Advice from those working in press departments/auto industry
Discussion
I have a telephone interview with a well known German manufacturer next week for a placement vacancy in their press department.
Previously I've experience in marketing/communications and interned at previous organisations that are totally relevant to the job. However if anyone has any advice working in the industry or even if they could explain their standard job role that'd be great.
Since its a placement opportunity for a company that genuinely interests me I very much hope to get it and not just for the sake of it.
Thanks in advance.
Previously I've experience in marketing/communications and interned at previous organisations that are totally relevant to the job. However if anyone has any advice working in the industry or even if they could explain their standard job role that'd be great.
Since its a placement opportunity for a company that genuinely interests me I very much hope to get it and not just for the sake of it.
Thanks in advance.
When creating an advert for a car it's best not to actually include the car until at least the last half of the advert, preferably the last 1/4. Under no circumstances have the car static on the screen for more than a few seconds so people can have a good look at it. Bonus points for first time watchers being surprised it's a car advert. Make sure there's a load of utterly pretentious b
ks that have nothing to do with the car or driving in the advert too and you're onto a winner.
ks that have nothing to do with the car or driving in the advert too and you're onto a winner.I work in the motor industry and possibly may have worked for the company you are applying to. Have they recently moved to Farnborough.
As it is a placement, you won't be doing much important, however the main purpose of the role is to cultivate relationships with press people, or influencers, at the extreme end it would be top gear or JC. But also local papers and journos. When dealing with a request from a journo you need to establish their credibility and chase up the copy produced. You also need to know when to say no. You could earn some bonus points if you can think about how to promote the after sales part of the business, this is largely ignored by press departments. In terms of day to day job, I'd expect at your level, it would consist of gofering and doing donkey work in organising press events. Ensuring that things run smoothly and that you have back up plans. It may also include you attending trae or motor shows, again you would need to be able to demonstrate that you can project yourself, introduce yourself to people, speak knowledgeably about the car and deal with difficult questions.
Have you given any consideration as to how you would handle bad PR, e.g. an employee driving an M4 whilst drunk and causing a fatal accident. Or an MD saying things that are not appropriate. How would you position the green credentials of this company? what do you think are the current legislative and political concerns motor manufacturers have. Can you write copy - you won't do much of that however. Can you proof read?
Are you able to sort out the logistics of supplying 20 cars to an event in another country, or even locally. Who in the business do you think could help you do this? How do you determine competing requests for the test drive of the same car at the same time? Can you manage a press fleet of cars, how do you decide what should go on the fleet? What are the cost implications to the company if the cars you are managing are not used. How would you create interest in them. Which of today's influencers ( celebrities ) do you think this manufacturer should create a relationship with. ( i.e. supply a free car) What would be your criteria for this. finally, for now, what are this company's brand values, how would you promote them?
As it is a placement, you won't be doing much important, however the main purpose of the role is to cultivate relationships with press people, or influencers, at the extreme end it would be top gear or JC. But also local papers and journos. When dealing with a request from a journo you need to establish their credibility and chase up the copy produced. You also need to know when to say no. You could earn some bonus points if you can think about how to promote the after sales part of the business, this is largely ignored by press departments. In terms of day to day job, I'd expect at your level, it would consist of gofering and doing donkey work in organising press events. Ensuring that things run smoothly and that you have back up plans. It may also include you attending trae or motor shows, again you would need to be able to demonstrate that you can project yourself, introduce yourself to people, speak knowledgeably about the car and deal with difficult questions.
Have you given any consideration as to how you would handle bad PR, e.g. an employee driving an M4 whilst drunk and causing a fatal accident. Or an MD saying things that are not appropriate. How would you position the green credentials of this company? what do you think are the current legislative and political concerns motor manufacturers have. Can you write copy - you won't do much of that however. Can you proof read?
Are you able to sort out the logistics of supplying 20 cars to an event in another country, or even locally. Who in the business do you think could help you do this? How do you determine competing requests for the test drive of the same car at the same time? Can you manage a press fleet of cars, how do you decide what should go on the fleet? What are the cost implications to the company if the cars you are managing are not used. How would you create interest in them. Which of today's influencers ( celebrities ) do you think this manufacturer should create a relationship with. ( i.e. supply a free car) What would be your criteria for this. finally, for now, what are this company's brand values, how would you promote them?
Thanks to the both of you for the replies, definitely food for thought and a good starting point.
The business in question isn't one that's moved to Farnborough, but one based near London and known for their rear engined sports cars with three numbers.
Again, any further tips/information would be appreciated, if for nothing more than further reading.
The business in question isn't one that's moved to Farnborough, but one based near London and known for their rear engined sports cars with three numbers.
Again, any further tips/information would be appreciated, if for nothing more than further reading.
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