I experienced 7 total interviews for the Career Development Specialist position spanning a 4 week period.
The inside recruiter was professional in following up and guiding me along in the recruitment process leading up to the interviews. I generally enjoyed how I was treated by him and his aide. I felt respected and welcomed the entire time as a professional and not just some "thirsty applicant".
My profile matched the job description perfectly, but it was abundantly clear throughout the interviews that they were looking for someone to build out what would eventually be its own department and that is a monumental task especially on a global level servicing 5,000 employees. I sensed that since this initiative is demanded by the CEO there is going to be a lot of resistance to actually get anything done. I was told by the hiring manager that, if given the position, there would be people demanding "Why you (for this position)," without much explanation as to what that actually meant...
Asking someone to find their own resources by negotiating with different departments to get things done, trying to sell the purpose and need for global career development programming for 5000 employees to lots of stakeholders (some who may not even have anything to do with the programming), on a mid-level salary is a lot to ask from someone. Either you take a calculated risk with the potential talent and see what happens based on performance on what seems to be largely an experimental role or you double down your bets and pay the big bucks to get an established expert with the granted authority and resources to make it happen. There is no in between. I recommend to the recruiter that they should think about hiring an actual director and double the salary with the aspirational goals they want to achieve.
Therefore, if you're reading this and are considering this position, think again OR, if you've got what it takes, ask for double and get assurances that you'll have unified support from executive leadership. You're going to need it to make it worth your while.
After the final interview, I was told by the hiring manager that the recruiter would follow up with me the following Monday. That did not happen. I had to follow up twice on my own to know more. The main recruiter did call me immediately and I felt for him because he sounded disappointed because my profile was (on paper) a match but simply didn't meet their expectations. I was told that I "was not a right fit" without any explanation as to why. I have since followed up to learn more.
I enjoyed meeting with everyone during the process. Some, I felt, I could even be friends with. I admired all of their efforts, backgrounds, and wished to have been included in the well-spring of knowledge these individuals bring to their respective field. What they're trying to do is admirable, but they'll have to rethink their strategy.
I do feel used in a sense that I was just part of their research to figure out what they really want when it comes to building career development programming. But, I would work there if given the right opportunities and adequate support and resources to do my job effectively and harmoniously.
The campus is indeed beautiful. The restaurant in which I had a lunch interview was lovely. The location can't be beat. Overall, good experience - not a fun way to end the process, but I take it all in stride and understand the reality of the situation. Some asked to stay connected with me afterwards and that says a lot about the good people there. Best wishes on this effort and I hope they make a positive impact on their employee's lives and careers.