I had my "Group" interview today!
By heavenschild
@heavenschild (4777)
Canada
November 11, 2008 2:19pm CST
I was not aware that it was going to be a group interview but it was!
There was about ten or twelve of us women sitting in a circle with two women doing the interview...If you can call it that!
The women ranged in age from a sixteen year old to I would say at least forties to fifties....We were put into pairs to introduce ourselves and then we had to introduce our partner to everyone after which we had to put outfits together for a "customer" hypothetically and explain why we chose what we chose...I am so out of my league! I had no idea what I was doing and am not even sure how well I did!
They will call the candidates that they are interested in within the week but I am not even expecting a call I think that it is too fancy a store for me! All they seem to want to do is make sales and take as much of peoples money as they can adding accessories etc to compliment the outfit or several pieces to create a wardrobe!
It really isn't me! Even if I do get a call back and it will shock me if I do I don't think I will be able to take it as we were told the position is seasonal with chance for further employment in January if we do well! I can't go on the possibility of being out of work come January if I don't "Do Well"!
I am very disappointed but I won't give up...I just don't think these high end ladies outlets are for me! I can't in good conscience take peoples hard earned money by tacking on extra items that they didn't even come in for! Plus, I don't even have a wardrobe suitable to work there and would have to invest a lot of money in clothing for myself! Not my thing!
I chalk it all up to a learning experience!
Now to make this a discussion....
Have you ever attended a Group Interview?
If so what was it like for you? I found it so nerve wracking and felt inadequate but was able to compose myself and I don't think they noticed!
I know a lot of people were praying for me today and I want to thank you all for thinking of me but my journey is not over....
I'll keep you all posted on future endeavors!
Disheartened but not Giving up!
~Heavens~
5 people like this
12 responses
@carmelanirel (20979)
• United States
11 Nov 08
I haven't been to a group interview, that would drive me crazy, feeling the competition all around me.. The description also doesn't sound like something I could do either, the "upscale" is only for once in a while, I am too down to earth for it all the time..It's good that you are not giving up, I am sure G♥d has something just for you...:)
2 people like this
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
12 Nov 08
Thanks so much my dear friend!
It wouldn't have been so bad if I actually had experience with putting outfits together and fashion....I feel I did O.K under the circumstances but do not expect a call back...Then, maybe they did like me, who knows...I guess we'll see as the week goes on!
I'm sure there is the perfect job out there for me in the perfect time!
HUGS
~Heavens~
2 people like this
@carmelanirel (20979)
• United States
12 Nov 08
Yes, in HIS time we both will have a job that works for us..:)
1 person likes this
~Heavens~
@Galena (9120)
•
11 Nov 08
the company I work for does group interviews, and I think they're very good for work such as retail, as you get to see how people interact with others, how confident you are just going up to someone and talking, a bit of the persons sense of humour.
I think for certain working environments, a group interview is very useful to assess someones way of working, and how they'll fit in to the team.
it's a bit much if you just turn up with no prior warning that it's a group interview though, cos it can be a bit in at the deep end.
2 people like this
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
12 Nov 08
They very well could have said group....I was on the bus on my way to work when they called my cell phone...I couldn't even write anything down so...Besides the call caught me off guard as well!
Well, I guess it must be useful to them to see how people work under pressure only I had never put a wardrobe together before and so I had no idea what I was doing...Kind of made me feel inadequate and out of my league...If we could have talked and I could have answered some questions, I could have showcased myself better!
Well, At least it is a learning experience at any rate!
~Heavens~
1 person likes this
@Lindalinda (4112)
• Canada
12 Nov 08
There is a whole new world out there and I can truly say I am glad in a way I am retired. Group interviews have been around for a while and they are valuable for companies whose employees deal with the public. However, they should have told you it was a group interview. The other idea of matching outfits with accessories adds to the sales totals. Some customers don't have an eye for the proper accessories and are actually grateful if the total look is put together for them. Others just come in for one specific thing and don't want to be bothered with items they have not budgeted for.The sales person usually has a sense of who wants it and who does not.
Another technique you may encounter in your job search is the fact that you have to submit your resumê by e-mail. The trick is to use as many key words as you can, those words that appeared in the add. Some companies look for key words with a human eye, big companies often emply a software to pick out key words from your application that match key words in their requirements. Those with many matching key words are asked for the interview.
You are young, able, literate, and willing to work. Cheer up, you will find a job that makes you happy.
2 people like this
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
13 Nov 08
Well Lindalinda they very well could have said group interview...I am not sure as they called me on my cell phone while I was on the bus and on my way to work as well...They totally caught me off guard when they called!
