I applied online and was contacted for a screening call. The email mentioned the time 3:30 PM on a particular day, so everything was set.

On that day, I kept waiting for the call, but no one turned up. So, I gave the benefit of the doubt, thinking that the person might be stuck with some work, and I would email her asking about the call the next day.

After three hours, when I wasn't expecting any call, I received one from HR. I was confused but managed to answer two questions. She didn't bother to ask me anything about my projects or experience. The call ended in just five minutes.

I felt as if she wasn't interested in knowing anything about me and had already made up her mind for rejection. The very moment I knew I would get a rejection email, and bam! There it was.

Later, when I checked the company location, I realized the call was meant to be 3:30 PM PST instead of me assuming 3:30 PM EST, as there was no mention of the timezone in the email.

PS: If you feel an applicant doesn't live up to your expectations, please do not keep any screening calls. If you do, then show some interest and try to actually know the applicant, their experience, and expectations before taking a decision.

What are your salary expectations?