Recently I had the pleasure of managing PRSA’s Jobcenter redesign – with the help and guidance of some wonderful colleagues. We were able to redo the navigation and compile information from all PRSA and PRSSA resources including advice based on PR Tactics articles, Forum blogs, comPRehension entries, HR consultants and resume guidance from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. What was the result? We now have an information-rich career center to set job seekers on a successful path for all career levels. If you’re new to public relations, the entry level and tools and tactics pages can provide a much needed edge in this ever-changing economy. We based the redesign on answering a series of questions for beginners.
How Can I Write the Best Resume? It all starts with making a personal pitch through your cover letter. This is your chance to make a great first impression. The first two sentences of your resume should summarize your background. It tells the HR person whether to read on. Once you’ve reviewed more resume and career articles, you can sign up for a customized 21-page resume guide or a resume critique. You’ll be able to access these portions once you post a resume to PRSA Jobcenter.
How Do I Prepare for a Job Interview? As the saying goes, you only have three seconds to make a good impression and we can help. The first bit of advice is of course to keep calm even when you are being asked tough questions. PRSSA has a great synopsis of the types of interview questions you may be asked. Next comes the question of following up after the first interview. The growing importance of social media has made the “give to get” rule a necessity. Stand out from the crowd by sending the company you interviewed for a relevant article or helpful observations on improving their website. When you get to the second interview, prepare a brief customized marketing or social media plan. Throughout the process, also take note of your personal brand. This will help you present yourself in the best way possible.
What are the Best Resources to Search for a Job? Nowadays, the answer really is “everything.” An HR consultant mentioned a conversation he had recently with a job applicant. The applicant waited a year before coming to him. Why? They were searching for jobs only via social media. Using only one resource decreases your chances of finding a job. You can stay competitive by searching for jobs on job boards, LinkedIn and Craig’s List. The PRSA Jobcenter has some time-saving elements when searching for a job such as signing up for job alerts or a job feed.
How Do I Land That Internship? PRSSA can help you get started with internship realities for soon-to-be graduating seniors. They also offer perspectives on working for an agency vs. a corporation. Once you’ve landed that much coveted internship, you’ll want to make the most out of your internship experience. The goal of course is to be hired for a permanent position and advice from both PRSA and PRSSA can help.
How Can I Network Most Effectively? The best result from networking effectively is to have an employer at the company you wish to work for hand-deliver your resume to the HR director. But how do you make this happen? PRSA Jobcenter has a page to help you network like a pro. Set a plan to network with intention, make networking an art and follow the essential steps for networking success. Best-selling author Andrea Nierenberg offers tips on Ways to Say “Thank You” along with the “ABCs of Networking“.
Last but not least, always stay positive and remember PRSA Jobcenter will have strategic guidance for you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking to ask our panel of mentors a question, wish to attend graduate school or find a helpful Webinar, we will follow your career from entry-, mid- and senior-level.
By Richard Spector, manager, Jobcenter and Client Services, Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
This post original appeared in the PRSA NewPros blog.
Get connected with the largest community of public relations and communications professionals at PRSA’s Jobcenter. Whether you are posting a job or job hunting in community relations, corporate communications, public affairs or any communications sector, the PRSA Jobcenter connects you with more than 77,000 potential employees, including 22,000 PRSA members and nearly 10,000 PRSSA students. View more than 1,000 communications jobs, public relations and other career-related opportunities and professionals today!
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