Since I’m looking for a new job right now, a former boss gave me some advice about interviewing: “Don’t want the job too badly.”
People don’t like to see desperation. They want to see calm and confident. Someone who’s desperate for a job will say anything to get it; it’s impossible to judge if they’ll actually be good at said job.
Of course, you don’t want be too casual about it. You don’t want to have a take-it-or-leave-it attitude towards employment. If you don’t care at all about getting the job, you probably won’t care about doing it right, either.
My coordinator described it as, “I would really like this job, but I don’t need it.” Pretend like you have several job interviews today. Obviously, you wouldn’t say anything to a potential employer about other interviews (would you?), but it would certainly make you feel better going into this interview.
It’s the difference between want and need. You want this job– it’s a good show, nice pay, close to your house, whatever. But you don’t need it– you won’t starve to death if you’re on unemployment for another few weeks.
Even if none of that’s true, pretend it is. Ironically, your confidence will help you get that job, after all.
* * *
The Oscars are this weekend, as you might have heard. I’ll forgo giving my predictions this year, because I am always wrong.
Instead, I’ll give you a link to a new podcast I’ve been listening to, Too Much Film School. It’s two recovering film students discussing (i.e. complaining) about movies at great length. Or, as they put it, “A movie podcast by two guys who studied movies, and not much else.”
I particularly recommend their two Girl with the Dragon Tattoo episodes, which are pretty hilarious.
6 Responses
I’d suggest mentioning other interviews if other interviews exist, specifically when they ask about availability (don’t force it into the conversation), or at the very end say something to the effect of, “Just to let you know, there is a show running the same time also interested in me but no commitments have been made. I’m interested in working for this show, but I have to take whatever offers to me first…”
Employers get that PAs are in need of work, and will respect that. Also, if they want you then it’ll get the ball rolling faster. Suddenly you might see a job offer with a slightly higher rate, or maybe a little per diem thrown in. Or, maybe not. Hopefully, that other job will pay off.
This is also important because they don’t want to find out that you’re suddenly not available when they thought you were.
Is it necessary to say that you were a day player for a show on your resume and/or the interview?
Ashley- Nope. Don’t lie, of course, if they ask, but there’s no reason to bring it up if they don’t ask.
This will come in handy if I get more interviews this year than last. Last year: 1. Fingers crossed!
Thanks for the shout out! I didn’t know we had any celwebrities listening.
If you do like the podcast, please give us a positive review in iTunes. Apple features new podcasts on the main page, if it gets a lot of good reviews in a short time span.