Ahh, yes. The time has arrived. I've foreshadowed this particular column since the beginning of this series, and now the story is here: my second interview with DC Comics a.k.a. the one that got away.
As you may already know, I first tried out for the part of DC Comics editorial assistant, and my last audition was for MAD Magazine receptionist. But this second interview was for a spot with the DC Comics pre-press production team, something I was actually qualified for.
Basically, the job consisted of collecting artwork from artists, making copies of said artwork, spreading the copies around to editorial, and getting the finalized art ready for print. This was by far the best opportunity I've been up for in the comics industry, and I'm proud to say that I didn't royally fuck it up.
Since I had already interviewed once before with DC, I knew where to go and pretty much what to expect. I also had some college-level training with digital imaging so I was confident in my abilities to successful take on a pre-press position.
I met with one of the guys in charge of the print production efforts at DC. Honestly, mistake number one is that I forget this guy's name! (I should try and dig up his business card.) Anyway, he was a great person to interview with. No excessive pressure and he maintained a comfortable, conversational tone the whole time.
I probably spent more time talking about my personal life than my employment qualifications. In retrospect, that's what I think my interviewer wanted -- someone who could fit in with the print production atmosphere that was already established at DC Comics. As I've learned in subsequent interviews, landing a job is often more about present attitude than previous accomplishments.
While I certainly wouldn't say I nailed it, I know that I had a decent interview. But I didn't leave a lasting impression. The decision was down between another applicant and your truly. Obviously, the other individual won out.
Why? Because I didn't bring any schwag to my interview, because I didn't tell them exactly what they wanted to hear, because I didn't heavily research the responsibilities of the position, and because I didn't play up my interests that would have really sold me as the right guy for the department. I didn't do anything wrong, but I didn't do EVERYTHING right.
And that's just another reason why I'm going to have to sneak into the comic book industry if I ever want to make it in.
I think you nailed it Nick - interviews are rarely about one's qualifications and all about impression. I got a lot of site visits my senior year (2nd round interviews for engineering jobs), which just proves that shaving and wearing a suit can get you a free flight, hotel, and diner.
However, once the interviews were on the company's turf (as opposed to the career center at CMU), I went from confident to cowardly. I've fucked up umpteen site visits just because I was so bewildered by my surroundings. Preparation, schwag, and shmoozing be damned, interviewing is downright scary, and that can throw anyone off their game.
Fortunately, I found a company that tolerates me and isn't bent on destroying the world. They were also nice enough to offer me a job.
"isn’t bent on destroying the world" - you're referring to the time you interviewed with Hank Scorpio, aren't you?
you know what, i actually had to look that reference up. i am such a loser when it comes to the simpsons.
AudioShocker Shoutouts!
haha it's all good. i wasn't sure if you were going to get it or not. i know you're not a huge simpsons guy.