I applied online. The process took 5 weeks. I interviewed at Penguin Random House (New York, NY) in Sep 2016
Interview
I got a call from HR, which I thoiught would be a quick interview. Just going over my resume and such. It actually ended up with a lot of questions. I then went in for an in-person interview with HR. She was really a little formal, but very nice. After that interview, she sent me upstairs to meet with the Art Director. We actually had a lot of things in common, and she was pretty cool. Meeting with her was more casual, and it was more of a conversation than asking questions. About a week or so later, she sent an art test to the applicants that was due the following Monday. About 3 weeks later, I received a call from the woman I interviewed with in HR, thanking me for meeting with them, and saying that the Art Director decided to move forward with another applicant, and they'll keep my resume on file. I'm a little bummed I didn't get the job, but it is very classy and decent on their part to actually call the people who did not get hired. Most places don't even tell you anymore.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
1. What books do you like to read?
2. Do you think design is important in book publishing?
3. Why do you want to work in publishing?
4. What was the hardest thing about your last job?
5. What was a criticism your last boss gave you?
I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Penguin Random House (New York, NY) in Feb 2015
Interview
I had a phone call with the HR person, and then went in to meet the person I would be reporting to. She gave me a writing assignment for a title. Then I met with some more senior people at a second interview. Overall, it took about three weeks. Even though some imprints can be casual, make sure to dress sharply, have a notebook, and come prepared with questions of your own.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Honestly, it was the standard stuff. Just be personable and knowledgable about the imprint.
I applied through an employee referral. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Penguin Random House (New York, NY) in Jun 2016
Interview
I was contacted by HR only after my acquaintance physically put my resume on their desk (they don't seem to review online applications ever). I think had an interview with the marketing manager and the events coordinator. Everyone was very casual and outgoing, and I left after 2 hours feeling confident. They gave me an assignment that required reading a novel and writing a marketing plan on it, with the deadline being two days later. I submitted it the next day. I was then ignored by HR, despite weekly check up emails, for A MONTH AND A HALF. When they finally did get back to me it was to say they hired internally (something it seems happens a fair bit).