My Recommended Online Resources for Interview Preparation

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This week I’m continuing my interview blog post theme, and I’m going to supply you with some resources for interview preparation that I have found particularly useful. Whether you’ve got an interview coming up or you’re hoping to get one, spend your free time wisely and get clued up with interviews.

It seems that the graduate market really is as competitive as people say, and if you’re lucky enough to be shortlisted for an interview then there is really no room for error. An interview is like getting one of Willy Wonka’s golden tickets. The fierce competition for the entry-level publishing job makes the interview preparation crucial to being hired – hence my series of interview preparation blog posts. Below I have listed a few of the well-known websites that give interview advice, but of course there are LOADS and these are just a few of my favourites.

1)     The Student Room

I found a super long but useful blog post on the student room forums. It details 50 questions that you are interviewer may ask you and some advice about how to answer.

Check out: The Student Room 

2)     The Guardian Careers

I’m always writing about the Guardian Careers in one way or another and this is because they are really useful. They have an entire section on interviews, not to mention all of the other recruitment related topics.

Check out: The Guardian Careers 

3)     The Telegraph Website

The Telegraph website has a careers advice section with a useful article regarding the 10 most frequently asked interview questions. It as well gives advice about how you should be answering the questions.

Check out: The Telegraph 

4)     Prospects

I couldn’t leave out the UK’s official graduate website. It has plenty of tips regarding job interviews including what impressions to make, interview questions and problems. You could definitely spend a few hours on this website and find out a lot.

Check out: The Prospects Website 

These are four of my favourites. However, a simple Google search will pick up an array of useful websites to prepare you for an interview. If you’re in a similar position to me of applying for jobs and hoping for an interview, then the best way to occupy your time is to research all facets of the recruitment process.

Some of you who are following me on Twitter may be aware that I’ve started up a second blog called ‘The Beauty Bag’. I decided to create it as I have all this spare time and a love for beauty and writing. Do check it out and let me know what you think.

If you would like to contribute to this blog then email me. 

Intern Opportunities

• Conde Nast is seeking a picture intern at their Vogue office. Click here to apply. 
• The Hunger is an online magazine seeking editorial interns. Click here to apply. 
• Hachette is seeking an editorial intern for a period of three months. Click here to apply. 
• Oxford University Press is seeking a publicity intern from now until September 2012 for one day a week. Click here to apply. 

Are you looking for your first job?

• Palgrave Macmillan is seeking a marketing assistant at their Basingstoke office. Click here to apply.
• Sailing Today magazine is seeking a full time news/features writer. Click here to apply. 

Would you like to have your intern opportunities advertised on this blog? Send me an email. 

Intern Opportunities: 8th May 2012

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Intern Opportunities

• Easy Living magazine is seeking an editorial intern. To apply visit: http://digital.condenastinternational.com/uk/pub-page.current-jobs.htm
• Black Tomato is seeking an editorial intern. To apply visit: http://www.gorkanajobs.co.uk/job/10579/black-tomato-intern/
• Crane.tv is seeking an editorial intern. To apply visit: http://www.gorkanajobs.co.uk/job/10468/crane-tv-intern/
• Front magazine is seeking a picture intern. To apply visit: http://www.gorkanajobs.co.uk/job/10344/front-magazine-picture-intern/
• HEMYCA is a British design label seeking a marketing intern. To apply visit: http://www.notjustalabel.com/community/jobs/59235

Are you looking for a flexible internship?

• TRUNKhome is looking for editorial and social media interns. For more information and to apply visit: http://workinstartups.com/job-board/job/1102/editorial-social-media-intern-at-trunkhome/

Are you looking for your first job?

• Conde Nast is seeking a junior office assistant to work in the Nicholas Coleridge’s Office. For more information visit: http://digital.condenastinternational.com/uk/pub-page.current-jobs.htm

Interview Preparation: What to Do When You Can Answer a Question

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This blog post follows on from my previous blog post: Interview Preparation: What to Do When You Can’t Answer a Question. Now, if you’re one of those savvy individuals who thinks they can or will be able to answer interview questions, have you thought about how you’re going to answer – literally. I’m not talking about the structure of your content; I’m talking about how you are presenting your content. The most important thing to remember is that your interview is not a presentation it is a Q&A. There is a distinct difference. For example, the interviewer may ask ‘In relation to your CV and past experience, tell me a bit about yourself?’ one candidate may spend 40 seconds to 1 minute answering and another may spend 8 minutes answering. Content wise these answers could be just as good as each other, but the point is that the latter candidate isn’t being a savvy interviewee.

