I wish that they would offer new grads a class on how to interview for a job before they send them into the big mean world. I like to consider myself a tough, but friendly, interviewer that tries to make candidates feel at ease and get past the nerves. However, time and time again we meet candidates that just have no idea how to act in an interview or what questions to ask. Here are some gems from recent interviews.
1. Come dressed for the interview, literally. Don’t arrive, and then, change your clothes and your shoes in front of the person that is going to interview you. (Or at least, have the sense to duck into the bathroom.)
2. Don’t ask what the hours are. (Unless you are applying for a job at the Lincoln Tunnel toll booths.) What do you think the hours are going to be at a PR firm? We don’t usually have overnight shifts. (Contrary to what your teachers may have told you, there are stupid questions.)
3. If you are weird, try not to show it. Don’t advertise your turtle collection or obsession with fruity mixed drinks or with weeklong fantasy football camp participation. (It’s fantasy football, right? Was the camp, uh, …. in your mind?)
4. Your email address should not be ‘bigstick@….” unless you are applying for a PR job in adult entertainment. (On the same note, your signature should not have a quote from the bible either. Thou shalt not be cheesy on your resume….)
5. Wait until you are offered a job, or better yet, hired to be cocky. Don’t tell the interviewer that you’ll let them know if you are interested in the job – especially if you haven’t been offered one.
If you can follow these simple rules, have a modicum of intelligence and have learned to walk upright, the job market in PR right now is so tight, surely you’ll be able to find a job. However, if you are a more advanced humanoid with a sense of humor, we hope you’ll apply for a job here.
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