Getting hired at Nickelodeon the iconic children’s entertainment company is no easy feat. With its fun, creative culture and coveted internships and jobs, competition is fierce. If you have an interview coming up, proper preparation is key.
In this comprehensive guide I’ll walk you through the top 15 Nickelodeon interview questions and example answers to help you put your best foot forward. With insights into the hiring process skills tested, and interview formats, you’ll have all the tools needed to land your dream job at Nick!
Overview of the Nickelodeon Interview Process
The Nickelodeon interview process typically involves
-
Online application – You’ll need to submit an application through their website with your resume, cover letter, and work samples if required.
-
Phone/video screening – Initial 30-60 minute screening with HR to assess qualifications and fit.
-
In-person interviews – 1-3 rounds of in-depth behavioral and technical interviews. These can be panel, one-on-one, or group interviews.
-
Creative exercise – Many roles require a hands-on creative exercise like pitching a show concept.
-
Reference and background checks – Done for final candidates before official job offer.
The process is very thorough and competitive. It’s not uncommon for it to take several weeks or even months from start to offer. Don’t get discouraged if it takes a while – it’s all about finding the perfect match!
15 Common Nickelodeon Interview Questions and Answers
Let’s dive into the meat of this guide – the top 15 interview questions Nickelodeon asks and how to nail your answers:
1. Why do you want to work at Nickelodeon?
This is your chance to showcase your passion for their mission of making kid-focused entertainment.
Example: I’ve loved Nickelodeon since I was a kid watching Rugrats and SpongeBob. Making shows that educate and entertain kids is my dream job. I admire your creative culture and innovative shows that push boundaries. I want to be part of a team that brings joy to millions of families worldwide.
2. What experience do you have working with kids or in children’s media?
Demonstrate any hands-on experience you have engaging with kids through babysitting, camps, teaching etc. Talk about specific skills gained.
Example: As a summer camp counselor, I led crafts and outdoor activities for groups of 5-10 children ages 7-9. This allowed me to hone my storytelling abilities and learn how to capture kids’ attention and engage their imagination through interactive games.
3. How do you stay current on trends relevant to kids and youth culture?
Prove you have your finger on the pulse of what’s cool and relevant with today’s kids.
Example: I follow popular kid influencers on YouTube and TikTok to see what resonates. I also listen to kid-focused podcasts like Tinkercast and subscribe to sites like Common Sense Media that cover youth entertainment news.
4. How would you describe your sense of humor?
Show you can add a fun, lighthearted vibe to their work culture. Share examples of humor/comedy you enjoy.
Example: I have a pretty playful, punny dad-joke sense of humor. I love witty banter and physical comedy too. Some shows I really enjoy are The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Brooklyn 99.
5. What is your favorite Nickelodeon show and why?
Be specific on what you admire about the storytelling, characters, and themes. Shows knowledge of their content.
Example: My favorite is Avatar: The Last Airbender. The layered storytelling and character development was so engaging. I also loved the blend of action, humor, and deeper themes like respect and redemption.
6. How would you reimagine an existing Nickelodeon show for today’s audience?
Demonstrate creativity and understanding of modern kids’ interests. Show passion for their brand.
Example: If I remade Invader Zim today, I would modernize it with more digital, social media elements. Zim could infiltrate classrooms with high-tech gadgets versus old-school tricks. I’d also explore topics like internet safety and digital citizenship that today’s kids deal with.
7. Tell us about a time you had to manage multiple priorities with a tight deadline.
Share a real example that conveys time management, organization, and working well under pressure.
Example: When I worked at [Company], we suddenly lost two team members who managed key parts of a product launch. With only two weeks until the deadline, I stepped up to take on their responsibilities on top of my existing ones. I made a checklist of deliverables and had my manager help prioritize. By working late and delegating lower priority tasks, I ensured all critical components were completed in time.
8. Describe a time you had a conflict with a colleague. How did you handle it?
Share a real example focused on conflict resolution skills, communication, and teamwork.
