Frontiers interview questions

Fairly vague application form, followed by a first video interview that lasted about 20 minutes with someone from HR. This interview was conducted quite badly compared to other companies in this industry. The interviewer was using an iPhone or iPad and using headphones in a booth. The interviewer had the device on their knee and I was being interviewed by a chin, rather than a person with a face. Very unprofessional, rude and abrupt, with no enthusiasm for the company or their own job and based on this attitude alone I probably would have refused any offer had I been given one at the end, as I wouldn't want to interact with this person ever, especially through any new starter processes! The company should replace this person as soon as possible if they would like to actually attract dedicated and hardworking people. They claim to be industry leading but fail on the first contact with potential employees. Nevertheless, I progressed to a face-to-face interview which went very well, conducted with two team leaders, one of which would have been my direct line manager. Good attitude and friendly. I can only assume I did not get the offer as they had someone with more publishing experience. They pride themselves on their "fancy" WeWork office, but to be honest, it isn't all that. Researching the company and discussing with them reveals that even though they try to off best practice publishing, it's roughly just the same as others in the industry, and top-down management style seems haphazard and poor.

Initial telephone interview, then a face-to-face interview with two senior research editors (one in person and one through webcam). The first part was a formal interview then a 30 minute written test. The written test was composed of a scientific abstract which had to be edited and a formal email written to a customer wanting to know more about Open Access and collaborate with Frontiers.