Last year, Laura Petrecca projected hard times for some 2.4 million graduates entering the work force in her article on USA Today. Unfortunately, the job market in 2011 isn’t looking much brighter. If you’re a recent grad or current student searching for jobs or internships, you’re going to need a full résumé and a specialized skill set to compete with your peers. As you assemble your résumé and gear up for interviews, heed these crucial bits of advice from the professionals at BLASTmedia to help you succeed through the application and interview process.

Putting together your résumé

When you apply for a job, you want to stand out from your peers and put your best foot forward. You can do this with a stellar résumé, but to get there you must first consider what you’re including, how you’re organizing this information and the overall appearance of the document. Here are a few pointers to help you through this first challenge.

Overall, your résumé should be aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Within the document, double-check that the typeface and font sizes are consistent. As BLAST’s media relations manager Kiersten Moffatt puts it, “Inconsistency in formatting bugs me, mistakes on your résumé tell me that you aren’t paying attention to detail.”

When you’re debating what to put in your résumé, first look at where you’re applying. Research what the company does and then consider what skills that employer might find impressive. However, be able to back up what you’re saying, “If it’s on your résumé, be able to talk about it,” Kiersten adds. “For instance, if you have PRSSA on your résumé, you should be able to explain your role within the organization.”

Furthermore, you should organize your past jobs, skills and references in a way that highlights your experiences. If you’re looking for a job in public relations, your involvement in the communication department at your university is far more relevant to an employer than your role as a camp counselor, theoretically speaking.

Preparing for an interview

When you get an interview invitation, there are several steps you should take to prepare. First and foremost, research the organization—look at their website, follow them on Twitter, “like” their Facebook page, be able to talk about what they do and brainstorm ways you could contribute.

Before you come in for your interview, be sure to communicate effectively. If the employer asks you to call or email them with your availability, CALL.  It goes a long way when you pick up the phone and speak with them directly—it shows confidence and professionalism. Consider offering electronic copies of writing samples or examples of projects you’re working on that will showcase your abilities.

Practicing your answers for questions is beneficial, but remember to be yourself. Social Media Manager Emily Trimble suggests, “Yes, prepare for interview questions ahead of time, but don’t practice so much that you get to the interview and recite your answer like a robot—have a few points for each question in your head, but don’t plan a whole dialogue—it comes off as boring and unnatural. We want to see your personality!”

How to have a great interview

Some things should go without saying—like punctuality. Showing up too late or too early puts a strain on the employer. Arrive in a timely manner, 3-5 minutes early is ideal. Also, (again this should go without saying) dress in professional attire and be sure to have extra copies of your resume. “One of my biggest pet peeves is showing up empty handed –i f you walk in with nothing, to me it comes off like you didn’t take time to prepare for the interview,” adds Emily.

What to do after the interview

Now that the interview is over, it’s important to stay on the radar. BLAST’s social media relations specialist, Jacqueline Simard, recommends that you send a thank you note. “No response? Send a follow-up email or pick up the phone,” she says.

Well, there you have it. If you’re conscious of your portfolio and focus on building your skill set during your undergrad then you’re already taking steps in the right direction. By securing two or three internships, you’re entering the work force with experiences and references that will set you apart from your peers, thereby increasing your chances of finding full time employment.

While the job market still looks a little bleak for recent grads, as long as your résumé looks nothing like this (below), you should be okay — unless you do “know when to hold and know when to fold”…

#winning resume

Interested in interning at BLASTmedia? Contact our offices at 317-806-1900 to find out how you can apply for one of our fall positions on the social media or pr team!

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