Saw the advert for Co-Op Store Manager in a local convenience store near to my home. Applied online, within two weeks had an email saying they had tried to reach me but couldn't. (Although no missed calls.) Arranged to have a telephone interview which was prompt and standard phone questions around the company and past experience. Should have heard within a week regarding telephone interview next stage details, for two-three weeks received no communication but for an email two weeks afterward saying there had been difficulty securing a date for an assessment day. Eventually had an email outlining the assessment day venue, and process. Emailed a very informative and helpful pack with all the information and preparation you needed to do. Assessment day was very appropriate for the role, a store walk presentation done before the day yourself and presented to an interview, a competency and scenario based interview and a written sixty-minute test looking at your ability to analyse information and deliver clear strategies based on that. All the interviews, area/store managers, were friendly and kept the processes professional but friendly. The day itself was relaxed, and ran well. The negative aspect of the experience came next, we were told we(the four candidates at the assessment day) that we would hear by the end of the week and were guaranteed feedback. I received a call two days later saying I was unsuccessful for the role applied for but was one of only two to pass and impressed the interviews, I would be contacted again within the week as I "definitely" had a future with Co-Op and a role would be found for me. I was also promised an email outlining where I had picked up or lost marks throughout the day. Two weeks without any further contact. I attempted contact three separate times on the third week, using the recruiters personal extension number and every time was told they were "busy on the other line" to leave my name, and number and I would be contact as soon as possible. Only never to receive any further communication or feedback. My frustration is not with the missing the opportunity but the unprofessional conduct received after the fact.

The interviewer was friendly, we had a nice chat about milk and cookies. The nice thing about cookies with respect to milk is that their expiry date is much longer.