PRomote Yourself by the Public Relations Society: Part 3

10/31/08 - Whether you are searching for an internship or your first job out of college, a quality interview is key to securing the position. Here are some tips that will hopefully help you get the job.

Tip 1: Research the company

Never walk into an interview without knowing exactly what the business does. You should know the company's mission statement and its position in the industry. Also, if the company is an agency, you need to know who its clients are and the work it has done for them. The more you know, the better.

Besides researching the company, it is also important to be up to date on national and local news. How embarrassing would it be to not be able to make small talk about the latest headlines?



Tip 2: Practice, Practice, Practice

Before an interview, look over a list of common interview questions and practice your answers. You should know what you would say to the following questions: tell me about yourself? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why do you want to work here?

There are many other common interview questions; however, those are often the top three.

You can get a list of common interview questions online or from Career Services. Keep in mind interview questions you could be asked with the changes in media or technology. Your interviewer could ask about influential blogs or how you plan to stay current in changing industries.

Lastly, do not forget the obvious. When I was interviewed by an advertising agency, I had spent so much time researching the company and reviewing common interview questions that I was thrown off when my interviewer simply asked me why I was interested in advertising!



Tip 3: Give specific examples

Make sure you give a detailed answer with an example as often as you can. For instance, if you were asked how well you could handle a crisis, telling your interviewer that you are very calm during a crisis does not cut it.

Instead, tell your interviewer about a time when you solved a problem, then try to explain how this could relate to the company and your performance at the company.

Your interviewer needs to see how you would fit into the company, so try to make it easy for him or her!



Tip 4: Appearance and body language are important:

It is important to come across as a professional, so dress the part. But, keep in mind it is important to be comfortable in what you are wearing.

Get your suit tailored if it does not fit right. And make sure you can walk confidently in the shoes you choose. Also, body language is important. Sit up straight and face your interviewer, look them in the eyes, and lean forward a little so that they know you are interested in the conversation. It is important to come off confident- but not cocky!

To learn more about interviewing, Professor Leatham's COM 351 course gives students an opportunity to take part in a mock interview. Career Services in Roosevelt Hall is always a great resource, or stop by our meetings in the Memorial Union room 308, Tuesdays at 5 p.m.

The Public Relations society is a student-run, campus organization. Our members are actively interested in public relations, marketing, advertising, journalism and communications. Email us at prssa06@gmail.com to learn more!