Tillys In-Store Visual Merchandiser interview questions

The interview process consisted of two interviews, one with the district visual merchandising manager and the other with the district manager. Overall it was a very comfortable and they were genuinely interested in what I had to say.

This is a great company that is marketed toward the active "alternative" sport types. Skaters, surfers, BMX, cross, motocross, band, etc, etc.... I have shopped at Tilly's since the 80s and now my kids are shopping there too. So you can guess how old I am. I applied for the Asst. Manager or Visual Merchandising position online at the company site and via email. I have many years of retail experience and I am also a freelance artist with administrative skills. I sent in my resume for both Asst. Management & Visual Merchandiser. I was surprised to find myself in a group interview in the middle of the local mall food court (even though the store was not located in the mall) with several teens applying by application for sales associate. I was given the same questions as the teens with the focus on my "art" and how fun it must be. I was never asked about my administrative skills, my design skills, or even my retail background. I feel that I was dismissed immediately due to my age. I understand that they want young faces and by no means do I look old or elderly, however, I think that my skills were dismissed. It's too bad because I think that in both positions that I would have been a great team leader for the younger set as well as someone who could relate to those coming in to buy for their kids and who are spending the real money.