Example: When I was working on an animation project, I had a disagreement with our lead designer on character styling. Rather than argue, I suggested we first identify what we both wanted to achieve from an artistic standpoint. By finding that common ground, we were able to have a productive discussion and landed on a styling direction we both liked.
9. How do you respond to feedback from others, especially criticism?
Emphasize that you welcome feedback as an opportunity to improve and avoid being defensive.
Example: I appreciate when people take the time to provide constructive feedback. I try to listen without judgment, reflect on their perspectives, and identify what I can learn from it. Even criticism, while tough to hear, makes me better when I keep an open mindset and focus on the areas I can improve.
10. Why should we hire you over other candidates?
Don’t be afraid to sell yourself here! Highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and passions.
Example: With my animation degree, internship experience at a kids’ media startup, and genuine love of creating children’s entertainment, I know I have the mix of education, hands-on skills, and motivation to excel in this role. My creativity and teamwork abilities would allow me to contribute to Nickelodeon’s fun, inspiring culture.
11. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Show ambition and interest in growing long-term with the company. Align your goals to potential career paths there.
Example: In 5 years, I hope to be an established member of the Nickelodeon animation team, having worked my way up to lead animator or art director. I’ll stay curious and hungry to expand my skills in storytelling, design, and comedic timing. My ultimate goal is to develop my own animated series that brings laughter and learning into kids’ lives.
12. What other companies are you interviewing with?
Be honest but position Nickelodeon as your top choice. Avoid naming direct competitors like Disney.
Example: I’m interviewing with a few smaller animation studios in the area who produce commercial work. However, Nickelodeon is my number one choice given the amazing reputation, values, and talent I’d get to work with. This is my dream job.
13. What salary expectations do you have?
Do your research on average salaries for your role and location. Give a reasonable range based on your experience level.
Example: Based on my research of animation salaries in this region and my 3 years’ experience, I would hope for a salary in the range of $50,000 to $60,000. However, I prioritize finding the right culture fit and growth opportunities over maximizing salary.
14. Do you have any questions for me?
Always prepare 2-3 thoughtful questions to show your interest and get helpful insights.
Example questions:
-
How would you describe the work culture and values here?
-
What opportunities are there for professional development and mentorship?
-
What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
15. Pitch us an idea for a new Nickelodeon show.
This is your time to shine creatively! Develop an engaging concept aligned to their brand.
Example: Imagine this – an animated mystery-adventure series called The Puzzler Brothers. It follows sibling amateur detectives who solve crimes and mysteries in their hometown, uncovering clues and colorful suspects like a quirky town historian or a mysterious ice cream shop owner. Each episode would involve an engaging mystery plot combined with cool history lessons based on real-world mysteries. The brothers use their smarts, teamwork and problem-solving skills to save the day. I think it could teach critical thinking in a fun way kids love.
Mastering the Nickelodeon Interview Process
Getting ready for your Nickelodeon interview? Here are my top 5 tips:
1. Research the company culture – Understand their brand identity, values, and mission inside out.
**2. Practice frequently
How I Got Started at Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon has treated me well in my professional animation career. This studio has given me so many incredible opportunites that still dumbfounds me til this day. My relationship with Nickelodeon first started when I interned with the studio back in Spring of 2013. I was a Vault Intern helping archive old Nickelodeon assets. I got to see an old Ren & Stimpy cel from the banned episode and the actual pilot reel for Hey Arnold. After my internship, I pitched a character-driven cartoon short to Nickeledon’s Animated Shorts Program titled, The Outsiders, and it was greenlit in 2014.
Shortly afterThe Outsiders was completed, I decided to move from my hometown of San Francisco to Los Angeles. Once in LA, I thought it wouldn’t be difficult to secure a job in the animation industry since I already made a cartoon short with Nickelodeon and had several internships under my belt. Oh boy, was I wrong. While in LA, I was unemployed for more than 6 months and my apartment in Burbank was eating through my savings.
I was forced to get a non-animation job to survie in LA. A friend of mine who worked at Lionsgate told me about a new job opening in her department. I gave her my resume and got to interview for a Coordinator position in the Participations Financial department.
