PR student lands the job and shares advice on the job search

Guest Columnist Lauren Novo

This special guest column is from Lauren Novo, a  senior at Florida State University, double majoring in media/ communication studies and creative writing. Lauren will e graduating on May 1st, 2010 and recently accepted a position as a public relations account executive at 180 Communications -- a Tallahassee-based firm that specializes in national/international sports business PR. To learn more about Lauren, read her blog and connect with her on Twitter and LinkedIn.   

Just Another Game-Plan on: Getting the Job

Throughout my final semester as a student, I’ve read countless articles and blog posts on perfecting resumes and cover letters, nailing interviews, standing out among competition and even finding alternative ways to gain experience in the tough market. PR pros have banded together in the #HAPPO initiative to help job seekers connect with employers. And relationships have continued to develop between industry enthusiasts of all ages through #PRStudChat.

But it wasn’t until recently that I transitioned from reading (and writing) about job searching to actually participating firsthand. A position for a PR account executive opened at a local firm and the description enticed me. The chosen candidate would have the opportunity to work with national and international sports businesses, help conduct media training sessions for professional athletes and more. A month and two interviews later, I’m proud to say I have the job.

There are a thousand different ways to organize a resume, write a cover letter and impress an employer. I’m no expert in these areas. But something I did must have worked and if even one other person can benefit from what I have to say, these tips are worth sharing. So here’s my two cents:

Cover Letter

Write One. Some employers/recruiters say don’t bother. Some say it won’t be read. But if you really want the job, write one no matter what.

My PR professor (who has done his fair share of hiring) gave me some great advice. DO NOT start the letter describing yourself. Start with something relevant to the company or its clients. For example, if you see that the company is in the middle of a campaign and there is a lot of traditional media coverage, see what’s happening virtually. Is there any Twitter buzz? Is the company missing something because it isn’t engaged? Start the letter by asking if the company has noticed the online conversation. Explain what is happening and what you can do to help the company benefit from it.

Then describe your experience/expertise and why you would be a good fit for this particular position. End the letter by (politely) telling the employer when you will be contacting him/her to follow-up on the next step of the process.

Interview

Awesome! You’re in. But so are several others. What are you going to do to stand out? Wear a suit? Who cares? Everyone’s wearing a suit. Bring a portfolio of writing samples? Sure, but that was already expected.

So why not do something totally off the wall…like come in with a presentation? Not a presentation on yourself. A presentation outlining your strategy for one of the company’s clients. This means two things: 1) You have to do research before you get to the interview. 2) You have to have solid ideas that you can explain well.

Now, I’m not advocating an intensive slideshow. There’s probably not enough time for that and the equipment might not be readily available. A one or two page outline that you can run through IF the employer would like to hear your thoughts (meaning ask first) should suffice.

It’s important to show that you really do want the job and you know what this job would entail. And by taking this initiative, you’re also able to highlight your skill sets.

After the Interview

A hand-written Thank You card is a must. This gesture won’t necessarily make you stand out (because everyone really should be doing this in the first place) but it still shows something about your character. And it gives you a chance to reiterate why you would be right for the job.

The end goal: getting the job

Or is it? It seems like a no brainer that the job offer is the last step. But it’s not. Not even in this economy. The job has to be a good fit for both you and the employer. Don’t take a job just because. If you know up front that the work won’t interest you, the salary/benefits won’t cut it or even that you may not be qualified, think long and hard before you accept. It might not be worth it in the end.

Best of luck to all you job seekers out there!

Congratulations to Lauren Novo on her new position with 180 Communications! For more advice on the job search, be sure to check out the takeaways from the panel of recruiters at the April #PRStudChat. .2010 grads still seeking an entry level position should also be certain to participate in HAPPO this Friday.