PRSA Buffalo/Niagara - PRSSA - Career Resources

Job Search and Interview Tips

What Employers Are Looking For
 - Maturity and confidence
 - Commitment
 - Interest
 - Professionalism
 - Responsibility
 - Adaptability and growth
 - Consistency
 - Vision
 - Performance with certainty

Preparing Your Resume
Strive to:
  -Highlight industry experience
  -Emphasize results, with specifics about your contributions to the client's/organization's success
  -Be brief and to the point.  Avoid excessive jargon/catch phrases
  -Use bullet points and action words
 

Resume Construction:
  -1 page in length for new professionals
  -Use 8.5 x 11 inch resume paper
  -Make sure the watermark on your resume and cover letter reads correctly when held to the light
  -Put your name, mailing address, phone number and e-mail address (do not abbreviate) at the top for easy reference
  -Reverse chronology is preferred
  -List professional experience before education, including internships or volunteer positions
  -Include professional affiliations and awards/recognition received
  -Mail, with cover letter, in a business-size envelope to a specific person at a complete address.  You may also submit via e-mail, but a hard copy is also a good practice.
 - Proofread, proofread, proofread!

Preparing a Cover Letter
Strive to:
  -Structure your letter well (appearance is everything)
  -Use powerful language to put your best foot forward
  -Keep it simple with an overview of background, qualifications and the content of your resume
  -Emphasize concrete examples and experiences that would make you stand out
  -Represent yourself with reserved confidence
  -Be straightforward, honest, sincere and friendly

Cover Letter Construction:
  -Use 8.5 x 11-inch resume paper
  -1 page length
  -Make sure the watermark on your cover letter and resume reads correctly when held to the light
  -Include a return address, date, inside address and a salutation to a specific person
  -Mail, with your resume, in a business-size envelope to a specific person at a complete address
 -Proofread, proofread, proofread!

Additional Resume and Cover Letter Tips
 -Do not assume your cover letter and resume can be e-mailed.  Inquire as to the preferred delivery option.
 -Do not mention salary expectations unless this information is requested.

Preparing Your Portfolio
 Strive to:
  -Represent your best work
  -Demonstrate your ability to think strategically and in broad terms
  -Communicate that you can execute the strategy or vision
  -Match the design to the position you are looking for
  -Create a portfolio that can speak for itself
  -Include as many pieces as possible to prove you can do the job
  -Obtain qualified feedback from a reliable source in the industry before interviewing
 

Portfolio Construction:
  -Make sure it is orderly and professional
  -Place in a leather-bound presentation case or three-ring binder
  -Utilize sheet protectors, tabbed dividers and professional paper
  -Include
   -Cover page
   -Table of contents
   -Copy of your resume
   -Recommendations/references
   -Samples of work
   -Awards/recognition
   -Certifications/certificates/degrees

Interviewing
Attire for Women:
  -Always err on the side of conservative
  -Business suit, preferably with a skirt, and appropriate shoes
  -Wear appropriate make-up and jewelry, but nothing excessive or overly trendy
  -Wear minimal perfume, if any
  

Attire for Men

   -Always err on the side of conservative
   -Business suit in gray, navy or black
   -Be freshly shaven
   -Wear minimal cologne, if any 
 

Strive to:
  -Research the potential employer’s web site/annual report/brochures/newsletters
  -Conduct an internet news search to study articles about the company and top management
  -Take note of how the company markets itself and handles positive/negative publicity
  -Practice your presentation
  -Arrive at least 10-15 minutes early
  -Have the essentials:  pen, notepad, resume, references
  -Bring reading material in case you are waiting for the interviewer
      

Interviewing Tips
  -Prior to the interview, do a Google search of yourself to make sure there is nothing embarrassing or incriminating about yourself on the web
  -Continually evaluate yourself on what makes you stand out among the rest
  -Emphasize the positive and avoid the negative
  -Handle tough questions by taking a moment to think, then smile and apologize if you do not
   know the answer
  -Ask five to six questions about the job, company and business culture
  -Do NOT ask about money/benefits, BUT be prepared to discuss them if raised by the interviewer

Networking Tips
Always:
  -Remember it is a commitment
  -Be on the lookout for new opportunities
  -Be aware that opportunities arise in the most unusual settings/circumstances
  -Know what your goals are
  -Keep up to date with the industry (read trade publications)
  -Remember to NOT ask for a job

Developing Your Network
  -Ask acquaintances to introduce you or refer you to others in the field
  -Send professional correspondence
  -When making phone calls, be prepared with your introduction, reason for calling and your qualifications
  -Keep business cards with you at all times
  -Request a professional’s card, but do not push your own card unless it is requested
  -Utilize alumni placement offices or career services

Increasing Your Network
  -Gain hands-on experience through internships or volunteer opportunities
  -Obtain a part-time job in an environment in which you would like to develop your career
  -Adopt a mentor who will provide insight not available through the classroom
  -Develop relationships with instructors who have relationships in the business world
  -Join a professional organization

 -Target zones
  -professional organizations
-Business seminars
  -Community events
  -Conferences
  -Fundraisers
  -Industry trade shows
  -Career fairs