I interviewed for a Marketing Director role and my experience was, to say the least, frustrating and devaluing.
To begin with, the starting base salary for the role was $130k, which is below the standard in the Toronto area for similar roles. I have been approached for other Director-level positions starting at $150-175k. This low-ball figure immediately gave me the impression that the company undervalued the work that would be required for the position.
The process itself was equally disappointing. There was a blatant disregard for my time. My scheduled hiring manager interview was abruptly cancelled at the last possible minute, and even then, when the rescheduled time arrived, I was left waiting with no apology or explanation for their delay. This lack of punctuality seemed to underline a lack of professionalism and respect for candidates.
What really surprised me though, was that right after a simple recruiter call, they dropped a two-part case study in my lap. It was a massive assignment that could easily take a full day. And honestly, being asked to do this so early in the process just felt strange. It made me wonder if they were looking to get some free ideas or even work out of me.
In light of the low salary, lack of respect for my time, and the exhausting case study, I decided to withdraw from the hiring process. I believe that any prospective employer should treat their candidates with respect and value their time, and I didn't see that in Integrate AI. The job application process is a two-way street, and unfortunately, Integrate AI fell short. I hope my feedback will encourage Integrate AI to reflect on their recruitment process and make the necessary changes to ensure a respectful and considerate experience for all future candidates.