How to Get a Job in Publishing Part 11

I'd say always make sure you know exactly what the job entails. I was applying for anything that said 'Editorial a.s.sistant' and so ended up in an interview for a magazine unnamed in the advert which turned out to be Air Ambulance Monthly. Try feigning an interest in emergency transportation with 5 minutes' notice! I'd also say that you should always try to stay composed and confident even if you think the interview started badly, or you think you're underqualified. In my BCA interview I made the mistake of reading (upside down) the note scribbled on my CV by one of the interviewers beforehand. It said 'Worth a look??', which didn't exactly fill me with confidence. But I got the job.

(SUZIE DOORe, SENIOR EDITOR, HODDER & STOUGHTON, UK).

Browse a few big bookshops/newsagents to see which books/magazines from this company are on shelf. If you're interviewing for a job in marketing, look at their promotional displays. If you're into design, look at the covers.

So far as job interviews are concerned there is no subst.i.tute for preparation. It's essential to learn as much as you can both about the industry and about the company in question. If you can actually get some first-hand information from other employees or organisations, eg booksellers who would know the company, so much the better.

(PATRICK GALLAGHER, CHAIRMAN, ALLEN AND UNWIN, AUSTRALIA).

Check out compet.i.tor websites (anyone publishing magazines or books similar to your potential employer's).

Ask friends in the industry what they think of the company; trawl industry magazines (The Bookseller, Bookseller Publisher, Media Week and so on) for gossip and news about the company. Don't repeat anything bad or derogatory in the interview, of course. Be aware of your prospective employer's reputation and be able to ask relevant questions: 'I noticed your managing director joined the group six months ago. What sort of changes has she brought to the company?' will make a seriously good impression.

4. Dress to impress First impressions count. A lot. That initial greeting will get you halfway to the job if you look right. This is important not just for front office or sales roles, where you'll be very visible, but for all jobs. Even for editorial/production jobs that are mostly internal, the interviewer still has to like the look of you and be able to imagine seeing your face every morning. Basically, by looking professional and well groomed, you're decreasing your chances of someone objecting to something about you, and increasing your chances of getting the job. In fact, when it comes to personal appearance, you're not so much trying to make an impression at all as trying to avoid making a bad one.

The best tip I'd give anyone going for any job is just be yourself. People like to like people and the best way to get them to like you is to be you. It seems ludicrous advice until you try it. Be brave. Oh yes, and smile a lot and smell nice. (STEPHEN HANc.o.c.kS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL) Top Rules for Interview Accessorising Dress the part If you look professional and right for the job, it's much easier for the interviewer to visualise you at that desk. As a rule of thumb, interview wear is a little more formal then what people actually wear in the office. Publishing is a creative industry that does not mean you can show up in your slick Sat.u.r.day night gear and expect to get the gig.

Staff wear business casual (trousers, and shirts)?

You: wear a suit.

Staff wear suits?

You: definitely wear a suit.

Staff wear casual gear (jeans and t-shirt)?

You: think trousers and a shirt. If in doubt: wear a suit.

Job is sales, front-desk or anything else where you are representing the company?

You: pull out (yep) that suit.

Your interview is on a Friday and they do 'casual Fridays'?

You: don't.

'Suit' means tailored jacket and trousers or a skirt for girls, and full suit and tie for guys, from a decent quality shop Selfridges, Jigsaw in the UK, Witchery, David Jones in Australia if you can manage it. If you're broke, it's worth saving to get a really good interview outfit you feel happy in. If you really can't manage it, borrow from a friend or try vintage shops, or the conservative end of the less expensive high street stores. If you feel overdressed or it's a hot day, start in your jacket and take it off when you're in.

Suit colour should be conservative beige, dark blue, browns all good. Grey is less severe than black. Add a splash of colour with jewellery, a scarf, tie or handbag to lift the look and show your style.

It's far, far better to overdress and have the mickey gently taken out of you 'You didn't have to dress up for little old us!' than to sit there feeling like you've arrived in your pyjamas.

The easiest way to do this is to have an interview outfit that's appropriate and helps you feel confident, and dust it off for interviews. You'll want to vary the shirt/accessories between first and second interviews.

Shoes should be clean and polished and not show toes (especially for guys).

