It was almost the same for all position with flight centre. First you apply online then receive an email to pick a time slot for phone interview. After phone interview they will let you know if they are interested to meet you in person. If yes, the face-to-face interview will be scheduled and you are asked to do a personality quiz as well.(with time limit but not difficult at all)
The interview was conducted by their Recruiting Manager of the Greater China sector. She took me to a room with a laptop and asked me to do an IQ test. It took around 30 minutes then I was given a 5-minute break before the interview started.
The interview went really great (at least I thought it was). Questions she asked were mostly very typical questions in all job interviews such as: Why do you apply for this job? Name 3 strengths and weaknesses of you. What do you expect from this job? She asked me at least 3 times if I am applying for other jobs currently and my earliest availability to this job. It was the smoothest interview I have ever had, she introduced the job nature and requirements to me, also explained to me her style at work and how she expect a job to be done. (the person who gets this job will directly report to her). Meanwhile, she has emphasized a lot on how she thinks honesty is the most important thing in a person and how much she cannot tolerate a dishonest person.
Eventually the interview took more 2 hours in total (0.5 for the IQ test). When I was on the way out, she told me I was one of her top choices for the job and asked me one more time if I am currently applying for another job. Not only that, she also let me know that she will be away from the office for two weeks, and promised she will get back to me on a specific date.(19 days after 1:1 interview).
The two-week waiting was painful, but it finally came to the day as she said she will get back to me. I was both excited and nervous. As the 19th day I had been waiting, I could not wait a second longer for the result. However, I did not hear anything on the first two day.(the 19th and 20th day after interview) I have sent her a thank you email as a way to remind her. Finally, I got a computer generated reject letter saying that they have decided not to proceed with my application. The funniest thing is, the job ad is still on every job seeking website. which means, the position is still vacant and the reason why my application was rejected is because I am not good enough for the job.
Although I have only graduated for a short time (with relevant working experience and background though), I do understand how a regular recruiting procedure goes. Basically, you can always tell if you get the job or not after the interview before they get back to you. From everything she said or the way she acted like, I really thought that I was going to get the job and the only thing matter was other candidates (if there were any)
A friend in Australia once told me, that he went to an interview as a travel consultant in Sydney. Everything went well but he was informed that they are not going to continue the hiring process with him. He was very confused cuz everything went great during the whole process, just like mine.The recruiter told him that the reason was his AGE. He thinks my friend is TOO YOUNG FOR THE JOB. Quote" I really wanted to pick you. But mate, I don't want to risk my KPI. Sorry" from the recruiter.
I think that sums up the major problem of recruiting in Flight Centre.
Good luck everyone! I am sure you're going to need it.