In today's world, the
media is a powerful force in deciding the factors around the world. The goal of
an interview is to communicate your key message to a public via the report and
his/her media outlet.
Media interviews are an
important part of an overall public relations campaign. A basic understanding
of a reporter's job and a few interviewing techniques can increase your
effectiveness in communicating key messages in interviews.
Most journalists are
professionals and have degrees in journalism or related fields. Reporters work
in a competitive environment. Tight space, time constraints, and decisions made
by editors, directors, and producers ultimately determine what stays or gets
cut from a story.
Here are some of the Media
Job interview tips that will help future journalists are :
* Research the journalist
and/or media company who will be conducting the interview. Make notes about the
reporter's style, attitude, audience and previous stories. Understand the
publication
What topics does it cover?
Are there any regular columns or sections that would be a fit for your company?
Who is the target audience?
* Always approach an
interview the same way you would approach any other important business meeting.
* Preparation always
increases your confidence. You must stay up on current events. Find out
questions and prepare answers. Prepare yourself for inquiring questions. Answer
to yourself why you want to work for this company, in this position and what
goals you want to accomplish. The answers can be part of what you tell the
interviewer.
* Make eye contact with
the reporter. If on camera, don't stare at the camera. Try to be friendly even
when the interviewer isn't. Avoid arguments. Be cool and positive.
* Determine how the
interview might offer you the chance to make positive points or provide helpful
information about your topic/issue/organization.
* Use the interviewer's
name in conversation. It creates a more intimate conversation and it makes the
interviewer feel good.
* You have to listen
carefully. Don't interrupt the interviewer; begin your answer when the reporter
is finished. If you are not getting the question, then ask for clarification.
* Develop a key message
point for the media job interview, Based on the topic, develop three brief key
messages about your topic and repeat these messages throughout the interview.
* The information provided
must be accurate. If the information provided is wrong then your credibility
can be destroyed.
* If you were terminated
for another reason, be honest about the circumstances without revealing every
detail. There's no need to drag down the interview with a long-winded
explanation of your situation.
* If you can honestly say
you want to be there longer, emphasize that. You're giving your boss the peace
of mind knowing that she won't have to repeat this process for awhile.
* You must avoid the
abbreviations during the media job interview. You have to use the language that
will understand by the public.
* Stay as calm as
possible, and to try and project in an approachable manner during media job
interview.
* After the interview,
thank your interviewer and offer them the materials you brought. This is also
the time to offer yourself as a future source on your topic. You can follow up
with a written thank you note as well.