Howden Insurance Consultant interview questions

Had an initial 45 minute phone interview with a member of the team. I was then invited in the following day for a face to face informal interview where the branch manager was interested in finding out more about me as a person. I was then invited in for a further face to face, experience with the team, followed by a practical sales test and psychometric online test. I felt the interviews went well at each stage and the branch manager was very friendly and helpful at each stage. I did not receive an offer after this final stage and was given feedback that during my practical test I had not developed rapport well enough or exuded enough confidence, which I accept. However, the feedback given also said I was late for the interview, which was untrue as I was given a time of 10.30am and arrived at 10.25. They claimed that it was scheduled for 10.00am, but made no mention of this on the day so I was unable to clarify this error. They also gave me the option of completing my practical test out front or in a back office. I opted for the latter, which was later used in the feedback as another mark against me, which felt a touch deceptive. Ultimately I was clearly not right for the role regardless of these points so it is moot, but these two factors marred an otherwise very positive overall interview experience.

Overall a poor experience - unclear direction and misled by the interviewers. I was contacted by a recruitment company who recommended the job to me. I had an initial telephone conversation with a manager for 45 minutes. I passed this stage, and was asked to fill in an application form and complete a 35 minute online test. I was then invited for a face to face competency based interview. During this interview, I was told that the next stage would be a role play to demonstrate my sales ability and "sell a holiday". This was actually incorrect as I was invited for a further meeting with another manager. This was "informal" as the person I met was more interested in me as a person. He seemed positive and chirpy, but didn't really seem to ask that many questions. I was then contacted by the recruitment agency the day after, who said "I'm not suitable for sales" I feel I was misled, as they knew my experience (7 years in the insurance industry) and I wasn't provided a chance to demonstrate my skills in this area. I'm sure the third meeting was just a chance for them to judge my personal appearance. I've emailed the branch manager for feedback but I'm yet to hear from them, and I don't expect to. Overall it felt like a waste of time.