Hide tattoos, tone down out-there haircuts. You want interviewers remembering your snappy answers, not your outrageous frock.

I sometimes get asked to be part of an interview panel within publishing; firms often like an external, and objective, viewpoint. I remember once interviewing candidates for a senior job as commissioning editor, a job that would require extensive liaison with academics and professional information managers. The person who turned out to be the runner-up candidate turned up in a low-slung pair of trousers, a decorated belly b.u.t.ton and a crop top which showed a large expanse of her midriff. We like to think we chose solely on the quality of the application, but frankly the surrounding presentation did not feel appropriate to the position for which she was interviewing.

(ALISON).

For women, hair and accessories should be simple and stylish. Hair should be well groomed; make-up simple and low key today is not the day for bright purple lipstick with a sparkle. Nothing should dangle, including earrings. Low heels are professional. Take it easy with the perfume.

For men, clean-shaven is better, or neatly trimmed if you usually wear facial hair (though in current style, goatees can look studenty and beards hippy, so best to remove if you can bear it. Ditto jewellery other than a simple ring). Gentle on the aftershave.

Sorry if this sounds boring. You can probably relax these guidelines a little if you are a designer, though not too much: your interviewers may be senior managers used to people in suits. By all means add a touch of your own flair and personality a quirky ring, a bracelet, deep red lipstick, a stylish scarf or tie. Quiet sophistication and style can be shown in your accessories. Which brings us on to ...

Accessories Carry a professional briefcase, shoulder bag or handbag, big enough to fit a folder or papers. Women can be tempted to take a handbag and separate folder, but this can lead to fumbling. Men should keep keys, wallet and other stuff in a briefcase to avoid Lumpy Pocket Syndrome. Quality accessories show your quality: metal pen, leather bag.

The successful interview for my first job? I'd broken my arm two weeks earlier playing football, so looked like a real idiot suited up and looking professional but for my arm in a sling. To my amazement, the then Marketing Manager at Lothian, Liz Foley, came out to interview me with her arm in a sling, the result of a skiing incident. Consequently we talked broken arms for a good ten minutes, so by the time the interview actually started I was feeling very comfortable and confident. This was clearly the best way to break into publishing!

(KEIRAN ROGERS, MARKETING MANAGER, HARDIE GRANT, AUSTRALIA).

More accessories * Two clean copies of your CV one for you and one for them * Samples of past work/references can be good mention them, and you can pull them out if they are requested, and not if not * Pen and notebook for writing notes, to remind you of questions to ask, etc I once interviewed a nice chap who showed all other signs of interest in the role, but didn't carry anything not a copy of his CV, not a notepad and pen. Eventually I offered him a pen and paper and he said no thanks. I figured he wasn't that interested in the job if he couldn't be bothered making notes. (SUSANNAH) 5. 20 questions to ask Picture this. Your interview is going swimmingly; you are knowledgeable, self-deprecating and witty, and getting on like old mates with the interviewer (though actually, being too matey in an interview can backfire see below).

At the end the recruiter says, 'Right, that's me done; what would you like to know?'

You: 'Umm ... nothing, thanks.'

You walk out, thinking I'm in there; the interviewer makes a note on your CV: No questions, no imagination, no job.

Questions show that you were listening, thinking critically, have something to say and are interested.

Here are 20 questions you could start with. Don't use them all, and do bear in mind that we are giving you a list of 20 suggestions, not 20 short scripts; each will have to be customised to the situation. So just taking our first example, instead of bluntly saying: 'What's the interview process?' you might be better asking: 'Can you tell me how the interview process works?'

1. What's the interview process? How many people are you shortlisting, and what happens now? (This could be a second interview, psychological testing, project, reference checking ... or a decision.) 2. What's the company culture like?

3. Where is your group/division/company going?

4. What are the key issues you face?

5. What are some recent successes of your group/division/company?

6. What are some of the challenges your group/division/company faces?

7. Who are your main compet.i.tors?

8. 'I notice you publish a lot in the social sciences. Do you have plans to move into humanities as well?' 'Several of your nonfiction scholarly t.i.tles have performed very well. Is there a market trend here that you're responding to?' that kind of thing. Show off your familiarity with the company and their product. This where your research pays off.

