Tips from the Pros: How to Jump Start Your Communications Career
Tomorrow's communication professionals got some advice on how to get their career rolling from communication leaders of today at an IABC/Toronto event on January 30, 2007.
Students from across Toronto came to Centennial College's Centre for Creative Communications for Tips from the Pros: How to Jump Start Your Communications Career. The panel shared tips for how to prepare for a position, perform well during an interview, and what to expect in an entry-level position.
Panelists included Sheila Corriveau, Partner and Global Network Director of Porter Novelli, Roxanne Cramer, owner of the recruiting agency Cramer & Company, and Stephanie Baxter, Senior Manager of Corporate Communications at Coca-Cola Ltd.
Corriveau sparked the discussion by sharing employers' perspectives of resumes and cover letters, saying that to get an interview, both should be exceptional.
"I used to get about five resumes a day when recruiting," said Corriveau. "Of those five, maybe one was excellent." Resumes are often thrown out in communications if there is even one typo, she said.
Candidates should also make an effort to differentiate themselves from others through involving themselves in extracurricular activities, such as volunteering.
"Willingness to volunteer is a positive, and you can usually get a reference," said
Cramer.
Cramer told the crowd of more than 60 students what her clients are looking for in job candidates. Most employers are looking for three specific characteristics in potential hires: confidence, leadership on a team, and the 'wow factor'.
Another strategy is to know how to interview well. Cramer suggested conducting
mock-interviews with friends and family members and directed students to questions found on her website (www.cramercompany.com).
Responses to questions during an interview should draw on the applicants' experiences. "You should always try to talk about how you work in a group, and what kind of results you achieved," said Cramer.
Baxter explained to the future hires what to expect once cruising in their new jobs. Many new employees are assigned to conducting media monitoring and collecting media clips. "It's really important, and don't let anyone else tell you differently," she Baxter.
Baxter also encouraged young professionals to take advantage of all learning opportunities, on the job and off.
Students were advised that a referral from a contact often means a lot more than a cold call, and that networking groups, such as the IABC, can be an invaluable resource for those referrals.
Attitude was also emphasized: "act confident, but not cocky; enthusiastic," said Corriveau. "(Be) professional, but most importantly -- be yourself."
New professionals should share their enthusiasm about public relations. "It's usually the person who is stretching, passionate and excited who gets the job," said Cramer.
By keeping all of these tips in mind, aspiring professionals can set themselves in motion towards the right job.
Tips from the Pros (Side Bar)
Before the Interview
- Make sure your resume is error free
- Try to distinguish yourself with extracurricular activities
- Investigate work culture of companies
- Read the company website before an interview
- Treat secretaries and other staff with respect
- Practice interviewing with a peer
During the Interview
- Never arrive late for an interview
- Always dress-up for an interview
- Be confident - always make eye contact, and give a firm handshake
- Mention key accounts or company products during an interview
- Distinguish yourself from competition
- Be positive and show passion
- Bring a portfolio with work samples and references
- Be sure to demonstrate writing skills
- Demonstrate transferable skills and responsibility
- Ask pertinent questions to demonstrate interest
- Send a thank-you note immediately afterwards
On the First Job
- Find a mentor who shares your professional interests
- Take advantage of all learning activities
- Take courses if needed to upgrade yourself
- Keep deadlines and manage your time wisely
- Notify your manager in advance if deadlines are at risk
- Have others proofread work for spelling and errors
- Don't be afraid to ask questions
- Ask for help when you need it
