How to prepare for an interview for the editor position?

Before we are invited to an interview for the editor position, it is important to correctly prepare the application documents. In the last part of the "How to become an editor" series, we have elaborately explained the elements that require special attention. Both the introduction to the appropriate e-mail for the consideration of documents, as well as the CV, cover letter and text samples should be unique. You should focus not only on yourself, but also convince the employer that we care about the company's fate by adding your own - constructive - comments and emphasizing the company's advantages. Equally important is waiting for a response, which - depending on internal policy - may be given within a few days or even months. In such a situation, it is best to call after about two weeks and ask in detail about the recruitment progress.

Preparation for a job interview for the position of editor

Suppose you finally got a reply after carefully prepared application documents. The employer makes an appointment with you for a specific date and the only thing left is waiting for a specific date and time. Are you sure? The interview is a key moment for accepting the coveted editor's position and if you have prepared for it in detail so far, you should not let go of it now.

Consolidate the existing knowledge about the profile of the company you are trying to get to. Analyze the website or websites in the company's portfolio. This is an extremely important point, because it is probably about this topic that you will be asked. There may also be a question about linguistic correctness, so review the most common mistakes or rules you have doubts about. It also does not hurt to prepare a few ideas (both for the website, work and magazine) that may improve the company's operation in the future. You can also point out the shortcomings mentioned in the previous part of the cycle, but remember not to criticize the future employer - delicately indicate what changes would be beneficial from the user's point of view.

Print out the documents you have sent and create a plan - not necessarily in writing - about the answers to individual points. It may happen that the employer unexpectedly asks about your interests, and you provide other than the ones you quickly entered on your CV. If you already have experience as an editor, be sure to prepare a few sentences about your current duties or your former employer - remember to avoid criticism, as it is not welcome.

Interview for the editor position

The first general rule: don't be late! Sometimes it is better to be up to an hour earlier than to explain yourself with traffic jams or oversleep. When you really cannot make it on time, be sure to call us, giving the approximate time of arriving at the office. Although this does not guarantee a good start to the conversation, it is a better option than showing up without saying a word 30 minutes later.

As in the case of an interview for a job for other positions, also in the position of editor you are bound by the principles of savoir-vivre. First of all, take care of elegant clothes. It must first of all be clean and tidy. If you are a woman, try to avoid provocative creations, because the employer should focus primarily on your experience and predispositions to the profession of editor. Be factual in answering specific questions, not just "yes" or "no". Be sure to maintain eye contact with the person you are talking to. Be cheerful, smiling - though not exaggerating - and confident. It is also very important for the employer that you are a good listener. Try not to interrupt and nod to nod to make it clear that you are not only listening but that you understand the message perfectly.

Body language is no less important. Crossed arms close to the body testify to the closed stance of the candidate. On the other hand, glancing sideways or to the ceiling is a sign of a lack of sincerity. Every such detail is noted by the employer and can be crucial in making the admission decision. It may happen that you are an ideal candidate for the editor position, but you will not be accepted because you do not like the behavior of your employer - of course you will not be informed about it, but it is worth bearing in mind.

After the recruiter has finished asking the questions, you will have some time to inquire about the details of the position. First of all, ask about the scope of future duties, the prevailing habits, rules of employees, etc. Only at the end it is worth asking about the salary. A common scenario is that you need to enter the amount you want to earn. Think about that answer beforehand, and then make your proposal factual and specific. If you care about the position, you can indicate that the rate may change and you are open to negotiation. Otherwise - if it turns out to be too high, you may meet with a negative answer.

Waiting for admission to work for the position of editor

The rules here are similar to waiting for a response in the case of an invitation to an interview. The recruiter should himself state the maximum response time. If time has passed and you do not receive an answer, then you probably have not been chosen. However, this does not prevent you from making another phone call - it is best to ask directly what caused the negative assessment and ask for any tips for the future. It will also help to eliminate errors that may appear at the next interview - already in another company.

If the answer is positive, ask for details such as the date of starting work and the documents you will need to sign the contract. If you've been preparing yourself long and diligently to achieve your goal of being an editor, you can finally breathe a sigh of relief and then get down to business. In fact, the real challenge is ahead of you. This is what the next part of the "How to become an editor" series will be about. Soon we will present what work in this position looks like and what form of employment to choose if we have such an opportunity.