When an Interview Turns into an Ambush: My Unforgettable Encounter with HR

I recently had an experience that left me both bewildered and frustrated, and I feel compelled to share it in hopes that others can relate or learn from my ordeal.

In early 2024, I received a message from a company I had applied to some time ago. The tone of their communication suggested that they wanted to discuss my professional background and explore potential opportunities with their organization. Naturally, I was excited and rearranged my day, taking time off work, to prepare for what I believed was a significant interview.

However, when the call commenced, I quickly realized that I was not in a typical interview setting at all. Instead, I found myself on the receiving end of an aggressive rant from the HR director, who was confronting me about a comment I had made on their website. In my post, I simply pointed out that international experience is often overlooked during the hiring process, particularly by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). My intention was to highlight a broader issue, not to direct accusations at their company.

Despite my attempts to clarify my statement and explain that I wasn’t suggesting any form of discrimination, the HR director continued to raise her voice. I offered apologies for any misunderstanding and expressed my gratitude for the feedback, hoping to steer the conversation back to a more professional tone. Unfortunately, the call ended abruptly with her declaring me “not qualified” due to my transition from external Audit to internal Audit five years ago. It appeared that this career shift had rendered me undesirable in her eyes.

I have never faced an encounter like this before. While being rejected for a position is disheartening, being misled into thinking I was participating in a constructive conversation—only to be ambushed and disrespected—felt particularly jarring.

As someone who has tirelessly worked, adapted, and accumulated diverse experiences across different countries, it is disheartening to feel that none of these efforts were acknowledged or valued.

I wanted to take a moment to share my story with the community. Has anyone else encountered a situation like this? How did you navigate it? Your insights could be valuable for those of us trying to make sense of such unexpected experiences in our professional journeys.