Breaking In

Do your research!

When called to come and interview with a Company, in my experience, candidates typically know a couple of company facts, a bit of company history, etc.  Perhaps I need a reality check, but I was pretty surprised the other day when I interviewed a professional candidate (vs. creative) and when asked why he was interested in the position, he replied with, “…well, I don’t know much about your company or what you really do...”  He lost me there….

This person was interviewing for an operational/business role, did not really care about the type of company, and just wanted an interesting job that was closer to home.

That’s all good – I respect a candidate that has the “work to live” mentality… But, we spend way to much time at work to not enjoy a company’s culture and people.  As a recruiter, it’s my job to find a candidate that, not only has the technical skills to do the job, but the passion and persona that works well in our culture and cultivates our collective growth.

Not being a creative/development professional is not an excuse for not researching and knowing about an entertainment company's history, product, etc. - Most entertainment companies have robust websites to prepare you for any meeting!

The Simple Things

Based on some recent interviews I’ve had…just wanted to remind those of you out there interviewing of some simple details that can make a difference in the interview process:

·         When sending a thank you note of any kind - Spell the name of the person with whom you met and the Company correctly! It just takes an extra 20 seconds to verify from the business card…

·         Dress appropriately for an interview.  Yes, the entertainment industry is pretty casual and creative, but it is a business – if you question what you’re wearing, change!

·         Be on time!  When you’re late, you are not being respectful of other people’s time.

These are very basic tips – ones that you’ve probably heard many times – but, you’d be amazed at how many people forget the simple things….

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.