Howden interview questions

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.

A lengthy and intensive process that consisted of several telephone and zoom interviews. There was a role-play and online test (extremely difficult). I passed everything with flying colours and then it transpires that A-plan had misled me. They aren't actually looking for anyone with any analytical skills (why the online test and offer of qualifications then??), they just want someone to sell. I had already heavily demonstrated this capability and the answer was still no. I literally had to arrange a call back from an even more senior management to drag the reason why it was a no out of them? I thought something untoward was going on as their feedback was unsatisfactory and vague. I professionally and respectfully criticised their hiring process; the manager admitted to me the job specs they sent out from HR are generic and effectively 'beat around the bush'. Thank you, A-Plan, for wasting my time as well as my lovely recruiter's. You misled the both of us and as such, will never be dealing with you again. Make up your minds - you want nothing short of Nobel Laureates with Olympic gold medals. Shameful.