Learn How to Prep for a Media Interview

Learn How to Prep for a Media InterviewLearn How to Prep for a Media InterviewIt can be tough to prepare for a job einstellungsgesprch in any field. It can often feel as though theres no sure-fire way to preparesince you never fully know what youll be asked. But there are certain questions you can expect to be asked in a media interview. Get information here about what you can do to prepare for media interviews. Once Youve Landed That Interview Great So you have an interview at the media company where youve been dreaming of working. One of the most important things people forget to do (in the excitement of setting up an interview date) is to ask questions. Make sure you ask your interviewer what you should prepare for before the appointment. If its for a media job, theres a good chance you may have to take a writing test. Remember, theres nothing wrong with asking questions - and it certainly doesnt hurt to be prepared before you step in to meet the interviewer. It shows great i nitiative, especially for a media job. Prepare ahead of time. Try to do a mock interview with a friend or family member. Review all of your background - both academic and professional. It sounds strange, but some people forget things theyve done in the heat of the moment. It also helps to prepare a list of key points you may want to bring up in your answers. After all, you are selling yourself, so you should know those before you head in to the interview room. This could be awards youve won or stories youve written - but make sure they are relevant to the interview and showcase all that you are. Be Conscious of Social Media Nowadays, a lot of interviewers will be scouring social media profiles of kompetenzprofil applicants and interviewees. While theres nothing wrong with showing personality on your Twitter or Facebook profiles, youll want to make sure you have a clean platform. By the same token, media companies will want to know that youre active on social media. Its another way to market the company (through its employees), but also because you may be able to do research for stories or marketing through a different channel. If you dont have very many followers or just arent that active on social media, be prepared to answer why. Interview Mistakes to Avoid Aside from making sure you look professional and you are on time - two things you must do - you want to make sure youve studied the right topics to ensure the interviewer doesnt stump you on any questions. Although you shouldnt think of an interview as an antagonistic situation - most interviewers arent trying to test you or catch you off-guard - you dont want to draw a blank when youre asked a question. Thats why you should study up on a few things, and come up with answers to potential questions, before the big day. And dont forget the importance of eye contact. You want to show that youre a confident, strong candidate who can get the job done. Nothing demonstrates how invested you are tha n by maintaining eye contact with your interviewer. These rules - especially about your appearance - also apply if youre doing a remote FaceTime or Skype interview. Just because you arent sitting face-to-face with your interviewer doesnt mean you can interview in your pajamas. Make sure you look presentable - after all, you do have to put your best foot forward. As for phone interviews, keep your voice professional and calm, and imagine that youre sitting in an office at the company. Questions You Can Expect One of the biggest pet peeves you will hear editors and hiring managers complain about when it comes to interviewing, is talking to candidates who dont know their company or their publication. This doesnt mean if youre interviewing at an imprint of Random House you need to know the history of the publisher. However, if youre interviewing at, say, Knopf (a literary imprint at Random House), you should know some background on the division. What kinds of books does Knopf pub lish? Who are its authors? What are your favorite books that Knopf has published? The theme of knowing where youre interviewing carries over to various facets of media. When I welches interviewing for jobs out of college - mostly editorial assistant positions at magazines - I knew about those magazines. I had a working knowledge of the general topics they covered - and I studied them. So when I was asked questions like Whats your favorite section of the magazine? I had an answer ready. Other questions that might have stumped me, had I not prepared, were Whats one thing you would change about the magazineif you have the opportunity? and If you were going to write a story for us tomorrow, what would it be about? To answer any of these questions about a publication, you need to know it inside and out. It wont do to simply know Sports Illustrated covers sports or Entertainment Weekly covers entertainment. You need to know specific stories the magazine published recently and the recur ring sections of the magazine. For example, The New Yorker devotes its front-of-the-book to shorter pieces about a wide array of topics. This section is famous and is called Talk of the Town. Now if you strolled into an interview at The New Yorker and didnt know what Talk of the Town was, youd probably blow your chance of getting the job. Have the Right Answers The best way to prepare for a media interview is, as I said above, to study your potential employer. If youre interviewing for an editorial spot at a magazine, grab a bunch of back issues and go over them, or go online and scour through some of the older issues and stories. Decide what you might change if you had the chance. Figure out the sections you like and decide why you like them. Find stories you like and take note of them. You dont need to remember exact titles, but it will be a positiv if you can. Another thing to be aware of, especially when youre going on a lot of interviews, is to avoid mixing up competitors. When youre interviewing