I applied online and was contacted by an intern from the company's HQ in the Netherlands to set up the recruiter screening. She asked if I had experience with IWMS software (says so in my resume) and if I was planning to relocate for the job (the office is 40 minutes from where I live. And they have Google in the Netherlands.)
Because of the time difference and the fact that they screen via Skype, it took some back and forth to set up a time. There didn't seem to be any understanding that I would need to *stay home* from my full time job to arrange a Skype, where a phone interview can often be done during a work day. I detected some impatience in the last e-mail indicating the time offered was the “final” one available.
When the Skype session opened, the Recruiter’s first words were “oh, you’re so dressed up.” (I was wearing a blazer. I get that it’s a software company, but still - it was a little unnerving.)
We exchanged pleasantries, and she began with her first question: “Tell me something about yourself – but not something I’d find on your resume. Tell me something personal, about your family, your home, etc.” I was flabbergasted, and had to really stop and think of something personal-ish that would seem interview-appropriate. I landed on a benign-sounding personal interest.
At the end of the interview, I was told my next contact would be from someone in the US office, and my next interview would also be via Skype. I waited for this contact, but it never came. Finally, I got a call from the intern who left a message asking me to call her at a number in the Netherlands at a particular time. I don’t have international service on my cell phone, so I e-mailed her and asked her to call me. She did, and awkwardly told me that I would not continue as a candidate because they were looking for someone with experience in Software Implementation. (It’s clear from my resume that I do not.) That said, I am grateful I got a call - so many companies do not follow up in this way.