Here is what I mean by that:

1) Duration

Talking at your interviewer the whole time is not going to earn you any brownie points. You may feel that a longer answer is essentially a better answer but it isn’t. You should aim to keep standard answers below two minutes, this will ensure that the interviewer can take the lead with questions, won’t get bored or god forbid start looking at their watch. The more succinct and concise you can be with your answers then the better.

2) Don’t explain everything

The reason for keeping the duration of your answers down is because it will prevent you from digressing, and if you’re not careful you could forget the question you were even asked. As well it will ensure that you don’t over explain everything. If your interviewer is seeking clarification, they will certainly ask for it.

3) Keep it relevant

This expands on the pointer above. You should keep your answers as relevant as possible. For example, if they are asking you about a specific marketing placement that you undertook, don’t start talking about any other placements in your answer unless it has in direct relevance.

4) Don’t give too much away

It’s important to keep composed in an interview so that you can provide succinct and concise answers. However, I’ve known some interviewers to ask the same question twice. For instance, they may ask ‘what do you consider to be your weakness?’ you may then produce your prepared answer, but your interviewer may not be satisfied with it. When they ask again, the worst answer that you could give is something along the lines of ‘another weakness is that I can be lazy’. This answer will set alarm bells off in the interviewer’s head. So, even if you have to sit for a minute and think about your answer, then that is better than giving too much away.

5) Body language

As a last pointer, you may want to think about the body language you’re presenting to your interviewer. For example, you should keep your arms unfolded, shoulders down and relaxed, keep consistent eye contact and sit in an upright posture. You would be surprised at the amount you can give away or the negative impressions you can impose through use of body language.

You can also take note of the body language of interviewer especially when you are answering their questions. For example, if you’ve been talking for too long your interviewer may look away, look at their watch, fidget or blankly stare at you. These are all signs that you should be aware of when answering interview questions.

 Lastly, have a listen to the Guardian Careers podcast: Five Steps for Interview Success http://careers.guardian.co.uk/audio/careers-talk-five-steps-for-interview-success, I found it interesting.

Do you have any suggestions/requests for upcoming interview blog posts? Send or tweet them to me. 

Guest Post: Key Ingredients of a Successful Cover Letter by Graduate Recruitment Bureau

If an employer requests a CV to apply for a graduate job vacancy you should always include a graduate cover letter. What’s this? Well, this is your opportunity to introduce yourself and explain your suitability for the role - preferably on one A4 page. You must take time over this document and adapt it for each role because this is your one and only chance to impress, so make sure that it is immaculate. With over 80 applications per graduate job, creating a compelling cover letter married to a tailored CV should increase your chances of going onto the next round.

In order to create a successful cover letter the advice below should to be taken into account for each job you apply for. Not to mention, getting into this frame of mind will make tailoring your CV a lot easier. So if you’re wondering how you can go the extra mile, show you are the person for the job and beat the competition, then think about these five key successful ingredients below:

1) First impressions count

It’s not an option to just send a CV – a cover letter is mandatory – and a great opportunity to sell yourself so use it! The first impression you make is key, and firstly you should pay attention to the layout. Make it easy to read so no more than 3-4 paragraphs. Remember selectors spend less than 40 seconds scanning cover letters and CVs, so good presentation is vital. Use a business typeface like Verdana and keep the font size no less than 10. (If your handwriting is neat maybe consider this for your letter as this is a really good way to stand out plus it can be posted which add to its impact as no-one posts anything anymore!)

2) The Job Reference number

An obvious one but sometimes overlooked. A reference number is there for a reason so make sure it is bold and clear to see, otherwise the employer won’t immediately recognise which job you are applying for. If there isn’t one refer to the job title or scheme. If you are applying speculatively then leave this out as your tailored letter will take a different tone. After all, you are asking them to create a job around you so you better have done your research!

