More Advice on the Follow-up

First off, congratulations for getting the interview! Landing an interview for a job or internship is a great accomplishment and you should be proud. The most nerve-wracking part is officially over. So, what’s the next step? The follow-up. The follow-up after the interview may be just as important as preparing for the interview itself. Let’s look further into following up after an interview and what to do if you haven’t heard back for awhile. 

Be sure to follow-up the same day you have your interview. My personal preference is an email. If you want to make it more personal and send a handwritten note, be sure to send it out the same day of your interview and be aware of the day you send it. Holidays and weekends are something to think about if you want to send a handwritten note. Also be aware of any green initiatives the company may have that may make sending an email more appropriate.

Following up immediately shows you are highly interested in getting the job and truly appreciate the time employees took out of their busy day to interview you. Aside from being polite in a follow-up thank you, try to add a personal touch. Was there something unique mentioned in your interview? Include anything that can make your follow-up thank you stand out from the rest they have already received. Personally, I like to keep my follow-ups short and sweet. Lastly, don’t forget to follow-up and thank the hiring or office manager. Although this position doesn’t always directly interview you, it is important to follow-up and thank them for coordinating everything.

(Photo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/iphone-desk-office-pen-38556/)

Not all employers will answer your follow-up and that’s OK. It is not necessarily something they need to respond to, so don’t get yourself stressed out if you don’t receive an answer. If an employee doesn’t respond within two weeks, be sure to reach out again. If you meet with a number of different employees, you don’t have to email each person. Think about who will know the most about you getting hired and email them. You can check in by saying something like, “I just wanted to check in and see where you were in the process.” Worrying about being too aggressive is something I’ve struggled with throughout college, but this shows initiative. A lot of employees are so caught up in their job and don’t realize how long it has been since they have got back to you. Following up a second time after the initial thank you is usually the safe option. Be patient while waiting to hear back, but don’t limit yourself during this process – it’s always a good option to not put all your eggs in one basket.

By: Gabriella Lacherza

Following-Up Part 1- Post Application

You’ve submitted your application… now what? The anticipation of hearing a response from the company is killing you, and this is a job you have always dreamed of. It is important to remember the ball is in the employer’s court now and it is likely he or she will be sifting through a sea of dozens, maybe even hundreds, of other applicants. So, what are the next steps you should take?

1. Be patient

Patience is a virtue. Hiring processes take time and that timeline does not work on your schedule.

2. Be timely

Don’t reach out the day after you submit a job application. Give it a week or two and if you still haven’t heard back, then it is a good time to follow up. You do not want come across as desperate and overwhelm the hiring manager as he/she is already dealing with a busy schedule.

3. Briefly follow up

If you want to make an impression and be remembered, a quick email to the hiring manager can bring your resume to his/her attention. An email will not interrupt the employer’s schedule opposed to phone call. The follow up should briefly introduce who you are, inquire about your materials being received, and reinforce your interest in the position. A quality email follow up should say something like this:

“Dear *hiring manager name,*

I hope all is well. My name is ____ and I recently applied to your ____ position. I realize how busy         you probably are, but I would like to verify that my resume has been received. I also want to                         reiterate my interest in the position; I think it would be a great match, and I’d love to talk with you about the position when you’re ready to schedule interviews.

Thank you in advance and I look forward to hearing from you!

Respectfully,

_____”

4. Be confident

After following up, the most important thing you can do is remain confident. You’ve demonstrated your personality in the cover letter, you’ve listed your credentials and experience on your resume, you’ve expressed your determination through the follow up, so it is time to simply believe in yourself and whatever the future holds.

By: Melanie Klinefelter

@MeekMellllz

Going For It; Asking for Professional References

I think we all can agree how intimidating it is to ask someone for a professional reference. However, we also know it is something that must be done. We have to get over our fears of asking and actually do it. As PR professionals, some say it is a fact that we like to talk and have no problem reaching out to others. We will eventually have to use this skill when we contact journalists for press, so why not take this as an opportunity to practice that skill?

