Charfen Institute Interview Questions & Reviews
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Updated Mar 6, 2012 – Interview questions and reviews posted anonymously by interview candidates.
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Difficulty Rating [?] Based on 10 ratings 
“Average” Interview
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Interview Experience [?] Based on 10 ratings
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| 1–10 of 10 Charfen Institute Interviews | Sort by |
Content Specialist at Charfen Institute
Posted Mar 6, 2012
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4.0
Difficult Interview
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Overall Neutral Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Feb 2012 in Austin, TX (took 2 weeks)
I applied online for the job of Content Specialist and was sent a writing assignment (900 words about foreclosed real estate). A week later I received an email stating that they liked my writing sample and wanted to interview me. The following week, I took my portfolio to the Charfen offices and was given a "personality assessment" to fill out, along with a lengthy job application. After about 45 minutes, I was told that there were no offices available for my interview so the interviewer took me into the lobby and talked with me for about a half hour, asking the regular questions about my former jobs and why I wanted to work at Charfen. He ended the interview by saying that he would send me another assignment (this time a PowerPoint) in the next day or two. When I didn't receive it, I emailed the company and was told that the position had been given to someone who was already employed there.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview and a Personality Test.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Marketing Manager at Charfen Institute
Posted Feb 28, 2012
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4.0
Difficult Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Oct 2011 in Austin, TX (took 3 months)
It is not easy to get a job here. My official hiring process took about 90 days. The overall process took much longer. There is a good reason why they have such a long hiring process. The company culture here is stronger than some family culture. People work hard, need help and support, and the wrong people can cause an already challenging work schedule to be unnecessarily complex.
I interviewed with about 15 people over 1.5 days. Meeting back to back about every 30mins with a different person or member of the team. I got to understand strengths, weaknesses, of myself and the team. The hiring process can be similar to an organic being. Like white blood cells, if a foreign substance that doesn't belong enters "the body" those cells will attack and reject it.
This company hires for culture, personality, and ethics first. Skills and ability second. They believe skills can be taught, but culture and ethics have to already be in place. The CEO personally meets with you and gives you his story in a "culture meeting" and sets tone for leadership throughout the company.
This interview process is like a distance run, if you are not in shape or prepared, it will wear you out. If you pass, just like winning a race, the feeling, people, and company will support you like nowhere else you've ever worked.
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details
Be prepared to have to prove your worth once you are hired. Your salary offer will probably be at around the low end of what your expectations are. Don't be insulted. The company is based on meritocracy and your ability to perform will entitle you to more. You can rationalize the difference between what you are initially offered and what you are currently worth by thinking of that difference as being subsidized by the premium opportunity to learn, grow, and be supported to new levels in your carrer and personal life.
Your total compensation you receive is NOT in the form of salary and benefits, but in the form of payment that pays dividends down the road.
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a 1:1 Interview, a Group/Panel Interview, a Skills Test, a Personality Test, a Drug Test and a Background Check.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Marketing at Charfen Institute
Posted Feb 20, 2012
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4.0
Difficult Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Jan 2012 in Austin, TX (took 6 months)
I was flown in from out of state to meet with the CEO and his executives. They took care of everything and made it very easy for me. Flight, car, lunch, and dinner. I was treated with the utmost of respect and felt like an absolute VIP every step of the way. Initially there was not the correct position for me. The company executives stayed in contact with me and a few months later we met again on several occasions. The Charfen Institute was very deliberate in their hiring and I was very deliberate in my accepting. I know with certainty that both parties are convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt we are a perfect fit. I see myself here 10+ years. Don't think the process will take this long for all people, but in my case I'm happy it did.
Interview Questions
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a 1:1 Interview, a Group/Panel Interview, a Personality Test and a Background Check.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Member Services Representative at Charfen Institute
Posted Feb 15, 2012
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Mar 2011 in Austin, TX (took 3 days)
I originally applied via and add on craigslist on a Friday, that following monday I did a phone interview which was relatively painless just normal questions about me and work history. I was then asked to come in for an official interview in which I had a one on one and to find out a little more about myself and the company. On the same day I also did a group interview which lasted about 45 minutes to an hour where they delve deeper into who I was as an individual inside and outside of work. I thought it was a pretty quick interview process nothing too out of the ordinary. I then received a phone call offering me the position the following day.
I believe that they spend a lot of time finding out who you are as a person because a good fit for the company is very important, they do not like to set people up to fail and if you are someone that does not fit then it is not necessarily a bad thing it just means that here maybe isn't the best option for you. There is such an amazing atmosphere and chemistry between everyone in the company that it makes everyday an exciting and enjoyable work experience.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a Group/Panel Interview, a 1:1 Interview and a Phone Interview.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Event Producer at Charfen Institute
Posted Feb 15, 2012
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4.0
Difficult Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Jan 2012 in Austin, TX (took 2 days)
received a call from HR, asked to come in the next day. Took a personality test. interviewed with executive 1, then 2 , then CEO. went into a room to talk offers with HR. accepted. signed paperwork. The interviews are completely different. They want to know about you. be genuine.
Negotiation Details
Be realistic. The company offers a profit share every month so it definitely pads your income. you can counteroffer but dont push it.
