Public Affairs Links - Interview Tips

Interview Tips

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You've filled in piles of application forms and written what feels like thousands of words. Now you've finally earned the chance to meet a real person in the company.

Given that this is the bit that costs them the most money and time, that means they must like you on paper. But personal contact is everything in public affairs. The key question is - would they put you in front of a client that pays the firm thousands of pounds every year? Your job in the interview is to show you are capable of being a dependable and credible face for the company.

So, what are companies looking for in an interview?

Quick thinking

Public Affairs consultants help clients solve tough problems in their businesses, and are often put on the spot at very short notice. You have to be sharp and credible in your response to questions where you might not be 100% prepared on the answers.

Achievement

You've got to be good, and good at talking about being good. Your Nobel Prize is all very well and will get you 95% of the way to that job compiling contact databases - but if you come across as thinking you're God's gift, you will be seen as someone no-one wants to work with. Know your strengths and communicate them well.

Confidence

Critical. Public affairs is a people job - working with colleagues, working with clients. At all times you should be able to project an image of cool, calm and collected. Come across as someone who your interviewer would trust to complete a key piece of work on time and without fuss and you've won half the battle.

Leadership

Leading and persauding people is key to success in public affairs - the fact that lobbyist drive for changes to existing views means they are always required to lead strongly. Look like someone who people will trust and follow.

Presentation

Look the part. That doesn't necessarily mean wearing a tie. It means looking like someone who crosses all the t's and dots the i's.

Well-rounded

It's no good being an academic genius if you have the social skills of Patrick Moore. Campiagners and lobbyists need the full package, so recognise your weaknesses and make every effort to improve (or hide them).

Some things to avoid;

The obvious

Mumbling, speaking too quickly, being unclear - cardinal sins in any interview. Don't lose sight of the fact that however uneven the situation might be, an interview is still a conversation!

Looking unprepared

Know the basics. Why do you want to work there? What do they do? Who are their clients? Check their company profile on our site and APPC Register to see if you can glean anything from there.

Delaying tactics

Don't forget that for the interviewer, this is work. Like all work, they'd like it to be over quickly and painlessly. Make it as easy an experience for them as possible; they will appreciate you for it.