Two weeks after applying on-line, I got a call back. A phone interview was then set up for the following week, which lasted around 40 minutes, although it took much longer to schedule because the H/R person never seemed to be in the office and did not return my phone calls for about a week. The phone interview is considered the "first interview."
I wasn't asked too many questions pertaining the position but was inquired about my schedule availability, what hours I'd be willing to work, etc. I did bring up I was able to handle any days and shifts without restriction, explained what my current job (and the duties I perform) was about and how it would fit into their company and the position I was seeking. I understood the job was to be part-time, and was willing to do that until a full-time opening was available. When I was asked if I was willing to travel to other locations if they were short-handed, I was all for it.
I was also asked what I expected to be earning. Even though I knew what the starting pay average was (like it was negotiable!), they wanted an answer regardless. So I gave a middle ground response, ever-so-slightly higher than what they pay to start, but far below what I earn now. I pretty much said all the right words, or so I thought!
After the interview wrapped up, I was told after a review, the next phase would be an in-person interview with H/R and a member of the department I wanted to work in. But it never even got to that. Two weeks after the phone interview, I got the proverbial form rejection notice by email. Not sure why I wasn't a fit, but then again, the other times in past years when I had applied for Wegmans, I got the rejection BEFORE any interview took place! I don't get why it would be that hard to work for Wegmans, unless it requires having a Ph.D now. The added years of experience since I had last applied didn't amount to very much despite it being very relevant. The rejection letter is identical to the one they sent me years ago when I made my first attempt to work for them ("your application for this position was not selected for further consideration..."). I initially tried to apply for Entry Level Management, and everything I was doing at the time (and still doing) had plenty of transferable skills to that position. Each subsequent time I applied, I felt like I was applying for a lower position than what I wanted because either there were no other openings at the time, or they felt I wasn't qualified enough for what I felt I was best suited for.
Next time someone tells me, "You should apply for Wegmans. They're hiring and it's a great place to work!," I'm going to ignore that advice. I think I've scrapped the bottom of the barrel enough times to know to move on.
