Probably the worst interview experience I've had thus far.
I went in to pick up an application because there were signs on every window and door saying that they were hiring (seemingly desperate for new hires), and took it home to fill it out. I've had very positive experiences when I shop here, so I was eager to get an interview to work there. Went in the next day and handed my app to the manager who was there, who immediately looked it over and was very friendly when asking clarifying questions about it. He said that he would schedule an interview based off of by schedule, which was awesome, and set it two days later at 3pm.
So I walked in, well dressed and a few minutes early, and waited for a staff member to be available so I could ask for the manager. One walked up and I stated that I was there for an interview with the manager at 3, so he called her on the radio. The manager on the other end replied with an annoyed "what?", which took me off guard, and the employee stated that there was a woman here to be interviewed. The manager then, as rudely as before, said "well I'm on my lunch break so I'll come out when I'm done". I was very taken aback at her tone and attitude regarding me being here, but the employee just said that she should be out in a few minutes and walked off.
My annoyance was already setting in, as she should have known that she had an interview at this time and should be heading out to meet me with a little more joy, again seeing as they were seemingly desperate for new hires. Then a "few minutes" turned into TWENTY. Yes, twenty. I walked awkward circles around some kitchenware display waiting for this woman to come out to see me. My annoyance level was getting pretty high but I kept composure, as I really needed a job at the time.
Eventually some guy walks up, who wasn't even a manager, and said he'd do my interview. Finally. He took me into the office upstairs and sat me down, then proceeded to leave the room and chat with employees and "get paperwork" for another ten minutes. So at this point I had been there for half an hour without even have started my interview when, according to the manager who took my application, I should have been done with the interview and leaving the building. He finally comes in and starts the interview, which was pretty standard, but maybe a little more thoughtful. We got along and I seemed to be making a very good impression. Interview was no less than twenty minutes, when he finally was about to write me down for a second interview with the manager. He then looked up at me and said
"wait... are you graduating high school soon?".
I said yes.
"So you will be here for summers and holidays?" (working part-time hours, keep in mind)
Yes.
"Oh. Well, sorry, I don't want to hire anyone like that."
My extremely frustrated silence for a few seconds. (But I kept my composure)
"I appreciate the application, I just don't think it'll work."
Then I basically said my goodbyes and thanks for his time before leaving, not bothering to close the office door behind me. I finally left the building an HOUR AND A HALF LATER, upset and very frustrated. So while I showed up on time, well dressed, well prepared, and very polite and patient, the manager didn't bother coming out to meet me, they interviewed me half an hour late, and they wasted an hour of my and their time only to tell me they changed their mind at the last minute. I landed a job with Petco the next day, so luckily it didn't end up being an issue. Needless to say, I won't be shopping there anytime soon.