After having a few internships that required professional references, I have a few tips up my sleeve to share with you all.

Tip#1:  Know your potential reference personally on some level

You do not have to be their best friend, but they should know you personally or professionally to some extent.  It would be really hard for someone to write nice things about you if they do not even know you.

Tip#2: Be polite

Do not just barge into the room or their email inbox requesting a letter of recommendation.  Whether your inquiry is in person or over email, let them know you appreciate their help and time.

Tip#3: Ask early

We all like to procrastinate. As college students, it is in our DNA.  However, it is important to give your references time, so do not ask for a letter of recommendation the day before you need it.

Tip# 4: Ask in person or over email

It is usually the preference of the person.  Some people might think email is easier. My advice is to ask in person, it shows you’re dedicated and may be more likely to get you a “yes!”

Tip#5:Prepare them with details

Some positions require a letter of recommendation with certain requirements, others just require a character reference.  Find out what you need and let that person know.

Who can I Ask?!

1. Teacher or Professor
2. Manager (Job or Internship)
3. Advisor of an Organization
4. Volunteer Manager

 

By: Kaitlin Milano

The What, Why and How of Informational Interviews

If you’re anything like I was as a sophomore in college–fresh, uninformed and most likely naive–the term “informational interview” may be something completely unheard of to you. For those wondering what informational interviews are, they’re just like interviews, only this time, the tables are turned and you’re the one asking the questions. No, this doesn’t mean you have to offer them a full-time job at the end.

What you are doing, however, is getting to know them as a person, what their career path has been like and, of course, expanding your network of connections. Not only is this an effective form of networking, but it also allows experienced professionals in the field to pass down some of their words of wisdom on to you.

Whether it’s after meeting them at an event or finding them on LinkedIn, reaching out for an informational interview in the beginning shows you’re proactive and eager to learn. You’ll be surprised at how willing people are to help you.

Once you’ve gotten the green light from them and have an agreed upon time and place, do your homework. Just as you would research a company before a job interview, research the person you’re meeting with. Look up their LinkedIn profile and examine their career background.  They’ve put aside time to talk to you, so don’t waste it by asking about information you can find out yourself.

After that, be sure to come prepared with a list of questions. Here are some good questions to ask:

1. I know that you [were originally doing X] but how did you end up in [this industry/company]?
2. Is there something you wish you’d known or a skill you wish you’d had starting out in [this industry]?
3. If you could go back and do something differently in your career or college, what would it be?
4. What’s the culture like at [this company] compared to [prior company]?
5. What’s your biggest challenge in this role?
6. What do you like and dislike about working in this position/company?
7. How does my experience stack up to others applying for [X level positions]?
8. What types of personality traits and skills do your company look for?
9. Do you have any advice for me as I am [still in college]?
10. Do you know anyone else that would be good for me to speak to?

Ask questions that touch on both the person and the company, shifting more weight on the person. The more interest you show you have for him or her, the less rigid the whole interview will be. While informational interviews may lead to a job in the future, they are not designed to get you one on the spot (unless offered, of course).

When the interview is over, remember to send them a note or email thanking them for their time. Bring up something they said that really stood out and resonated with you. Last but not least, be sure to keep the relationship alive by sending them an email once in a while asking them how they’re doing and updating them about your career. If you see a piece of news related to their company or industry, think about sending it to them as an interesting read.

While informational interviews could possibly be the key in getting your foot in the door, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to keep the door open as wide as possible.

 

By: Su Rei Khoo

@surei_k

Writing Samples the Right Way

College professors constantly stress the importance of writing. It may seem repetitive and annoying, but it’s true!  If you ask any PR professional “what are necessary skills to have,” I guarantee their answer will include writing. That being said: jobs and internships within the PR industry want to see your writing ability, and you will need to provide your best writing sample during the application process to showcase your skills.

What can I use as a writing sample?

If you have a professional press release or media alert from a prior job or internship, I suggest using one of those because it is impressive that you have written tangible material for another company. I would also bring an independent writing piece, such as a blog post or a journal entry, to showcase your personality. Independent writing pieces are a great piece to bring if you do not have any professional samples. Avoid bringing irrelevant research papers that you’ve written in class or other homework assignments.

