3...2...1...Pick me?
September 8, 2011 7:09 PM Subscribe
I'm a college freshman who wants to work in production on my school's news show. How can I impress my college upperclass peers within a short audition time?
I just entered college as a freshman two weeks ago and am interested in working on the school's news program in a behind the scenes capacity.
Their "auditioning" process is to present them with a news story from a local newspaper rewritten in a broadcast style and some sample questions to ask a local person running for office.
Obviously there are people who have worked on this show for 1, 2, or 3 years longer than me, have more experience within the school, or are just generally more known to the interviewers. However, I feel I have the necessary background to do well as part of the production staff. In high school I was responsible for my school's TV channel and managed talent, wrote scripts, created graphics, and edited footage.
How can I convey this in the short amount of time that I have and without giving the impression that I'm bragging or coming across to strong/desperate (e.g., an undercurrent of "I REALLY WANT THIS COME ON")? Any tips on how to make the news story / sample questions stand out would be appreciated as well.
I just entered college as a freshman two weeks ago and am interested in working on the school's news program in a behind the scenes capacity.
Their "auditioning" process is to present them with a news story from a local newspaper rewritten in a broadcast style and some sample questions to ask a local person running for office.
Obviously there are people who have worked on this show for 1, 2, or 3 years longer than me, have more experience within the school, or are just generally more known to the interviewers. However, I feel I have the necessary background to do well as part of the production staff. In high school I was responsible for my school's TV channel and managed talent, wrote scripts, created graphics, and edited footage.
How can I convey this in the short amount of time that I have and without giving the impression that I'm bragging or coming across to strong/desperate (e.g., an undercurrent of "I REALLY WANT THIS COME ON")? Any tips on how to make the news story / sample questions stand out would be appreciated as well.
Best answer: Put yourself into their shoes.
Your interviewers are gonna be talking to a lot of people asking them the same questions. They are going to get a LOT of the same answers.
I'd bet good money that the people they choose will answer those q's in fresh, innovative ways.
Consider taking a risk with your answers. Whatever you do, don't give them the "same old, same old" or otherwise typical answers that you would expect other candidates to state.
[and I agree with RobotHero: def say your experience, but don't expect anyone to be impressed. Play it cool.]
Further:
If you don't get the job, don't quit. Just start showing up and vollunteering. At the end of the day, it's a university and these students choosing who's on the team have MUCH LESS power than they think they do (and at times, much more power than they think they do]. Just laugh and ask them if they really think they can get rid of you just because you didin't get the job? That kind of spirit will get a big eye roll, but you'll get a foot in the door (and don't think for a second that your future career won't need this kind of confidence)
posted by Murray M at 4:08 AM on September 9, 2011
Your interviewers are gonna be talking to a lot of people asking them the same questions. They are going to get a LOT of the same answers.
I'd bet good money that the people they choose will answer those q's in fresh, innovative ways.
Consider taking a risk with your answers. Whatever you do, don't give them the "same old, same old" or otherwise typical answers that you would expect other candidates to state.
[and I agree with RobotHero: def say your experience, but don't expect anyone to be impressed. Play it cool.]
Further:
If you don't get the job, don't quit. Just start showing up and vollunteering. At the end of the day, it's a university and these students choosing who's on the team have MUCH LESS power than they think they do (and at times, much more power than they think they do]. Just laugh and ask them if they really think they can get rid of you just because you didin't get the job? That kind of spirit will get a big eye roll, but you'll get a foot in the door (and don't think for a second that your future career won't need this kind of confidence)
posted by Murray M at 4:08 AM on September 9, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks to both of you! I won't expect anything but I'll certainly do my best to answer the questions innovatively/etc. I found out today that if I don't get one of the higher roles, I'll still get a basic job which will allow me to learn about everything from the other people working there so either way it'll work out well.
posted by Kronios at 11:06 AM on September 9, 2011
posted by Kronios at 11:06 AM on September 9, 2011
« Older Is this approach to adhd psychotherapy of any use? | Do you recognize this painting? Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
But also don't expect it to make you super-special. I'd bet you good odds that half the people you're trying to impress did similar things in high school. Keep that in mind and you won't sound like bragging.
To not sound desperate, keep in mind they will always have turnover from people who leave when they graduate, so of course they will need new people, and why not people who have demonstrated their interest by doing this sort of thing in high school?
I expect the story and sample questions just have to pass a baseline of competence.
Good luck!
posted by RobotHero at 9:38 PM on September 8, 2011