new professionals

Summer Book Club–July:Be Your Own Best Publicist

Heather Sliwinski 2 Comments

The PRSA New Pros Blog Summer Book Club continues with its selection for July—“Be Your Own Best Publicist: How to Use PR Techniques to Get Noticed, Hired, and Rewarded at Work” by Jessica Kleiman and Meryl Weinsaft Cooper.

As PR professionals (or PR hopefuls), we are used to promoting our companies or clients.  However, it is just as important to leverage our PR skills to cultivate our careers as well.  By creating a brand for ourselves, Kleiman and Cooper say we can develop our careers and create a professional image for successful advancement.  Their website summarizes topics covered in their book:

In one of the toughest job markets in more than 20 years, with the unemployment rate hovering around 10 percent, as well as dwindling job openings and promotion opportunities, standing out and making a good impression is more vital than ever.  This helpful, easy-to-follow guide shows anyone looking to land a new job, attract freelance assignments, stay essential in a current position or get that coveted promotion how they can use PR skills to achieve their goals.

Written by two seasoned public relations professionals, Jessica Kleiman and Meryl Weinsaft Cooper, Be Your Own Best Publicist: How To Use PR Techniques To Get Noticed, Get Hired & Get Rewarded At Work breaks down the fundamentals of PR and how they can be implemented to promote oneself.  Through humorous but informative anecdotes, tips and exercises, this book will arm people with the confidence, knowledge and tactics to help them market themselves in the workplace.

Grab your copy today!  Discussion for “Be Your Own Best Publicist” starts the first week of August.  Check with PRSA New Pros blog, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to join in the conversation.

If you missed the June discussion, it is not too late to join in!  Share your thoughts on “UnMarketing” here.

New Pros: What topics are you hoping Kleiman and Cooper cover?  Are there specific questions you hope are answered?

PRSA Jobcenter Adds Features Designed for New Professionals by Richard Spector

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Recently I had the pleasure of managing PRSA’s Jobcenter redesign – with the help and guidance of some wonderful colleagues. We rebuilt the navigation and compiled information from all PRSA and PRSSA resources including advice based on PR Tactics articles, Forum blogs, comPRehension entries, HR consultants and resume guidance from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. What is the result? We now have an information-rich career center to set job seekers on a successful path for all career levels. If you are new to public relations, the entry-level and tools and tactics pages can provide a needed edge in this ever-changing economy. We based the redesign on answering a series of questions for new professionals.

How can I write the best resume? A resume starts with making a personal pitch through your cover letter. This letter is your chance to make a great first impression. The first two sentences of your resume should summarize your background, to tell the HR person whether to read on. Once you have reviewed more resume and career articles, you can sign up for a customized 21-page resume guide or a resume critique. You will be able to access these portions once you post a resume to PRSA Jobcenter.

How do I prepare for a job interview? As the saying goes, you only have three seconds to make a good impression, and we can help. The first bit of advice is of course to keep calm even when asked tough questions. PRSSA has a great synopsis of the types of interview questions you may be asked. Next comes the question of following up after the first interview. The growing importance of social media has made the “give to get” rule a necessity. Stand out from the crowd by sending the company you interviewed for a relevant article or helpful observations on improving their website. When you get to the second interview, prepare a brief customized marketing or social media plan. Throughout the process, also take note of your personal brand. This will help you present yourself in the best way possible.

What are the best resources to search for a job? Nowadays, the answer really is “everything.” An HR consultant mentioned a conversation he had recently with a job applicant. The applicant waited a year before coming to him. Why? They were searching for jobs only via social media. Using only one resource decreases your chances of finding a job. You can stay competitive by searching for jobs on job boards, LinkedIn and Craig’s List. The PRSA Jobcenter has some time-saving elements when searching for a job, such as signing up for job alerts or a job feed.

How do I land that internship? PRSSA can help you get started with internship realities for graduating seniors. They also offer perspectives on working for an agency vs. a corporation. Once you have landed that much-coveted internship, you will want to make the most out of your internship experience. The ultimate goal is to be hired for a permanent position, and advice from both PRSA and PRSSA can help.

How can I network most effectively? The best outcome from networking effectively is to have an employer at the company you wish to work for hand-deliver your resume to the HR director. But how do you make this happen? PRSA Jobcenter has a page to help you network like a pro. Set up a plan to network with intention, make networking an art and follow the essential steps for networking success. Best-selling author Andrea Nierenberg offers tips on Ways to Say “Thank You” along with the “ABCs of Networking“.