Make sure grammar and AP style is perfect!

There should not be any errors in your writing samples! It’s the first impression to the quality of work you will produce. Employers will believe the applicant is lazy, careless, and ignores details if there are errors. Edit, edit, edit!

Add more writing samples on your LinkedIn profile.

Typically, employers will only ask for one or two writing samples. If you have other great pieces, put your content out there and showcase it on LinkedIn. It’s very likely the employer will “creep” on your LinkedIn page, and it’s impressive to see an applicant is constantly practicing his or her writing. LinkedIn offers a “publications” section on your LinkedIn profile, so if you’ve been published show it off!

Your cover letter IS a writing sample.

Of course, submit an actual writing sample, but your cover letter is also a piece of writing an employer will judge. The quality of a cover letter is just as important. For tips on writing your cover letter, check out our other post here.

Good luck and show off your skills!

By: Kimberly Leung

@Kimberly_Leung

 

Perfecting the Cover Letter

The cover letter may undoubtedly be the most difficult part of finding a job or internship. It needs to be personalized and, unlike the resume, needs to be perfectly tailored to each job you are applying to. Not all jobs will request a cover letter, but if the company does, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind.

 

1. Make sure you are customizing your cover letter for each job. Believe it or not, many candidates don’t complete this step, so if you do, yours will immediately stand out. Each job you are applying for will require different skills and that will show in the job description. If you take the time to really analyze the job description and reflect that in your cover letter, it will show that you are detail-oriented, which is also something that will make you stand out as a candidate.
2. Use your cover letter as a way to brand yourself. If your resume has a specific format for your contact information, use the same exact format on your cover letter. This includes font size, email address being used, and margins. This is a small detail that will go a long way. Making sure these formats are exactly the same will help you create a brand for yourself for the employer and show them that you care. Also, this will make it easier for employers to match your cover letter with your resume in the case that one of the two gets misplaced.
3. The cover letter is about THEM. Write about what YOU can do for THEM. You can list skills that you have that are relevant to the job, but tailor them to exactly what the job listing says and make sure it is obvious that those skills will benefit the company. Saying things such as “this position has been my dream job since…” is great for you, but what does that do for them? Employers are giving you the opportunity to fulfill that dream, so take advantage of that and prove that you are the perfect candidate.
4. Make your introduction interesting! Avoid saying things like “Enclosed please find my resume your consideration” because I guarantee that almost every other candidate said the same thing. If you say something such as “public relations has been such an important part in my life…” then go on to explain why, it will be much more interesting for the employer. It will drive them to read the rest of the cover letter, and that is the main objective.

By: Kaitlin Osborn

@KaitlinJ95

Volunteer to Enhance your Resume

Before you apply for any job or internship you need a resume. The resume is the first document employers see and is an introduction to who you are, what you’re about, and why you qualify for the position. One of the biggest obstacles that students face when putting together their resume is their lack of relevant experience. Luckily, one of the easiest ways to add more experience on your resume and build your network is by volunteering.

Volunteering has many benefits both within the community and on your resume. In fact, having volunteer experience shows employers that you’re self-motivated and willing to take initiative.

So, how can you format volunteer experience on your resume?

Option 1: If you have little to no experience you can put your volunteer work in the “experience” section, making your volunteerism the focal point on your resume. Also include volunteer work in this section if you have worked at the same organization for an extended period of time.

Option 2: If you are adding volunteer work as a way to bulk up your resume you can add a separate section, using the title “Community Involvement” or “Activities and Interests.” On my cover letter and resume I express that dance and community art are special interests of mine. To authenticate that interest I have volunteered with a local non-profit dance company.

Pro tip: Having your special interests align with your volunteer work shows employers not only that you have other interests, but also that you have taken an extra step in making your hobbies something more.

How to get involved?

That’s the easy part! Being a member of PRSSA exposes you to an abundance of volunteer opportunities.

