TJ Walker coaches Erica Beth Keller through a mock job interview, showing what works and what doesn't. He gives feedback on her answers and how she presents herself for a media career.
Chapters
Hi, I'm TJ Walker, here with my colleague, Erica Beth Keller. And we want to show you how to go on a job interview the right way and the wrong way. Okay, Erica, thanks for coming in and seeing us right away. Much more professional appearance. Look at the jacket. The hair is back. Much stronger physical impression. Yeah. Forgive me. I apologize. I know I had your resume earlier, but I've misplaced the. Things have been hectic around here. Did you happen to bring another resume?
Oh, yeah, of course. Hold on one second. Here you go.
Okay. Thank you. You're prepared. You correctly realized that whether I'm competent or incompetent, not your problem. You were prepared for either contingency. In this case, you had the resume. Tell me a little more about yourself.
Well, I graduated college with a degree in English and communications. I've always wanted to be a journalist, so I participated in my school's newspaper.
What I liked with this start is you were ready for the game. You hopped right in. You had interesting things to say. You looked professional. You sound professional. You did work at your college newspaper. What are you proudest of? What sort of stories did you work on?
Well, my proudest accomplishment was writing these restaurant reviews. The best part about writing these reviews was was that all the kids on campus would come up to me afterwards and say, you know what, Erica, I read your article and I went to that restaurant, and it was everything you said it was going to be. I definitely planned on talking about my newspaper because it was the greatest thing that I did in college, and therefore, it was definitely something that I wanted to highlight to you in my interview.
Why do you want to work in Media Training Worldwide?
Well, I know that you work a lot with the media and people in the media, and considering that I want to work in that industry when I'm older, I think I can really learn a lot from you and your company. Also, I know that you created the speaking channel, and as an aspiring broadcaster, I would really love to participate in your programs.
Homework isn't just for school. You did your homework here.
This time. I conducted thorough research into TJ and his company. So when he asked me what I knew about the company, I was fully prepared for to answer the question and show him the wealth of knowledge I had acquired about media training worldwide.
The fact that you took the time to show some research, it shows initiative on your part. Good job. Now, we've had some mixed results with people we've hired right out of college, to be frank with you, wouldn't prejudge you, but some of Them just have a problem adjusting to the work world. Our day starts at 8am here. It's an early day.
I actually wake up at 6 o' clock every morning and go do a yoga practice. So early hours are great for me.
Now sometimes an employer will ask you trick questions. They want to see how you react under pressure. In that case, you obviously passed with flying colors. Every employer wants to see a new employee coming in bright eyed, energetic, enthusiastic right at the start of work.
I think that my best part about the answer to this question was not only did I show that I am okay with early hours, but I actually managed to seem excited about waking up early and coming to work, which is a huge departure from the first interview.
So tell me, what else do you know about us?
Well, I actually read your book, Media Training A to Z. Ah, so you've read my book. Yeah, it was great.
What did you take away from it?
You know, I want to be a broadcaster and so I learned so many tips on how broadcasters act. Now when I watch programs and I watch Barbara Walters or I watch Katie Couric, I. I pick up on those things that you mentioned in your book and I understand the tips that they're employing and how they present themselves on television.
Okay, Erica, in this situation, you're sucking up. But guess what? Everybody says, don't do it. They're wrong. If you do it well, it's the best thing in the world. Now, in this case, you didn't just say, oh, I read your book, it was great. You said, why? So that showed to me it was sincere.
Reading TJ's book was definitely one of the most valuable parts of my research. And that's because it allowed me to show him that I really am interested in what he's talking about.
Any other life experiences you have that you think would give me a sense of who you are and what your character is all about?
Well, this is one of my proudest moments. When I was little, my parents belonged to the neighborhood swim club. And I loved swimming when I was little. And when I was six years old, I decided it was time for me to get the black band. The black band meant that you could swim in whatever pool you wanted without parental supervision. But what it really meant was independence. So I signed myself up for the test and I swam the two laps in this Olympic sized pool with my dad cheering me on. And with the little energy I'd left, I lifted myself up out of the pool only to find that the lifeguard hadn't been watching and wouldn't Give me the black band. I was so disappointed, I jumped back in the pool and. And retook the test and I left with what I came for, the black band. And I want you to know that just like I worked hard for that black band, I will work hard if you hire me for this company.
Erica, excellent use of story here. Now, some people can go on and on and on and talk about themselves in childhood. You don't want to do that. But most people err on the side of just the facts, ma'. Am. Just the facts, sir. So what I like what you did here is it was an interesting story about yourself that showed your character, your ability to really for something and to achieve your goals.
I prepared this story and I would recommend that to anyone going on an interview. Anyone can sit there and say they're diligent and hard working, but when you tell a true story, your real passion comes out.
Erica, I just want to thank you for your time. Appreciate you coming by. Anything else you want to leave us with?
I just want you to know that I have a really great understanding of what you're trying to do here at Media Training Worldwide and what you want for your company. And I just want you to know that I think that I am fully capable of doing everything that you need here. And with that said, I would really love to work for this company, and I just want to know if we can make that happen.
Well, I don't know if we're going to make a decision today, but do appreciate your enthusiasm, and I can tell you, you're definitely one of our top candidates.
All right, well, thanks, Mr. Walker.
Thanks for coming on.
Thanks for meeting with me.
Okay, Erica. Strong, close, good enthusiasm, very positive. And most important, you weren't afraid to ask for the job.
I must admit, it was a little intimidating actually asking for the job at the end of the interview. However, I think it really proved my point that I was extremely interested in the job. And I definitely think it sealed the deal for me in this position.
Very strong way to end the interview. Congratulations. I think you're going to get the job.
Thank you. I hope I do.
Speaking with TJ Walker is brought to you in part by Media Training Worldwide. For all of your media and presentation training needs, go to mediatrainingworldwide.com that's 3ws.mediatrainingworldwide.com.
