Title Nine Interview Questions
& Process

I first spoke with HR and it was a good experience. Then I had an interview with the Merchandiser, which also went well and we connected. I asked about their merchandising calendar and mentioned that I thought the timelines for offshore production seemed really tight. After that, I met with the VP. She seemed distracted and told me they were planning to fire the person currently in the role who had developed their T9 product line over the years because items were arriving late. I suggested that the timelines might need to be adjusted, and she agreed, saying that's exactly what she was thinking. I hope they make adjustments rather than let go of a dedicated employee who has significantly contributed to their company. It makes you wonder who would want to work for a company that treats employees like that.

I applied online and then the Store Manager reached out about a week later to set up an interview. During the interview, she asked about my past jobs, my experience, and customer service skills. She also asked about my shopping preferences. Then, she had me go to the retail floor to pick between two skirts. After that, she asked me to style an outfit around the skirt I picked.

The initial phone chat with HR was good. After that, I had two in-person interviews. The first was about two hours long, and I met several team members and the director. There was a long break of six weeks before the next interview. HR did reach out saying the team really liked me and it would just be a little longer. So, I went back for a second interview. This one was also two hours, and I met with the director again, which was great, we had good conversation. Then I interviewed with the founder, who was very approachable. The last interview was with the CEO. This part was really weird. I tried my best to interview well and show my interest. She spent the whole time trying to discourage me from taking the job and said the role was completely different than what the other employees had described. After she was done, I was left alone in the room for ten minutes. Then I had to ask another employee where HR was, and it turned out she was at lunch. I let myself out. I was stunned.

It started with a phone screen, then a Zoom interview with the hiring manager. The next step was an onsite interview at HQ. The day began with a workout class, followed by lunch, and then meetings with three other employees besides the hiring manager and senior subordinate. Finally, I had to present an interview challenge that was sent to me a week prior.