Graduation season is here, and many new graduates are getting ready to begin their careers in the marketing, public relations, communication, design, and advertising space. With so much competition out there, it can be challenging to stand out and make a great first impression. That’s why American Advertising Federation of North Alabama (AFFNA) has teamed up with the North Alabama Public Relations Council of Alabama (NAPRCA) to present the Student Roadshow. We traveled to college campuses across North Alabama including the University of Alabama in Huntsville, the University of North Alabama, Oakwood University and Alabama A&M University to deliver our best tips for new graduates.
In this blog post, we’ll recap the event and provide you with five key takeaways to help you brand yourself effectively, present yourself on social media, create a winning resume, ace your interviews, and find a mentor. Whether you’re a recent graduate or about to graduate soon, these tips will help you get a head start on your career and achieve your goals in the marketing and communication industry.
#1 – Your Personal Brand Matters: Here’s How to Make It Count
Building a personal brand is crucial in today’s digital age, and it’s not just for entrepreneurs or influencers. Everyone can benefit from branding themselves. Here are a few tips for building a personal brand from Brenda Pearce, CEO of SweetWater Marketing.
- Be authentic: It’s essential to be true to yourself and showcase your personality.
- Identify what makes you unique: Understand what sets you apart from others and how you can use it to your advantage.
- Utilize social media: Social media is a powerful tool to showcase your personal brand, so make sure you’re using it effectively.
- Network: Networking can happen anywhere, so always be prepared to introduce yourself and make a positive impression.
On the other hand, here are some common mistakes people make when branding themselves:
- Lack of authenticity: Faking who you are can lead to mistrust and inconsistency in your personal brand.
- Inconsistency: Your personal brand should be consistent across all platforms and interactions.
- Ignoring social media: In today’s digital age, social media is essential to building a personal brand.
Remember, everything you do represents your brand. From your handshake to your voicemail message, it all counts. So, make sure you’re comfortable introducing yourself, telling your story, and accepting compliments. Having a professional resume, headshot, and email address can also make a great first impression.
Lastly, as Glory Borgeson once said, “If you don’t brand yourself, someone else will, and it probably won’t be the brand you want.”
#2 – LinkedIn and Social Channels: Creating an Online Presence That Attracts Your Target Audience
In today’s digital age, having a solid online presence is crucial to your professional success. LinkedIn and other social channels provide a platform for you to showcase your skills, experience, and interests to your target audience. Abbie Kate Hancock, Marketing Manager of Huntsville Area Association of Realtors, shared these tips on how to present yourself effectively on these platforms.
- Be intentional about what you post: A quick Google search of your name can reveal a lot about you, so make sure you’re presenting yourself in a positive light. Choose a LinkedIn background photo that represents your current role, position, education, etc.
- Showcase your skills and experience: Your digital resume on LinkedIn is your opportunity to highlight your abilities, education, and certifications in detail. Include results-focused content when possible.
- Be specific: Don’t shy away from being specific about your interests and values. People genuinely want to know what you care about. It also helps companies know if your values align with theirs.
- Be consistent: Consistency is key to creating a cohesive online presence. Ensure your profiles are up to date, and your niche and headlines are clearly defined. While you don’t need to use the same profile photo everywhere, your photos should have a cohesive look.
Remember, having a professional-looking headshot and background photo on LinkedIn is crucial to making a good impression. Your online presence can attract your target audience, so make sure you’re using social channels effectively to showcase your personal brand.
#3 – Ace Your Resume: Tips and Tricks from a Communications Director
Creating a great resume can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and some tips from Adam Kelley, Director of Communications at HudsonAlpha, you can make a strong impression on potential employers. Here are some best practices and common mistakes to avoid when crafting your resume:
- Tailor your resume to the job: One of the biggest mistakes people make is sending the same generic resume to every job they apply for. Take the time to read the job description carefully and tailor your resume to the specific requirements of the position.
- Highlight your accomplishments: Don’t just list your job responsibilities; focus on your accomplishments and the impact you made in each position. Use numbers and statistics to quantify your achievements whenever possible.
- Keep it concise: Your resume should be no more than two pages, so be selective about the information you include. Stick to the most relevant and impactful experiences and skills.
