I applied through an employee referral. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Sysco in Dec 2009
Interview
My initial communications with the company came from an existing employee who encouraged me to apply. After applying, I was contacted within 5-8 days via phone with a simple Q/A session. They stated the job description, job salary, requirements and expectations. I was then scheduled for the first of 2 interview sessions.
Each interview session consisted of 3, approximately 45 minutes to an hour interview with 3 different Sysco Senior Managers. Very casual in style we discussed my background and professional as well as personal goals. Almost every Senior Manager had a situational questionnaire booklet on the desk but out of the 6 total I spoke with, maybe only half actually used it.
While I was not offered the position - I was encouraged to apply again. I plan to do so as 2 of the Senior Managers I spoke with, made it a point to tell me that it took them several application attempts to land a job with Sysco. Very good experience. Looking back - I am glad I was not offered the job because now I know that they are very selective in who they hire. The other candidate just had more qualifications and experience - bottom line.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about a time in which you had to sell something difficult or unpopular to someone. What was the outcome?
It went well. Nice people. They were interested in my interest in food sales and my desire to work hard. I met with three different people. They seem to want to build a strong team.
The interview process was very long and fairly disorganized. First, there is a phone interview, then I was invited to a hotel for in-person interviews. After a few weeks, I was asked to come to the ofiices for another interview.
I was interviewed by 3 different people in a round robin process. Each interview was private and then I would move on the next person for the interview. All interviewers were polite and nice.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a challenge.