I applied for this position, which was advertised at $32-38k a year -- already an underpaid position. I completed a short, very easy grammar/editing screening test and was asked to do a phone interview. The interview was with a stone-cold HR rep who sounded like she was reciting a script. I was very uncomfortable and didn't feel like she had any real connection or knowledge of the position or team I'd be working for. But okay, maybe it's a very big company and someone from the team doesn't have time to talk to me. Makes sense. Then I got to the writing assessment. This was extremely difficult. First of all, there's literally a 3.5-hour timer that begins counting down as soon as you log in. They present you with several documents, including instructions and samples you're supposed to base your writing on. The instructions were extremely detailed. I'm an experienced technical writer and I probably would have taken close to an entire workday at least to finish this task to a satisfactory level. I had to write up a recommendation letter *from the perspective of a Ph.D* -- the instructions were very clear that I had to sound authoritative but also clear (like a Ph.D!!) on the subject matter, which I had no prior knowledge of. It was a highly technical STEM subject. I took the entire 3.5 hours with literally one second to spare, and I didn't have the time to edit and revise to my satisfaction. This is an absurdly difficult assessment for $15-18/hr and no experience required (and I *do* have experience!). Furthermore, I was told I'd hear back in 7-10 business days. After several weeks I had to remind them to get back to me. You would think after such a rigorous test for such low pay, the least they could do is maintain a semblance of professionalism and have enough basic respect to follow up on time, even with just an update saying they'd need more time. My recommendation is, if you truly value yourself as a writer, don't bother with this process. If you are able to complete this application with excellence, you deserve to be paid at least $15k more per year, and certainly you deserve to be treated with professional respect.

The interview was easygoing and standard. They want to know about your writing style and process. They also ask about deadlines and salary preference. The hiring process involved a grammar assessment to complete successfully as well as a writing assignment.