This was an awful experience and if the complete lack of professionalism shown to me is telling of what the work culture at the aquarium is, I can only imagine how difficult it is to work there.
I applied to an online posting directly on the aquarium's website. The application was simple and straightforward. I received an automated confirmation email stating that my application had been accepted. Over the next 3 weeks, I heard nothing regarding my application and regularly checked the aquarium's career portal as instructed to see the status of my application.
After 3 weeks of complete silence, I had assumed that my application was passed over and I had moved on. On June 12th, I received an email from the aquarium asking for a phone interview and wondering if I was available that afternoon. I completely reorganized my schedule so I could participate. The interview lasted an hour and was very surface level but still a good interview.
As I was taught I sent a thank you email later that night which received no acknowledgment. After not hearing anything, on June 26th, I sent an email asking for an update. Still complete silence. Fast forward to today, August 15th, and I finally get a canned email telling me I've been rejected.
Listen, I understand if I am not the right fit for a role, but I believe everyone is entitled to the most basic level of professionalism. The aquarium's HR team fails to understand that concept and I cannot stress how awful this treatment is. It is 2024, just send an email, we aren't asking for you to call every candidate and explain. All we want is the most basic human courtesy.
I love the aquarium and live local to it. However, after this experience, I am struggling with supporting them in any way let alone looking at future employment opportunities.