I applied via LinkedIn and was contacted by the internal recruiter before the end of the day. We arranged a time for a phone screening and discussed the position, my experience etc. I was then scheduled for a phone interview with the hiring manager.
The evening before my phone interview, the recruiter called and asked me to write up a summary of my experience saying, "she really wants to be sure that you are a good communicator." Since I had written a detailed cover letter with my resume, I asked if that would suffice. The recruiter admitted that he hadn't read my letter. He read it and said that while I had effectively described my experience with a specific software, that he wanted me to elaborate on other aspects of the position. He gave me an hour to get it done, so I sat down and wrote it.
When it came time for the phone interview, the hiring manager went through some very rote questions, one of which was "Tell me about a time you managed a large project." I described my project and my challenges and what I did to overcome them. I got no feedback, other than a monotone, "That's a great story.'
I was told that they would be interviewing through the next week and bringing people in the week after for on-campus interviews. I expected to hear something one way or another. Two weeks passed and I had heard nothing. I emailed the recruiter who apologized and explained that the hiring manager was hung up on a project, and he thanked me for my patience.
I've heard nothing since.
I'm disappointed that no further communication has been forthcoming, not even a "thanks but no thanks" ESPECIALLY since I initiated contact and was told that the wheels were still grinding.
This experience gives me the impression that because the company is desirable that they don't really respect the time of their applicants.