A successful media interview.

I have good news readers! There are still some jobs out there for graduates! After sending off my CV to numerous production companies, I got a call last week from one asking me to come in for an interview. So I hopped straight on the train to London and took my suit to the dry cleaners!

I suppose I should explain the circumstances. I recently decided that I definitely want to work in entertainment media. So, after seeking advice from my careers department at university, I sent off my CV to as many television production companies as I could find on the web. Basically, the deal is, if you want to work in production then you need to start at the bottom. So, my main advice is, build up as much work experience in this field as you can. Then, once you have a respectable CV, start applying for work as a runner. This was what I was applying for. Another tip is, create a perfect covering letter, which you can send to all the companies. Covering letters, if written articulately, can help you stand out amongst the hordes of CVs which these companies are recieving.

So, after sending endless emails, one company rang me back and said they were impressed with my CV, could I come in for an 'informal chat'. Tip - 'informal chat' does not mean jeans and a t-shirt, wear a suit and prepare as you would for an interview. My main interview preparation advice is to research as much as you can about the job, the company and also, and most importantly, WHY YOU WANT THIS JOB. Once you've covered this, try and get a good nights sleep.

The company is based in central London so I hit the tube and arrived 10 minutes early. My actual interview lasted about 30 mins and was essentially a host of questions about my CV and covering letter. I was, of course, asked the three key questions: Why do you want to work in media? Why do you want to work at this company? What do you have to offer?

However, I kept my cool and at the end of the interview, I was told to give them a call when my masters is finished and I could come and be a runner for a few weeks, and see how I get on! Hurray! So keep on applying folks, there are still jobs out there for those of you who are determined enough.

xxx