Sodexo Law Department - Contracts Interview

Interviewed Feb 2012 in Gaithersburg, MD (took 2 weeks)

First and foremost, the two initial phone interviews went well and was also informative. However, the first onsite interview should have been conducted as a one-on-one session at first so both parties can really get a good feel and full understanding of the candidate and management in a more relaxed environment.

Afterwards, if there is a good fit and the company would like to bring you back for a second round, conduct the next meeting in the same manner or with possibly two other individuals at the most.

Instead, for my very first interview I met with a VP, three managers, and one administrator in the conference room all at once. In saying that, I want to share and recommend a course of action to the Sodexo hiring manager and team.

I'm sure their intentions were to make the interview as comfortable as possible. However, having a group of five individuals starring at you all at once can be a bit of an overkill and overwhelming for anyone, which can lead to an uncomfortable and uneasy experience for the candidate.

I have never in my professional career even as a hiring manager gone through anything like that, and would not recommend that approach during the hiring process. The setting is a bit too much and intimidating even for the seasoned interviewee, which I was not. Unfortunately, this is how I felt during the first onsite interview today.

The reason why I say this is because an employer can really miss out on hiring an effective, experienced and reliable employee. Just my thoughts.