Groundworks Interview Questions
& Process

I found the interview and the exchange of information interesting and exciting and I was looking forward to the possibility of working for you at the Groundworks office in Bristow, VA. I also appreciate you telling me about 3 other positions for which I may be a fit if I was not selected for the job I interviewed for and I must say that was the best interview I have had in so many years. Yet, all that excitement fizzled out approximately 30 minutes after the interview ended when I read an email sent by the Groundworks Talent Acquisition Team informing me that the position of Inspections Coordinator - Bristow, VA was no longer available. Funny thing, the time stamp on the email was 11:02 a.m. which was about the time our conversation started.

We chatted for about an hour, covering your questions and mine. I explained how the process works. We also went over the 3 weeks of training you'll need to complete to get certified. Since this is a commission-based role, we discussed the payment structure. The company offers support for new hires, providing a weekly stipend of $1000 for the initial few weeks.

I applied for a Field HRBP role through an Executive Recruiting posting. First, I had a phone screen with the recruiter. Then, I went through four more interviews with HR and Operations leaders (a Director, two VPs, and the CHRO). Over two weeks after the CHRO interview, the executive recruiter emailed to say they were moving forward with another candidate. I tried contacting the recruiter and the Director twice after the final interview, but got no response. I'm not sure why I wasn't chosen, which I feel I deserve to know. Interviewing with the CHRO usually means an offer is likely, in my experience. Honestly, I would have preferred to be disqualified earlier than go through a long process with no offer (five interviews total). What's more disappointing is the total lack of communication from the recruiter or Groundworks. This is just my opinion, but not communicating after so many high-level interviews creates a bad experience and leaves a bad taste. My experience might be unusual, and I hope my story serves as a warning to others.

They are busy and it was difficult to get their attention. Submitted application and no reaction for a week. Then I started pressing for attention. Voice-mailed, emailed, sent LinkedIn messages - almost felt like I was stalking them. Two weeks later had my first interview with recruiting. The recruiter asked typical questions, was friendly and the interview was a positive experience. Salary typically 125-145K (it’s negotiable), 15% annual bonus opportunity and possible 8% quarterly bonus. TTC is ~180-200. 4% 401K match after 1 year. Benefits start on the 1st of the month after 60 days of employment (LONG DELAY – must have turnover?). Get a company car and a fuel card. Start with 2 weeks PTO. Each employee gets an equity opportunity each year, plan to go public in future. The recruiter agreed I had everything they were looking for and described the next 3 steps in the selection process. It took another two weeks for a lunch interview with the hiring manager (who showed up 15 minutes late). He thought highly of me and sent the recruiter his approval to continue the selection process. A week later I met with one of the Sales Managers who would report to me. It seemed like an unusual process, but the manager was knowledgeable and seemed capable of doing a very good job. A few days later, the recruiter called to tell me it looked like they were moving ahead with another candidate who was further along in the selection process and asked if I was willing to consider a sales manager position in another area. Have relocation packages and TTC of 160-180. The following week, I interviewed with a regional sales manager (different region) and he recommended HR keep me in the selection process. Then two weeks later, HR sent me the “Dear John” letter. Long and odd process with positive signals and feedback at every step; so the outcome was a surprise.