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a 1:1 Interview, a Personality Test, a Drug Test and a Background Check.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Executive Administrative at Charfen Institute
Posted Feb 15, 2012
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1.0
Very Easy Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Jan 2012 (took 2 days)
On January 5th, I was contacted by Charfen Institute's Talent Manager. She introduced herself on a social media site due to my professional profile on LinkedIn. I was immediately taken by her creativity to find me and her enthusiasm about my qualifications being a fit for her open opportunity. Intrigued, I called her. Our conversation was as if I were already speaking to a colleague. We instantly agreed this was what I was searching for. When I arrived on-site for the interview the team welcomed me with sincerity therefore, my mind was at ease. I felt as if I belonged and could actually imagine myself working along side the team closely. The interview was a professional panel style yet, we found ourselves relaxed, and sharing experiences equally. Also, a comprehensive personality test and skills test were issued.
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details
Afterward, I went home with a great interview experience no matter the outcome. About one hour later, they called with an offer! It was after 5pm however, it meant more to them to extend it to me right away to ensure I would choose them first. Excellence resonates from this organization in every way. I am honored to have been accepted!
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a Group/Panel Interview, a Skills Test, a Personality Test, a Drug Test and a Background Check.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Office Assistant at Charfen Institute
Posted Feb 15, 2012
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Oct 2011 (took 2 days)
I initially applied for the job through a third-party ad. This was on a Wednesday, the very next day I got a call from their HR department wanting to set up an interview, on Friday. So I came in the next morning and basically spent the next few hours in the interview process, after taking the personality test of course. I was rather nervous for the interview, mostly to do with how quickly this whole process was taking. The interview was rather more in depth than I had experienced before, this mostly had to do with how serious they take their hiring process. This strive for integrity throughout all aspects of the company became really prominent throughout the course of the interview. It definitely became obvious that this was a company that was about more than the numbers. The rest of the interview was a bit of a blur, mostly due to the fact that they hired me right then and there, I started 72 hours later on the following Monday. What I do remember the most was the fact that the interviewers cared as much about who I was and what I was looking for, as they did about how good of a fit I would be for the position. They realized an employee is more than just what work they get accomplished but how integral they can be to the atmosphere of the overall company.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a 1:1 Interview, a Personality Test and a Drug Test.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Event Coordinator at Charfen Institute
Posted Feb 15, 2012
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2.0
Easy Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Feb 2011 in Austin, TX (took 2 weeks)
Application process was online. Called for interview days later.
Initial interview was a group/panel interview. During this portion, I was asked to take a DISC profile test. This is a personality test, and there's no way you can "fail" it. It's simply used by the company to decide how to communicate with you and figure out how you communicate with others. There were 2 employees we interviewed. We were able to ask them questions about anything: the company, their position, etc.
Highly recommend you express what type of culture you'd like to work in. Honest, real answers are preferred...this company wants to hear your passion and truth, not textbook/google search answers to interview questions. Be genuine.
My second interview was with the HR again, and with the Events manager. About a week later, they offered me the Events position.
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details
They asked my salary preferences in the application process. I was given a higher offer than what I put down.
Other Details
I got the interview through an Employee Referral and the interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview, a Group/Panel Interview, a Personality Test, a Drug Test and a Background Check.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Human Resources Manager at Charfen Institute
Posted Feb 9, 2012
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4.0
Difficult Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Jan 2012 in Austin, TX (took 5 days)
I initially received an email asking if I would be available for a phone interview by the VP of Ops. Within minutes of replying with a "Most definitely!" I received a phone call a few minutes later. The phone interview resulted in a interview a week or so later. The first interview was with the CEO, VP of Ops and the HR Associate. They explained the position requirements and conducted an in depth interview. I was asked to return the next day and interview with the Executive Leadership Team. There were at least 8 people in the interview at any one time but I was made to feel very comfortable. They explained how important it was to find a person that would fit the company in skill sets, personality and culture. This interview lasted over two hours and believe it or not, was a great time. The exchange of ideas and methodologies was lively and I felt very empowered to speak my mind freely. At the same time, the questions asked of me informed, tough, precise and definitely designed to dig deep.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a Group/Panel Interview and a Personality Test.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Video Technician at Charfen Institute
Posted Jan 31, 2012
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4.0
Difficult Interview
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Overall Negative Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Oct 2011 in Austin, TX (took 1 week)
I was contacted by HR to come in for an interview. The phone call was something of a screen call, but mostly just conversation. I had done my research and had a very lively and excited exchange, so I was feeling at the top of my game going in.
When I met with my interviewer he seemed more or less from the get go to be trying to convince me to do something else, and I wasn't sure why. Even when I explained why I wanted to work for Charfen and do this kind of video, he said he saw me in a different role and in the film industry. I found the need to defend my interests, and became uncomfortable with the dynamic. I left the hour long interview knowing something had gone wrong but I couldn't find out how or why.
They emphasized the importance of being the right fit for the company. In the mornings they all get together in one big, fluorescent-lit room and have a "go-team" huddle. Ultimately they concluded I was not the right fit.
Interview Questions
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Phone Interview and a 1:1 Interview.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
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