I had a 45 minute telephone call with an H.R. recruiter that was fairly informal--some chit-chat about acquaintances we had in common, about the towns in the area, and a bit about the company and the job, particularly about how the company doesn’t look to fill positions but to hire people—seemed good to me and I guess it was mutual as I got asked in for an interview. I did my research, including on this site, and did get a bit nervous about some of what I read but was determined to make up my own mind. I was told that the interview process was designed to help both the company and the candidate figure out if they were well matched. They indicated that in their opinion the best way to do that was to have candidates spend the day in the office, sitting among the employees, doing work that fits specific skills and interests, and observing the culture of the company. Indeed, that is very much the way the day went. I was given various tasks and instructions that progressed into areas more specifically tailored to my strengths. I spent the entire day, finding each new task more challenging but more interesting than the previous ones. The day went quickly and I really had not “interviewed” with anybody but was asked to come back the next day. I agreed and the following day I completed one more assignment and then sat down with the head of national sales and an H.R. representative. It certainly was unlike any interview I’d been on before but having now worked at the company for four months, I do believe that the process identified for me the type of work I would be doing and what the expectations would be far better than an across-the-desk conversation where a stranger asked me to rattle off my proudest accomplishments and greatest weaknesses. And yes, the work floor is often loud and chaotic but after “working” there for my day and a half interview, I knew what I was signing on for. Would it be right for everybody? Certainly not. But there are plenty of good, quality likeable people who have been working there for 5, 10, even 15 years and there is no denying the success those employees have helped the company to achieve. That in itself should be an indicator more important in your decision making than my review or those of other people who obviously have their own issues and opinions.