3) Addressed to a person not Sir/Madam

You need to have your cover letter read by the selector not a junior so, check before who this person is by looking at LinkedIn or calling the reception. It is a basic marketing rule that you must personalise your message to the correct addressee. It shows you have made the effort and done the research - It’s the little things that count, right?

4) Mention where you saw the job advert

This is important for the recruiter to know as they will record how all the applicants came about and they will be able to trace it back to certain marketing initiatives and see if it was money well spent. An appropriate place for this ingredient is in the initial opening lines.

“I wish to apply for the post of Graduate Retail Management Trainee as advertised in the Manchester Evening News on 27 October 2011. At present I am completing an honours degree in Management and French at the University of Manchester.”

Reiterating this will keep you focussed on the purpose of your cover letter and the role that you are trying to secure.

5) The middle paragraph is the most important

Get this right and you can guarantee a call. Before this you’ll have your introduction stating why you are interested in the role, and after, in your concluding paragraph you’ll finish positively by looking forward to an interview. Therefore, the middle paragraph is the heart of your cover letter. This is where you summarise and highlight your skills, qualifications and major accomplishments - the essence of your suitability. Pay close attention to the job description so you know precisely what skills to talk about, bearing in mind that you are not repeating what is already on your CV. Most importantly, explain why your qualifications and the job requirements are a good match to fit the role.

6) End with a call to action

Finish off your cover letter by saying you look forward to hearing from them and will call during the next 10 days for their response to your application. This shows your enthusiasm and reiterates your interest in the role. It leaves the door open to make another impression on them with a phone call.

Finally below is a check-list of some of the important dos and don’ts of a cover letter. Make this your check-list and use it before hitting send!

Do

· make your graduate cover letter tailored to the company and to the role.

· make it concise.

· make it persuasive and eye catching.

· proof read. Read it once then read it repeatedly. If possible get someone else to read it for you, this will ensure you catch every little typo or grammatical error.

· use an appropriate format; it must look professional i.e. for business purposes.

Don't

· make it generic.

· waffle! Think about what is relevant to the company and particularly the actual position/role.

· make it more than one side of A4.

· leave errors that will make it easy for the company to reject your application.

· forget to put the address of the company at the top of the cover letter and to sign it with you name. It is a formal letter so it must be in the correct format.

We hope that this helps! Click the links for more information on graduate cover letters and graduate jobs.

Intern Opportunities: 17th April 2012

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Intern Opportunities

I have teamed up with UK Fashion Intern (@ukfashionintern), who has carefully selected this week’s intern opportunities.

Journalism

Luxury womenswear brand is looking for a journalism graduate or experienced copywriter. Deadline 18th April http://ow.ly/ahGdt

Style News are offering an editorial and stylist internship. Assist on shoots and work with editors to create content ow.ly/1Krqfp

PR and Fashion

Alberta Ferretti and Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti are looking for a PR intern http://ow.ly/1KsLZL

Una Burke is looking for a PA & admin intern for PR & sales http://ow.ly/ahGMI

EDITD is offering an internship for a runway trend assistant http://ow.ly/ahHKQ

Meli’ Melo’ is an accessories label looking for a fashion PR student intern http://ow.ly/1KCHiB

Marketing

Craig Lawrence is looking for a marketing intern http://ow.ly/ahHVJ

Marketing showroom intern sought by Fount - newly launched contemporary womenswear label.http://ow.ly/1Krqyt

Interview Preparation: What to Do When You Can't Answer a Question

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Interviews are all about questions and answers; whether it is your question to the interviewer or a question that they are posing to you. It is a simple process in those terms. However, I want to discuss what happens when you can’t answer one of the interviewer’s questions (or at least not straight away). In an interview, I was once asked ‘I want a red ladder, not just any type of red ladder, but one that is a certain red colour e.g. crimson. How would you get one?’ I wasn’t expecting a question like that and my initial thought was that I wasn’t sure how I would – under pressure I said the first answer that came into my head. Had I of done my interview preparation I would have been able to give a better answer to reveal my competence. Therefore, being nervous in an interview and having the added pressure of answering all the questions, and to answer them well, can be a daunting experience. So I’m going to provide a few tips below to help anyone who may land themselves in the same situation I was in.

