Research
RESEARCH
Competencies within interviews
TO THE END
1. Research
services, products, customers, competition
2. Look sharp
not creased clothes, dress suitable to the job, smart and well presentable
3. Be prepared
have a CV ready and be prepared as o who you would want to write your reference - someone who is well respected
4. Be on time
minimum 10 mins early as it shows you're punctual, recce location before
5. Show enthusiasm
shake hands firmly, speak clearly
6. Listen
reading between the lines, make eye contact and look interested
7. Answer the question asked
clarification
8. Examples
make sure you give at least 3 examples e.g. experience, to show success and uniqueness
9. Ask questions
you'll receive valuable information fro them - NOT ones like ' how much will I get paid'
10. Follow up
set up a meeting e.g. then ask them about the interview - what were my weak points etc.. find out traits that are needed
Acronym to deal with questions in an interview
S.T.A.R
Situation
set the scene, where you are/were? when answering a question make sure the interviewer knows where you are from/ where you went and what you did.
Task
role - what role you had within the course e.g, whilst on this project my role was to help direct people etc. how you worked as a team as well (what you were tasked with)
Action
my response-avoid jargon involve a team-say if other people helped you and how you helped involve them in project. Difficulties - whether its with people or equipment and how you came over it.
Result
positive result from the scenario, and what you learnt from it. how you have changed from it and how this will been the future - what effect did it have on you?
Practicing S.T.A.R
Before S.T.A.R
Well media is one of my passions and this is a media job! I really want to work in this industry and I feel like this is the perfect job to get me started!After S.T.A.R
I have previously studied Level 3 Media Studies at the College of West Anglia in Kings Lynn so am keen to get into the industry as soon as possible really! The town I come from is very small and there are very limited opportunities for someone like me, which is why moving to a city and working for such a great business as you is perfect to me. Within the course I managed many productions and was a director for some too - this included having to run and team and give out job roles to people whilst also checking everything is running smoothly. There were many difficulties throughout with some people doing less than others meaning I had to be firm and pull them up on this no matter how awkward it may have been for me being one of their peers. By doing this the team then worked perfectly together and there were little problems. It made me realise that I am a good team leader and a strong person being a director is important - which is why I have gone for this job role of being a creative director.As you can see from above, by incorporating star into the interview answer it gives the interviewer an insight into you what have previously done but also your strengths. It helps to give much more detail to the answers without making it sound ramble as it is so structured.
Interview Questions
1
Describe a time when you have had to overcome a big problem?
Describe a time when you have had to overcome a big problem?
When I was doing my level three media course at the College of West Anglia I was a director for my final major project. My role as a director was to help people and take control of the team - meaning sometime I had to be firm with them. One particular person in my team wasn't pulling their weight and therefore the project as a whole was beginning to deteriorate, I had to take control of the situation and speak to the person in question. This was a very awkward conversation as they were a friend of mine but as a director I had to speak to them professionally and sternly. In the end this resolved the problem and the project came together nicely.
2
Do you have any previous experience in the media industry?
Yes I do actually! Back at my home town in Kings Lynn Norfolk, I completed work experience with a local radio station for just over a year. I always found radio fascinating so I decided to go out of my way and find work experience - I did get turned away a number of times but I was persistent and they eventually agreed to letting me go there once a week. I learned many valuable things about the media industry and experienced a media related working environment which I believe is very important for someone wanting to get into the industry. As a result of going there once a week for a year it opened me up to many opportunities such as working with a marketing company and running a companies social media for them.
Do you have any previous experience in the media industry?
Yes I do actually! Back at my home town in Kings Lynn Norfolk, I completed work experience with a local radio station for just over a year. I always found radio fascinating so I decided to go out of my way and find work experience - I did get turned away a number of times but I was persistent and they eventually agreed to letting me go there once a week. I learned many valuable things about the media industry and experienced a media related working environment which I believe is very important for someone wanting to get into the industry. As a result of going there once a week for a year it opened me up to many opportunities such as working with a marketing company and running a companies social media for them.
3
What can you bring to this company that someone else couldn't?
I believe that because I am from a small town in Norfolk I have had to work much harder than people who are from a big city with many opportunities. This is because in Kings Lynn there were very little opportunities for the media related business as it is an old fashioned town and there are lots of people wanting the same thing. By working hard and doing lots of un-paid experience with companies I truly believe that it has made me a better employee as I now realise how difficult it is to get to the very top in this indutstry. Therefore I will be much better than other employees from here as I have never had it handed to me on a plate, I have worked very hard to be where I am now.
