This was a phone interview that, strangely, was set up to start at 12:00 noon. I was interested in this role, and I assumed that the company was just really busy and this was one of the few times that they had available to catch up with potential candidates. I spoke with an HR representative, after my information was forwarded to them by a recruiting agency. I was asked some very general questions about my management style, what companies I had previously worked with, and what skills I brought with me to the table. I answered these questions in detail while listening to the HR representative eat what sounded like a salad on the other end of the phone. After about 10 minutes, I was asked if I had any questions about the role. I had over 20 questions that I thought were relevant, and I proceeded to ask these. For most of the answers I was told that I'd have to get that information from the VP of Manufacturing. I tried my best to explain the reasons for my questions and elaborate on my own skills as they related to what I was asking. I wanted to know, specifically, if they were using any lean principles or systems such as 5S or six sigma. I was told that they were not. I explained how it would be possible to improve their overall processes and optimize their output by modifying their approach. I noted how I'd personally led teams at two of my prior employers through the process, and I gave fairly precise data about the benefits and outcomes, along with as much specific data as I felt I could provide. I was told that this was something that would have to be discussed with the VP of Manufacturing. I noted how much I would appreciate the opportunity to talk with the VP of Manufacturing to share my ideas and experience, and I would be happy to do this either over the phone or in person. Since I only lived about 40 minutes from their plant, I could easily accommodate their schedule. At the conclusion of the interview I asked the HR representative if she had any concerns about my qualifications or ability to excel in the role and she said she did not. She said that she would be in touch in the next day or two. About two weeks later I was told by the recruiter who initially contacted me that they had decided to go with another candidate. I noted that I was surprised to hear this, as I was expecting to at least have the chance to talk to the VP of manufacturing. The recruiter noted the same, and said that she didn't understand either. I was very disheartened to hear this, as I felt that I could have been a very good fit for the company and their operation based on what I knew of them from friends in the area and what I had read online.
