I applied for the position online and exactly 2 weeks later I received a call from HR letting me know I had been selected as a possible prospect for the position but explained that there was a screening she needed to complete first to ensure I was the right person. She asked a variety of job-related questions, but couldn't really answer any of mine. To be honest, I was unsure after that call, felt there were numerous red flags, and didn't know if I wanted to pursue it. Ultimately, I agreed to proceed with an interview with one of the Presidents (at the sister company) after the screening was passed. I figured that in HR, she couldn't be expected to know everything about all the positions they have within the company and what each entailed, but could only go off the details she was provided (though I was concerned that she didn't know if it was onsite/hybrid/remote, compensation, etc.). I figured I could get more information during the next interview.
The formal interview was scheduled for the very next day (my birthday!). During that interview, I really hit it off with the person I met with and I had all of my questions answered. Note: my interview was virtual due to our being in different states, but I know that is not always the case - I think it was directly related to the specific position I was interviewing for, After that interview, not only was I reassured, but all red flags were squashed, I felt much more confident about the role and the job expectations. and I was excited about the opportunity! That same day I was notified that he wanted to set up a final interview onsite with the EnterSource executives and himself. He did prepare me that this would be a 5ish hour day so I could interview with each person as well as have lunch with them. Again, I do not believe this is typical and is simply because it was an executive position, and not all applicants would require a majority-day commitment.
That last interview was set for about 2 1/2 weeks later due to schedule constraints - the person I had met with would be flying in, so he needed time to prepare that trip around other commitments, which I completely understood. The night before I was asked to bring samples of my work, so there was a bit of a scramble to gather what I could because I didn't have too much to share (due to confidentiality and ownership rights of the companies I had worked with previously), but I was able to gather enough.
That morning when I arrived, I met with a variety of leads from EnterSource: the President, the Executive Vice President, the VP of Business Development, the Regional Inventory Control Manager, and the Accounts Receivable Manager. They were all such a pleasure to talk to and each had their own set of criteria they were looking for in the person who accepted the role. With each interview, I felt more and more confident that this was where I needed to be. It felt like a family (probably due to the fact that 2 brothers own it and their sister is also with the company). I spent a total of 6.5 hours there, including lunch (from 10am until 4:30pm).
I left that day confident that this is where I needed to be, even if it meant a significant reduction in income. I only mention this last part because I feel it is necessary to express how comfortable I was with everyone and how wonderful the whole interview process was in general. At that point, it wasn't just about the money for me (though it is, of course, an important factor since that IS why we work, right? Lol)
After that interview (a Tuesday), I was told they would be deciding pretty quickly and that regardless, I should hear back by the end of the week. Thursday evening I received my offer letter, accepted it immediately, and had my first day with the company exactly 2 weeks later.
*NOTE: Yes, they may compensate a little less than their competitors or for similar positions elsewhere, but it is a trade-off and COMPLETELY worth it for what money doesn't buy: a happy work environment with people you feel comfortable with and can trust, as well as really decent benefits and a great work-life balance! Believe me! My last position (where I was miserable) paid tens of thousands more, but I turned down an offer to go back there and instead chose EnterSource.
