On the final leg…

This is my last day of my 20 days unpaid work experience at Rockend as part of their PR and Marketing Department. In the recent days of work, I have been doing some research into a case study that Cameron (the Marketing Manager) has assigned to me. SOLD is a bi-monthly magazine sent to real estate agents, and Cameron has asked me to do a case study/editorial on an influential and supportive client of ours to put into next months’ issue. I have interviewed the client and asked them a variation of questions about how Rockend and Rest Professional (one of the software products we offer) have helped them develop their business, and so forth. It’s safe to say that my interview and journalism skills were put to the test! My interview was extremely successful and surprisingly calm, and I took away with me plenty of relevant quotes and information to use in my final editorial piece.

This works out well for me because although technically my 20 days are up, this is my current everyday job, so Cameron and Isla have allowed me to continue on down the PR path, finish the case study and tackle any further PR work they have down the track (if need be).

For those interested, here are what I personally think are some important interview tips for interviewers:

Be 100% prepared – make sure you have everything that you may possibly need for the interview, be on time and presentable, and feel confident in your demeanor.
Know the interviewee – make sure you know as much as you can about the interviewee before the interview so that you can make the most of the interview.
Know your topic of interest – be completely immersed in the topic of discussion; know it inside and out.
Be concise with your questions – make sure the interviewee understands exactly what your asking them without any confusion.
Be polite – make them feel welcomed and comfortable around you, so the interview is relaxed and enjoyable.

Just on a different note, today I had my first 3 way teleconference call with my supervisor here in Perth (Isla) and Cameron in the Sydney office. Let’s just say that was quite the experience in itself! Easier then I had anticipated to communicate effectively, and quite a “thrill” for a day in the office!

These past couple of months has been exciting and eye opening. I didn’t realise exactly how much work and the range of different jobs a public relations practitioner needed to do for their organisation. I am so grateful to Rockend for allowing me to do my placement with them. Although I am a little relieved that the 20 days of unpaid work experience are done, I am excited for the further paid PR work that is to come!

Thanks for listening – Emma.