I applied online. I interviewed at Deutsche Telekom
Interview
I had a brief call with the HR representative for a position in Brno that perfectly matched my qualifications. The HR specialist mentioned that they would pass the information to the team in Slovakia and update me on the next steps.
A week later, I received an email that said:
“After we had a chance to find out more details about your qualification, motivation and personality, we realized that some of important position requirements are not fulfilled”.
I was genuinely shocked. In all my years of professional experience, I have never received feedback written so unprofessionally. Reputable companies usually say something like, “We’ve decided to proceed with other candidates despite your qualifications and experience.”
Considering my qualifications are a complete match for the role (even covering the optional requirements), and my motivation for applying - lack of projects at my current role due to the IT market downturn - is entirely reasonable, this feels like clear discrimination.
During the short HR call, we didn’t discuss anything related to my personality, apart from the fact that I’m not originally from Czechia/Slovakia and have been living here for only three years.
This response reeks of blatant discrimination. To write feedback in such an unprofessional manner seems almost deliberate, as though the goal was to belittle the candidate.
Naturally, I have no desire to work for such a company. However, I believe in leaving things better than I found them. That’s why I feel it’s important to notify the company’s management about this behavior and to help future applicants understand what kind of organization they’re dealing with.