Pinterest. Instagram. Tumblr. These sites have been taking over the Internet in the last year or so. From wedding planning to fashion to interesting architecture and everything in between, all of us have been telling the stories of things we love via visuals. I’ve always been a visual learner. I took notes in school and now in the working world (despite the presentation being available afterward) so I could see the words on paper. And I learn better by doing something rather than simply being instructed. That’s why I love visual blogs like Brit + Co. and The Beauty Department that really give a how-to by way of photos. And I’m constantly inspired by my friends on Instagram and Pinterest to recreate a smoothie recipe or outfit idea. Which brought me to thinking about my professional life. Sure, I read articles, attend webinars and conferences, network, and participate in industry organizations. All of which help me grow and learn. But there’s just something about seeing great work or words that really inspire me. The same goes for the job search. You can apply to 100 jobs, but what’s your goal? What are your passions? And how can those help your career?
From the sites listed above, following are a few simple ways to have visuals help you in the job search (and current job motivation) process.
Tumble into action
Tumblr is perfect for quick bursts of inspiration. Do a search for “career” tags, and you instantly see interview tips, motivational quotes, and others in your shoes just blogging about their experiences. You can even see what’s happening in your town in terms of networking events. One of my favorite accounts is the NYC PR Girls page. Just follow the tags that you’re interested in (type of industry, city, what type of accounts you’d like to work on, etc.) and you’ll be on your way to immediate encouragement. (It’s also a great way to network.)
Pin to motivation
I’m basically planning my entire wedding (thanks, secret boards!) on Pinterest, but I also started another secret board for all things work-related as a PR pro. Basically, when I see an article that I think my clients could be in (or at least benefit from), I pin it to my board. Yes, I bookmark these articles too, but re-visiting this board from time-to-time helps me see these stories rather bookmarking and forgetting, and I am reminded of what it is and what I’m trying to accomplish, as well as give me ideas for future pitching. Looking for a job? Pin images of people in action to help motivate you. No, not stock imagery of men in suits shaking hands, but people in the industry you look up to. Think Jack Dorsey, Marissa Mayer or even those you see in your local business pub’s “40 under 40.” They can even be fictitious characters (I’m a big fan of Mary in The Mary Tyler Moore Show).
Instagram to insta-gain
Yes, Instagram is full of cats, food and nail art. However, it allows you to connect with those near and far in a fun way. Think about where you want to work. Let’s take an ad agency in your local area, for example. Are they on Instagram as a company? Follow and start liking. On a smaller scale, find folks who work there and follow them as well (easier to find if you find them on Twitter first). Start following and liking images that pique your interest. Just don’t “like” everything – you don’t want to be a stalker. You can find common connections (such as love for a sports team) and even see where they hang out and what networking events and conferences they attend. If they attend a monthly event, you know they’ll be there so you can attend and meet other professionals, too (again, just don’t be creepy!). And, like on Tumblr and Pinterest, Instagram can help motivate you when you see others in action (I’m a big fan of what Amy Jo Martin and Sarah Evans are bringing to the table).
Sure, Pinterest can’t write you a resume and Instagram can’t land you an interview, but sometimes we go through the motions of the job search so much, we forget what we’re passionate about and what we’re looking for. The same goes for our day-to-day work. So, before you begin your search (or improving your current situation), write down what you want, start looking for images and visuals that represent that, and you’ll spark a new motivation you may have been lacking before. Just like looking at a picture of someone buff in a bathing suit may motivate you to lose a few pounds before summer, looking at a logo of where you want to work (or the people who work there) can give you that extra bit of oomph you need to amplify the process and shake things up.
This post is part of HAPPO (Help a PR Pro Out). HAPPO is a movement that seeks to use social media to leverage relationships and help connect those seeking a job in the PR industry with employers. It’s led by co-founders Arik Hanson and Valerie Simon. Follow the #HAPPO hashtag on Twitter.
HAPPO Chat Recap: Tips to Rock Your Summer Internship
Yesterday was my very first time moderating a Twitter chat. I’ve been a long-time Twitter chat participant (been chatting it up since about 2008, old school), but I never took the plunge into moderating. It was so much fun! Why? Because of the enthusiasm and overall great conversation of the participants. The topic? Tips to Rock Your Summer Internship for the #HAPPO chat.
