Publishing Job Interview Tips

by: Djai Tanji

Basically, a ghost-writer is an author beneath the author. He is paid to write articles, magazines, books, documents, reports and other writing contents that are normally credited to another author or person. The ghost-writer is sometimes recognized by the publisher for assisting the front author. There are times that a ghost-writer is hired because the supposed-to-be author like for instance, a public figure or a celebrity, does not have enough time or writing skills to put down into words the knowledge they possess. And sometimes, publishers hire ghost writers to boost the number or books ought to be published in a given time for highly viable authors.

The first step in starting a career is always goal setting. Without a clear set of goals, you will never have an understanding of where you are in your chosen industry. Imagine going in for an interview and face to face with the human resources manager he suddenly asks you the question, “Why do you want to work here?”, what is the first thing that comes into your mind? This may be the most important thing that will decide whether you will have a shining career or its time to move on to something better.

Is it because you saw the ad? Or is it because they are offering higher wages? If you answered any of these, do you honestly believe your prospective employer will hire you? The question behind the question is actually asking, what do you want to do with your life and will it be beneficial to our company?

If you are being interviewed for the position of Journal Production Controller, make sure to clearly establish the company’s expectations and the responsibilities that are entailed with the position. One critical process during the interview is for the applicant to find out more about the company that he intends to join.

As a Journal Production Controller, you need to purchase journal products, choose suppliers, analyze cost, negotiate with suppliers and assist in planning, testing and estimating production costs. The interview is the best place for the applicant to establish whether there will be other responsibilities that are attached to the position applied for.

If you want to be a commissioning editor, you must have a degree even though it isn’t necessary for you to be an English graduate. You must have good verbal and written communication skills. Also, you must have experience in journalism, copywriting, editing, publishing or media sales. For some jobs, you must have an MA in publishing or specialize on a subject matter or language. If you want to impress your employer, show that you have the qualities of a good employee like creativity, enthusiasm, adaptability, ability to work well even when under pressure and discipline to meet deadlines. If you have all these and you present yourself well during the interview, you can expect to become the next commissioning editor on your chosen place of work.

Commissioning editors manage lists that are concerned with a specific area like a subject or a book. Their job includes planning and monitoring projects, identifying and talking with authors, production and marketing staff, supervising the editorial staff’s work; dealing with budget and strategy; issuing contracts, attending book fairs; making book lists, studying books and book lists; reading, evaluating and commissioning titles; researching on the market; contributing to sales; writing reports. They usually begin as junior editorial assistants and they may work for commercial or academic publishers. They may also do freelance work once they have gained adequate skills and experience.

by: Djai Tanji

In a flash, you will be able to make a good impression with these step by step tips:

• Arrive earlier if you must to ease out the tension
• Do a quick brainstorm while you are waiting for the interviewer
• Make sure you are dressed properly
• Do not nibble on to something. Get rid of your chewing gums.
• Be fashionably ready for the interview. Be spotlessly clean, neat, orderly and smart looking.
• Shake hands, make eye contact, smile and sit with poise.
• Better be there alone, without any companion to avoid distractions.
• Do not babble anything about financial troubles or personal problems.
• Thank the interviewer/s
• Make a graceful exit after the interview. Try not to linger or loiter around.

by: Djai Tanji

Your clothes speak of what you have to say so you better groom up in time of the interview but not too overly dressed to avoid misconceptions. Make sure your clothes are clean and ironed if necessary to accomplish a neat and decent look. Interviewers can easily spot crumpled clothes and untidiness and that would not merit your job application. Try to dress up suitably for the company you will be working at. Do not dab too much perfume, aftershaves or cologne that is way too stingy. It is better if you smell fresh and clean so be gentle with the perfume or else it may throw the interviewer off or worse, trigger an allergy.

Searching websites for writers on Google? No need to check those thousands of links: just visit http://www.writersdigest.com/101BestSites/. In here you will find a list of 101 best sites for writers. You could browse the list for 2008 and 2007. The winners are categorized by agent blogs, challenges/creativity, general resources, genre/niche, jobs, just for fun, protect yourself, publishing resources, writing communities. You could also try other cool sites like WritersDigest.com, WritersMarket.com, WritersOnlineWorkshops.com, WritersDigest.com/blogs and WritersDigestBookClub.com. If you’re looking for helpful hints for the writer or you would like to meet other writers like you, this is the place to be.

Writers and publishers, check this out! www.writersdigest.com is a great site where you could gain useful information. If you’re looking for magazines, books, competitions, and online workshops, you are just a click away from finding what you need. If you want to sell your work, take a look into the writer’s market or choose shop if you want to buy instead. There are also helpful tips about getting published, writing better works, how to be more creative and other things you must know. You could also participate with other people in the community area. You could also visit blogs and take a look at the video/audio section and writer’s resources.

Being asked to come for a job interview either in the publishing industry or in any other industry for that matter requires your anticipation of the questions to be asked and preparation to ask your own questions. It is not only valid but also expected and may be a gauge of your interest in the position if you ask some pertinent questions during the interview process.

Here are some questions that you may consider to ask from the interviewer:
• Is there an opportunity for career growth?
• What is your company’s policy for promotions?
• How do you evaluate employees?
• What makes you stay with this company?
• When will the decision to hire be made?
• After the interview, what’s next?