Career Advice

Company Culture: Finding the Right Fit

Lauren Gray 4 Comments

As a friend told me about some reservations that she’d been having at her new workplace, comparing the competitive nature of her colleagues to “The Hunger Games,” I couldn’t blame her for reconsidering her decision to accept the position.

My friend’s revelation got me thinking about the job search process and how we as young professionals often become so focused on how we’re the right fit for the employer that we forget to consider if the company culture is right for us.

While most of us have heard the term “company culture,” I’d argue that it’s still one of those ambiguous phrases that can be difficult to describe. In a 2013 New York Times article, Josh Patrick of Stage 2 Planning Partners defined office culture as “what you value, what is important for you and your company.”

When considering what we value most in a job, among the first things that come to mind are typically salary and benefits. While undoubtedly important, money isn’t everything and our generation has come to equally value the workplace itself; sometimes even sacrificing a lower salary for a more suitable culture.

Young professionals work hard (before playing hard) and, according to Geoffrey James of Inc., seek to be rewarded accordingly when it comes to perks and promotions. We don’t want to be seen as kids, instead value our voices being heard, opportunities for professional growth and fair treatment by senior-level employees and older colleagues. Although we thrive in a team setting, we expect others to pull their weight and to be able to work independently rather than being constantly micromanaged.

Perhaps most importantly, we desire a personal life. While long hours are often to be expected, we appreciate having realistic goals set for us as well as ample time to complete our work so we can hit the gym at the end of the workday before getting home to watch The Bachelor or some Monday Night Football.

But how do we ensure that we’ll arrive at this comfort level? Finding the right fit begins by determining what you value in the workplace and then asking the necessary questions during the job search and interview process.

Job seekers are encouraged to conduct informational interviews with individuals at a prospective employer in order to not only learn about potential openings, but to get a better feel for its company culture as well. Utilize personal connections to get in touch with individuals that also work there and ask for their honest opinions. Be proactive; there’s nothing wrong with cold contacting folks whose information you find on company websites and LinkedIn.

When you find yourself in the interview itself, have a number of questions prepared to ask different people at various levels of the company. Make an effort to talk with both veteran employees and new hires. In terms of the questions themselves, be sure to ask these potential colleagues about their favorite aspects of the company culture, any complaints they may have and how often staff meetings are held. For one resource, Scott Ginsberg of TheLadders.com poses seven insightful questions you should ask during the interview.

Moreover, keep in mind that unlike skills, the right fit cannot be learned. What criteria are most important to you and how does your company culture match up?

 

Zach Burrus is currently a public relations professional in Richmond, Va., with experience in both political and sports communication. He graduated from the University of Missouri and the University of Notre Dame and holds degrees in political science, journalism and strategic communication. Mr. Burrus is an active member of PRSA National, PRSA Richmond and the PRSA New Professionals Section. He can be reached at zachburrus@gmail.com.

5 Tips for Applying to Out-of-State Jobs

Lauren Gray 3 Comments

Many new grads are holding off on making a big move for a job – so much, in fact, that mobility is at the lowest level for young adults in more than 50 years.

This isn’t terribly surprising, as student loan obligations are soaring and job prospects and wages are stagnant at best. Many of us don’t feel that there are jobs worth moving 2,000 miles away from family and friends.

After sending resumes across the country and engaging in interviews with about six newsrooms outside of my home state of Virginia, I gathered a few tips for successfully applying out-of-state:

1. Do more research on the out-of-state jobs

The fact is, when you apply out-of-state you are unfamiliar with the job as well as the area. As such, you’ll need to double up on your research, particularly if you are looking for a communications or PR job where you would be interacting with local media and clients.

With your cover letter, show you’re not just applying to every single “media planner” job that comes your way by describing what it is about the area, its demographics, its market, etc., that stands out as a place for you to work. I pointed out unique aspects of the area’s business community or governmental structure.

2. Be upfront about your disadvantage  

Unfortunately your distance could be a disadvantage for many companies who have limited resources for training new hires. I was not afraid to directly acknowledge this in my cover letters. I always wrote, “As a Virginia native, I would be brand-new to X Town and Y state. But I would come to the job fully prepared to hit the ground running as a business and government reporter.” I also researched the heck out of the little desert town, to the point where I already had a list of sources in government and business to call on my first day.

