Started off with an initial HR virtual screen, asking about my background. I was then tracked to meet with my immediate supervisor, the GM and VP of the Milady business unit, where we discussed how I managed product teams, handle strategy, and my previous AI initiatives. From there, I meet with the Director of Marketing, a peer of mine, for a similar conversation. From here, I am to meet with two individuals who would be on my product team with me, asking about my leadership style from strategy to delivery. Another round is scheduled with Cengage's SVP of Product Management, where we have discussions on my background, product philosophy, a few case style questions. Everything from here is going well, I am sending thank you letters and follow-ups in between each round. I receive another email from who would be my immediate supervisor, the GM and VP of the Milady business unit, asking me if I can meet with one more person, a Cengage Strategy Director. I have this meeting as well, and we both seemed to be in alignment. I send a follow-up and thank you. Weeks go by, nothing. I send another follow-up, and then another a few weeks later, nothing. Cengage just ghosted me after this entire process. No form letter saying I am rejected, no email explaining why, absolutely nothing. Not a good and professional look on their part.

Applied online. About a month later got an email from a recruiter asking to set up an initial phone interview. I sent back some availability, he confirmed, and at that date and time...I got ghosted. I emailed him about 25 past the hour to ask where he was, as I had double confirmed in my email I was correct. Hours later I got back an apology email about getting pulled into a meeting, could we reschedule for later that week? Here’s the best part - if I never emailed asking for a reason as to why the recruiter never showed up for a phone interview he set up, would he have even contacted me to reschedule or apologize? Based on mediocre Glassdoor reviews and the fact this is how they are treating Director-level candidates, I can’t imagine this is a company worth working for. Actions speak louder than words.