I applied for the Career Transition Specialist (CTS) position mid-August 2020, when the position opened up. I received a call back regarding the position approximately one month later, in late September. An HR Assistant called for an introductory screening interview - they asked salary expectations, anticipated start date, etc and scheduled an interview with a member of management the next day.
The initial interview with the Interviewer acted as more of a screening type interview rather than an "actual" interview, lasting about 13 minutes. Asked about: salary expectations, start date, describe my role, etc. I was called by HR the next business day, who reiterated prior questions (salary, start date, etc) and scheduled *another* interview. Final interview lasted approximately 45 minutes with standard behavioral and situational questions. Interviewer stated that, "HR is making me ask you these [questions]" and presented as sincerely disinterested in the interview, judging by the tone of voice. Interviewer came across as having already decided on a candidate and only interviewing myself as a formality. At the conclusion, Interviewer answered questions and provided an estimated time when candidate would be chosen.
Received a definite answer - "you were not selected" about one week later from HR, with the caveat that the other candidate had "a little more experience" than myself. After reviewing the process, I got the distinct impression that the favored candidate was selected over the more experienced candidate. The general disinterested attitude by the Interviewer during the formal interview only reinforced that belief.