3. Know why you want to move – beyond the job

Early on in the application process I received a phone call from a weekly newspaper in Oregon. The editor’s first words were, “So why the heck do you want to come to Oregon from Virginia? How do I know you won’t regret this and quit in a week?”

Have an answer to that question prepared for every application you fill out. I am a very independent person who felt very ready to leave the only state I had lived in or that particular Oregon town had a similar feel to my college town, but next to the ocean, which I love, for example. Employers are worried about investing in training you, but they also want you to be happy. Be confident in your decision to apply out-of-state and they’ll be more confident in you.

4. NETWORK!

I’ve seen people crowdsource Facebook, asking if anyone had a connection for them in a certain city because they were looking for work there. Any connection you can make helps. In fact, some companies only hire in-state, but your resume may still make the pile if it is handed in by a connection you have.

Don’t be afraid to cold-contact a relevant connection. Start thinking of every trip as a networking opportunity. Visiting your aunt for Easter and you wouldn’t mind working where she is? Find a few people via PRSA or LinkedIn who are in similar fields in that city. See if any of them can squeeze in a coffee meeting with you that weekend to give you an idea of the business climate and market there.

5. Start saving money NOW

Moving is expensive and fewer companies are offering moving reimbursement. Even before you get hired, you might have to fly yourself out for interviews. If you’re a college student or a post-grad waiting tables while living at home, save your money! You don’t want to receive a job offer from an amazing company only to have no idea how you’ll get from Point A to Point B. What’s better – that new smartphone right this second or being able to pay for electricity for the first few months in your new apartment in a new city?

 

Sara Mitchell is the communications manager for the Valley Industry & Commerce Association (VICA). A Virginia native, she graduated from Virginia Tech in 2011 with a Political Science degree and Legal Studies concentration. Feel free to reach out through LinkedIn or at saraemitchell@gmail.com – especially if you want connections for a career in Los Angeles!

January Twitter Chat Highlights: Taking Your Career to the Next Level

Lauren Gray 2 Comments

Twitter Chat HighlightsWe’d like to thank everyone who participated in the January #NPPRSA Twitter chat to start off 2014 by discussing ways to step up your game in the workplace. We discussed some helpful topics this month including evaluating a company’s culture, how to prove the value of professional memberships to an employer and how to get up to speed quickly when assigned a new client.

Join us again on February 6 for our next #NPPRSA chat and stay up-to-date with PRSA New Professionals on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+.

Review highlights of the chat below. What did you learn from the January chat? How can you gain employer support of your professional development opportunities? In what ways can you increase collaboration with co-workers and other departments?

Lauren Rosenbaum

Lauren Rosenbaum is the PRSA New Professionals Social Media Co-Chair and Co-Founder of Soversity, a public relations and digital marketing company. You can connect with her on Google+, LinkedIn or Twitter.

 

 

 

Adjusting to Office Life: “The Hunger Games” Edition

Lauren Gray Leave a comment

As young professionals we are awed by the strength and sharpness we see in Katniss Everdeen. Although the office may not exactly be a “kill or be killed” environment, there are plenty of lessons we can learn from our favorite heroine.

  1. Build Strong Alliances: Friendships at work can make the difference between happiness and burnout.  Social connections at work also boost productivity and passion in the workplace. It is important to build relationships with bosses and colleagues that will help you grow professionally. Build relationships with other departments and get to know as many people as possible. Much of Katniss’s success is due to the strong alliances she creates throughout the series.
  2. Always Be Prepared: Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone helps you to grow personally and professionally.  It is important to first gain credibility as a team player. Remember to keep yourself abreast of industry trends, continuously acquire new knowledge and accumulate evidence of all your hard work. Katniss was always prepared for what was ahead by remaining strategic and resourceful.
  3. Don’t Be Afraid to Make Sacrifices: Katniss volunteers to take the place of her younger sister and fearfully participates in the Hunger Games. Always remain as enthusiastic as possible, even when taking on many tasks or working with clients you may not yet understand. Taking on both small and large tasks with enthusiasm, staying at the office late when necessary and being mindful of deadlines are all important factors in establishing a stellar reputation with you supervisors and co-workers.
  4. Get Inspired From Your Desk: Staying motivated at work can be tough. Customizing your desk space can make a huge difference in keeping your energy and creativity up.  In the series, Katniss wears a  mockingjay pin to remind her of her friends and family at home. Display your own “mockingjay pin” in the form of a desk accessory. This can be a framed picture, inspirational or humorous desk calendar!
  5. Don’t Jump to Conclusions: It is important to gain the skills to lead, coordinate, and collaborate with others on work activities by always facilitating good communication. Don’t spend too much time analyzing the tone of an email or thinking about a coworker who seems unfriendly. In the workplace you will come across a lot of different management styles and personalities. Remember that some may find it difficult to express themselves and emails can be deceiving. Never be afraid to pick up the phone for better communication.

