Tales of a PR Enthusiast

1. Research the company
Always, always, always research the company you are interviewing with. Researching the company should be the first thing you do after setting up an interview. You should learn everything there is to know about the company: their clients, services, awards, etc. Being knowledgeable about the company you are interviewing for will give you a better sense of the type of company it is and how it runs. It will also show in the interview that you take initiative and you really want to become a part of that company.

2. Get your resume/portfolio/leave-behind looking perfect
While prepping for your interview, make sure your resume, portfolio and leave-behind looks clean, organized and polished. Check for spelling and grammar errors in your resume, as well as in your portfolio and leave-behind labels. In your leave-behind, be sure to include a copy of your resume and business cards. If you need to, have your mentor or another professional look everything over beforehand for any feedback.

3. Write out questions they might ask you and questions you want to ask them
This is one of the best ways to prepare for an interview. Write out as many questions you can think of that an interviewer might ask you and then prepare your answers. This way, you will be prepared and you won’t be caught off guard by some of the questions asked. Even think of random, off-the-wall questions like, “If you could write for any television show, what would it be and why?” Just don’t answer The Sopranos like I did once in an interview. Let’s just say with the last name D’Amico and my answer being The Sopranos, the interviewers were a little frightened. If you’re stumped about what questions they might ask you, here is a link to About.com with a list full of potential interview questions: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/interviewquest.htm.

Also, don’t forget to write out questions you want to ask the interviewer. In a way you are also interviewing them, so come prepared with questions you want to know about the company. For example, ask why they enjoy working for that company, what their favorite projects are or maybe ask something about how the company is utilizing social media.

4. Figure out what you are going to wear
It’s no secret that girls take 18,723,947,892 hours to figure out what they are going to wear for an occasion. So, girl or boy, I recommend putting together an interview outfit a few days in advance. Knowing that PR is a pretty hip, trendy occupation, I like to wear an outfit that is fashionable, yet professional. Girls, you can’t go wrong with a pencil skirt, blazer and heels. Guys, you can’t go wrong with a nice suit. Don’t forget, if you have tattoos, which I’ll admit I am guilty of, COVER them!

5. Do a mock interview
A mock interview is a great way to prepare for the real interview. Have a past internship/job supervisor or one of your former professors lead you through a mock interview and act as if it is the real deal. Set a date and time, meet them at their office, bring your portfolio and resume and have them interview you for a fake job position. If you can’t find a supervisor or professor to help with your mock interview, ask your roommate, parents or a friend. Doing any type of interview practice is always beneficial and helps reduce the stress.

6. Know where you are going and arrive to the interview early
When you are setting up the interview, confirm the address and location of where you will be meeting the interviewer. Print off directions a few days before the interview so you can plan ahead for when to leave. Always arrive at least 10 to 20 minutes before the scheduled interview so you have some time to prepare and gather your thoughts.

7. Come prepared to take notes
Always remember to bring a notebook and a pen or pencil to take notes during the interview. I don’t think you have to go as far as bringing a laptop, but have something available to write with/on to jot down notes or reminders from the interview.

8. Be confident, even if you’re not
It sounds kind of like an oxymoron, but if you act like you’re confident then you will be. I can’t even count how many interviews I have gone into feeling nervous and self-conscious, but acting confident got me through them. You don’t want to act overly confident or anything, but you do want to show the interviewer that you are deserving of the job position and you have the experience to prove it. When the interviewer sees your confidence come across, they see someone who is reliable, hard-working and determined.

9. Show your personality while staying professional
Be yourself in the interview. You want to be able to form a connection with the person who is interviewing you, so show who you are as a person and as a professional. I’ve found that if you are more personable with the interviewer, the interview tends to run more smoothly and you feel less nervous. Worst case scenario, the interviewer doesn’t like your personality. Their loss.


10. Listen to Britney Spears


Well, maybe not Britney Spears but before the interview I suggest listening to your favorite music and relax. Whenever I am stressed or anxious before an interview I always put my ipod on and listen to my favorite playlist. This might sound extremely geeky, but I’ve even made a pre-interview playlist before. Listen to your favorite music in the car on your way to the interview as a way to clear your head and let the nerves settle.