The experience
* Absolute STAR method - 100%.
* We had two panel interviews with two district or regional managers in each panel, with a strictly imposed maximum of 35 minutes each.
* All four assessors were very conversational and open, formally dressed yet didn't take themselves too seriously, and that's exactly what they want an you. One DM identified her territory as "Jersey Shore to farm".
* Time flew by in each session when we got-to talking. The assessors what you to relax and be open and honest. The best way to be relaxed is to walk well prepared.
* If you don't have an example from work or personal experience for one of their questions, I recommend that you tell them what you feel you would do in that situation - i.e. "I can't think of a specific example, but I believe that the best course of action is...".
* Being flown out for an interview was a first-time experience for me, but apparently, it's 'the way it is' for RAI. The hotel was nice and the staff were great. The recruiters were great but overwhelmed; Ginger in travel was very helpful in making recommendations for the flight. I ate off property so as to minimize the overall cost.
* I was able to utilize a couple of my answers more than once, meaning in two different scenarios. Remember that they're taking notes and collaborating afterwards, so be consistent.
* They gave only some attention to RAI's products; and, RAI's history was only mentioned by one assessor in passing. Both are worth knowing.
*DOTT means "day on the trade", which is a ride-along with a nearby Territory Manager. In my case that never happened, so I added in a question about the day-to-day tasks of the position.
* They put significant attention onto leadership dynamics, relationship building, working as part of a team and corporate values. 1) Are you a good team member? 2) Are you a good team leader?
* I recommend watching YouTube videos on behavioral questions; use the 8 questions to ask, and study the 10 questions to answer. Honestly, I'm thinking their assessors have seen the same videos.
* Be outgoing and positive from the moment you walk in until the moment after you leave the area. In both rooms the nearest assessor acted stand-offish when I walk into the room, presumably to see what I'd do, while the furthest assessor walked right up to me, extend their hand and was very outgoing. I recommend that you walk straight to them, smile, extend your hand and greet them - repeating their names as they tell you. They want to see how you will present yourself to their clients.
* At the beginning they'll give you a litte-to-some background about themselves. I recommend that you write that down in your notes.
* Oh, I recommend bringing a portfolio that's organized and that you take as much notes as are appropriate for you.
* In terms of the next step, I was advised that I would receive a call from my recruiter within 2 business days "to go over how you did".
* My interview was pushed up about two hours. Expect that, especially as a test.
* Given how much RAI spent to give me an opportunity to meet with their representatives and to allow me to assess RAI as a potential employer and the assessors as potential teammates, I wanted to show them all the possible respect for their efforts. Also, these folks are doing interviews 'all the time' (as I was told by an outside party) in addition to their normal duties; that, in the least, deserves respect.
* Overall this was the most positive and conversational interview I've ever had. I probably invested a total of a full day into doing the necessary research for this interview. I
answered their questions to the best of my ability.
* Regardless of the outcome it was a positive experience.
* Training for this position was identified as thirteen weeks in some classroom but primarily online environments, but that training is a year-long process and learning in this company "never ends for anyone".
End state: RAI spent four hundred dollars on the flight and one hundred sixty dollars on the hotel to have their recruiter tell me "unfortunately...". Rather than wasting nearly seven hundred dollars to tell me "unfortunately", RAI could have just sent me a check.