10 practical tips to succeed in a journalism job interview

So you have applied for a job as a journalist and landed an interview. Great news! You've successfully jumped the first hurdle and obviously written something that's caught the attention of the editor otherwise you wouldn't have made it this far.

Give yourself a big pat on the back because I can guarantee you that your application will have been one of many as journalism is a popular career choice and very few news organisations are ever short of applicants, especially at entry level.

But now comes the important bit, the job interview. For this you need to plan and prepare, as you don't want to blow your chances of getting the job.

And the more organised and prepared you are the more likely you'll be to get the job which will give you your first step into the industry to finally launch your career as a journalist.

So here's 10 practical tips to help you stand out from the crowd and nail that job as a journalist!
  

• Be on time: Being able to meet deadlines is an intrinsic part of being a journalist so it stands to reason that if you turn up late for your job interview then you might have spoilt your chances of getting the job. Aim to turn up at least 15 minutes before your interview and allow yourself plenty of time to get there. If you do get stuck in traffic or the train is late etc; contact the newspaper office where you have your interview to inform them of your circumstances and that you may be late.

• Dress smart: Appearances count for a lot in any job interview and journalism is no exception. So if you're a man wear a suit with a tie and if you're a woman wear a smart dress or suit. In both cases wear clean shoes and make sure your nails and hair are clean and tidy. This might sound like I'm being 'mother' but I've seen many interviewees turn up in trainers and t-shirts tucked into denim trousers and yes, you've guessed it, they didn't get the job! As a general rule of thumb just dress in the way you would do if you were meeting the Queen.

• Don't smoke or eat wiffy stuff: The odour of cigarette smoke can be very off-putting, especially to non-smokers, so don't smoke before the interview, as the smell will linger. Also, don't drink heavily or eat strong tasting food the night before such as a garlic or strong cheese as this will make your breath smelly and again, can be a major turn off to an interviewer. 

• Turn off your cell: You don't want to risk your mobile phone or cell going off in the middle of the interview so it's a good idea to switch it off before you go into the interview room. 

• Be polite and interested: From the moment you enter the building consider that your interview has already started. Be courteous and polite to everyone as you don't know who they are or who they know. It's a good idea to offer a handshake when you enter the interview room but make sure it's a firm one. There is nothing more awful than a limp handshake that feels like you're shaking hands with a lettuce leaf! Sit up straight and don't slouch, speak only when invited to do so and look at the interviewer asking the questions when you're answering. Speak in a confident voice and smile! Look interested and keen at all times. On leaving, remember to say thank you and offer another firm handshake. 

• Take evidence: Take a copy of your CV, any certificates of qualifications you have achieved, any clippings or print outs of journalism work, paid or unpaid (especially if you've stated that you have done in your job application) and any other supporting evidence of anything you stated when you applied for the job.

• Know the media and its audience: Whether you're being interviewed for a journalist's job on a local newspaper, a regional radio/TV station or a national media or magazine, you need to fully understand that specific media, its audience/readership and its rivals. Don't turn up for the job interview without having read a copy of the newspaper or tuned into the TV or radio station's news more than once. Be fully versed in what sort of news is covered, what news angles the stories take, what, if any, campaigns are run and what sort of audience does the publication or media channel attract. You need to know the answers to all of these questions before the day of your interview and be fully conversant in the news and audience of the specific media. 

• Know the national news: Be up-to-date on current news and events. If you're asked what you think about the Government's decision to do something that day/week/month, you need to have a plausible answer as knowing about current affairs will show the interview panel that you are keen and serious about wanting to be a journalist.

• Know who's who: Not only should you know the name of the editor and the organisation that owns the media where you have your interview (or whether or not it's an independent) you should be knowledgeable on its news patch and key political figures. You should know the name of the local Mayor, the MP/senator, which political parties are governing that region and the local authority, the name of authority leaders. Not knowing these basic key facts won't look too good if a question crops up about them.

• Think ahead: Think about the sort of questions that you might be asked and your likely response. Always refrain from 'yes or no' answers and have a solid explanation in your mind for each possible question. I'll do another post on typical journalism job interview questions and give you some good, sound answers, so add me to your circle to follow me on Google+ to stay posted.