I was emailed by a recruiter and responded positively and was called that same day by the store manager at the location that was hiring and interviewed the next day. It was an enjoyable interview, more of a chat with focus on methods used to drive key metrics for a commissioned sales team. I was told that I’d then interview with the regional manager a few days later.
Again, quite informal and enjoyable, they were nice people who were passionate about their work and having read about the culture within the company, I was increasingly interested about the position. I’d read that they’d try to get me to go into sales rather than straight to management but I made it clear very early in the process that I wouldn’t consider that.
I interviewed the following week with a VP and again, I enjoyed the interview but felt that there was something holding him back. Not sure if it was salary expectation or my reluctance to humor a sales position, but something gave me the feeling I wouldn’t be offered the position.
As it happened, I wasn’t offered the position, which I’m okay with, it happens and we move on, but one part of the process that soured the interview experience, was being told by the VP that he wouldn’t commit to saying they’d call me back and set a deadline of a few days later.
Given that I was interviewing with a VP, I kind of expect a phonecall with a decision and ideally, with feedback (if the position is not offered). It just didn’t set well with me, it’s kind of expected for a first interview possibly, as volume of applications may dictate call-back potential, but not when you make it to a VP shortlist.
But other than that, it seemed like a company that genuinely strive to make it a good working environment, with an emphasis on taking care of their staff. That’s what made it appealing for me as a candidate. Decent people, enjoyable to talk with and the bad taste in the mouth isn’t bitter, just a hint of ‘could have been done a bit better’.
