Publishing know-how: 10 tips for interview success

Helen

Helen Youngs is a Consultant at Inspired Selection, focusing on roles in Trade publishing across digital and print. She is a vivacious bibliophile with a love of the arts and sunny people.  She is also a Publishing Ambassador for a wonderful charity called Book Aid International.

Interviews are very important, not only in making a good impression on the hiring managers, but also enabling you to have the opportunity to learn more about the company, the role and clear up any questions you may have.

Having successfully secured an interview, you want to make sure that your hard work translates into a successful interview.

Here is a 10 point action plan that we recommend you follow:

  1. Before the interview: Do your research! Research the organisation, its products and relevant news.
  2. Swat up on the interviewers. Research the people who will be interviewing you and practice saying their name
  3. Know your key strengths and weaknesses in relation to the job description.
    Practice answering competency based questions with relevant examples to use.
  4. Refer back to your cover letter, what examples did you use? Employers are most interested in your relevant and recent experience.
  5. Prepare at least three questions that you can ask at the end of the interview, use these questions to demonstrate your interest in the role, the company and its products.
  6. Plan your journey carefully to make sure you’re not late. Also, plan your outfit so that you are smartly presented. You want you appearance to display you are professional and organised.
  7. Greeting: a firm handshake and make good eye contact can instill confidence in the interview, as well as a strong good bye, even if the interview hasn’t gone as you’d planned, leave them with a positive impression
  8. During the interview: Be positive and take your time. Speak slowly, clearly and don’t ramble. Be relevant and focussed. Listen to the question and ensure your answers are upbeat and focussed on how you can add value to their organisation.
  9. After the interview: Thank them for their time and make sure to follow up to find out when you will hear feedback.
  10. Remain positive: even if you’re not sure about that particular vacancy or you haven’t been successful, a good first impression can last a lifetime and you never know when you might meet these people again…

 

 

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