Don't Talk Business at a Business Lunch

This past Friday, I sat down with the owner of a law firm for my first ever business lunch. Being a stickler for proper business etiquette, I was a bit nervous of saying or doing the wrong thing; I agonized over what to order (we eat at Panera Bread) for fear of looking barbaric as I stuffed my face. In fact, I managed to overdress, arrive too early, and, in my opinion, order the wrong thing, yet lunch still went swimmingly.

I soon realized I was very lucky with who I was eating, because he took my inexperience in stride and freely gave me valuable advice on how to conduct myself in the future. He, being the owner of a law firm, and me, being a student and an intern, and much younger, there's an economic status difference; because of that, and the fact that he invited me to lunch, it's typical for someone in his position to offer to pay for your (the student's) lunch. And don't be shy about accepting, it's a sincere offer, and a free meal is something no college student wants to pass up. Hence my mistake in arriving too early, I'd already ordered and paid for myself before he arrived. However, the most important thing about a business lunch is that it's not really about getting any actual business done. Indirectly it is, because a business lunch is about getting to know somebody better, and typically that somebody is someone you are or are planning to do business with. A business lunch is about establishing a good relationship, or good rapport, so that future business can be conducted. Moreover, just like the informational interview with which I'm so familiar, a business lunch is about getting to know somebody, and learning from them.

For a student, especially in the communications or business fields, learning from established professionals in the field is the most valuable learning you're going to get. Take any opportunity to meet with someone in the field you're interested in, whether it's an informational interview or a business lunch, or just for coffee. Picking the brains of those that have come before you is the best way to learn what you want to do later in life.

Do you have any ideas on how a business lunch should go? We'd love to hear from you.

Finding Your Perfect Fall Internship: Don’t Settle!

The summer air is beginning to cool off, and all of the PR newsletters you subscribe to are popping up in your inbox containing key words and phrases like “internships” and “fall opportunities”.

If you are like many aspiring PR professionals, you hope to have at least one internship under your belt before you graduate college and enter the job market.

However, picking an internship isn’t always as easy as filling out an application and getting an interview.
Even if you are able to navigate the interview and application process without a problem, what if after you have spent a week in the office, you realize that you won’t have a positive experience at the company?

This may sound obscure, however, it is very common in the realm of internships.

What if your internship coordinator is too demanding, or what if he or she is too laid back? What if your main task of the day involves being the runner for coffee?

Although it can happen, there are plenty of ways to avoid getting into an internship that won’t help you grow:

1.Gather Info: Do you like the sound of that agency in Center City? If so, reach out to a worker and see if you can schedule an informational interview. Unlike actual job interviews, informational interviews allow a potential intern or employee to ask various questions about the company of their interest to a staff member without having to apply first. Not only will this give you the opportunity to ask important questions, but it will also get you a connection within the company for when you apply!

2.Blast from the Past: Doing a quick LinkedIn search of the company you may want to intern with may help you find students who previously interned with the company. Take a look at their profiles to see what kind of duties performed while interning, and perhaps if you share connections, reach out to them to see what their experience was like.

3.Close Reading: It seems simple, but reading the job description posted online for an internship very closely can help you determine if you want to reconsider applying. If the job description doesn’t interest you or your qualifications aren't what they are looking for, you may need to wait until they do match or find another company you are interested in.

How did you find your perfect internship? Let us know in the comments below!

Make it a PRoductive Summer

Happy summer! It’s incredible to see the dramatic difference in our availability as students when you eliminate a full class schedule. Perhaps you’ve made plans to intern, travel, or work this summer, or perhaps you’ve made plans to simply relax! Either way, it’s easy to incorporate PR building into your summer season. Here’s a few different ways:

• Volunteer – Research local non-profit organizations and companies you are interested in working with! Most organizations are looking for volunteers for upcoming events, some even known nationwide. Opportunities like these seem more like fun and less like work, especially to us addicted-to-PR folks, all while giving back. Volunteer work allows you to see a preview of the operations at companies/industries you are interested in, as well as a great contribution to your community! 
• Begin personal projects – Even with the littlest bit of extra time on your hands, dedicate it to personal projects! In terms of career building, think about what additional skills you would be proud to say you have. For PR, learning Photoshop and InDesign, starting a book or blog, and even another language are beneficial. Otherwise, take on any projects you want to do for yourself. Update your playlists, finish a certain number of books, or even learn to sew!
•  Informational interviews – If you’re not (or even if you are) interning, consider scheduling a few informational interviews. This is a great way to learn more about the various industries and departments you may end up working in. Not to mention, there’s no pressure. The professionals leading the informational interview are most likely taking the time to show you around the office and answer your questions because they genuinely want to help you with PR! Ultimately, you’ll end up being the interviewer! 
• Start a blog – Starting a blog is a project itself, but definitely one I would suggest for every Communication student out there. The internet is a helpful tool in developing our skills and furthering our future success. Blogging is a great opportunity to practice your writing skills, as well as organization with the layout, style, brand, and content of your site. Make it fun, and blog about something you truly love! Fashion, makeup, entertainment, sports, and environmentalism – you can blog about anything your heart desires.

No matter how you choose to practice this summer, enjoy yourself! We worry enough all semester long, use the summer to have fun!

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.

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?

Getting the Best Info from your Informational Interview

As a soon-to-be college graduate, (eek!) the job search is in full-force and I have my first informational interview today. While it could seem self-explanatory, it is important to have a focus so you create a professional image for yourself while getting valuable information about a company/position. Even if they currently don't have any jobs available, show genuine interest and remain engaged so that they may consider you in the future if something does open up. Below I have outlined some tips that have helped me get a well-rounded experience in an informational interview:

• Come prepared. You don't want to waste the person's precious time. Even if you have to write them down in your portfolio, have some questions ready so that the conversation isn't lacking and you're getting the feedback you want.
• Keep it quick. Continuing to respect the employee answering your questions, don't let the session go longer than 30-45 minutes. They will appreciate you coming in, but you don't want to overstay your welcome or keep them from their work. Sometimes the most efficient way for them could be a phone interview, so make sure you allow them to have that option. 
• Be honest. You have obviously done some research on the company if you are genuinely interested in them, so think outside the box and ask what you really want to know. Questions such as, "What does a daily day of work look like for you?", "What are your favorite/least favorite things about the job?" and "What is the biggest challenge working here?", etc. are good starting points. 
• Do NOT come out and ask for it! If they think you would be a good fit for a position there, they will ask for your resume. Asking for a job can make the interview feel awkward and the value can be lost if they are distracted by your inquiry. 
• Follow up. This is a crucial step after your informational interview. Many people disregard thank you notes as unnecessary, but it can really set you a part if they receive a handwritten note in a reasonable time frame after the interview. Try to avoid an email thank you, it is less personable and can be deleted in the time it would even take them to open an envelope to a note. 

Have you had any informational interviews? What worked/didn't work?

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!