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.

Introducing Your 2014 Section Executive Committee

Jess Noonan 2 Comments

We’re excited to introduce your 2014 PRSA New Professionals Section Executive Committee! This team has committed to a year of helping you develop as a public relations professional. We’ll do this by connecting you to valuable industry resources, providing thought leadership across disciplines and offering opportunities for you to network with peers across the country.

To kick the year off and get to know them a little better, we’ve asked our Committee members to share their favorite benefit of being a PRSA member. Check out their responses and get involved!

Heather Sliwinski, Section chair
PRSA has added immeasurable value to my early PR career – not only have I found every PR job I’ve had through connections I’ve made through PRSA, but the opportunities for professional development through free webinars and in-person conferences are tremendous. If you’re on a budget, there are a host of Twitter chats, like our #NPPRSA, and online content to browse through to keep upping your PR game. PRSA people and programs are such a fantastic resource for all new professionals.

Nick Lucido, Section chair-elect and membership co-chair
My favorite part about PRSA is being able to connect with fellow members across disciplines and regions to build my network. Having a strong network is essential for new professionals and PRSA is an incredibly powerful tool to aid you in building this cohort.

JR Rochester, membership co-chair
My favorite benefit from PRSA is the availability of mentorship and professional development. PRSA is made up with thousands of professionals who have a wealth of knowledge in all areas of PR and can guide you as you grow in your career. The PRSA Mentor Match is a great resource made available as well.

Jessica Noonan, blog co-chair
I enjoy attending PRSA events in person, especially the PRSA International Conference. While engaging online is always available, nothing is more valuable than face-to-face interaction with industry leaders. We also have some specific opportunities to engage as a new professional at the annual conference!

Lauren Gray, blog co-chair
The best parts of being a PRSA member are the professional connections and professional development opportunities. It’s been very valuable to connect with other professionals to build my network and attend national events, webinars and other learning opportunities as I continue to grow.

Robert Martin, newsletter co-editor
The webinars are something that I value about my PRSA membership. The on-demand archive has a helpful webinar for nearly every industry topic you can think of, and participating in a live webinar (many of which are free for members) is a great opportunity to network and share ideas with other PR professionals.

CNJ HeadshotCandace Johnson, newsletter co-editor
I appreciate PRSA’s commitment to helping new professionals transition from college life into the work force. Besides the very useful professional development webinars available, my favorite benefit of PRSA is the opportunity to cultivate mentorships. The supportive, professional connections are invaluable. I am continually inspired to develop into my best professional self by the members I have had the opportunity to meet.

Janelle Huelsman, programming co-chair
My favorite benefit of PRSA is meeting, networking and learning with fellow members. PRSA offers great opportunities for New Pros to collaborate with their peers on industry trends and insights, and it also allows us to learn from more experienced practitioners who are constantly setting high standards for our field and the Society.

Hilary Jurinak, programming co-chair
I love that PRSA offers access to thousands of industry experts in the PR field which allows for endless networking, industry insight and new career opportunities. The networking opportunities have been valuable for my professional development and I enjoy making new connections through national and local PRSA events.

Amy Bishop, social media co-chair
Professional development experiences are one of my favorite parts of my PRSA membership. Attending PRSA International Conference, listening to webinars on-demand and attending district events are an excellent way to continue to learn about the industry and connect with other professionals.

Lauren Rosenbaum, social media co-chair
My favorite PRSA benefit is the vast amount of resources we have access to as members, whether it be publications like Issues & Trends, Public Relations Tactics, The Public Relations Strategist or the opportunity to look through award-winning campaigns. I appreciate the team that puts these resources together so we can all continue learning and growing together as a Society, and so I can always be a student of my craft.

Nicole Bersani, mentorship co-chair
In college, PRSSA was a great way to network. Now, in PRSA as a new professional, that is still true but it is at a whole different level. What I love most about PRSA it that it gives us the opportunity to connect with and learn from hundreds of new to senior professionals – and all around the globe.

Mike DeFlippis, mentorship co-chair
One of my favorite PRSA membership benefits, among others, is the free online webinars throughout the year. As public relations practitioners know all too well, we have hectic schedules.  These webinars (available on-demand after their first run!) are a fantastic resource to keep up with industry trends, helping you bring even more value to your clients every single day.

Simon Oh, diversity liaison
My favorite benefit of PRSA is the abundant networking and learning opportunities that give me a better sense of how I can become a competent public relations professional. From meeting with professionals in person to attending PRSA International Conference sessions, there’s always something new and insightful to learn that can strengthen your professional profile.

