Job Interview: Production Runner on Masterchef

Last week, I had the opportunity to interview for a Production Runner position on Masterchef. As a newcomer to the television industry, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to interview for one of the most prestigious and beloved cooking shows on television.  I was excited to learn more about the production process and to gain valuable experience in the field.

I prepared diligently, researching the show, and brushing up on my production knowledge. However, as I reflect on the interview, I can’t help thinking that I could have done better.

The conversation started off on a great note as we chatted about another show produced by the same production company as Masterchef, Hunted, and its upcoming series featuring the hilarious James Acaster.

But as the interview went on, I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that I wasn’t quite hitting the mark in expressing what the interviewers were looking for. I couldn’t pinpoint what went wrong, and now, in hindsight, I’m second-guessing myself.

Looking back, I realise that I may not have conveyed my  passion for Masterchef and the production process strongly enough.

I was also honest regarding my lack of experience and my eagerness to learn and grow but I could have done a better job of highlighting my strengths and transferable skills. As a Production Runner, organisational skills, problem-solving abilities, and being able to work effectively under pressure are all crucial, and I wish I had emphasised them more during the interview.

Of course, it’s also possible that I’m being too hard on myself and that the interview went better than I think. But regardless of the outcome, I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have interviewed for such a prestigious show. It has been a valuable learning experience for me, and it has given me a glimpse into the competitive world of television production.

As I navigate my way through this new industry, I am fully aware that I won’t have all the answers and that I will make mistakes along the way. And that’s okay. I believe that being honest about my experience and my willingness to learn and grow is essential.

As a newcomer, I also have a lot to offer – such as  a fresh perspective and a hunger for knowledge – and I’m determined to make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.

Despite feeling uncertain about the outcome of the interview, I’m still holding out hope that I may hear back from the team at Shine TV. But even if I don’t get the position, I’m not discouraged. This experience has only fueled my passion for pursuing my dream career in television production, and I’m more motivated than ever to keep building my skills and knowledge.

To all the newcomers out there, don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. Embrace your lack of experience as an opportunity to learn and grow, and always be honest about your skills and your willingness to learn.

Who knows, your next interview could be the one that leads to your dream job.