What can you bring to this company that someone else couldn't?
I believe that because I am from a small town in Norfolk I have had to work much harder than people who are from a big city with many opportunities. This is because in Kings Lynn there were very little opportunities for the media related business as it is an old fashioned town and there are lots of people wanting the same thing. By working hard and doing lots of un-paid experience with companies I truly believe that it has made me a better employee as I now realise how difficult it is to get to the very top in this indutstry. Therefore I will be much better than other employees from here as I have never had it handed to me on a plate, I have worked very hard to be where I am now.
Looking sharp for an interview
LADY
For a woman, the best thing to wear for an interview would be a suit with a blouse or a skirt suit - this will make you look the most professional. The skirt should be knee length and there should be no deep V's in the blouse. Footwear should be brogues or a small heel - a stiletto is unprofessional and would look like you're going on a night out. However, it all depends on the job you are going for as to what you should wear. For example if you are going for the job role of fashion designer and you wear a boring black suit you most likely wouldn't get hired. So this definitely needs to be kept in mind when dressing for an interview.
MAN
For a man, a suit is the most professional thing to wear for an interview. Either Navy or Black and a shirt and tie underneath, the shirt should be tucked in or it will look scruffy. Brogues either brown or black would be sensible for footwear swell as they look smart. If the interview is a more laid back one you could always ditch the suit jacket and possibly tie but always wear a shirt and smart trousers.
Being prepared for an interview
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1. Carefully examine the job description
2. Consider why you are being interviewed and your qualifications
3. Perform research on then company and role your applying for
4. Consider your answers to common interview questions
5. Practice your speaking voice and your body language
6. Prepare several thoughtful questions for the interviewer(s)
7. Conduct mock interviews
8. Print copies of your CV and formal letter
9. Sell yourself well - think of many strengths that you have
10. Get ready to follow up after the interview - if you didn't get the job ask why!
Dream Jobs
production management
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Production management, also called operations management, planning and control of industrial processes to ensure that they move smoothly at the required level. Techniques of production management are employed in service as well as in manufacturing industries.
event management
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An event manager is in charge of planning, organising, and executing all types and sizes of events, like musical concerts, food festivals, and conventions. You'll meet with clients to assess their needs and determine the purpose of the event.
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Production management, also called operations management, planning and control of industrial processes to ensure that they move smoothly at the required level. Techniques of production management are employed in service as well as in manufacturing industries.
event management
↓
An event manager is in charge of planning, organising, and executing all types and sizes of events, like musical concerts, food festivals, and conventions. You'll meet with clients to assess their needs and determine the purpose of the event.
festival marketing
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The Festival of Marketing is a unique experience where ambitious marketers can discover, learn, celebrate and shape the future together. As the largest global event dedicated to brand marketers, the Festival reflects the very nature of marketing – seamlessly blending inspiration and practical application.
To the End
I have been interested with this company for around a year after a friend mentioned them to me. They are a social media marketing firm that have offices in Kings Lynn and London. This company would be perfect for me as I could work there whilst living at home for a couple of years to build up my experience and knowledge about the industry and then move on to their office in London or a different company in a city. This would also help me to save my money as I would be living at home which would help me out in later life wen it came down to living in a city which will be much more expensive than little old Kings Lynn.
Another reason why this company appeals to me is because of the way that they treat their staff - it seems like a company who would really look after you and care about your wellness. I think that this is because it is such a small company but I like that and believe it would be good for someone like me.
These are a few of the projects that they have been working on recently, all of which appeal to me on every aspect.
Mustard Media
When looking into potential future careers I stumbled upon this company. It combines my love for social media, my curiosity for the marketing industry and also my favourite thing in the world - festivals! The company is based in Manchester which is music to my ears as I would like to move out of Norfolk into the city she time soon as there will be may more opportunities waiting for me.
When exploring the website I read about what they do and who they are. The company seems very chilled but focused on what they want without the vibe being very formal which I like. The only problem is most for this jobs require a 2+ year experience in the music or marketing industry - which I don't have. Therefore this job could be an option in a few years once I have decided what I want and gathered lots of experience by working for many companies.
Average yearly salaries for jobs are also important. They may not be a deal breaker but I believe that its good to know how much money you could potentially earn as you want to be able to live comfortably. For a Creative Director (which is a job role that is going in this company at the moment)
the average salary is £41,322 which for me is more than enough! Many companies have competitive salaries too though so it would be better to find out by an individual company.