Other than PRSSA you can contact the Temple University Community Service Association, visit websites like volunteermatch.org, or contact you favorite non-profit organization for even more opportunities.

Now go out and volunteer!

 

By: Devan Randolph

@DefinitelyDev_

 

The Job Search Part II: Networking

The Key to Success: Networking

The internship and job hunt can appear as an intimidating and challenging beast to battle. Many students have a strong desire to get an internship during the school year, but don’t know how to find it. What is the key to success in landing a job or internship? Some students will search on indeed.com or other online employment platforms for internship openings. Other students will depend on email listservs to find out about openings. The issue with these two strategies is there are no ways to make yourself stand out…you’re just another name attached to another email address. Listserv emails and online employment platforms don’t allow for you to put a face to a name or even show employers who you really are. However there is one method you can use that always allows for you to display your personality. This method is networking.

The art of networking has been around for centuries, and it is something people can perform daily. When you network with other people you are building your “professional bubble.” Networking can be a terrifying experience for many, but what people, especially students, need to realize is networking is a vital key to professional success. By going to networking events you have the opportunity to connect with multiple professionals at once. When connecting with these professionals, you are putting a face to a name and showing them who the person behind the business card or resume is. Networking makes you stand out. For example, if you meet someone at a networking event, and a month later you find out the person you networked with is looking to hire, you are already one step ahead of the other potential candidates, because the employer knows who you are, knows your personality and knows you took the time to meet them, which ultimately makes your resume and application stand out among the rest. Networking allows you to not only build your network, but it also familiarizes you with local professionals. This is helpful with students, because as a new face in the industry, you want people to learn about you and recognize you. Also, another positive of networking is once you meet one person, chances are you will see them again at another networking event where they will introduce you to someone else, and so on.

By: Alissa Steele

@Alissa_Ann94

The Job Search Part I: Online

Since beginning my job search, I’ve started to view the process as pitching myself to a job. I have been approaching the online job search as if I were making a proposal for a company to add me to their team. Just like pitching, the online job search requires research, persuasive writing and strategic follow-up methods.

Research the Perfect Jobs

Based on the assumption that your resume is already updated and optimized, the first step of the job search process is to research the best jobs for you. While many soon-to-be-graduates will desperately accept any entry-level position in their respective fields, this is a process in which you should be just as selective as potential employers are. Conduct research to determine the companies that have the size, culture, location, benefits and clients or industries that you want. While a Google search might produce some potential places of employment, there are many sites to help job seekers find job listings tailored to their desires; some of the top job search engine sites are Indeed, Career Builder, Monster, Simply Hired, LinkedIn Jobs and more. Meo Jobs is one of my personal favorite job search engines for media and communications positions, sharing job listings from some of the most prominent companies.

Write a Persuasive Cover Letter

Once you have the job that you want to apply for—whether it’s your dream job or the job that will do for right now—it’s time to make the case for your employment and demonstrate your writing abilities. Use the job description and details about the company to convey why you are the best candidate for the job and why you’re choosing to work for that company. While convincing the employer of your ability to handle the work, be sure to include why you have the personality and characteristics of someone who would fit well with their staff. The more personal and less ordinary your cover letter is, the more you’ll distinguish yourself.

Be Strategic about Following Up

The most important part of pitching is also one of the most important parts of the online job search—the follow-up. Once you apply to a job, make an effort to help your diligently written resume and cover letter be seen by the hirer and possibly garner a bit of favor in the process. One way to do this is to look through the contacts in your email, LinkedIn profile, social network friend lists and any contacts list that you may have developed to identify any connections you have to the company. If you have worked closely with someone who is connected to the company, ask for a referral. If you know someone connected to the company, but you don’t have an established relationship with the person, ask them for a short talk over coffee or an informational interview about the company. If you have no connections with a company, be sure to reach out after a week or two to check the status of your application.

Following the above steps is a great start to the job search process, but the online job search is only the beginning. Diligently complete your online job searching tasks, and then start pitching in person through networking.

By: Jameeda Rucker

@_JRPR_