This was the lengthiest and most involved interview process I have experienced, and I have plenty of interview experience. The interviewers are "interviewer’s interviewers," they know how to interview effectively and will intimidate you if you are not confident. In my opinion, the interview process requires too much of a commitment for the position. Other companies which pay more and offer positions with much greater responsibility don't require their candidates to interview so many times.
The process began with an online application submission. A few days later I received an email to schedule a phone interview. The phone interview was very simple, we went over my resume and experience and I was asked several sales/customer service related questions. At the end of the phone interview, we scheduled an in person interview for the following week with the same person. This interview was almost identical to the phone interview. Similar questions, very laid back and I was given some information on the company. At the end, he emailed the Area Manager my contact information so he could schedule a branch observation/interview.
A few days later the Area Manager called me and we set up a mutually convenient time within the same week. I arrived at the branch on time and began observing the branch operations. The Assistant Manager is usually the person who you shadow. This Assistant Manager wasn't very helpful. The branch observation part of the interview usually lasts 45 min - 1 hour. Mine lasted nearly 2 hours because the Area Manager was extremely late. (Every interview began at least 20 minutes late). When the Area Manager arrived, she was not at all apologetic about making me wait nearly 2 hours. The Assistant Manager who was supposed to be showing me around was very enthusiastic about showing me around only when the Area Manager arrived. We began the interview with the Branch Manager and Area Manager. This was quite an intense interview. There were moments where it seems liked we were going "off script" and it seemed laid back but overall the environment was quite tense. They ask a question, you answer and they immediately ask a follow up. They want specific examples of when you did X, Y or Z. The Area Manager seemed impressed but also seemed like she didn't want me to think she was impressed. At the conclusion of the interview, I was informed that I would interview with the next higher up (The final interview).
I was contacted a few days later and interviewed within the week. I didn't prepare for this interview because I felt there was no way to be any more prepared. I sort of regret not preparing more for this interview, as I didn't get the best vibes. Be prepared with two examples for each question. He asked me for an example of a time I set a goal and reached it and after I answered, he wanted another one. I didn't prepare for another one and sort of fumbled through that question. I think he thought I was too scripted so he wanted to see how I think on my toes. I didn't bomb the question but I certainly could have improved on my answer. This interview was rather short, which worried me. I was informed that he would review his notes and send a final recommendation to the recruiter who originally contacted me. I received a phone call and email a few days later saying I got the job and would be subject to a background check.
My overall impression is that it is a well structured, albeit unnecessary, interview process. I think the entire process could be completed in one phone and one in person interview. I had to drive more than one hour each way for two of the interviews, about six hours of driving for all interviews combined. In m opinion, that is a lot to ask of someone who you have not employed yet. All 4 interviews were very repetitive, asking the same question over and over again.
The job isn't the most glamorous in the beginning but there is incredible opportunity for growth. Everyone I've spoken to was promoted every 6-12 months. The people are young, friendly and driven. Promotions are performance based - if you perform well, you will be rewarded.
I then completed a two-day branch observation. It was very enjoyable and I learned a lot. I learned that my branch is one of the most successful branches and I look forward to learning a lot from my coworkers.
The week after my branch observation I went to training. It was a few days at a hotel, all expenses paid. It was a lot of fun and I got to meet a lot of really cool people who I would be working with and competing against in the near future.
This is a job for someone who is willing to work hard. Rewards will come in time, if you perform well. ERAC has a very strong promote from within business philosophy and you'd be hard pressed to find a single employee who didn't start out as a Management Trainee...including the President and the CEO.