I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Travelzoo (New York, NY) in Jun 2016
Interview
Giving this a neutral review but read on... Throughout the first few phases of the interview process, I felt great and excited. I was receiving support from HR, good feedback on my candidacy and positive about the opportunity I had. But that changed a bit when I met with the company's top leadership at an onsite panel interview.
I applied online, and a short time later was contacted for an initial phone screen with HR. Recruiter was extremely helpful and energetic! I then did a phone interview with the hiring manager. Our conversation was effortless and we went way beyond the half hour scheduled time. Next, I completed a written assessment, which I think went as best it could (you have about 45min to complete the project, so I focused on good content and messaging).
My final interview was onsite with several people. Although there was a panel interview, only one person did the actual speaking--which I found very strange. Then I realized why: the person leading the conversation was very forceful and demeaning, it was clear why no one else wanted to speak up. The focus became on the skills I lacked (literally and directly) instead of letting me explain what I could bring to the team. Ex: I was asked what three challenges I would face in the role. After providing what I thought to be development areas for myself, this person proceeded to give me quite a few more. This behavior continued with every answer I gave. I guess it was part of the tactic? Anywho, I really didn't respect the way he went about our conversation. And I would never want to work for someone who behaves this way. I can't imagine it being a positive and supportive workplace.
I've interviewed extensively and actually think myself quite good at communication and in these environments--but I've never felt so deflated after leaving an interview. It's a shame because the team did seem really great!
Aside from that, I disagree with what others have said about the office-- it is nothing compared to shared workspaces I've seen previously. It's very grey and corporate, and it doesn't appear to be a casual environment.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What are three challenges you'll face in this role?
I had a such rude interview process with the recruiter from this company.
I applied the position for Producer where is based in Singapore.The Recruiter from Hong Kong messaged me for the first interview.
But in the end, she cancelled my interview for 3 times.
At first, we set the date for interview on Saturday evening, so I was preparing for whole day, but I received message from the recruiter that could not make it after 20min scheduled time.
I was surprised, but I thought it's ok, and rescheduled to lunch time in other day.
But again, before 5 min of the interview time, she told me that she could not make it.
Then the person told me to have interview at 8pm after 2 days for sure.
I was upset already but I accepted it, Because still I was interested in the position.
In that day, I was waiting for the interview and I have texted her by Skype but after 20min passed, she just messaged me, "sorry I forgot, went out for dinner"
I have no words.. and I just realized that she was not interested in having interview with me.
I was very disappointed about whole interview process and found it was very unprofessional.
My first interview never happened. But after 3 times cancellation, I won't take it anyway.
I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Travelzoo (London, England)
Interview
Fairly straightforward process: telephone interview with a member of HR, a short copy test writing a deal page, and an interview with two team members for the final stage.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Basic competency based questions. E.G. describe yourself in 3 words, how do you prioritise your workload, how do you deal with confrontation (they ask this because this very much a big part of the producer role-constantly disputes with the sales team who get away with everything even when they are wrong).
I applied online. The process took 5 weeks. I interviewed at Travelzoo (New York, NY)
Interview
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. Mike 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!
