I recently interviewed with Colonial Pipeline and left disappointed by the experience, especially considering the company’s repeated emphasis on its “RAISE” values and respectful workplace culture. The panel came across as cold, antagonistic, and overly rigid throughout the process. One interviewer kept an aggressive tone during questioning, another had their camera off the entire interview, and there was a noticeable lack of professionalism and mutual respect toward communications as a function. Rather than a conversation about strategy, leadership, or fit, the interview felt heavily focused on rapid-fire STAR questions requiring highly specific metrics and rehearsed storytelling. I understand structured interviews have their place, but this felt less like a professional discussion and more like being interrogated for memorized talking points. For a company that speaks so heavily about culture and values, the actual candidate experience did not reflect those principles.

The recruiter at Colonial Pipeline who I spoke with did not provide a good candidate experience. Perhaps she was having a bad day but she sounded rather bored, disengaged and irritable during the phone interview. It was quite a strange phone interview. If this is any indication of Colonial Pipeline’s work culture, I’m thankful I did not move forward in their interview process. Recruiters are representative of the companies they work for. You need to put your most positive recruiters in place to really sell your organization. Interviewing is a two-way street. It has to be the right opportunity for candidates as well. Do not waste candidates’ time if you are having a bad day or do not feel engaged in conducting phone interviews. Simply reschedule the phone interview with another recruiter or hiring manager. Our time is valuable as well. Also, please remember to put yourself in the candidate’s shoes. You were also a candidate at one time throughout your career. Put your ego to the side and be mindful of your tone when you speak with candidates. Common courtesy goes a long way.