‘Enthusiastic final year PR
student desires placement in a demanding professional environment.’ This was
the tag line I had created to endear me to employers and which would hopefully
gain me some much needed public relations work experience to boot. It was with
great excitement, therefore, that I greeted the news I had secured a placement
at Hatch in November, 2008. But, it wasn’t easy ride, after gaining an
interview following a butter-up email using my best selling techniques, the
preparation began...
If you think about your last job
interview, there’s probably a few things you’d wish you hadn’t said, and
probably also a few things you wish you had. After a week of rehearsing
numerous potential questions and preparing suitable responses for my interview
at Hatch, everything I had scripted miraculously vacated my mind when the
questioning commenced. The usual topics arose: who would I like to work for, what publications do I read,
why would I be suitable for the position, but my moment came when asked about
my hobbies (I’d shamelessly done extensive Facebook stalking and discovered the
Hatch passion for skiing) I casually mentioned my annual trips to the slopes
and was told I would ‘fit in perfectly!’ Result.
After a few weeks of learning the
ropes of a ‘hatchling’, I did something which I am yet to live down... even 15
months later. I arrived at
Hatchland at 9am (a struggle for any student) after the usual rush of cramming
toast into my mouth and throwing something presentable on to wear throughout
the day. Walking into the office I
was welcomed by the usual smiles and morning greetings and took my place at a
free desk. Minutes later I felt a flush of embarrassment as I glanced a look at
my feet and noticed, to my dismay, odd shoes! Not an easily mistakable opposite
pair of black heels, but one bright tan shoe and one jet black. Laughter was
the only way of getting through the day, bar the possibility of going bare
foot.
My weekly placement at the Hatch
office has taught me the ins and outs of the PR industry, things that could
never be learnt from a public relations text book. I’ve observed the tactics
and approaches used to handle difficult journalists and how to give a news
story that special twist. Recently, I had the opportunity to venture to Villa
Park to witness the launch of a commentator competition, organised by
Visitbirmingham.com to encourage under 16s to become the ‘Junior Voice of
Football’. Martin Tyler, legendary Sky Sports commentator (as I was later
informed by my jealous/ impressed Dad) was there to support the competition and
I was inspired by what an engaging and charming man he was, showing genuine
interest in the ambitions of a mere public relations student.
Throughout my experience at Hatch
it’s safe to say I’ve been cracked, poached and scrambled, but following a much
needed incubation period, I’ve now got two matching shoes in the door, which
are hopefully treading in the right direction.
Posted by Claire
in Graduate, Hatch, new staff, PR, PR, Graduate
/ Wed 02/10 / 11:01
Tags: student, pr placement, graduate, job interview
Permalink | Comments (0)
