Pet Food Express Manager Interview Questions
& Process

I applied online to a few locations, then got a call a couple days later with some initial questions before setting up an in-person interview. The interview was going okay until the end when they said I wasn't qualified for the assistant manager role due to my sales experience, which was the only thing they asked about. They didn't inquire about my customer service or management abilities. They offered me a retail associate position, which I turned down, but they insisted I had 'so much experience in sales'. I reiterated that I wasn't interested in sales. They then told me not to rush off and to look at other opportunities. It was a very awkward interview, and I suspect it was racially motivated given the two white managers interviewing me and the fact that the retail sales associates appeared to be POC, including Black and Latina individuals. It felt like a waste of time.

I initially interviewed for Manager in Training with the District Manager and the Store Manager. It was a pretty laid-back process where they talked a lot about the position and the company. They asked about my past experience but mostly focused on explaining their methods, and I had to point out that I'd done similar things at my previous job. They also mentioned that starting directly as a Store Manager is challenging, and it's generally easier to be hired at a lower level and progress, though they admitted their promotion program isn't great. They then asked if I'd be interested in interviewing for Assistant Manager. About a week later, I interviewed with the Group Manager and a store manager at a different location. They asked about my weaknesses and seemed keen on understanding me personally. They also emphasized the importance of being a LEADER rather than just a manager and looked for indications of teamwork. The overall experience was quite easy, like a casual conversation with relaxed and easygoing people. It felt like they were looking for enthusiastic, upbeat individuals who work well in a team.

I talked to the store manager and the group manager for the first interview. It seemed to go okay because I got to interview with the district manager. I interviewed with the DM on April 27th and I thought it went well, she even said she liked me and would let me know about the next steps. Then on April 29th I got an automated email saying they couldn't hire me right now after reviewing their needs.