Mars Incorporated Interview Questions & Reviews

Interviewed Mar 2009 in Bolton, ON (Canada) (took 3 weeks)

Received an invitation for face to face interview two weeks after applying. It was through an email sent out on a Sunday stating a specific date and time. I thought it was a bit odd that it was not followed by a phone call (the sender requested an acknowledgement). I also thought it was strange that it seemed to indicate the time/date was non-negotiable.
The interview itself went well. It started off in a simple conversational style. Then it moved on to the currently very popular CAR (context, action, result) style. Basics such as: describe a time when you had to overcome a difficult situation, when you had to work in a team, etc etc. What is your best day, worst day in the office? What are strengths and weaknesses (what are you still working on)? The interview ended with more of a conversational style back and forth. All in all, the interviewer was very nice.
Free candy and gum everywhere, got a bag with candies at the end of the interview as well. Someone had a dog in the office and I was told dogs are allowed to be brough in.
The office is completely open: it seems like a sea of desks with partitions only about half a foot tall. This is to encourage the family feel as well as the community feel.
The FIVE PRINCIPLES are everywhere: on the entrance door, behind the receptionist, on the door of the room where I was interviewed.
Interviewed for the postion of manager, but no direct reports. Was told the company has a very flat structure. Manager means level of responsibility.
International opportunities could be available at a more senior/executive level, not middle management per se.
In the end, I received an email about 5 business days later that I did not make it through.
It seems MARS is very selective (previous applications did not even make it to the interview). Additionally, I am sure they have a huge pool of applicants. My impression is that it's very hard to get in.