Hi CEO and ED,
My name is IWANNAKNOWWHODUNIT. I am messaging you because I wanted to bring to your attention an experience I recently had with your Director of HR.
On April 25, I applied for the Event Manager position with the Pasadena Convention Center. Given my history in Pasadena and experience with planning and executing events, I was thrilled to learn about this job opening.
I was contacted by [your HR rep] and scheduled an interview for last week Friday, May 6 at 10 am PST (see email thread below). I made my preparations and was ready to have a conversation about the role 15 mins prior to our scheduled call. Unfortunately, [HR rep] didn't show. I never received an email or a call. Instead, I circled back with her and provided alternate dates/times just in case she had an emergency.
This morning, I received a message saying that the position has been, essentially, filled. As a hiring manager myself, this is always a relief; but honestly, I was left with a sour taste in my mouth. Not only was I ghosted for a confirmed interview, there was no apology from [HR rep] or acknowledgement of missing the meeting. To add insult to injury, I was asked to “remind” her about my relocation plans — a conversation we never had because the interview never happened.
Not once have I experienced this with an HR rep before. What's even more disappointing is the employer happens to be a place I associate positive memories with. Don't get me wrong, I can handle job rejections. No one is entitled to any job. What I don't appreciate is my time being wasted. It's unprofessional and, like I described below, reflects poorly on the Pasadena Center Operating Company.
If you've read this far, thank you. I don't know what I want from this grievance, but I appreciate you hearing me out and taking steps to prevent this from becoming a recurring issue. Applicants who are invited to move forward in the interview process deserve better.
Sincerely,
IWANNAKNOWWHODUNIT
This morning, I received the following message from the HR rep:
Hi There,
I had a big mix up last Friday, and by the time Monday rolled around, we were going in a different direction for our Event Management department.
It’s not an excuse, just a reason for the delayed follow up.
I have asked about any current plans to relocate to the Los Angeles area, but have not had a response.
I’d still like to know about that for any future opportunities we might have.
Best regards, [HR rep]
I simply told her again I'm not interested and to remove my application from the pool. She has yet to apologize and own up to her mistake. Now that I think about it, she never even called me by my name — like AT ALL. Unbelievable.
Then the ED responded to my grievance message:
Hello IWANNAKNOWWHODUNIT,
Thank you for reaching out and bringing this matter to our attention. The Pasadena Center Operating Company strives for exceptional service in all areas of management and operations, so any and all feedback are greatly appreciated and valued.
It is truly unfortunate that you did not have a pleasant and professional experience during the application and recruitment process. We hope that we will have another opportunity to change your thoughts and negative experience into a positive one.
Our apologies of our shortcomings but thank you for bringing this to our attention, so that we can improve in our services and processes. Thank you again for the important provided feedback.
Kind regards, ED
I dunno, but this seems generic to me. I don't even want to respond tbh, but I'm open to suggestions.
Anyway, that's it for now. The lesson? You do not have to put up with the bullshit. We deserve better and HR reps can to do better. Like a commenter said, some companies might not even be aware of these issues. Your advocacy could potentially make a difference internally.