My Way: Pearl & Dean's Kathryn Jacob gives her tips for success
I hire people who make me look good
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Kathryn Jacob is the chief executive officer of Pearl & Dean, the cinema advertising company.
What did you want to be as a child?
A pathologist; I liked the idea of finding things out.
What did you realistically think you'd end up doing?
I had no idea.
You studied English at Cardiff University. Why that choice?
English is the archetypical degree when you have no idea what to do. But I liked reading books and you didn't need a Latin O-level to do English at Cardiff.
Was it worth it?
Yes; it taught me to be extremely self-reliant.
How did you get into media sales?
I saw a lot of companies at the university milk-round and really enjoyed the interview with Thompson Regional Newspapers. I was sent to Newcastle as a graduate trainee and eventually went into advertising and sales. The best part was the training; we were taught everything about how to sell and how to put an advert together. The worst was that people called me Lady Penelope as they thought I was dreadfully posh.
How did you work your way up?
I went to work for The Daily Telegraph, as the first woman in the display department, then for IPC, and then Virgin Radio, where I became commercial director. I'm open to change and new ways and ideas, and I always hire people who make me look good.
Do you consider yourself to be successful?
Yes, in comparison to what I thought I'd be.
What are your tips for interviews?
Do some research on the company – a lot of people don't do that – and be engaged. We interviewed someone for a sales executive position recently and he was texting his friends during the interview! We also had a woman who, when asked about the last film she saw, said she thought cinema was a waste of time. My advice is to have a reason why you want to work for a company, be clear of your expectations and don't lie about your experience or you will get that bottom-crunching feeling and be found out.
And your CV tips?
People don't always read over their own CVs, and there's too much cutting and pasting. I don't like people who refer to themselves in the third person, it's slightly delusional. Avoid spelling mistakes. And don't begin a CV with "Hiya".
What motivates you?
I just love what I do and I work with brilliant people. And I'm a girly swot and want to do well.
Who are your heroes?
Stevie Spring, who runs Future, the special-interest media group – she's the big sister I never had. And my husband, who is the brightest person I know. He pushes me and has faith in me. He thinks I could run the United Nations.
How do I get to where you are?
Go to university, because it should teach you to be self-reliant and self-motivated. It also proves that you are inquisitive. Then get a job in media sales.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments