By George McQuade West
Coast Correspondent Don't be afraid to talk about past professional
failures during a job interview, said Madelyn Hammond, senior VP at Landmark Theaters.
"They build character and show how you can handle adversity."
Madelyn
Hammond |
Hammond spoke to 50 publicists earlier
this month at a career counseling event sponsored by Entertainment Publicists
Professional Society and BusinessWire in Hollywood. She was joined
by entertainment recruiter Pamela Robinson who advised the crowd to do their homework
before agreeing to take a new job. "Be ready to talk about four or five special
skill-sets during the interview," she added.
Hammond said job candidates
need to ready to explain what they are looking for in a job. They both agreed
that candidates should know their accomplishments and rehearse them in front of
a mirror. "Before you interview, rehearse various interview scenarios with
yourself and a trusted colleague," said Robinson.
It's important
to "establish a comfort zone" during the interview. "If you see
a stuffed fish mounted in the office, strike up a conversation about it,"
said Hammond. "Ask questions. You don't want to take job and learn it wasn't
what you expected it to be. Show interest in the interviewer."
Pamela
Robinson |
Robinson suggested showing personality
during the interview and talking about broad interests. One caveat: don't talk
about potentially dangerous activities like skydiving because that makes you appear
to be high risk, said the co-author of "If I Don't Do It Now. Career Makeovers
For The Working Woman" and columnist for www.VarietyCareers.com.
Hammond
and Robinson conducted interactive interview situations involving members from
the audience. "Eye contact and a good handshake are important," said
Hammond as participants took turns socializing at a mock networking situation.
"Don't take a network meeting unless you come away with specific
information or you're wasting your time. If you work for an abusive boss, you
don't want to be a victim, show strength. If a boss asks why are you leaving,
say 'I'm not challenged anymore." Never bring up anything negative,"
said Hammond, a veteran of Variety, Sony Pictures Consumer Products, MGM/UA, and
Turner Pictures.
Money is the No. 1 factor for people moving on, according
to Robinson.
As for closing the deal, "don't send gift baskets,
a handwritten note is perfect. Write a thank-you note with a reminder about your
skill-sets fit the job." |