I received a call to come in for an interview about 1-week prior to the interview date. Two days before my scheduled interview, I was sent an email from FWPS asking me to put together a PowerPoint presentation regarding a case study-based question. There were no instructions regarding the length of the presentation or if I should bring a laptop or paper copies of my PowerPoint. When I contacted the school to ask how long they would like my presentation to be, if they would like me to provide paper copies, if they would like me to bring my laptop, and how many interviewers there would be all I received back was "use your best professional judgement to decide." They gave me zero information.
On the actual interview date, I was interviewed in a large see-through glass board room where there sat >10 interviewers. As soon as I took a seat one of the interviewers informed me that this is a structured interview and that all interviewers will be instructed to ask me a questions. I was provided with a packet of the interview questions I was to answer (25-30 questions total). Furthermore, no one could respond to my answers or questions during the interview. Everyone was very stone-faced and uninteresting. It was a very negative environment.
I was offered a second interview and was conflicted whether or not to actually go. The company culture there seems very negative, strict and judgmental.
Key Messages for Future Candidates:
1. Expect very stone-faced interviewers who are not interactive or encouraging.
2. Expect it to be a "structured interview" and know that you cannot ask any questions or ask the panel if you can elaborate on anything.
3. Expect a large panel group.
4. Expect to have to put together a powerpoint presentation.
5. KNOW every thing about CULTURAL COMPETENCY and DIVERSITY - the school really emphasizes these concepts.
6. Expect a lot of situational and behavioral questions - ie how to managing poorly performing employees and conflict in the work place.
7. Keep a smile on your face and be confident - do not let them get to you. Seriously consider if this is the type of environment you liked to work in everyday.