Finally yet importantly, always stay positive, and remember PRSA Jobcenter will have strategic guidance for you every step of the way. Whether you are looking to ask our panel of mentors a question, wish to attend graduate school or find a helpful webinar, we will follow your career from entry-, mid- to senior-level.

Richard Spector is the manager of client services at Public Relations Society of America.

7 Crucial Job Search Tactics to Land an Entry-Level Job by Heather Huhman

Heather Sliwinski 1 Comment

Pretty soon, you’ll be donning that graduation cap, walking across the stage and taking your first step into the world of entry-level employment. Hopefully you’ve set yourself up for success throughout your college career by completing at least one internship, getting involved in on-campus groups and building a portfolio. What else is crucial to landing a job today?

Creating a job search plan. What many job seekers fail to do is create a plan consisting of multiple job search strategies in order to reach their goal. Merely combing job boards or applying to a few company openings probably won’t result in a job offer—or even an interview—in today’s tough market. You must be prepared, organized and diligent in every aspect of your job search, and creating a plan can help you stay on track. 

Spending time “company searching” as opposed to “job searching.” Part of your job search plan should be identifying 5-10 ideal companies that you’d like to work for. From there, you can work on making connections at those organizations, learning about their culture and determining your fit, and watching for openings and opportunities that are right for you.

Networking early and often. Your network is a vital resource in your job search. Friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances can help you learn about unadvertised openings, get an “in” at a specific company, or provide support while you’re job seeking. Keep in contact with important connections by adding them on professional and social networking sites, and reaching out to them to stay top of mind.

Branding yourself. You need to be your own advocate in your job search. This means having a clear idea of what makes you different from all of the other candidates vying for the same job as you (also known as your unique selling points). Communicate and share your personal brand by consistently marketing yourself across all social and professional networking platforms, as well as on your resume, cover letter and portfolio.

Harnessing the power of alumni. Don’t forget about the network you’re already a part of as a resource in your job search, which is your college or university. Consider contacting former students that are working in your field to ask for advice and job shadow opportunities. Join your college alumni network or search for groups on Facebook and LinkedIn. Because you already have something in common—your education experience—it will be easier to reach out to that individual and build a mutually beneficial relationship.

Taking things offline. While the Internet is a valuable resource for any job seeker, don’t neglect the power an in-person meeting can have. This can involve inviting another professional to lunch whom you’ve only talked with online, attending group and association meetings, and participating in conferences and meetups.

Volunteering your time. Not only can volunteering help eliminate gaps in your resume, but you can also make valuable connections with individuals at the organization. It’s also a great way to build upon your skills and add additional pieces to your professional portfolio.

Although your job search might not produce results right away, it’s important to stick with it and maintain a positive attitude throughout the process. You never know when you’ll meet someone who could lead you to your next opportunity!

What other tactics would you add to this list? Prospective graduates: What’s your plan to stand out in this job market?

Heather HuhmanHeather R. Huhman is a career expert, experienced hiring manager, and founder & president of Come Recommended, a content marketing consultancy for organizations with products that target job seekers and/or employers. She is also the author of #ENTRYLEVELtweet: Taking Your Career from Classroom to Cubicle (2010) and writes career and recruiting advice for numerous outlets.

Navigating Your Financial Future:Tweets from the Brown Bag

Heather Sliwinski 1 Comment

The PRSA New Professionals Section held our first brown bag teleconference “Navigating Your Financial Future” with financial advisor Jim Beverley on Thursday.  In case you missed it, Beverley covered four main topics directly affecting new professionals: student loans, credit scores, retirement savings and budgeting. PRSA New Professionals Twitter hashtag #npprsa tracked the conversation surrounding Beverley’s most valuable advice.

On student loans:

@MelindaBiegen: Tips on paying student loans from #JimBeverly– Step 1) Organize your loans, start paying the ones off w/ the highest interest rate. #npprsa

@MelindaBiegen: Step 2) Never miss a payment! If you can, try to set up automatic payment plans. Don’t be afraid to pay a little extra too! #npprsa

@MelindaBiegen: Step 3) #JimBeverly encourages recent grads to see a local Tax Advisor to educate us further and answer any financial questions. #npprsa

On retirement savings:

@prsanewpros: Save early! If you want to have $1 million at retirement and start saving at 25 = $300/mo., at 35 = $700/mo., 55 = $5,326/mo #npprsa

@DZ_Invictus: Retirement savings through company withholding plans confers pretax convenience, possible matching benefits. #npprsa

On budgeting:

@daniellerideau: Creating a budget for my future. budgeting.thenest.com #npprsa

@JoriRobinson: Good to have 3-6 months of expenses in cash in savings that is readily available in the event you lose your job. sleepability #NPPRSA

On credit scores:

@AnnaCramer1: Any number in the 700s is good, 750 + is excellent for credit score #npprsa

@prsanewpros: Improve credit score: 1. reduce debt 2. get back on track with missed payments 3. spend less! #npprsa

What’s the bottom line from Beverley’s seminar?

