StayWell (PA) Interview Questions
& Process

First, there was an email exchange with an HR representative. This was followed by a phone call scheduling an in-person meeting with two managers. They asked questions they found on a website for "interview questions." You don't need to dress up fancy, just a dress shirt and pants is fine. Honestly, people in the call center don't really care how you dress; some wear hoodies, some wear pajamas because no one sees you, you're tucked away.

The interview process began in November, involving meetings with five different individuals across three separate sessions. A final decision was communicated in February of the following year, stating I lacked a skill set that I had actually discussed with the hiring manager. It felt like the hiring manager might have lost track of details given the time between interviews and the decision, possibly not recalling the facts correctly. The total time spent with the hiring manager over the three visits was 35 minutes. A red flag was when the HR contact asked for a completed application, a background check form with sensitive personal information like SSN and date of birth, to be submitted to the hiring manager during the first interview. It seems this process could be improved, as the hiring manager should not have access to this type of data during or after the interview; only HR should manage it securely.

I applied online and after they reviewed my resume, they had me fill out a more formal application and email it. After that, I had a phone screen with HR, followed by another phone screen with the hiring manager. Then, the hiring manager wanted to meet me, so I went in to meet them and the HR person for a general 'get to know you' chat. The questions were mostly about my background. It felt pretty laid back and friendly. They decided to bring me back for a second round with about 4 or 5 other people. Most of those interviews were about my background and how I'd fit the role, with maybe a couple of behavioral questions. I felt I did okay in most of them, except maybe the hiring manager's boss, who was a bit hard to read. They said I'd hear back in a week or two, but it took several weeks. I tried following up a few times, but the hiring manager was unreachable by email or phone. Finally, about a month after my last interview, I got a letter saying they were still looking but I wasn't being considered. I kind of figured that out already from the lack of response. It took them so long, it was pretty obvious. I wish the hiring manager had at least called me. I felt I deserved that much. The interviews weren't too tough, so just do your usual prep. The only weird thing was that most of the management seems to fly in from out of town weekly, which makes you wonder about their commitment to the place.

The managing editor emailed me after I applied, asking for a letter explaining my interest since the application site didn't allow it. I sent it within 24 hours and then got a request for a phone interview. After that, they emailed me an editorial test that evening, due within 48 hours. It involved editing an article to fit their style and tone, with a specific word count to hit. I got it back to them within 24 hours, and then they asked me for an in-person interview, requesting I bring work samples. The managing editor was nice and explained the job and department well. Her boss was there too, quiet but friendly. They barely looked at my samples and I was given a bunch of their publications. The in-person interview took about 2 hours because of a long paper application, but I got to use my resume instead of handwriting everything. After talking for over an hour, they seemed satisfied with my answers. We chatted a bit about our neighborhoods and transit. I went home, emailed a thank you and asked about the timeline, and got a quick reply without timeline info. I followed up a week later with no response. 12 days later, still nothing, not even a rejection, but the job was reposted online the Monday after my interview.