I applied online. I interviewed at Penguin Random House in Mar 2015
Interview
Met with human resources. When I asked them about computer systems to do the cost estimates she replied "we dont use computers here we do the estimate by hand with a hand held calculator but we expect the same level of production from you as if we did have a computer to run the spreadsheets."
I could not believe how this company operates from a stone age mentality.
I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Penguin Random House (Londen, Engeland) in Oct 2014
Interview
The process was very quick and easy. I was offered an interview 4 days after applying, then asked back for a second interview 4 days later. It then took a couple of weeks until I was told of their decision. The interviewers were very friendly and put me at ease to be able to answer to the best of my ability.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How would I manage multiple deadlines for different people, both of whom said it was urgent?
I applied through an employee referral. The process took 5 weeks. I interviewed at Penguin Random House (New York, NY)
Interview
I had a phone interview before flying up to do an in person interview. The phone interview was with the publicity manager and a publicist and then the interviews in person were with those same 2 people, then the 2 publicity directors, and then with someone from HR. Since I was a recent graduate, they were very interested in any classes that related and why I not only specifically wanted to work for Penguin Random House, but also why I wanted to work in publicity and why that specific department. Overall, it was intimidating, but pleasant. My main advice would be know exactly what you want and why you want to work there. Although it's all very hard to get a job if you don't already live in NYC.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Where do you get your news esp. news about publishing? Tell me about previous work experiences, about mistakes you've made and what you did to correct them, why publicity vs. editorial, etc.