The Real World: Interview with a journalist
Burning questions surround us
each day: Is there a Santa Claus?
How do they put caramel in
Caramilk chocolate bars? And
does my professor take great satisfaction
in piling on assignments at
the end of the semester? As a
Fanshawe College professor, I can
assure you, the answer to the last
question is yes (just kidding).
This week, Interrobang editor Erika Faust put on her Woodward and Bernstein cap (if you're not a political animal, that's a Watergate reference) and enquired about some of the good, the bad and the ugly of being a communications professional. Without further ado, here are her questions and my responses.
I know how easy it is for interviews to get off track or go on wild tangents. What are your strategies to herd the conversation back to the topic of your story?
"This is an issue I deal with almost daily, and it's the most time-consuming problem I face as both a reporter and a media relations professional. When an interviewee wanders away from a direct question and doesn't offer any good nuggets during that tangent, I try to find a pause in their soliloquy and then interject. I'll say something like, 'John, excuse me, but I really do need to move on as I have another appointment after our meeting.' That usually does the trick. But sometimes, depending on the seriousness of the story, I need to reel in the interviewee like a 200-pound marlin: 'John, I need to focus on my question or else I need to move onto another interview.'"
How do you deal with negative feedback on your work?
"After 30-plus years of journalism, I am afraid my skin could not be penetrated by a dart gun. However, being of the human species, there are certainly times when I face unexpected criticism and it does see me running for the Pepto-Bismol. There's a golden rule of journalism: if in doubt, leave out. As well, one of the biggest reasons why I chose to be a full-time freelance journalist was I could, for the most part, pick and choose my assignments. That said, I don't shy away from tough stories. Quite honestly, whenever one of my stories is published, aired or posted, I expect criticism. But then there's the issue of, how negative is the feedback? If it is constructive criticism, I reply in a professional manner. If negative feedback is simply an unfair attack, I ignore it."
What are your tips for writers? What can someone do to strengthen their own writing?
"That's easy: write. I tell my Corporate Communication and Public Relations (CCPR) students to pay attention to how polished writers craft their stories, and write as much as they can every day. We're not reinventing the wheel, but we are honing our skills. I'll continue to improve as a writer until they take away my keyboard. Blog, contribute to any professional publication willing to publish your work, and pay attention to established periodicals. Writing is like singing: we all do it, but we're not all Adele or Michael Buble. But we can improve through hard work."
What are your tips for finding work in the journalism/PR/writing industry after graduation? What can students do while they're in school to strengthen their resume?
"The first fall semester assignment in the CCPR program is the submission of a cover letter and resume. It's never too early to polish your curriculum vitae. There are numerous learning and career resources here at Fanshawe — visit the Student Services section of the college website. In terms of beefing up your resume's inclusions, look outside the academic box: volunteer with a not-for-profit group; join a professional or social club; diversify your skillset.
"Fanshawe also offers a myriad of job search resources. First, decide what you are passionate about and go after it. Start by quizzing your professors. Network with professionals within your chosen field. Visit online job boards daily. And make sure your skillset is as diverse as a Swiss army knife."
Finally, what has been the most rewarding moment of your career thus far?
"Honestly, I find mentoring to be the most rewarding element of my career. There's nothing like watching a student or employee blossom as a communications professional. And besides, they keep me on my toes. Complacency can be your worst enemy in the professional world."
Award-winning journalist Jeffrey Reed is a Fanshawe College professor with the Corporate Communication and Public Relations post-graduate program and an instructor with Fanshawe's Continuing Education department. E-mail him at jreed@fanshawec.ca.
This week, Interrobang editor Erika Faust put on her Woodward and Bernstein cap (if you're not a political animal, that's a Watergate reference) and enquired about some of the good, the bad and the ugly of being a communications professional. Without further ado, here are her questions and my responses.
I know how easy it is for interviews to get off track or go on wild tangents. What are your strategies to herd the conversation back to the topic of your story?
"This is an issue I deal with almost daily, and it's the most time-consuming problem I face as both a reporter and a media relations professional. When an interviewee wanders away from a direct question and doesn't offer any good nuggets during that tangent, I try to find a pause in their soliloquy and then interject. I'll say something like, 'John, excuse me, but I really do need to move on as I have another appointment after our meeting.' That usually does the trick. But sometimes, depending on the seriousness of the story, I need to reel in the interviewee like a 200-pound marlin: 'John, I need to focus on my question or else I need to move onto another interview.'"
How do you deal with negative feedback on your work?
"After 30-plus years of journalism, I am afraid my skin could not be penetrated by a dart gun. However, being of the human species, there are certainly times when I face unexpected criticism and it does see me running for the Pepto-Bismol. There's a golden rule of journalism: if in doubt, leave out. As well, one of the biggest reasons why I chose to be a full-time freelance journalist was I could, for the most part, pick and choose my assignments. That said, I don't shy away from tough stories. Quite honestly, whenever one of my stories is published, aired or posted, I expect criticism. But then there's the issue of, how negative is the feedback? If it is constructive criticism, I reply in a professional manner. If negative feedback is simply an unfair attack, I ignore it."
What are your tips for writers? What can someone do to strengthen their own writing?
"That's easy: write. I tell my Corporate Communication and Public Relations (CCPR) students to pay attention to how polished writers craft their stories, and write as much as they can every day. We're not reinventing the wheel, but we are honing our skills. I'll continue to improve as a writer until they take away my keyboard. Blog, contribute to any professional publication willing to publish your work, and pay attention to established periodicals. Writing is like singing: we all do it, but we're not all Adele or Michael Buble. But we can improve through hard work."
What are your tips for finding work in the journalism/PR/writing industry after graduation? What can students do while they're in school to strengthen their resume?
"The first fall semester assignment in the CCPR program is the submission of a cover letter and resume. It's never too early to polish your curriculum vitae. There are numerous learning and career resources here at Fanshawe — visit the Student Services section of the college website. In terms of beefing up your resume's inclusions, look outside the academic box: volunteer with a not-for-profit group; join a professional or social club; diversify your skillset.
"Fanshawe also offers a myriad of job search resources. First, decide what you are passionate about and go after it. Start by quizzing your professors. Network with professionals within your chosen field. Visit online job boards daily. And make sure your skillset is as diverse as a Swiss army knife."
Finally, what has been the most rewarding moment of your career thus far?
"Honestly, I find mentoring to be the most rewarding element of my career. There's nothing like watching a student or employee blossom as a communications professional. And besides, they keep me on my toes. Complacency can be your worst enemy in the professional world."
Award-winning journalist Jeffrey Reed is a Fanshawe College professor with the Corporate Communication and Public Relations post-graduate program and an instructor with Fanshawe's Continuing Education department. E-mail him at jreed@fanshawec.ca.
