Finding a job or internship during this Covid19 crisis will be challenging, but there are still many great opportunities out there! You just need to dig a bit more and be more creative in your search. You have until the last day of add drop to find an opportunity to earn fall internship credits. In the meantime you’ll want to adjust your search strategies. Spamming career web sites and job listings is an ineffective way to find a great job or internship. Instead, utilize the following ideas and your own initiative to secure a meaningful job or internship this summer or fall.
1. Don’t wait for a public job listing or advertisement! Determine where you want to work and identify the person for whom you’d love to work. Check the company’s blog, read its client releases, follow it/them on Twitter, Google the company, research it on LinkedIn. I’m not telling you to be a stalker, just do your research. Armed with this information you can write a short cover email (or Twitter comment) about something the company said, wrote or did. Indicate that you would love to learn more about its work. Once you start a dialogue, write a note about an idea you have for a client. Down the road, email your resume and a well-written cover note explaining how you would be an asset to the organization. If you can provide a compelling reason why the company should hire you, you’ll be amazed to see them create a position for you.
2. Subscribe to the free email newsletters in your industry and related areas. For PR, the advertising, social media, PR and marketing trades are a great resources. There are industry trades for media, production, radio, HR, theatre and more. When you see a new client win or other announcement from an agency or corporation, write a note of congratulations. The company or PR firm will probably staff up to service this new business. As a follow up, send your customized cover note and resume showcasing how you will be the perfect team member to help deliver results for this client. Send an query regarding remote or hybrid internship options and make sure explain why you would be well-suited and disciplined enough to successfully work remotely.
3. Read the business pages of your local newspaper. Every week, newspapers include executive appointment announcements (as do industry trades). I’m not looking for a job, yet I frequently drop a note of congratulations to new media or corporate communication and public relations executives I read about in the paper. Many have become guest speakers in my classes and several have hired my students for internships and jobs. Identify quotes from a company spokesperson and get to know them on LinkedIn or Twitter.
4. To connect with someone via LinkedIn, always include a personal message. Here are two examples: “I read about your new client” or “I loved your quote in The New York Times.“ Include a short sentence about who you are: “I’m a student with my own travel public relations blog,” or “I’m a junior-level marketing professional interested in crisis communication” or “I’m an alumna from your college and would love to learn about your career path and successes.” Never just blindly ask for a job or a “follow.”
5. Exercise patience. Take the time to develop a rapport with your new contacts. Don’t just ask for a job, ask them for their insights, tips, and advice. Help them learn who you are. Show you are insightful and smart, and good at tracking and spotting trends. Consider all of your contacts as possible mentors or business partners down the road.
6. Customize, customize, customize. When you do apply to job web sites or published job postings, be sure to CUSTOMIZE your resume EACH TIME. Include key words used in the advertisement, in your cover letter, reference a specific achievement or skill that is relevant to the job, highlight a specific project or example that relates to the business need. Taking the time to make your resume and cover letter a specific fit for THAT position will increase your chances of getting a call back. Check my http://www.pr109.com web site to see samples of resumes and cover letters that include search engine key words that will get your resume to the top of the pile.
7. Send your resume snail mail. That’s right, in addition to the online application requirements, take the extra effort to send a packet with your resume and perhaps a work sample or two. Also find the HR executive, recruiter or your eventual boss and send a hard copy of your cover letter and resume in the mail. Professionals received hundreds of emails each day, but are less likely to receive resumes and writing samples via mail.
8. Volunteer. If you aren’t working now or if you need to fill an employment gap, volunteer. Working for your local PTA, non-profit association, political party or church group will help you remain connected with potential references, employers and contacts. It will also help you to build timely and relevant portfolio and resume-friendly skills. Any fundraising, video work, social media work, writing or leadership activities are employer friendly. And THESE CAN AND WILL count for internship credits. Professor Brown can help the organization design an internship that makes sense based on the organization’s needs and your skill set.
9. Consider graduate school or continuing education courses. Many quality graduate programs have been revamped their curriculum to include employment-ready skills and knowledge. Some programs are specifically designed to help career-changers or the unemployed. Identifying a professional program that works for you may also lead to additional internship and practicum opportunities, plus, many faculty have extensive professional connections and career resources.
10. Look at the company where you currently work. Do you work in retail? Restaurants? Sales? Hair salons? Grocery stores? Auto dealerships? I can help design an internship on top of your current work situation. Do they need web site help? Video editing support, social media, fundraising, crisis management? Contact Professor Brown BrownL50@wpunj.edu and we can come up with some strategies to build internship work into your current job.
Networking doesn’t have to be daunting. By telling anyone and everyone that you are actively searching, you are opening yourself up to opportunities. Friends, customers, relatives and neighbors love to share their ideas, insights and contacts with friendly, confident, smart and positive people. And now more than ever, companies are seeking low cost support to help their business stay open and succeed! You must show them how your great skills and initiative will contribute to their business growth and survival!
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