It seems the entire employment screening process is given almost obsessive consideration...to the point of annoying excess.
First, the online application is redundant AND repetitive. It asks the usual questions, allows for uploading a resume (which one would assume someone would read), then the screening software sorts through the uploaded resume and forces applicants to correct, re-type and submit the same information all over again.
Second, I was asked asked to complete a short online exam with questions designed to evaluate whether I was capable and qualified to work in my desired position. Some of the questions were oddly worded, making it difficult to respond properly.
Third, when I was contacted to be interviewed, the meeting was brief and highly structured. The interviewer followed a pre-printed corporate form which contained questions and boxes in which he was to write down my answers verbatim. Not very personal. I did not feel the interviewer was comfortable with such a structured format either.
Fourth, after a week passed, I received an email asking me for a second interview. This time, I was to meet with a higher level interviewer. When I confirmed the interview, I attached my resume for her convenience. I arrived at her office 15 minutes early, but she did not see me until over 25 minutes later (no reason given). She introduced herself and called me by someone ELSE'S name. When I chuckled and professionally corrected her, she responded "Well, I'll just call you (so and so) for the time you're here, anyway." Gee, thanks. As we entered her office, she asked to see my resume so she could review it. I mentioned that I had ALREADY sent her a copy when I confirmed my appointment (it was obvious she hadn't even read it--explaining why she didn't know my name). She responded...so you didn't bring a resume...huh. That's a real test of your professionalism, I guess. Hmmm. That's the pot calling the kettle black, I guess.
The second interview was nearly a repeat of the first. Pre-written questions read to me from a form, repeated to me for clarity, then my answers taken down verbatim. One wonders if those interviewing potential employees are given free reign to think freely at Regus. I have no idea who eventually evaluated my answers.
Fifth, I waited for two weeks for SOME response before hearing anything from either manager at Regus about status of the position I applied for. So, I sent the first interviewer a brief email to "test the waters" and the next day received a cold, pre-formatted "ding email" that complimented me on all my terrific strengths, but informing me I did not meet the qualifications of the position I applied for. I would have believed that if I hadn't 35 years of experience performing exactly the same tasks they required! In fact, the first manager had already previously informed me that I was so experienced that I was a "shoe-in" for the position and that "the interviews were just a formality." Well, I guess the shoe DIDN'T fit!
Sixth, in the end, I discovered that NONE of my referrals were ever contacted by Regus. It seems that somewhere between the first and second interviews I fell out of contention. I think Regus probably prefers younger, more attractive, early-career people who can "WOW" their clients. I'm just a middle-aged, disabled, person who doesn't look as sexy and perky as the rest of the people I observed in the position I applied for. But hey, that's the way the world works nowadays...
Final thought...if you want to work for Regus as a Customer Service Representative, you'll need to be young, attractive, slim, technologically savvy, highly ambitious and able to provide outstanding customer service. You will make good window dressing for up-selling Regus' clientele. Highly experienced, highly qualified, older and disabled people need not apply.