Classmates Interview Questions
& Process

I applied for the Social Media Manager role at Classmates / PeopleConnect, a hybrid position with a salary range of $122,100 – $159,200. After several interview rounds, I received an offer and tried to negotiate within the posted salary range and confirm hybrid work details. The recruiter found my email 'concerning' and rescinded the offer. The salary range posted was $122,100 – $159,200, and my offer was at the low end. I countered within the range, but the recruiter called it 'unreasonable' and refused negotiation, which is concerning legally. The job was listed as hybrid, but they wanted someone full-time in-office within a year, which wasn't disclosed earlier. My request to push my start date by a week was also rejected. I asked about resources for ambitious social media growth goals, and they rescinded my offer. They asked me to complete a project for the in-person panel interview—a detailed social media strategy, which I developed and brought to present. They seemed hesitant to return my copy, wanting to keep it. The recruiter said I should be 'grateful' for the offer. The negotiation handling was unprofessional.

So I had a phone interview with the recruiter first, then a phone interview with the hiring manager, and then an in-person interview with some of the team and the hiring manager again. Each interview was about 45 minutes. The recruiter was kinda all over the place, she forgot she moved the start time up an hour and didn't tell anyone, so it messed up everyone's schedule. Honestly, I wasn't too impressed with the team, felt like they were mostly average people.

I found the job on their website and applied, and a recruiter called me back the very next day. She was great and easy to work with. After the recruiting interview, they scheduled me to come in. I had three interviews then: first with a group of PMs (sometimes it's one-on-one instead), then with the hiring manager, and finally with the SVP of the group if it looked like a hire. It was a pretty easy process overall. The process included a recruiter phone screen and two phone discussions total. Then there was a group interview with 5 Program Managers (about 1 hour, fairly easy). After that, a 1-on-1 with the hiring manager (1 hour) and another 1-on-1 with the hiring manager's manager (1 hour).

I spoke with the Director of HR + Recruiting, who was great. The executive team members were all super smart and friendly. I really enjoyed meeting everyone. There's a massive opportunity to grow here.