Some highlights:
On what you can do in the first few days of your internship that can make a great impression:
- “If they don’t give you an internship job description and/or goals, volunteer to work with them to develop.” – @KellyeCrane
- “This is your career, come to work everyday as though it was your permanent position. Many of our ACs started as our intern.” – @AbbieF
On what else students can do to get experience if they don’t have an internship this summer:
- “Most nonprofits need PR help & will gladly accept your services. Also, job shadow!” – @nikki_little
- “If you didn’t land a formal internship, make one up. Volunteer for a nonprofit, government group or event.” – @SydneyAyers
On ideal qualifications students can pull from their internships for their resumes:
- “Try to take away some biz results you played a part in generating. Always impressive.” – @arikhanson
- ”Self-starter, able to manage multiple projects at one time, solid research and writing experience.” – @sjplatte
Internship Opps:
- “Lots of AMAZING internships at my company, @2tor, in NYC and MD. Check ’em out: http://2tor.com/careers” – @ericajmoss
- “PR Intern at Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, FL http://footballjobs.teamworkonline.com/teamwork/r.cfm?i=44448” – @dr_tindall
- “American Cancer Society needs
#pr /#marketing internshttp://bit.ly/IoXI1z” – @MarketJobsUSA - “College grads looking for internships, Beehive is hiring an intern mid-summer for a 6 mo. PAID position. Info @ http://is.gd/zK3gqj” – @beehivepr
The overall takeaway of the chat was this: You have to WANT it, to make it. If you show up early and eager every day to your internship, ready to take it all in and even tackle projects on your own (sometimes without being asked), then you’re going to succeed. Whether it’s volunteering for a non-profit, or interning at an agency, paid or unpaid, your enthusiasm and hard work will shine if you let it.
Wanna view the whole transcript? It’s below (there are a LOT of pages since this is an ongoing hashtag, but lots of great stuff in there, including more tweets of job openings). Good luck to all interns this summer! ROCK IT.
#HAPPO Twitter Chat Transcript: Tips to Rock Your Summer Internship[slideshare id=12710203&w=477&h=510&sc=no]
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HAPPO Hour Pittsburgh Recap and Tips for Job Seekers at Networking Events
The first-ever “HAPPO Hour” events were held last week in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Minneapolis, NYC, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh and D.C. I had the pleasure of co-hosting the Pittsburgh event, which was quite the success! In case you didn’t know, HAPPO stands for Help a PR Pro Out, a community based effort to help those seeking jobs in the PR industry. HAPPO was founded and run by Arik Hanson and Valerie Simon, who coordinated and organized the live (and online) events last week. In Pittsburgh, we casually met at Bar Louie in Station Square, and about 35 people gathered to network and make connections, and we’re still connecting now to talk resumes, cover letters and job searching tips. So, how can you make the most of networking events if you’re a job seeker? Following are some simple tips:
1. Know what to expect
Each HAPPO Hour was different; some formal, some informal, and everything in between. In Pittsburgh, we did the informal thing. Before you go to an event, know what to expect. Should you come with your resume and be prepared for some structure, or is it more of casual chat with professionals of all levels and fellow job seekers? Look on the event website, or e-mail or tweet the host to ask any questions you have.
2. Have an entrance plan
Going to a networking event solo can sometimes be kind of awkward when you first arrive, especially if you have not been to a lot of these type of events before. If it makes you more comfortable, bring a friend or coworker. Or, plan to meet people there. See who will attend from the event website or Twitter (we used the hashtag #happopgh just for Pittsburgh) and meet them ahead of time or have a meeting spot planned out first inside the event. Find other people going alone and go together. Or, just come in and start talking! People expect you to break into conversations; that’s how networking events go. Don’t be afraid to interrupt a conversation – just don’t be rude about it.
