Media General Interview Questions
& Process

The interview went well, and I was offered the position the very next day. They were really in need of someone with my qualifications to fix their payroll department. They were looking for someone who could handle their ADP Vantage system, improve morale, and overhaul their current systems, processes, and procedures. They also wanted someone who could develop correct auditing procedures, utilize lean six sigma, and had strong people development and management skills. Essentially, that's how they interviewed me – they wanted to know what I could bring to the table to help them with their problems.

We began with a tour of the whole news station, then I was introduced to the staff and reporters. After that, I had a one-on-one interview with the Director of Operations. They were pleasant but very clear about what they were looking for. The first thing they told me was that this wouldn't be a permanent position with the station, but simply an opportunity to learn the inner workings of media production. The questions were direct and to the point. The whole thing took about an hour, and then we moved to the background check.

First, you submit your online application with your resume and portfolio (reel). Then, the appropriate manager might call you to schedule an interview, or they might not. If they do, there's an interview that's at least an hour long with the appropriate supervisor. You'll also get a tour of the station and observe department activities. After that, corporate HR handles the background check and other formalities. About a week or more later, the manager will offer you the job. HR then takes over for drug testing and paperwork. Finally, you negotiate the contract if needed, and it's all about signing the dotted line.

I was initially contacted by a recruiter from a consulting firm who then connected me with someone from the company. After a couple of calls, I was invited for an onsite interview that lasted several hours. The first thing they asked after the usual small talk was about my salary expectations. Honestly, I felt they should have just thanked me and ended the interview then. Instead, I went through the rest of the interviews, and I wasn't sure if it was a good fit for me. I left hoping they wouldn't offer me the job, and thankfully, they didn't. I followed up with an email and a handwritten thank you note, but got no response, so I followed up again via email and phone. They never got back to me, which confirmed my decision that this isn't an organization I'd want to work with in the coming years. Over the next couple of months, recruiters kept calling me, telling me I was a 'perfect match' for this role. They'd immediately mention that the compensation might be a bit low and suggest we discuss money upfront. Their minimum requirements for this Senior level position included broad experience across multiple industries, a BS degree (MS preferred), and at least 10 years of experience (15+ preferred). I met all their requirements on paper and felt I could do the job well. I did like the people I met, but it just wasn't the right match for me. Later, I found out they were offering less than $60K a year, which is more in line with a recent graduate or someone with just a few years of experience.