GiveWell Journalist Interview Questions
& Process

This was my first time posting on Glassdoor, and I wanted to share because the interview experience was really strange and uncomfortable, making it stick out in my memory. I'm writing this to let others know they aren't alone if they've had a similar experience. This interview happened after I completed a writing assignment to take notes. Something felt off about the vibe, and I want to assure you to trust your instincts if something feels wrong, regardless of whether you'll move forward. The interviewer seemed uneasy and unsure about asking questions, which might have been due to social awkwardness or just a bad day, but I got a cliquish and unsettling feeling, like I wasn't really welcome. I've had interviews that were more casual, but that wasn't the problem here. I didn't feel the interviewer was comfortable leading the conversation. I felt like I was viewed with suspicion and disinterest, which is a shame because the organization does great work. I wish the interviewer had better represented that work, as I still admire GiveWell and their achievements! Best of luck with your job search; remember you can always say no, no matter how much effort you put into the interview process. Those who were rejected earlier might have actually avoided a bad situation. As a regular Glassdoor reader, I'm sending you all my best wishes for a positive outcome, whatever you're hoping for!

It was a really drawn-out and unresponsive hiring process. I had to wait six weeks just to hear back. I sent two emails asking for an update, and all I got were vague responses. For a role that asked for extensive research notes as part of the application, I didn't even get any feedback.

As of Spring 2023, GiveWell has a rolling application process for this role. The application requires a resume and completing a highly detailed set of notes based on a recording of an interview with a scientist. While I work professionally as an editor in book publishing and deal with much more complex tasks, this still required several hours to do well. The website states they aim to respond within several weeks. I emailed after not hearing back for 4 weeks and again after 6 weeks, receiving "sorry we're busy" responses both times. Finally, after 7 weeks, I got a rejection. When I inquired about feedback on my notes, I received a response a few weeks later stating they lack the time to offer feedback but I can apply again. I get being busy, but for an organization so vocal about transparency, it's hypocritical and lame. I now suspect the meritocratic appearance of the process might be mostly for show, and GiveWell probably rejects applications in batches for superficial or no reasons when too many pile up.