Disclaimer: I have experienced the other side of the table with recruitment. I'm familiar with learning from applicants as much as they learn about you (the company). It's not a new concept, but if done objectively, it allows companies to learn what attracts qualified job seekers shopping around new companies, especially social enterprises creating an identity beyond "culture" and the "about us" homepage. Also, I know it's a challenge to be on the front line of hundreds of resumes and identify a small percentage of phone screens to weed out the strongest candidates. BUT within minutes in the phone screen, the recruiter set a brooding tone and all of the warning signs that others reported came to pass.
My fine-tuned cover letter, my background in non-profit work, and most recent sales/ customer service experience at their direct competitor made me an ideal candidate. I read all of the company's employee reviews and interview reviews for my role. I was convinced that I was on the right track as I prepared for everything previous applicants reported (hours of company research, sales tax calculations for the area, practicing responses to common questions, outlining how each of my previous jobs would bring transferable skills to the table - if not directly, and defining what "beyond conflict free" meant to me with my personal and professional experience in mind).
On a Sunday evening, I was e-mailed to schedule an interview within less than a week of submitting my application online. When my interviewer started the call a few days later, there was a hint of fatigue, apathy, and routine in her tone. I'm comfortable working a room and creating conversations one-on-one but the interviewer didn't give much positivity or conversationalism(?), whatsoever. While she asked generic questions about handling difficult customers and my leadership style, her energy peaked when asking about my previous employer, a global, fine jewelry competitor. She asked very specific questions about the inner workings of their training and operation, and wasn't very concerned about my contributions to their business. I found this odd because I had multiple measurements outlined in my resume and cover letter, but then I remembered another interview reviewer mentioning the same thing. I kid you not - to every answer to her interview questions, her response was a weak "Great". I asked 5 questions at the end of the interview, including a question on any reservations she would have with my application. At the time, she said no - further suggesting I was a strong candidate. Within a week's time, I got an e-mail saying I wasn't a good fit. I was disappointed but not surprised.
TL;DR -- Do yourself a favor - read the employee reviews across the company and consider that an engaged employer on Glassdoor would activate the power of transparency and alleviate the gross reports by current and/or former employees. Even other employees giving glowing reviews don't negate what others criticize, which is telling. Protect your intellectual capital and don't allow the business leadership you've developed to be eaten by vultures preying on unemployed or underemployed candidates. If you don't have an internal referral, I would consider looking elsewhere.