Saxum|PR

Job Interview Tips from a Twitter Hire

March 31st, 2010 by Rachel Leonard. Posted in Industry Expertise, Tips and Tricks

Finding employment can be a daunting process. Since graduating from the University of Oklahoma more than two years ago, I have been fortunate to have accepted three fantastic positions in the public relations industry, and I can tell you from experience that the key to landing your dream job is recognizing what makes you unique and promoting your individuality. Keep reading to learn the tricks I have up my sleeve.

Let’s start with a few seemingly obvious job interview tips, like making sure you don’t have leftovers stuck in your smile. It’s important that you dress to impress. I suggest wearing a suit; heels for women, ties for men. Women should avoid heavy make up, limit items of jewelry and avoid open-toed shoes and bare legs (wear hosiery if you choose to wear a skirt). Men should be clean-shaven and sport a tame head of hair.

When preparing for an interview, organize a comprehensive, professional-looking portfolio of relevant work, if applicable to the position. Be sure to take plenty professional hard copy resumes and references, even if you have already provided electronic copies.

Mentally preparing for the interview is essential, too. Know their business – future employers love when you can tell them what you know about their company. Know answers to tough questions like, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and “Why are you a fit for our company?” You may also want to have a few questions of your own in your back pocket to give you a sense of the working environment, such as “What do you like best about your job?”

During the interview, try not to think of the immense pressure of finding a paycheck, but have fun with the interview, ask questions and show your confidence and your willingness to continue learning. Also remember to give original answers. For instance, instead of saying “I’m a people person,” you could say you thrive in a collaborative environment.

Social media provides great networking opportunities for savvy job seekers. There are many career experts on social media offering tips and posting job openings. On Twitter, public relations jobs are regularly posted by various users, including @PRjobs, @GetPubRelatJobs and @PRWork, to name a few. If you don’t already have one, be sure to create a LinkedIn profile with your previous work experience, resume and references. You can also create a Google profile, which will show up in search results for your name.

And potential employers will search for you online. The New York Times reports that in a recent survey, 45 percent of employers questioned are using social networks to screen job candidates. That’s more than double the number using social network screening last year. If you are applying for jobs, Google yourself and make sure the results don’t surprise you. Your social media profiles should be clean, professional and could include links to your online resume or portfolio. A good rule of thumb is don’t post any messages you wouldn’t want your grandmother to read.

Be creative, persistent and flexible.Before joining Saxum, I was working in New Jersey and looking for an opportunity to move home to Oklahoma. Through Twitter, I saw Renzi Stone was just across the Hudson in Manhattan and asked to meet with him on the off chance he had time available. He quickly answered, and an hour later we were walking toward Grand Central Station discussing my qualifications on the way to his next meeting. My creativity, determination and willingness to walk and talk must have impressed him!

And lastly, always send individual thank you notes to each person you meet, including any specific details from your talk to help keep you top-of-mind throughout their hiring process.

Happy job hunting!