Why is the question difficult to answer?

Firstly, you need to establish why can’t answer the question, do you not understand what the interviewer means. For example, I could have asked ‘What do you mean by red ladder?’ as it is important to fully understand the question in order to give a good answer. A good answer will consist of multiple answers to show off problem solving skills, ‘I would buy a ladder from B&Q and paint it red, alternatively I would check out company contacts and connections, failing that I would a colleague what they would do. Therefore, don’t worry about asking questions like ‘What do you mean?’ if it means you can you can provide a better answer.

How can I buy myself more time to answer a question?

You can understand a question and still not know the answer. It is not recommended to answer your interviewer with ‘I don’t know’, because you will look incompetent. Instead, if you buy yourself sometime you may be able to produce a good enough answer.

Simple ways of doing this would be to ask the interviewer to repeat the question. In doing so, they may as well elaborate on the question, giving you more of a chance to think. Furthermore, don’t be afraid of taking a few seconds to think about your answer before you reply. Nerves can sometimes get the better of you in situations where you may feel under pressure. So keep calm and take a few seconds to think before you respond.

What is the best way to deal with questions I initially can’t answer?

• Quickly establish why you can’t answer the question.
• Remain calm and don’t feel pressured to respond quickly.
• If you believe it will help, you can ask the interviewer at the start of the interview whether you can take notes. This may help you either to understand the question or to have a reminder of the question when you’re giving your answer.

For more advice on interview answers, check out my previous blog post on how to give STAR answers - http://diaryofapublishingintern.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/competency-based-interviews-star-q.html

Intern Opportunities: 10th April 2012

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Intern Opportunities

Recently I have teamed up with UK Fashion Intern (@ukfashionintern), who has carefully selected this week’s intern opportunities.

Marketing and PR

Chris&Tibor is offering work experience in Fashion Marketing for an intern http://ow.ly/1KhfjF

New PR company is looking for a fashion intern to fill places in their new London offices. http://ow.ly/1KfYC9

PR internship. This is one for fashionistas in Cheltenham. Fashion Week http://ow.ly/aaUcp

Liz Black is looking for a student/graduate studying fashion journalism, communication, pr or marketing http://ow.ly/1KfFFf

Schön! Magazine is looking for a PR intern. http://ow.ly/1Khiod

Olivia Rubin is offering a wide range of experience for a PR intern http://ow.ly/aaVN9

Handmade in the UK lingerie company are seeking an intern to help with marketing, social media and PR http://ow.ly/1KfGYz

Fashion designer Cristina Sabaiduc is looking for a communications intern http://ow.ly/1KhhrO

Sales and Research

Scottish fashion internship: Bibaloo.com is looking for a sales intern http://ow.ly/aaSHh

Trendstop are offering an internship in Menswear Trend Research, shadowing a senior team memberhttp://ow.ly/1Kg6IE

The Fashion Goodie Club is coming soon. Are you interested in helping with its conception? Looking for a research intern http://ow.ly/1KhgLG

Journalism

PAID beauty journalism internship for Sofeminine Deadline: 22nd April 2012http://ow.ly/1KfZS1

Are you looking for your first job?

Rare opportunity for a fashion grad to become a showroom manager for a top PR agency in London £20,000 to £25,000 http://ow.ly/1KfQeU

Interview Preparation: Asking the Employer Questions

Over the last couple of months I've been receiving reader responses for upcoming posts. Job interviews was one of the recurring topics that came up, hence this week's blog post. Instead of doing some simple do’s and don’t's I’ve decided to create a series of blog posts called ‘Interview Preparation’, in order to cover this substantial topic.

The first post in this series is ‘Asking the Employer Questions’, this is an area I’ve been bad at in interviews and some of you may have overlooked it before too. Thus, have a read of the prompts I've created below.

Should I ask my interviewer questions?

