Gibson Brands Interview Questions
& Process

The interview involved three interviewers who evaluated my responses. The questions were fair and focused on my past work experience and its relevance to the current role. There were no difficult questions, and the atmosphere was relaxed. However, my answers were rated on a scale. I also completed a computer-based math and logic test. If the interviewers gave good scores and I passed the test, I would get the job. But, the CEO has to approve all hires, which can delay the offer after the interview.

The interview process can be very long, as seen in other reviews. Mine was cut short in a really annoying way! I had an initial phone screen with a Senior BDM who was good and explained the process goes all the way up to Henry Juszkiewicz, suggesting a long process. Weeks later, I was told I was referred for Stage 2, a Skype interview with HR Europe scheduled for 13:00. I got ready, thinking it could be audio or visual, and waited. It was 13:05, 13:10, 13:30, 13:45... no call! I emailed HR about a possible misunderstanding or technical issue. Within ten minutes, the interviewer, Natasja, called, saying she had 'forgotten to call and hoped I hadn't been waiting'. Of course I had been waiting! Things got worse when she told me they had hired someone internally that morning. This raises many questions, and I'm sure you have your own. I initially dismissed the consistent bad reviews about this company as sour grapes, thinking my experience would be different because the UK department is smaller and more personal. I was so wrong! Gibson is very demanding and dictatorial with customers; imagine how they treat staff! Maybe it was a lucky escape.

I got calls from 3 employees, one in NY, one in Seattle, and an executive in Nashville. The first two interviews were fine, the people seemed honest and knew their jobs. They did warn me about the executive, who turned out to be extraordinary in a bad way. This exec was cold, asked irrelevant questions, and then sent me a form letter saying I wasn't being considered anymore, even though I was one of 300 applicants. I thought it was really rude of the exec to act like that, and it made me not want to work for such a clearly not nice guy. Fast forward 3 months, and it looks like several people I spoke to have been let go. They have openings in NY and LA now, which makes me wonder why those folks got the boot!

The interview process moved quickly, which was refreshing given my recent interviewing experiences with other companies. I completed three rounds of interviews, all within a two-week span. However, despite the fast pace, the team's location expectations for the role were unclear. Although I received positive feedback and there was a "possibility" of the role being remote, I ultimately didn't get an offer because of my location, a decision I wish had been made earlier in the process.