I submitted my résumé through their website and heard back very quickly. An interview was scheduled for the following week. Online communication was professional and I was really excited to go in and learn more about them. Because I was currently employed, coming in for an interview meant that I had to take time off from work.
The interview itself was the oddest one I have ever experienced in my career. I met with one person while an employee at their desk listened in, which is very strange when you are being asked about details such as potential salary. For about 5-10 minutes he asked me ordinary questions that you'd expect in an interview, most of them not really specific to web design. Some of the questions were really random, signaling to me he didn't actually read my résumé. I asked him if he wanted to see my portfolio, to which he said "no" because he "already looked at it online." I've never met a creative leader that didn't want to learn more about a designer's process and discuss the work they've created as part of their career experience.
After his brief questioning, he then asked me if I had any questions. I asked questions about their processes, collaboration, business, and team. He answered with very short replies, making it difficult to keep conversation going. Then he'd look at me and say—over and over again—"What else do you got for me?" It was very strange.
When I went to leave, I extended my hand for a handshake and thanked him for bringing me in. He shook my hand and said, "Thanks for coming in, dear." I was stunned! He said it again on my way out a minute later as I was closing the door.
He did have the courtesy to follow up with me a few days later to say they hired someone else. But in all honesty, I don't even think a job opening existed, and if it did they had already found someone at the time of my interview. ACS Creative is always advertising openings, so either they are combing the local talent pool or they have a high turnover rate.
I've never been on such a weird, unprofessional interview during my years of experience in web design and development. As a woman, I always considered myself lucky to have never had a brush with misogyny in the tech industry, but there's a first time for everything. This interview really makes me wonder what kind of service they provide for their clients. After my interview I did some further research and read on a business review website that this particular individual tells clients to "Google it" when they have a question. Not good.