March 10, 2008
Résumés and Interviews: It’s not all common sense…but it should be
For many of us, graduation is looming closer and closer, prompting more and more people to ask us “Do you know what you’re going to do when you graduate?” My instinctive response is “Yup – going out to a nice restaurant with my family to celebrate!” Ohhh, I guess they mean job-wise.
I’m still unsure of my future, but I’m not going to worry myself over it. I applied for a number of those programs and internships listed in my first post, and have yet to hear back from one of them. There’s still time (that seems to be my favorite phrase this semester).
So, besides searching job opportunities, I am constantly trying to better my résumé and fine-tune my interview skills. I search tips and tricks online and take note to what professionals have to say. Our PRSSA chapter is fortunate to have campus events featuring practitioners from the top agencies in Nashville.
Recently, senior account executive at Katcher, Vaughn & Bailey Public Relations, Heather Schablik, spoke at a PRSSA meeting about getting your dream internship. Ronald Roberts, Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Dye, Van Mol & Lawrence spoke at a convocation event on “How to Say It: The Interview.” Below are some of the highlights from their visits:
Résumé:
Heather Schablik:
· Writing samples – Even those from class will work. Anything that show cases
your writing ability
· Relevant experience – previous internship or experience do PR for a club or organization on campus
· Involvement in PRSSA
· Brevity – Keep it to one page. Don’t put every menial task. “If you’ve worked in an office, I expect you can answer phones.”
· DOES NOT look at GPA – “I don’t even notice if it’s not on there.”
Ronald Roberts:
· Proof everything before you send it – Have another pair of eyes look it over
“In my industry, you’re out of the running…just that quickly if it is not proofed. It’s the simple things that kill you.”
· Don’t hesitate to put a job on there because you think it is irrelevant – “If you’ve worked at a restaurant, it shows me you’ve dealt with customers.”
· Gain practical, commercial experience – “What I want to see if something you’ve done outside Belmont.”
· Make sure your references are strong – “Have someone who will make you sound good.”
Interview:
Heather Schablik:
· Beforehand: Be aware of what is online about you – “I have not called candidates back because of what I saw on their Facebook or MySpace page.”
· Express yourself with confidence, but don’t be an ego-maniac
· Bring a portfolio, even if you can’t leave it with them. Some people even bring a video/DVD, or have an online portfolio listed on the résumé
· Talking salary – “Do your research. Talk intelligently about why you are asking for what you’re asking. It’s all about how you come at it.”
Ronald Roberts:
· Research beforehand – Find out about the company. Come up with questions to ask during the interview. Definitely have a name to put on the cover letter
· Practice and rehearse; especially be familiar with weaknesses and strengths – “Don’t memorize so you sound like a robot, but be prepared.”
· Be early – “Fifteen minutes early is on time for an interview.”
· Follow up – “Thank you notes are really nice.” However, only ONE communication is sufficient. Don’t e-mail, call and send a note.
I would love to read any other suggestions or tips you have. What has been helpful for you? What mistakes have you learned from?
Raw Relations 