I received an email inquiring whether I am interested in going through the first round of interviews. That followed by a fairly quick (30 minute) phone interview. (Don't worry about this - I have now been with the company for a while and can say that this is a fairly young account manager who has been in his/her current position for about a year or so. You may also have an interview with a recruiter from Training and Development). The interview is easy and you shouldn't stress. Afterwards, if they are interested in moving forward with you - which they most likely will be, they ask you to be interviewed by a local Branch Manager. My interview lasted a while, but that's because the BM and I had a lot in common - mostly the school that I attended. I can say this: most Branch Managers will recommend you to the next round, however, there are some that do not...most likely it has nothing to do with you, but mostly for reasons outside of your control. Just a suggestion, do not show up late or TOO early - this tends to aggravate many of them. After you are done with the interview, the process is fairly quick and they tell you that they want to fly you out to Rhode Island to interview with their Jurisdictional Officers (VP's). They will pay for your flight and put you in a hotel near the campus - they may it seem like it's so wonderful and you'll feel really special. However, let's be realistic - and again, I have been with a company for years now and have seen the same protocol year after year. This is standard. I can understand the allure of it - when you're fresh out of college and you feel like you're really being taken care off. Realistically, you may not know what you're getting yourself into. It's a lot of smoke to cover the fire. (I'll explain later). During your interview, you will most likely meet with about 3 separate individuals and you'll play musical chairs with all of them. The interviewers try to seem intimidating, but I can say that once you're being interviewed there is a VERY GOOD chance you will get the job. I'm not saying not to prepare, but I can tell you that if you feel prepared and feel good during the interview - you will most likely get the job. The whole process took hours, and you will then meet the recruiter (the Account Manager) who interviewed you. You will be taken out to lunch and asked questions - this is still part of the interview process, so be aware of what you do and say. The same day they put you back on the plane to fly you back home. In my experience and from my friends' experience - we received a call about an hour after our last interview while we were still in the airport. You will hear back from them right away.
I can say this: do not expect a high salary. They will try to sell you on a shorter schedule, but you are expected to be in the office early and leave late. AGAIN, you will not make a lot of money and there is absolutely NO negotiating which is truly absurd. You will go through training, however, afterwards, you will be transferred to a branch office - and it's usually somewhere where you do not want to be. You opinion (or your pleading) do not matter in the decision of management on where to move you. Keep this in mind as you move around in the company - with time you will see the pattern and it's very discouraging. If you want to be in a certain area after you graduate - search for a different job. If you want to be in a young environment, this job is certainly not for you. You will work with very seasoned reps who do not like new managers coming in. Furthermore, don't let the title fool you - just because you have the title of a "manager" - do not expect to be a go-to person who makes decisions. That just doesn't happen. Reps are valued more than you. You will make less money than the people you supervise (I know, it's truly shocking!). If you have other jobs possibly in the pipeline - really work towards getting that job and don't stop here unless you feel you're not qualified to do anything else. Bottom line, don't buy into the hype and keep your head on your shoulders.
In addition - if you take the job. People whom I have seen succeed are ones that keep their head down, don't share opinions on how to make the job better, and do not question anything or anyone. You have to stay mobile and you will be moved around A LOT (your consideration does not matter).
I wish you luck!