I interviewed for a position under two editors who work in separate imprints but share an assistant. I spoke with the first editor alone, where she asked me questions and gave me a manuscript sample to read. Then I had a chance to speak to the second editor who also gave me two samples to read and review. The first editor worked mostly with literary and upmarket fiction while the second editor was exclusively into non-fiction. They really needed an assistant who could manage this very broad workload. After speaking with both editors I also had a chance to talk for a while with the current assistant and ask her questions about the job, her likes, challenges and advice.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Do you have any experience writing reader's reports?
(1) Completed internship with PRH Editorial team.
(2) Applied for role with carefully tailored cover letter and CV.
(3) First round online interview with a robot.
(4) Second round online interview with an editor and senior editor.
(5) Third round interview in person with three senior editors.
(6) Never heard back....
(7) Followed up after 2 weeks only to receive an automated reply.
* I'm a strong candidate and took the process seriously because I cared about the role and was excited to have the opportunity. It is exceptionally disappointing to have been let down by such a respectable company. All that effort and preparation and care for an automated rejection email after silence for two weeks?? Wow. I don't have much else to say.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
All the questions were fair and trying to get to know me. E.g., tell us about yourself, what are you reading at the moment, tell us about your experience.
I applied online. I interviewed at Penguin Random House
Interview
Interviewed over Zoom. Prior to the interview, I had to read a couple of manuscripts and write evaluations of them. They got back to me about their decision within a few days of the interview. I appreciated that they had me practice some of the essential duties of the position and that they did not ghost me.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about a time something didn't go as planned and how you dealt with it.
I applied online. I interviewed at Penguin Random House
Interview
Interview process consisted of three rounds - initial interview , second interview with different members of staff and a third with a task which involved copywriting. The interviews were thorough but the staff were very friendly.