Jessica Lawlor, PRSSA liaison
How can I choose just one PRSA benefit?! Besides the fantastic networking, conferences and leadership opportunities, I really love the PRSA Issues & Trends e-newsletter that hits my inbox each morning as I sit down at my desk to start my day. The useful stories, links and tips included keep me up-to-date on the latest happenings and trends in the PR industry in a quick and easy-to-read format.

Scott Thornburg, PRSSA liaison
Like many people, the concept of “public relations” was a little fuzzy until after I had some work experience under my belt. Even then, PRSA taught me most of what I know about my current profession. The mentorship, connections and professional advice have been invaluable to me.

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!

How To Keep Learning, Post SATs, GREs and GPAs:

Lauren Gray 3 Comments

When you were still in school, people spoke to you about every aspect of getting your degree. We received advice from guidance counselors, cousins, siblings and the too-involved next-door neighbors on exactly what to do to be a successful undergraduate.

In contrast, no one really talks about post-grad life. Suddenly you are handed free nights and weekends that were previously occupied with highlighters and quality time with Aristotle and Pavlov’s dogs, which is great. Yet people rarely vocalize that, after 8+ hours of work, along comes a tempting desire to fill that newfound time with Hell’s Kitchen and Netflix.  It’s arguably even more imperative, however, to continue learning and improving after college because this is real life. That said, here are three avenues that can help you fight off intellectual laziness and keep learning in these critical early career years:

1)   Read (a book) daily.

Always being “connected” works wonders on productivity. However, 24/7 connectivity can stifle your creative voice; when you have 25 tabs open at once, there aren’t many gigs left to run Photoshop. Reading a book before bed is how I mentally recharge my i-person. It doesn’t matter the genre (although I’d recommend reading all of those “classics” we never appreciated in high school); just take some time to wind down and end your day reading a story. A novel will engage your mind through plot twists and proper sentence structures and improve your writing through simple exposure. I think you’ll be surprised to see how impactful 30+ minutes of ringtone-free time will be on your creative thinking and brainstorming sessions the next day.

2)   Participate in webinars and LinkedIn groups.

Webinars are often a free resource that organizations produce for the public, created by highly respected individuals in the field. It is not often in life that people hand you something free that is also useful (flashback to mail-in shampoo and conditioner packets large enough to wash an eyebrow); take advantage of this gift!

Join LinkedIn groups on subjects you’d like to learn more about, such as PRSA New Professionals Section, PR Daily and Social Media Today. They send emails with helpful articles related to their field, as well as information on upcoming webinars. Most employers, when asked, encourage tuning in to webinars during your workday because it increases your knowledge and shows initiative and forward thinking. To those who work full-time and are unable to listen in while the webinar is live, still sign up for the webinar; the organizations will send out a recorded session (along with the presentation slides) after the webinar aired so that you can watch it from home. Don’t forget to take notes throughout the lesson so you can refer back to them later!

3)   Travel, and meet people along the way.

This may sound a little out of place, but let me explain. I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Granada, Spain and it was the most incredible learning experience of my life. The world is much larger than the local bubble we get accustomed to, and it’s all too easy to get bogged down in a work-gym-sleep routine and forget what else is out there. So set aside some time (and money) to travel and experience the world firsthand. Try new foods, visit that Hindu temple and meet people along the way. I guarantee that their life stories will offer you perspective that you never would have contemplated, and your world and understanding will be broadened because of it.

4)   Stay intellectually curious.

In our generation of tweeters, instagrammers and status updaters, we have plenty of opinionated speakers but a scarcity of unguarded listeners. Above all, to learn in life after college, I challenge you to be open-minded. Take the time to hear new ideas or constructive criticism. Don’t be afraid of change, and take chances!

Post-grad life gives us the luxury of no longer being “graded” on our every move. We should use this for all it’s worth, because in reality, the best way to learn how to do something right, is to fail at it first.  So do the homework (webinars) and the reading, and take every opportunity that presents itself, especially those outside of your comfort zone. Whether it’s visiting your friend who moved out to the boonies known as Arizona, taking on a new project at work that you’ve never tried before, or even as small as volunteering at a local charity/non-profit organization, it is worth the experience. You will be expanding your repertoire of various skillsets and growing as a person, which ultimately is the end goal. Because learning is really just another word for growing.

Stay curious, my friends.

How do you keep learning post graduation?

 

Megan O’Neal graduated from UCLA in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, emphasizing in mass communications. A self-proclaimed coffee addict and professional multi-tasker, she currently works as marketing and communications coordinator for SDA Security and volunteers with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, freelancing for the public relations department. Connect with her on Twitter @megannenicole.  

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.