The interview process with Mattel was really smooth and well organised. I had an initial phone screening with HR, followed by a video interview with the hiring manager, and then a final panel interview. Everyone was friendly and clearly passionate about the brand, and they asked a mix of behavioural questions and role-specific ones. I appreciated that they gave me time to ask my own questions at the end and were very transparent about the timeline and next steps.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
One of the questions they asked me was: “Can you tell us about a time you worked on a project that involved both creativity and data, and how you balanced the two?”
I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Mattel in Sep 2025
Interview
I can't believe I am writing this, but the interview experience was unprofessional, biased and not the expected standard from a reputable brand such as Mattel. The Head of HR in France decided to pick up her phone during my interview for 10 minutes and she didn't even bother to read my CV, or application. She also tried to discourage me from the role and process as the company is going through a "tough time". No follow-up (unless you pop an email through), and no clarity of interview journey. I had done 3 stages within a 7-week period. The silence between interviews from Mattel was a shocker, I thought they would be professional.
My advice: People prepare, travel and give their all during an interview, you could at least keep candidates updated on interview stages and you could at least read a candidates application. Give them an experience of Mattel that leaves the company in a positive light. Representing Mattel well should be the focus for all interview panellists, it helps with employer branding and the employer value proposition (themes of inclusion, wellbeing and competence). The highlight was the Head of HR in France, she did not know the organisational strategy, I asked questions about it, and there was no clear answer during the interview, also please ask her to turn up to all interviews, just to make it a fair process, as one of the HR Heads in England said they could not answer certain questions as the Head of HR in France needed to be there.
I am shocked, and can't believe I am writing this review.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about yourself?
What made you apply for the role?
Tell me about a time you lead a performance management approach
Tell me about a time you had designed a learning intervention
Tell me about a time you program managed a learning intervention
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Mattel (São Paulo, São Paulo) in Jul 2025
Interview
Foi um processo de três etapas: entrevista com o RH, entrevista com o RH Regional e entrevista com a country manager. Nunca obtive um retorno, completo descaso com alguém que se prepara, gasta seu tempo, enfim, pareceu tudo muito amador.