I submitted my resume and filled out an application via their online employement site. The following day I was contacted to set up a phone interview with an HR screener. At the time I was scheduled for my interview I was contacted by an associate, again asking me to set up an interview with an HR screener. This was an inconvenience because I had already rearranged my schedule for the first interview and due to their disorganization I again needed to alter my schedule.
After competing the phone interview I was informed that if interested, a hiring manager would be contacting me within 1-2 weeks. Two weeks came and past and at that point I assumed the company had decided not to pursue my application. A little over a month after my phone interview I was contacted by the regional service manager, I was asked if I was still interested in employment and if I would be available for an interview.
My interview was scheduled for the following week at the location I had applied, about 50 miles from my home (Relocation assistance was being offered with the position). Upon my arrival I was greeted by the regional HR manager (from another state) and brought to a waiting room where I was informed I would need to wait for two other parties participating in the panel interview.
The interview itself was a complete waste of my time, possibly one of the most unprofessional interviews I have ever had the misfortune to party to. I suddenly went from, on paper, qualified enough for the position to have regional managers come in from other cities and states to conduct the interview to being told I was far too unqualified for the position. I feel this has a great deal to do with my age and appearance. I have worked very hard to get where I am and have done so at a young age. To compound this I also look much younger than I am. I was referred to in the interview by the area supervisor as "young man" told that they would in no way in good conscience be able to place me in a supervisory capacity over technicians with experience in repairs exceeding my own age. I was "commended" for my courage in showing up for an interview that I was "So obviously unqualified for."
This company not only wasted my time, they have succeeded in insulting me as a human being. I was told the job description that was posted, the one I was well qualified for, was not really what they were looking for, and that someone like myself may be more comfortable taking an entry-level position fueling trucks or assisting mechanics. I took great offense to the attitudes of the individuals in attendance. I am not stupid, I know that for busy managers to travel such a distance I was obviously qualified, in every aspect other than years on the Earth.
A note to my experience, at the time of interviewing for this position I had recently been the Manager of a commercial/industrial repair facility with over $10M in annual sales/service receipts.
Please do not waste your time with this company, they are an absolute disgrace to equality and do not deserve to thrive in a modern society.