A job interview is usually a two-way conversation
A job interview with a book publisher isn't a test where you are asked questions and you need to give precise answers. It is a conversation which enables the publisher to find out more about you and likewise, you to find out about them. This is why those who have formulated and scripted answers probably have the hardest time in finding a job.
There are many types of job interviews - pre-recorded, telephone, online, face-to-face, and only the pre-recorded ones are a one-way conversation. Every other interview should give you the opportunity to ask questions as you go along.
Top tips for job interviews
1. Preparation is key for any job interview. You need to do your own research about the company, its books, products or services, and understand where it sits in the marketplace.
2. Think about how you will present yourself on the day. If it is a video interview, think about what the interviewer can see behind you if you haven't set a virtual background. If it is a face to face interview and you always find yourself wearing an uncomfortable item of clothing for an interview, then you'll probably look uncomfortable to the interviewer.
3. Read through the job advertisement, job description and any information the company has sent you about itself. Go through the documents line by line and think about how your skills, competencies and achievements match up to the role.
4. There are some standard questions to expect (How to Job Search in Book Publishing: The Ultimate Insider's Guide lists over 150 genuine interview questions asked at job interviews) so ensure you have researched, but not scripted, your answers. For example, 'What do you know about us already?' Your answer shouldn't only come from the About Us page on their website.
5. Before the interview, check and double-check the time, the venue, your journey plan and the name(s) of the people you will be meeting on the day. I know of so many candidates who have missed out on jobs because they got some of this wrong.
6. Don't talk over the interviewer. This is hard in a video interview, where there might be a slight time delay, but in any interview, wait for the interviewer to finish speaking before you give a response.
7. Ask questions throughout. It is a conversation. If you didn't hear something properly, don't understand what they are asking or have supplementary questions before responding, then speak up.
8. Many job interviews lead to interview tests. These are nothing to be scared of because usually they represent everyday tasks within the role, such as prioritisation, writing a social media post, proofreading or copyediting. So if you already have the skills and competency to do the job, you should feel comfortable with any test you are given.
9. Always send a follow-up email thanking the interviewer for their time and reaffirming your interest in the role.
Want more help preparing for a job interview?
If you want to prepare yourself, How to Job Search in Book Publishing: The Ultimate Insider's Guide takes you much further. More than 100 pages are devoted to job interviews, including checklists to guide your research about the company, more than 150 genuine interview questions, advice on preparing for competency-based interviews and a whole chapter of practice interview tests.
If you'd prefer individual help, our Interview Coaching is tailored to you, the role and the publisher you're interviewing with. We don't give you scripted answers to learn. We work with you to identify your relevant skills, competencies and achievements, think about the questions you may be asked and help you prepare to talk about your experience in your own words, so you come across as a credible candidate.
Because we are professionally qualified in career development, we can look beyond simply getting you through the interview. We help you understand what you can bring to the role, what you need to find out from the employer and whether the opportunity is right for you and your career.