What's an Informational Interview?

Before I became a college student, I’d never heard of an informational interview. A normal job interview, of course, but never with the word ‘informational’ ahead of it. In fact, it wasn’t until the beginning of my sophomore year that I heard about informational interviews, and immediately I thought about how helpful they can be to an aspiring public relations student. However, it seems that many people don’t realize just what a few good informational interviews can do for them.

First off, the best thing about an informational interview is that you can go on as many as you can get, and you can go on them even if you’re already working an internship. Informational interviews are an easy way to learn about different industries within PR from an insider, who’s willing to help you as much as possible. I’ve been on 4 informational interviews in the last few months, all with people in different PR industries, and they’ve helped me decide just what I want to do with PR. Beyond that, I’ve made lifelong connections with people I know I can always go to for help.

Informational interviews aren’t just good for students, those people who do the interviews have an ulterior, albeit benevolent, motive. Going on informational interviews with students allows PR professionals to meet and get to know the people that in a few months or so, they may be considering for an internship or job. Informational interviews are like a more intense version of networking, and if you can make a good impression, you may be surprised what comes your way down the road. The key is to make a good impression, ask lots of questions and take notes, and then follow up and keep in touch every month or so.

                So, anytime you get the chance, reach out and get an informational interview. And if you have any tips on informational interviews, we’d love to hear from you!

Tips for a Successful Phone Interview

Phone interviews are often one of the first steps on the road to finding a job or internship. Sometimes the calls come from someone in human resources for the company you're applying to and sometimes they come right from the person in charge of the position. Phone interviews are generally scheduled ahead of time, but can also come unexpectedly after a resume with contact information is submitted. This is why it's important to target your job search and make sure you're always doing your research into the companies you're applying to.

Whether you're talking to a recruiter, HR manager or the person to whom you would report if you were hired, phone interviews are tricky. They can't see you so you don't have the advantage of using body language to convey your enthusiasm or sincerity. Often times, phone interviews are only slotted for a certain amount of time, so you may have to squeeze as much information as possible into that one phone call.  In order to have the most successful phone interview, use the following tips:

1. Have your elevator pitch ready
You're always going to be asked to "tell me a little bit about yourself" and you should be prepared to answer in a complete and concise way.

2. Write it all down
Employers are impressed when you have questions to ask them at the end of an interview. If you're writing down the things they're saying and questions that pop into your mind while you're talking, you'll have something insightful to ask at the end.

3. Stay calm and confident.
Your voice is your main tool during a phone interview. Keep a steady tone and speed when you speak and make sure the person on the other end can hear you at all times.

4. Follow up
If you don't already have their email, make sure you ask for it at the end of the conversation. Let them know you plan to follow up and offer to send them any supplemental material such as writing samples of portfolio pieces. They'll be impressed with your initiative.

Phone interviews are the gateway to in-person interviews so it's important to be your best. Do you have any more tips or tricks you use during these conversations? We'd love to hear from you.

Media Training 101: Tips on Teaching Your Client

Advocacy. Advocacy. Advocacy.  It's PR 101, it's what we do for our clients and it's what is engraved into our brains from the start.  Part of advocating for your client or your company can be media training. Media training is simply preparing your client for press conferences, interviews, TV appearances, etc. It's a daunting task because no matter how prepared you and your client can be, the media can always throw in a question or comment that you didn't expect. It is our job to make sure the client is prepared for that.

Start off the media training with something fun and engaging. 

Pretend you're the reporter and ask them really hard questions. Chances are they'll freeze up (that's why you're in the position of training them, after all). This will show the importance of what they're about to listen to and experience.

Keep your client's personality in mind.

If they're generally a formal person from a suit-and-tie company, they might not be comfortable loosening up in a conversational situation with a reporter. Practice makes perfect and the more you help your client embrace relaxation, the better they will do in the interview. Cool, calm and collected is a really overused saying for a reason.

Don't use jargon.

Whether we realize it or not, our field is littered with jargon that no one else understand. Clients don't know what editorial and impressions mean so there's no use in talking about it during your training. Keep it short and simple and easy for them to understand so they stay in full focus during your presentation.

Focus on the mission statement.

