I was contacted to interview for a Asst. Store manager position at a store farther away even though I applied for one here in my City. The manager said it wasn't available but they did have a sales manager position there. I agreed to interview for that one 2 days later. I arrived early and took a stroll around the entire store ready to be able to critique it when asked (any experienced hiring manager should ask that question to a prospective sales manager). I was very early so I headed upstairs where I overheard my hiring manager talking to another manager about a "cute Hispanic girl" she just interviewed and she loved her energy and that she wanted THAT girl (and she asked the other manager "don't you agree?!") I should have just walked out at that point because I knew this woman would not be open to my interview or the answers I had... I spent the first 10 minutes describing how I single handedly brought together various people together to work on a project I created for the City and the less fortunate families, which just so happen to include the store manager from another sister store. Focusing on my ability to not only identify a problem, observe the situation, come up with a solution and implement that solution by working as a team (obviously as the leader of such team) She then said "oh, I see that you worked in an office... You don't work very often with people do you". Very frustrating. I felt this woman was completely closed off and didn't hear a word I said. Worse, she asked nothing about my positions (one is pretty impressive) and nothing about my education (one of my degrees happen to be social studies, concentrating on Psychology) I understand how people think and how they will react to situations. She had no creative questions, they were all pre-printed in front of her. One of the questions was where do I see myself 5 years from now. Obviously I told her that I'd like to be given increasing responsibility hopefully within this company, learning every facet I can in order to move up to store manager. I mentioned that I appreciated the opportunity to have interviewed for the other position as store asst manager at X mall where she flat out lied to my face saying she never mentioned it. (Did I pull that information out of the air then?) I understand that hiring managers usually look for applicants that closely mirror themselves, and in this instance it's a shame, she will end up hiring that girl and they will continue with the status quo at that store. You should always strive to surround yourself with those that would make you and the company successful... And not worry about who might be too good and take over your job. I've interviewed for management in this company before and am well aware of the practices. You interview with one person, then they stick you in a room and interview with the 2nd. She said on a Friday afternoon during our interview that the next round of interviews were being held Monday and then let me walk out the door. (Have a nice day!)

The interview process went smoothly. I walked the store and met with the department managers who were all very nice to me and welcoming. The interview process was relaxed and overall I was very satisfied.