a lot, you often have less time to prepare for things. And, moreover, the places youre interviewing may occasionally start to blend together. Try to separate. You dont want to make the mistake of saying you liked a story thatSIdid when it was really a story that appeared inESPN The Magazine. Therefore, before the interview, pay particular attention to getting things like this straight in your head. One thing that notoriously drives editors and others in the field crazy is mistaking them for their competition. One thing to note if you dont have the right answer or just dont understand the question, dont try to talk yourself in a circle. That will only make you look bad. If you need to, ask the interviewer to rephrase the question. It may just point your mind in the right direction. Keeping Your Cool One thing I always struggled with during interviews was my nerves. Theres no question that interviewing is stressful, especially when you have the pressure of needing a job weighing down on you. That said, you need to try and keep your nerves at bay. The more nervous you are, the more likely you are to misspeak or get generally sidetracked. So, know what your nervous ticks are before the interview so you can keep them in check. One of my nervous ticks is talking too much, so I was always aware of this when I went into an interview. I had to pay special attention to make sure I didnt talk too much. The other thing to remember is, in the end, its just an interview. If you can try to keep things in perspective and not put too much pressure on yourself, its often easier to stay calm. Go in confident and calm. If you believe in yourself and speak with confidence, employers will pick up on it.

How to Make a Job Offer to a Prospective Employee

How to Make a Job Offer to a Prospective EmployeeHow to Make a Job Offer to a Prospective EmployeeA job offeris an invitation for a job candidate to become an employee in your company. The job offer contains the details of your offer of employment including SalaryBenefitsPosition job titleName of the supervisor of the positionOther terms and conditions of employment The job offer may be negotiable, depending on the position. Or the employer and the prospect may have negotiated the details of the offer prior to the formal, written offer. Steps in Making a Job Offer The employees who were involved in interviewing prospective employees make their recommendations to the hiring manager who makes the final decision, in conjunction with Human Resources staff, about the candidate to hire.The salary and benefits package was decided upon earlier in the recruitment process, often as early as the determination of the need for a position. The hiring manager makes these decisions in conjunctio n with HR and in consideration of his or her budget for the position.With the help of HR, and depending on your company protocol, informal communication about compensation occurs between the hiring manager or HR and the selected candidate. (Occasionally, this discussion occurs in an email.) You should always use a point person for the compensation discussion.If several people are involved, the possibility of misinformation, a misunderstanding, and potentially, a lost candidateincreases. When salary range and benefits have been discussed and understood during the interview process, this step can progress smoothly. You will have mora leeway to negotiate and make counter offers with higher level positions. Beginning to mid-career positions have salary ranges and benefits packages that are standard for new employees. You may experience a potential employee who looks at your salary offer and counter offers with a request for a few thousand more dollars.Depending on how you value the cand idate and your time investment in reopening recruitment, you may agree, or not. For example, right out of college, a candidate was offered a beginning marketing generalist position at a Washington, D.C., firm. The offer was for $50,000.Because of the cost of living in the area, she responded with a counteroffer that requested $55,000, which she eventually received. (This was quite scary for her because she was also concerned that the employer would walk away from the negotiation.) This informal approach culminates in the preparation of a job offer letter that confirms the terms the employer and the candidate have agreed to verbally and in email for his or her employment during negotiations. Generally, the candidate signs and returns the letter upon receipt.Once a candidate decided to reopen negotiations at this point in the process. He made a counteroffer to the already agreed upon terms in the offer letter. He displayed a great lack of integrity, and the offer was taken off the tab le. While the informal approach to compensation negotiation is recommended because it builds relationships, saves time and paperwork, and reduces stress for both parties, many employers start the job offer with a standard job offer letter or contract.In this scenario, the prospective employee may accept the job offer or make a counter-offer that usually asks for a higher salary, potentially expanded benefits, and additional perks that were not in the job offer letter. Senior candidates for higher level jobs are also likely to ask that the terms of severance if the relationship fails to work out are spelled out in the employment contract.The more senior the position, the more likely the candidate is to negotiate. The negotiation can brde several weeks, as a senior candidate- with reason- will generally ask an attorney to review the employment contract. When all goes well, the result of the job offer process is an employee who joins your company excited and looking forward to making c ontributions, getting to know coworkers, and forging a relationship that will last for years. HR, the hiring manager, and participating staff can celebrate the successful recruitment and hiring of a qualified person whose employment they are excited to welcome.

