I applied online and heard back within a week. I received an email from HR asking me to complete a case study within 48 hours and to submit it (with my name on every page in a PDF) by noon on a Wednesday. In the same email where I received this task, I was also invited to an Interview Day at the downtown office. The person who contacted me told me that it would be a 2 hour Group Interview, in which we would be discussing the case study, and getting a chance to know the other candidates. The e-mail also stated that I was to arrive "no earlier or later than 10 AM" and to ask for a specific person.
I was traveling from Boston, and this interview happened right between the submission of my last final and graduation. Unfortunately, when I got to the office, I was completely taken aback by the lack of professionalism demonstrated by what is supposed to be a reputable organization. When I got there and asked for the person who was supposed to interview me, the secretary just nodded, said my name, and I went and sat down on my own. One woman comes down the hallway and introduces herself (she was not the one who was supposed to be interviewing), and takes me on a wild goose chase for an open room in the office. Apparently, this was a staff wide development day, and they were very short on rooms. We finally found one and I was told we would be in there for a half hour - another woman came to join us (again, not my contact), and they both began asking me questions. They asked about my experiences, about what I would do if faced with adverse situations, how I would "push" parents to sign off on Special Education. One of the women even told me that she was "guilty of drinking the Kool Aid". They asked me for my case study, which I handed over, but they did not even LOOK at it - just asked how I had prioritized. After the thirty minutes, one of the two women walked me out. I was left incredibly perplexed because the e-mail (see below) that I received made it seem as though there would be a GROUP interview, which never occurred. An organization that holds such high standards for its students should also commit to abiding by these standards when going through hiring processes. I was left with a sour taste in my mouth after this experience. I did not get an offer, and am glad that I am not more familiar with the lack of transparency in this organization.
"Dear XXX:
Thank you for your availability and congratulations, again, on your invitation to our Education Coordinator/Manager Group Interview Day at Success Academy Charter Schools!
I have confirmed you for our Education Coordinator/Manager Group Interview Day held on Friday, XXX from 10am-12pm. Please arrive no earlier/later than 9:50am sharp (EST). You'll be meeting with some members of the current team at our Success Academy Network office, at 95 Pine Street, 6th Floor (entrance located at 120 Wall Street, between Front St & South St). When you arrive, please show photo identification at the security desk and then check in at the main office located on the 6th floor. Please ask for XXXXX XXXX upon arrival.
There will be group activities and more fun! I've attached a case study to complete in time for your Group Interview Day - please complete and send it to me (as one pdf document, with your name on every page) by Tuesday, May 19th at noon.
Please bring 2 copies of your completed case study, as well as your cover letter and resume to the interview.
Kindly reply back to this email as soon as possible to confirm that you have received the case study and that this day/time works for you.
Let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns. I look forward to meeting with you. Thanks so much!
Best,"