This may sound slightly obvious considering the title of this post, but in short, yes you should ask the employer questions. This will reveal the full extent of your job interview preparation. Having no questions to ask the interviewer may give off negative impressions such as, incompetence and ill prepared.

Have your questions already been answered on the company website?

Saying that, you should make sure that your questions aren’t easy ones that the company website already answers. Instead, try to be a bit more original by asking questions like, how do I need to perform in order to be successful in the desired role.

Are your questions good?

Furthermore, once you’ve prepared your questions (this could be up to 10 or more), then decide whether the question is of a good enough standard to ask the interviewer. For example, your questions should be open ended and not closed (typically a yes or no answer is achieved through a closed question). You can get out of asking closed questions by using words like ‘how’ or ‘why’.

Once you’ve done that you can filter your questions down even more by removing the less useful ones. This may include questions that are hypothetical e.g. 'what if...' and so on.

What shouldn’t I do?

Don’t ask the interviewer anything irrelevant or personal. I know a lot of people research their interviewer before the interview – fair enough – but make sure you use any knowledge gained from this to your advantage. For example, are they on YouTube presenting a work-related presentation? Then can you apply this knowledge to one of your questions? There is no point just throwing in a statement highlighting the fact you have researched them – unless you think it’s necessary and/or want to look like a stalker.

I hope you've found this post useful as I’m sure that many of you are in the same position I am in now, and will be undertaking numerous interviews come summer. Good luck with those and keep reading my future posts about interviews!

For inspiration of what questions to ask the employer, visit http://www.krantcents.com/20-interview-questions-to-ask-employers.

Intern Opportunities

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Intern Opportunities

Recently I have teamed up with UK Fashion Intern (@ukfashionintern), who has carefully selected this week’s intern opportunities.

Where? London

What? Editorial

Fashion Editorial - http://t.co/NKIq18dY

Do you want to edit a fashion magazine? - http://ow.ly/1JHAFQ

Fashion Copy Writing Internship http://ow.ly/1JFydW

Journalism Internship http://ow.ly/1xDU7C

Where? London

What? PR

Online Communication and PR Internship http://ow.ly/1JGPg7

PR Internship http://ow.ly/1JGQlq

Where? Manchester

What? PR

Press and Social Media Intern http://ow.ly/1JHroc

Are you looking for your first job?

Random House is recruiting an Editorial Assistant for Bantam Press. Deadline 4th of April. Please follow the link for information and to apply http://www.careersatrandom.co.uk/rhc_vacancies.asp.

Please remember that most the vacancies are on my Twitter profile page - @steff_lever

Get ‘Intern Opportunities’ and other blog posts straight to your inbox by subscribing to this blog via email. Please see the subscription box on the right hand side and submit your email. Once submitted, you will need to use the link in the automatic activation email to VERIFY your subscription.

Tweet of the week: 'Diary of..' readers, take note of #journorequest and check it regularly, if you want to get published!

Intern Opportunities

MyCelebrityFashion is seeking an Editorial Fashion Intern for 3 months, which is paid on a full time basis. For more information visit: http://www.mycelebrityfashion.co.uk/blog/calling-all-fashionistas--3-month-internship-at-mycelebrityfashion~1365/

Woman magazine is seeking fashion interns, from a minimum period of 1 week to a maximum period of a month. To apply send your CV to aoibhinn_mcbride@freelance.ipcmedia.com, or tweet her @AoibhinnMcBride.

Would you like to complete a yearlong placement?

Loreal offer 12 month placements in various departments, from the News Media department, PR, Marketing and others. Internships range from 3 months to 1 year.

For more information and to apply visit: http://www.lorealbusinessclass.co.uk/

Do you want a flexible internship?

Hedonia is looking for a part time administration assistant, who has a love of dresses. To apply please email: contact@hedonia.co.uk

CocoKouture Magazine is always seeking new interns. This is a flexible placement overseas, where you work from home as a writer/blogger. The magazine covers a range of topics from fashion and beauty, to style and trends, so if you’re interested in writing for them please use the link below.

To apply, please visit: http://www.cocokouture.com/contact/internships

Are you looking for your first job?

