This interview was “difficult” in the sense of “very unpleasant”. The interview started with the HR rep and the hiring manager giving some introductory info about the organization, then posing a series of prepared questions one by one. It got off to a rocky start. I did not have good answers to the first few questions (in my opinion they were so broad and vague as to be meaningless). The hiring manager was not impressed with me and they showed it by rolling their eyes and throwing up their hands and generally acting exasperated. This of course made me feel very uneasy so the interview continued its downward spiral. Then the hiring manager’s mask of civility totally came off. They were practically spitting with rage all because one job applicant (me) turned out to be a dud. It was shocking to see this supposedly seasoned, polished, public-facing senior member of staff very nearly throw a tantrum over such a low-stakes matter. If a job applicant doesn’t impress you, just don’t hire them. Problem solved. I have seen this hiring manager giving interviews on television and presentations at conferences, so I know they know how to behave professionally – when they choose. It seems that behind closed doors, with people they perceive as beneath them, it is quite a different story. Based on this experience, I have no difficulty believing the negative reviews here. Something is very wrong with this organization. My advice: There is no point in even applying for a job with them, let alone going through with an interview. Your time and energy would be better spent on literally anything else.