So, I’ve been in the Advertising business for 26 years or so. I started with a Promotional Products distributor, soon opened up my own business and had fun and was challenged for most of those years. Time, the economy and my willingness to change and experience new things has brought me to Living Socials door. I had not been through the interview process since the 80′s. So as I stated, I applied for a sales job with this company because I love what they are doing, the concept in which they are doing it, and the ease and simplicity of it all. So, I go through a series of phone interviews, and may I add that it was always a pleasant experience with HR personnel I talked to, area Managers among others. So after the 3rd phone interview I’m asked to come to Washington DC and participate with 29 other applicants in face to face final interviews. 
I need to turn this in a few days as I want to move on this opportunity and feel sooner is better, so I book a flight and take a 6:00 am 757 to Washington DC. They send a car to pick me up along with a few other reps from all over the US for their final interviews after which they decide if they are going to offer a position with them. The conversation in the car with the other two guys is friendly, after all were in the same boat, one guy was from PA, one from AZ and me from WA. It’s an all day affair for me just to get there, and since game 1 of the Worlds Series was that night, I get in just as the game is starting and have an easy night watching the game and working on my ” pitch” where I’ll be required to do some role-playing with a few management personnel from Living Social so they can see how I handle myself during this process. After an initial first interview with the HR Manager, I’m asked to go into another room where I answer some questions about myself, my sales background, ya know pretty normal interview stuff. I then give my version on how I’d present Living Social to a prospective client. Now I’m sure this can be a pretty intimidating process for people, and to be frank I wasn’t used to being put in the spotlight and on the spot by so many people in such a short time, but I decided to just be me and if this was meant to be, it would work out. So I was… well “me”. Once the interviews were completed, it was off to the airport and a flight home, where I landed in Seattle around 10:30 pm, drove home and crashed into bed, a long two days for sure. I was told as all the other applicants that they would be in touch in 10 days or so and let me know if an offer was imminent. 
I was called the next day, by the local Manager and we talked for a while and he offered me the position. I must say this process that could have been torture was anything but. All applicants were treated with respect and the process that had the potential to be very stressful and not enjoyable, turned into a great experience that I’m glad I went through. And it had nothing to do with getting the offer. Their interview process was well thought out and after I accepted my new career choice with Living Social and meeting my area manager, I’m convinced that my decision to apply with Living Social was the right one and that this company and job is going to fit me like a glove. I’ll go into Living Social’s platform, social networking focus, apps into greater detail on my next post. But in a nutshell, Living Social connects people to cool stuff to do in their area. Things that they might not otherwise go see or do. In addition, we partner with local business to put together deals that offer 50% to 90% off of regular price. Our subscription base is now over 10 Million strong and growing each and every day. Each day one local business in your subscription area is featured. You get the day’s deal emailed directly to your inbox. You purchase the deal right from that email, very clean, very easy. You then are offered a choice of sharing this deal with all of your Facebook, Twitter and email friends right from the site. If three other people buy this deal from your link…… your deal is FREE.. So, what you have is thousands sharing your deal with thousands… Social Network Marketing at it’s best.
Here’s an example of one of the company’s that has successfully advertised with Living Social:
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Great job Sensei!! an interesting venture indeed!
I recently sent my resume to LivingSocial and will be having a phone interview soon. Like you, I have a long history of sales as well as seven years experience running my own business. Any advice you could give me or perhaps a heads up in regards to the interview process? The company looks very solid and one I am sure I could be successful with. Thanks in advance!
So I’m heading to DC for the face to face interviews. Any advice? I feel like I’ve got a pretty good grasp of the business model. Did you use any materials for your presentation? Also, what was the dress code out there? Any advice would be welcomed. Hope the training went well. Thanks in advance. Jerry
I had to inverview with a total of 9 ppl. I had 3 phone interviews. Then I went to a hotel to do the in person interviews. At the hotel there were maybe 45 other people. I did a one on one with a lady that was brand new to the company and couldn’t answer my questions. Then I had another with 2 ppl to do a mock sales pitch … again neither could answer my questions. I asked describe a typical work week. They didn’t know … Then the final one was infront of a panel of 3 ppl. This was rediculous because one woulkd ask questions and then another would interupt and say “pitch me right now.” Honestly, I thought it was an amazing oppurtunity, now I am disapointed in it and prob won’t take the job even if they offer it to me.
Well, it is an amazing opportunity, and the fact is that this company is growing so fast that many of the interviewers are new themselves. Thas is a fact of life. Also is the fact that they only hire the best of the best. It’s a tough world out there right now. I’ve been with them for over three months now and it’s tough work. But Living Social is the top growing company in the world right now, and along with that comes some systems and HR issues. But along with that there comes a HUGE upside potential. You have to put your expectatations aside and do the best you can do and the rest works itself out. Trust me IF you get an offer, you’d be a fool not to take it.
I am curious as to your thoughts on the company having been there almost 6 months now? Are you still as excited as the first week? What unknown challenges have come up? I would love to hear or read a follow-up blog entry as I may be entering the same path with the same company by the end of the week.
After around 5 months I’m considered a veteran now. We are hiring an amazing amount of people, and I’m thankful I’m with Living Social, now, at this time in their history.
We’re the fastest growing Internet company in the WORLD right now an were positioned just right for huge success.
So, like the rest of you probably did, I searched “living Social Interview” and landed here. You must be around 6 months in now, and I hope you are still as excited as your were before. I am flying to DC in a couple days, and I am just brimming with excitement. It seems like a fantastic opportunity to become part of something that is growing so quickly! I think if I am not offered the position quickly, I will just burst. I was also was very impressed with the interview process so far, everyone has been great, and comfortable to speak with. It was like talking to family! Or better than talking to family! HAHA! Anyway, its great to see this positive feedback, thanks for posting!
Hi, I’ll be interviewing for a product manager position. I have heard they give you a power point to prepare or do some role playing. Any advice anyone?
Thanks
Sorry this got lost in my full inbox…..
I can’t be much help about the hiring experience, as I’m sure it’s not the same as when I went through it 6 months ago.
I enjoyed the process myself.
Great blog. I’m really looking forward to my first phone interview with Living Social this Friday. I’m applying for the AE position in PDX. Btw, do you work from a home office or does Living Social have offices in each city?
Thanks,
Nilou
Hi there!
I too have a query – I went through the usual process of the tel interviews etc for the brand new Scandinavian market. I was then the only one that was brought through for an interview in the UK.
My question is it’s been 3 weeks since the interview and I’ve been asked to be patient as they can’t tell me the outcome until the country manager has been employed?
I’m really frustrated as I love this potential job and am soneager to start, is this normal that they are so organized and would they make me wait only to say no, you haven’t been successful?
Hope someone can shed some light?
Don’t know how it works outside of US. They are hiring at such a quick pace, my advise to you is to wait and see what happens, and yes they could not hire you after the wait. Frustrating I know.
Sorry I couldn’t be more help.
Glad to hear you had a great experience. I was just offered a position this past Friday, and have accepted. How are things going for you now that you have been there a while? Are you able to meet your goals and are you making good money?
I am no longer with Living Social. I sucessfully launced the Snohomish County Market and I think they are a great company. Congratulations on your hire, it’s tough but very rewarding. I met and exceeded all goals, income potential is very good as a Marketing Consultant.
I left because I felt that the job was not a good fit any longer for my talents, I’m now working in Sales and Marketing for a local Sports team and couldn’t be happier.
Good luck!!
Does anybody know how to get connected with Living Social in order to send a resume for a phone interview?
Go to Living Social.com and I believe you can send a resume from there.
Or recruiting@livingsocial.com