The Fastest-Growing Career Fields for Recent College Grads

The Fastest-Growing Career Fields for Recent College GradsThe Fastest-Growing Career Fields for Recent College GradsThe Fastest-Growing Career Fields for Recent College GradsHop on these entry-level jobs while theyre hotCongratulations, graduates You have sat through the classes, done the work, and walked across the stage to accept your degree. Now, you must brace yourself for going from the most-experienced student on campus to the least-experienced person in the interview waiting room. And now, a recent grads job search is made even more stressful by the prospect of student loan payments. Talk about pressureThere are plenty of jobs for college graduates out there, but how do you choose the best entry-level job? Is there a blueprint to help you maximize long-term career opportunities? To help recent grads make the right career choice, we have compiled a list of the top 10 fastest growing job fields that show potential for entry-level jobs for college graduates.1. Account ManagerYou can think of an account manager as a relationship quarterback. Depending on the company, this position can include a mix of working in a corporate office and visiting clients perfect for young professionals who want to get exposure to different work environments and dont mind some travel. Job responsibilities include onboarding new clients and managing client satisfaction. Account managers must also learn to uncover or create new geschftlicher umgang opportunities by combining a solid understanding of the companys products and services with a knowledge of client needs. Entry-level salaries are in the upper $40K sortiment, and the job can offer a great start to a career in sales, marketing, or geschftliches miteinander development. 2. Software EngineerSoftware engineering isnt just about sitting in the basement staring at the glaring computer screen. Experienced software engineers will tell you that their jobs are about people not about writing code. They work with the end users to determine and define needs, communicate those needs to coders and designers, and help coordinate the feedback cycle as software is developed. The knowledge of programming languages is just the baseline, and outstanding software engineers supplement it with great communication and project-management skills. Salaries start at $54K and many employers offer great perks, including an option to work remotely.3. Business AnalystBusiness analyst positions come in all shapes and colors. From systems and IT to business processes and consulting, recent college graduates with strong analytical skills and a passion for making sense of trends and data have no shortage of companies ready to hire them. With salaries starting in the $40K range, some of the jobs requirements include proficiency with modeling techniques, business case development, and strong technical writing skills. If you are interested in developing technical expertise in a specific area, want to manage projects, or hope to move i nto business or practice management, a position of a business analyst is a great start.4. Customer Service RepCustomer service jobs may have a bad reputation, but in reality, they can offer fantastic opportunities if you choose the right company. These jobs come with a variety of titles, from call-center staff to a higher-end customer concierge. You get an opportunity to get things done, help people, and solve problems. Key skills include conflict management and resolution, problem solving, and relationship building. You can expect to earn a little over $30K a year without prior experience.5. Administrative AssistantAn administrative assistant starts out making a salary in the mid-$30Ks, although salary levels vary depending on the range of responsibilities and experience level. An administrative position is not limited to getting someones coffee to making photocopies Specific responsibilities will depend on the company and the person you will be reporting to, so you must choose car efully if you pursue this kind of job. The right position can offer unique insights into the inner workings of a business and give you the opportunity to be someones external brain. Exceptional organizational skills, communication skills, and grace under pressure are a must. Truly effective administrative assistants are worth their weight in gold and their salaries reflect that.6. RecruiterWhether you choose an internal recruiter position or opt to work for a headhunting company, be prepared for a fast-paced environment that requires a lot of relationship building Your job is essentially one of a matchmaker identifying needs and finding the right people to fill them. From sourcing