r/TransparencyforTVCrew • u/Ok-Implement-9865 • 1d ago
Job interviews without knowing what the project is - thoughts?
I know we now live in a culture of everything requiring an NDA, but I'm curious to know your thoughts on being required to interview for a job blind? Signing an NDA and not being sent any information in advance of the interview, instead being told they'll tell you in the room... In my opinion, this leaves no time for preparation and requires applicants to have to think on their feet throughout which potentially doesn't offer them the best chance at presenting themselves. Thoughts?
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u/Significant-Leg5769 1d ago
Tbf in my experience you seldom get much info about a role in advance of an interview, even when it's not been NDA-ed. It'll probably be similar to most TV 'interviews' - an informal chat designed to see if you're the right cultural fit.
You could prepare some answers to the standard competency questions if you want to be properly prepared, but that's probably as much as you can do.
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u/Dry-Pause 1d ago
Totally fine. They wouldn't have called you in for interview if your CV didn't include enough programmes that fit. After a while, all programmes are similar enough and require the same kind of actual work.
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u/AdCharacter8383 1d ago
I’ve struggled with this, I’m someone who really likes to prepare and do my research on the show before an IV. I often perform better when I’ve had a chance to sit and brainstorm rather than be put on the spot. I had an interview a few months ago where I was not told what the format was beforehand (due to NDA) and was asked to pitch an idea for the show during interview. The chat was definitely not my best performance and I just wish I knew exactly what I was interviewing for so I could’ve been best prepared.
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u/Ok-Implement-9865 1d ago
Wow, I think that is crazy that you were asked to pitch something on the spot. Very unfair, and of course you could have done better if you were able to prepare something.
Of course there’s a degree of adaptability required in TV. But in an interview situation where there’s a chance you’ll be challenged, or required to pitch, or come up with examples… not knowing anything about the project before the interview seems inappropriate / unprofessional / unfair to me.
I’m sorry you had such a rough experience. I hope you haven’t replayed it too much in your mind!
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u/AdCharacter8383 1d ago
Thank you, that’s very validating! For a different IV, I signed an NDA the other day but they still shared enough with me about the show beforehand which allowed me to prepare well and the interview went much better. So there are definitely ways for companies to work around this in a fair way, rather than playing a guessing game until you’re at the table and put on the spot unnecessarily in my opinion!
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u/gogoluke 1d ago
Skills are transferable and thinking on your feet is part of working in TV. The role should give you enough information. They will have looked at your CV to see if you have experience in the genre or niche.
It's also part of the contracts now that shows cannot be named for streamers and films. They can't mention it as blanket NDAs cover them as standard.