Monday, November 6th, 2006
How Performers Can Flub The Interview... But Don't Laugh
When being considered for an "entertainment" position of any kind, the interview is often the determining factor. Performers will sometimes give the strangest answers to an interviewer's questions. The blunders being made are simply amazing...
So how does a manager or entertainment buyer handle a performer who mentions that they're not all that keen on working too hard? Or what's the proper response when an applicant is 25 minutes late for a follow-up interview, slouches back in his chair, and then gives you an attitude when reminded about his tardiness? Well, for starters the manager or buyer should at least try and keep a straight face (both of these responses actually happened) and try to avoid the urge to burst out laughing. After all, that would be totally unprofessional.
According to my unofficial survey, most performers looking for work strive to make a favorable impression with managers and buyers during an audition, but many tend to blow it big time during the interview segment. Some of the most inappropriate comments made to me over the years are as follows...
- Many candidates have cursed continually during an interview.
- An applicant once stated confidently that there wasn't anything I could tell him that he didn't already know.
- Another applicant argued that my requirements for hiring were wrong... and then proceeded to tell me how it should be done.
- Several people have invited me out for a drink after an audition or interview.
- One prospect told me all of the reasons he shouldn't be hired.
- A band leader applied for a job, and when asked what he might not like about the job, he said "playing requests for the people."
- Another candidate said he wasn't really that interested in the job, but he liked that the performing hours were short.
Dennis Compo, a long-time associate and entertainment consultant said that he wasn't surprised by my results. "I interview people on a daily basis and it amazes me how many inappropriate comments or blunders are made" said Compo who interviews about 10 performers every week for a variety of job opportunities. "I am seeing it across the board. It's not specific to any one category and it's all ages. I've had an individual say that he would prefer a job offer from a competitor."
Like other entertainment consultants and party planners, Compo says the job interview is crucial for an applicant because who you are can sometimes be more important than what you can do. "They should prepare for questions they are likely to be asked, for example, what do you know about the venue or company hiring you? Another common mistake is to speak negatively about a previous employer or venue. Speak only about the positive aspects of the proposed job on the table... the one you're so eagerly looking forward to."
Compo says that he believes it's best to listen respectfully to applicants when the interview is going badly, and then take them aside later and offer some pointers for future interviews. "I think we should share that information with them and give them feedback," he said. "But no matter how poorly the candidate does, don't laugh," he adds.
Another recruitment specialist that I know disagrees about offering pointers to an applicant who does poorly on an interview. "That's not my role" she suggests.
Here are a few of my interview tips to help nudge you in the right direction...
1. Research the job opportunity. Find out as much as you can about the hiring company and/or the gig before the audition and interview. Check out their web site and, if possible, talk to someone who has played for the company or the venue in the past.
2. Prepare intelligent questions. Once you've done your research, come up with some questions of your own to ask about the gig and the company. Incorporating some company related dialogue from the stage is always a good selling point, and questions along this line are always received positively.
3. Listen. Pay close attention to the interviewer. To be a good listener you need to focus your full attention on the speaker and try to avoid thinking about what you will say next. Maintain eye contact and use non-verbal clues such as nodding, to show interest in what he or she is saying. Ask questions whenever anything is unclear.
4. Keep your answers brief. Your responses should be focused and concise. It's ok to think for a moment before answering... in fact it can make your answer seem more thoughtful. Avoid any further "chatter" beyond the direct answer. Natural pauses allow the interviewer to absorb what you have said.
5. Go easy on the "charm." Although you want to appear personable, don't overdo it. Concentrate on showing that you have the ability to do the job at hand. If you work too hard at "winning over" the interviewer, it can come off as insincere.
6. Be yourself. Let your personality shine through... if you've got a "kooky" side (and it isn't over the top) don't suppress it entirely... let your interviewer get to know you.
7. Show initiative. If the interview goes well, and you want the job, you might offer to solve a problem by providing the sound & lighting equipment or playing an extra dance set to further accommodate the buyer's needs.
8. Bring publicity material. Leave a professional promo package with the interviewer. Be sure and include something to remember you... a DVD and/or a CD plus a few newspaper reviews that highlight your most notable past performances. Perhaps a letter of reference from a comparable company function would be appropriate?
In closing, I would suggest that most interviewers are generally aware of a performer's skill set before the interview takes place. But the interview allows the buyer to become more acquainted with the person behind the talent... a glimpse into a candidate's candor, professionalism and personality, which can often be the deciding factors one way or the other. Don't blow your opportunity.
|
Posted By Les Vogt @ 12:00 AM
Author's site: http://www.members.shaw.ca/lesvogt
Les Vogt is an independent producer, promoter and entertainment consultant. Contact: lesvogt@shaw.ca | [Comment on this blog post] |
|