I have no background in clothing or fashion and so my eye is not for that...I have no training in this and so it was not really I do not think but then I guess they saw what they wanted to see and it was an experience for me that is for sure...I know I was way out of my league! As for E-Mail, that does not seem to happen with Retail but I understand what you are saying!
Thanks so much for your Input here!
~Heavens~
@cutepenguin (6448)
• Canada
12 Nov 08
I've had group interviews where it was me and multiple interviews, but never where there were multiple applicants. It sounds awkward, and like each person wouldn't really have an opportunity to ask questions or respond to questions.
Well, one of the reasons to go to an interview is to see if you want to work for the company, so I guess at least now you've learned something.
Still, it seems like a disappointing and uncomfortable experience.
2 people like this
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
12 Nov 08
You don't have a chance to ask any questions and I didn't feel I got the chance to showcase who I really was either but then I guess they saw what they wanted to see...I will wait and see if they call me back now this week but I do not expect it seeing as I have no back ground in fashion and I had no idea what I was doing!
~Heavens~
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
12 Nov 08
I had never heard of one either before this...At least I know what one is now!
~Heavens~
@katkat (2378)
• Philippines
12 Nov 08
It is like a panel interview less the costumes and all. I think they want to know whose the competent for the job. I never been in a panel or group interview but I have seen one and it's really scary. They will try to put you in pressure to answer their questions. I think they just want to make sure that the one's they will hire are competent ones. Your group interview are so tough and it's the first time I have heard the things you have done for that interview.
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
12 Nov 08
Yes it was difficult considering I have no back ground in fashion!
I felt like I was back in school taking a test on something I had not yet been taught!
~Heavens~
@cynthiann (18613)
• Jamaica
11 Nov 08
Well, I've never heard of anything like this. A group interview? I would have been too nervous to do anything right. I do understand though that they want to sell and sell and sell. So if you do get the job don't worry as if people are going to this store then they do have the money to spend and may want help with accesories.Please let us know if you hear anything. Good luck my friend.
2 people like this
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
12 Nov 08
Nervous is right not to mention I had never put together out fits before...I have no experience in clothing or style....I had no idea what I was doing but I did the best I could under the circumstances!
You make a good point about the money I suppose...It does make sense!
Thanks and I'll let you know of any new developments!
~Heavens~
1 person likes this
@p1kef1sh (45697)
•
11 Nov 08
That sounds hideous. I shudder just to think of it. I am sure that there are all sorts of psychological reasons for it, but I find it kind of humiliating and patronising to put people through that kind of selection process. I've had 360 degree reporting where not only did my boss tell me what he thought of me, but my staff did as well. Now that was nerve wracking. They did find things that I could brush up on of course. But nothing awful I'm pleased to say. Good luck in your future job hunting.
2 people like this
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
12 Nov 08
I was so disappointed when I came out of there and really it toned my whole day after that...It was really fitting that the weather today was overcast...Matched my mood! I only posted this Discussion when I did because I knew people were waiting to here....It is now 10:30PM and I am just starting to respond here now as I did not want to come to it!! It certainly was an experience and I did the best I could...Fairly well I think having never done anything like that before so, I am just going to chalk it all up to experience and I sure can't beat myself up for it! How could anyone prepare for that! If I go to another Interview, I will not be surprised if they do this...I kind of know what to expect now and I hope it can't any worse than this! 
For a Woman who has all of her experience in Grocery Stores and Teaching Special Needs Children I think I did the best any one could expect and under the pressure as well...Looking back, I'm kind of proud of myself and I know where I think I could have improved if there is a next time!
~Heavens~
For a Woman who has all of her experience in Grocery Stores and Teaching Special Needs Children I think I did the best any one could expect and under the pressure as well...Looking back, I'm kind of proud of myself and I know where I think I could have improved if there is a next time!
~Heavens~2 people like this
@someonesmom (5765)
• Canada
11 Nov 08
Hi heavens, 
I just want you to know, that I think you did very well under the unexpected circumstances. You held up admirably! I can understand why this job isn't 'your cup of tea' though. Now that I've given it some more thought, there's no way you could agree to even take the position if given the chance, knowing you could be let go in January. I'll continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers, regarding all of this. 'We' just have to believe that there's a great job for you, just over the horizon. Take care.
Love and Hugs to you.
