I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at CDW (Chicago, IL) in Jan 2012
Interview
Initially applied online through the CDW website and heard back almost immediately from a recruiter. The recruiter scheduled a time for a phone interview and that went well. I was offered a chance to come in for a one on one at the end of the phone interview. Throughout the whole process the recruiter was very knowledgeable and encouraging. He/She made sure I was comfortable an allowed me to mention any other things that CDW should know about myself before moving into the one on one. On the day of the one on one I came in and met the recruiter on location. Then introduced me to the Sales Manager I would be working for. He/She seemed nice however had an agenda and seemed genuinely disinterested. I've talked to numerous people at the company and they mention how they love to hire college grads with little to no experience (myself). Not the case for the Sales Manager, a bombardment of behavioral questions, which was expected, but absolutely zero chance for me to elaborate on information I may not have mentioned. The interview ended with the manager leaving the room and the recruiter coming back in. I heard back the other day that I did not get the job.
Overall it was an okay experience, I've had tougher interviews, but never interviewed with someone who didn't really give me a chance. Very friendly environment with the exception of the Sales Manager. Also, if you don't get the offer immediately after the 1-1, or a few hours after...you didn't get the job. In the end it worked out, the base pay is pretty awful for Chicago, especially to be making 80 cold calls a day.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Give me an example of a time you had to sell something.
Simple and relaxed. Show dedication, persistence and willing to do what it takes to learn and grow your book. Willing to come into office. No prior IT experience needed. Three separate interviews completed.
The interview process was a 3 stage process. 1st - Phone screening with the recruitment agency, 2nd - Phone interview with CDW’s HR, 3rd - Zoom/office interview in person with CDW HR + Director.
Overall 1st screening interview was pretty straight forward and was informed that I would be processed to the next stage and a member of CDW would be in contact next week to arrange a interview. Guess what? A week has passed and no update from recruitment agency or CDW. I’ve sent a email for a update and if the position is still vacant or not? Which is currently pending.
The delayed response with lack of communication and update is a red flag for me as CDW is meant to be a IT Solution company that’s able to quickly problem solve, you would assume organisations skills would be prioritised accordingly. Especially when hiring a positional new candidate.
Hiring process was meant to be a 3 stage interview, 1st interview - outsource hiring firm, quick 30 mins call, 2nd interview - Hiring Manager + Member of Team, 3rd Hiring Manager plus Director.
Passed the 1st interview with ease, was informed immediately that I have passed the 1st screening and a member of CDW will call the next following week. Guess what? The week has passed and I resent a email for a update in regards to the position and if still vacant, currently waiting for a reply from the outsourced hiring company but the entire process seems to be delayed with lack of communication with candidate. Which is a major red flag as you would assume a IT Solution company would be more prompt in both communication and process.
