Patch Interview Questions
& Process

This was the most unorganized, unprofessional, and longest interview I've ever been through, taking about seven weeks total. After interviewing with potential team members, editors, and senior leaders, there was always a check-in meeting with the hiring manager. I also had to complete two assignments and email them back. The job title even changed during the process, with the 'Jr.' being removed near the end. When they made a verbal offer, they didn't state my expected salary, which was below market value for NYC. When I tried to negotiate, they only increased it by $2k, still below market. I verbally accepted because I was desperate after being laid off during the pandemic and was sent an offer letter. Before signing, I pointed out the title change and the much greater responsibilities in the new job description compared to the original. I asked if I could now get my expected salary (only $3k more than their counter) because of these changes. The hiring manager then backtracked, added the 'Jr.' back to the title, and sent a new offer letter with the same responsibilities and salary. I signed it. Two days later, I was asked to manage an all-Hands meeting to introduce myself a week before my start date, which was ironic since the hiring manager had told me to rest before starting. I thanked them but rescinded the offer via email due to another offer that met my salary requirements. Then, a senior leader messaged me on LinkedIn saying that accepting another offer after accepting theirs was a 'judgment lapse' and that I 'damage the credibility of more than just myself, but also those who recommended me.' I was shocked by this unprofessionalism. I never responded, but I was never recommended for the role, and the contract was 'at-will.' This explains why the role was advertised for over a year. I'd recommend they advertise correct responsibilities, get a recruitment coordination team, and stop patronizing candidates, whether they accept or rescind offers, as it damages their own credibility.

I applied online and a hiring manager from NYC contacted me. I had a 30 minute phone interview with her. After waiting a week and leaving a voicemail, I heard back. Then I went through 5 more rounds of interviews: an hour with a local editor, 40 minutes with a "cultural ambassador," and 30 minutes with another writer. I was told I was one of two finalists. A week later, I was sent a timed writing test (after more calls and voicemails to get it set up). After doing the test, I got an email saying everything went well and to expect a call. I waited about a week and tried calling and emailing. Finally, I got a generic email saying they were moving forward with the process and considering other candidates. The whole process took about a month. I wish the hiring manager had called me personally instead of sending a generic rejection email after a month of interviewing.

I had a great first chat with HR at Patch, who was really friendly and professional for the initial phone interview. After that, we scheduled a time for me to visit their offices and meet some of the team. I ended up chatting with three different people: a Web Designer, a Front-end developer, and a Product Manager. Everyone I met was super nice and seemed genuinely excited to share their experiences at Patch. They asked a lot of questions based on my resume, and I got to ask them questions too. The Product Manager was especially open and honest about the role I was applying for, and I could tell they really cared about finding the right fit.

Submitted an application online and was contacted by the Project Manager for an in-person interview. The office was a bit rundown, typical of a startup, with a small team. The interview itself went well, and I received an edit test the following day. The test had a tight deadline of 1 hour and 45 minutes for a three-part story rewriting assignment. I noted that this was an 'Editor test' rather than a 'Reporter test,' which was the position I applied for. Although I have some news experience, the test seemed more appropriate for a mid-level editor, not an entry-level reporter. I finished past the deadline, and they stopped communicating.