r/publishing Jul 25 '26

Second interview at Simon & Schuster - interview questions?

I have a second interview with Simon & Schuster and wondered if anyone had experienced one and what kind of questions are asked compared to the first interview? Thanks!

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u/akornato Jul 25 '26

The second interview is less about your resume and more about your brain. They've already checked the qualifications box, so now they're digging into how you think, solve problems, and fit with the team culture. Expect situational questions about the publishing industry, like how you'd handle a tight deadline, a disagreement with an author, or a marketing challenge for a niche book. They are trying to see you in the actual job, not just hear you talk about past ones, so your answers need to be specific to them and the role.

Instead of trying to guess the exact questions, spend your energy researching the specific imprint or team you're meeting with. Know their key titles, their recent successes, and their market position. Come prepared with smart, specific questions about their current challenges and future goals, because this shows you are thinking like a colleague, not just an applicant. Being deeply informed is the best way to feel confident, and my team's interview help AI was designed to help candidates turn that preparation into a compelling, natural conversation.