PRESENTATION NAMECompany Name
Nora Connor & Christopher R. Evans
Entering the Workforce:Leveraging Your Portfolio, Skills and Experience
to Land the Right Opportunity
Embarking On Your Journey
• Portfolio complete!– Now what?
• The Economy: – How do I deal?
• Where do I start?!– Develop an action plan
Nora Connor & Christopher R. Evans
Examining Opportunities
• Research which industries and companies are hiring– Websites – Social networks– Newspaper / business journals– University career services
• Tap into your network!– AIP – professors, clients, speakers, etc.– Past employers – jobs and internships– Volunteer or professional organizations– Family and friends
Nora Connor & Christopher R. Evans
Other Steps You Can Take
• Keep up with new technologies
• Leverage your unique skills and life experiences
• Join more online networking groups
• Expand ‘personal marketing’ efforts
• Share ideas with other students in different areas of study
Nora Connor & Christopher R. Evans
What’s Working in Your Favor?
• Employers are more likely to hire new graduates– Even in a tough market
• Your ability to multi-task, master social media/new technology, and teach others
• Access to information – trends are easy to research
• Pittsburgh is a tight-knit community—work your alumni channels through LinkedIn and Associations
Nora Connor & Christopher R. Evans
Preparing To Interview
• Writing a good cover letter is critical– Style and substance
• Refine your resume frequently– Seek a professional’s opinion
• Update your portfolios – hard copy & digital– Acquire any samples you don’t already have – Convert any file types necessary for digital
• Get your references lined-up– Request LinkedIn recommendations
Nora Connor & Christopher R. Evans
Customize Your Pitch
DO…
• Tell employers why they should want you – be unique
• Tailor your resume, cover letter and portfolio– Each position is different!
• Reference/include digital portfolio link or samples
DON’T…
• Forget to proofread – resume, cover letter, even emails!
• Ignore social media profiles – employers check!– Untag unflattering photos, delete unprofessional posts
• Be shy – follow up with email or phone call
Nora Connor & Christopher R. Evans
Before the Interview…
• Get into the right state of mind and expect success
• Plan and prepare your elevator pitch
• Remember why you give a damn
• Practice delivery focusing on pace, pitch and tone
Nora Connor & Christopher R. Evans
They Want to Interview Me!
• Bring your hard copy portfolio to the interview
• Be brief but thorough in your explanation of your samples– Explain your role in the project – Discuss leadership and teamwork, if applicable – State results or feedback
• Answer any questions the employer may have about your portfolio
Nora Connor & Christopher R. Evans
After the Interview…
• Offer to leave behind any samples the employer would like to review further– Print-outs / copies of hard copy samples– Link to your digital work
• Ask for next steps – what the timeframe and decision process entails
• Send your interviewer(s) a thank you note
A Few Helpful Links…
• Ad Age Talent Works • Ad Age Marketing Recruiters List• American Association of Advertising Agencies (AAAA)• American Marketing Association (AMA)• AMA Pittsburgh• Brazen Careerist • Carbon Made• Doostang• Imagine My New Job
A Few Helpful Links…
• LinkedIn• Ohio Creatives • Pittsburgh Advertising Federation • Pittsburgh Creative• Pittsburgh Technology Council • Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project (PUMP)• Pittsburgh Young Professionals (PYP)• The Regional Internship Center of Southwestern PA• Talent Zoo
Congratulations and Best Wishes!
Nora Connor [email protected]
Christopher R. Evans [email protected]