How NOT To Get a Job After Graduation

(and how to use social media to help you get one)

Presented to Clarion University StudentsOctober 25, 2010

By Deanna Ferrari

About me

• Graduate of Slippery Rock University (B.S., Public Relations)

• Senior Account Executive, WordWrite Communications • Blogger, PRetty in Pittsburgh• Director-At-Large, Communications, PRSA Pittsburgh• Award-winning social media specialist

Tweeting During This Presentation?

Use the hashtag #CUPRSSA

My Job Search Story•No PR internships in college but stayed involved

•Started at Highmark, Inc. with a job not in my field

•Networked through e-mails and informational interviews

•Attended PRSA events

•Constant searching and applying for jobs

•Finally landed a PR apprenticeship through MARC USA

How NOT to Get a JobHow NOT to Get a Job

Example 1: Not Spending Enough Time

Example 1: Not Spending Enough Time

Takeaway Tweet:Searching for a job is a job itself. Set aside a certain amount of time each day/week to job search #CUPRSSA

• A job search is a job within itself

• Don’t expect to just apply online and get a call the next day

•Set aside a certain amount of time each day/week to job search, write cover letters and make connections

Example 2: Not Being Detailed Enough

•DON’T send the same resume and cover letter to each place; tailor your content for the specific company and job requirements•Say WHAT you are applying for•Say WHO you are applying to -- no one at the company is named “To whom it may concern”•Website not specific enough? CALL and ask

Takeaway Tweet:Tailor each e-mail, resume and cover letter. And remember: no one’s name is “to whom it may concern” #CUPRSSA

Example 3: Not RespondingExample 3: Not Responding•Check e-mail and voicemail often and reply•Say THANK YOU…even if it’s not the answer you wanted•Even if it’s not worth a thank you, say it, and confirm you received the information•Did someone connect you to another person? Keep person #1 in the loop and again, THANK THEM for connecting you (even if nothing came out of it)

Takeaway Tweet:Always say thank you and close the loop on things - never leave anyone hanging that connected you #CUPRSSA

Example 4: SpammingExample 4: SpammingWhatever you do, DON’T mass e-mail your job search list and BCC the recipients -- it’s unprofessional, tacky, and

makes it look like you don’t care

Takeaway Tweet:Spamming is BAD! Don’t stalk or annoy, and whatever you do, don’t mass e-mail your job search list at once #CUPRSSA

Example 5: Getting An AttitudeExample 5: Getting An AttitudeJust as tacky and unprofessional as spamming is getting

an attitude -- if someone rejects you or ignores you, DON’T get an attitude/talk back. You might just be

blacklisted from your entire industry

Takeaway Tweet:Attitude problem? Don’t expect a job http://gawker.com/5525490/the-potential-intern-from-hell #CUPRSSA

HOW TO: Get a Job Using Social Media &

Traditional Tactics

HOW TO: Get a Job Using Social Media &

Traditional Tactics

Tip 1: Start EarlyTip 1: Start Early•Start researching companies you’d like to work for during college•Get an internship with one of those companies, or a company/organization similar to them

Takeaway Tweet:Looking for a job? It’s never too early to start looking while still in school #CUPRSSA

Tip 2: Develop a targeted listTip 2: Develop a targeted listIn addition to your company list, make a list of people at those companies you’d like to meet, or would like their jobs

Takeaway Tweet:Know a place you’d like to work? Find someone there who has a job you’d love #CUPRSSA

Tip 3: Reach out to your list, respond, and follow up

Tip 3: Reach out to your list, respond, and follow up

Takeaway Tweet:Make a connection with your list - either via e-mail, in person or at an event. Then, keep in touch - who knows where it’ll lead? #CUPRSSA

•Connect with each person on the list -- either via e-mail conversation, an information interview, at a networking event -- make it a point to talk to each of them•Let them know you’re looking for work, but also ask them for advice on how they got to where they are now•Ask who they know and get to know them, too•Stay in touch - it could lead to something months or years down the road

Tip 4: Use social mediaTip 4: Use social media•Twitter

Accounts (@socialmediajobs, @HAPPO) Hashtags (#happo, #happopgh, #jobs)Chats (#PRStudChat, #u30pro)

Follow people/companies you want to work for on Twitter and get to know them first

•LinkedIn Groups (YoungPRPros, PR and Communications Professionals)

•Facebook Pages/Groups (Careers at American Eagle Outfitters, Local PRSA Chapters) Takeaway Tweet:

Use social media to find a job: Jump in a Twitter chat, ask questions via LinkedIn groups, etc. #CUPRSSA

Tip 5: Bridge online connections to “IRL”

•Developed connections via LinkedIn and Twitter? Find out what events they’re attending and meet them there “in real life” (tweetups, professional events, etc.)•Nothing beats a face-to-face connection•Those people can introduce you to new people who may just be hiring

Takeaway Tweet:Attend a tweetup or networking event your online connections are attending; meet face-to-face, get introduced to new connections #CUPRSSA

Tip 6: Don’t “Lose It” Once You Land a Job

Tip 6: Don’t “Lose It” Once You Land a Job

Takeaway Tweet:Just bc you landed a job doesn’t mean you should stop talking w/ connections. Keep in touch: you may need them again down the road #CUPRSSA

•Keep in touch with people even after you’ve landed a job - you may need them, or they may want to hire you down the road•It’s important to have a strong network of people even if you don’t need them•It’s nice to give back to those who once helped you (pay it forward)

Things to RememberThings to Remember

Takeaway Tweet:Start your job search early, take the time and use social media for success! #CUPRSSA

•Start early•Never say “To Whom It May Concern”•Don’t use emoticons or extensive exclamation points•Check your grammar•Follow up•Say thank you•Keep in touch•Use social media to your advantage

Important LinksImportant Links

•http://search.twitter.com/ •http://helpaprproout.com/ •http://www.linkedin.com/

•http://jobs.mashable.com/a/jbb/find-jobs •http://twitter.com/socialmediajobs

•http://www.prsa.org/jobcenter/

If all else fails -- Google it!

Questions? Comments?

Twitter:@dferrari / @wordwritepr

Online:deannaferrari.com / wordwritepr.com

Thank You!