I applied through a staffing agency. I interviewed at Benoy (London, England) in Mar 2016
Interview
They briefly told me how they understood my CV. Asked me to present my work. There were a few people in and out of the meeting room. They asked me some personal questions but I did not refuse to answer because I needed a job.
They showed me around the office and the kitchen. They asked questions that I do not think were relevant to the job but I answered anyway. They were happy with my answers so we started to talk about money.
I applied through a recruiter. I interviewed at Benoy (London, England) in Oct 2014
Interview
They acted quite doggy when it came to taking on board new staff, asking to start with a few hours notice, then changing their mind after only 4 days on the job! They said there was actually no work for the position I was hired for, that they made a mistake to take me on board, that it was entirely their fault and I hadn't done anything wrong - obviously: how would have I had the time to do actually something! -. Indeed the work I was asked to do was completely unrelated to the role I was hired for. But I said I didn't mind to keep doing it. Who hired me said it was all a decision of the HR, and she would have tried to convince her to keep me for work unrelated to my role, that I could still do as it was more junior, but it was only the HR choice if to keep me or not. I kept working all day, and when my boss left said to not stay too late. At 9 pm I checked my emails, and there was one from the HR sent in the middle of the day, saying "your contract is terminated" and "you might leave now"! I am not a criminal, to be asked to take the distances from their premises in that way, and it didn't match what my boss had told me. It seemed a bit strong as a communication of "termination", due to a mistake of theirs. I went back to their office afterwards, as my boss said if there where issues with the payment I could ask of her there. But while I was waiting at the reception, I was put on the phone with the HR, asking me to leave immediately the building without talking to anyone! There was no notice period, no payment in lieu of notice, nothing, as I had no contract yet, and they said that even with a contract, the terms are that THE FIRST WEEK WITH THEM IS ON A DAY NOTICE! I felt the need to inform any newly starting staff, so you know the conditions and protect yourself with a contract before to start, and know it can end with an email and suddenly, without any mistakes on your part.