The interview process was actually quite good, well organized and I enjoyed the conversation I had with the hiring manager esepcially. She was new to the organization but she knew her job well and made the interview more of a convo than an interview, which I appreciated.
I applied and received an invite to interview within days. Upon arriving for the interview was greeted courteously by staff manning the retail sales counter at headquarters in Nashville. From there I met with the person I mentioned previously.
Everything went fine until I was taken on a tour of the facility. I was so shocked to see how unhappy everyone seemed in the production areas of the co. Literally no one was smiling and even when I greeted an employeed as I passed by they barely replied and still did not offer a smile. This was very disturbing to me. And I understood completely. No windows. Basement setting. Very drab. I wouldln't be smiling either. But I was disappointed that such a hugely successful biz producing a product that puts smiles on people's faces was obviously not going out of their way to see to the well-being of their most important asset - their employees. I imagine they are underpaid and certainly not shown much appreciation. What a shame.
I was offered the job but had to be truthful and respectfully decline. I was very honest with my reasons why I chose to turn down the job. I still wonder to this day if my observations were passed on and/or if anything was done about the conditions. No one should have to be unhappy doing a job for a co built on happiness and fresh-baked cookies. I never bought another Christie Cookie again.