Cover Letter
Resume Recommendations
Interview FAQs

• Less is more. Don't underestimate the power of a few brief paragraphs.
• Flawless. In a business that's all about the appreciation of language, writing skills naturally play a crucial role in hiring decisions.
• Please tell us about:
  • Your interest in book publishing, our company and the position you're targeting
  • Interesting aspects that distinguish you
  • Anything else relevant that isn't captured in your resume
  • Your salary requirements

• Fact sheet—not autobiography. Save details for the interview.
• Your personal marketing collateral to "sell" yourself to the recruiter. Make it clear, concise and clean.
• The world likes to curl up with a good book —not a resume—so please email your resume as a Word attachment and conserve paper for that which there is really no substitute.

• Work experience including:
  • Jobs you've held and dates of employment.
  • Brief bullets summarizing your responsibilities. (Remember, internships and volunteer work count as experience.)
  • Be honest — leave the pulp fiction to us.
• Skills: You might be an award-winning horticulturist or an amateur astronomer, and that will be useful when we publish Men are from Mars, Women Love Roses…but we also need to know things like: computer skills, languages, oral and written communication skills, familiarity with trade references such as The Chicago Manual of Style and other skills or knowledge specific to the position you're targeting.
• Education & Training:
  • The colleges you've attended, including your degrees and majors
  • Certifications, diplomas, or licenses you've earned
  • Study abroad experiences
  • Entry level applicants might also include awards, achievements, school activities, brief thesis summary, etc.

How long will it be before I know if I've been selected for an interview?
The process can take a few days to a few weeks.

How will I know if I've been selected for an interview?
Human Resources reviews resumes as quickly as possible. If your resume matches the job qualifications, we will contact you to schedule a screening interview.

What is a screening interview?
This is the initial interview with the Human Resources representative who is working with the hiring manager to fill the position. HR representatives also know all about other available and upcoming opportunities within the company and are eager to guide your search to the right job.

Shouldn't I avoid Human Resources at all costs?
Some people will advise you to bypass HR to get in the door more quickly. Those people are wrong. That might be true in other companies, but here we work closely with managers to recruit the best talent.

What will happen when I arrive at the office?
A genteel man in worn spectacles will greet and escort you to a room where you'll have to recite the Complete Works of Shakespeare. Or you'll check in with the receptionist before a Human Resources representative or hiring manager arrives shortly to meet you and discuss the position.

How long will the interview last?
Interviews can last 45 minutes. But we try to make the most of your visit, so you may meet with several people (i.e., hiring manager, department head, etc.). You can plan for up to 2 hours if possible.

What should I wear?
Book publishing is generally business-casual. Remember the interview is not the place for outrageous fashion statements. Playing it safe is usually best.

What materials should I bring?
You might be tempted to bring a book to read while you wait in the reception area -- but that would really be pandering. Helpful interview materials depend on the position. We'll discuss this with you when we call to schedule the interview.

What questions should I be prepared to answer?
Questions vary depending on the position, but generally, we'll want to know what it is about book publishing, HarperCollins and this particular position that interests you, and what it is about you that should interest us. And if you give a hackneyed, textbook answer to any question (e.g., "I'm a people person," "I'm a perfectionist."), we have an ejector button and we're not afraid to use it. But as long as you don't fumble it, you have nothing to worry about.

If I already work in publishing, why should I trust that you'll maintain confidentiality?
Our recruiters are experts at exercising the proper discretion in all recruitment matters. We do not contact references or any other associates before first obtaining your consent. And all matters discussed in the interview are kept in strict confidence.

What is the preference on thank you notes?
Isn't this obvious? You'll find proper name-spellings, titles and email addresses on business cards, so remember to take them. Email is fast and fast is good. But accuracy and good writing is best.

How will I know when the job has been filled?
We contact everyone we interview, by telephone or email, to inform them when we've filled the job. There is so much interest in opportunities at HarperCollins, that competition can be tough. But whether your brilliant talents are well-demonstrated or keenly promising, Human Resources will keep at it and work to place you where you know you belong. That is if you haven't bypassed us.