The three stage process was engaging which included shadowing current employees. The communication between stages was always clear with definite next steps.
The questions were geared towards productivity and overcoming objections.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Name a situation where you overcame a seemingly impossible challenge.
I applied through an employee referral. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at American Express in Mar 2008
Interview
Amex has a formal interview process that consists of competency based interview questions and likely interviewing with the hiring manager as a first level, then the next level manager. The HR specialist is not present for Management level positions. There may be a background check, but don't recall income verification process. It is best to prepare for the competency based interview questions in advance - they are not the kind that one easily answers off the top of one's head if you are not already used to the format of the questions.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about a time in your work experience when you were asked to solve a business challenge. What was the challenge, how did you work through it and what were the results.
I applied through an employee referral. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at American Express (New York, NY)
Interview
Very organized process. The best way to get in is through a connection where they can link to you HR in the hiring group. HR then acts as an internal recruiter if he/she sees you as a fit and places you accordingly.
The process is very streamlined - phone interview with HR, then a few directors, and then with VP and SVP. They ask competency based questions in all rounds and will dig deep into specific examples. There was no presentation or IQ assessment.
AMEX also asks you to do a personality assessment for the role. Don't over think it and go with your gut. If you spend more than 10 seconds on the question, you're over doing it. They also do the usual drug check and will call your references