I applied online. I interviewed at The Container Store
Interview
Submit Resume online. Recruiting store manager calls to schedule personal interview. It could likely be a small group of two or three candidates. If things go well, you will be called back for a one-on-one interview, followed by an offer.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Based on what you've read on our website about our Foundation Principles, how would you approach a customer in the store?
I applied online. The process took 1 week. I interviewed at The Container Store in Aug 2017
Interview
Hiring process was straightforward. I applied and received a call back for an interview about a week later. I went in for the interview and it was mostly what you expect out of a normal interview. They asked questions such as "why are you interested in the container store", and also asked about previous jobs/work.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Which of the foundation principles do you find the most interesting?
I applied online. The process took 1+ week. I interviewed at The Container Store (Coppell, TX) in May 2018
Interview
Great phone interview, which prompted an in-person interview. Phone interviewer was interested, asked good questions.
To prepare for the in-person interview, I used Glassdoor to read reviews by current/past employees, also read customer reviews on their FB page. I prepared questions accordingly.
The in-person interview with other people was decidedly less professional (casual attire notwithstanding, it wasn't a casual, personable interview). They asked me questions based on SOMEONE ELSE'S resume!? They also didn't read the notes the phone interviewer provided to them.
I was asked to provide my availability, I put every day available except for Sunday afternoons (existing time commitment), and they acted offended that I wasn't willing to be there every possible moment.
They did NOT embody any of the information I learned from reading "Uncontainable" by the founder. This was very much a 'typical corporate box-checking' interview and was in no way leaning toward their 'employee first' culture.
I wasn't even given a hypothetical call/chat example to respond to. I merely got: "What did you love about your prior job?" and "what did you hate...?" Nothing like "how do you react to a new call?" "how do you interact with people?".
After getting home from the interview - I soured on the idea of working there. And I let my point of contact know what had transpired at the interview (their lack of preparation) and that I didn't want to proceed. I still was rejected, but that's great. I don't even want to shop there anymore (and with my extensive knowledge of their product as a customer...!?).
Phone interview/contact person aside (she was great), it was a negative experience.
Given my prior attempts to work with TCS, at least they let me know I was not selected, instead of being 'ghosted' by the store manager the last time.