This was more of an assessment day rather than an interview, even though words of interview were used. I was a bit put off when I realised that it turned into a panel/group interview. The day consisted of 2 activities. 1 was to present yourself why you would want to work for Softcat and the position you’re applying for. The other activity was a scenario where you were stranded and you had to rank 10 items that you salvaged from the wreckage. There were a group of 15 people. The staff of the company seemed very friendly and was compassionate about Softcat and their work culture was more of a friendly atmosphere. I have rated this as difficult because the best advice to give is to just be yourself but this can be very difficult as you are faced with 14 other people and you could get the short straw and be missed out. To me it feels like a pot luck game and hoping for the person to come along and shed light. Be positive no matter the out come but be yourself.

The process starts by you (the candidate) either reaching out to Softcat or by being contacted by one of Softcat's talent acquisition team. Following this, you complete a telephone interview and are then invited to an assessment day. At the assessment day there are about 15-20 others, sales/recruitment looking type. You firstly listen to various presentations by Softcat employees detailing how great it is working for Softcat etc.. and then are asked to partake in a group task (selling a holiday) followed by a 1 minute 'elevator' sales pitch where you describe why you want to work for Softcat. Following the assessment day you will receive an email (within 24 hours`) inviting you back to meet 2-3 of the Sales Managers in what they describe as Dragons Den pitch. The final stage is a telephone interview with a Sales Director. I didn't make this stage. The communication in getting you into the assessment days/interview etc is fantastic, but after this, if you are unsuccessful, you receive no feedback/communication despite being promised so. I chased this on several occasions with 3 different people and still heard nothing despite being promised detailed feedback either way, very unprofessional! I felt the interview went well but found the process strange. The interviewers cared more about your favourite club rather than your skills/experience. The Dragons Den interview lasted 45 minutes and I feel like I cam across well and was full of confidence, I guess my responses relating to my favourite cocktail and favourite ice cream didn't match what they were looking for. I made it clear that I was money driven but also highlighted how I want to learn/develop/train and they seemed more bothered about how much money I want to make in my first month. Having spoke to several employees (and a couple of people who dropped out after 3 weeks) I have had my suspicions confirmed and they have informed me that it really isn't as glamorous as made out. They reward you so heavily because you are expected and kind of have to do 12 hour days (minimum). A close friend gets in at 6:45 and leaves at 20:30pm most nights which works out well below minimum wage and says he is considering leaving soon due to the poor quality of life. Overall, I'd recommend starting a career in a company that doesn't affect your quality of life and within a company that cares more about your development and training goals rather than how much cash you're going to stuff in their pockets- that's what I've gone on to do and now I'm happy as Larry.