PORTFOLIO
I believe a portfolio is very important when it comes to applying for jobs, it will give the employer an insight into what I do and my style of work. Below is a list of things that I enjoy doing or that appeal to me within the media, with this list I will search for potential jobs
Things I enjoy doing in Media
➥Stereoscopic pictures
➥Live set recording (gigs and events)
➥Event posters
➥Event management
➥Fashion➥Point of sale design
➥Graphic media
3 possible songs to go over the show-reel
Up all night - John B
Going Up - High Contrast
Sleep sound - Jamie XX
List of Projects
Beats Advert - director
Teenagers and drugs Documentary - director
Music Video - director
Carpool Karaoke - director
Website Portfolio
Personally, I believe that the best way to showcase all of my previous and new work is a Website. By making my own on Wix, I can add to it as I go along and can show off my graphics work much better than I could in a short show reel. I also think it will be easier for future employers to see my work as I can put the website link in my CV so they can take a look at it whenever they like.
A part of my newest project I have been working on recently - 'A colourful Air'.
I decided to begin this project as I wanted to gain more knowledge with the graphics side of media and relate it to something I am very passionate about... shoes!
The air max 90 is one of three shoes that I have re-designed for my personal Nike campaign.
A part of my newest project I have been working on recently - 'A colourful Air'.
I decided to begin this project as I wanted to gain more knowledge with the graphics side of media and relate it to something I am very passionate about... shoes!
The air max 90 is one of three shoes that I have re-designed for my personal Nike campaign.
This is one of the templates that I have trailed out first. I like the simplicity of it and get black and white theme - it makes my graphics work especially pop out most.
Formal Letter
THEIR OFFICIAL NAME YOUR NAME
RECEIVERS ADDRESS SENDERS ADDRESS
DATE
DEAR SIR / MADAM, ( if you know their name is would be mr or ms and surname)
SUBJECT PARAGRAPH
(what its about)
BODY
( 2 or 3 paragraphs long)
( be respectful and considerate - make sure its concise)
CLOSE PARAGRAPH
YOURS FAITHFULLY (if you don't know who it is)
MS MOLLY E. CROSS
3 x image examples of formal letters
COMMUNICATION
social media messaging and telephone
types of social media messaging
Instagram messaging, Facebook messaging, Snapchat, texting, WhatsApp, discord, facetime, Skype, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest
→should you use these in a work place? dependsPROS for social media
Morale
trust - employer trusts employee to use it sensibly
break! same breaks as a smoker - more equal in the workplace
love - if you hear good news it make your day
Branding
causes a buzz
impresses clients - nowadays its important to be media savvy as many companies revolve around it
Internal Communications
remote workers
query and replies quickly
improves teamwork
Up to speed with posts - what you have been doing today
CONS for social media
Bullying
trolling
addiction - the same as drugs and betting you can get addicted to social media
negative affects - bad for mental health
Opinions of everyone - even people you don't want to have one
It is there forever!! nothing can ever be fully deleted
Context - things can be taken out of context very easily
If mistakes are made you can undo it
Viruses
Revenge Porn
Time wasting - could be doing more productive things
VERDICT for social media
local social media for companies - communication between co-workers
'We Transfer' and email - great computer tools in the workplace
Overall I believe that the use of phone and social media in a workplace is a huge positive as it can boost communication and the c company itself. Nowadays many businesses revolve around social media as its so big everywhere - by employees using it throughout the workplace it helps promote the business and keep all of the customers up to date with it. Many places have a work social media where the people from that company can communicate with each other solely about the business. I think that this is great as it will boost relationships with co-workers and also make the working environment much laid back and less stressful for many people. Although there are many negatives to social media I don't feel like they apply to social media in the workplace as many problems come with personal use - something that shouldn't be done in the workplace. I think its important to differentiate personal use and work use of it as they are very different things.
Example of social media in the workplace policy
https://www.acfe.com/uploadedFiles/ACFE_Website/Content/documents/sample-documents/sample-social-media-policy.pdf
Telephone Skills
1 → positive tone ( talk with a smile )2 → clear enunciation ( no complex jargon or vocabulary, don't use slang )
3 → be sincere ( company name, my name, offer assistance, thank you goodbye )
4 → use their name
5 → leave the customer satisfied ( have you found everything you needed etc )
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