CBI UK Interview Questions
& Process

The initial interview went okay. However, the second interview featured a particularly unpleasant interviewer. He quickly made his lack of interest apparent, suggesting I was unlikely to get the job. His demeanor, characterized by sighing and facial contortions while resting his head on his hand, was quite off-putting. I would advise against applying to this company.

The interview process had 3 stages: first, a blog editing task, then an interview with two team leads, and finally a meeting with the Comms Director. It was a typical competency-based interview, focusing on behaviors mentioned in the job description. The interviewers were friendly and asked questions in an open, relaxed way, making it feel like a natural conversation.

The whole process was extremely drawn out. The first interview, with head of marketing and designer, seemingly went well, despite not thinking it had as I was slightly rusty on traditional interviews. A few weeks later, the second interview went better; however I was informed by the recruitment consultant that they believed me to be rather coy about the previous work I’d done (?) - extremely strange considering I was open and honest as far as answering questions raised and I left feeling as though I’d nailed all the answers from what the interviewers’ responses were. The third interview consisted of a written test and a rather strange interview, again with the marketing manager, who told me from the outset she didn’t have any questions for me; she proceeded to sit there as though she didn’t want to be, while a contractor asked me questions. Very poor show. I was subsequently told the marketing manager didn’t feel I had enough: - Stakeholder management experience (I used to work rigorously with internal and external stakeholders at all levels to manage funds circa £100m at the world’s largest asset managers, as well as work with stakeholders to produce successful and engaging content) - content planning experience (I have over five years of digital editorial experience, across a plethora of different audiences, planning content strategies and turning around unsuccessful websites and growing reach by over 400 per cent in some instances. I’m also NCTJ-qualified with a first in journalism). This feedback was provided by someone who previously worked in the marketing team of a casino in the north east. Oh well.

I applied for the role via LinkedIn and got a call from the recruiter a few days later. They asked how I found out about the job and if I could mention any relevant experience. They said I should hear back by the end of the week. I didn't hear anything, so I emailed to check if I was still being considered and was told I'd get an update on Monday, November 7th. It's now Wednesday and I still haven't heard back, which is disappointing.