9. Why is the position vacant?

10. What happened to the person who's been doing this role until you advertised it?

11. Would I be reporting to you? (Try and sound thrilled if the answer's yes and disappointed if the answer's no.) 12. How long have you been with this company?

13. What's the best thing about working here?

14. Tell me about the prospects for promotion/career prospects?

15. Will there be opportunities for travel?

16. Does your company support independent study?

17. Does your company support training for employees?

18. If I get this job, what are my workmates like? How big is the team? What is their mix of experience like?

19. If I'm successful, when would you want me to start?

20. Can I have the job please? Seriously, if you strike up a good relationship with the interviewer you can make it very clear you really want the job. Don't risk leaving him or her in any doubt!

6. Getting there Plan your travel route. Give yourself heaps of time to get there, especially if you don't know the area. If this means you arrive way too early, find a cafe for a coffee. Make the coffee a small one so you don't need to use the loo halfway through the interview, and now is not the time to visit your fave burger joint smells get into your clothes and ruin that good impression. Arrive in the office around 10 minutes before your start time, neither less nor more. But aim to arrive within striking distance much longer than this. There is nothing worse than arriving all sweaty and fl.u.s.tered. If you're driving, have a pile of coins for the meter. Have an umbrella in the car.

Make sure you've had something to eat beforehand, even if you feel too nervous to eat you don't want your stomach rumbling or to feel faint if the interview takes longer than you expect. Visit the loo for the same reason.

I once went for an interview at the BBC. Preparing to alight from the bus at Oxford Circus I stumbled over the foot of another pa.s.senger who was getting out of his seat. I apologised but he looked very grumpy about it and I made a quick exit. About twenty minutes later we faced each other across the interview table. I am sure it was for that reason that I didn't get the job. (STEPHEN HANc.o.c.kS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL) 7. Getting going For everything up to this point job hunting, writing your CV and sending it off, figuring out what to wear you can rely on your Honest Friend, your mum, and above all, of course, this very book. From here on, you're on your own. But if you've done all the right preparation as discussed above and in previous chapters, you can be confident you'll do a good job.

Here are four things to check off your mental list and get you into the interview proper in good shape: * Show interest Be seen reading your future employer's books they have on display in the foyer while you're waiting for the interview. (PAUL WATT, EDITOR, AUSTRALIA) * Smile, shake hands Practise handshakes with your Honest Friend beforehand. You're aiming for firm and friendly a wet limp lettuce or a cold wet fish is very off-putting, and happens right at the very start of the interview * Make small talk As they walk you upstairs or into the interview room, talk about the weather, the traffic, the view from the office building. Doesn't matter if it's ba.n.a.l, it's better than a silent walk, and shows you have social skills * Copy them If they offer you refreshments (coffee, tea, water), there are two, and only two, correct responses 1. 'Yes please, only if you're having one'

or 2. 'Yes please, a gla.s.s of water would be great, thanks'

Oddly, 'Nothing for me, thanks' is strangely off-putting. Somehow it suggests that you're too good for your host. Bizarre, but true. So use (1) or (2) above. It's much more important that you do that, even if you don't actually drink anything when it arrives.

To push the rapport, literally have whatever they're having if they have coffee with two sugars, guess what? Ditto anything else they offer windows open, sit in the big chair say yes. It builds that rapport, and it works. You're copying them so that you're like them. If you're like them, they're more likely to like you. This may sound very corny, or even insincere. But it's proven to work, so if you've gone to all this trouble, the compet.i.tion is fierce and you really want the job, you may as well do these little extra things.

Once the interview proper starts, get out that notebook and pen and make notes of what they say not everything, but definitely key points. This makes them feel like you value what they're saying, as well as giving you the real benefit of being able to remember what they said! (On the other hand, don't make too many notes. While you're doing so you're not maintaining eye contact and you're not in rapport.) (SUSANNAH).

8. How to charm an interviewer There are as many ways to conduct an interview as there are to conduct a conversation. Here's the three you're most likely to encounter: * Standard Q&A Usually you and one or two of them sitting around a table perhaps an HR manager or junior manager who will be your direct boss * Panel of junior and senior managers and HR All sitting in a row looking scary * Second interview Usually you and one or two of them, might be the senior manager of the department, the person whom your direct boss reports to Here are some strategies for making a fantastic impression at interview: * Listen. Listen, listen, listen Get the idea? This is hard to do well, which is one reason why doing it is such a good idea. Naturally you'll want to have your next question lined up and ready to go, but if you concentrate on it you may find that your attention has drifted, and a good interviewer will notice. Certainly you should listen attentively look at them, nod from time to time at appropriate points, smile at their hilarious comments.

