I am writing this so that others can learn from the experience and gain an understanding that the interview process is a 2-way street. I learned that other people have had similar experiences with this company. I'm sure that some day they will get it right.
I had an initial phone screen on July 17, 2010, by a recruiting consultant working for Alcoa. I was told that my background was a good fit and that I would hear back. After several weeks, I never heard back and gave up. I did follow up with emails, but received no response. Then I received an email on August 27, 2010 that the requirements for the position had changed and that I should re-apply. I did so on August, 29, 2010. I then followed up with emails to the Recruiter, but did not hear back.
Contacted by External Recruiter
I was contacted by an External Recruiter (Headhunter) about a position. He was keeping the name of the company confidential and sharing my information with his contact at Alcoa. I eventually learned that the company we were discussing was Alcoa and that they were interested in conducting a phone interview with me. The phone interview was set for September 29th and I spent about 1.5 hours on the phone. The phone interview went well and I was invited for a site interview. That was scheduled on September 30th for an interview on October 13th. This is sufficient time to ensure that all interviewers were available. I cancelled my personal plans for that week so that I could be available for Alcoa and the Talent Manager traveling to Dover from Cleveland.
The Day of the Interview
I arrived at the facility early and watched the Safety presentation and obtained the proper credentials to go into the facility. When I arrived at the HR department for my 1 pm interview, I was taken to the break room in the HR Department where the 3 HR people I was supposed to interview were eating lunch. They informed me that the schedule had been revised and there were budget meetings so it had to change. I’m flexible so I said that was ‘ok’ and moved on.
What actually happened was that I spoke with the Talent Manager for about 30 minutes until the Manufacturing Leader showed up to take me on the tour. During that time we discussed Community Relations and issues with the Controller. I was asked very specific questions about the Controller and her not fitting in and struggles she was having. I was asked how I would build the relationship and help resolve the issues. Now, I’m really good at counseling, but without time and actually meeting the Controller it would be difficult to provide a true and accurate assessment.
I went on the tour of the facility and it was very interesting to see the shop, see the people in action and learn about the process. This was the highlight of my visit.
I returned to the conference room and waited. There was confusion as to who I was meeting next, so one of the HR people stepped in. I spoke with her for about 30-40 minutes. Mainly about my background and where I wanted to be in 2 years. It was obvious she was asking because in 2 years she wanted to be the Plant HR Manager.
After that interview, I waited and then 3 people showed up to conduct the Plant Leadership Interview. One was an HR person, the other a member of the Leadership Team that was on the interview schedule and the third someone from operations, but was not on the interview list. Not sure who he was as I never got a card. Now, this being a panel interview the seating arrangement was very awkward. I was sitting at the middle of the conference table, one person on one end and the other 2 at the other end. As I answered questions, I felt like I was at a tennis match, trying to make eye contact with everyone. This interview lasted about 40 minutes and was asked very specific questions about the Howmet facility. I felt they were looking for solutions to problems and not actually interviewing me. I was asked by the HR person to “Tell me about your strategy experience?” As this is a very broad question, I asked for clarification, didn’t get any, she just repeated the question. I talked about my Talent Management and Development strategy experience.
Nobody took notes, the business people did not have copies of my resume, and there were no structured questions. It was very obvious that nobody was prepared.
During this interview I learned that the Howmet facility had a hard time keeping an HR Manager. May be not the best thing to share with someone considering working for Alcoa. I also learned that in the last 12 months all but 2 members of the Leadership Team have left. Also, not the best thing to share with a candidate.
Upon the conclusion of this interview, I asked the HR person what was the next step. She said that since I am through a recruiter and we will get back to them. Very cold and I felt like I was dismissed.
