Interview Experience for Editor, Music Editorial - Italy at Spotify

I recently went through the interview process for the Editor, Music Editorial - Italy role at Spotify and would like to share a comprehensive overview of the experience, including the interview stages, types of questions, and tips for preparing. The position is part of the Music Editorial team, where the focus is on curating playlists, identifying music trends, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance the overall music experience for Spotify’s users.

Interview Process Overview

The interview process for the Music Editorial position at Spotify is structured into multiple stages, each evaluating different aspects of your skills, experience, and fit for the role. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Recruiter Screening

The first step was an initial phone interview with a recruiter. This conversation was relatively informal and focused on understanding my background, my interest in the role, and how I could contribute to Spotify’s Music Editorial team. The recruiter also provided a high-level overview of the responsibilities of the role and the work culture at Spotify.

Key Focus Areas:

• Experience in the music industry, particularly in programming, curating, and understanding music trends.
• Passion for music and cultural insight, particularly within Italy.
• Familiarity with Spotify’s platform and how the candidate can contribute to enhancing Spotify’s music offerings for users.

Example Questions:

• “Why do you want to work for Spotify in the Music Editorial team?”
• “How do you stay informed about current music trends, and how would you apply that knowledge at Spotify?”

Tip: Be prepared to showcase your passion for music, particularly your knowledge of Italian music culture and trends. Make sure you’re familiar with Spotify’s editorial vision and how it shapes the user experience.

2. First Round Interview (Manager and Team Members)

The next stage was a more in-depth interview with the hiring manager and one or two members of the editorial team. This interview focused on your experience curating music content, your knowledge of the Italian music scene, and how well you can analyze and interpret data to inform your editorial decisions.

Key Focus Areas:

• Experience curating playlists or programming music for digital platforms, radio, TV, or other media.
• Ability to analyze user data and translate it into actionable insights to improve Spotify’s music offerings.
• Collaboration with global and local teams to meet strategic objectives and drive innovation in music programming.

Example Questions:

• “Can you describe a time when you had to curate a playlist or music selection for a specific mood or genre? What was your approach?”
• “How do you use data and analytics to decide which songs or artists should be featured in a playlist?”

Tip: Have concrete examples ready where you successfully curated playlists or music content, particularly with a focus on how you used data to inform those decisions. Make sure to also demonstrate your understanding of Spotify’s editorial voice and its role in curating personalized music experiences.

3. Case Study/Creative Exercise

In the next round, I was asked to complete a case study or creative exercise that tested my ability to curate music in a way that aligned with Spotify’s editorial guidelines. This could include creating a playlist based on a specific theme or demographic, while also incorporating current music trends and user preferences.

Example Scenario:

• “Imagine you’re tasked with curating a playlist for a new season of a popular podcast. What songs or artists would you include, and how would you ensure the playlist aligns with the show’s tone and audience?”

Tip: The case study is an opportunity to show your creativity, attention to detail, and understanding of how different music genres appeal to various audiences. Focus on demonstrating your ability to think critically and strategically when choosing music for a specific theme or target demographic.

4. Behavioral Interview

The behavioral interview focused on assessing my fit with Spotify’s culture, particularly in terms of teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills. Since the role requires collaboration with multiple teams, including product and marketing, this stage evaluates how well you work in a team-oriented environment and how you handle challenges.

Example Questions:

• “Tell me about a time you had to work with a cross-functional team to achieve a goal. How did you collaborate, and what was the outcome?”
• “How do you handle working with deadlines while maintaining a high standard of work?”

Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Show your ability to collaborate effectively across teams, solve problems creatively, and manage multiple tasks or deadlines.

5. Final Interview (Senior Leadership)

The final round is typically with senior leadership or executives in the Music Editorial department. This interview is designed to evaluate your long-term vision, alignment with Spotify’s mission, and ability to contribute to Spotify’s growth in the music industry.

Example Questions:

• “How would you ensure Spotify remains at the forefront of music discovery and trends in Italy?”
• “How do you measure the success of a music programming initiative?”

Tip: Be prepared to discuss strategic ideas on how to enhance Spotify’s presence in the Italian market and drive music discovery. Focus on how you would use both creative and data-driven approaches to improve Spotify’s editorial offerings.

Key Skills and Qualities Spotify Looks For:

• Music Industry Knowledge: A deep understanding of the music landscape, especially in Italy. This includes being familiar with various music genres, artists, trends, and how to curate content that resonates with listeners.
• Editorial and Curatorial Expertise: Experience in programming or curating music for digital platforms, radio, TV, or other media outlets.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Ability to analyze consumer behavior and use data to inform editorial decisions.
• Collaboration and Communication: Strong communication skills, especially in collaborating with cross-functional teams and providing insights into music programming.
• Passion for Music: A genuine passion for music, with an understanding of its cultural impact, trends, and how music influences consumer behavior.

Example Interview Questions:

Behavioral:

• “Tell me about a time when you discovered a new artist or music trend. How did you incorporate that into your work?”
• “Describe a situation where you had to pivot quickly based on feedback. How did you manage the change?”

Creative/Curatorial:

• “What would your approach be to curating a playlist for a special occasion, like the Italian National Day?”
• “How do you balance personal musical preferences with what resonates most with Spotify’s audience?”

Strategic Thinking:

• “How would you assess the impact of a newly launched playlist or editorial initiative?”
• “If given the opportunity, what changes or improvements would you propose to Spotify’s current music editorial approach in Italy?”

Final Tips:

• Know Spotify’s Editorial Guidelines: Be sure to understand Spotify’s editorial voice, and how they curate playlists, genres, and content. Familiarize yourself with Spotify’s playlist curation processes and user data insights.
• Showcase Your Passion for Music: Spotify values employees who are passionate about music, so emphasize your love for various genres, your knowledge of the Italian music scene, and your ability to identify emerging trends.
• Prepare for Data-Driven Conversations: Be ready to discuss how you use data to inform your editorial decisions. Spotify is a data-driven company, and they value candidates who can blend creativity with data analysis.