They posted the job as a junior account manager, but that isn't really what it is. I was told I would start in direct sales and would work my way up to "Director of Operations" in 8 months. The first interview lasted less than 5 minutes. The Director didn't ask any questions based on my resume except if the phone number was correct; he just flipped it over and started writing out the career progression. I'm not sure what characteristics I was evaluated on other than dressing professionally and showing up on time. I got a call back for a second round interview later that same day.
The second round interview was supposed to be 'shadowing' someone. I showed up back at the office and then we (me, another candidate, and the person we were shadowing) chatted about our goals in the entryway to the office building. Awkward--there wasn't an office somewhere to use? We then each got into our cars and drove to a Home Depot about 15 minutes away. It would be one thing if we were actually going to experience the sales environment. But we didn't. We stood by the rugs in the flooring department and talked for about an hour. The pay structure and career progression was explained again. Again on the back of another resume I was asked to bring. (Nice resume paper isn't cheap--please at least read my resume if you are going to ask me to bring multiple copies. You can get scrap paper elsewhere.) We talked about what we would be selling. Basically walking up to people trying to do their shopping and asking if they want their kitchen redone. Does anyone like approached in stores and sold a product they aren't really looking for? I left from the Home Depot. I would hear back in a few days if I get a third round interview. I said I was still interested, but I'm glad I have other jobs available to me.
The whole thing seems like a scam. And when the "interviewer" has to stay "I know it sounds like a scam, but it isn't" it's not a good sign. There is no way that everyone is going to get to progress to Director of Operations and "own their own business". For one thing, does this sound like a pyramid scheme, or what? Second, you wouldn't be owning your own business; at best it sounds like you would be a branch manager--stop deceiving your employees and candidates. Third, while most people naturally have what it takes to run an office or can learn it over time, there aren't many who can be taught in eight months. There have to be some really poorly run offices around. Lastly, I feel like the only reason I got an interview was because I was in the Navy. More than once the interviewer mentioned that they like people with athletic, service industry, or military experience. I think that might be the only thing they look at to decide if you get an interview. Really, I think they like people who will work hard so they can get a few weeks of cheap labor out of you before you realize the job is a scam and leave.