Hey friend,
How are you?
I’ve recently had a couple of job interviews as I’m now in between contracts.
Who likes job interviews?
No one.
But I’ve learned over the years that the best way to manage the eebie jeebies and so, here’s my top tips for rocking an interview, i.e. doing the best you can.
Research the heck out of the new organisation
This is an absolute MUST. Read their website, their socials, their annual reports.
Talk to people who work there about flagship projects and organisational priorities.
If you don’t know anyone, reach out on LinkedIn. Be honest about your intentions - that you’ve got an interview and are keen to know more about the organisation’s culture and pressure points.
More specifically, look at their recent comms campaigns on socials. Think about the impression they made on you and how you’d improve or build upon them.
Then, drop these nuggets of wisdom into your interview responses
Weave them into your answers. Don’t wait for them to ask what you know about the org.
For example, say, “I know you guys ran a campaign on Z. I think it was very impactful, and I think you could build on it by doing Y.”
Or, after giving your own example, say, “This was similar to your [platform] campaign on X project. We had a great result with ours; I’d love to hear about your metrics.”
Or, I know [name of org] is focused on Y right now. This kind of issue really emphasises why communications is so important in an organisation because…”
Trust me, they will LOVE this. Next level response.
Match your examples to the job description
Pick ones that match the skills they’re looking for.
This helps them see how your experience fits the role and makes it easier for them to picture you doing the job.
This means you may need to be ruthless with your examples. Choose relevance.
Practice your summary spiel of your top skills and experiences
This usually ties into the first question of “Tell us about yourself and why you’re interested in this role.”
It’s your opportunity to summarise all your awesome skills and experiences.
It gives the interviewer a clear picture of who you are - on your terms.
Put your responses into dot points
If you have an in person interview, you may be able to bring in notes. But you don’t want to be reading off a sheet of paper.
Interviews are like conversations where you do most of the talking.
If you’re online, you can read a bit more on the screen in front of you but you still need to maintain eye contact with the camera and not your notes.
So, use dot points and PRACTICE.
Practice your answers out loud
I know it is cringy but this really helps with your delivery. V
Video yourself so you can watch it (eek!) and see how many times you say “um” and “err”; and whether you maintain eye contact etc.
It’s not about being word perfect but improving your presentation skills.
Be genuine, and smile!
While technical comms skills are super important, if it comes down to two highly skilled people, the org will choose the person they think will best fit the team.
We spend a lot of time at work and it’s crucial that everyone gets along. So, being personable, positive, and genuine makes a big difference.
You don’t need to be an extrovert. At the very least, smile often and make eye contact. It goes a long way.
Remember, prep builds confidence!
Good luck!
Now, let’s get kick into gear with this week’s 51 new comms roles.
Note that some are only open for a few days or are closing soon, so don’t delay.
As you know, the Comms 4 Development Jobs Board is a weekly list of paid roles (no volunteer or intern roles) and carefully curated by yours truly.
It’s for communications professionals in the global development sector.
All roles are handpicked and open to non-locals, in developing countries only.
You won’t find anything else like it.
And it’s delivered straight to your inbox bright and early every Tuesday morning (AEST) (except for today!). For the bargain price of $US10/month.
Paid subscribers get the full deal, 2 hours ahead of everyone else, while free subscribers get 10 roles picked at random.
I do the hard yards finding these gigs so you don’t have to! You’re welcome.
Pacific Community (SPC), Suva, Fiji 🇫🇯
Outreach and Engagement Advisor
https://careers.spc.int/view/8d6e2c21-8f4f-4586-bdb5-78ca18927c44
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Beijing, China 🇨🇳
Senior Communications Officer - Digital
https://www.aiib.org/en/opportunities/career/job-vacancies/staff/job-details/senior-communications-officer-digital75.html
UN Women, Beirut, Lebanon 🇱🇧
Writer and Editor Specialist (P4)
https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1001/job/35808
Living Goods, Nairobi, Kenya 🇰🇪
Director Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships
https://livinggoods.applytojob.com/apply/vinM71QdqV/Director-Advocacy-And-Strategic-Partnerships
Norwegian Refugee Council, Niamey, Niger (French required) 🇳🇪
Communication and advocacy Coordinator
https://ekum.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_2019/job/21403
International Labour Office (ILO), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (French required) 🇨🇮
Consultant individuel en communication pour la création d’un Poadcast et d’autres livrables autour d’un Atelier sur le Genre
https://www.ungm.org/Public/Notice/308738
Save the Children, Kyiv Ukraine 🇺🇦
Re-advertisement: Director of Advocacy, Campaigns, Communication and Media (Ukraine Response)
https://hcri.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/16489
Child Fund, Belo Horizonte, Brasil (Portuguese required) 🇧🇷
Specialist, Communication
https://weconnectchildfund.my.salesforce-sites.com/careers/fRecruit__ApplyJob?vacancyNo=VN3299
Clean Air Fund (Africa, multiple locations)
Senior Communications Officer, Breathe Cities
https://cleanairfundcareers.org/job-detail.php?jobid=319420
International Platform for Ocean Sustainability (remote)
Communications & Design Partner
https://ipos.earth/call-for-opportunities
Like what you’re reading?
You’ve only just begun!
Hit subscribe now and get instant access to all 51 roles on this week’s board!
And next week, and the one after that… all for just $US10/month.
That’s seriously good value.
You won’t find a list like this anywhere else.
If you like this post, please click the ❤️ below.
And share it with a friend - https://comms4development.substack.com/p/sneak-peek-jobs-board-128
You’ve got this.
Lani
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