Conde Nast is looking for a PA/ Advertising assistant /Events Coordinator. For more information, please visit: http://digital.condenastinternational.com/uk/pub-page.current-jobs.htm

A copy writing and content role is available in North London, with a starting salary of 18k. Please send your CV to RachelH@blueskiescareers.co.uk.

Please remember that most the vacancies are on my Twitter profile page - @steff_lever

Methods of Networking

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I’m sure most of my readers will be in the same position that I was, when I first started searching for work placements. If like me, you don’t have any contacts and you’re not sure where to start networking, then read on.

How should I approach networking?

I’m not going to bore you with defining networking or discussing its significance. I will simply give you a couple of ways that you could build up contacts.

When you’re on placement: Go to other departments and speak to someone there. Have a 10-minute chat with them, find out what they do, what they think the job market is like, and whether they have any advice for you. Take note of their name, and later follow them on Twitter/add them on LinkedIn.

When you’re not on placement: Build relationships with people through social media. For example, if you’re interested in journalism, follow some journalists. You will notice that they’ll tweet out questions such as, ‘Does anyone have some good money saving tips? Email ‘******’. Take the opportunity to gain a new contact and send them a few tips.

What should I say?

There is no need to be plain and say something awkward like ‘can I keep you as a contact?’ Instead, you are better off building work related relationships, i.e. communicating with people in the industry.

How should I stay in touch?

You don’t need to stay in touch that frequently. For example, if you have or had an Editor who helped you publish some work. Follow them on Twitter and give them the occasional tweet every now and then. You don’t need to be over the top with communication, just subtle.

The above are just a few of the ways that I have managed to build up contacts over the years. If you’re still unsure on networking, send me an email (steff.lever@gmail.com) or tweet me if you prefer.

For more tips on Networking go to ‘Top 5 Tips for Networking’

Alternatively, use the search box on the right hand side and search ‘networking’ to find all relatable blog posts.

Just to keep you in the loop, I’ll be resuming my Saturday blog posts from this Saturday (31^st) onwards – I can’t believe it’s almost April! I hope everyone is enjoying the weather, and has a good week.

Vocational Training: Should I do it?

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I have been emailed previously in regards to completing vocational training courses, and whether this is good training to have on your CV. Obviously, there are plenty of courses available for pretty much anything and everything publishing related. If you are considering a vocational training course, then consider the questions below in order to make an informed decision.

Consider these questions:

1) What are your reasons for wanting to complete a vocational training course?

Create a list of your reasons and what areas you specifically feel you need training in. For example, when I was considering vocational training it was purely for improving English skills like, grammar, proof reading, editing etc. However, I found that if you do your own research, and use a search engine to look up e.g., ‘how to proof read?’. By doing so, you will be able to pick up plenty of skills/tips. Thus, I would encourage that you do your own research first, in the areas you fill you need help in the most, before undertaking a vocational course.

2) Is it feasible?

If you’re a student contemplating a course over summer, think about the feasibility of undertaking a course. This covers all aspects such as, cost, travel and time, as when you’re a student time is very valuable for building up work experience and skills.

If you’re a graduate seeking work and wondering if a course will improve your CV, it probably won’t. In the grand scheme of things, employers will be looking at the whole package. Your time will be better spent researching companies and applying for full time jobs. Expand your search if you’re not getting anywhere. Someone once told me that it’s easier finding a job when you’re already in a job.

3) Is your time better spent doing other things?

This comes back to whether the training is feasible as once you get a full time job in publishing; this is when you’ll be able to focus on your skills. Some companies will train up new employees too. Remember, publishing is a fast-paced industry, where you’ll be able to pick up and improve skills quickly.

4) What are your other options?

As I said before, if you want to improve your proof reading skills, you’re probably better off becoming a writer for your student newspaper, and experiencing editing first hand. Many areas that you may feel you are weak at can be improved by covering those aspects in a working environment.

Weigh up the pros and cons, everyone is different and will have different reasons for completing a vocational training course. As long as you have considered all the questions above, then you should be able to make your own informed decision. Don’t forget, you can also use my previous blog post ‘Working Skills: A Guide to the Six Thinking Hats’, to help you make the best decision possible.

