I applied for the Beauty Writer position, and when they returned to me eventually, I was offered the role of an intern in the lifestyle section.
Firstly, the pay for interns is not good. It is much lower than the average market rate for an intern which is surprising given how large this company is. I would not recommend this place's wages as it is not livable even for someone who needs the bare necessities.
Firstly, I think they need to actually provide the address if they want you to come to the building. I was given the location, yes, but not the office number or floor. This made it very confusing because it's not explicit that Vogue is in the building - the company is under another media company's name. It's quite odd that they would invite me to the building physically, then choose not to reveal the details. I shouldn't have to ask for it -- this should be provided if you want someone to take time & money off their day to be there.
When I got there, the other staff do not acknowledge you. I was greeted by a curt woman who would not at least refer me to someone else when I said I was here for an interview.
Eventually, I was interviewed. The interview itself is somewhat relaxed, more of a chat of who you are, your experiences, etc. However, there is also a writing test that they make you do. Doing the test is the fine bit. However, they do not give you a private space to take the test. It is in the same working space as the other colleagues. While I was writing, there were colleagues gossiping and sharing sensitive information about their personal lives. I felt this to be highly unprofessional, because a) I am taking a test b) I am also not an employee. This means that they do not respect potential hires.
By the time I was done with my test it was lunchtime. The workers that I was liaising with did not bother to check in on me before leaving. I had to initiate that I was done with the test and I would be leaving. There is a blase attitude when it comes to new hires and I think it is concerning.
Company, please treat new hires with dignity and respect. We are taking time & money to come and be interviewed and tested. It is a vulnerable position to be in. The least you can do is be kind and respect us.
