After applying online, I receive a call from Don - an assistant to the main recruiter. Don was great because he also assisted me throughout my process. We scheduled a phone interview (not screening) with one of the managers.
The phone interview was challenging with behavioral questions all about market research and leading projects. The person that interviewed me was an impressive professional - someone that had had lots of diverse professional experiences. Her knowledge came through our conversations.
Within two days of the phone interview, I received an email from the main recruiter inviting me to interview at the World Headquarter. I got a call from Don again. He gave me three options of days (one in October, November and December). I needed to take the one that happened the sooner, since I was in other interviewing processes. While I waited to the day of the interview I received a competitive offer from another company. The Career Advisor from the University recommended that I reach out to Don, since many times they make the effort to speed-up the day of the interview. In my case, it was impossible since I was only at 2-3 days of the interview. In any case, General Mills is known for being flexible and professional about speeding up processes.
One note: It's paramount that you contact and get to know as many people in Consumer Insights as possible. This gives you a lots of points!
When I arrived to the building on the day of the interview, I got to meet other interviewees. Only one was also interviewing for Consumer Insights. The majority were interviewing for AMM (Associate Marketing Manager) and were coming from all over the country.
Here was the itinerary from 8 AM to 3 PM:
- Breakfast with one or two individuals from your university
- 60 minute case study - with a word doc that I used as support for a conversation/defense of my recommendations
- Lunch and Tour of the building (impressive HQ); this was led by Don. He made it a great memorable experience! It didn't seemed forced and he was truly excited to share the place/history with the several interviewees that were there that day.
- Three 45min interviews back to back. One with HR director, one with Consumer Insights Directors, and one to defend the case recommendations with the Manager of Consumer Insights of the product line the case is on.
Overall, my experience was great! I'm going to take a moment to talk about Don. This guy helped us all throughout the process. He was responsive professional and treated us with care. He knew the names of everyone and always addressed us by our first name. He definitely made me feel comfortable. Thank you, Don.