Q. A friend who just started her internship told me about your blog as she chastised me for not having looked for a PR job before graduating last month. I have a valid excuse since I had to work two jobs on campus to pay for college, so I don’t know where to start, nor do…… Continue reading Launching a Belated, Post-Graduation Job Search
Are You a Specialist or a Generalist?
Are you a Generalist or a Specialist? Why should you care? As a former PRactitioner and current mentor to business owners, I can address both topics. According to Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation, a “word association” assessment determines if you are a Generalist or a Specialist. During this brief quiz, you reply with the first thoughts…… Continue reading Are You a Specialist or a Generalist?
5 Ways Students Can Gain Experience in PR Field
As a student you commit a large amount of time and energy to get a degree that sets your course for the future. Many variables affect your potential success–exposure to the profession you’re pursuing, what you learned in college, and how you apply real life experiences to your job search. Bottom line, graduates who have been involved…… Continue reading 5 Ways Students Can Gain Experience in PR Field
Elevator Speech: Don’t Miss Your Floor
When the term first became popular, it typically referred to a 30-second speech, the approximate time spent in an elevator with someone. The analogy inspired people to create 30-second presentations, sometimes intriguing yet way too often sounding pre-recorded and boring. You don’t want your elevator speech to make people run to another elevator to get…… Continue reading Elevator Speech: Don’t Miss Your Floor
7 Truths For Career Success
Earlier this week, I’ve talked with a frustrated job seeker who had just learned that he finished second in two separate job searches. The interviews and anticipation clearly took their toll since he decided to put his job search on hold as he copes with perceived rejection. My attempted pep talk get his head back into the game didn’t seem to have much…… Continue reading 7 Truths For Career Success
Job Postings: Respond Sooner Than Later
Unless you want a part-time gig at McDonald’s or Sears, don’t bother responding to online job posts that are more than two weeks old. The average listing duration of PR job postings has dropped dramatically over the past few years. Recruiters from several agencies recently told me that once traditional 30-day job posts are gone forever,…… Continue reading Job Postings: Respond Sooner Than Later
Why It’s Important to Have a Career Portfolio
We’re all familiar with the image of the recent Art and Design graduate showing up at their first interview clutching an enormous portfolio of work samples. Although the graduate has her art degree, in this profession, the interviewer almost always asks to see some physical examples of the work before a hiring decision is made. Unless…… Continue reading Why It’s Important to Have a Career Portfolio
Graduation Advice For Future PR Leaders
Although DePaul University commencement exercises don’t occur until mid-June, many college graduates already have crossed the stage to claim their degrees. As I began to think about what to write to recognize this milestone, I received a post from friend and fellow blogger Edward M. Bury, APR (aka The PRDude). Edward’s following three points succinctly cover what it will take…… Continue reading Graduation Advice For Future PR Leaders
To Do, Or Not To Do: Resume Objective Statements
Now that an increasing number of companies specifically request that applicants not include cover letters with their online applications, I’m revising my anti objective position when applying for such jobs. My new recommendation: Include an objective or career summary if only resumes are requested. However, if cover letters are required, do not include an objective on…… Continue reading To Do, Or Not To Do: Resume Objective Statements
Build a Personal Website to Boost Your PR Career
Valuable experience, an admirable GPA and shining letters of recommendation just aren’t outstanding these days. A personal website for career pursuits though can make you stand out among the rest. More than 56 percent of employers consider a personal website to be an impressive feat, but only 7 percent of job seekers actually have a…… Continue reading Build a Personal Website to Boost Your PR Career