Great interviews, at the end the founder asked to split a train ticket cost, even though the trip was already paid
3,2
Bewerber/inHat sich 2025 in Zürich als Founders Associate beworben und sich schließlich selbst anders entschieden.
Verbesserungsvorschläge
Cover expenses, or inform beforehand
Bewerbungsfragen
The interview process started really well. The first interview was with one of the founders and it went great — we clicked, had a good conversation, and scheduled a follow-up right then and there.
The second interview was with both co-founders. It was supposed to be an hour but we ended up talking for about two hours. Genuinely enjoyed the conversation, learnt a lot about the role, and it felt like a real mutual interest.
Since I was going to be in Berlin the following week, I suggested during the second interview we have a coffee in person. One of the co-founders said he'd also be there and would email me to figure out the timing. He wanted to have a proper in-person interview instead of "coffee," and after some back and forth, the only time that worked for both of us was Tuesday — which meant I'd have to rebook my train and stay longer. I said no problem, happy to do that, just asked if they could cover the extra train ticket (~€100) since I was already covering the trip and the only cost for them would be the one train ticket.
Instead of a simple yes or no, he asked if we could split a ~€100 train ticket 50/50. During a hiring process. I told him no, I can't offer to split that — I was already covering the trip to Berlin, the hotel, everything. The only thing I asked them to cover was the rebook.
Shortly after, I got a message saying we have "different perspectives" and it wouldn't be a cultural fit. Which, fair enough — but the whole thing left a weird taste. Two great interviews, extended conversations, and then it falls apart over a train ticket.