Preparing for an In Person Interview - article

You’ve been contacted by a local reporter who wants to meet you and interview you for a feature article in the local paper. This is your first in-person interview and you are feeling nervous. Take a deep breath. This is one of the easiest interviews to approach. This isn’t the same as a public speaking gig. A personal interview is an intimate conversation. It’s a chance to shine on a deeper level. Put on some comfortable clothes and head over. This one is totally low pressure. Here are some tips to help you on your journey.

Tip 1. Be prepared: An in-person interview offers the most flexibility. You are not in the hot seat. You don’t have to keep dead space filled. You don’t have to bring on the eye-candy. And best of all you can bring supporting materials such as a stack of note cards or even a spiral notebook with your thoughts. This requires similar preparation as for a phone interview, but you must GPS directions. Ask to go to quiet places and avoid places where it’s too loud and hard to hear. Try practicing some of the interview questions with a friend before you show up for the interview. It’s always a good idea to record video of your practice so you can watch for annoying habits that need to be addressed before the interview.

Tip 2. Dress code, notes, and setting the tone: You need to dress professionally, but business casual totally works. Wear something that makes you look your best and expresses your personality. Show up a few minutes early to focus your thoughts. Ask for the interviewer’s questions before hand so you can be totally ready at the interview. Bring your notes. This will go well. Shake hands and address your interviewer formally unless he asks you to call him by his first name. Set a tone of comfortable casual conversation, but don’t ramble.

Tip 3. Good speech skills: Take a sip of water and s-l-o-w down your speech. There is no reason to rush. If you speak so fast that the interviewer can’t pick up the details, you will get little press. Take time to collect your thoughts. This isn’t TV or radio. Think about your answer until you know how to frame what you want to say. More is often less. Next, be conscious at all times that your book is the rock star. Always drive the conversation back to the book. Your interviewer may be fascinated that you are a world famous clogging enthusiast, but your sci-fi romance isn’t about clogging. Stick to space and alien romance. Finally, be calm and ask any needed clarifying questions.

When the interview is finished, breathe a sigh of relief, but then head home and send out a thank-you note. Covering your book in the press is a great gift. Appreciate it.