Average Interview – Overall Negative Experience – No – Mon, 22 Aug 2016
Interviewed Aug 2,016 in Phoenix, AZ (took 1 days)
Applied online and was called the next day to set up in person interview. I show up and they put me in front of a computer to input my social security number and then answer a few questions regarding being arrested, dui, etc. The office assistant then prints out your resume and has you sign it along with permission to order a background check of your previous employers, state aid assistance, driving, and education. There were probably 8 pages of waivers to sign before the interview. I waited about 10 minutes and was called to interview with two buyers. I was told via the phone that I would be interviewing with one. The interview is very robotic. The interviewers do not ask any of their own questions or anything about your specific training, skills, or experience. They read from a script and then write down your answers. The majority was describe a time when you were stressed, what's challenging, or when you were in a difficult situation. There was nothing specific to the job in which I was interviewing. They were nice people, but the interaction was something that could have been done online. There is no personalization, nor is there any range or depth from the interviewers. One person asks a question, looks at the other person, the second person looks at the script, then asks their question. And round and round it goes. There were approximately 8 questions. Again, they were very nice but the interview could have been better if they were not reading directly from the script and continuously writing. I'm sure they could have added something significant if they were given the freedom to do so.
This job was described to me as 90% taking pictures and being outside. One of the interviewers did say that he started in this position because "there was nothing else available." I did ask how each of them got started with the company. This job would be more closely described as a lot attendant and not so much on the purchasing side. The buyer assistant position would be great for a high schooler, early college student, or one without any work experience.
The main reason for the negative overall experience rating was that I should never have been interviewed for this position based on my experience level or been rerouted to another available position. I, like others, don't like to waste valuable time. My resume suggests that I am not a fit for this position. The multiple waivers and impersonal interview were a miss for me. However, it seems to fit their factory assembly line style business approach.
A few days later I received this "Do not Reply" email:
"Thank you for taking the time to interview with us for the Buyer Assistant position at CarMax. We have had a chance to carefully review your skills and qualifications for the position.
While your background is notable, regrettably we need to let you know that we have decided to pursue other candidates for the position at this time.
We appreciate your time and thank you for your interest in CarMax."
Interview Questions
Tell me about a time when you dealt with a difficult person
Answer Question
Other Details
The interview consisted of Phone Interview and Group/Panel Interview