A week later, I had lunch with the same friend and asked if they filled the position. It was confirmed that they did, and she also said that they had another job opening for a Financial Analyst. My college degree was Managerial Economics, so I figred I could at least try. This was my best lead for a job that I had since my move. I sent her my resume again, and got the Financial Analyst interview. A couple of days after the interview, I got a call from Lionsagate’s recruitment team offering me the job as a financial analyst. This surprised me.
I was happy I was still in the entertainment business. The pay was good, the benefits were great, and my community was only half a block away. It was great for a few months, but animation was still my main focus. This was a particual hard time for me. I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t get any entry level positon job at any of the animation studios. I applied over and over again and couldn’t even get an interview.
I thought I was stuck in Finance until one faithful day. Upon browsing LinkedIn for writing jobs, I came across a Script Coordinator position at Nickelodeon. I asked an old intern friend who now works at Nickelodeon to help me get my resume seen. She said sure, but they might already have someone in mind.
I knew it was too good to be true. Animation studios only post positions out of necessarity. They almost always hire from within or through referrals. I passed along my resume still, knowing another chance to switch careers has been missed.
About a week and a half goes by and that same friend calls me via FaceBook messenger. I assumed it was a butt dail and sent her to voicemail. It looked like she had been trying to call me for a while after the phone stopped ringing. I couldn’t finish reading everything as my phone rang again. This time, I left my desk and picked up the phone. She told me that her team was hiring a Production Assistant (PA) and asked if I could come in for an interview. I said sure and asked when was she thinking. She said in two hours . I was at work in Santa Monica at 3 p.m., but I had to drive to Burbank by 5 p.m. to interview for a job I hadn’t even thought about applying for yet. I said, that’s no problem and just went with it. As I walked back to my desk, I thought of all the reasons I could use to skip work. Eariler that day, it rained. My girlfriend called me to say there was a small leak in the apartment, so I told my boss about it. This little lie helped me get out of work early enough to go home, change, fix my resume to send to my friend and her bosses, and drive through the terrible 405 traffic. I made it to Nickelodeon barely before my scheduled interview. They picked me up in the lobby and took the elevator to the 4th floor. I waited around for a few minutes, then the intern leads me into the manager’s room. There was 5 people in there, ready to interview me.
I was not prepared, but as the interview started, my nevers subsided. The line producers said, we know that you are qualified from your intership experience, so we just want to make sure you are a good fit here. They began asking me personal questions and we talked about many things from the season finale of Game of Thrones to my personal hobbies. I told them I recently wrote a book, How to Get an Animation Internship, that featured my friend who got me this interview and I told them a couple of readers reached out thanking me because they have gotten internship offers at DreamWorks and LAIKA. I was explaining how proud I was that I was able to help someone get into the animation industry. They also asked why I would want to become a PA when was in Finance making more money. I explained, I understand that this is a different pace and would be a lifestyle change, but I love animation so much, that I would want to be apart of Nickelodeon’s culture again.
The next day, they offered me the job.
How I Landed A Job at Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon Animation Studio’s Lobby by Eric Bravo (2020)
One of my goals for 2019 was to leave my job as a financial analyst at Lionsgate and work as a production assistant at an animation studio. At first, I didn’t mind working at Lionsgate because I could set my own hours, I got paid well, and it only took me half a block to get to work. I also enjoyed my team and became close friends with one of my co-workers. However, things started to change mid-year. I didnt feel happy. The work became boring and worst of all, I felt I was in a creative rut. To put it simply~ I felt like this job was draining an important part of me.
In times like these, I tend to listen to Steve Jobs Stanford commencement speech. There’s a part of his speech that always stuck to me (at 9:22). He says,
For the next week and a half, I looked at myself in the mirror and realized I needed to make some changes. In this blog post, Im going to be telling you how I switched careers from finance to animation.
The Really Loud House Cast Answer FAST Questions! | Behind The Scenes | Nickelodeon
FAQ
What is it like to work at Nickelodeon?
What questions are asked in the interview of 2D animation?
What is the biggest problem you’ve solved till now interview question?
