Ask friends what kind of jobs you might like. They may know you better than yourself.
Destroy any unsavory internet trail you may have. The first thing an employer does after receiving your resume is search your name on google. Google yourself beforehand and see what comes up. If the search brings up a list of people with your name and who might look like you, create a website (geocities) or blog (wordpress) for yourself containing your exact name (include middle name) and make sure to mention the Columbia Publishing Course in there somewhere.
If you get a reply from your employer saying that you’ve got a typo on your resume (or maybe you find it yourself after sending it), get back to them immediately, apologize, acknowledge your mistake, assure them that it isn’t a reflection of your skill or ability and tell them that you’ll send them a corrected copy right away. Everyone makes mistakes and they probably won’t mind. Just don’t ignore it.
Always wear a suit to the interview. (This one applies primarily to men.)
If your employer has a complicated name, call the assistant beforehand and find out the proper way to pronounce it.
While you’re walking through the building or sitting in the lobby, make use of your environment. (Read a magazine or check out what’s on their office bulletin board.) You can use your observations during your interview to show that you have an interest in the company. I noticed you recently had a company baseball game – did you attend?
Be wary of what you say to the assistant or receptionists. Sometimes employers will intentionally make you wait in the lobby and have the assistant strike up a casual conversation with you. In these cases, you’re being interviewed before you even enter the boss’ office. Speak openly and honestly, and sound respectful of your former employers (if the assistant asks) even if they were the devil.
Bring copies of your resume. Your employer will likely not have it on hand.
If you have a portfolio, bring it but don’t force it. Just mention that you brought samples in case the employer wants to see them. (Don’t expect them to accept.) Make sure your resume and your samples have at least your full name, phone number and email address somewhere on them.
As you sit, don’t slouch or lounge. Sit to attention but be relaxed. Don’t stare off into space. (Ladies, cross your legs or keep them together.)
If you need to go to the bathroom during an interview, excuse yourself. As Ellen so graphically put it, the employer would rather not have your bodily fluids all over his office. If you need to scratch an itch, scratch. If the itch is really bad, you might have to excuse yourself.
If you have any bodily deformities or a name that might identify a nationality which you don’t appear to be, it would be a courtesy to let the employer know in advance of the interview. This is just so that they aren’t shocked or confused when you first see them.
If you are asked what your greatest weakness is, answer with a specific but irrelevant weakness. Well, I’ve never been the greatest public speaker. It’s something that I could use a little more work with. Keep in mind that the entry level job you’re going for probably won’t require you to give public speeches. (Don’t use this example because it was the one Ellen used, and probably half the class will use it in their interviews.) You can tailor the response to your own experience.
If you’re asked where you see yourself in 10 years, don’t respond by saying you hope to still be working for them. Tell them the truth, but don’t be too specific about it (as if you’ve got it all figured out). I really enjoy books and the publishing field. I don’t want to be an editor’s assistant forever, but I plan on staying within the industry.
If you’ve applied to other places, let them know out of courtesy. What some applicants don’t realize is that many bosses in the publishing world know and talk to each other.
Don’t be afraid to ask if any other offices are hiring. (I know, this one might sound crazy.) Most employers in the business know and respect the fact that you need to make a living. I would really like to work here and this job opening will be my priority, but in case it doesn’t work out, would you know any other editors/agents/publishers who are hiring? As I said, publishing bosses know each other and they will likely be happy to pass you along if things don’t work out.
If you’ve applied to several places and get accepted to one of them, don’t keep the other employers “on the string”. Let them know right away that you’ve gotten a job, apologize for not being able to work for them and thank them for considering you. (You should possibly even send that last part in a thank you card or some flowers.)
If you get accepted by two employers, don’t be afraid to ask the lower paying one to match the salary of the higher paying one. (Just do it nicely.)
Entry level book publishing salary: $29,000 to $31,000 (slightly higher for magazines)
When asked about your starting salary, give a number just a bit higher than what you want so that you have some space for negotiation. If you feel you deserve a higher salary, point out the specific resume experiences that give you a right to the extra money and assure them you will perform well for them.
Take business cards from everyone you meet.
If you move to a new place for a job, do your very best to adjust to the environment. If you don’t, you’re going to regret your decision. (This may be more important than you think.)
After you get your job, don’t worry too much about struggling – have confidence. Ask for help. Everyone has their own unique strength and everyone has had their own humble beginnings.
Know if a job is acceptable or not. (Is your boss abusive? If he commands you to do his dry cleaning and to take his cat to the vet, it might be time for a new job.) Make sure your skills are being put to use.
Anticipate with initiative. Think of what your boss might need done and ask if he would like you to do it for him or help him with it.
June 23, 2007 at 8:48 pm
[...] The Interview [...]