3. Write talking points
If you’re a job seeker, you’re on a mission to find a job. So, before the event, write out some things you want to accomplish at the event. It could be talk to five (or more) different people. It could be to talk to a mix of both fellow job seekers and gainfully employed professionals. Also, you need to write out what it is you’re looking for in a job. It could be to work in a PR agency, or for a corporation. If you write out what you want to get out of the event and what you’re looking for ahead of time, you’ll make the most of the event. You don’t need to bring a note card with you, but it’s good to get it on paper to “study” pre-event. Also, know what to converse about. If you simply say to someone hiring, “I’m looking for a PR job, I’m not picky and I’ll take anything,” that doesn’t come across as very strong. Rather, say “I have three years solid agency experience, primarily in B2C PR, and I’m looking for an account executive job in an agency who specializes in B2C.” Or if you’re a student, talk about internship or class experience that pertains to what you’re looking for. That way, you know what you want, and are specific. Especially in the PR world, being specific is key. PR is not one general thing; you have different skills and talents that will resonate better at some places than others.
4. Don’t expect you’ll get a job
What? I just wasted two hours of my life because you’re telling me not to expect a job? Yeah, kind of. But hear me out: A lot of people have very high expectations when going to networking events. Especially for something like HAPPO, it seems like it’s guaranteed you’ll find a job. Which sometimes, it’s easy and that happens, but other times you have to be patient. In Pittsburgh, I had a lot of leads on internships and more senior level positions; there wasn’t anything too entry- or mid-level I came across. Unfortunately, the bulk of our attendees were these levels. But in other places, like NYC, which according to Valerie, there were more employers than job seekers! That is great and the PR industry is definitely picking up steam as the economy bounces back. But it’s different in every city. One of my biggest takeaways being in the corporate world these past five years or so is that making connections is the most important thing you can do when looking for a job. You can meet someone at an event, and it may not turn into anything that day, but if you stay in touch with them, they could be hiring at their company, or know of a job opening at another company. It could take two weeks or two months. Because you made a connection with them and they know you, they may be more likely to recommend you or have you come in for an interview. That’s what I love about the HAPPO community; everyone is rooting for each other and sharing job leads, tips, and making connections. So, be patient, work hard, and eventually, you will land your perfect job.
Follow the hashtags #HAPPO (all over) and #happopgh (Pittsburgh-specific) for those tweeting about job openings and job searching tips. And don’t forget: you can e-mail me at deannaf84@yahoo.com and I can put you in touch with a professional (via e-mail) for resume, cover letter, and job searching tips.
Help a PR pro out at Pittsburgh “HAPPO Hour”
HAPPO, a.k.a. “Help a PR Pro Out,” is a group that was started on Twitter by Arik Hanson and Valerie Simon to assist students and PR/communications professionals of all levels find jobs, job leads, and develop connections to network and learn. I’ve been the Pittsburgh “champion” for some time, and have agreed to host the first-ever live event in Pittsburgh with my coworker Suzanne. There’s several other HAPPO events taking place at the same time in other cities as well. You can check out Arik’s blog for a list of them and more details on the history of HAPPO.
Pittsburgh HAPPO Hour will take place Thursday, February 24 from 6-8 p.m. at Bar Louie Station Square. I am inviting anyone looking for work, hiring, or just looking to network to come. It will be very informal. We’ll also be keeping the conversation going on Twitter! Follow the Pittsburgh hashtag at #happopgh, and the main hashtag at #happo. Also follow me (@dferrari) and Suzanne (@sbasista).
As an added bonus, after the event, Suzanne and I along with a few other local resources are making ourselves available to help further with tips on interviews, writing resumes and cover letters, and answering any other job search questions. Interested in attending or need some help in your job search? Just e-mail me at deannaf84@yahoo.com. You can also reach Suzanne at suzannebasista@yahoo.com. Also, if you are hiring, let me know as well so I can make those connections.
Please RSVP by Tuesday, February 22. And please, SPREAD THE WORD!
How NOT To Get A Job After Graduation
Remember when I wrote the post “Cringeworthy Antics of Some Job Seekers?” Well, I took that rant to an audience last night at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, where I serve as their PRSSA chapter’s professional advisor. Below, see my presentation I gave to the students on how NOT to get a job…and how social media can help them along the way. Also, check me out on the radio! Eat your heart out, Delicious Dish.
[slideshare id=5561972&doc=clarionpres2010-101025230809-phpapp01]