Because of covid-19, the first interview was a brief video conference with the CEO. He asked essential questions about my writing experience, creative process and how long on average it takes to turn around projects. Overall, a good conversation. After, I sent my thank you message and encouraged him to reach out with anything else he might need. He responded after COB (OK, you probably only respond to emails sparingly through the day, I get it) and asked for a writing sample. He gave two possible blog topics and keywords, along with search volume, and said it was up to me if I felt comfortable completing the sample. Bear in mind this was all on a Friday night and I already have another job. Trying to think the sample through and wanting to give it and my competing responsibilities due attention, I followed up early afternoon, the following Monday. I asked the CEO if he had a deadline in mind for the sample (I was given topics, keywords and all, but NO deadline, or so much as an, "ASAP"). The response I got (Hours later, after COB)? "I've already received writing samples from the other candidates. Accordingly, no need to proceed with submitting one." Not at all professional. And unrealistic. The experience really rubbed me the wrong way. I'm not even so much the "junior" copywriter they were hiring, as I am a writer with 9 years of experience who most assuredly would have done an exceptional job. I walked away from my inbox figuring I dodged a bullet, and by the look of Sparxoo's reviews, I did. Just one look at the company's passive aggressive, faux "professional" review responses is enough to show candidates that the agency doesn't have a clue, much less common courtesy (BTW, No need to respond to this one).

The interview was fine, asked relevant questions and the people were very nice. The only gripe I had was that I was told there'd be 3 or so interviewers which is not a problem except that they all came into the room at different points and proceeded to ask the same questions. So, I ended up answering the same series of questions 3 times which, after over an hour of questions, was draining and for some, I had to repeat answers which felt strange. My advice would be to schedule the time out before you start the interview and do all three at once.