Cartoon Network Interview Questions
& Process

The recruiter reached out on Linkedin. The role was initially advertised as Manager, but they were hoping to find someone more senior. I had a phone screen, then met with the Hiring Manager. After that, I met with the GM & Executive for Production. It went well. The recruiter then contacted me again, mentioning they were struggling to find a Manager candidate and asked if I'd consider that level. I declined, but she said they were still trying to upgrade the role. I never heard back, which was disappointing as I would have been fine with a no-hire, but not the lack of follow-up.

I applied online and after 4 weeks, an HR rep emailed me for a HireVue interview. HireVue is an automated interview program where the computer asks a question, you get 30 seconds to prep, and then one minute to record. You get three tries per question. It was kinda nerve-wracking since it's just you and the computer, but Cartoon Network put gifs in the center to make it more relaxed, like Jake from Adventure Time for one question! Two weeks after submitting my HireVue interview, a producer contacted me for a Skype interview since I don't live in LA. The Skype interview was a week later with three producers. It was super relaxed, felt like talking to friends. They asked about my artistic influences, favorite shows, resume/cover letter stuff, and what I bring to a team. Definitely review your cover letter and resume; most questions were grounded in that, with a few behavioral ones. Be sure to ask them questions too, they leave time for that at the end. A few days later, HR called with the job offer!

You apply to the internship around 5 months in advance, ideally with a referral from a previous intern to the Intern Coordinator. Around two to three months before the start date, you'll get an email from Turner to do a HireVue interview. This involves a series of basic and fun interview questions, like your favorite shows. Keep your background interesting but not distracting, dress well, and be yourself. Be honest about your interests and free-time activities, as this helps you stand out. You get two chances to record your response, with about a minute for each. Practice beforehand and jot down notes to ensure a thoughtful response and avoid nervousness. Professionalism is key – they want to see you can be fun but also serious and reliable. After submitting, about a month or two before the start date, you might get an email from the crew the intern coordinator directed you to, asking about interview availability in Burbank or on Skype. They likely want to hire you but want to ensure you're not crazy, so relax and be yourself. Keep your HireVue notes handy as they might ask the same questions. Since people are in front of you now, you'll have a better sense of when to elaborate. Make it a conversation and have questions ready for the end, like inquiring about your interviewers' roles. You could hear back from the day after to a month later.

Went through two phases. First was a pre-recorded interview where I recorded myself after each question. Second was a group interview over Skype with the producer, PM, storyboard scanner, and two PCs. Questions weren't scary, covering favorite CN products/shows/interests, how I overcame challenges, and teamwork. During the group interview, they reviewed my resume, asked about me, and what I'd be doing. They liked that I had prior production and team management experience. Remember to prepare questions for them!