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One of my favorite things about working at Dittoe PR is getting the opportunity to handle the interview process with Lauren Sanders. We get to meet a lot of different people with a lot of different experiences to share. It’s really refreshing to talk with others who are as passionate about the field of public relations as our entire team here at Dittoe is. I love hearing the media relations successes of other PR professionals. One example is a recent interviewee who worked her butt off to get a really amazing Wall Street Journal story for her previous employer. Her feeling of accomplishment when seeing that story run is one that many of us can relate to.
During the interview process, we have a lot of really remarkable conversations. But, like everything in life, the good certainly comes with the bad. I thought I’d take a few moments to point out some of the dos and don’ts of interviewing.
Always over prepare. If needed, script out some of the potential questions you could be asked, and what your response would be.
Review your resume. It seems obvious, but many interviewees can’t even speak to what they’ve done at some of their past jobs. Granted, some of their jobs were from years ago, but it’s important to know what’s on your resume back and forth. After all, that’s all the interviewer has to go off of.
Be nervous. Being nervous and anxious is a normal part of walking into an interview. What isn’t normal is coming into the interview overly laid back and talking to the interviewer like you would your best friend. If you truly care about getting the job you apply for, then you’ll be nervous, and the interviewer will understand. Just don’t pit out because you’re freaking out about it!
Bring something to leave behind. I can only speak for my interviewing experience at Dittoe PR, but we absolutely love and appreciate when interviewees bring in samples of work to leave behind. If you’re trying to join a team that specializes in media relations experience, bring some of copies of your greatest placements. Also bring in plenty of writing samples. As media outlets continue to cut back on their staffs, PR folks are required to do more writing than ever. Come to the interview with press releases, case studies, bylines, etc.
Happy job hunting!