It's the core of their business and something that they should know inside and out. By incorporating something that they are already comfortable with and making it the base of the training it will help them adjust better.

Wrap it up by reiterating why media training matters.

You can repeat your initial interview exercise and watch them be amazed with the progress they made in a few short hours. End with key takeaways that are most important for them to remember. Always offer yourself up for additional help outside of the training session.

As PR professionals we are supposed to be media aficionados. Sometimes these skills can get in the way of seeing how other people are going to feel if they're talking to a reporter. Put yourself in your client's shoes and make sure to talk to them that way. You're helping them with their skills and cultivating your relationship with them, all in one.

 

Be Bold, Be Bright, Be You.

It's that time of year again!

No, not the holiday season (although we are all excited for that too).

It's officially the point in the semester where everyone starts to think about spring internships and even jobs for all you December graduates. So while you're updating your resume and crafting the perfect cover letter, there are a few things you should be keeping in mind.

1. Pretty much everyone is proficient in Microsoft Office.  You can skip including that on your resume.  What jobs really like to see is something that not everyone can master, like Adobe Creative Suite or expertise with a blogging platform.

2. The majority of people are also saying that they're 'organized' and that they 'have great people skills'.  Your future employer is looking for things that you can bring to the table that other candidates can't.

3. Highlight what makes you unique.  Having skills and experience is all well and good, but from my experience potential employers are looking for candidates that have that 'little something extra' or that 'spark'.

You know yourself better than anyone, and even though interviews can be intimidating they are the limited time that you have to get across how much of an asset you can be to a company.  So instead of listing a set of skills that most people your age probably have, set your sights higher and aim to communicate what makes you different, and better, than everyone else who is applying for the same position.

What are some other tips to make yourself stand out in an interview? We want to hear from you!

Interview Question Don'ts

March means the start of interviewing for those much-wanted summer internships, and for some of us, the start of a real career search. By now, you’ve been informed of some of the types of questions you should ask after an interview, but what about the ones you need to  stay away from? PRDaily writer Denise Zimmerman breaks these questions into three main categories:

The Obvious – These questions are the ones that you could have easily researched and found on your own, but you didn’t take the time to.  You never want to ask questions such as “who are your clients?” or “when were you founded?” when that information is readily available on the company website. These types of questions show the interviewer that you did not take the time to look into his or her company, and therefore, aren’t serious about the position. 

The all-about-me – Things such as summer vacations, salary, hours etc. are all types of questions that fall into this category.  When interviewing, you need to remember that this is a mutually beneficial deal. Great interview questions are focused more on what the job role entails or what is expected of someone in that role instead of individualized needs and wants. Employers want people who are interested in the success of the company, not someone who is just focused on his or herself.

No questions at all – Although this is not quite a question, recruiters and Human Resources managers agree that this may be even worse than asking some of the questions listed above. Asking well-thought out questions reinforces the interest and commitment into the position and the importance of it being a right fit for you. Yes, you may be there looking for an opportunity of any kind, but you want to make sure that you are aware of what to expect from the role you will play in the organization. 

By being well informed of the types of questions you shouldn’t ask, you can better prepare yourself with the ones you should to land that dream internship or job you are looking for. Great questions help show the interviewer you want to make sure to make the best decision for you and the employer. Interviews are much more successful when there is two-way communication, not just a standard one-sided question and answer format.  So go out there and show those employers how prepared you are and land that dream internship you have been waiting for!

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Jessica Ross.

5 Tips for Virtual Interviews

In the digital world we live it, it is no surprised that even interviews have gone virtual. Virtual interviews allow for more of a personal feel than the common phone interview. Instead of just feeling out vocals, virtual interviews give the interviewer and the interviewee a chance to read each other's body language. Although convenient, virtual interviews can easily seem awkward and nerve wracking. Here are 5 tips that are sure to make your next virtual interview a piece of cake:

1. Look the part: Just because you aren't meeting someone in person doesn't mean you should dress down! Put on something that makes you feel confident and convinced. Doing so will help keep you focused on the task at hand.

