Resume Writers Digest Media Tips for Resume Writers Looking Good on TV

Resume Writers' Digest Media Tips for Resume Writers Looking Good on TV Media training is a topic Im very passionate about my bachelors degree is in public relations and I recently conducted a training session for one of my (non-resume-related) clients. I'd like to share with you some tips for looking good in a TV interview. 77% of adults say they watch local broadcast news several times a week or daily. Clearly, the media could be important in helping you reach job seekers and those in need of a resume or update. The first thing to remember when trying to project this friendly, expert version of yourself is, The only thing you have complete control over in an interview is you. You can take control of any interview by remembering this simple point: The person interviewing you may direct the questions and topics, but you, the interviewee, have 100% control over your answers. If you want to get your point across, its important to be clear exactly what your message is. But do it in a conversational style. Two AnswersDont worry too much about the questions youll be asked in an interview. For any question, there are exactly two answers:1) Either you know the answer2) Or you dont, and you say, I dont know and steer the conversation back to something you do know. It's All About The VisualsIn contrast with print interviews, TV is a visual medium preparing how you look is as important as preparing what you say. Youve probably heard that the camera adds 10 pounds, but did you know that it can also suck the energy out of you? Someone who speaks with normal energy in a one-on-one conversation comes across as flat and monotone on TV. So its important to dial up your enthusiasm a notch or two for TV. Also, smile! Smiling is a good strategy anytime you are in front of a TV camera. Most of the time, when were listening to someone else, we have a blank expression on our face but on TV, a blank expression comes across as a frown. Keep a slight smile on your face not a huge grin, just show a few teeth and raise your cheeks slightly. By the way, the reason why it appears that the camera adds 10 pounds is that many people lean backwards in their chair, when they should be leaning forward. If you sit back and relax in your chair, your head will be further away from the camera than your stomach. Unfortunately, the camera latches on to whatever is closest...your gut! Dont sit up perfectly straight either youll appear stiff and nervous. Lean inInstead, for seated interviews, sit up and lean forward about 15 degrees towards the camera. This will make you appear taller, thinner, younger, and leaner. Also, its okay to move around a bit in a TV interview if you sit too still, youll look stiff and unnatural. One of the best things you can do to improve your performance is to watch a videotape of your interview and get feedback from other people as well. You will always find something to work on. For example, in December, I was on the Channel 3 mid-day news with Sheila Brummer, promoting one of my clients events. I thought it went really well I had my smile going, I got my lean just right, I was expressive I got in all of my sound bites but the first thing my TV producer brother said to me when he saw me was, Absolutely! It turned out that I had used the word absolutely four times in a two-minute interview. That may not seem like a lot, but trust me, in watching it back, it was a lot. So thats something Ill be conscious of next time. Most often, youll notice a lot of uhhs and umms from jittery interview guests. You can avoid this by simply slowing down a bit. Clothes Make the Man (or Woman)! Probably the biggest question I get asked is what to wear and what not to wear on TV. In general, dont wear shirts with busy patterns. For men, a light colored shirt with a dark jacket works well. For women, solid colored shirts in dark colors work well. And women, dont wear a tight-necked shirt. Usually, theyll want to thread a wireless mike under your clothes and clip it at the top of your shirt, so a button-up shirt works well. The best advice I can give you is to notice what the anchors are wearing next time you tune into the news. In general, with TV interviews:Ignore the cameraMake eye contact with your interviewerLook alert and interested