Northeast Ohio PR Isn’t So Bad

  If you would have asked me a year ago where I wanted to be after graduation, ‘anywhere but here’ would have rolled out of my mouth. I was ready to mail in my Ambassadorial Scholarship in hopes of traveling to Argentina or Venezuela after graduation.

   Like many of my peers, I wanted to move away to a city with no more snow, no more rain, and better sports teams.  But here I am in March of my senior year.  With four interviews under my belt, I’m seeing that Northeast Ohio public relations isn’t that bad. 

   In the last six weeks, I’ve had four interviews for a summer internship, one for an actual job.  People are nice, and the jobs in Northeast Ohio are availalble–you just need the drive to go after them.  I love interviews because I enjoy talking about myself–when people actually listen (or pretend to be listening).  My favorite question is “Where do you see yourself in five years?” And I always respond with the same answer:

“I’m fortunate to have had so many incredible experiences in my life, especially in these past four years.  If there is one thing I can take from these experiences it’s that life can’t be planned in any way (give a personal example, etc.).  In five years, I see myself happy, because my true happiness is the only thing I can control.”  Good, huh?

Look at that, I just gave you a cheat sheet for your next interview. 

Here are a few more of Holly’s interview tips for landing that perfect job:

• Confidence is key: Always stay calm and collected throughout the interview.  Believe in yourself, and know that anything you say is the right answer because it reflects you as a person. 

• Sincerity is crucial: Give personal examples for everything.  I always give a personal example for every question they ask me.  If you think about it, your answer is like an opinion paper where you need examples to prove your argument. 

• Pause after every question: This shows you are actually considering what they just asked you.  It shows you are thoughtful and respectful. Even if you know the answer right away, pause.

• Think outside of the box:  During one interview I was asked what my three strongest traits were.  I responded with confidence, reliability and passion.  Pat Kunklier, PR Director at Hitchcock Fleming and Associates, said he was impressed with my ability to think outside of the box. Most people would have said ‘a strong writer, great editor, etc.’

• THIS IS CRUCIAL: Do not EVER talk badly about another company: In a recent interview, it was apparent that another local agency was a competitor of the one with whom I was interviewing.  I told them I had interviewed at the competitor’s company and they asked me what I thought of it.  IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT YOU THINK, you always respond professionally with a neutral-to-positive statement depending on how you feel.  You don’t want to lie, but be professional. 

So there they are girls and boys.  A few tips to help you in your interviews.  Don’t be afraid and realize that Kent State has prepared us for this.  During each of my interviews, my interviewers always discuss how wonderful Kent State’s program is.  Be confident, professional and thoughtful.  Be what’s easy, be yourself. 

Disclaimer: If you don’t like yourself and have to be fake,  CONSIDER CHANGING IMMEDIATELY.