2. Test your technology: Be sure to do a test run before you are supposed to connect. Make sure your camera and lighting settings are all correct, and that you have sound. Before the interview, be sure to confirm with your interviewer which program you will be connecting with (Skype, Oovoo, ect.). Also, be sure you have a secure and stable internet connection.

3. Clear the set: Be sure to tell your roommates or housemates that they should keep noise levels down and stay out of the room. You don't want any unnecessary motion in the background while you try to tell the interviewer about yourself. Make sure the room the neat and well lit.

4. Be natural: During the interview, focus on the camera and speak in a natural tone and pace. Try to make the interview as conversational as possible. Try not to move around too much to avoid motion freezing on the screen, and be aware of any delay in technology while you're interviewing.

5. Be prepared: One of the greatest advantages of virtual interviews is that you have all of your resources at your fingertips. Have any notes or points you want to bring up open in a separate window on the screen. This will avoid you having to shuffle around lose papers and cause unwanted background noise.

Have you ever conducted or had a virtual interview? Let us know how it went for you!

3 Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview

Whether you are a student looking to secure an internship for next semester or a recent graduate still on the hunt for a job, you are probably have been real familiar with the interview process. 

During the past couple of months, I have been both an interviewee and interview. As redundant as the interview process can get, I have found that the most interesting part of the actual interview is the end. Although it is important to provide a great first impression to a potential employer, as well as acing the basics of a typical job interview, closing the interview strong is just as important.

Here are three essential questions you should ask you're interviewer at the end of your interview to finish strong and leave a lasting impression to help establish yourself at a top candidate:

1. What Made You Want To Interview Me?
Learning specifically what is in your resume that attracted the interviewers's interest gives you a sense of how the organization, and other potential employers, view your talents. 

2. What Excites You About Coming Into Work? 
People love the opportunity to talk about themselves, so this question provides an excellent chance to learn about the hiring manager and find ways to establish common ground.

3. How Would You Describe Your Best Employees?
This is a subtle way of determining company values!

Impress Employers by Asking All the Right Questions

“Do you have any questions for me?” is something that nearly every employer asks at the end of an interview.  My response is usually something along the lines of “nope, I think you pretty much covered everything,” and then there is a rather uncomfortable silence where I know I should have asked something, anything.  I have always been told that asking questions impresses employers and shows that you are very interested in the position and eager to get to know the company.  However when the time comes, my mind just draws a blank.  I recently read an article (http://m.inc.com/?incid=43654) that has officially alleviated that problem and has given me great questions to ask during an interview.  These questions are:

1. What do you expect me to accomplish in the first 60 to 90 days?
2. What are the common attributes of your top performers?
3. What are a few things that really drive results for the company?
4. What do employees do in their spare time?
5. How do you plan to deal with major challenges?

These questions show the employer that you are eager to get to know the company.  They also show that you want to meet the company’s expectations right from the start.  By asking what employees do in their free time you get a sense of what kind of relationship people within the company have with each other.  All of these questions give the interviewee a sense of what the company is like and how they will fit in.  Asking questions also show the potential employer that you are really invested in the job and you want to know as much as possible to have a high potential for success.  Employers will appreciate that you are curious about their company and they will be impressed that you actually have questions to ask them.

What questions do you ask potential employers after an interview? Let us know!

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member London Faust

Informational Interviewing for Dummies

One out of every 200 resumes results in a job offer, while one out of every 12 informational interviews results in one. Although informational interviewing is not a tool used specifically to obtain a job, the possibility is not completely ruled out.

According to the University of Colorado’s Career Services website, informational interviews are helpful for multiple reasons including to gain experience and self-confidence during interviews, to gain valuable information for career planning and job searching, to build your professional network, to mentally ‘try on’ an occupation, and more.

An informational interview is different from traditional interviews because you are the one who gets to ask the questions.

You can request an informational interview in many different ways. Begin by asking your friends, relatives, neighbors or classmates for contacts or introductions to people who are in a field that interests you. Additionally, you can ask professors for the contact information of any colleagues or alumni who are employed with organizations that align with your interests. Another way to find professionals to interview is to use an alumni network or social networking site such as LinkedIn. 

Once you have found people to ask, you can contact them through email or by giving them a phone call to see if they are interested in answering a few career related questions. Everyone loves to talk about his or herself, so finding someone to interview should not be too hard!

