Interview Tips: Prepare For The Dream

I know that I'm not the only blogger with a book fantasy. Because at the heart of it all, we bloggers are writers. In a way, we blog because we have to. We get all these ideas swirling around in our heads, and the easiest way to get them out is to write them down. Because we're Web 2.0, these thoughts go online instead of paper.

Luckily, the fantasy isn't that far-fetched. Many bloggers actually have gotten those coveted book deals. It seems that almost weekly I read about a new book being written by a blogger. And the first blogger book turned into a movie, Julie & Julia, will be coming out next month. I cannot wait to see it!

Unfortunately, this is not a coy prelude to my telling you that I have one of those coveted book deals. Ah, but let me revel in the thought for just a bit....

Okay, I'm back. However, I am happy to tell you that I have something for all you bloggers, or anyone for that matter, who suddenly finds themselves in the spotlight. Many certainly don't need the help, like Nance who had a media frenzy around her blog, The Brian Williams Tie Report, last November. She did just fine.

But what if out of the blue, you needed to give an interview? Would you be ready? That's what happened to freelance writer Susan Johnston, who writes the wonderful blog, The Urban Muse. She was interviewed on ABC News and wrote a post about the experience and gave some interview tips.

I thought it was a really interesting post and was talking to my friend about it on the phone. I was saying that it would be really difficult for your average person to give an interview and said that I don't know that I'd be ready. Then she told me that for her job, she's given many interviews. I had no idea!

Then I asked if she'd be willing to answer some questions here about how to prepare to be interviewed by the media. She agreed. So here's is my friend Nichole Lawton with some tips. Thank you Nichole!


Can you tell us a little bit about the work that you’ve done?

I've worked for a non-profit adoption agency doing public relations work for about 13years. My work has involved extensive collaboration with local print, radio and television venues. I've written press releases and pitched story ideas. I served as spokesperson and interviewed with print and broadcast media. I have had experience planning special events, organizing a press conference, panel discussions, and arranging media coverage. I have produced agency publications and written adoption-related articles for local newspapers.

Are there any differences in your suggestions depending on the type of media - television, radio, magazine, newspaper, blog, etc.?

Preparing for an interview with the media is a lot like preparing for a job interview. The more you do it the more comfortable you will become with it. For simplicity, media can be categorized as either print (newspapers, blogs, magazines) or broadcast outlets (radio and television). The process of preparing is similar for both types of outlets and I'll distinguish any differences. Since preparing for a television interview is probably the most nerve-wracking for most people, I'll focus my tips on that area.

What are some of the biggest mistakes that people make when answering questions during an interview?

Some of the biggest mistakes include going into the interview not having done your homework prior to the interview (more on that later), rambling for the sake of talking (it’s okay to pause or stop talking when you are finished answering the question), and feeling obligated to answer a question. If a question comes up that you don’t know, it’s okay to state that.

If you are not comfortable with answering a question because the subject matter is sensitive or too personal, it’s okay to discuss generalities, answer part of the question, or simply state tactfully that it’s not an area you would like to discuss. I would shy away from saying “no comment,” or answering a completely different question. It’s never okay to lie, but you can frame your responses to discuss your issues in a favorable light.

I'm curious if one mistake might be by giving the interview at all? There may be some circumstances where the person just might not be ready. Maybe if they are just too nervous? Or should people try and work through any fears?

I would not give an interview if you don’t have the knowledge base on the subject matter for the interview. For example, you’re new to a job and the interview is calling for an expert in the field. If you have the knowledge base, you can easily research any points in question. It’s always good to push your comfort level, so I would recommend working through your fears whenever possible. Being able to speak well publicly is a valuable skill in any profession and will grow you and your product exponentially. Practice, practice, practice and have fun (or at least look like you are).

Please read the rest of Nichole's Interview Tips on my writing website by clicking here.

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