The interview process at Les Echos, a leading French financial and business news publication, generally follows a structured path aimed at assessing candidates' journalistic skills, industry knowledge, and alignment with the publication's values. Here's a step-by-step overview of what candidates can expect:
1. Application and Initial Screening
Application Submission: Candidates typically apply through the official Les Echos website or professional networks like LinkedIn. Applicants submit their CV, a cover letter, and, for editorial roles, writing samples or links to published work.
HR Screening: An HR representative reviews the applications and reaches out to candidates whose profiles align with the position. They conduct an initial phone screen to discuss the candidate’s background, motivations, and overall interest in the role.
2. Preliminary Interview with HR
Introduction to Les Echos: In this step, HR provides a deeper insight into Les Echos, covering the publication's history, mission, and recent projects. They also outline the position’s responsibilities and gauge the candidate’s understanding of the news and financial media landscape.
Behavioral Questions: HR asks behavioral questions to assess cultural fit and work ethic. For example, they may ask about a time the candidate worked under a tight deadline or dealt with sensitive information.
3. Editorial Assessment
Writing Test (for Editorial Roles): Candidates are given a writing assignment that reflects the types of articles Les Echos publishes, often with a focus on financial, business, or political reporting. They may be asked to write a news article or analysis piece based on recent events.
Analytical Exercise: For candidates applying for roles requiring financial analysis, there might be a task to analyze a financial report or market trend, followed by a written or oral explanation of the findings.
Fact-Checking Exercise: Accuracy is crucial in journalism. Candidates might be tested on their ability to quickly and accurately verify facts, especially for breaking news.
4. Interview with an Editor or Department Head
In-depth Industry Questions: Candidates meet with a senior editor or department head for an interview focused on their understanding of the finance and business world. They are often asked about current events, recent economic trends, or recent publications by Les Echos.
Skill and Knowledge Assessment: This interview typically involves questions about the candidate’s past experiences, journalistic ethics, and approach to covering complex financial topics. They may discuss hypothetical scenarios, such as covering a breaking financial scandal, to evaluate the candidate's critical thinking.
Portfolio Review: The editor reviews the candidate’s portfolio or previous writing samples, providing feedback and asking about the process behind specific stories.
5. Interview with Chief Editor (Final Stage)
Values and Vision Alignment: The Chief Editor assesses whether the candidate aligns with Les Echos' mission and values, such as integrity, accuracy, and independence in reporting.
Long-Term Goals: Candidates are encouraged to discuss their vision for their future at Les Echos, their career goals, and any innovative ideas they might bring to the role.
Editorial Input: For higher-level positions, candidates might be asked how they would approach certain editorial decisions or innovate within their beat to appeal to Les Echos’ readership.
6. Offer and Onboarding
Feedback and Offer: If the candidate passes all stages, HR follows up with feedback and an official offer. The process from application to offer can take several weeks, depending on the role's urgency and the interviewees' schedules.
Onboarding: New hires undergo onboarding to familiarize themselves with Les Echos' editorial policies, tools, and style guide, ensuring a smooth integration into the newsroom.
This structured approach ensures that Les Echos hires individuals with the necessary expertise, integrity, and alignment with their editorial mission to maintain their reputation as one of France’s leading business news publications.
