Strange Interview?

[Fender247]

So I had an interview today. But instead the usual me by myself and the interviewers I was with two other candidates and we were all asked the same questions and competing for one opening. I was just wondering if this was normal or if anyone else has experienced something like this? They did say they need someone fast so I'd imagine they just want to interview a lot of candidates in a short period of time and this was the best way to do it.

Speaking of short period of time. Would it be okay to send an email thank you note in this case? I mean I could mail one out but there is a chance it would not get there in the time they said they'd repsond by.

[fuzmiq]

I had this recently for a part-time job for Starbucks. Not super fair. I always had to give my answer first, giving my competition time to think through their answer.

[mhoang]

A while back when I was working in retail, I had an interview for a sales associate job at Macy's that went like that. It was me, a few other candidates, and the interviewer around a table. The interviewer would ask a question, and whoever wants to answer would answer. I remember trying to be the first to answer, and trying to make eye contact as much as possible and generally letting the interviewer know I was giving them all my attention, since you are basically "competing" with others. Some people would give very few answers or not even answer once. I think they were trying to fill a bunch of positions so had one big interview to save time. I think I got offered the job but decided to do something else instead.

[illdoitlater]

This is also done at Macy's, but you're in a room full of people. It's terribly humliating, and you feel insecure about your questions. It's just a way to rule out the bunch without having to actually process it all. Plus, in my opinion, they can see right through the phonies.

[illdoitlater]

I've also had the Starbuck's experience. I didn't know much about their service policies. I was in what looked like a storage room with other potentials being interviewed by their individual people. They guy asked me if I would feel comfortable referring to people by their first names. I said something along the lines of no, not realizing that that is a system they yield confusion. It was terrible. People were talking over each other and their responses overly chipper. I've only applied there once, and never will again.

[lostnotyetfound]

I had an interview at Bath and Body Works that was similar. I interviewed with about four other people, the interviewer would ask a question and then whoever felt like it could answer.