I just want you to know, that I think you did very well under the unexpected circumstances. You held up admirably! I can understand why this job isn't 'your cup of tea' though. Now that I've given it some more thought, there's no way you could agree to even take the position if given the chance, knowing you could be let go in January. I'll continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers, regarding all of this. 'We' just have to believe that there's a great job for you, just over the horizon. Take care.
Love and Hugs to you.1 person likes this
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
12 Nov 08
Thanks so much Mom for your vote of confidence here!
I'm still thinking about that Chocolate Brown Skirt...I'd love to own that one (Wardrobe or no wardrobe)
I've had time to think here as well and have come to the conclusion that if they do call back which I doubt I will go and tell them all about my boy and how I can not be out of work and see what they would tell me then...I can't take it if there is a risk of being out of work...My husband has not made a penny yet out of his photography and I still have his equipment on my Credit card then "J's" therapy costs....Need my income from somewhere! I am sure the Lord will bring something my way!
Thanks so much for listening earlier and your understanding and support as always!
Love and Hugs!
~Heavens~
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5765)
• Canada
12 Nov 08
Maybe there will be a way for you to get that skirt (eventually.) I'd love to see you own it. Your idea about going in and explaining things to them, is a good one. It'd sure be worth a try, if you do get called back. In any case, I know you're not going to give up. I truly believe that 'something' is going to work out for you, and you will succeed at whatever 'the something' is. 
1 person likes this
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
12 Nov 08
Thanks Mom for having confidence in me!!!
I have confidence in you too
Love and Hugs
~Heavens~
Love and Hugs
~Heavens~1 person likes this
@maddysmommy (16232)
• United States
12 Nov 08
When I first applied for a holiday seasonal job for a big department store last year, I was told it was going to be a group interview. When I arrived, I was whisked into the HRM office, spoke to the HRM Manager for like 10 minutes, she had my cv and asked me questions and asked me when I could start - no group interview. I said right away if you like. She had me fill in some paperwork, and I was sent to the training room for training that afternoon LOL
I think its a new thing with big department stores to see how you interact with strangers in a group setting perhaps.
It sounds like you did well considering they didn't tell you how the interview was going to be done. Don't give up, I'll be praying for you - your in my thoughts! Good luck.
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
13 Nov 08
Thanks so very much maddysmommy!
I was talking to a friend of mine today who said she had the same sort of interview at the very samestore around a year ago...she was in the same boat as me with no experience...she never did get the call back...I truly don't expect one but I do have another interview set up at another store next week...that's another discussion I should start tonight! I need all the support I can get!
I know I'll get something when the timing is right...this coming week I have even less hours at my current job...I can't afford a smaller pay cheque!
~Heavens~
I know I'll get something when the timing is right...this coming week I have even less hours at my current job...I can't afford a smaller pay cheque!
~Heavens~1 person likes this
@maddysmommy (16232)
• United States
13 Nov 08
I know what you mean about the hours and all. It's funny though because where I work they are trying to recruit 250 more applicants and yet cutting hours down for full-timers - doesn't make sense to me. Some of the full timers are complaining because they want to work their full hours. I am even asking and available to work more hours but they are not offering anymore at the moment. Go figure!!
Good Luck Good Luck Good Luck!!
1 person likes this
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
13 Nov 08
Well, we are seriously short staffed and need to hire more people and yet they are cutting hours as well...None of it makes sense! Go Figure
I sure can't afford to have smaller pay checks!
~Heavens~
I sure can't afford to have smaller pay checks!
~Heavens~1 person likes this
@suehan1 (4346)
• Australia
13 Nov 08
hi heaveschild.yes i have attended a group interview just the other week.i decided that i needed a second job.i was really surprised that in my group there were people who claimed they were ex managers etc,when it came for us to speak about a scenario that they gave us to do no-one would speak,so i had to do it.i got the job.i was not nervous at all,because i had the attitude,well if i get it, i get it.i suppose i have a positive look on things.don't give up ,something will come your way.cheers sue
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
13 Nov 08
Congratulations Sue!
The thing for me was that I had no experience formerly but am willing to learn...I found I was way out of my league! At least it was a learning experience for me!
~Heavens~
@gemini_rose (16268)
•
12 Nov 08
Oh I am sorry to hear that it turned out like that, what a disappointment. I am sure that something will come up soon and to be honest with you from the sounds of what you are saying I would not have wanted that job either!
1 person likes this
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
13 Nov 08
I really need another job that will give me more hours as my current employer just keeps cutting my hours and we can't afford for this to happen!
I really was disappointing! the thing is I feel I really need a change as well and was wanting to get into clothing but if it is like that then I may just change my avenues and try something else!
~Heavens~
