Applied online through company website, heard back from HR within 24 business hours via email. Email was followed up by phone call two days later with Recruiter through Randstad and an interview date/time was set up for the following week (roughly 4 days later).
Interview was performed by a micro-panel featuring two supervisors with Nationwide after a brief job shadowing experience for around 20 minutes.
The first thing I noticed was that despite my resume being exceptionally written/formatted and clearly stating I have worked in a variety of customer service positions, they immediately said - "So, it looks like you haven't worked in any call centers before, correct?" I, of course, acknowledged them by responding "Quite the contrary if you notice I have several positions I have held in numerous call centers as a customer service representative. To me, this means they didn't truly pay any attention to my resume (or my resume was written above their understanding).
The interview lasted for around an hour from the moment I entered the building until getting back into my car.
Salary and shift selection were discussed as well as the position's details and other bits of information about Nationwide as a company and the culture/environment.
They asked very inclusive questions regarding my job history, and seemed taken back that I was a commuter. Millions of people commute for work each day, so I wasn't sure why that was such a shock.
They didn't ask anything about my education, despite the fact that I am currently in college. Nothing about my skills or abilities, and nothing about me personally to determine a fit for the company.
After I explained some of my job history, they began their questions. They asked three questions, all worded in ways meant to derail you. Then they asked me if I had any questions, and ended the interview by saying I should hear back by the end of the next week. They refused to shake my hand as I left, which to me was unprofessional and rude. You are to shake hands as you enter and shake hands as you leave, that is proper interview etiquette.
However, I did not have to wait that long. They responded via email the following afternoon by saying that after reviewing my background and employment history they went with candidates with abilities and skills better suited.
I have extensive training, education, and employment - so I knew the turn down was because I have had a range of short-term and temporary positions versus long-term positions. I felt the interview itself went well despite the ending of the no handshake, so they really have a very good poker face when they're going to turn you down.
