IFF Interview Questions
& Process

I had an interview scheduled, and right from the start, it seemed like the hiring manager wasn't really considering me for the job. They kept asking why I wanted the position and my interest in it, even after I'd already answered multiple times. They mentioned at first they were interested in my background and wanted to include me for diversity, but then they kept saying I wasn't the candidate they were looking for, which was confusing since they interviewed me when they apparently already knew there was no chance. I guess I appreciate the time and interest, but it felt like I didn't get a real shot.

It was a group interview, we started by introducing ourselves and briefly talking about our backgrounds. Then, we were divided into teams to solve a practical case about how to improve efficiency in a production line and ensure product quality. During the activity, I had the chance to contribute ideas, listen to my colleagues, and coordinate some tasks, which allowed us to work in an organized manner. The recruiter observed our communication, how we collaborated, and the creativity in our proposals. In the end, we shared our conclusions and they explained the next steps of the process.

The interview process began with an HR scheduling request that offered no flexibility. This was followed by an interview with the hiring manager, which was rescheduled multiple times, sometimes just a few hours before it was due to start, showing a lack of consideration for the candidate's schedule. After the manager interview, no feedback or decision was provided until weeks later when I had to ask. This experience didn't give me a good impression of what it would be like to work at IFF, either in terms of how the organization functions or its mindset.

The role works very closely with sales team so the first screening round was with a sales director, then 2nd round with a global product line director, 3rd with product manager and business leader with HRBP present. Overall the interview wasn't that difficult as long as you do some basic homework on the product line you're getting into and know your past experience inside out. What became a dealbreaker for me was the HR that kept in contact with me didn't tell me about a major contractual issue just before the 3rd round, which was that the signing entity can't be where I work and reside while HR assured me "candidate can be working in different city" without revealing the rest of the sentence which was "but we can only pay your social insurance elsewhere". This was extremely unprofessional and I felt so ambushed and surprised. I think they're neither happy with me feeling this way lol. At the end I didn't hear back from the HR anymore after the 3rd round. I knew they'll be moving forward with other candidates and hence the ghosting. I won't rate this hiring process professional nor pleasant.