Post Production Studio Interview

[krykrykry]

Hey guys,

I'm not 100% sure if this post is completely appropriate for this forum but, I have a job interview this week at an audio post production studio in London, and the position I'm applying for is a runner position so I can work my way up and eventually get my hands dirty and produce some audio. I was just wondering if there's anything in particular I should make sure I know, or make sure I read up on before the interview? The interview will be held inside one of their studios so I'm assuming it may involve something practical. Just to note, I've not had much experience in a professional environment before but I do have a degree in music technology and sound engineering, so obviously I have the fundamental knowledge in place.

Thanks guys,

Kry.

[paulo m]

That´s a tricky question I must say. If you have a background in music and audio engineering but no experience, that´s not a problem as you are applying for a runner position, so I don´t think that they will expect you to sit at the operator´s position and edit or mix anything.

However, something that is always good to do is trying to get as much info as possible about the company and try to know what type of equipment do they have like DAWS, processing, desks(if any) etc. Then try to read about the equipment that you don´t know but that they have. At least you will prove to be informed and that´s something companies appreciate on an interview. Well, at least I do!

Good luck

[Peter Morrison]

Brush up on studio etiquette, as the runner you are there to run errands and make people happy. You need to be invisible and appear when needed, remember you don't have any opinions, thoughts, or ideas. If ever asked you respond "I think you should ask [the engineer/producer/editor]"

Pass concerns to your employer/editor as notes, you don't want to do anything to discredit them or cause doubt in front of a client.

Runner is basically one step above intern, so search around for intern discussions and you'll be mostly there.

Though they may be looking for some technical experience, they are more looking for enthusiasm, commitment, and whether your personality meshes with theirs.

Good luck with the interview, it is tough to find paid work when entering the biz.

Peter

[philper]

Originally Posted by krykrykry

Hey guys,

I'm not 100% sure if this post is completely appropriate for this forum but, I have a job interview this week at an audio post production studio in London, and the position I'm applying for is a runner position so I can work my way up and eventually get my hands dirty and produce some audio. I was just wondering if there's anything in particular I should make sure I know, or make sure I read up on before the interview? The interview will be held inside one of their studios so I'm assuming it may involve something practical. Just to note, I've not had much experience in a professional environment before but I do have a degree in music technology and sound engineering, so obviously I have the fundamental knowledge in place.

Thanks guys,

Kry.

Just have and project the attitude that while you may have some formal education and possibly some experience in this field you know you are there to do a specific job the studio needs done and not to further your own education and career first and foremost. Stay off that subject entirely unless asked--focus on what they need done and how to best do it. Clean, neat, alert, cheerful, punctual and focussed. If you do well at what the studio asks you to do and are easy to work with the rest will follow.

phil p

[emf1138]

Don't wear a suit. Seriously, keep it casual, but professional.

[BillBoy]

Originally Posted by philper

Just have and project the attitude that while you may have some formal education and possibly some experience in this field you know you are there to do a specific job the studio needs done and not to further your own education and career first and foremost. Stay off that subject entirely unless asked--focus on what they need done and how to best do it. Clean, neat, alert, cheerful, punctual and focussed. If you do well at what the studio asks you to do and are easy to work with the rest will follow.

phil p

Agree with phil here, make sure that you don't go on about the audio stuff you know/can do/have done just let them know you are there to make tea and be good with the clients!

[Henchman]

Find out as much as you can about the studio, it's history, the people who work there and the projects they've done.
It's always good to to show you've got an interest in the company you want to work for.

[Jfriah]

Don't be late.
Don't dress better than the person interviewing.
Don't talk too much. (ask pertinent questions to show you're interested)
Show enthusiasm and interest but don't annoy. (wait 10 years for that)

They're hiring a PERSON to be about/around (whichever term you choose to use) the studio and do various things and needs to be able to interact with many people, not to do specific tasks. So be a good, helpful, friendly person (who also happens to have some training in certain areas) that they need to help their studio out.

Now go get in there!

good luck.

Jeff

[Lipflap]

Remember, the person interviewing you is probably not overwhelmingly interested in your sound skill or knowledge, but rather is trying to figure out:

• Are you going to embarrass me in front of my clients? This includes understanding "The Deal" about talking with producers, directors, actors, groupies, etc. "The Deal" differs from studio to studio.
• Are you going to steal from me, whether in material, time or cash?
• Will you show up for work? On time?
• Will you usually be moderately clean?
• If I invest years into you and you become valuable, will you run off with my clients? With my wife/husband?
• If I invest months into you, will you run off to Nepal or get pregnant?

Most of these questions can't be asked, but for an entry level job, what matters is who are you (this has already been addressed in this thread) and whether you got a decent education at home, rather than blazing skills. Of course, being smart, energetic, resourceful, and focused can't hurt.

Good luck,

[vegetablevn]

Hi,

Thanks very much for this comment. It help me to think about my ideals.

Apart from that, this link below may be useful: Project interview questions
Tks again and pls keep posting.

Originally Posted by Lipflap

Remember, the person interviewing you is probably not overwhelmingly interested in your sound skill or knowledge, but rather is trying to figure out:

• Are you going to embarrass me in front of my clients? This includes understanding "The Deal" about talking with producers, directors, actors, groupies, etc. "The Deal" differs from studio to studio.
• Are you going to steal from me, whether in material, time or cash?
• Will you show up for work? On time?
• Will you usually be moderately clean?
• If I invest years into you and you become valuable, will you run off with my clients? With my wife/husband?
• If I invest months into you, will you run off to Nepal or get pregnant?

Most of these questions can't be asked, but for an entry level job, what matters is who are you (this has already been addressed in this thread) and whether you got a decent education at home, rather than blazing skills. Of course, being smart, energetic, resourceful, and focused can't hurt.

Good luck,