candidates to guiding them through the selection process, you will need exceptional communication skills, empathy, and an ability to deal with stress. Labor law, healthcare, and deep dives into the qualifications that are specific to your industry are just some of the technical areas you will learn. Being a recruiter is a fantastic chance to grow your professional network, acquire new skills, and create a great foundation for whatever you choose to do next. Salaries start at $39K, and many positions offer bonuses or other performance-based compensation components on top of the base salary.Related7 Reasons to Use a Recruiter to Find a Job7. ConsultantConsultant is a catch-all category Management consultant positions with specialty firms are an obvious choice, but there are many other positions to consider (from environmental consulting to college admissions). If you have an interest and/or a solid foundation in a technical field, being a consultant will allow you to deepen your expertise while helping people solve complex puzzles. An associate consultant at a management consulting firm can make as much as $100K an enviable salary that often comes with a steep learning curve, long hours, and travel requirements. Many young professionals choose to dedicate a certain number of years to a consulting firm in exchange for making connections, learning from the best, and boosting their earning potential. For those who enjoy the challenge and the lifestyle, a life-long career in consulting can be both satisfying and highly lucrative. 8. Investment Banking AnalystGot strong research skills, a love of finance or economics, and a head for analysis? An investment banking analyst position may be the right fit Mutual and pension funds, insurance companies, investment firms, and banks all need analysts to make sense of data and support strategic decision making. The average salary for an analyst is almost $70K, and many firms offer sign-on and performance-based bonuses on top of that. Keep in mind that at the entry level, the kind of work you get to do (as well as the quality of the people you get to work with) might matter as much or more than your starting salary.9. Graphic DesignerThe beauty of jobs in graphic design is that there is no limit to them From financial firms to hospitals, consumer electronics to video game design every industry needs visually-compelling designs. Add in the possibility of working at marketing agencies or freelancing and the playing field becomes even larger. If you want to do something creative every day, shape the way people interact with a product or a service, or get a brands message out to thousands of potential customers, this is a great job for you. In addition to a bachelors degree, you will need to demonstrate proficiency with design software. Be prepared to present a solid portfolio that highlights your skills. Salaries start at $30K.10. Staff AccountantMoney is the at the heart of any business, and a start in accounting can create a solid foundation for virtually any career. A bachelors degree in business, accounting, or finance is enough to get you started, although you may need a masters degree (or its equivalent) if you are hoping to get a CPA license. Standard job descriptions include analyzing reports, prep aring journal entries, compiling financial statements, and making sure the companys bills get paid. As you progress in your career, you can expect more exposure to different departments and decisions, from process design to strategic decision making. Entry-level salaries are around $48K. While these are the top 10 jobs for recent graduates according to Forbes, you dont have to zupflmmel one of these to be successful. The best way to use this list is to create an awareness about the fastest-growing career fields that offer great opportunities right now. Beyond that, dont stress about choosing one of the jobs from this list, or any perfect job for that matter As a recent graduate, you have enormous freedom to shape your career. The new economy requires all professionals, young and experienced, to be flexible. Think of where you can add value with your unique set of technical skills and personal talents. Work hard and remain open to new opportunities and youll be on your wayClick on th e following link for more job-search advice.Applying for these jobs requires a great resume. Our professional growth package is perfect for the recent college grad looking to strengthen theirs Check it out to boost your chances of getting one of these top jobs.Recommended ReadingWhat to Expect From Your First Job Out of CollegeHow to Write an Entry-Level Resume for Your First Post-College Job17 Job-Search Resources for College Graduates