The document provides guidance for freelance musicians on preparing for and participating in a job interview, including researching the employer, dressing professionally, being prepared to discuss their qualifications and enthusiasm for the position, and making a strong first impression through firm handshakes, eye contact, and positive body language. The interview will assess the candidate's personal qualities, communication skills, motivation, and whether they seem like a pleasant person who would be a good fit for the employer's needs and culture. Candidates should arrive early, be polite to all staff, and try to relax despite any nerves.

1. Freelance Musician
The Interview…Part 1 & 2
Chris Baker
www.musicstudentinfo.com

2. Interview Exercise
• Each learner will be interviewed for one of their chosen jobs.
• The interviews will be filmed.
• Learners will be expected to dress appropriately, show
professionalism and be prepared.
• Your responses in the interview should reflect your ability to
describe, explain and comment critically on the importance of
a professional approach to being freelance.

3. Purpose of the interview
• To see if you match the requirements of the job.
• These vary with different jobs.
• May include:
• Your personal qualities.
• How well you express yourself.
• Your motivation and enthusiasm.
• Recruiters have an indication of these from your application
but now the interview will assess you in person.

4. Purpose cont.
• Chance to meet somebody from the organisation and assess
them.
• Are they offering what you want?
• How you come across is as important as what you say.
• Be yourself – if you have to put on a completely false act, is
this the right job for you?

5. What are they looking for?
• Standard method - is list of key competencies required in the
job and then to match these to the candidate's application.
• US researchers found surprisingly the main factor in deciding
which ones were selected was whether or not the candidate
appeared to be a pleasant individual.

6. Preparation for the interview
• Research - the area applied for.
• Remind yourself why you are interested in this career, and
this employer.
• Enthusiasm.
• Re-read your application.
• Anticipate questions they will ask.
• Think about any awkward points.
• Prepare some questions.
• Plan journey.
• Leave plenty of time.
• Dress neatly and smartly.

7. Preparation for the interview
• Take a notepad and pen.
• Research the employer. Google?
• Size of the organization?
• How long has it been in business?
• Products and/or services offered?
• Reputation or public image?

8. Preparation cont.
• Who are its competitors?
• Where is it based? Single or multiple locations? UK or
multinational?
• Organizational structure?
• Future plans and prospects?
• Organisational culture?
• Types of training, development offered.

9. Interview Help!

10. Arriving for the Interview
• Arrive early.
• Waiting in the reception area can be very useful.
• Be polite to everyone.

11. The Interview
Part 2

12. First impressions
three quarters of interviews are lost within three minutes of entering the
room!
•25% of interviewers were put off by a weak handshake or lack
of eye contact.
•24% by poor body language.
•18% by poor posture.

13. First impressions cont.
Quick judgments made about
• Trustworthiness
• Attractiveness
• Likability
• Competitiveness and aggressiveness
Interviewers generally spend the rest of the interview
confirming or denying these opinions

14. First Impressions
• Shake hands firmly and warmly.
• Wait to be invited to sit down.
• A firm handshake = sociability, friendliness and dominance.
• Weak handshakes = introversion, shyness & neuroticism.
• Firm handshake more likely to be offered jobs.
• Smile, keep eye contact.
• Try to relax !
• Speak clearly.
• Don't fidget.

15. Nerves How to overcome them
• Think that it's not that important.
• Preparation.
• Visualisation.
• Dress smartly + comfortably.
• Start in a positive manner.
• Don't worry too much.