I completed an initial 30-minute in-person interview at Just Salad's Midtown Manhattan office, which required significant travel time. After the first round, I asked if subsequent interviews could be conducted virtually, given the commute. I was told no - they preferred all interviews to be in person.
I respected their preference and returned for a second in-person interview lasting 45 minutes, where I met with two additional team members. The conversations seemed positive, and I sent professional follow-up emails to everyone I met with. They responded to my follow-ups, which suggested continued interest in my candidacy.
Then - complete silence. No update on next steps, no rejection, no communication whatsoever despite their engagement just days before.
Four months later, I saw the same position reposted, indicating they never successfully filled the role. After requiring two in-person trips to Midtown, responding positively to my follow-ups, and ghosting me entirely, they were back at square one.
I was a loyal Just Salad customer for 10 years before this process. The way I was treated as a candidate has permanently changed that relationship - I will never step foot inside a Just Salad again or spend another dollar there. When a company treats candidates this poorly, it raises questions about how they treat everyone.
For prospective candidates: Be prepared for a process that requires in-person attendance with no flexibility, followed by potential ghosting even after what appears to be mutual interest and active communication. The lack of closure after investing time in multiple commutes was particularly frustrating.
