Working for Work: Tips for Job-Hunting Millennials

After reading John Reid Blackwell’s article about Millennials struggling to get their ideal job after graduating college, it got me thinking about the job hunt and wondering what students are doing correctly but more importantly, what they are doing wrong (or not doing at all) as they search. 

I’m fortunate to work at a company where not only do my bosses regularly give their time to students and recent grads but encourage the rest of us to do the same. Additionally, for the last few years I was the Students Relations Chair for PRSA Richmond and in that role, met with many students to review resumes, help build cover letters, talk about marrying interests with internships and of course, try to answer the million dollar question – how do I land a job? 

Here are some of the tips I give to the future members of our profession:

Don’t wait until the last minute.

If you’re graduating in May and start applying for jobs in April with the hopes of landing something by June… good luck. Applying for a job takes much more effort than sending an email or two. Consider it this way: if two people with the exact same qualifications are applying for the same job but one starts 4 months before they graduate while the other applies a month or two out, who do you think will grab the attention of the hiring manager? 

Location, location, location.

Determine what cities are in your top three and start your research there. It is certainly harder to find a job in a city that you don't know but it’s absolutely NOT impossible to find a job (and a great one at that) in a city that’s new to you.

Research.

At the beginning of your job hunt, Google will be your best friend. Once you’ve decided on where you want to be, start putting that keyboard to work and compile lists of potential employers in each city. Don’t be put off by companies that don’t have listings online – this is a huge mistake. Many companies, especially small agencies (like THP), rely on recommendations from colleagues over posting a job opportunity on their website. 

Cover letters, resumes and writing samples… oh my!

As you’re doing your company research, don’t neglect the items that will actually get your foot in the door and grab people’s attention. Make sure that your resume and cover letter are in tip top shape and that you have writing samples ready to provide as well. These writing samples can include articles you’ve written for student newspapers, projects you’ve completed at internships or materials you have from your PR writing course(s).

Informational interviews.

Once you’ve made your list, it’s time for the fun stuff. Unless you’re applying for a specific job, informational interviews are THE way to go. The point of the meeting is to a) introduce yourself to PR professionals thus beginning to build your network, b) get advice on other companies to look at/people to talk to and c) become a top-of-mind job candidate both for the person you’re meeting with as well as potentially their peers. 

Remember a few other things when doing an informational:

• Keep in mind that the people who have agreed to speak with you are taking time out of their busy schedules so do them a courtesy and take notes.
• Be prepared to ask them a handful of questions about their company, the PR community in that city, what would help you stand out against other applicants, etc.
• Finally, don’t leave without asking for the names of three other people to reach out to. Most folks will likely give you names throughout the meeting but if they don’t, it is absolutely 100% okay to ask for this.

Follow-ups.

This is a term that will play a role throughout your PR career so best to become familiar with it now. At the very least, send a thank you email after every informational or job interview (preferably within 24 hours). If you want to make more of an impact, drop a handwritten note in the mail. Also, don’t be afraid to follow-up with people you’ve met with for informational interviews every few months; this will keep you top of mind and will also help build the relationship.

That’s it (for now) on job hunting; I’ll get off my soapbox. Good luck my future PR peers and may the force be with you. 

If you have other tips to add, please leave them in the comment box. Or, if you think I’m totally off my rocker, you can leave those comments too.