On December 15 from 1-2pm ET, PR and Social Media professionals from around the US will lead a discussion on how to craft perfect resumes for the communications industry. Full details here.
I am NOT a recruiter. I am not in human resources. I am not a hiring manager.
But over the course of the past year, I’ve come across about 100 resumes of people looking to enter the PR and/or social media fields.
What I’m about to share with you is what I personally do when I’m sent a job application AFTER it’s been vetted by the proper folks in my organization. And remember, this is ONLY for those in the communications world.
- While applications should be emailed, I like to print out applications and take them with me to read out of the office. I like to go to a coffee shop where I can turn off the phone and focus on the task at hand. As such, if you can, it’s nice to put the cover letter and resume in the same PDF document. It requires printing ONE document instead of two. Not a big deal, but a nice thing.
- I will check your Twitter. I don’t care about Facebook. I’ll cross-check your LinkedIn to make sure it matches your resume. But I will read your Twitter feed. I’m not looking for anything in particular, but it helps me understand who you are. There is no formula or scoring system or anything like that. However, if you protect your Tweets, that doesn’t make me like you.
- I’ll took for when you graduated college. Does it matter? Yes and no. I want to make sure your professional experience is commensurate with what we need from that position. If we have an entry level job and you graduated in 2006, we may not be the right fit.
- I look for how long you were at each stop in your career. Everyone has a job they didn’t like and can consider a mulligan. Heck, I was with one company for just four months. But if you have bounced around many times, that may raise a red flag. You’d better be able to explain the constant job-jumping, because we’re looking for committed team members. If we don’t think you’ll stick around for a while, do you think we’d offer you a job?
- In my office, there are usually three steps in the interview process: written applications, phone chat and in-person meeting(s). Make sure you are well-prepared for all three, because if your application stinks, you likely won’t get a phone chat. And if you bomb the phone chat, you aren’t likely to get a face-to-face interview.
- Not getting a second interview isn’t always about you. Take heart – you can do well on the phone chat and not make it to the next round. If the person doing the interviews doesn’t think you’d be the right fit, they may not pass you along, no matter how much they like you. Feel free to ask them why you didn’t advance.
- Not all processes are created equal. Some positions can take days to fill, while some can take months. It’s a fact of life that can sometimes be out of the hands of the company.
- End well. Sometimes when you are interviewing for one job, the company may envision a slightly different role for you. Or may alter the job description to suit your talents if they really like you. Always finish the interview process positively, because you never know what possibilities may be out there down the road.
In the PR/HAPPO world, we always talk about being creative when searching for a job. Present yourself differently, make a splash, be remembered.
There is a great case study going on right now, as former DC101 (WWDC-FM) DJ Flounder found himself cut loose after over a decade of on-air and behind-the-scenes work at the station. He was a sidekick on the insanely-popular syndicated morning show and hosted his own Saturday night mash-up show, which became a listening staple in the DC market.
He teamed up with another DC101 alum, Kyle Benham, to announce his job hunt VERY creatively. Take a look at the video, then read the release below. Definitely check out BootcampLights, a marketing company on the rise.
Here you go, from a news release:
Former DC101 Employee, Bryan ‘Flounder’ Schlossberg Takes to the Air with ‘Hire Me’ Campaign
Washington, D.C. (August 4, 2011) – Last Friday, EITM Fans broke the news of Bryan Schlossberg’s (better known as Flounder) exit from DC101 after twelve years with the Elliot in the Morning show.
Flounder stated via Facebook, “Friday was my last day working at DC101. Over the last 12 years, I have met some amazing people and have done amazing things. Thanks to my friends and family for their amazing support.”
With his sights on the future, Flounder has already begun searching for his next opportunity. He teamed up with former DC101 employee, Kyle Benham to launch an innovative “Hire Flounder” campaign.
Benham launched Bootcamp Lights earlier this year, reaching 80,000 U2 fans at M&T Bank Stadium with a custom built R22 Helicopter, outfitted with a 36-foot digital billboard.
Authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly digital advertising over metropolitan areas, the Bootcamp Lights Helicopter, operated by co-founder, Robert Schapiro displayed “Hire Flounder – DJFlounder.com” above rush hour traffic on I-270 and I-370 just outside of Washington, D.C.