Listening is good, on both sides. My best interviews were ones where I did a lot of research first, and then bought a new outfit on my credit card, and went in feeling positive and ready.

(LIZ SMALL, PUBLISHING SERVICES AND MARKETING, PUBLISHING SCOTLAND).

I was very nervous for my first interview. The interviewer asked me about my work experience with Marks & Spencer and how long I had been there. I looked up at the clock and said 'about twenty minutes'. We both laughed and the interview carried on with a greater ease on both sides. And I got the job. (ALISON) At junior levels there are usually a number of applicants who are capable of doing the job being advertised, publishing being a popular choice and attracting high-calibre people. So personality, compatibility and ambitions become decisive factors. No-one expects you to be an expert in publishing when you go for a first interview. But you would be surprised at how many people I have interviewed who were unable to remember the t.i.tle of the last book that they had read even when 'reading' was on the CV as an interest.

(CHARLES NETTLETON, MANAGING DIRECTOR, WORKING PARTNERS TWO, UK).

* Follow their lead The interviewer is always right, even when they're wrong. If they want to show you the red caterpillars coming up the woodwork, fine. (Though that may give you a tip that this is not the right workplace for you.) Laugh at their jokes. Avoid saying, 'Yes, that's a good one I've heard it before' or 'Ah, an oldie but a goody'. Show amazement when they say things they think are amazing. If they want the interview to be straightforward, professional and serious, that's what you do. If their tone is more friendly chit-chat, you should respond.

* Be positive about yourself Your experience, your schooling, and why you want this job, why you're leaving your current job. Never ever criticise your current boss, your university, your ex-boyfriend. Find the positive in any experience.

Regarding interviews, I offer the same advice I give anyone applying for a job in any industry: sell yourself no-one else will; never point out your weaknesses, focus on your strengths; don't indulge in gossip or be indiscreet about former employers during interviews. Learn something about the company before you attend the interview. Pay attention to your appearance. You'd be surprised how much your presentation can affect interviewers. How you are dressed says a lot about your personality, your attention to detail and your work att.i.tude.

(AVERILL CHASE, DIRECTOR, THE AUTHORS' AGENT, AUSTRALIA) * Keep it professional Show your personality off just a bit with a little humour and smile. But don't overdo it and stay on message, about the job, the company, and why you're the best person for both. Definitely don't get overly matey this is almost worse than being frozen stiff. It looks unprofessional and can backfire. Don't get into things that just aren't that relevant either.

Be very clear about your areas of expertise, and also be honest about what you don't know. You'll soon get found out if you can't do something. It is difficult when you are starting out, as of course you have no experience, but enthusiasm, a keenness to learn, and an ability to accept advice will stand you in very good stead.

(JULIA MOFFATT, FREELANCE EDITOR AND WRITER).

I once interviewed a girl who spent half an hour talking about her struggles with anorexia and how really she wanted to work in the caring industries, helping other people with similar problems. I was sympathetic but it was obvious she wasn't very committed to publishing or the job I was actually interviewing for. (SUSANNAH) * When it goes wrong If you feel like you've got off on the wrong foot and everything you're saying is all wrong, don't panic or point it out they probably haven't noticed. Just carry on and do a better job from that point.

If they say something you take moral exception to, you have to make a decision on the spot: could I really see myself working with someone who, for example, clearly doesn't like black or gay people. If the answer's no, we recommend simply getting through the rest of the interview with the maximum grace you can muster. We don't recommend you getting into a heated debate, even if you don't want the job, for two reasons: first, on the whole, people don't change their mind as the result of an argument, even if and perhaps particularly if they don't have logic or reason on their side; second, the interview is a very one-sided affair. They hold all the aces, and even if you do make it clear to them they're a blithering idiot (which they are), they'll just turf you out anyway.

9. Show me the money If they ask what salary you're looking for, don't tell them. Or rather, instead of naming a figure, ask what their range is. An offer will probably be made somewhere within that range, depending on your experience/ skills.

