For those of you who weren’t aware, after months of interviewing and sending out countless resumes, I received a job offer
I am now a full-time, public relations professional at a firm in New York City. Besides finally acquiring that ever elusive paycheck (can I say I’m a bit more excited about the business cards?), I’ve gotten a great behind-the-scenes look at the hiring and interviewing process. So for my first post as a working adult, I’m going to share some insights that will hopefully bring you the same luck I’ve enjoyed.
- Employ an extra set of eyes- Everyone makes mistakes, even the most senior managers and executives, but when applying for a position, it’s doubly important to review documents. A senior vice president at my company told me that an overwhelming number of applicants submit cover letters and resumes that highlight their vast experience in pubic relations and ability to asses market trends. If you didn’t catch those last two mistakes, maybe it’s time for you or a friend to give your resume the once over.
- Never dismiss someone- Walking into an office for an interview can be a bit of a frazzled experience. Most often, applicants are winded from the commute and are desperately trying to remember company and client details all the while maintaining a smile and sturdy handshake. Still, the waiting room is no place to review flash cards. Take the opportunity to greet the receptionist and make an impression. Ask about the office space or how long he or she has worked there. Trust me, companies ask for their input after a candidate has left.
- Social media can be a blessing and a curse- My co-workers told me my fluency with social media applications was one of the main reasons they hired me. If you haven’t jumped on the band-wagon yet, the time is definitely now. Still, social media can be a double-edged sword. No matter how much you may want to brush off warnings from your professors and parents, companies look at your social network profiles, including Twitter. This doesn’t equate to a complete loss of personality, but try to refrain from tweeting about that embarrassing walk-of-shame or drunken upheaval.
- Remember the interview is a conversation- So many applicants get so wrapped up in a rehearsed speech demonstrating their skills and accomplishments that they forget to take a breath, let alone ask questions in return. Sometimes, the answers to those questions can spark a shared experience or acquaintance that can ultimately make a big difference. After the particulars were out of the way, I discovered that the woman interviewing me shared a common friend and another person at the company also competed in public speaking in high school. Who would have thought that networking and public speaking skills are a handy thing to have in this industry?
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