EPPS Reveals The Art of Interviewing

EPPS Workshop in Hollywood

“Take A Copy of Your Resume Says National Recruiter” at Entertainment Publicists Professional Society (EPPS) LA Workshop

By George S. Mc Quade III

“Often the hiring chief has not had time to look at your resume, so you should be ready to tell them about your four or five skill set,” Pamela Robinson, a entertainment recruiter and career expert told about 50 publicists at an Entertainment Publicists Professional Society (EPPS) Business Wire-sponsored event, held at the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG Local 600) auditorium in Hollywood recently (4-15-07). “You want to let people see your personality, and talk about your broad base interest,” she said. Robinson, who is the co-author of the book “If I don’t Do It Now. Career Makeovers For The Working Woman,” also writes the Online career column for www.VarietyCareers.com. Robinson drew a laugh in warning people who talk about extra curricular activities like skydiving in an interview, which makes you appear to be high risk, she said.

Robinson is a premiere leader in executive search and is the founder/owner of the Robinson Company. She began her career in New York City working for an employment agency. Two years later she Robinson founded her own search firm, Carlton Management Limited, which specialized in the placement of accounting and financial professionals. After moving to LA in the late 70’s, she worked for Search West before opening her own entertainment search firm in 1985. The Robinson Company places executives in all areas of the entertainment business and has a specialty in the marketing and creative services area.

“Establish a comfort zone, look at the environment in the office and if you see a stuffed fish feel free to strike up a conversation about it,” said Madelyn Hammond, senior vice president of sales, marketing and retail for Landmark Theaters. “Learn how to ask questions in the office. You don’t want to take job and learn it wasn’t what you expected it to be. Do your research, show interest in the person, and ask questions. Don’t be afraid to talk about disasters on the job, they build character and it shows you can handle adversity,” said Hammond, who is also an EPPS Board member.

Hammond develops strategic alliances and revenue-generating opportunities, marketing, creative services and retail sales of specialized merchandise. Prior to working for Landmark Theatres, she was a producer of Sunday Morning Shootout, the AMC weekly talk show featuring Daily Variety Editor-in-Chief Peter Bart and Peter Guber. For eight years she served as chief marketing officer and associate publisher of Daily Variety and before that was with Sony Pictures Consumer Products, MGM/UA, and Turner Pictures.

Hammond and Robinson conducted interactive interview situations involving members from the audience that came up front and center to be introduced and critiqued on first impressions. Each participant was given personal advice on how to get an edge on the interview.

“Eye contact and a good handshake are important,” said Hammond as participants took turns socializing at a mock networking situation. “Don’t take a network meeting unless you come away with specific information or you’re wasting your time. If you work for an abusive boss, you don’t want to be a victim, but show strength. If they ask you why you’re leaving, you can reply ‘I’m not challenged anymore, never bring up anything negative.”

Hammond offered these tips having been on both sides of the fence and currently supervising several employees. “I have only 20 minutes to get to know you,” she said. “Be ready to answer the questions like, ‘what are you looking for in this job.’” Hammond and Robinson both agreed that job candidates should also know their accomplishments and even rehearse them in front of a mirror. “Before you interview, rehearse various interview scenarios with yourself and a trusted colleague,” said Robinson.

Money is the number one factor people look to move on, according to Robinson.

“It’s the people, they’re out of work, need to be challenged or money,” she said. As for closing the deal, “don’t send gift baskets, a handwritten note is perfect. Write a thank you note with a reminder about your skill set that fit the job.”

Anderson answers a few job seeker questions each month at www.varietycareers.com.
You can email your questions to AskPamela@ReedbBusiness.com. Variety Careers may select it to feature on the site with Pamela Robinson's response. To ask Madelyn Hammond career questions send your inquiries to: madelynh@mac.com.

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