The document outlines 10 things the author learned in a PRCA course. It discusses tips for resumes, interviews, job searching, portfolios, using LinkedIn, staying up to date, event planning, phone interviews, etiquette, and thank you notes. Specifically, it advises tailoring resumes for each job, bringing only essential items to interviews, using LinkedIn to expand your resume, preparing for every situation during event planning, dressing professionally for phone interviews, and sending two thank you cards.
The resume should get you the interview, not the job. Each resume should be catered to the job you are applying for. The objective should be written specifically for that job description. You should show your strong points and what you have not accomplished, not what your duties were – that’s boring.The cover letter should be about the company, not all about you.
When going to an interview, bring an organized portfolio catered toward the job you are applying for. Otherwise, carry as little as possible, a small purse at most. Leave your phone in the car and always keep your car clean, it shows how organized you are.
Be proud of your portfolio. Know which sections to point out. Face the portfolio toward the interviewer when showing it to them. Create a leave behind for the interviewer to keep with your resume in it.
LinkedIn isn’t just a social networking site. You can also load your full resume and more. Leaving a link on your resume allows for someone to find out more about you.
As I found through my PR interview, you need to keep up to date not only with the news and PR world but with the company your interested in and its competitors.
After reading an Event Planning book I learned that I need to prepare for every situation, even the most extreme. Details are everything in event planning and can make or break the event.
When doing a phone interview, act as if you are face to face with them. Dressing professional will make you act professional. Have notes in front of you, but do not type, it may sound rude. If doing a video interview, practice with a friend beforehand.
When going to a business (or formal) dinner, proper etiquette should be followed. A couple tips: Salt food after tasting it, otherwise it is an insult to the chef. Start on the outside with silver wear and work your way in. When eating out of a common bread bowl, offer the bread to your left first, then take one, and pass it to the right.
After an Interview, send a Thank you e-mail as soon as you get home. Then send another hand written thank you note in the mail.
