I submitted a resume to Grainger based on my experience in selling to state and local governments. The position was posted as being in Wash, DC. I received a call from an HR person about a week later, and we had a very brief conversation regarding a time to get together in more depth and an interview screening form she wanted me to fill out. I filled out the documents, which asked for relevant experience, work history, etc. Normal stuff. We had the call, and I thought we clicked! Details on the job were a bit thin, but I'm used to that when talking with the HR folks. The HR woman said that based on the initial interview she was going to recommend me to the hiring manager for an interview. She gave me estimated dates and locations. Then, nothing. I called and emailed the HR person several times looking for next steps, but did not get a reply. At one point I called to ask, "If I am not a good fit simply tell me." I heard nothing back. I guess I should not be too disappointed by this lack of response, but at the same time Grainger was running radio ads for the very first time in the DC market looking to grow its mindshare. I had many friends and former associates call me and say, "Hey, I heard an ad for Grainger! What do you think about them?" At this point, I don't think much about them. If the HR woman had been even in the least responsive, even if to blow me off politely, I'd be able to give at least a neutral view on them. Can't do that now.

The hiring process was a pretty smooth transition, I had an email sent to me by a recruiter, I replied to the email and the recruiter called me by phone around 11a and set up a phone interview later that day by 4p with the recruiting specialist, she loved our call and passed me on to the next step. Which was an in person panel interview for the next day with the sales manager, the regional sales manager, and the recruiter I had my initial phone interview with, it was the typical STAR interview questions, but I did well, because I was prepared and I know my experience well! They of course loved me, because I had everyone laughing in the interview! The total interview lasted 40 minutes! Was called that same day by 6:30p and was extended an offer! I accepted!