Patch Journalist Interview Questions
& Process

The interview experience made me feel really uncomfortable because the interviewer was staring at me in a judgmental way. I took the job on the condition that the manager, after I told them about the incident, would address it. But it turns out that their company regularly does this kind of 'related stuff' to get information they shouldn't have. I'm completely disgusted by this. I only recently found out all these other details! I totally get that they could be and ARE involved in illegal activity, which is why they're being sued!

First, there was a phone screen with someone in New York. Then, I had an in-person interview in Washington with the only regional editor for Maryland at that time. The editor was late, but after that, we had standard questions and talked about what Patch might be. Finally, I had a phone chat with a local editor in New Jersey where we discussed workflow and company culture.

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.