Not quite sure where to start regarding my Whole Foods Interview journey. I can tell you honestly this does not reflect the recruiting office or all corporate employees, but the respective department for which I had an interview.
My first interview via phone, I had to admit to the recruiter I was very offended with the person I spoke to – with more than 18 years of experience, Master’s and mastered public speaking – the interviewer thought it prudent to tell me “you are very well spoken,” as if she was surprised. This would be my direct report for this position…
I interviewed with three people total via phone calls. After interviewing for two positions, they consistently said I was too senior and they were concerned I would become bored with the job (now keep that in mind until the end). However, I was looking for a position for which I had no direct reports under me, so it was perfect.
Then I received an e-mail stating to attend a panel interview on the following Friday. No am I available, in town, no questions, just location and arrival. Luckily, I was available after moving somethings around. Then that Monday, I was told I must interview the very NEXT day instead because the panel had changes. They were flexible in allowing me to use FACETIME, but the interview had to take place the very next day. I’ve always been provided some options on time or at least asked if I can make this date (so that’s never happened to me before).
I flew in for the interview and met with several people. They asked great questions. They were very thoughtful about how I would fit in with the culture, with the leadership, peer-to-peer and overall experience. Most of the team would have been great to work with. After the interview, I received an offer that was sadly insulting… I would already take a 13% pay cut on the listed salary (which I didn’t mind), however the direct report of the position saw fit to reduce the salary offer an additional $11,000 – this is after admitting I may be too senior for the position. Stating they were taking a chance on me, I needed to prove myself… My experience included several major international brands, agency and more. Plus they admitted my experience surpassed the position – so the decreased salary offer was simply rude.
At last, another company I had an interview with offered me a position as lead (with no direct reports which is what I wanted). This company was listed on Ineed.com’s (in the top 10 ) 50 Best Places to work list. They offered more $34,000 in value (signing bonus, incentive pay and approve early stock options) then Wholefood’s original offer. I really liked the Wholefoods people, Wholefoods brand, but the experience left me highly disappointed. It only takes one bad apple.