Getting your first job

How do you stand out and make an impression in interviews? Four editors give you their top tips.

Jess Brammar, former editor-in-chief, HuffPost UK

Read the site. This sounds obvious, but it's a common reason not to give someone a job. If you aren't familiar with the outlet you're applying to – and you should be able to namecheck your favourite reporters and quote some pieces you've enjoyed, or thought didn't quite work – then you rule yourself out for the job.

Come across as a consumer of journalism. Expect to be able to discuss what you like reading and watching, from a variety of outlets. Show that you not only understand the online journalism world but that you enjoy it.

Bring something to the table. You should be asked what stories you are passionate about telling, and how you can access communities and stories that aren't being covered. If you aren't then bring it up at the end.

Energy. Remember your interviewers will be having this same conversation with many people. Someone who walks in confidently with a friendly smile can really wake up your panel at the end of a long day sitting in that room!

Louise Hastings, managing editor, Sky News

Applying for a job can feel a bit daunting, trying to work out what the recruiters want. 

Firstly, read the job advert carefully. All the clues are there. For example, if it’s asking for “a creative journalist who can handle the big events and breaking news” give a couple of examples of stories you’ve done that fit the bill. Take the advert point by point and you will be on the right track.

When it comes to the job interview, do your prep. Think hard about why you want the job and the experience and skills you will be bringing to the organisation. Have plenty of examples to back you up. Think too about whose work you admire and some recent coverage you really enjoyed, and have a couple of interesting story ideas up your sleeve.  

Finally, try as much as possible to be excited about the interview. You’ve got this far and the panel wants to meet you! Channel all those nerves into positive energy.

Luke Jacobs, brands editor, Kent Live

Above and beyond, I'm always impressed by positive minded potential reporters who come to interview with their own ideas, and who are also open to trying new things. 

You should be prepared to demonstrate passion for getting your foot in the door when it comes to journalism, whether that be sport, news, business, feature or broadcast or print and digital.

Also, try for work experience at regional and local newsrooms. 

Even if you don't get the internship, you get experience on what it's like to apply and crucially, your name and CV are now present in newsrooms they weren't in before.

On that very subject please also take the time while studying to build up your portfolio and cuttings - see it as building your 'brand' as a journalist.

I'd also suggest a Facebook page as that shows an awareness of social media engagement and getting an audience to your stories

Steph Marshall, head of BBC West

A love of what we do. Always remember that quite often we are interviewing at least seven or eight people for a role. We need someone who loves what we do and can articulate why. We are looking for real evidence of knowledge of the product that you are applying to work on. 

These days there are no excuses not to have had a good look at the paper/programme/website that you want to work on. You would be surprised how many people walk through the door without a clue of what they will be working on!

Have loads of ideas. Real ideas that you know would work well for the role you are applying for. Think about who you would want to talk to; what pictures you would need and how you would set about getting them.

Believe in yourself. Remember, we need to believe that you can do the job or have potential to do the job. Be confident and calm. Do your homework – talk to other people who are doing the job you are applying for; bring in your notes – it’s not a memory test.

Make sure certain things are front of mind – why you want the job; what makes you the best person for the job; your best story; examples that show you are a team player; what development you need (don’t be frightened to say you’re not completely ready yet – we don’t expect you to be) – but we are looking for people with enough self-awareness to realise what help they might want.