Kyle Benham stated, “It isn’t easy finding work in this economy. Flounder is a creative genius with the discipline needed to succeed; I hope this campaign will help him discover a fulfilling career.”
One commuter tweeted, “@DJFlounder, even though you slowed down traffic this morning on 270, I thought that was some great advertising.” In response, Flounder commented, “Get used to it because I am not going away.”
Bootcamp Lights has a full service video production team; using the latest technology to capture campaigns in 1080p. Creative services director, Dan Yar says, “Our digital videos provide original content which can be shared across multiple platforms.” To watch Bryan ‘Flounder’ Schlossberg’s “Hire Me” campaign, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjwKMqXX4oE.
About Bryan ‘Flounder’ Schlossberg:
After twelve years, Bryan ‘Flounder’ Schlossberg exits DC101. Flounder was the station’s creative services director, on-air personality and hosted/produced a weekly two hour show called “Flounders Mash Ups.” Flounder owns a full service DJ company; hosting concerts, clubs and private events. For additional information about Bryan ‘Flounder’ Schlossberg, please visit Flounder’s website: http://www.DJFlounder.com.
About Bootcamp Lights:
Bootcamp Lights is an innovative advertising company, utilizing a custom built R22 Helicopter, outfitted with a 36-foot digital billboard. The Bootcamp Lights Helicopter can hover directly above prime locations or fly customized flight plans, targeting multiple areas. For additional information on Bootcamp Lights, please visit the Bootcamp Lights website at http://www.bootcamplights.com.
My agency has some wheels in motion and we are looking for a PR professional! While this position is contingent on pending contracts, we are starting the search now so we can hit the ground running! One of the non-listed benefits is working with me every day. It’s not so bad. Really.
Public Relations Account Executive
Company: From interactive websites to targeted, contemporary print publications, iostudio is a nationally recognized marketing company providing innovative Web, email, print and video solutions for local, regional and national clients. Over the last 13 years, we have grown into an award-winning, multi-million-dollar company built on the passion and ingenuity of a remarkable team of professionals who want more from a job than just bringing home a paycheck.
Named one of the 50 fastest-growing, privately owned companies in the region three years in a row, iostudio is all about finding the talented, dedicated few who flourish in the collaborative environment we offer. If you prefer to “change the world” instead of simply having a job, if you’re committed to doing the best work possible by joining forces with a talented, fast-growing team in Washington, DC, and Nashville, if you want to work for a company that offers opportunity, great benefits and a beautiful open office atmosphere, then contact us to learn more about this position.
Job Location: Washington, DC
Job Description: (Position Pending New Contracts)
iostudio is experiencing rapid growth and is seeking a talented and experienced Public Relations Account Executive. iostudio has a growing array of restaurant, nonprofit and retail clients in need of public relations services. We are looking for someone to oversee clients and projects, create fascinating and innovative promotional tactics, and position iostudio as an industry leader as a full-service marketing communications agency.
This position requires an expert ability to remain organized, work independently and think on your feet. The candidate we are looking for will:
Independently write and edit news releases.
Generate and maintain media lists.
Create and execute PR plans for a diverse array of clients and companies.
Be able to work comfortably with any outside vendor.
Be able to develop, plan, organize and initiate grassroots marketing efforts.
Oversee agency PR efforts and contribute to marketing initiatives.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.
Travel up to 20 percent.
Minimum Requirements:
B.S. or B.A. in public relations/advertising/marketing or related field.
3–5+ years of PR experience (agency or company).
Previous restaurant and nonprofit experience preferred, but not required.
Effective and professional verbal and written communication skills are essential. Ability to communicate ideas to employees, vendors, applicants and others in a clear and concise manner.
Strong proficiency with Word, Excel and PowerPoint on a Mac or PC platform; PR programs (such as Cision, Vocus, MyMediaInfo, etc.); and other applicable software.
Knowledge and ability to research information on the Web.