If forced to respond, give a range: 'I'm looking for something between X and Y, which seems about right for my experience, ' is the best way to handle this.

Don't be tempted to exaggerate what you're earning/looking for in the hope of getting a higher offer, or making yourself look hot. This rarely works in publishing, and is more likely to make the interviewer think you don't know what you're talking about (they know what the market rates are, remember). Besides, if you do convince them that's what you're earning/after, they may well decide they can't afford you so they should hire someone else.

If you don't know what you're worth (and there's no reason why you should), do some research. Do one or more of these four things: * Ask friends in similar roles or working for similar companies * Ask your university lecturers or previous employers * Get on the net. There are freely available salary surveys for most job functions that will give you a guideline * If what you're earning seems fair, look for about 46% increase for each year of experience in that role, and larger jumps for changing to more advanced roles Don't be surprised if book publishing pays badly at junior levels; don't be surprised if magazine publishing pays well.

And if you genuinely can't figure it out if you've not worked before, or don't know anyone in the industry, or are moving countries and you don't know what you're worth, say so! Most employers will pay you what you're worth, not try and take advantage of you.

If coming from a better-paid industry, you might even find yourself saying things like this: 'Well currently I'm on X, but I realise that to move into the right kind of role a slight pay cut may be necessary.' This has the advantage of making it clear you're genuinely committed to publishing. It has the disadvantage that you end up making less money.

10. Finishing up When they're done, they'll ask you for questions (see earlier) and then wrap up the meeting.

By this point you should have asked enough questions to make sure you have a grip on the job and the company and to show that you care. Make sure you understand what the interview process is too when you can expect to hear, if they'll call you back for second interview or straight out offer you the job.

Follow their lead, remember to thank them for the opportunity, and it wouldn't do any harm at this point to underline how much you like the idea of the job and how much you would love to have it.

Now all you have to do is make your way out of the office without falling over, standing on your interviewer's toes or otherwise embarra.s.sing yourself. And then the waiting begins ...

This is one of the things every book about interviewing says to do, yet no-one ever does it.

Two or three days after the interview, send a card, an e-mail or, even better, a letter to thank them again for the interview, and perhaps pick out something specific to say that shows you were listening.

I was very impressed by the new catalogues you have put together and would love the opportunity to work with your team in this area.

Interviewees very rarely do this, yet it can make you really stand out ahead of the pack. It's unlikely to do harm, at least.

Second interviews The same guidelines apply for second interviews as the first time around. You may find the interviewers change and the questions are the same, or the same interviewers and different questions; either way, follow their lead and be courteous, professional and on the ball.

Always think of some new questions for the second interview, ideally based on things they've told you at first interview that you'd like them to clarify or to enlarge on.

You mentioned your company has a commitment to training. Can you tell me more about that?

That kind of thing.

Then, same again: same clarification of the process now, thanks at the end, and polite thank-you e-mail a few days later.

Tests and tasks Don't be surprised if you get asked to do a little test or fulfil a task to demonstrate your stuff. This might include: * Written exercise in the interview This is pretty much standard for a copy editing role, and sometimes also used in marketing and a.s.sistant editor jobs. This should be related to the job you're applying for. It's often given in a tight time frame to see how you react under pressure (the meanies).

Don't freak out; remember you've done a zillion exams at school and university and you did OK there. This is stuff you can do (otherwise you shouldn't be going for the job), and the recruiters make allowances for your nerves. Everyone else doing the test is operating under the same conditions, so they're comparing how you perform in your stressed-out test with other people's stressed-out tests.

I give Marketing Executive applicants a book and 20 minutes to write me a promotional piece (postcard or brochure) for it. It's cruel, but you really see who can be calm, imaginative and accurate under pressure all traits I like. (SUSANNAH) * Job-related field exercise Used most often for sales rep jobs, where you might be required to research a market by chatting to prospective clients (booksellers, lecturers and so on). Put some time into this, as if they ask you to do this you're probably down to the final one or two candidates, and what you produce can well decide whether you get the job. Make sure you ask lots of questions so you're clear what they're expecting from you, and then follow guidelines exactly. If you need to hand in a written report, go over it with the same level of care you did your CV, including having your Honest Friend proof it, and ensure your presentation is attractive, error-free and professional.