Would you like any further blog posts on vocational training? Use the comments box below or tweet me to let me know.

Working Skills: A Guide to the Six Thinking Hats

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As I have said before, I’m now expanding my blog posts to cover a variety of topics covering careers and the recruitment process. This week, I’ve written a blog post that is particularly aimed at people who are already in full-time work, and who may want to develop their skills in decision-making. However, even if you’re still a student then please read on anyway as you may find this intriguing.

Edward de Bono created this concept of the six thinking hats. Each coloured hat is designed to help you in approaching and making the right decision. Thus, if you can approach decisions in the ways that the six different hats do, you will then be able to make the best decision possible. This technique can be utilised on your own or with a group of colleagues.

Here is how it works. Each hat represents a different way of thinking:-

-White: This hat makes decisions by analysing the data and figures that are available.

-Red: A red hat is someone who makes a decision using his or her gut reaction and intuition.

-Black: The black hat thinkers make sure that they analyse all of the negative aspects of the decision.

-Yellow: The yellow hat is opposite to the black hat. Instead of thinking negatively, the yellow hat looks at the positive aspects of the decision.

-Green: Green decisions highlight creativity and the ability to solve problems in a creative way.

-Blue: Blue hats control the process of making decisions. For example, when ideas are running dry, they may divert to green hat thinking in order to make a decision.

Working out decisions using the six hats technique will provide a well thought out approach in order to determine the best decision. This skill will be most useful in a working environment, for instance, when managing your team or aiding your team as a team member.

Are there any topics you would like me to address in future posts? Tweet me.

Keeping you updated...

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With the lack of intern opportunities on social media and company websites, I decided that it would be a good time to post ‘keeping you updated’. Although, if I’m honest, not a lot has changed for me since the previous post last month.

A lot of people have been asking me about the job market and the inevitable question ‘have you started applying yet?’ in short, I have and I haven’t. I’ve applied to three PA/Editorial positions at magazine companies, but it appears I’m still too early. My classic enthusiasm bug never seems to go away - I know some of you feel the same..

I received an email from a reader the other week asking ‘how do you do it? How do you write so much outside of University and still keep up with it all?’, and I simply told them (like other final year’s I’m sure) that I have no social life whatsoever. However sad it may be, it’s still one hundred percent true. Even when I take that into consideration, it remains no understatement that as my dissertation deadline approaches, I’m definitely feeling it and quite frankly I’m struggling. So on that positive note, much to my dismay, I will not be posting my regular Saturday posts up until the 31^st of March, which is when they will resume. Some of you may feel heartbroken others relief. Any which way, to my joy, I will still be posting up regularly on Tuesdays.

As usual, feel free to send me a quick email if you have a query, statement or just want to chat – I’m a big fan of social interaction. Also, don’t forget that I’m still looking for any bloggers that want to contribute to this blog and to write about their positive intern experiences.

Here’s a snippet from an older blog post -

Over the next coming months, I would really like to expand my blog to include other student/graduate experiences of any publishing placements undertaken. I would like to do this as I think this would help other reader’s gain a bit more of an insight into work experience, in terms of what is involved and what they can expect from different companies.

If anyone would like to contribute to this blog then please email me. The written piece will be in a similar style to my own snapshot diaries, and will be entitled ‘Guest Snapshot Diary – [Name]’. There is no minimum word count as long as the piece is insightful.

For more information email: steff.lever@gmail.com

Hope you all have a lovely weekend :-)

Top 5 Tips for Avoiding the Catch-22 of Work Experience

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There is nothing more excruciating than not receiving work experience because you don’t have any work experience. By all means, if you have the contacts and the resources to secure work experience, then use them to your advantage. If like I was, you’re starting with no contacts at all, then have a think about some of the top tips below, and see if you can avoid that catch-22 of work experience.

1) Volunteer

By far the easiest way to gain initial experience is by working for your University/School. This could be by applying for a role on the University newspaper or magazine, working on events days or any other work for the University that will give you the key transferable skills, and will look great on your CV.

