Go Get Em’ Grads

By Mikena Albers, Account Assistant

As I begin to tackle year two at Caliber Creative, I can’t help but look back at where I was at a year ago; working part-time at a boutique while I was fervently pursuing a career in advertising. I applied at agencies I could really see myself working at, for a solid four months, (aka a lifetime when you’re a fresh, college grad without a job). Now that I’m into year TWO with the Caliber crew, I’m sharing my list of do’s and don’ts to the pre-interview process, in hopes that it will resonate with others.

1. Market Yourself
   Attend round table discussions, student days, speed-interviews and internship fairs. Show your face at these types of professional gatherings often. I guarantee you will start standing out to the recruiters/professionals that are attending and they will view you as ambitious and want to hire you when the opportunity presents itself.
2. GET EXPERIENCE
   If you only read one tip on this entire blog, make sure it’s this one. You may only be required to have 1 internship to graduate from your program, BUT listen and listen closely, even some entry-level jobs require 1-3 years of experience. Once you decide on what path to pursue in college, start looking into job shadowing and seasonal internships. This will help you gain experience while also helping you determine what part of the agency you can see yourself kicking butt at.

3. Be. Patient.
   Easier said than done, right? But seriously, if you can’t see yourself working at a certain agency, don’t apply. Wait for the right opportunity at an agency you can see yourself enjoying your future work week at.

4. Update your resume
   Even when you think everything is as up to date as possible on your resume, send it to a professor, an advisor, basically anyone who can tell you what you could do to keep your resume fresh and better than the other applicants. Things to add would be collegiate clubs you’re involved in, awards you’ve won and certificates you’ve achieved.  

5. Sign up for the free trial of LinkedIn Premium
   30 days of free, accelerated, professional attention. Sounds weird, but it is a MAJOR key. Word to the wise though, only utilize this free tool if you are 100% serious and eager to be seen by potential employers. Use this time to connect with those 2^nd and 3^rd party connections that could get you closer to the person at the agency you’re seeking the attention of. Inbox strangers with your dream job, ask them how they got to be where they are today, ask for tips and advice on how to stand out amongst other applicants at their agency. Use this tool to your advantage and it will help you immensely in reaching your end goal.

6. Talk to your college advisor about opportunity
   Your advisor has friends, previous coworkers and contacts in your future job field. Ask them if they could put in a good word for you, write you a letter of recommendation or simply reach out to their contact to see if they have any current or jobs opening in the near future that they might not have updated on their website yet. This will help you get your foot in the door first.

7. PROOFREAD EVERYTHING
   Maybe it’s because I’m a harsh grammar and spelling critic, maybe it’s because I don’t want to come off as a moron, but I cannot stress this step enough. Send your resume to 2-3 trusted, English-savvy, grammar buffs that can look over your resume for you before you begin sending it into the virtual world and get denied an initial interview because you don’t know the difference between there, their and they’re.

8. Dress to impress
    First impressions are everything. Ladies, if you’re choosing a high-heel, make sure they’re your classy, 3-inch black pumps, not the 6-inch stilettos you wear out on the weekend. Gentlemen, nice jeans and a suit coat are a classic in my opinion, but not with a casual t-shirt and ratty sneakers. This is an interview, not your fraternity brother’s wedding reception.

9. Scope out the location of your interview
   Google Maps isn’t always accurate – Crazy I know. Take the time to drive by the office (or other meeting place) before your interview, especially if you’re in an unknown area. I’ve done this for every interview I’ve ever had and trust me, it will ease your mind the day of your interview and give you a general idea of how long it will take you to get to your meeting destination, so that you can walk into your meeting cool, collected and ten minutes early.

10. Stalk the company before the interview
    No, not in a creepy way, but always show that you’re genuinely interested in the agency. You want to show your interviewer that you’ve put in the time on your own to look through their client list and do some of your own research. This will also help you determine if you’re excited about their client list, or if there is a different agency out there that would be a better fit.

11. Lastly, DON’T OVERUSE LIKE.
    Like seriously you have like a college degree so like sound like you do. You are now a mature adult, so have the verbal and grammar skills to match.