Publishing jobs are not as few and far between as many people believe. While it’s true that the vast majority of publishing jobs were once located in New York City, today there are any number of opportunities in other states, as well as online.
Establish yourself with qualifications. Jobs in publishing are not as scarce as they once were, but there are still some stringent skill requirements. A degree in English, communications or a related field of study is most helpful. If that isn’t possible, taking a few classes would also be helpful. Doing the appropriate reading on your own is an excellent way to get some experience and expertise, even if you do have the degree. Keeping current with publishing changes and trends will keep you ready for job interviews.
Work your way up. If you have your eye on a cherry publishing job, you may just have to start at the bottom. And that may not be as an associate editor – it may be as the coffee fetcher. But if you keep up with the industry and are good at whatever job you do get, it will be much easier to move up the ranks into the “real” publishing jobs.
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General Knowledge
Can you give us an overview of how an academic department functions in the University?
What is your commitment to and understanding of Affirmative Action as it relates to students, staff, faculty and recruitment?What about retention, staff development or promotion?
Describe the type of relationship you think should exist between staff and students on this campus.
Administration
How do you make sure that your employees are accountable?
What do you typically do when you hear of a problem in your area?
How useful have you found written procedures and guidelines in helping you manage your area?
Do you believe that the chain of command is important? Why? When do you think it might inhibit organizational effectiveness?
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Communication
How would you define effective communication? What skills do you have that make you a good communicator?
How do you choose which medium/media to use to reach your various audiences? What are the strengths and weaknesses associated with each medium?
What are some of the strategies you have used to communicate technical information to a wide variety of people with differing levels of expertise?
How often in your professional experience have you encountered conflict between yourself and the subject of your story? Describe one such example.
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Ability to Learn
Give an example of a situation at your previous employer when you have had to keep up with changes in technology, terminology,and information specific to your field?
How quickly have you learned new processes for a job?What did you have to learn?
How soon could you learn this job well enough to become productive?
If time did not permit a training period on a new job, how would you go about learning the things expected or required of you?
Give three examples of your adaptability.
Describe the most recent formal learning experience you’ve had.
What are your long-term professional goals? How do the duties and responsibilities in this position relate to that goal?
What do you consider to be important attributes of a supervisor?
What kind of supervisor do you enjoy working for most? Least?
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Overall Job Performance
How do you typically handle yourself in a fast-paced environment?
How would you describe your work pace: fast,moderate, slow, or if it varies and under what circumstances?
What are your strengths? Why?
What are your weaknesses? Why?
How do you handle a heavy workload with many deadlines?
In all jobs there are heavy periods and light periods. What do you do in such cases?
You are given several rush projects to be completed in a short period of time. How would you establish priorities? Why?
How would you describe your organizational abilities?
How would you describe your attendance and punctuality habits?How would you describe your work habits?How would you describe your own performance standards?
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There are several pages of questions. Because each position is unique, these questions may or may not suit your specific needs. You might begin sorting out the questions by choosing only categories pertinent to a particular job/position. You may need to adapt or rephrase the questions to the specifics of your position.
The questions are divided into the following categories:
- Previous Job Experience & Performance
- Expectations for This Job
- Management Attitudes
- Decision Making; Problem Solving; Analytical Skills
- Interpersonal Communication Skills; Dealing with Conflict
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Contrary to what people believe that presentation is relevant, the information stored on your resume is all companies are concerned about. Putting heavy borders and color schemes will not change the qualifications and criteria of recruiters and most probably it is a waste of ink and paper.
Simple resumes will most likely be checked out first. Fancy resumes will get attention but it is no guarantee for hiring. You are coming as an applicant and not as a designer. Remember that and just show them what your qualifications are. They need a person to fit based on qualifications and not on how they can read an exaggerated resume without matching qualifications.
There are a number of job opportunities online. Finding one means that you have to establish your qualifications for the position. You may want to brush up on your communications skills or take a few classes to improve yourself. Even if you are eyeing top level jobs, it’s ok to start with the lowest level and just work your way up the corporate ladder – at least you are already inside of the industry that you want to belong to.
Have a well-prepared resume in your hand before you approach prospective employers. It is also a good idea to get a few clips of recommendation from your previous employer or from whatever social group you have.
Here are some specific examples of appropriate questions to ask during a job interview:
Job Performance
* How do you normally handle yourself in a pressured and fast-paced environment?
* What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why?
* How do you describe your work and organizational habits?
Creativity/Initiative/Innovation
* What are some ideas that you have contributed to your previous work?
* What have you done to make your job easier and more interesting?
* Describe an example of how you exercised innovation in your work.
Ability to Learn
* Do you easily adapt to changes in your work? Give examples how you are able to cope with it.
* Are you willing to have ongoing training as part of your job?
* Are you a fast learner or a slow learner? Give examples to support this.
Interviewers for job openings should be well-trained on the questions that they should ask. This is critical in evaluating applicants for the job. Since each position is unique, the questions have to be picked out to apply to a specific position. Choose from within these categories:
Previous work experience
Expectations for the possible job offer
Attitude as an employee
Decision making skills
Communication skills
Conflict resolution skills
Motivation/Goal orientation
Ability to learn
Cooperation
Dependability
Flexibility
Financial management
Honesty
Teamwork attitude
Technical skills
Initiative or Creativity
Planning/Oversight
Leadership qualities