- Remember, most radio and television stations, depending upon geography will NOT fly you in but choose to interview you over the phone. So ALWAYS be ready for "THE CALL"!
- Always research the company that you are applying at. This is almost a given in the broadcast industry as most prospective radio and television people will be aware of the station that they are applying to. The internet makes it easy to aircheck stations particularly radio, so there is no excuse for not being familiar with the station's formatics and personalities.
Most important interview question. What are your strengths? While you should sell yourself when answering every interview question, this one is the full box of smarties ... your Superbowl. They are wanting to gauge your fit for their station. Don't boast. Find middle ground but sell sell sell!
Most intriguing interview question. What are your weaknesses? This one can be a minefield. Do NOT go to town on your down points. The prospective employer is digging for honesty. A little humour can work in the right situation. Myaircheck.com knows of one applicant who answered his greatness weakness as CHOCOLATE! He got the job.
Sell sell sell question Part 2. Why should we hire you? This question is another avenue of self promotion but don't venture down Blowhard Street!
All time favourite Why are they asking me this question? Where do you see yourself in five years? Another minefield to tip toe through. Be general is stating that you just want to be the best worker for their company. It is obviously a poke to see if you are jumping from job to job in the near future. This is also a favourite question by many News and Program Directors during employment reviews. Arggghhhh!
Of course if you are having your interview face to face, dress appropriately and appropriately in broadcasting means dressing up, even if you are destined to hide behind a radio microphone. You never know when a v.i.p. will drop in or you will be called out to a fancy schmancy news conference. Myaircheck.com knows of one employer who scolded a sportscaster for wearing an OUT of TOWN hockey jersey to work. How would that play if the local NHL team called a news conference and the said sportscaster had to attend? It goes without saying that applicants for television jobs should definitely dress to the nines!
Be prepared to be asked if YOU have any questions. Employers want to know how interested you are in their station. This is gravy! Always have a few questions ready to fire back at them!
Some employers will lob a question to you regarding former employers, broadcasters or broadcast instructors. Never speak ill of anyone even if you believe that the interviewer has had a bad experience with the person in question. Radio and television is a very tightknit community and it is always good to watch your step. You never know where you will be working next. Take the high road. The traffic is always light!
If asked how much notice you should give if hired, always tell the prospective employer that you would need the typical two weeks notice for your former employer, if there is one. The prospective employer realizes that they might be in the former employer's shoes someday and they want to know that you are considerate of the notice process.
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