I applied online. The process took 1+ week. I interviewed at Free People (Washington, DC) in July 2014
Interview
Sent an online survey, then invited to a group interview with management. I was then invited back for a second one-on-one interview with a District manager. I heard in the group interview that they are looking for passionate people who are brand-appropriate.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Lots of personal questions-- what inspires you, what are your passions, what is your ultimate dream job, etc.
Asked about zodiac sign, leadership experience and management style. Dress for the role, they care that you represent and fit the brand. 3 interviews total. One with current manager, area and regional.
I applied online. The process took 6 weeks. I interviewed at Free People (New York, NY) in July 2016
Interview
I received a phone call from a store manager in another state who wanted to schedule a phone interview. I prepared myself very well for the interview, including reading interview reviews on Glassdoor. I felt the interview process went smoothly with the store manager; however, there was another manager sitting in on the interview which made it slightly more intimidating, not to mention harder to hear as they were on speaker phone (sometimes I wasn't sure who was who when they asked questions). I felt adequately prepared for all of the questions posed showing a knowledge of the company, their product, and my skill sets. I was even asked if I would be willing to take a different management title that they were seeking to fill (which I said yes). Yet 3 days later (at 12:09 am), I received an email letting me know that they would not be moving forward with me. This email came not from the person/people I interviewed with, but from a "no-reply" account which left me no opportunity to reach out and thank them or even inquire as to what I could have done better during our interview. I decided to call the store that the 2 managers I interviewed with were located to get feedback to help me with my future job search. I was informed that the main manager was on vacation and could call me back in a weeks time (?!?!). The other manager that sat in on the interview was the one who answered the phone, so I asked her if she could provide me with any feedback, to which she replied that she had no idea what takes place with the interview process (again, ?!?!).
As a retail manager with over 6 years of luxury retail management experience, I know that there is a very slim chance that she didn't know anything. I also found the (early morning) email notification was slightly unprofessional and impersonal. I was so excited at the possibility of working for FP, only to be left with a bad taste in my mouth. Coming from a manager, I would be embarrassed to find out that this is how the company I work for conducts new hiring practices. Such a shame. :(