What are some of your tried and true tips for adjusting to office life as a new professional? “May the odds ever be in your favor!”

 

Magan Felitto is currently a freelance public relations professional, working with a major entertainment company in New York City. She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology’s, Advertising & Marketing Communications program in Summer 2013 with four years of experience as Vice President of Chapter Development of her former PRSSA chapter and a plethora of internships under her belt. She is also a proud member of PRSA National, PRSA-New York, and PRSA New Professionals Section.  Ms. Felitto can be reached at MaganFelitto@gmail.com.

New Pro in a New City: Five Ways to Settle in and Get Acquainted

Heather Sliwinski 2 Comments

Good luck breaking intoAs new professionals, the opportunity to establish ourselves may require us to move out of our comfort zones and take jobs in new cities. It has happened to me twice already, and there are lessons I’ve picked up along the way to make future moves a little bit easier. The following tips will help you meet new people, settle into your new city and call your new surroundings home.

Join the local chapter of a professional organization

Joining local chapters of professional organizations like PRSA and IABC are great opportunities to network with new and seasoned professionals in the industry. Not only can you take advantage of learning experiences like workshops and guest speakers to develop professionally, but you can meet new friends to join you in exploring your new city.

Join a local interest group

We each have hobbies or interests outside of PR. Luckily, there’s a Meetup for that. Meetup is the world’s largest network of local groups. From cycling and running clubs, to astronomy and stamp-collecting groups, Meetup is likely to have a group that aligns with your particular brand of “weird.” If recreational sports leagues are your interest, you can also use Sportsvite to help you find the right sport and right league to give you an outlet for competitive sports. You can join leagues by yourself and be grouped with new people or sign up with a group.

Volunteer in the community

Volunteering not only gives you an opportunity to meet like-minded people, but it gives you an opportunity to build an emotional connection to your new home and become happier and healthier in the process. To find volunteer opportunities in your city, try VolunteerMatch, United We Serve or the HandsOn Network.

Find an alumni group in your area

If you live in or near a major metropolitan city, it’s likely that your alma mater has an alumni chapter near you. In my time working in Advancement at DePauw University, I saw firsthand the amount of effort universities put into keeping their alumni connected and happy, as their connectedness generally leads to increased donations. Events that universities plan for their alumni, especially young alumni with a fresh love for their university, include mixers, professional development panels and viewing parties for major sporting events. Reach out to your alumni office via phone, e-mail or even on social media, to learn about events happening near you.

Ask your co-workers

The greatest ready-made atmosphere to meet new people is the college campus. The next best atmosphere is the workplace. You’re going to see your co-workers and interact with them more than almost anyone else in your life, and there is a good chance that they’ve already made the adjustment that you’re trying to make. Ask them how they did it. Even more, ask them what their interests are. You may find that you have a friend with the same interests as you only a few desks away!

Each of these suggestions can help you adapt to a new city and make your time there more enjoyable. Alas, one final tip, and some of the best advice I’ve received in relation to making the adjustment from career coach Steve Langerud:

The ‘real world’ is what you make it.  Don’t let other people define it for you.  And remember, you have to do this by yourself, but you don’t have to do it alone.  Ask for help.  Engage your family, friends, and mentors in your life and struggles.

And have fun!!!

 

Robert MartinRobert Martin is a corporate relations PR intern at Allstate in Detroit. He is a recent graduate of Bowling Green State University and is pursuing a master’s degree at Indiana State University. Martin is a member of IABC, PRSA National and the PRSA New Professionals Section.