Here are seven quick questions to consider asking:

1. Can you tell me how you got this position?
2. How do people break into this field?
3. What interests you most about your job?
4. What are career paths for this type of work?
5. What do you read to keep up with developments in the field?
6. What is a typical workday like for you? Workweek?
7. What types of skills are needed to succeed in this career?

Being a master informational interviewer is an excellent skill to have. According to The New York Times’ writer Marci Alboher, “The need for informational interviews in our careers never ends. With each big move or subtle shift, we need to find the people who’ve been there and who are willing to impart some wisdom.”

Final words of advice: Never overstay your welcome, come prepared and think of ways to give back to those who have given you their time.

Have you ever gone on an informational interview? If so, what advice stood out the most?

Questions That Will Help you Ace the End of the Interview

So you’ve made it over the first hurdle, you secured yourself an interview, did all of your research and aced all of the questions your interviewer had. Now, it’s your turn. At the end of the interview, there is always the dreaded “do you have any questions?” question that many applicants walk in unprepared for. This moment is just as important as the questions the interviewer asks because it is your chance to make sure they are a great fit for you, not just you for them. Here is a list of questions that give the interviewer the chance to really breakdown the organization to you: 

1.Can you give me some examples of what a typical day would look like in this position? 

Asking this question can get you truly prepared for what is to come. The worst feelings is arriving at a new job and realizing you are in over your head, or that you are walking into a position you won’t utilize all yours skills.

2.Where do you think the company is headed in the next 5 years?

This question not only shows that you are interested in the well-being of the company long-term, but also that you can compare your goals to where this job may progress to. 

3.What do you like best about working for this company?

This helps decipher the kind of atmosphere you are about to get into. For instance, if the interviewer were to respond that they love the laidback vibe all the managers give and you are someone who needs an authoritarian figure, this may not be the place for you.

4.What are the opportunities for growth and career advancement?

This question serves two purposes. One- It helps you to understand where the job may 

lead and the skills you might acquire. Two-it also signals that you are ambitious and thinking ahead.

5.Why did you come to work here? What keeps you here?
When you ask questions directly about the interviewer, they remember that you care about them as a person, not just the potential paycheck that could come from meeting them.

The saying goes that if you do something you love, you will never work a day in your life. These questions can give you insight into more than just a job description. They benefit both parties involved. You can see if this is somewhere you would want to work, as well as show the interviewer you are a strong candidate for the position they are trying to fill. 

Reflections on the job seminar, “Launching Your Career 101”

I recently had the opportunity to attend “Launching Your Career 101,” a career search seminar for college seniors and recent graduates. Before attending the event, I was skeptical as to what would be discussed during the course of the program that I did not already know. Below are some takeaways I would like to share.

What are you trying to sell?

In order to land a career, you must have a unique positioning; something that differentiates you from all of the other candidates. Simply having a college diploma doesn’t cut it because so does everyone else who will be applying. You must sell yourself as bringing a distinctive offering that employers cannot overlook.

Who will be your target buyer/market?

After you have created your “brand” you must narrow down potential employers. Perform a self assessment to see where your strengths and weaknesses are, and match up your unique “brand” with a company or organization who could utilize your skills. Identifying a “priority focus” of your top companies, as well as key decision makers within those companies can be very beneficial.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn can be extremely advantageous when searching for jobs, if used effectively. You should use this social media outlet to connect with professionals who work in the field you want to get involved in. I learned that seeking out individuals who graduated from the same university as you can help get your foot in the door of a company. If you can make a connection with someone who has been in your shoes, that person is more likely to give you a push in the right direction.
30 Second Commercial

Create a 30 second pitch for potential employers that incorporate who you are, your skills, experience, and what you want to do in the field. Practice this pitch and be ready to deliver it to employers. Being able to talk about yourself in a confident manner is important and something employers recognize.


Are you in the market for a job? What steps have you taken to insure a successful job process? Let us know!

This guest blog was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Steve Jacobs.

