Writing, The Arts, Science Fiction, Games, and More

On average, most entry level positions in the creative writing market are competitive, with only about 5-10% of all applicants accepted. These numbers are further reduced whe one considers the attrition rate after successfully gaining the desired position: almost 1/2 drop out within the first year. Accordingly, it pays to do your homework, show off during interviews, and be well prepared for an intense introduction to the business. Then, after about 5-6 years of successful performance in the creative writing business, one can expect a major promotion to the management level. “I worked for just over five years in marketing,” reports Rosella Partee, “and then was promoted to Senior Sales associate. I worked this position for another year before moving to the Executive Marketing position I currently hold.” Other HR diretors, like Wittlin Shelhamer of the Alyse Himmel and Claudia Jenny Firm, suggest intensive interview practice sessions, where a friend or creative writing industry mentor poses standard interview questions. “Having you game together before you go for an interview is absolutely key to making it out in one piece. If your top choice is Company A, do some practice interviews at Companies B and C before attempting your top job choice,” replies Cantone Thorley, HR and Hiring director. Also, dressing to impress is key. In most creative writing business settings, formal attire is required. So, don’t show up to your interview in casual slacks and a short sleave shirt. Intsead, wear a modest business suit and tie, that are neat and pressed. This sends an immediate signal to your prosective creative writing HR director that you care about what you’re doing and want to make the best impression possible. Also, when taking your first creative writing company interview, remember to give an honest representation of yourself, including your strengths and weaknesses. “No one, not even the top guy, is perfect,” quips Ireland Posner, “so as a result, when we interview people, we try to find out how their strengths and weaknesses can compliment our current team.” Matilda Marchaland, who just finished university with a degree in the creative writing field, is looking to get involved on the ground floor. Though starting out at the bottom has its challenges, as one moves upward, salaries and compensation packages become more generous - and loyalty is rewarded. Key to any career is establishing your needs as an employee. Therefore, when taking an interview in the creative writing sector, go in prepared to talk about compensation, fringe benefits, paid leave, and vacaction policies. Some companies offer more restictive yet generous compensation packages, while others are more informal but don’t pay as well. Health Insurance in the creative writing sector has always been a difficult benefit to delegate to employees, mostly because of the commission based packages that people choose. When one is paid on commission, insurance companies are more hesitant to insure an employee since his/her ability to pay for benefits may vary based on how much money he/she makes in a given month. “Don’t forget to talk about vacation time, which is an essential component of any creative writing industry interview,” says Alfreda Croxford, HR director of Hayley Jelle Brothers Firm, “If you want to make a big paycheck realize that you’ll have a more stressful life. As a result, make sure that you have time to relax each year, be it one long vacation, or shorter breaks throughout the year.”