COSMOPOLITAN July 2015 7
Bronwyn McCahon, EDITOR
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL SUESSE/BAUER @bronwynmccahon
from the editor
MIA
FREEDMAN^
THENEDITOR OF COSMO :
“HI, COME ON IN,
NICE TO MEET YOU.” Bronwyn Mia and
in 2000.OK, so the foot massage never
really happened and as it was 15 years
ago I can’t even remember exactly what
we spoke about. I do remember there
were none of those annoying “strengths
and weaknesses” questions. It was more
of a chat – Mia finding out who I was
and if she could work closely with me
(the job was as her assistant). Fortunately
for me, Mia offered me the job. Three
minutes after walking out of her office.
And I’m still here!
So while I haven’t had too much
experience as the interviewee, I have
played interviewer a lot over the years
and there have been some absolute
doozies – like the girl who turned up
stoned or possibly drunk and slurred
her way through the interview, or the
girl who (going for a job at Cosmo) told
me she’d never even read the magazine
before. Not even in preparation for the
interview! Strangely, I didn’t ask either
of them back for a second round.
This month we’ve dedicated 12
pages to arming you with the bestadvice to nail your next interview.
From where to sit, what to wear and
words never to use, through to how to
answer those weird interview questions
and negotiate the salary – consider it a
field guide to your next promotion.So what do I look for when I’m
hiring? Well, obviously some level of
experience is a good thing, but mostly
I always employ people with genuine
passion. I want someone who LOVES
magazines and gets what Cosmo is all
about. Someone who isn’t too precious
to take on whatever odd task might be
thrown their way and goes about it with
the right attitude. The culture of ouroffice is really important to the work
we do, so finding someone with a good
attitude who will not only fit in, but
add something extra to the office mix
is key. I like to hire to my weaknesses
and the weaknesses of the office, so
I’m always looking for someone who
brings something unique.
And my deal-breakers? Lack of
preparation for the interview, sloppy
appearance, arrogance and being in it
for the wrong reasons (like the girl
who wanted to work at Cosmo because
she just thought it sounded like fun to
meet celebrities and get free makeup).
So, let’s get you that dream job.
Good luck and enjoy the issue.I’VE REALLY ONLY EVER
HAD ONE INTERVIEW IN
MY LIFE AND IT WAS 15
YEARS AGO AND WENT
SOMETHING LIKE THIS:ME: “Thanks so much for seeing me, I’m a big fan of
yours. And Cosmo’s. In fact, the reason I’m sitting in
your oce is because I saw you interviewed on TV a
few times and thought to myself, I want to work for that
woman. I’m not a stalker, you’re just the reason I love
magazines. I’d die to be your assistant. I’ll do anything
to work at Cosmo, I’ll clean shoes, get coees, whatever.
Can I give you a foot massage? I love your necklace...”WELCOME
“
I ALWAYS
EMPLOY PEOPLE
WITH PASSION”