Writing this might actually get me in trouble, I may still end up working there but that seems increasingly unlikely. And that's something I'd like to write about.
You may recognise the corporate slogan. It's the new motto of Logica, formerly known as LogicaCMG. I wanted to work for them. Here's the story of how I probably won't.
I first saw them on a recruiting fair in Cologne. My impression had been a good one since their employees seemed professional yet approachable and friendly (something that's not always common with big consultancy companies). So, I applied.
I had my first interview on January 9th with a team leader called Nils Kempin from their brach in Düsseldorf and another manager. I didn't really like Kempin. He made some comments about me that even seemed to make his colleague wince - "You have programmed before, yes?" My CV states one and a half years of experience progamming in C++. Final year projects implemented in Java. I kept my cool as they scrutinised my skills. In the end, they invited me for a second interview. I was given three weeks to prepare a presentation of a few technology areas they commonly use.
The second interview on February 4th was again with Mr. Kempin and another (different) team leader. After the presentation they announced that they would be interested in a collaboration. I tried to negotiate the salary but was rebuffed. With a slightly haughty air Kempin told me he was not prepared to negotiate. He reminded me that my bargaining position was weak. I was given until the following Monday to think about their offer. Still, despite my reservations it seemed like a good place to work and a good start for my new career. I might not like my new boss but I hadn't really seen much of him yet and even friends told me to give it a chance. So, come Monday I accepted. Kempin told me he would start the process of getting me a contract. He even gave me some homework, things to read up on while I was waiting in preparation for my start. The start date we agreed on was March 1st. He also sent me their internal skill profile to fill in.
Then about a week later on February 17th I received a stardard email from Logica's HR department telling me in the usual wording: "... we are sorry to inform you that your profile does not match our requirements at this time blah, blah, blah ...". A rejection? I was confused. The next day I called Kempin and confronted him with the news. There was nothing to worry about, he assured me, the email had been sent by mistake. He should have used their internal HR software to process my application but he hadn't. Therefore after a period of inactivity the software had automatically sent out this email. I should receive my contract soon. So I waited. No further news came. Neither did a contract.
It was about February 26th that I began to get worried. I sent him an email asking what was going on with my application. No reply. On 27th I called his phone. He didn't pick up; once I even believe he rejected my call. So, the 1st came and went. On 2nd I called the other manager from the second interview, who seemed genuinely shocked by what was going on. He promised he would look into it and get Kempin to call me. A day later Kempin called being very apologetic but offering nothing new. I tried to make him send me a written confirmation, at least, of their offer but he refused making me understand he only wanted to commit once everything had been signed off. He told me in manager-speak to "keep my nerve" and sit tight, wait. When would my start date be, then? Beginning of April, maybe later. So, no comment on that either. Now April has arrived and I haven't heard anything from them for a month.
I find it hard to stomach such a degree of unprofessionalism!
The best thing is this: I mentioned my story to several recruitement agencies I had contact with over the last months. The moment I told them the company is Logica they would go: "Aaahh." "No wonder." Several such recruiters told me even candidates they had represented had been treated like this. Logica's recruitment process was "unusual", a recruiter admitted discreetly.
I can't understand how a big, international company like Logica can get away with this. Word should spread (this is what I'm trying here). Are they such an attractive employer that people want to work for them despite the shit they're being put through? I've certainly had it.
It may be a useless gesture but I've prepared a letter to their management complaining about their treatment and also naming the people I saw. I don't expect it will achieve anything for me but why should they get away with it? I put up with their arrogance, I jumped through their hoops, I made a genuine effort - just to be ignored as if nothing had happened, dropped like a hot potato. Be it ignorance, be it incompetence or be it attitude - none of them are excusable. So, if there's only the slightest chance I can leave a footprint on somebody's arse I will go for it.
Let this posting be a warning to anybody applying to work with Logica. I've been severely disappointed, I'm not alone and the same may happen again.
To you.
Consider it.
There are many more employers to choose from.