Seven Rounds Later: The Unspoken Truth About Hiring

May 27, 2025

By Robert McIntosh - Senior Marketing and Communications leader | Growth Driver | Creative Technician | Brand Storyteller | Expert at product launch programs | Customer research | Employee communications | DEI programs.

I recently completed seven rounds of interviews for a senior marketing role. Let me break it down: Five hours of calls, panels, presentations, case studies, and follow-ups. I prepared diligently and took the time to understand the company, its culture, its business, and community goals. I was energized and optimistic.

They told me they were looking for someone strategic. Someone creative. A strong communicator. A collaborative team player. Someone even with DEI and Indigenous partnership experience, who could lead through a crisis and build trust inside and outside the organization.

I thought – that’s me! I believed I could excel in the role because the different facets interested me, and I have meaningful experience in all of them. And the cherry on top? I would have an opportunity to work with AI, which I use today as part of my marketing toolkit, and I’ve also written several times about the transformational nature of AI for marketers.

Over time, I became adept using ChatGPT and other AI tools, creating and running an online art gallery, www.elliottbest.com, where I can bring together the things I get excited about – visual arts, story telling, world history, technology, and digital marketing.
One of the reasons I started Elliott Best is that I wanted to have my own example of perseverance and personal growth that I did on my own, to share with customers and potential employers.

I came ready to the interviews — with stories, results, leadership moments, and a genuine passion for the work. I made every effort to show up as both accomplished and open, informed, and humble.

And yet… I didn’t get the job. No feedback. No insight. Just silence. And then a form-letter email arrived. I responded with a sense of hope, that I really enjoyed the experience and will continue to look on their job board. And I graciously asked if they had any feedback I could take on board so my next efforts would be successful.

Nada, no response.

I’m not naïve. I know there are many reasons someone might not be selected, so many variables out of one’s control. But when you’ve been through these enough times and gotten to the final round enough times, you can’t help but be left wondering.

This kick-in-the-gut interview experience was the spark that created my new podcast series, “Not Done Yet,” because anyone of any age or background deserves a seat at the table, brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity.

That’s why I decided to tell you everything I know about marketing, and what I’ve learned creating www.elliottbest.com, key messaging, site design, and preparing for the age of AI.

Have you experienced what you think may have been ageism in your job search or professional journey? How did it show up? How did you manage it? Whether you're a candidate, recruiter, hiring manager, or leader—your stories matter.

If we’re serious about building inclusive teams, we need to include every generation in the conversation. Ageism is real. And it’s time we talked about it.

/Rob

So I would love if you come and look around my website. I took an idea, learned how to build a website, learned a ton of new apps and screwing up more times I can count. Let me know if you see anything you like! And of course, feedback is always welcome. :-)