GRID Alternatives Interview Questions
& Process

I applied for this job about 8-9 months ago and had an initial HR call shortly after. They said I'd hear back in a week or two, but then silence for two months. I got a rejection email, then two months after that, someone from a non-HR team reached out saying the job was on hold and they were still interested, even though the email had the wrong name on it. Despite the confusing and conflicting info, I agreed to continue. I had three interviews spaced out over several months with very little communication in between, which made me feel like they were waiting to find someone else. Then, out of the blue one evening, HR called asking for a final interview that week. The same team from the second interview was on the call, and they told me they had 17 questions in 60 minutes and I should keep my answers to under 2.5 minutes each. I didn't learn much about the role during this time. It took about six weeks after that for any feedback. The company got a big funding boost, and then I got an offer about 4 months after they re-engaged me and six weeks after the final interview. They told me I was their top choice, which was weird given the whole process. The offer was less than my current salary and hadn't changed from when I first applied 9 months ago, despite the increased scope from the new funding. They pressured me to decide quickly, within about a week. When I asked to see the formal offer, the letter said I had 3 days, but the next day it was voided because I hadn't responded yet. I was told they wanted someone decisive and excited about the offer amount.

The interview process was quite disorganized, with short notice for preparation. While the staff were great, some leadership and board members were not. Their behavior was problematic, like cutting me off mid-answer, which would be draining. There was no time for me to ask questions. I had to prepare a presentation, but the staff needed to be briefed on it during the interview. In the first interview, after 12-13 questions in 58 minutes, the head of HR asked about the root cause of poverty. After the fourth interview, I was ghosted and two months later received a generic rejection email. It felt like a waste of time, and I'm glad I didn't get the job for my mental health.

The process was well-organized and they stuck to their schedule. It started with a recruiter screening, and she mentioned I'd hear back within two weeks. Exactly two weeks later, I got an email inviting me for an in-person interview at their local office. I met with the director and VP there, and I felt the interview went really well. They informed me about two more interviews scheduled for that week and said a decision would be made quickly. By Friday, I hadn't heard anything, and I figured I didn't get the job. The following week, the recruiter emailed to let me know they'd chosen someone else. I asked for feedback but received very little. However, the next day, the person I interviewed with contacted me and gave a more detailed explanation of their decision, which I truly appreciated. He mentioned they were impressed with me and even offered to help me find another role within the company. Overall, I found the experience to be positive, as they didn't waste my time or keep me waiting unnecessarily.

I had an initial HR chat that went well, and they followed up with some emailed questions that I answered via email, which was a bit time-consuming. Then I had a follow-up interview with 6 senior people, including the CEO. I thought it went okay, but looking back, I could have answered some questions better. My main issue was with the follow-up. They said I'd hear back within two weeks, win or lose. It's been four weeks, and I still haven't heard anything after they specifically said they wouldn't leave candidates hanging and that I was one of 5/6 candidates they were considering. It was strange because I liked the company and its leaders, but the lack of response was a red flag after they made such a point of saying I'd hear back.