Nonprofit PR 101

There are many different career sectors in the world of public relations. As college PR students, it is important to understand which career path would be most suitable for us individually. Arguably the most rewarding path, and perhaps the easiest to break into, is nonprofit PR work. If you are interested in dedicating your skills and energy to social change, then working with a nonprofit organization may be the right line of work for you.

According to Liz Cies, a public relations coordinator at Association Headquarters, Inc., public relations professionals in the nonprofit field aim to fulfill the communication needs of their clients. These needs include promotion, media relations, crisis communications, social media management and membership communications.

Temple University Junior, Samantha Srolis, is currently employed by a nonprofit organization in the community relations department at The Rock School for Dance Education. During an interview, I asked Srolis to describe her typical duties. She agreed with Cies on many of the tasks and added, “It’s a day-to-day thing. Besides those things, I really don’t think there’s anything set in stone.” Srolis emphasized the need to be creative in this area of the industry because funding, among other resources, is limited. However, thinking creatively has allowed her to become an overall better PR person. “The things I’ve learned working for a nonprofit, like how to be resourceful and economical, will make me more successful in a corporate setting.”

Working in nonprofit public relations gives professionals a chance to further their experience in the field and let their skills flourish in a philanthropic environment. One of the most important skills in the nonprofit sector is the ability to cultivate long-term relationships. Nonprofit public relations rely heavily on the ability to build and mend relationships in order to raise awareness, obtain feedback, recognize support and more. According to PR pro Tiffany Gallicano, relationships are built with media professionals, clients, potential business sponsors, volunteers and donors, with special emphasis on the last two. I asked Srolis whom her most important relationships are with. Her most valuable relationship is with the director of the community relations department because, “aside from her years of experience, she also has a million contacts. If I need something or need to get in touch with someone, she knows who to go to and how to get it.” Working for a nonprofit organization in an entry-level position allows you to network with professionals who know all about the industry.

Aside from increasing your business card collection, when working with a nonprofit organization you also are presented with the opportunity to work with passionate volunteers aiming to make a beneficial impact on society. Srolis admits, “It’s really rewarding. Being a part of the Philadelphia community, forming relationships and knowing that you’re making a difference, even if it’s in the smallest way, is really rewarding when you’re working with a nonprofit.”

This guest blog was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Samantha Miller.

Mastering the Informational Interview

As a public relations major who graduates in May, I am incredibly eager to begin the job search. However, with many positions looking to be filled immediately and the recommended application process starting in March, that leaves me with five months to perfect my resume, build my network of professionals and start the informational interview process.

Last year, while many of my friends were preparing for graduation, the term "informational interviews" was thrown around quite frequently. At the time, I had no idea what they were talking about. The concept of asking people to take time out of their busy schedules to sit down and essentially be interviewed by you utterly confused me. However, I quickly began to learn how beneficial informational interviews were to developing your network while providing you with further knowledge about a job, career field or industry.

I have just started the informational interview process and have had the fortune to speak with a well-established international media trainer, a director for a national nonprofit organization, and next week, two publicists from a world-renowned Broadway producing company. However, these informational interviews didn't just fall into my lap. Today, I'm going to share tips for securing informational interviews and tips on how to make the most of them, courtesy of Career Action Now and the Shifting Careers blog of the New York Times.

Mastering the Informational Interview:

1. Securing an interview: Always begin by seeking people to interview through referrals. Having your connection introduce you to the person you hope to interview often produces the best results.In addition to referrals, you can also find people to interview through an alumni network or social networking such as LinkedIn.

2. Keep in mind, the goal is to learn...not to seek: Consider yourself in "information-gathering" mode. A critical aspect in doing a career-related informational interview is to treat the informational interview as an opportunity to gain further knowledge about a job, career field or industry, or even a particular major that you’re interested in and not as an opportunity to ask about getting a job.

3. Always be prepared: Do your homework on the person you are interviewing, the company they work for and the position they hold. Have a list of well-thought out questions, be professional by being appropriately dressed, punctual and courteous, and be engaged and interested by maintaining good eye contact and expressing enthusiasm.

4. Be flexible: Remember, the other person is doing you a favor, therefore it should always be about what is most convenient for them. Although a face-to-face interview may be ideal, consider alternative methods that might work better for the interviewer such as over the telephone or through email.

