Update to What to Wear to an Interview?!

The person before you could have been interviewing for a different position. In most interviews for sales associates, they are going to ask you "what would you do" type questions. That's how they get a base for the type of person you are. They don't normally ask you what you can or can't work until they are going to hire you in. Also, in retail you sort of have to work what they give you.

Anyway...I don't know why they would go through all the trouble if the positions were already filled. It sucks, but I wouldn't expect much to come out of contacting Macy's HR department. Sadly, they just don't care about the little guy (or girl).

It's pretty crappy that she told you the positions were filled (instead of saying that they were making decisions). I don't think at all that it was discrimination but how you handled situational questions. Those are a key part of the interview process and it is very important how you present this (not just computer skills and if you can work weekends). I hope your e-mail to HR was a thank you for the interview, reasons why you think you can do a good job for Macys and to please keep you in mind for future opportunities. You also should have e-mailed the person that interviewed you. This is not a waste of time but a learning experience. Good luck!

We interviewed a few people at my company last week, and then not 10 minutes after the last person left the office, we learned that the CEO had decided not to hire anyone to fill the position but instead to "re-align" within our company to split up the tasks. Sometimes that kind of thing happens. Of course the people we interviewed were not happy to hear that the position had been withdrawn, but one lady in particular impressed me. She wrote me a nice thank you note and said in it that she hoped I would keep her resume on file for any positions that might come up, and to keep her in mind if I had any short-term projects I might need help with. Her composure and professionalism in the face of disappointment made me tuck her resume into my "keeper" file.

My point is, keep your chin up and don't count Macy's out. They may have asked you questions to try and see what types of jobs they would want to call you back for in the future, even though they do not currently have any positions available. Who knows, maybe the hiring manager is at Macy's now, but a few weeks from now she'll get a job with Nordstrom and you could run into her there! Always treat every interaction with a hiring manager as if it is not just a job interview, but a chance to network. You never know what might happen.

I saw this post yesterday and I didn't want to say anything and set a negative vibe. But I interviewed at Macy's a couple years ago and got the same treatment. They asked ridiculous questions ("what animal would you be..sell me this phone..." blah blah blah). I used to be an avid Macy's shopper, but the treatment I recieved at the interview has made me boycott the store altogether. I have never been "sold" anything at Macy's and have always had to hunt down ANY associate for help. The entire interview process was a joke. They told me the same thing they told you, even though the previous girl spent 30+ minutes in the interview and before he started my interview told the lady at the desk to "go ahead and start her paperwork..."

I'm sorry you had this experience! I know you spent a lot of time picking the perfect outfit and I'm sure you are well qualified for the position. Macy's just stinks, in my humble opinion.

*EDIT TO ADD: I know some questions like that are good, but the questions this guy asked had NOTHING to do with a job. No questions about working, my availability, nothing. I don't remember since it's been so long, but it was the worst interview I've ever had, and I'm a professional person that interviews well and have never been turned down or let go from a job.

I am sorry ykou went through such trouble. It does sound like some sort of discrimination to me. It may be hard to prove, but that is what it sounds like.

I went throughout his while I was pregnant. I didn't want to change jobs after all due to the pregnancy, so I announced to them that I was pregnant prior to the interview and they came back and said there was someone else more qualified. The funny thing was the lady who walked me back didn't know I was pregnant and told me I was the only applicant and smiled. As well, the questions they asked was how much experience I had using a system that was already phased out. It was discrimination, but I didnt care.

What a bummer.
Getting a job can be so hard these days.
I'm wondering if the other person you saw go in and stay for a while was hiring for a different position or was the person who was hired for the position you were trying for.
The other thing about online job postings is that they aren't always removed in a timely manner and there's no way of knowing if the position has been filled yet or not.
If they already filled the position, it makes sense they wouldn't go into too much depth about the interview process. But, I'm sure they'll keep your application and resume on file. Most places keep them for 6 months.

Don't get too discouraged and don't start thinking that you did something wrong. The job market is so tough here, I know people that have gone on dozens of interviews before getting a job. There are so many people looking and only so many positions.

Don't give up!
Keep trying!
You'll find something.
Maybe you didn't get this job because the right job for you is the next one you apply for.

Best wishes.

Oh that sucks. I hate applying for jobs online. I have gotten more interviews for scam companies then for real jobs.
It could be that the person that went in before you was interviewing for a different position, was a prior Macy's employee, or the interviewer didn't know the position was closed (if it really was closed).
Also, all some care about is the situational stuff, rather then the actual skills (someone can be skilled with everything but interpersonal skills). So don't let the interviewer get you down, it could just be her personal way of interviewing.
This probably had nothing to do with the way you look, your outfit sounded professional. Hang in there and keep trying!

Macy's has had sooo many positions listed lately on Monster here in Columbus. They were all worded similarly, but not quite the same. Also they were for all different locations.

Not sure if that means anything or not and if the interviewee just had her locations wrong that you were interviewing for.

Unfortunately, many, many, many jobs are already filled before they are posted. They are posted only to fullfill policy regulations. They must interview a specified number of applicants and even applicants that fit certain criteria. The person before you probably just chit-chatted or maybe they shared a hobby or vacation spot and got to talking. Maybe the interviewer didn't want to interview another person before lunch, so took up time with the person before you. You never know. Don't take it personal. It sounds like you looked fine.

(Every year where I work, positions must be posted internally and only internal applicants may apply and be interviewed during the first time frame. However, new external hires have often been introduced to the staff even before the internal applications/interviewing is done, and I'm wondering how in the world that can be?! It's who you know. Unfortunately, I don't know anybody important. lol)

Purely speculation but as an HR person who does interviews.
We ask situations questions and job description questions.My guess is the other person was in the interview longer because she (the one being interviewed) asked questions - which may a good or bad thing depending on her questions.
The time in the interivew is not a deciding factor.
You may still make it to round two but not if you try to get the girl who interviewed you in trouble
We often do things to see if people follow directions or follow through such as we give specific instructions on where to come and who to ask for and we ask you not call on the status of you application or interview and give you a time line to expect to hear from us.
The best advice I can give is to not be rude to anyone you meet during an interview. Wish I am sure you already knew.
Best wishes