Reynolds and Reynolds Technical Writer Interview Questions
& Process

The interview process for the Technical Writer role started with an outreach and an IQ test, which struck me as potentially discriminatory given my background as a former business owner. After that, there were three interview rounds. Although the initial interviews were remote via Zoom, an office visit was still required. During this visit, I noticed a negative work environment with high employee turnover, possible worker exploitation, a poor work-life balance, and a very rigid, formal, cubicle-based company culture. The director also mentioned potential job cuts due to AI and a need for more intelligent staff, which was concerning. Furthermore, both the director and hiring manager seemed uninterested in discussing salary, which aligns with the position being entry-level despite requiring experience. It felt like they were looking for a more easily managed and less experienced candidate, despite my extensive experience and transferable skills. I wouldn't recommend this company due to their outdated hiring practices and lack of focus on work-life balance and a modern approach. I'm glad they didn't offer me the job, as it saved me the effort of declining.

After I applied, there was a brief phone chat and then a Skype call with a recruiter. After that, I had some paperwork and a timed writing sample to do. Then, I had three more Skype interviews with people who could be my bosses. In the end, they hired someone else. They mentioned that the very last step would've been an in-person interview. All four of those Skype calls were really nice, helpful, and professional. The interviewers made me feel comfortable by keeping things casual and conversational. Each interview was pretty standard and lasted about 30 to 45 minutes.

I sent in my resume for a Technical Writing position at Reynolds & Reynolds after seeing it on Craigslist. On February 10, 2012, I got an email asking me to come to their office for an "aptitude assessment and possibly an interview." I had to pick from a few times and days the following week and let them know my top 3 choices. Then, they emailed me my appointment time and told me to complete an online application and a long online "personality test" that took about an hour. This test had typical personality questions mixed with what seemed like IQ test questions. They also included a 3-page Word doc with sample questions for the assessment, warning that I'd need to do math without a calculator and suggesting I practice algebra word problems and maybe check out a book on the Air Traffic Controller exam for the other test sections. On the day of my appointment, I arrived early, checked in, and took the test. The algebra word problems were tough because it'd been a while since I'd tackled that kind of math, and I didn't have enough time to really get back into it, even with the practice problems. The receptionist at the recruiting desk mentioned that someone from the department would review my info and I'd hear back in "3 to 5 days, if not sooner." I was bummed because I had to take time off work for the assessment and didn't even get to talk to anyone. I took the test on a Friday. After a week of silence, I called on a Monday afternoon to ask for an update and left a voicemail. Later, I saw an email saying, "We appreciate the time you spent applying with us; however, we will not be proceeding with your application at this time." I never really had an interview, just went through the screening. It would be good to know why I didn't get to the next stage, but I guess they decided I wasn't a good fit. After all those steps and not even talking to anyone, I agree it's not a place I'd want to work.