A wide degree of maturity, independence, creativity and latitude is expected
For consideration, please submit resume and salary requirements to careers@iostudio.com. Only emailed submissions will be considered.
iostudio is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
Photo via http://www.flickr.com/photos/dm-set/ (Creative Commons Licensce)
Congratulations, Class of 2011!
You’ve graduated! Hooray! Huzzah! Whoomp, there it is!
Now you’ve got to find a job, move out of your parents’ house and start your life for real.
Well, my dear PR and Social Media folk, there is a secret to help you speed up those processes. (Even though we like mom and dad’s home cooking as much as anyone, you need your own space. Trust us.)
The secret is so simple that it’s shocking that it’s not embedded into all college textbooks.
But it isn’t. So you didn’t hear this from me:
Industry professionals want to help you, but you need to help yourself first.
I can’t speak for EVERYONE, but I have yet to meet a PR or Social Media professional that wouldn’t at least let an aspiring professional pick their brain for a few minutes.
Why would we help you?
Easy: We need smart people. For our companies, for our clients. We all want to work with the “best and the brightest.” For the most part, at least.
So, we are here waiting to help you. But like I said, you need to help yourself first. Here are five ways to help you connect with PR and Social Media pros:
1) Read – Like a lot. Like…more than Mashable. Sign up for blog e-mailing lists, so content can be delivered to you. One can’t-miss is Spin Sucks, by the good folks at Arment Dietrich. And if you aren’t getting Sarah Evans’ #Commentz newsletter, you are behind the times, friend.
2) Join the Community – So much of our collective industry is happening online right now. Be there. One great community you should be a part of is Help A PR Pro Out (HAPPO). It launched in February 2010 as the brainchild of Arik Hanson and Valerie Simon to help match job-seekers with potential employers. Between Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, this community is EVERYWHERE and is made of a network of pros from around North America.
3) Reach Out – Yes, we are busy. Busier than ever, in fact. But we will take some time to answer questions, maybe grab a cup of coffee or a quick lunch to talk about our profession. Pros that want to be reached out to don’t make it hard to find their contact information. Try looking at blog contact pages or LinkedIn profiles. (And speaking of LinkedIn, keep that profile updated! Paradigm Staffing, a top PR recruiting firm, uses LinkedIn profiles like resumes!)
4) Come Armed With Questions – If we do take time out of our day to meet with you, come prepared with smart questions. The basics like “when did you know you wanted to Tweet for a living?” are fun and all (in all seriousness, that would be the best question EVER!) , and we can definitely talk about ourselves non-stop. But, help us help you. Ask us about your potential career path. Last week, I met with a young woman looking to get into online analysis. Her questions allowed me to give her to answers she was looking for.
5) Stay In Touch – Once you’ve met/chatted/e-mailed with us, stay in touch. While there is no fun Bat-Cave we all retreat to after our days at the office and compare notes and job openings, us communications pros are a chatty bunch and often listen to recommendations when making new hires. And in the crazy world we live in, opportunities sometimes do pop up overnight. You never know!
I probably shouldn’t have made the secret and tips so public. So, before a PR/Social Media cops make me remove this post and administer the lashings (“Thank you sir, may I have another?”), go do these things, make connections and launch your career!
Have you always wanted to work in the PR, marketing or social media industry?
Are you job-hunting?
Do you want to mentor aspiring professionals?
Are you looking for your next team-member?
If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, then you need to attend the Washington, DC #HAPPO Hour on Thursday, February 24th! It’s all part of the Help A PR Pro Out movement that has been helping foster a network of PR pros and job-hunters of all experience levels for over a year now.
(Click here to read other HAPPO entries on this site.)
There will be live events in cities across the USA, and it’s up to DC to show why we are the most powerful city in the world!
We’re meeting at Ping Pong Dim Sum in Chinatown (1.5 blocks from Gallery Place Metro) from 6-8pm (or later…their kumquat mojito is amazing!) for an evening of networking, advice-sharing, and maybe even some resume critiquing, if you bring a few copies!
Spread the word, be there, bring friends – it will be the social event of the season! (Mega-bonus points for getting the reference!)
For the Twitterfolk, use hashtags #HAPPO and #HAPPODC to discuss and show what DC’s all about!
