The Worst Job Interview I've Ever Had

This past week, I had the opportunity to go on an interview for a management position at a local automotive dealership. The location was perfectly convenient for me. What they were looking for was exactly what I can offer and then some I'm experienced in BDC management and marketing. I'm up to date on the latest Social Media strategies. The compensation was more than adequate. Everything seemed to be a perfect fit.

I was sitting in a delightful office over one of the best cups of coffee I've ever had, (and I'm a Starbucks snob!) and the conversation with the General Manager was going well. We discussed the future of their Social Media campaign, the addition to Live Chat on their website (I got you, Mr. CarChat24 Shereef!), and I could physically envision myself working for this dealership for years to come.

....and then it happened.

We were discussing hours and pay and the little details when another man came in and said "You have a 2 o'Clock appointment here." He politely excused himself and after 15 minutes of no return, I thought I'd take it upon myself to check out what was going on in the showroom. You know, practice my "professional walk". I walked past the sales desk and saw the General Manager eating a slice of pizza and joking with his coworkers.

You might think that I have walked out right then. But no. I'm a strategist. I walked back to the interview office, pulled out my cell phone and called the dealership and asked for the manager. He was (surprisingly) put on the phone immediately and I inquired about the position that I was literally signing papers to begin. He informed me that the position WAS open and continued to schedule an interview with me for the following day. He asked for my name and I gave him my name. My real name. The name of the person (ME!) that he was interviewing in the next room. He had no idea, the name didn't click and he proceeded to give me the job details and directions to the dealership and scheduled me for a 3:15PM interview.

About 3 minutes after hanging up, he came back into the interview room with a charming grease stain on his crisp white shirt. We continued chatting, and I told him that I needed some time to think about the position. I told him that he'd have an answer from me the next day around 3:15.

He looked at me puzzled.

"I have an interview with you tomorrow at 3:15."

Puzzled look still there.

"I just called you on the phone. I'm Katie Colihan. And that, sir, that's a grease stain on your shirt."

He looked down, saw the the stain. Looked at me, made the connection, and was baffled, embarrassed, and bright red. I've gotten a few calls from him asking me to come in for another interview. He increased the salary by 4k.

No amount of money could have made up for that stunt.

It left a bad taste in my mouth that not even that awesome cup of coffee could erase. And now, that dealership is without an awesome asset. I hope the slice of pizza was worth it.

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Comment by Jerry Thibeau on February 13, 2011 at 10:32am: Katie,

Please call me today 585-749-2015. I am traveling to Omaha today, but leave me a voice mail and I'll call you back.

I have a thought.

Comment by Katie Colihan on February 12, 2011 at 9:52pm: My forte is consulting. I've done sales (i.e. Sold the idea of Appointments to Sub Prime Leads) for Matt Blatt Dealerships in New Jersey - but I was more of a motivator. I was much more in my realm when I was doing quality assurance and finding the flaws in calls and mediating a solution.

I know we'll work together and do big things someday. I'll be here ;)

Comment by Jerry Thibeau on February 10, 2011 at 12:41am: Katie, I wish I had known this two weeks ago, I just added a new coach to my staff. I'll be tracking you down when I need another. What about sales, can you sell?

Comment by Katie Colihan on February 8, 2011 at 9:46pm: Guys, thanks for all of the feedback. I think I needed a week or so to mull the whole thing over. I did get a few more call backs from the guy. I think if I were desperate enough, I'd go.... okay, I couldn't even say that with a straight face. Probably the worst dealership on the face of the earth.

@Both Craigs, Wow, indeed. It's amazing how little they value an appointment. It's the same thing when I was setting appointments on the phone: build value in the appointment, and show that the appointment means something. Basic rules ignored.

@Leonard: Part of me feels like I could have turned the dealership around. The other part of me was so glad that I turned around and walked out of that door.

@Stan: We should open our own dealership consultation biz. Oh wait, that's Jerry the Phone Ninja...mostly ;)

@Jerry: I think they had absolutely no idea of the experience and other strengths that I bring to the table. Effective communication is my middle name...well, it's Mary, but it SHOULD have been effective communication. My dream job is working with you being a phone ninja-ette ;)

Comment by Craig Darling on February 2, 2011 at 8:05pm: Reminds me of a dealer that asked me in for an interview at 2:00. I was there on time and had my game face on. I waited, waited some more. I was finally told that a managers meeting was running long, could I reschedule. I did. The next day, I was there again, on time and ready to clinch the position. When the GM was again late, I allowed a half hour (perhaps too long), then left. I can't remember how many voice mails I ignored from that guy. by the way, they went out of business about a year later.... They really must have needed a guy like me....

Comment by Craig Lockerd on January 31, 2011 at 6:53pm: ummmmm...wow!

Comment by Leonard Buchholz on January 31, 2011 at 9:06am: It coulda been worse. You could be working there right now.

Comment by Stan Sher on January 30, 2011 at 5:30pm: Interesting. It is amazing how some dealerships are. In the last 2 months, I turned down two jobs to be BDC Manager. They were for different reasons. Unlike, your situation both jobs could not afford me and offered very poor pay plans. I would feel the same way that you did if I walked I went to a job interview like you had.

Comment by Jerry Thibeau on January 30, 2011 at 11:15am: Sorry to hear that happened to you Katie. You did the right thing.

Dealerships need to realize that when looking for quality people they need to present themselves in a professional manner. That starts with getting the dealership ready for inspection. Imagine a high ranking official from your manufacturer was coming to evaluate your dealership say for a new product line they were introducing. You'd have that dealership sparkling and looking nice. People would be dressed well and acting professional. You want a superstar working at your dealership, then dazzle your candidates like you expect them to dazzle you. Crap like this will only land you a team of losers.

I think you should take it a step further and write the owner a letter. I'd tell him you'd like to apply for the GM's job!

Now what part of the country are are you in so that we can help you find a job with a professional organization?

Jerry Thibeau
Phone-up Ninjas