I’m going to be honest; the transition from college to a Monday through Friday job is not easy. Well, getting to where you can even say you have a Monday to Friday job is the hardest part. There were moments when I cried and got so stressed out I thought the world was working against me. On top of having to move back in with my parents, questions like, “Is my resume good enough? What do I wear to the interview? Does anyone know about this company?” are the ones that frequented my mind in the months following graduation.
As director of the PRSA Portland Metro Chapter’s New Professionals Group this year, I’ve talked with a variety of young public relations and marketing pros about scoring that first job, and recognized that there are a few things that college doesn’t necessarily teach you, but they’re important to acknowledge. Think networking, keeping up with the news, getting your references in order and dressing professionally. Here are three thoughts that I’d like to share from some of the New Pros:
1. Schedule informational meetings before the school year ends. Hiring managers get a flood of interview requests from graduates in the spring.
2. Ask for feedback. Schedule time with several professors, or your school’s career center, and show them your resume and portfolio, and conduct mock interviews. No one else is going to tell you you’re saying, “Um, and um, and like…” if you don’t ask.
3. Manage your online reputation. Most everyone is on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter these days. Not only should you demonstrate your knowledge of these apps, but it’s time to clean up anything you wouldn’t want published on the front page of The New York Times. Remember, if it’s on the Internet, an employer will find it.
What’s the best piece of advice you received about finding a job? Hiring managers, what do you like to see from recent graduates? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Tags: advice, cmd agency, conversation, events, Facebook, networking, new professionals development, online communities, PRSA, public relations, social media
My tip: Your first potential job might not be your perfect dream job. But it is a stepping stone to something greater, so prepare as if you really want it.
Thanks for adding your comment. I agree with you and that sometimes it takes many internship or jobs to find out what exactly you want to do.
As a recent graduate, and new to Public Relations myself, I would add these two pieces of advice:
1) Jump in! If you aren’t finding any great positions just opening up for you, start making your own opportunities. Start a professional blog, host your own local public access program, contact former employers and ask if they need public relations done for them (whether they are able to pay you for it or not.) If you just wait around for ready-made opportunities, you could be missing out on some great experience.
2) Get involved with your local PRSA chapter. In addition to some great networking and educational opportunities, I’ve found that the PRSA New Pros group here in Portland does a great job of helping us newbies get our feet wet. Oh, and definitely make sure to volunteer for PRSA events. Volunteering is one of the best ways to get comfortable around PRSA board members, and all the other important, established people at those events (plus it gets you in to some events for FREE!)
Thanks for your comment David and for speaking so highly about the PRSA New Pros Group! I’m glad you’re having such a great time. I agree with your first point in that practicing PR and seeking opportunities is vital to growth in this industry.
Overdue it, all of it. If you are going for an interview or your first day on the job, dress slightly nicer than you think the staff may dress. If you want to send a thank you after the interview, send it old skool via handwritten note as opposed to email.
Stuff like that is the little bit that can put you over the top in a big pool of candidates. You can still be ‘you’, you dont have to give that up to be in the M-F workforce, but do make that bit more of effort to stand out — it doesnt take much to make the lasting difference.
Great tips, Julie! I really honestly wish more young people/professionals would consider #3 more. Co-workers, employers, colleagues don’t want to know if you’re so drunk you may need to get your stomach pumped .. or any drama in general. Keep it separate or don’t connect with them through those networks if you know you’re going to be doing that stuff, right? Or refrain from doing it at all because it’s not CLASSY!
My tip for a guy is to wear nice shoes. For a girl, appropriate/moderate make-up.
Cecilia: Thanks for the note about managing online reputations – it’s always important to double check, or more like “think twice” that what you do in the public eye may be added online by anyone.
I always say you can’t go wrong with owning one black suit – you can wear it over and over and dress it up or down. Thanks for your thoughts.
Kate: Very true that little things add up to big gestures. I agree with you on sending hand-written thank you cards on professional stationary – it goes a long way.