2) Local work experience

Usually, this will be easier than trying to gain a placement at a large well-known company. Therefore, do your research and have a look at what publishing companies are local to you. For example, I found a book publisher local to my hometown. I applied there and I was accepted shortly after. This meant that I was able to complete some work experience there when I was at home during summer. Additionally, because they were a smaller local company, my placement was a bit more flexible and cost me nothing in travel. So have a look on Google and see what companies are local to you.

3) Add originality to your application

Have a think about how you can be original with your application and/or how to show off your knowledge of the company. If you’re going for an editorial role, along with your application, send off a sample article that you would like to be published by the company – something original, which will suit their target audience. An employer will like the fact that they can ‘try before they buy’ as it were.

4) Send a personal letter (if possible)

It is difficult to do this for all of the companies that you apply for, but for the ones that you’re really passionate about, and especially the ones that give you a personal name to send your application to, then send them a letter instead of an email. It is much more personal and it will set you apart from the masses that email. Make sure you attach a cover letter, gearing it towards the company and really show off your knowledge of them.

5) Don’t give up

This may sound like an obvious tip, but the point is you need to be persistent. There is no use applying to only two companies per week, where applications are fiercely competitive. Of course, you should apply to wherever you like, but at the same time, you need to send out as many applications as you can because there is no room to be meticulous.

Of course, you can also use my blog and some of my other published work to receive some more advice from me. Specifically, look at my blog page ‘Where Do I Start?’ follow my advice and I’m sure like me, you’ll gain plenty of work experience. Some of my readers have already tweeted me and sent me emails about their work experience success stories when you get yours, get in touch. I’d love to hear from you.

Good luck in securing those initial work experience placements.

Are you looking for a publishing placement? (7)

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Intern Opportunities

A new fashion and beauty event in London are looking for Events Assistants. This is a paid internship.

For more information, please visit: http://www.fashioninsightjobs.co.uk/company/fashion-beauty-insight-summit/event-assistant-intern-paid--1074.html

Wonderland Magazine is seeking fashion interns to help with the April/May issues.

If interested, please email: fashion@wonderlandmagazine.com

Do you want a flexible internship?

CocoKouture Magazine is always seeking new interns. This is a flexible placement overseas where you work from home as a writer/blogger. The magazine covers a range of topics from fashion and beauty to style and trends, so if you’re interested in writing for them please use the link below.

To apply, please visit: http://www.cocokouture.com/contact/internships

Please remember that all the vacancies above can be found on my Twitter profile page - @steff_lever

Keep yourself up to date with intern opportunities by following me on Twitter.

Bag Essentials: Ever wondered what to take with you on placement?

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In the excitement that your placement has been secured, you can sometimes forget about the little things. It is all about preparation in the most basic form in order to make a good impression. Ever wondered what to take with you on placement? Just because you’ve made a good impression previously, doesn’t mean your efforts should stop there. Therefore, below, I have listed some bag essentials that you may like to take on placement.

1) Equipment

Don’t take everything for granted. Some companies are happy to supply you with stationary. However, if this is not the case then you’ll make a good impression by having your own notepad and pen. In smaller companies, it may be necessary to take a laptop with you to your placement, but they should tell you this beforehand.

2) Water

They say it is good for the brain, and at the very least, it will keep you hydrated. I always take a bottle of water with me on placement, that way; I can easily fill it up at the water fountain – it is good to leave the desk once in a while.

3) Health Essentials

There is nothing worse than having a headache on placement. Make sure you’re carrying some paracetamol in case this happens, don’t rely on other people to have them. Additionally, carry some plasters for when your feet get sore. The publishing industry is a fast-paced environment and you need to keep up, so take care of yourself.

4) Required Documentation

As with equipment, the placement organiser should let you know whether they require any documentation such as, copy of your passport, confidentiality agreements etc. If you do need to fill out any documentation then make sure, you don’t forget to take it with you on your first day. I went on a placement once where I had to sign documentation and take it with me on my first day. It was a requirement, and if I forgot it then I wouldn’t have been able to start.

The above pointers do depend on the company and your own personal preferences. Nevertheless, these bag essentials are something to consider if you have a placement coming up. It is important to be prepared and to give an overall good impression.