Interviewing

No mystery, no need to be nervous...simply put, interviews are an exchange of information.  Recruiters want to get to know you and you should get to know them and their Company.  I say ‘should’ because all too often candidates don’t take the time to ask critical questions about the position and Company and end up in a position that was not the one advertised or discussed or in a culture that isn’t a fit.

The entertainment industry is quite diverse when it comes to company cultures, work environments, job responsibilities, etc.  As a candidate, it is important to know these differences and find the right fit for yourself. 

Do you want a large or small environment?  Being in a large studio offers a lot more opportunity, but your immediate job is pretty specific. A smaller production company may not have lots of jobs, but everyone gets to do a bit of everything. You decide.

Do you want a more formal, professional environment or an informal environment?  When you interview, look around you.  Watch the people come and go through the lobby, office, etc. Do you see yourself working with these people everyday?  Do you see yourself interacting in the way they do?

A Company’s culture is often overlooked or blurred to the candidate’s eye based on the appeal of the Company name or product.  I want to encourage you to look beyond the obvious, do what recruiters do, read between the lines...

Some key, telling questions to ask as you interview potential employers:

1.      How does the Company define growth?

2.      How would a new hire describe the Company culture?

3.      How and when does senior management communicate with employees?

4.      Where have the last 2 or 3 employees in this job gone?

Interviewing is not a technique or skill reserved for Recruiters.  Take the time to get to know the position and the Company:  When you are asked if you have questions – ASK!  Finding the right fit is worth it.