I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Further Music School (Lower East Side) in Aug 2024
Interview
Timeline:
I applied to this position on August 14th (Wednesday) through Indeed and got a reply back the next week (August 19th, Monday) reaching out for an interview. Based on the dates I listed I was available on my application, their interview offer email already came with a date decided (August 22nd, Thursday). I had to reply to reserve my interview spot, in which a time was already chosen for me; had to reply again to reserve my time "or my appointment might be replaced". Urgent messaging from the get-go.
My Experience:
I was surprised to learn that the interview would be happening in person. I was told to bring two physical copies of my resume and dress professionally. I come into their office greeted by two people, and we dove straight into questions. They didn't introduce themselves to me or talk about their company outside of operations of the role I was interviewing for. I only learned their names at the end when I asked them and I know little about what role/s they have to play in the company. I handed them my resume and it looked as though they were seeing it for the first time. From the way they were asking me questions, it seemed like they were much less interested in learning about me as a person/candidate and more interested in whether or not I could do the job. For an in person interview, I expected to go much more in depth about the company, my experience, etc. But no, the IN PERSON interview was only 10 minutes long. At the end when they asked if I had any questions for them, I had a good number of questions ready to fire. But after my first question, they wrapped it up and more-or-less pushed me out the door. On my way out, I saw someone else in the waiting room next to be interviewed (potentially for an Instructor role but not sure). So it really seemed like they only alotted 10 minutes to talk to me.
My Takeaway:
While straight-forward of an approach, remember: interviews are not just for them to determine if you fit the job. It's also for YOU to determine if they're a company you can see yourself working at. For people with little regard for their candidates during the interview process, I can only imagine what it would be like actually working with them. This is not a place to grow in your career, it's simply a job to make money; keep that in mind if you consider working for them. This is a SCHOOL; it's sad knowing that they're actively stunting opportunities to build community and foster growth by hiring candidates simply based on what's on paper. They were not warm or welcoming or interested in discussing anything more than experience. It was much less of a conversation and much more like a survey. It could've been an email. Seriously.
I applied online. I interviewed at Further Music School (New York, NY) in Aug 2023
Interview
Based on how this company has communicated with me so far, or really the lack of communication, makes it evident that they are not a program with a competent administrative team. I have had to reach out multiple times to follow up with things, then when I have received replies they are haphazard and last minute. The "HR" team was extremely impersonal and I feel it translates to not caring about who is applying to this position. I was emailed about an interview and asked if I was available on a certain date. I was given no location (they have multiple listed) and no time frame. I replied that I was indeed available and would like more details. I never received those, and emailed the day before when I had not heard back that maybe we should find another date/time since it would be very last minute to accommodate. Instead of an actual human response, I received an email a few minutes later stating that I had an interview the next day and had to confirm or lose my place. I was given less than 24 hours notice to clear my schedule and only then given the details of time and place. This is beyond unprofessional, but I tried my best to be understanding in my response. I have previously worked in HR and Recruitment and understand that sometimes things get lost in the shuffle and what not. I have received no response, even with a follow up email the next week! If this program actually cared about their students, they would be more attentive and perhaps have really looked at a resume like mine that includes almost 20 years of teaching experience and top tier professional performance credits. I would think that regardless of being hired or not a company would want to at least make time and speak with a candidate of that quality, but I guess not for Further Music School. The rates seem low and if an administrative team is already showing a lack of interest and organization at the start, I would probably avoid working for them since it will absolutely end up being a lot more work on the teacher's end. I wish their students well and hope that they are at least receiving some sort of quality education, because I would bet money their staff is not being treated right.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
They never even cared to follow up with an interview reschedule! Extremely unprofessional.
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Further Music School (New York, NY) in Sept 2016
Interview
The interview process is a journey, both for the recruiter and interviewee. It is important to make sure that when interviewing, you make sure that, the culture is a good fit for you and the organization