Applied online, got a call within a few days from someone who worked for ATT. She called to set up a time for a phone interview.
The woman who did call for the phone interview (about 2 days later) did not work for the company, but was a recruiter with a hired firm. She was incredibly rude, and laughed at almost everything I said, even when I wasn't making a joke.
I had been told by the first woman who called that if the interview went well I would have access to a prep document online. The woman interviewing my asked if I had studied it and when I informed her of what the first person said, she laughed and asked "is that the impression you got?"
The actual questions were not that difficult, but her responses were. She kept asking me to keep my answers more "to the point" but then when she asked "What is the difference between business to business sales and retail sales?" and I gave her a very straightforward and clear cut answer, she asked me to go further in depth. When I did she kept pressing me to go further until I finally said, "I really don't know how to answer your question any more or better than I already have" to which she responded by laughing and saying "oookaaay then..."
Other questions were typical: Why are you interested in ATT? Sales? Why are you a good candidate? Have you ever conducted a cold call? How would you go about conducting a cold call? Have you ever worked in sales before/what was that experience like?
The interview actually ended with me saying I did not think I would be a good cultural fit for the company, and I did not want to be considered further, which is the polite way of saying I don't want to work for anyone who treats people like that in the interview process, since working there probably won't be much better.
I have heard from people who actually entered the program that it is very much like a sorority/fraternity exclusively for people from the south, and that it is a very exclusive environment in general. Also, the description makes it sound like you will be some big sales hot shot after the process selling to large companies etc, but I know two people who finished and are now managers at retail stores.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What is the difference between business to business sales and retail sales (not because the question was difficult, but her responses -- see paragraph 4 in interview & hiring process)
I applied through an employee referral. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at AT&T (Raleigh, NC)
Interview
You complete an online questionnaire with basic resume data. You are STRONGLY encouraged to reference an AT&T employee if possible and list them as a referral. You will then take a 50 question personality test. (There are no wrong or right answers) If you pass you will be contacted by a member of managment who will schedule an interview.
I applied through an employee referral. The process took 3 days. I interviewed at AT&T (Atlanta, GA) in Mar 2012
Interview
3 interviews. One though Skype, one on one, group panel interview. Very easy process. Behavioral questions only. Walk me through your resume. Do you have any retail experience? Describe the last ethical decision you had to make? The interview process started Wednesday of that week. All the interviewees were flown down to Atlanta and then the two other interviews took place. We heard back that Monday about the decision.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How would you deal with being the manager of someone older than you?