May 17, 2010

You can call me Bessie.

Moo!

My interview this morning was a cattle call!

I arrived early, excited for another opportunity to network and find the next big step in my life. When I arrived, I wasn't prepared for what was to come. I am a strong believer that first impressions matter, and in a marketing company that it is essential to create a good first impression. I don't think this company got the memo...
When I walked into the office I was greeted by a young receptionist dressed to impress in a black hoodie covered in hot pink grunge stars. She was speaking on the phone to someone who was apparantly lost, but stopped to hand me a clipboard with an application on it. She said if I had a resume I should attach that as well. I sat down, filled out the application and looked at my surroundings. The walls were painted a deep plum, with white trim that had yellowed over time. Crown molding was broken in places, and the plum had dripped down onto the trim in multiple places. There were two large framed posters on the wall of the ocean and a forest with motivational words like inspiration and courage printed beneath them. As I sat I listened to the very loud receptionist as she called 10 other people and scheduled interviews. I began to think something was a little fishy about this place...
After a few minutes I reached to grab my phone so I could turn it off and I noticed I had some emails, so I went ahead and checked them. The newest e-mail was from the receptionist sitting a few feet away thanking me for taking the time to meet with the manager and saying it was such a delightful experience. I hadn't even had my interview yet!
After about 20 minutes a man walked out and called my name to follow him. He immediately sat me down and started talking 100 miles per minute about the company and what they stood for and asking me multiple questions while barely writing anything down. After 5 minutes the interview was over and I was told that I would be called between 5 & 6 today to schedule a second interview. I thanked him for his time and stumbled toward the door feeling like I wasn't quite sure what has just happened.

On my way out I passed 5 more people walk through the door and scramble over one another toward the receptionist desk. I left the office, headed for my car and drove across the street to Panera for a big cup of coffee and a moment to collect my thoughts. To me, interviews are two-sided, with both of us trying to decide if it's the right fit. In my opinion, it was a failure... and I just don't think they are the company for me.

What is the strangest interview you have ever gone on?


Jenni

7 comments:

bananas. said...

Yikes! That sounds like a nightmare. I can't remember having an experience like that but i do remember knowing immediately after an interview that the job was not right for me.

Shannon said...

I went on a similar interview like that right after college for a "marketing" company. I went back for the 2nd interview and spent the whole day going from door to door with some chick that worked there trying to sell coupon books. Basically they hire anyone dumb enough to take the job and basically it seemed like a big scam to me. I would look into this company further and make sure it's not a similar thing.

Carol {Everyday Delights} said...

That is so funny she sent you an email before you even had interviewed! haha!

Unknown said...

Honey, you are way TOO good for them!! What an experience, ugh :(

I gave you a little mention on my blog today, it's my one year blog anniversary, giveaways all week, come on over!! xo

Gwen said...

UGH!!! Bad interviews are the worst. I went on one before I got hired here that was awful. The woman actually picked her nose while talking to me about how I would be representing her and would be expected to be super professional. Um...no thanks nose picker. Still keeping you in my prayers friend!!! XOXO

{andthisiswhatshesaid} said...

Voted for you and yes you can only vote once!

Queen of Quirky said...

When I was interviewing for my first journalism job, I interviewed at a paper in a very small small town. The lady said we had to go and deliver someone's paper who called and hadn't received it that day. So we had the interview in the car.