Travelzoo Producer Interview Questions
& Process

I applied online and the Global Recruitment Manager called me within days. It was a quick call with basic experience and interest questions. They thought I might be a better fit for an Associate Producer role but wanted to move me forward for the Producer role anyway. I had to follow up almost a week later to get the written assignment. It was straightforward, and I'd recommend being creative and knowing their company voice. After they confirmed they got it, I got an interview request about a week later. There was a mix-up with an email, but we rescheduled. I thought the in-person was for the Associate Producer role, but it was for the original Producer role. I worried this lack of clarity might hurt my chances. The office in downtown Chicago was underwhelming, sterile, and quiet, not the innovative perk I expected. The interview seemed to go well, conversational, and focused on my experience. They said it was the first in-person round with more steps. There were two projects: evaluating a past top 20 project for click potential and estimating annual revenue for a hotel chain. I used my knowledge for that, and I think this might be where I failed since the rest went well. Two days later, I got a standard rejection saying someone more qualified was hired. They encouraged me to apply again. I asked for feedback and was told again someone else was a better fit. It felt abrupt after the process and a positive interview. I appreciated the response and that everyone was kind.

I had applied for an Associate Producer role a while back, but ended up going another way. This time, for the Producer opening, I felt the timing was right and I had learned a lot since my last job. A friend had recommended me before, and even though he wasn't there anymore, I think his previous recommendation and my past interviews helped me get considered again. They scheduled all the interviews and tests pretty quickly via email. It started with a phone screen where they asked basic questions about my background and why I wanted to switch jobs. Then came a writing test, which took an hour, and I'd suggest brushing up on Travelzoo's content and how to write a press release. It took two weeks to hear back, but I was then invited for a Skype interview with a Senior Producer. He mostly asked about my past experience but also about my interest in Travelzoo, my travel history, hobbies, and writing preferences. This chat was really pleasant and welcoming, and I felt I could be myself. Six days later, I got confirmation for an in-person interview with the Head of Production from Chicago and a General Manager from my potential home office. I was impressed that such a senior person would fly in for this. The office itself was also impressive, with high ceilings, a modern design, and a water view, living up to Travelzoo's reputation. The interview was again pleasant. They asked me to estimate a local hotel's annual revenue, which I figured out with pen and paper, and to determine which of 20 deals would get the most clicks. I also discussed my leadership experience, goals, and ideas. I got to ask some questions about the role and company. After the hour-long interview, I felt it went well and was enjoyable. About three business days later, the initial recruiter called to say they wanted to move forward. They made an attractive offer within a few days, which I accepted.

After getting through the initial interviews and timed assignment, I was flown to Chicago to meet the President of Travelzoo. Had been a great experience up until then. Despite the fact that I missed an entire day of work for this and had to take a red eye to travel across the country, there was absolutely NO appreciation for me coming in. The interviewer did not care about my prior work experience or what I was able to bring to the table, he didn't even give me an opportunity to tell him anything about myself nor ask him any questions I had. Instead, he spent the entire time quizzing me with next to impossible questions, which unless you have had the luxury of traveling the world and remembering every last detail (airport codes, miles from airport to city center, temperature in Fall, name of local hot spots, etc) you are destined to fail. Really disappointing experience, but ultimately glad I'm not working for someone like that. Just be warned, if you think getting asked to come meet the CEO/President/Head Producer is close to the end of your interview process, think again!