I applied through an employee referral. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at CDW (Chicago, IL) in Mar 2012
Interview
Very nimble interview process - two phone interviews, one with HR and another with someone in sales, with a brief online personality assessment inbetween. One in-person interview on-site at the Chicago location. Process moves extremely quickly. Phone conversations were never more than 30 minutes, in-person interview was between 30-60 minutes. Interview questions were extremely basic, most of them in the "tell me about a time when" fashion. Afterwards, I was offered the position on the spot. Be aware: CDW is very aggressive when it comes to your decision-making process. I was in college at the time and fielding other phone/in-person interviews. I asked to think it over and I was told I needed to accept or decline within 48 hours. I called my assigned recruiter back and accepted the offer 2 days later. Base salary at the time was $25K + commission/bonuses, non-negotiable. That has since been increased to $30K + commission/bonuses, but is still a "take it or leave it" offer.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about a time where you have had to overcome obstacles/objections.
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.