- Use action verbs: Use strong action verbs to describe your experiences and accomplishments, such as “created,” “led,” “managed,” and “implemented.” This will make your resume more engaging and dynamic.
- Avoid cliches and jargon: Avoid overused phrases like “team player” and “detail-oriented.” Use plain language that accurately reflects your experience and skills.
- Check for errors: Proofread your resume carefully to make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors. Have someone else review it as well to catch any mistakes you may have missed.
By following these best practices and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a stand-out resume that showcases your skills and accomplishments to potential employers. Remember, your resume is often the first impression you make, so make sure it’s a good one!
#4 – Interview Etiquette: From Dress Code to Eye Contact, What You Need to Know
Interviewing for a new job can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with the right preparation and etiquette, you can set yourself apart from the crowd. Here are some tips from Patricia Lloyd, Media Manager at Redstone FCU, to help you nail your interview:
Video Interviews:
- Dress Appropriately and Practice: Make sure you dress appropriately for your video interview, even if it’s just from the waist up. Also, practice your interview skills and make sure you’re comfortable with the technology.
- Proper Positioning and Lighting: Ensure you’re centered in the camera and in good lighting to present yourself in the best way possible.
- Getting Set Up: Invest in an affordable tripod or use items around you to keep your phone in place. Make sure to maintain eye contact with the interviewer.
In-Person Interviews:
- First Impressions: Your smile is your best accessory. Dress appropriately for the position and the company culture. If in doubt, ask the recruiter beforehand about the dress code.
- Questions to Consider: Prepare potential answers for challenging questions like “What’s your biggest flaw?” and research the company to come up with informed questions to ask.
- Show, Don’t Tell: Create case studies or provide portfolios to showcase your work and successes that are relevant to the position you’re applying for.
Remember, preparation is key, so take the time to research the company and practice your interview skills. By presenting yourself in the best light and showing your value to the company, you’ll set yourself up for success.
#5 – Finding a Mentor: Tips for a Successful Mentoring Relationship
In any field, finding a mentor can be the key to success. A mentor can offer valuable guidance, provide a fresh perspective, and help you navigate the ups and downs of your career. Here are some tips for finding and working with a mentor, from Adriane Van Kirk, a Brand Developer and Lt. Governor for AAF District 7.
- Be proactive and make the first move: Finding a mentor can be intimidating, but it’s important to take the first step. Reach out to potential mentors, introduce yourself, and express your interest in working with them. Don’t be afraid to ask for their guidance or expertise.
- Keep the lines of communication open: Once you’ve connected with a mentor, it’s important to keep the communication flowing. Schedule regular check-ins, and be consistent with your meetings. Be sure to come to your meetings with a clear agenda, and take action on the goals you set.
- Show respect and gratitude: Your mentor is taking time out of their busy schedule to help you, so be respectful of their time and show gratitude for their guidance. Be punctual, be attentive, and always express your appreciation for their help.
- Pay it forward: Once you’ve gained experience and expertise in your field, consider becoming a mentor yourself. Helping others can be rewarding and fulfilling, and it’s a great way to give back to your community.
- Use available resources: Don’t be afraid to tap into available resources, such as professors, family friends, or colleagues, and professional organizations like AAF North Alabama and AAF District 7. You can also listen to the AAF District 7 Mighty Mentors podcast on Spotify for more insights and inspiration.
Remember, finding a mentor can be a valuable tool for personal and professional growth. With these tips and some persistence, you can find a mentor that will help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of your career.
Putting it All Together: Key Takeaways for Building Your Career
Transitioning from college to the professional world can be challenging, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can succeed. Remember to focus on your personal brand, utilize your network, and seek out opportunities to learn and grow. Whether it’s improving your resume, perfecting your interview skills, or finding a mentor, take advantage of the resources available to you. And don’t forget to stay positive, stay persistent, and stay true to yourself. We hope these tips and insights from our experts have been helpful, and we wish you the best of luck in your career.
Interested in joining PRCA and AAFNA, student memberships are available. Reach out to AAFNA at https://aafna.org/join/ and PRCA contact Laura McPhail at lmcphail@hsvbg.org.