I applied online and was contacted by the store manager for a face to face interview. The first interview with the store manager went great and felt more like a conversation. Due to my experience, the SM's questions for me were brief, and then we chatted for an hour and a half regarding this particular location, including numbers, the team, and future goals for the store. I left this interview feeling good, and excited about the company.
I had a second interview scheduled with the DM a week later. The DM was sick and could not attend, so I interviewed in person with the assistant manager and another store manager together. I was less impressed during this interview. I felt that the SM of the store viewed all members of management as partners, while the second SM and assistant manager made several remarks that I think they felt were supportive but came across as condescending to me, given my experience. For example, after reading questions from a sheet of paper, I would answer, and they would say "Wow, it's almost like you know exactly what to say! Who gave you the questions before hand?" Well, no one did. I have experience as a store manager and was prepared for the interview, and yet felt like I was viewed as a subordinate, and felt like they didn't expect me to be their equal. I left feeling confused and unsure about the culture of the team.
A third interview with the DM over the phone was scheduled. After some thought and reflection on the second interview, I let the DM know I was no longer interested in pursuing the position. She seemed surprised, and asked me to reconsider. I also received a call from the SM regarding my decision to discontinue interviews.