Ummm...I'm a headhunter and we would never, ever, treat our clients that way. We want folks to take the job.

I think it's a bit strange that no one is taking you to lunch. We wouldn't do that at my firm; it's actually the best way to test "fit." PP is probably right about HR not managing the process well. IDK. PPs are right, it could be worse.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mid level @ consulting firm = $250K base + $75K bonus.

Suck it the fuck up and eat lunch on your own.

Hmmm....My DH is exec level at a well-known consulting firm and he is at $200K + $70K bonus.

Then he's getting screwed. McKinsey, Bain, BCG all pay their engagement managers in the 200 to 250 range. Hell, even PWC and Deloitte do. Exec level? He should be at $400-$500K.

OP, another thing to consider is the economy. I don't know if you are looking at a commercial consulting firm, where salaries are going to be larger, or government contracting where salaries are far more tied to the government pay scale. Mid-career subject matter expert/consultants make a far different salary than mid-level executives who work at corporate headquarters. When I was hired by my defense contractor company, it was back in the early 2000s. Expense accounts were large, and they'd take anyone and everyone to lunch including fairly junior hires.

The world has changed. Expense accounts are scaled back. And, I mean this respectfully, you may have an advanced degree but you only have 5yrs of experience. So, unless you are the tippy-top candidate for a special position and you have lots of others pursuing you, my guess is that they don't have the money to take to lunch every candidate for non-executive jobs.

That being said, it is strange that the interview couldn't go straight through. I.e. John interview you from 11:00-12. He gets to eat lunch afterwards. Sarah eats an early lunch and interviews you from 12-1pm. You plan ahead and have a filling snack at 10:30 before the interviews start and then have lunch at 1:30 or 2. I wouldn't stress about it. Does the company have a cafeteria? Eat there and see if you can strike up a conversation or two, or at least eavesdrop!

Good luck in your job search.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here's my guess: They are having you interview with people in different departmetns, and no one is managing the process well. The HR is just scheduling but not managing it. So one dept before lunch and another after lunch.

Totally agree.

We did have someone interview once when no one was available for lunch but it was because he'd requested specific timing and we accommodated the best we could. We did order in lunch for him to eat in the conference room.

OP here.

For the record, the position does not pay 200k or anything like that. I said mid-level because I have a graduate degree and 5 years work experience so it's not entry level.

This post wasn't a complaint about having to buy my own lunch; I was curious as to what the industry standard is and if the schedule means something. I've been through interviews similar to this before and there were several rounds and tests and all sorts of hoops to jump though. I just wanted to know if this gap/no lunch business was an indication of how they value me as a candidate or my time before I continue to invest in the interview process with this firm.

I contacted someone at the firm through a friend (after searching on Linkedin) and we are planning to go to lunch that day. Thanks for that suggestion. Thanks for the others who confirmed that it is a little unusual.

Anonymous wrote:Here's my guess: They are having you interview with people in different departmetns, and no one is managing the process well. The HR is just scheduling but not managing it. So one dept before lunch and another after lunch.

Totally agree.

We did have someone interview once when no one was available for lunch but it was because he'd requested specific timing and we accommodated the best we could. We did order in lunch for him to eat in the conference room.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mid level @ consulting firm = $250K base + $75K bonus.

Suck it the fuck up and eat lunch on your own.

Hmmm....My DH is exec level at a well-known consulting firm and he is at $200K + $70K bonus.

Really? He may want to renegotiate. I was semi senior in a boutique firm and got in the $450-500 range. And that's lower than the equivalent in the big firms.

Anonymous wrote:Mid level @ consulting firm = $250K base + $75K bonus.

Suck it the fuck up and eat lunch on your own.

Hmmm....My DH is exec level at a well-known consulting firm and he is at $200K + $70K bonus.

Mid level @ consulting firm = $250K base + $75K bonus.

Suck it the fuck up and eat lunch on your own.

Can you just ask whether there is someone who would be at your level that you can take to lunch and chat with? Definitely offer to take that person and don't expect them to pay for you, but it could be a great chance to find out more about the workplace.

Anonymous wrote:I have one meeting at 11, then I am on my own for lunch, and supposed to come back at 1 for another meeting. This sort of seems like they don't think my time is important.

At least you have an interview and it's not like one interview and 9am and another at 5pm or you have to stay overnight. If you figure an hour for the interview that gives you an hour for lunch before your next meeting. I think that's fair. Your an adult, so I'm sure your more than capable of packing a lunch or eating somewhere.

Do you want the job or not? then STFU and stop whining! You're fortunate to be in your situation. Grow up an realize that they are in the driver's seat, not you. They owe you nothing. Dont like it, dont interview

Signed,
An Unemployed (for 1yr+) highly skilled executive who would jump at the chance to be in your shoes.

Yes, I think it's rude. They should take you to lunch.

Here's my guess: They are having you interview with people in different departmetns, and no one is managing the process well. The HR is just scheduling but not managing it. So one dept before lunch and another after lunch.

I once had an 8 hour interview where i had 15 minutes for lunch and to change my clothes.