I applied for an Inside Sales Manager position at ezCater's Denver office. I was contacted by Annie, one of their corporate recruiters, and we scheduled an initial phone screen in the days that followed. Annie was thorough, making sure that what I wanted out of my next role was a good fit for what they expected out of the position. The call lasted 25-30 minutes and I felt comfortable with the process, professionalism and next steps she outlined.
The next interview (phone screen) was with Bryan, a Sr. Sales Manager. While this conversation was more role-specific, I was again impressed with the conversation, and felt the expectation for the role fit well with my experience, and most importantly, was consistent with what I want in my next role. Like Annie, Bryan was also personable and professional. He communicated well, and shared a realistic view of the position and what it entails.
Members of ezCater's management team were flying to Denver the following week to work out of the local office, so we arranged for an onsite interview. I met with both Bryan and Colleen, ezCater's Director of Inside Sales. Additionally, I also had a video interview with Christopher, an Inside Sales Manager from their Boston HQ office. The onsite interview was what I had hoped for. We discussed sales situations, team makeup, requirements for the position, motivational and cultural drivers, sales psychology, sales process barriers, incentives, etc.
From the moment I walked in the office and was greeted by an ezCater employee inviting me to have a seat while I waited, to the moment I left the office following the interview, it was first-class. I was given a tour of the office and several members of the Denver team acknowledged me as well. I was told there were several interviews the remainder of the week (I met with the team on a Monday in mid-November), but that a recruiter may reach out the following week after they've had an opportunity to discuss the candidates.
A week later, I was contacted by Annie and told that while no decision had been made, they would like me to have one more interview with two other members of the management team. This was to be a video interview as they were located in the Boston office. I was asked to share my availability.
A couple of days passed before I received an e-mail stating that the position was put on hold due to some things that must first be addressed to start the new year.
While that news is certainly disappointing given the time and effort several people made during the process, not to mention the position aligned perfectly with my future goals, I have nothing but good things to say about the process and overall professionalism of the ezCater team. Sometimes, things happen that are beyond the control of corporate recruiters and hiring managers. We're all human, and even corporate life can throw a curve ball when you least expect it. It's sales - be flexible and willing to adapt...
The entire process took approximately 4-weeks. They set proper expectations and never missed a deadline based on what they told me to expect. I was impressed with the people I spoke with, and believe they care about their team, company and culture. Despite the disappointment, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend ezCater to others.