Merlin Entertainments interview questions

The interview was due to take place at 6pm, however, on my arrival (5:45pm) there was some confusion as to the structure of the interviews. We (maybe 30 of us?) were not informed of any delays or updates and waited until 6:45pm in a cold canteen, until the group introduction took place. They took us to an activities room, sat us on group tables, and asked what our favourite food is. Lots of in-jokes between staff that made no sense to us. Not the best ice breaker. We then filled in a multiple choice situational judgement test (e.g what would you do if a customer complained about this etc) We also filled in an availability form. After more waiting around for passports to be photocopied, I was called in. The interviewer lead me into a freezing cold room, then immediately walked off with no explanation for a short while, having left paperwork on the desk visible. On his return, the interviewer addressed me by an incorrect name, and seemed distant and uninterested in what I said to say. There was no enthusiasm or passion displayed by him, which I was somewhat confused by. This is after all a magical place for kids. He lazily asked four questions. Why do I want to work at Legoland? What is good customer service? What can I bring to the team? And what is my availability? (was on the form in front of him) The whole thing lasted less than three minutes. At the conclusion of my 'interview', the interviewer nonchalantly sighed, asking if I had any questions, to which I asked three. He wasn’t able to answer two of my three questions and was in a rush to leave. I was super disappointed by this experience, but felt i'd answered all questions confidently and to a high standard. I'd done ample research for the role and had worked with Merlin before. To my amazement, I received an email the next day, telling me I hadn't got the role!! I enquired as to why this was, to be told it was the fact I cannot work weekends. At no point during the application or interview was I informed weekend work was a priority and I know of several others in the interview room that work secondary jobs just as I do. I'd even told them my availability in the original application form. The inclusion of ‘availability forms’ on the group tables only furthers the idea that you can, to some degree choose your working days, which is evidently not the case. Bad attitude. Bad communication. I'd have rather stepped on a bunch of Lego bricks.

Applied via one of the agencies. Got screened, Very little insights about position. Merlin stets up its own SSC. Got invited to face2face at Merlin Project Office in Basingstoke. So far they employ only Directors and Senior Manager grade. These did not seem to know how to set up a SSC, nor convincing about project management. They let me wait for 25min in the lobby, before calling me in. No real apology. Meeting was set for max 40 min, took >90min. No structure interview and at some point interviewers stopped taking notes. Mostly about cultural fit. Btw both interviewers are very new to the company, therefore neither had a clue about the culture or the business. Got asked standard questions and my leadership style. Got invited to the 2nd round. Here the interviewer tried to pick my brain for his project. When he figured he could not get anyware, stopped tacking notes. SORRY, but I am not giving free consultancy advice! The second person was from HR (via conference call) did not get any time with me, but she seemed very disengaged. Oddly, she was not even on side but at HQ in Poole, which is 25 miles away. CBA to get herself to Basingstoke for this. Made this whole situation very disingenuous. Very blunt and non motivating interview process. Not the Merlin as always portrayed. No follow up from Merlin. All in all, bad business manners and waste of time with people who seem to be self centred instead adding value to the declining business. Told them after 1 week, that I would not go forward in the process.