I had the opportunity to interview with the CEO, and while the conversation about the team and…read morecompany culture was insightful, I was surprised and disappointed by the offer. During the interview, I shared my expected salary and was told it was reasonable, so I expected an offer in that range. Instead, the offer came in significantly lower, and clearer communication about budget constraints from the start would have prevented this disappointment.
During the final offer meeting, discussions about benefits, health insurance, and holidays felt unprepared. Despite the CEO's years of experience, they seemed unsure about basic details, which felt unprofessional. I requested the employee handbook to review benefits and later followed up by email asking about insurance coverage. The response was that the information wasn't available and that I should consult the agent, which felt like being passed off.
Finally, I asked about a flexible schedule to accommodate daycare pickup for my child. The CEO rejected the request and ended the conversation abruptly with "I wish you the best of luck," which felt dismissive and left a very negative impression.
Overall, more preparation, transparency, and professional communication would have greatly improved the candidate experience.
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Thank you for taking the time to respond to my review.
I did say that your standard office hours of 9-5 is fine. When I asked about flexible hours, it was only to understand whether that was possible, and I proposed options after you requested that I do so.
You mentioned that as the CEO of a small company, you don't know every detail of the health insurance benefits. However, in smaller companies, it becomes even more important for employees to receive clear and accurate information about their health insurance options. Providing guidance on benefits is part of supporting employees' well-being, and it is also their right to fully understand the coverage available to them.
When company leadership is not familiar with these details, it can unintentionally leave employees without the essential support they need. Your job posting highlights a desire to hire highly skilled and capable employees, and offering appropriate information and guidance is an important part of creating an environment where talented employees feel valued.
You mentioned that your company feels like a family, and with a small team of 7, I hope that you continue to prioritize your employees' health and fair compensation. The job market is extremely challenging right now, and many graphic designers have lost their jobs. Please don't take advantage of that situation.
For your next hire, I hope my experience encourages the company to provide clear insurance plan information, keep the employee handbook updated, and connect with your insurance agent to ensure that employees receive basic and accurate benefit guidance.
I truly wish you the best in finding a talented designer who will be supported and treated with the respect they deserve.
