I applied through a staffing agency. I interviewed at TRS (Panama City, FL) in Feb 2013
Interview
There were several interviews with TRS. An initial interview established viability as a candidate and interest in the position and location. Then there was back-office conversations between TRS and the client to establish that they were interested. Another interview with TRS filled me in as to all the known issues, detailed information on the job and the new boss and what they were likely to ask and TRS’s perceptions on the best answers based on my background. When the client interview occurred it was like being an actor in a well rehearsed play. TRS also provided technical information on the job and the companies’ products that I might not have found on my own. I have never felt so prepared as the interviews I’ve been sent on by TRS.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
The client used a standard set of interview questions so they could evenly evaluate all candidates. TRS had over time figured them all out and they shared them. The most difficult question for me, being as I have held higher positions with more pay, was where do I see myself in five or ten years. Retired was not the right answer and I knew that. After long discussion with my TRS contact we decided that since (this particular) job was running a project that would be shut down in a year or so that I would focus on my need to complete that job. Also, that since I had been in higher positions that I no longer wanted that sort of responsibility and pressure (true) and that I was content to help an ambitious boss look good. (I didn’t quite phrase it like that but that was the message.) He left skid marks on his way to tell HR to hire me.