How to give your best interview

by Stratton Craig

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Copywriters often rely on interviews to get hold of the information they need to write web content, customer facing promotional materials, stakeholder magazines and more. What you say – and how you say it – goes a long way in helping us to understand your key messages and phrase them in the right way.
You can follow these tips before and during an interview to ensure you and your company come across in the best possible light.
Ask to see the questions beforehand
This serves two useful purposes: it gives us an opportunity to ensure we’re not missing any key themes, and it gives you time to reflect on the topics. You might even want to refer to your latest mission statement or bounce ideas off your colleagues so you can paint a fuller picture of your company’s values.
Dig out any relevant stats
Are you holding onto any facts and figures that help to emphasise your firm’s unique capabilities? For example, if you’re voted best in the country for providing a particular service, or your sustainable practices have been commended, don’t be shy about your good work. Having this information to hand will help to highlight your company’s achievements from the moment you say ‘hello’.
Prepare some sound bites
It can also be useful to think about the phrases your colleagues tend to use when speaking with customers or business partners. Consider the reasons you founded or joined your firm, or perhaps its values, mission and vision, and write down a few quote-worthy statements that help to summarise its finest qualities.
Take a few deep breaths
Just before you begin an interview, take a few moments to slow down. You may feel nervous about answering questions about yourself, or your brain may be buzzing with all of the information you want to transfer. These are the kinds of things that can cause anyone to speak too quickly or miss out important points. Give yourself enough time to relax and make notes beforehand and you’ll feel more confident and calm throughout the interview.
Correct us whenever necessary
It’s possible that we’ll interpret something you’ve said incorrectly or ask a question that doesn’t make sense. Be ready to jump in to set us right or ask us for clarification. The interview will be more informative and effective if we’re both on the same page.
Speak naturally
An interview needn’t be a formal exchange. The more comfortable you are, the better we get to know you and learn about your company’s corporate culture. Feel free to make jokes or ask us questions, just as you would in a normal conversation.
Follow up with interesting material
This isn’t always necessary, but it can sometimes be useful to forward materials you’ve mentioned during the interview. Previous examples of content, case studies, corporate statements and more can help us portray your story more effectively.
Learning about our clients and their employees is one of the best aspects of our job. Copywriters love to tell stories, which means we love to listen. If you have a story to tell, get in touch with us today.