I applied in-person. The process took 3 days. I interviewed at Bay Area News Group (San Jose, CA)
Interview
Apply online, but mostly by recommendation. If you know someone it's easier to get in. You'll be screened by HR first and then usually directly to the hiring manager. Sometimes they'll have you interview with peers also, depending on who happens to be running the show at the time. Also, be very aware that they pay women about 25% less than men in management. If you point out the discrepancy, they will either promote the men or threaten to fire you.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Fairly basic-- do you know this? Do you know that? What would your manager say about you now? Describe a time where you had a difficult customer, what did you do? Describe this, describe that. They're just following a script, no training has actually been given to the hiring manager on how to interpret your response. Basically they're just looking for someone they like, and yes, they hire on looks, if you know someone, and if they've been told to hire you. There'll be a role play on how to pitch products, so study up on current promotions before you go. Dazzle them with words like DMA and market share and you're in.
I applied through other source. I interviewed at Bay Area News Group (Oakland, CA) in Oct 2011
Interview
I started working in 1987 and they we were something. They hired my desire my attitude. But in 1987 they hired strong leader personalities and did not care what sex they were...not until later promotions became so political.
I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Bay Area News Group (San Jose, CA) in Jul 2015
Interview
I had an interview over the phone with Crystal Diaz and she is very friendly and professional. Then I came in and met with two other people, they were very friendly and easy to talk to. The last interview was a role play and "desk work". The 3rd interview was challenging as I only had 1 hour to complete my desk work and prepare for a fake customer warm lead call on the phone. I was VERY IMPRESSED with their professionalism, timely interviewing process as the recruiter Crystal was very attentive when I would ask her status updates. I did not get the job and Crystal, the recruiter called and thanked me for interviewing. I was so impressed with this company as she was so courteous and told me that they would keep my resume on file and to apply for other jobs that I want. I have been interviewing a lot in the past 3 months and not one recruiter has called me on the phone when I did not get the job or even contact me back if I do not get past the first interview. I don't even get an email. What a class act and this speaks volumes about a great reputation in a great company that I would want to be a part of.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Why do you want to work here?
If I called your boss what is 1 thing you need to improve on and 1 thing she would like about you?
Tell us a difficult situation and how you handled it.