5. The wrap-up: At the end of every informational interview, always ask for referrals for anyone else they think you should speak with. This is how you continually build your professional network. Additionally, show your appreciation for their time by sending a brief and courteous thank-you message, whether through email or a handwritten note (I personally suggest handwritten notes because they're much more personal.)If you want to continue the relationship, find a way to stay in touch.

Below are 10 examples of questions to bring with you to your next informational interview:

1. Can you tell me how you got to this position?
2. What do you like most about what you do, and what would you change if you could?
3. How do people break into this field?
4. What are the types of jobs that exist where you work and in the industry in general?
5. What does a typical career path look like in your industry?
6. What are some of the biggest challenges facing your company and your industry today?
7. Are there any professional or trade associations I should connect with?
8. What do you read — in print and online — to keep up with developments in your field?
9. How do you see your industry changing in the next 10 years?
10. What's a typical day like for you?

Do you have any tips on conducting a successful informational interview? Let us know!

Tips for a Successful Interview

With the fall internship application window rapidly approaching, it will be helpful to go over some ground rules for interviewing that you may have lost touch with over the summer months.

In order to be successful in an interview, there are things you have to do before, during and after. They may be interviewing multiple applicants, so it is important to do all that you can to make the best impression that gets you the offer! Below are some tips I have outlined to keep in mind.

Before:

• Research the company. Check out their website before the interview and look at any recent news article that they may be mentioned in. If the employer asks why you picked their company and you don't have an answer, it makes you look as if you don't really care if you get the job with them or not.
  
• Bring your resume and writing samples. While not all employers ask for a copy of your resume or writing samples, they will notice if you are prepared with them for the interview. They should be freshly printed, not crumbled or dirty in any way.
  
• Get directions! While this may be obvious, if you are traveling to a part of town that you are not familiar with, make sure to look up the easiest way for you to get there ahead of time. It will look unprofessional if you show up disheveled from rushing there, or worse if you show up late.
  

During:

• Stay calm. You wouldn't be interviewing for the position if you weren't qualified. Be confident with a smile, strong handshake, good posture and eye contact.
• Look professional. Make sure you are dressed appropriately and choose dark colors that give the feeling of authority. Ladies, leave the perfume and flashy jewelry at home!
• Ask questions. If they don't already specify, it will be helpful to inquire about the types of projects you will be working on, how many interns they have, how you are supposed to dress, how many hours you will be working and if you will be compensated for your work. It could also be useful to ask when you will be hearing from them about the position.
  

After:

• Follow up. It is completely acceptable to call or email the employer a couple of days after your interview thanking them for the opportunity and to express that you are looking forward to hearing from them. Don't get carried away, if they give you a time frame make sure that you are within boundaries. Also, if you have any additional questions, this would be the time to ask.

What helpful tips do you think about when interviewing?

Final Reminder - PRowl Interviews!

Final reminder - PRowl Public Relations will start interviewing students this Monday, April 25 for the fall 2011 semester! Email Niki Ianni at nicole.ianni@temple.edu today to schedule your interview.

If you are studying public relations (or a related field) at Temple University and are looking for the opportunity to experience the full-scope of the PR planning, implementation and evaluation process with clients from a variety of industries, I encourage you to meet with us to discuss your experiences and interests. We are looking for candidates of all age groups and experiences. The only requirement - the drive to learn.

See announcement below.
----------
Are you a public relations student interested in gaining hands-on experience in the industry? PRowl Public Relations is Temple University’s first and only student-run PR firm, and we’re hiring!

At PRowl Public Relations, students are given opportunities to develop their strategic thinking and gain tactical practice. Members create and execute public relations campaigns, form valuable relationships with professionals in the Philadelphia area, apply their classroom knowledge to a real-world setting, become part of an interactive communications process and prepare for life beyond graduation.

Interested? Contact Niki Ianni at nicole.ianni@temple.edu to set up an interview. Interviews will be scheduled starting Monday, April 25 – Wednesday, May 11.

Learn more about PRowl Public Relations:
Check out our blog, updated daily: www.prowlpublicrelations.blogspot.com
Follow us on Twitter: @PRowlPR
Find us on Facebook: PRowl Public Relations