Interview Process

[IHateMyJobAtERAC]

Just Run.

[juligrl]

I see on this board that three interviews seems to be the norm. I don't know if that varies from group to group, but personally, I only went through 2 interviews (gp40). The first was with the recruiter, the second, at a local branch, with then area manager.

I was offered a job the next day. The fact that I had previous sales experience (it is a sales job first and foremost) and that I was female, one of the few hired in the area, are probably what landed me the position quickly.

I burned out after almost a year -- 60 hour weeks were not conducive to starting a family. There are better things out there than Enterprise. If you get hired and take the job, be prepared to bleed green to ensure your survival. If you don't get hired, be greatful that you can start your career elsewhere and maybe have a life while you're at it.

Two kids and my own business later I can say this about Enterprise -- It was an experience!

[JustCurious]

I'm rather surprised you're even considering working for this company. There was another person I just posted to a few moments ago who DID come to the realization that working for this company would be the wrong decision. I'll repeat what I said here:

I'd say to run from ANY retail type job. The hours are long, the pay sucks and the benefits suck and you deal with really shitty management most of the time. The years pass and you suddenly realize one day that you've really wasted your life and your career. Take it from me who finally had enough and switched to a whole new in mid-life. That is not easy!

Wait it out if you can and take a "real" job and don't settle for a retail crap job. Run now - seriously. I wish I had listened to that advice when I was young and took the retail job. I didn't worked for ERAC, but their promises sound very much like the promises my company gave. Yes - I ended up a manager, but I never made more than $30,000 a year and worked 6 days a week, 10 hours a day. They also didn't believe in giving good reviews. No matter how much money I made for my company and I really did have some spectacular years, they find a reason to give you a mediocre review. I found out that company policy was to never give anyone more than a "meets standards" review so they weren't obligated to give you a decent raise.

I finally took my old degree that I had gotten so long ago, found a whole different job and I'm already making more money, working much less hours, I have my weekends off and I don't have to drive an hour away to get to my job. I don't know why I didn't get out sooner.

Seriously - I'm not trying to rain on your parade. You sound excited about this opportunity, but the company is lying to you. I can just tell from your post that this is not going to be the job for you. You sound like too nice of a person. With my past experience in retail and managing in retail, I just cringe when I see a bright young person ignore that advice because they're just excited about getting the job and they have to find out the hard way and they waste those valuable years. Use my experiences and those of the people here and really really think about it. I truly feel you'll regret taking this job.

[Popper1977]

Take everything that Just Curious said to heart. He (or she?) hit the nail on the head, is absolutely correct in comparing ERAC to a retail management position and making no more than $30-35K, except that is high even for ERAC. I, myself, have had experience in both, before ERAC I was a store manager for Staples and hated it. But after spending a couple years at ERAC, Staples looked like a dream job. I am no longer with ERAC or in retail management, I have found a direct sales career in the grocery business that pays far more dividends; personally and financially, than what ERAC or Staples would have. My advice, RUN AWAY AND KEEP LOOKING!

Originally Posted by JustCurious

I'm rather surprised you're even considering working for this company. There was another person I just posted to a few moments ago who DID come to the realization that working for this company would be the wrong decision. I'll repeat what I said here:

I'd say to run from ANY retail type job. The hours are long, the pay sucks and the benefits suck and you deal with really shitty management most of the time. The years pass and you suddenly realize one day that you've really wasted your life and your career. Take it from me who finally had enough and switched to a whole new in mid-life. That is not easy!

Wait it out if you can and take a "real" job and don't settle for a retail crap job. Run now - seriously. I wish I had listened to that advice when I was young and took the retail job. I didn't worked for ERAC, but their promises sound very much like the promises my company gave. Yes - I ended up a manager, but I never made more than $30,000 a year and worked 6 days a week, 10 hours a day. They also didn't believe in giving good reviews. No matter how much money I made for my company and I really did have some spectacular years, they find a reason to give you a mediocre review. I found out that company policy was to never give anyone more than a "meets standards" review so they weren't obligated to give you a decent raise.

I finally took my old degree that I had gotten so long ago, found a whole different job and I'm already making more money, working much less hours, I have my weekends off and I don't have to drive an hour away to get to my job. I don't know why I didn't get out sooner.

Seriously - I'm not trying to rain on your parade. You sound excited about this opportunity, but the company is lying to you. I can just tell from your post that this is not going to be the job for you. You sound like too nice of a person. With my past experience in retail and managing in retail, I just cringe when I see a bright young person ignore that advice because they're just excited about getting the job and they have to find out the hard way and they waste those valuable years. Use my experiences and those of the people here and really really think about it. I truly feel you'll regret taking this job.

[DamageWaiver]

Its not a bad job. The pay just sucks. But it will look good on your career. Just dont think of staying here for life though.

What type of job are you ultimately trying to get in which Enterprise would look good on your resume?

It is a horrible job and a horrible company and you're obiously too brainwashed to realize that.

[Former24FFer]

It actually depends on the job you are applying for. If you do sales, then it would help. Anything else, they may actually feel pity for you.

[intern05]

My 2nd interview of 3 was with a ARM. The first question I was asked was this:

"You wake up one morning and find a giant pink elephant sitting in the front of your yard. What do you do about it"?

This was his lame-assed attempt to ask me how I deal with unexpected situations. These are the type of idiots they breed at ERAC. Stay far away.

Originally Posted by IHateMyJobAtERAC

Just Run.

Kudos to this. DON'T DO IT. TURN AND RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN IN THE OTHER DIRECTION TOWARD A REAL JOB!!!

1st you need to understand one thing ERAC is NOT a job it is a career oportunity. Most people who have careers work a lot of hours for very little reward. People who have jobs show up do their work and go home. If you ERAC as a job you will get very little out of it but if you work hard but your time in once you become a Branch manager @ Erac the rewards are endless. and NO I do not bleed green, except for the commision checks.

Quit or die trying