I went to Lucidiom headquarters for an interview and after a painful ten minutes with the 'HR' Director (actually the VP of Finance... They outsource their HR), I interviewed with two other managers. Luckily, the other two interviews went well and I was left with an overall good impression of the company. Unfortunately, the person I would report to was the VP of Finance/the person who actually made me want to get up and end the interview early! I swallowed my concerns and reminded myself that every company has a variety of employees and to have an open mind. Shortly there after, I received an offer. I completed the forms, asked a few questions, and returned the signed offer less than a week later.
After accepting the new position, I respectfully let my current employer know that I was leaving and gave my notice. Though Lucidiom wanted me to start as soon as possible, I wanted to offer my current employer enough time to backfill the position. I assumed that this is what Lucidiom would want as well if the situation were reversed as it is a good business practice.
My start date at Lucidiom fell on a holiday that is ofter not observed. My current employer offered the day to me as it would have technically been my last day of a strict two week notice, but I declined as I assumed it would be best to start as soon as I could with Lucidiom. Days before I was supposed to start, I received an email telling me that my start date would be moved back as they too recognized the holiday. I asked if I would still technically start on the holiday and thus be covered or if I needed to resign a new letter. I was subsequently told that I would not be covered by the holiday and then told that I would not be given holiday pay for the first 90 days of employment (something conveniently left out of any previous benefit discussions). When I questioned this policy, I was told that I could have Thanksgiving and Christmas as a FAVOR. It was at this point I began to worry.
My biggest concern was that my manager would also be my doorway to any formalized HR. This would have definitely been a conflict of interest if I were to encounter any problems (which seemed rather likely as I had already been asked to change my name since there was someone else employed with the same first name...). Because policies were becoming unclear even though I had previously asked several questions regarding benefits, etc. I asked if there was someone I needed to speak with at the outsourced HR company to better understand what I could expect. I was abruptly told that there was no one else to speak with and nothing more. The following evening (two days before I was supposed to start), I received an email telling me that my offer was rescinded and wishing me good luck with my future endeavors. Thanks so much!
Looking back, there were so many red flags along the way. Lucidiom is a small business, but I have never interviewed with a company that didn't request information for a background check. They also never inquired about my salary, never asked if I had committed a felony (not that i have!), never provided a solid explanation of my insurance/401K/PTO, etc. I also have a common name; in fact, I work with three other people in my current position that share my name and it has never been an 'issue' before! Yet, I was asked if I could be called by my middle name or by the few nicknames they had come up with for me. My initial interview with the woman who would have been my manager was filled with random questions about where I live, what my husband does, Christmas parties, and happy hours. I was also blatently told that I was the only applicant with experience and from that point, the conversation became 'here is your office, this is what you will do, this is the person who will work under you'. Very unprofessional.
In the end, I am glad things happened the way they did. Though I was basically screwed since I was unemployed and uninsured merely two days later (with a husband in school... Which they knew since that was one of the interview questions!), I am happy to know that I did not end up working for such a company because I know I would have hated it, let alone probably had issues with my manager. If you decide to work for or even work with this company, I would be extremely cautious. They have a blatent lack of work ethic, poor business practices, and no concern. I can only assume that this resinates throughout the company.
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