Unlike the others that have offered feedback on the Lampo interview process, I was offered the position, and did accept the offer. Here’s what I experienced:
Communication #1: Phone screening with HR.
- Pretty standard overall. Great person to talk to, didn't feel like questions were overly personal. Got a good vibe about the company, and was anxious to proceed to the next stage. Was contacted within 2-3 days to set up the next round of interviews.
Communication #2: Phone interview w/hiring manager.
- First chance to hear from the person I'd be working for. Initial impression was that hiring manager was cool, but did not ask many standard interview questions. Felt like they were trying to see how well I'd fit into the existing team. Asked hiring manager what they liked most about my resume, and was told that they checked me out on Facebook and saw that we had similar music taste. Became clear that hiring manager did not thoroughly prepare for interview.
Communication #3: Flown to Nashville for in-person interview.
Set up travel with Lampo (they paid for it), and was flown down to meet with hiring manager for the day. Lampo sent car service to airport to shuttle me to and from the office. First agenda item was tour of facility with HR. Afterwards, lunch with hiring manager. Small talk over lunch, then returned to office for more in-depth conversation. Again, hiring manager wasn't very well prepared, and there were numerous moments where I wasn't sure they knew what to do next (lack of experience w/hiring process). Introduced to Dave and other leaders. More small talk, until it was time to head back to airport. Much of conversation had to do with Lampo culture, and how it differed from the rest of the world.
Communication #4-6: Follow up phone call w/hiring manager.
After visiting Lampo, I expected the interviewing process to be coming to an end. I was wrong. At this point, I had various conversations (over email and phone) with hiring manager. Was told the field had been narrowed to me and a few others. This went on for several weeks. Got the impression hiring manager wanted me for this position, but wanted to socialize the decision with others before making a final decision. Was asked for family budget at this stage, so they could see what the family need was.
Communication #7: Flown back to Nashville for spousal interview.
3-4 weeks passed between the time I first visited Nashville and the time they flew my spouse and I down for further consideration. Spouse was given tour of facility while I met with hiring manager and their supervisor. Again, more talk about the culture, and how important it was that I fit in. Discussed results of DISC profile I took, and not being familiar with it , I was very confused with what they were trying to tell me. As time went on, I understood that they use this to figure you out before you come to work there. They also want to find out how well you'll get along with your hiring manager and teammates. Went out to lunch w/hiring manager and team members. After lunch, met with hiring manager and their spouse to get to know them more personally. Conversation started to hint at an offer coming soon. Flew back home the same day.
Communication #8: Follow up phone call w/hiring manager.
Similar to before, waited approximately 1 week after that trip to hear anything from hiring manager. Still wasn't made offer, but was told to expect one.
Communication #9: Phone call with hiring manager, CFO and HR.
Officially offered position. Discussed compensation plan, benefits, moving assistance (don't expect much help) and outlook for position. Was reminded of importance of role, with mild excitement shared about me coming on board. Asked for 24 hours to review offer with spouse. Starting salary was 20% less than I was making in current position, but was told I could "expect to make more than you could make anywhere else" within 2-3 years. Attempted to negotiate moving assistance, but was told the organization doesn't really do full moves, regardless of position, and that I needed to have some skin in the game.
That's it. The entire process took roughly 8 weeks. There were long periods of no communication due to Dave's vacation schedule and other priorities (on their end, not mine). At no time did they communicate how they treat newbies during the interview process. If you make it this far, and accept an offer from them, don't expect to come in and start working in your strengths right away. They put A LOT of stock in hiring the best, but when it comes time to work, they treat you like a little child. I don't know if this is part of the brainwashing period or what, but I got my hand slapped on several occasions when I tried to demonstrate any form of innovation or initiation during those first 90 days.