Does anyone work in Publishing? I need interview tips.

Monkey61

Hey guys,

I have an interview with one of the main literary publishers in the UK next week and I have no idea what to expect in the interview or what type of person publishers are looking for. I never expected to get the interview because I don't have an MA in Publishing and I know plenty of people who do so I think I am at a loss qualification wise anyway.

It is an entry level position in the Sales Operations department and as I have only ever worked in retail and never had an interview for a career type job as opposed to a "just need to earn some money" kind of job, I am unsure of the type of questions they are likely to ask me. I don't know very much about the publishing industry either, but I know that these jobs are highly competitive so I am reading as much as I can about the company - but other than that I am at a loss.

For a job of this sort, do I need to specifically say that my dream career is within the Sales Department? Is that where I see myself in 5 years?

Also they have not advertised a salary for the job, but asked in the application form for my salary expectations. Am I allowed to ask them in the interview what it would be?

Thanks for any help guys!

Jobdoctor

You’re asking just about every question people ask when confronted with the prospect of an interview.

I can only assume that if called for an interview you made application. If that is correct then your application must have had some information that they liked - or wanted.

Again I assume that you’re C.V. or other information provided is truthful so as a first step, go over what you sent them and identify what it was that caught their eye.

You are approaching the whole thing from a very negative point of view. You talk about what you don't have and can’t do. Keep up that mindset and you are doomed at interview. Think positive. Think about your talents and what you did well in your last job. That are only expecting someone with the skills and experience that you documented when you contacted them.

So when you present yourself, know your C.V. Be sure to have carefully thought through your career to date. Refresh your memory on the tasks you had, the responsibilities you had and the skills you have acquired. Think them through carefully and thoroughly so when asked a question you can respond promptly, (because you have thought it through) confidently (because you have thought it through) and more important than you think, smile and be pleasant.


It’s important you chat away and answer questions as close as you can to examples of what you have done that closely relates to the subject matter. Remember an interview is just a discussion between two people about a position on offer. In this instance it’s a sales job and you’re the sales person selling yourself. The interviewer is the buyer. Since it’s a sales job they will expect a good sales presentation. You can only draw on what you have done in the past.

E.g. What sales experience have you? Answer (maybe not a lot) you say, and truthfully, “I have been in the retail trade for 1/2/3 years and as such was first point of contact with customers walking in the door. I never knew what I was going to be asked next so I made it a priority to know everything about every product we sold so I could advise customers well and help them as best I can”. Etc, etc…. Better than eyes down and saying “very little”

You don’t have a problem, your problems are all self made. Prepare well, really well, and by that I mean know your career history well. Carefully think through all your responsibilities. Be yourself, smile and talk away to the interviewer. Long silences are terrible for both parties.

Lastly, unless they offer a starting salary I wouldn’t ask at first interview. If they want you there will be a second interview. Then you can discuss it. But you may well be asked, what are your salary expectations, as you mentioned. Log on to some of the bigger recruitment websites and most have salary surveys. They will be a good guide. Have a look at Sigmar or CPl, there are lots of others as well.

Good luck and relax – and smile, no one wants to hire an old grump. Would you?

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