Anybody got any good job interview/presentation tips?

Question

Hi there,
I had a job interview last week for a job as a publicist for a book publishing company. I have a second interview tomorrow and have prepared a 10 minute presentation on a marketing plan for a specific book. I also plan to give them a 'mock up' of a press kit that i would issue if i was actually carrying out the marketing plan.
I am nervous as i have never done a presentation for an interview before and have a lot riding on this one as i was made redundant a few weeks ago.
Any tips would be gratefully recieved!

Answer 1

I had to do exactly this task for a marketing job at a magazine publishers. Make sure you are well prepared and that you can fully explain your marketing plan. Don't put things in that you are unsure about because your brain will be pre-occupied with this rather than showing them what you are actually capable of. If you have got through to the second interview stage then they already know they like you and you can do the job, so this is just a case of convincing them you are better than anyone else they might have in mind. Rehearse your presentation lots so that you are used to the sound of your own voice (sounds weird, but its not often you have to talk solidly for 10 mins), and this will make you comfortable with the actual task of giving the presentation.

Try to predict what questions they might ask you about what you have said and talk with authority. There is no right answer in marketing, and they will understand that there is no way you will have all the answers without having all the market research and product info they do. This is a good way for them to see how you might operate at work, so just sound confident and friendly.

Redundancy is a horrible situation to be in, but remember that they need a good person to fill the position as much as you need a good job, so be confident and try to enjoy it. Best of luck!

Answer 2

Stay calm - easier said than done i know.
Talk slowly - your less likely to make mistakes and so won't beat yourself up that you've gone wrong.
Don't take offence - this is just like a practise of what you'd be doing if you got the job so pretend you've already got the job and are discussing this with your colleagues not interviewers.
Remember these people are going to pick faults- this is not because they don't like what you've done this is just because they want to see how you deal with criticism.
if you really don't agree with some one tell them say "with all due respect i don't agree because...." they need to see your an effective communicator and will not take offence because you dealt with it in a mature and polite way.
Remember you had the first interview so they must have thought you had something special just be yourself and reinforce the fact that you are the best person for the job.
Power of positive thought - you are perfect for the job how could they employ anyone else?
Good luck hun and happy Christmas.

Answer 3

You sound like you are definitely on the right track and the other answers here are good ones that will help you. Try and calm your nerves... remember, you got the call back, you can get the position!

Try to get a good night's sleep before the interview. You wouldn't believe how difficult it is to concentrate on what someone is saying when you are tired. And it will show in your face, your eyes, your skin color.

The other thing I would remember is this: Dress as if you already have the position and are aiming for a higher one. That's right. Dress for success.

Rehearse your presentation in front of the mirror, in front of friends, family, everyone you possibly can. They can have amazing feedback and you'll know your presentation inside out...

All the best to you! You can do it. If you couldn't, you wouldn't have gotten a call back. And let us know how you do please. Now get off the puter and go practice!

Answer 4

Give them an one-page A4 handout that has a few details of your presentation on it, a little of your education/work history, and a few reasons why you should get the job. They will be able to make notes on it during your presentation and interview and they will still have it after the interview, so you will stay in their minds for longer.

Make sure you print a few off in case there a re a few people interviewing you.

Answer 5

Sounds like you are on the right track!

Marketing also includes setting up book signings for authors and radio spots and free publicity, basically creating a "buzz" although if it's a big publisher they probably have individual employees who work on each aspect of that arm of marketing.

think about how different it might be to market a children's book from a romance novel to a historical epic. Each would have it's own niche market, how would you exploit that niche market for that particular genre of book? Just something to think about.

If you are getting called in for a 2nd interview, you are on their short list of final candidiates, so my Christmas wish for you is to knock 'em dead and score the job! Good luck!

Answer 6

Studies show that an employer makes up their mind about you in the first 2 minutes of meeting you and spend the rest of the interview justifying that decision. Dress the best you can for the interview, give a good firm handshake and smile! Try to address people by their names when meeting them. good luck!

Answer 7

I savings account put the max that you company will match into the company retirement funds or 401k if available to you. make a list of things you need and want get what you need when you get paid and wait on what you want start a savings account after you get a few check under your belt you'll know what your bills are and how much extra money you have start by putting money in a savings account ever time you get paid before you do anything else set it to with draw automatically from checking to savings and forget about it.

Answer 8

Best tip I know is to speak clearly, make eye contact and smile at the interviewer so you come accross as calm and confident.
Good luck!

Answer 9

my first tip is DONT PANIC, scondly know what you are talking about. if you make a mistake appologise and start the sentence again. stay calm and take deep breaths, take water with you to sip. speak clearly and make eye contact.

good luck and happy xmas!

Answer 10

I know it sounds silly but it does work i promise. Have your wrists facing up. Try it now it does work it totally relaxes you