@AnnaCramer1: Save some money every month, pay some debt off every month and most importantly: live within your means! #npprsa

If you are interested in hearing the playback of this discussion, and did not register prior to the event, please stay tuned to our online discussion forum for a link to the recording.  This event is free for Section members.

Jim BeverleyJim Beverley, CLU, ChFC, CFP®, Financial Advisor, Partners Wealth Management

Jim Beverley has 16 years of experience as a financial advisor. Beverley offers Securities and Investment Advisory Services through NFP Securities, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. NFP Securities, Inc. is not affiliated with Partners Wealth Management.  Beverley empowers clients by eliminating conflicts of interest, taking the time necessary to understand each client’s financial situation and educating clients on the solutions available to help accomplish their objectives.

Navigating Your Financial Future: Q&A with New Pros Brown Bag Speaker Jim Beverley

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You have, or are looking forward to, one of your first jobs in public relations—and your first steady paycheck. So, how can you take steps now to ensure you are building a strong financial foundation?

Join New Professionals Section members for a free brown bag teleconference “Navigating Your Financial Future” on Thursday, April 21, hosted by financial advisor Jim Beverley.  Beverley is a financial advisor with Partners Wealth Management with more than 15 years of financial planning experience.

PRSA New Professionals Blog Co-Chair Heather Sliwinski spoke with Beverley to get a preview of some of the topics he will be covering on Thursday.

Heather Sliwinski:  In regards to their finances, what are the biggest challenges facing new professionals in today’s economy? 

Jim Beverley: These days I hear quite a bit about paying off student loans as a significant challenge to new professionals.  The cost of education required for getting a job and the recent investment landscape has made debt-free education a rare situation. 

HS: Another crop of seniors is graduating this spring.  What is a tip you have for those who are about to face their student loans? 

JB: Shop for the best available repayment strategy, pay every time on time and if you can pay more, do so.   Getting beyond these loans will help you get to saving money earlier in your life.  It also helps you build your credit for when you are ready to buy a home or car.

HS: Do young professionals often seek out your council? If not, why do you think that is the case? 

JB: Young professionals do not typically seek my council.  In most cases, I have the feeling they would rather spend their money on buying fun things for their life.  Cars, electronics, clothes and eating out seem to get the priority over paying for financial advice.  On the one hand, I understand that motivation, and yet if they would spend their first dollars saving for their own future, they would soon be able to afford all the clothes, dinners, cars and electronics they desire. 

HS: In your 16 years of experience, surely many of your clients have told you about financial regrets. What is the most common regret, and what can new professionals do early in their careers to prevent it? 

JB: By far the most common regret my clients share with me is that they did not start saving early enough, and when they started, they wish they had saved more of their income.  While there are many regrets, it is amazing to me how often I hear this response.

HS: If you could give just one piece of financial advice to recent graduates, what would it be?

JB:  Whatever your income is, live as if you earned 10 percent to 20 percent less than that, and get in the habit of saving money from your first paycheck.  Do not get into the mindset of, “as soon as I get x, then I’ll start saving”.  Save some of EVERY paycheck you get, and do it right away. 

So how do we start saving?  Find out by registering for the brown bag today!  Among the general topics, Beverley will discuss:

  • A sample budget based on an average entry-level public relations professional’s salary
  • Managing your credit, including what affects your credit score (and how it affects what you can do with your money)
  • An overview of available student loans, and tips to make the repayment process as painless as possible
  • Planning for retirement (clearly, you are not too young)

Jim BeverleyJim Beverley, CLU, ChFC, CFP®, has 16 years of experience as a financial advisor. Beverley offers Securities and Investment Advisory Services through NFP Securities, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. NFP Securities, Inc. is not affiliated with Partners Wealth Management.  Beverley empowers clients by eliminating conflicts of interest, taking the time necessary to understand each client’s financial situation and educating clients on the solutions available to help accomplish their objectives.