The way the co-founder kept looking at me during my interview
Screw it. I’ll take the bait. Here’s my #MeToo story. One of many. It may not seem like much to some people, but it is to me. When I interviewed at this startup, one of my interviewers was the COO. I immediately felt uncomfortable with him. It was one of those moments where he didn't say anything inappropriate, but I was definitely uncomfortable with the way he was looking at me. These situations can be challenging, because I couldn't really point to anything concrete, but I didn't feel that discomfort with any of the other men that I interviewed with. I wasn't very interested in the job, but my contract at another startup was almost up and I needed to pay rent so I took it. Before I agreed to take it though, I called the recruiter to let her know that I felt uncomfortable with the COO. She emailed me a follow up, saying she let the head of HR know about this and that she would reach out to me. I never heard from her, and the COO didn't ever bring it up with me when I joined the company. When I accepted the offer, he sent me a private email saying that I did a "spectacular" job in the interview process and that he was excited that I accepted the offer. It did not end spectacularly and it was one of the worst working environments I’ve ever been in. I’ll add more to this post later, I just need to take a break and contemplate if I want to post the name of the company and the name of the coo. I honestly do want to post both, but the founders are garbage people and I don’t know if I want them coming after me. But believe me when I say #MeToo. Very much #Metoo 😕
Like undressing you with his eyes looking at you? Gross
Ya. It was like I was incredibly uncomfortable and he started saying things to impress me and then kept looking at me like I was a piece of meat. I’ve honestly never had a more uncomfortable interview in my life. The entire vibe there was vomit-inducing even after the interview and when I was actually working there. I’m going to get some of my other former coworkers to also share their interview experience they had with him and just their experience working there on here because I am not the only one.
Sorry to hear that. Yes, if there are people with similar experiences then that indicates a pattern ...much easier to prosecute(and/or lot easier for VCs to force the founders out) if it gets to that. Also there is a balancing act while whistling out - 1st amdmnt, libel. So please ensure you follow that. #staystrong.
That’s an incredibly juvenile question. Men shouldn’t be overtly looking at certain parts of me during an interview. I think that’s fair.
@Meta typical denier or just really bad problem solving skill?
I’m so sorry you had to experience this. No matter what your decision is, in outing the company and/or person in question, know that their failures of character are theirs alone. Stay strong and stay steady. ✊
On should guard eyes, actions and words, all n all for the well being of humanity.
Sorry - but i will ask, were u dressed professionally for an interview? Was there anything provocative from your side?
What do you mean by provocative? Do you feel female talking about their career experience provocative? I just can’t understand what can be provocative during the job interview.
Maybe your dress? Maybe a candid discussion which moved off the professional limits? I am just trying to play the Devils advocate here.
Tell me about it. now all the triggered alt-righters like yourself are coming out.
What location and what kind of startup if you can divulge
Yeah OP, tear this fucker down. My wife has told me stories similar to this and it makes me so angry.
I logged on and checked Blind like I usually do when I can’t sleep and I’m seeing all these #MeToo posts. I definitely was expecting that. I just wanted to see if there were any funny surveys haha. That being said, I do support you all. I can’t claim to know what you all are going through, because I honestly have no idea how any of this feels. What I can say though is that it is unfair and it must end.
Absolutely call out the company. I wouldn’t disclose your name or the role, but public shaming is the only way for it to stop. Look at Hollywood right now, i bet it’s second guessing a lot of behaviors now with all the visibility.
I am sorry you felt this way.. no one should feel uncomfortable around anyone else especially at work.. I am sorry if this pushed you out of the company but am relieved that you were able to get out of the toxic environment.. I applaud you for the courage to write about it and get it off your chest. I dont have an opinion on whether you should name shame the person.. that is completely your decision but I wish you strength and courage through this. God bless And yes I am a man but that shouldn’t matter.