The interview took place on-site in a charming building that partially houses the library used by Eden Project students. The interviewers were friendly, engaging, and highly talented, and I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent in the actual interview. Preparing for the interview required a significant amount of effort, which I suppose reflects the nature of the position, with its focus on working to tight creative deadlines.
I do have concerns that some roles at Eden may not provide genuine career progression and this is reflected in the frequent changes to employees’ job titles every few years, despite their responsibilities remaining largely the same.
Lately, I have also become aware that the Eden Project has developed a somewhat negative reputation for recurring concerns over redundancy, which has largely discouraged me from supporting their brand/products/services, even as a consumer, since.
Additionally, the initial job advertisement did not accurately reflect the role, suggesting a disconnect within the HR department, and I felt the tasks set did not reflect the chief responsibilities.
But despite these concerns, the Eden Project still remains a Cornish tourism staple. However, its declining ticket sales highlights its difficultly in adapting to current economic changes, particularly those affecting those living and working in Cornwall.
However, I can only truly comment on my own personal interview experience and I hope that the Eden Project chooses to adapt, evolve, and grow.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Can you tell us what it was that drew you to this position, and briefly how your previous experience will help you in the role?
Received an email to interview with duty managers within a week of application. A relaxed interview process with standard interview questions. Job offer received before the end of the day to start the next week.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What is your biggest professional achievement? Tell me a time you failed and how you handled the situation?
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Eden Project (Truro, England) in Jul 2016
Interview
Fairly simple. Application online followed by invitation to interview. Basic "about you"/ career history introduction, followed by competency based interview, concluded with opportunity to ask questions. Both interviewers were friendly and genuinely interested in responses.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell us about a time you solved a difficult problem