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As always another amazing An Imperfect Guide To Publishing session on interviews with @sabrinazlc - with questions answered by @TheVexedGrad and @miainthemargins! And because I have the notes, a quick summary... 
https://twitter.com/miainthemargins/status/1362057069768167428
https://twitter.com/miainthemargins/status/1362057069768167428
There's a few interview types, best to familiarise yourself with them, and they are:
Phone interviews
Pre-recorded interviews
In-person interviews
Phone interviews Pre-recorded interviews In-person interviews
Always do prep before the interview!!! 
Research the industry, the company and the team - make sure to use Google (it is your friend), but also Twitter, or LinkedIn!
You can find out more about trends, new releases, projects and the lists a publisher may have
Research the industry, the company and the team - make sure to use Google (it is your friend), but also Twitter, or LinkedIn!
You can find out more about trends, new releases, projects and the lists a publisher may have
And then the day comes... The interview...
There are a few question types that you may have:
• Competency questions
• Motivation questions
• Situational and curve ball questions
There are a few question types that you may have:
• Competency questions
• Motivation questions
• Situational and curve ball questions
Competency questions:
Use the STARS method (Situation, Task,Action, Result, So) to answer the question in the fullest way so you seem like the best candidate!
Use the STARS method (Situation, Task,Action, Result, So) to answer the question in the fullest way so you seem like the best candidate!
Motivation questions:
A little harder, but try do a mini-STARS, give three reasons/motivators and show off your research - don't let it go to waste because you can try and flex it in other questions, not just restricted to the "what do you know about...?" question
A little harder, but try do a mini-STARS, give three reasons/motivators and show off your research - don't let it go to waste because you can try and flex it in other questions, not just restricted to the "what do you know about...?" question
Situational and curve ball questions:
Probably the hardest you can't really prepare, but you can take your time to pause (let that dreaded silence drag out for a bit so you can think) and then give your answer!
Probably the hardest you can't really prepare, but you can take your time to pause (let that dreaded silence drag out for a bit so you can think) and then give your answer!
Back to some of the pre-recorded interview tips:
Look at the camera and smile!
Try to be as concise as you can (don't waffle!)
Use flashcards or notes if it helps
Can use the practice run to make notes and practice, and then the second time to record your answer!
Look at the camera and smile! Try to be as concise as you can (don't waffle!) Use flashcards or notes if it helps Can use the practice run to make notes and practice, and then the second time to record your answer!
In-person interviews:
A little scary, yes, but try and ad-lib where possible to show your 
personality (no robot)
Drop in titles, authors, industry news
Always ask questions after the interview!
Always have a hobby BUT find a way to weave it into a skill
A little scary, yes, but try and ad-lib where possible to show your personality (no robot) Drop in titles, authors, industry news Always ask questions after the interview! Always have a hobby BUT find a way to weave it into a skill
In-Person Interviews (cont.):
Show your engagement and enthusiasm
Split your screen between Zoom (other interviewing software is available) and your interview answers - handy for you to flick your eyes to it and have structured answers
Show your engagement and enthusiasm Split your screen between Zoom (other interviewing software is available) and your interview answers - handy for you to flick your eyes to it and have structured answers
Final point...
Don't forget to say please and thank you!
Don't forget to say please and thank you!
Always, always, ALWAYS emphasise why you are excited to join the team and why you would be a good fit!
And my favourite part of the talk: Mindset matters 
It can be tough, @sabrinazlc says, and it can take a long time which can be draining on your mental health - take as much time as you need for a break if the job apps are becoming too much
It can be tough, @sabrinazlc says, and it can take a long time which can be draining on your mental health - take as much time as you need for a break if the job apps are becoming too much
You always want to be as positive as possible for the interview and positive affirmations are KEY!
Be your own cheerleader! Be your own hype person! YOU CAN DO THIS!
Be your own cheerleader! Be your own hype person! YOU CAN DO THIS!
So long as you are putting yourself in the best possible position to get that job offer you have done all you can do
Rejection is (unfortunately) a part of the process, but you work hard and you will get your dream job down the line!
Rejection is (unfortunately) a part of the process, but you work hard and you will get your dream job down the line!
We had a lot of great questions asked, but I've chosen some key questions that I thought might be running through people's heads (definitely has in mine) 
How long do you wait to send a thank you email?
Send it that evening/the next morning, advises @TheVexedGrad, but @sabrinazlc has said it isn't something that is compulsory, though it may be nice to do
Send it that evening/the next morning, advises @TheVexedGrad, but @sabrinazlc has said it isn't something that is compulsory, though it may be nice to do
Always be as interested as possible and think about where you consume your content and your news
You may not watch the news on TV, but where else do you get your information from?
You may not watch the news on TV, but where else do you get your information from?
Some fab advice from @TheVexedGrad, have a glass of water with you! Keeps you hydrated and can buy you a little time as you think 
(Don't overdo it though, use this technique sparingly to buy time)
(Don't overdo it though, use this technique sparingly to buy time)
Another good bit of advice: if a question is stumping you, you can ask them to revisit it at the end, you don't have to answer them all on one go!
A big thing in interviews: TAKE YOUR TIME!
Nerves can make you panic, but make sure to breathe sometimes, you can pause and think, but try and take your time, you don't need to rush through it all
Nerves can make you panic, but make sure to breathe sometimes, you can pause and think, but try and take your time, you don't need to rush through it all
@miainthemargins said an interview is more to get to know how you are as a person! If you've gotten to the interview stage, they already know you vaguely have the skills because of your application - just try and build some rapport with them
Another fab piece of advice from Mia: include more questions than you think you can ask - you don't want to get to the end and realise they've answered all your questions and you have to make up a question!
A brilliant talk once again in the Imperfect Guide to Publishing session and wonderful to hear from @sabrinazlc, @miainthemargins and @TheVexedGrad - thank you for taking the time to talk to us and impart your advice and wisdom to us all! 
Until the next one!!!
Until the next one!!!
