by Stephanie Bryant

Created on: January 12, 2007   Last Updated: August 03, 2010

Last year, I probably went on twenty-five job interviews. I got some of the jobs, and didn't get others, and there were a couple that didn't get me.

The interview is an important part of the hiring process for me as a writer. It's where I show off my writing samples. It's also the best place for me to demonstrate to my potential employer that I can communicate as well as I claim to. As a result, I'm not too bad at interviewing, particularly when I'm feeling confident. I've noticed that a number of employers have tried to delay the in-person interview phase for as long as possible, sometimes by having me submit writing samples electronically. Oddly, none of these potential employers has ever said "and of course if you work for us, we have no problem with you emailing our sensitive documentation to whomever you like after you leave."

Most employers like to start out with a phone interview that usually lasts an hour or more. Some have wanted me to prepare a writing sample specific to their needs, which they then used without payment or permission, so be wary of that particular tactic, whether you're a writer or an engineer.

Others have asked for a written proposal, something I'm usually hesitant to do without more background at least, and access to the products they want me to write about. I don't mind giving a rough estimate, but you wouldn't call someone to pave your driveway and ask them to have the work estimate ready before they even looked at the job!

What these all boil down to, of course, is hoop-jumping. The employer needs to have some way of weeding out the candidates and figuring out who they want to hire. The problem is, jumping through hoops is humiliating for professionals of any caliber.

As an applicant, try to get in for an interview as soon as possible. All the lead-up and phone interviews are just ways for employers to decide not to hire you, so try to cut through them as much as you can. One way to do that is to know someone in the company, of course. The other way is to simply say "I'm available for interviews this week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. What would be a good day for me to come by?" It's direct and puts the interviewer on the spot for naming an appointment time and date. If the employer is looking for an employee who isn't willing to assertively set up appointments and follow through on them, then they're probably not going to want you anyway, right?

Be professional in all contacts you have with the employer. Answer emails

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>