Business Generalist: Not as advertised. I was contacted directly by McMaster-Carr's local HR department first to gauge interest and then for a 30 minute telephone interview. During the telephone interview, which went very smoothly, I was asked to explain my background in marketing and what I loved about it. Telling stories, in this case, was a perfect fit and highlighted all that was relevant to move onto the next step: physical interviews. When I asked more about the position I was being considered for, I received a general, uplifting yet vague description of what was described as a management training program to familiarize all new hires to the business, and once excellence was proven in a particular field, opportunities for advancement would be available. I was intrigued enough as this company has been successful for 115+ years, there would be something to learn even though this technically would be a 'temporary' demotion. I had already successfully hired and managed a small international marketing and creative department in my last job. Regardless, I happily agreed to the physical interview. On the day of the interview, I met and spent about an hour with three different managers: one from HR, one from operations and another from marketing. Three times around with pleasant conversation, poignant questions and daft responses from both sides of the table, I was told the same reality three times when I asked for more detail on the position for which I was being interviewed. The triplicate response summary was this: you answer the phones, learn the customer's needs, take customer orders, input their orders without error and deal with any incoming customer problems/complaints. Yes, that's a customer service, tele-sales agent (albeit well paid for the position, but over qualified). So, what about management training and potential for advancement with proven excellence? The answer: Oh, you're not being considered for that program. We only recruit directly out of specific schools, but sometimes people make it in through internal promotion. I asked, "Well, then how often are people promoted from within?" The answer, "In my last 7 years, I think one person made it into management." (That's out of well over 100 office workers). Huh? Why didn't this come out on the telephone? The other side is that people do get promoted out of that entry position, but not into a management track. I found the company was hypocritical in their "flat hierarchy" explanation. It's three castes: elite Management, professional worker-bees and then the well educated warehouse folk. After discussing this with 2 of the 3 hiring managers, it was pretty clear that people don't generally move between these three strata. One hiring manager admitted they have a lot of turn-over as people are hired, attend school for free and leave for better jobs. Hmm. I'm impressed it works for them with their amazing track record for 115 years, but it wasn't for me. Apparently, do offer some of the best benefits packages and pay around. If you can harness your voice and creativity, as well as mind the archaic hierarchy, then this is could be a good fit for you! I left that day thinking the actual interviews went well, but feeling so deceived as it was like a bait and switch.