Proofreader/Editor 

How did you get your current job?
Through a Temp Agency

What was the application process?
Submitted resume.

Did you have to interview for your current job? If yes, what did the interview process entail?
First, I had to interview at the Temp Agency and take a written test. After passing that I was told to go to an Advertising Agency in Princeton, N.J. to work for a short time. After one week I was asked if I would be interested in coming on board as a full-time employee. The person who offered me the position explained to me that I would have to interview with the head of the Operations Department and I soon met with her on a one-on-one basis.

If you can remember, what questions were you asked during the interview?
I was asked where did I work before, where did I attend school, and what do I like about advertising. I was also asked if I minded working long hours occasionally and do I mind starting at 10:00 in the morning. Another important thing was would I be willing to work weekends when needed.

Do you feel your employer properly prepared you for your job? Explain.
My employer told me what to expect when I started and was very helpful getting me started. She introduced me to the people I would be working with and showed me the daily routine in the agency.

Was there training for your current position? If yes, what did it entail?
The training involved for this position is experience with the written language. There are also proofreading courses that are given in various business schools.

Do you feel your educational background prepared you for your job? Explain.
My educational background helped prepare me but the main thing is the work experience I possessed when I started. The rest is what’s known as O.J.T. (On the JOB Training).

If applicable, do you feel your internship experience helped you prepare for your job?
I never did an internship but after working at an agency for so many years, I feel that an internship is a GREAT way to prepare for a career in advertising.

If someone wanted to go about getting a job similar to yours, what would you recommend for him or her to do?
Try to take as many English courses as possible and read, read and in their spare time, read some more! Also take writing courses and observe how well others write. Think about being an intern at an agency during the summer when there are no classes to take.

What skills do you think a person should have if they want to pursue a position like yours?
Social skills are important since you will be working with so many different types of people. You should be well organized because there will be many different style guides for you to keep and update whenever necessary. Study grammar as much as possible and practice writing whenever there’s spare time.

Do you feel that you need a certain level of education or training to be successful in your job?
A college degree with a major in English would be ideal while a business degree would also be a good idea.

What advice would you give to someone who was about to start work in your position/ line of work?
Be ready for some late nights and occasionally a very late night when there is a pitch for a new client the next day! Also be flexible with working schedules and don’t be afraid to change jobs if you hear about greener pastures somewhere else. Try to be adaptable to any change in working conditions or locations.