May 2008 graduates were asked to share their thoughts about the job hunting process.
Things I wish I would have known. . .
I got my job because. . .
I wish someone had told me this about interviewing. . .
Be certain you do this. . .
My top 5 recommendations for starting your job hunt process are. . .
Most common interview questions to be prepared for are. . .
The thing that surprised me the most was. . .
The most useful advice . . .
Things I wish I would have known. . .
1. To get a job in LA you NEED agency experience, with an agency they have heard of. I would have quit my two-year Chico internship company and worked my butt off to get a summer internship at a big firm.
2. Be a master at a Excel and Word, I know a lot but I am learning more every day. I do so much work in excel, everyone should be a master to work in pr agency. Use Excel to create a media list, even if its just a Chico and Sac media list, it will help you get a job!
3. I wish I would have known Cision or similar media contact search engine. I bet Chico can't afford it but its invaluable to know.
4. Our program is very similar (and even better in some ways) than USC's "esteemed" pr program so be very proud! The only problem is that people in LA don't know that yet, but they will if I have anything to do with it!
—Brenna Robinson, spring 2008 graduate interning with a Los Angeles PR agency
I got my job because. . .
"My boss and I were talking about the other applicants for my job. There were more than 50. 10 were interviewed. Two of us made it to a second interview. The other applicant had been in the work force for three years.
I got the job because of the classes I took my senior year. My knowledge of InDesign, Photoshop and DreamWeaver (Pubs and
Internet Newspapers and Magazines) were huge. I think I am saving them more money with my graphic design skills than they are actually paying me. (I wish I were joking)
My ability to create a newsletter (Pubs and COMM) made a huge difference. The company didnt want to pay for the designer to make it but the last girl didn't know how. My portfolio also made a huge difference (Pubs and TGC). Media pitching experience (NCNHM) was important. And working for a new company, they are crazy about the three plan books full of creativity (PR Strat and TGC). I also did very well in the interview, (which is a skill that I have to credit to four years of sorority rush)."
—Sarah Page, spring 2008 graduate who now works at a winery
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I wish someone had told me this about interviewing. . .
“It's not nearly as stressful as it seems! Yes, you should be prepared to answer questions about your abilities, and yes, you should do your background research of the company, but for the most part, the people interviewing you just want to get a sense of your personality. They just want to see if you'd get along well with everyone else at the company. I was super nervous before the interview, and we ended up having a great time and talking casually throughout it. I walked out feeling stupid for being so nervous in the first place.” —Erin Dowling, spring 2008 graduate working for a Bay Area PR agency
“No matter how much you prepare and how much research you have done on a company, establishing connections with those you interview with is almost the most important aspect. Anyone can spout out answers about PR, but being likeable is essential because people want to work with someone they get along with.” —Lindsay Wright, spring 2008 graduate working for a Bay Area PR agency
“Be prepared for it to last ANY length of time (don't schedule interviews back to back). My shortest interview was less than 15 minutes and my longest interview lasted for more than three hours!” —Ashley Paul, spring 2008 graduate interning with a Sacramento PR agency
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Be certain you do this. . .
“Arrive at least 20 minutes early and have done your research on the company. I asked a question that brought to their attention there was something they needed to change on their Web site, and it made me look good for having thoroughly researched their company! “ —Erin Dowling, spring 2008 graduate working for a Bay Area PR agency
“Send thank you notes after your interviews!” —Lindsay Wright, spring 2008 graduate working for a Bay Area PR agency
“Mention any knowledge you have about the Web and how it is useful in the world of PR (e.g. social networking, online communities, blogs, etc.). Whenever I brought these topics into the conversation interviewers were really impressed and surprised. Also, talk up Chico State's program (e.g. TGC, pubs, Web classes, etc.) because interviewers really appreciated all of the different experiences that it provides to students.” —Ashley Paul, spring 2008 graduate interning with a Sacramento PR agency
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My top 5 recommendations for starting your job hunt process are. . .
“1) Start early
2.) Research lots of different types of pr jobs-you may find you want to do something in an area you'd never considered before!
3.) Don't let a good thing pass just because you don't think you're ready-a company may not be hiring by the time you're ready. You have to take opportunities as they come.
4.) Look often.
5.) Look into what past employees have said about the company, they know better than anyone else what it's like to work somewhere!“
—Erin Dowling, spring 2008 graduate working for a Bay Area PR agency
“Find out if you have any networking opportunities, research what is out there on craigslist, etc., think about what area of PR you would like to work in and why, start early!, send out as many resumes/cover letters as you can and follow up on them, get your portfolio together ASAP.”
—Lindsay Wright, spring 2008 graduate working for a Bay Area PR agency
“(1) Get organized! (Create a folder withing your professional e-mail and save EVERY contact you have with anyone from the professional world)
(2) Get creative with your Internet searches (Craigslist and Monster are easily exhausted and creative Google searches can be helpful in finding things you never knew existed)
(3) Go to every interview you can (even if it isn't your top choice, it is still a good experience and can be helpful)
(4) Write handwritten thank you notes to EVERY SINGLE PERSON you interview with (thank you notes are a lost art and everyone feels appreciated when they get snail-mail because it's much more memorable than an e-mail)
(5) Be yourself (it's easy to get extremely nervous and to come off like a robot, but remember to have fun and show the interviewer that you have a good personality that fits into the work environment in addition to a good education)”
—Ashley Paul, spring 2008 graduate interning with a Sacramento PR agency
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Most common interview questions to be prepared for are. . .
“Why do you like PR, what are your strengths/weaknesses, what is your experience in PR, what can you bring to the company, what does PR mean to you, why you are interested in that particular company/field (example, why are you looking for tech PR).” —Lindsay Wright, spring 2008 graduate working for a Bay Area PR agency
“(1) What are your strengths/weaknesses?
(2) Explain a challenge you faced in your job or internship and how you dealt with it.
(3) What are you looking for in a job/internship?”
—Ashley Paul, spring 2008 graduate interning with a Sacramento PR agency
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The thing that surprised me the most was. . .
“How relaxed the interview process really is. Like I said before, people just want to get a feel for who you are as a person.” —Erin Dowling, spring 2008 graduate working for a Bay Area PR agency
“That I ended up taking an internship over an entry-level position. I interviewed for 2 or 3 entry-level jobs and 1 internship, and ended up loving the company for the internship. I thought I should hold out for an entry-level job, but now I feel more comfortable that I will be ‘trained’ more in the field of technology because I don't know much about it. It is most important to pick the company that is the best fit for you.” —Lindsay Wright, spring 2008 graduate working for a Bay Area PR agency
“That most of my interviews turned out to be more conversational than rigid types of interviews.” —Ashley Paul, spring 2008 graduate interning with a Sacramento PR agency
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The most useful advice . . .
“Be confident in yourself and your abilities. The best way to accomplish your goals is to believe that you can and will reach them. Once you believe in yourself, all else will fall into place! “ —Erin Dowling, spring 2008 graduate working for a Bay Area PR agency
“Don't turn down an interview; any experience you can get will help. Be patient and stay on top of the places you have interviewed with if you really want a position.” —Lindsay Wright, spring 2008 graduate working for a Bay Area PR agency
“Be optimistic! If you are positive and persistent (without being annoying) something good is sure to come your way.” —Ashley Paul, spring 2008 graduate interning with a Sacramento PR agency
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