I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Central Market (San Antonio, TX) in Oct 2015
Interview
This would be a very negative experience for anyone who is an introvert, as it was for me. It started with a phone call after 7 days of applying online, a phone interview with the HR lady. She told me to come in for a group interview two weeks later. When the group interview came, it was a group interview of about 15 candidates, 3 of who are most likely competing for the same job as you. It was really intimidating and not to mention among the about 12 managers sitting there watching you.(some with their noses pointed high.) It started off with us having to put together an elementary type project consisting of colored construction paper, stickers, and so on for us to introduce ourselves creatively. We were timed and then had to stand up and present our little creation. We then had to do skits (which were also timed) of mainly customer service type scenarios, and with a partner. After that (also timed) we had to identify and write down random items that they sell in the store. After about 2 hours of intimidation and anticipation they had us sit in the break room to wait for our names to be called. They made their decisions on who they did and did not want to work for their company. I was not one of them. This interview was not on a personal level at all, so it wasn't fair. I should've walked out when I noticed the managers with their noses pointed high!
4
Positive experience
Average interview
Application
I applied online. I interviewed at Central Market (Austin, TX) in May 2017
Interview
Got called for a phone interview and then invited for a group interview. It went pretty smoothly and was quite different but fun. Eventually, the department manager contacted me to set up a meeting and discuss the job itself.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Create your own resume with drawings, marketing/sales pitch activity, foodie item identification, etc.
I applied in-person. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Central Market (Dallas, TX) in Mar 2011
Interview
group interview, then individual interview. I applied in person in a makeshift building that they had set up close to the site of the new store. I had to fill out paperwork and do an online questionnaire. I was called a few days later and asked to return to that building on a Saturday morning for a group interview.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Group interview involved a lot of creative projects, role play situations, and situations involving working individually and in teams. A few days after the group interview, I was asked to return to the building for a 1:1 interview. It went well. My interview was for a bakery position but I had the feeling they were trying to railroad me into working in the bread and cheese departments instead of the bakery. I have a lot of experience with marketing and product demos and they wanted me to consider passing out cheeses. That really did not interest me, so I declined the job offer.