3 answers
Claire
Student
Charleston, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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How can I show employers I am the right candidate for a position?
What do I do to make myself more appealing to employers? As I enter the job market with little experience in the communications field, I’m finding myself kind of hitting a wall and losing motivation to continue applying since I have yet to receive any positive feedback. What can I do to show employers that I am capable of a position even though I have little experience?
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3 answers
Louise Hareid
Marketing Manager
4
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Louise’s Answer
Hi Claire! This is a great question and definitely something I went through as well. I think for me, it was really helpful to share with employers that I'm curious and willing/excited to learn. As you start in your career, you will be like a sponge and absorb all this new information. Express how excited you are to learn and be "fresh eyes" for the team. You're willing to roll your sleeves up and work hard. Many times, they are looking for these qualities especially for recent grads.
I'd also say, have questions ready to ask them about the role! Things like "What will my day to day look like?", "What does success look like for this role in the first 30 days?" these types of questions showcase your curiosity and show that you want to do a good job.
I hope this is helpful, I'm happy to help answer more questions if you have any. Good luck, you got this!
I'd also say, have questions ready to ask them about the role! Things like "What will my day to day look like?", "What does success look like for this role in the first 30 days?" these types of questions showcase your curiosity and show that you want to do a good job.
I hope this is helpful, I'm happy to help answer more questions if you have any. Good luck, you got this!
Priscilla Stadnick
3
Answers
Updated
Priscilla’s Answer
Transitioning into a new field, especially communications, can feel challenging, but showcasing transferable skills and a tailored, proactive approach can make a significant difference. Here are a few steps to stand out even with limited direct experience:
-Highlight Transferable Skills: Look at your past experiences (academic, volunteer, projects) and pinpoint skills like storytelling, collaboration, digital marketing, and data analysis—key in communications roles. Emphasize these in your resume and cover letter, showing how they align with the job description.
-Develop a Personal Brand: Establish a presence on platforms like LinkedIn and consider sharing relevant articles, insights, or content you create. This demonstrates passion, knowledge, and a proactive approach to learning about the industry.
-Build a Portfolio: Even if you haven’t had formal communications roles, you can create a portfolio of projects. Think about any presentations, social media work, written reports, or even mock campaigns you can showcase to prove your capabilities.
-Network and Seek Informational Interviews: Networking with professionals in communications can provide insights, open doors, and lead to referrals. Ask for short virtual coffee chats, and be prepared with questions that show curiosity and respect for their time.
-Upskill with Certifications and Projects: If you have the bandwidth, consider certifications in areas like digital marketing, PR, or analytics. Sites like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Google Analytics are affordable and recognized.
-Craft a Results-Oriented Resume: Focus on achievements rather than duties, using metrics wherever possible. This could be increasing engagement on a student project’s social media or organizing an event that drove attendance.
-Tailor Applications to Each Position: Write a specific cover letter for each application, connecting your background directly to what the job requires. Mention the company’s values or recent news, showing you've researched them in-depth.
-Stay Positive and Persistent: The job market can be competitive, and feedback might be limited. Set small goals, like applying to a certain number of roles per week, and celebrate small wins to keep motivation high.
-Persistence pays off, and each step you take builds skills, knowledge, and connections that will help you break through. You’ve got this!
-Highlight Transferable Skills: Look at your past experiences (academic, volunteer, projects) and pinpoint skills like storytelling, collaboration, digital marketing, and data analysis—key in communications roles. Emphasize these in your resume and cover letter, showing how they align with the job description.
-Develop a Personal Brand: Establish a presence on platforms like LinkedIn and consider sharing relevant articles, insights, or content you create. This demonstrates passion, knowledge, and a proactive approach to learning about the industry.
-Build a Portfolio: Even if you haven’t had formal communications roles, you can create a portfolio of projects. Think about any presentations, social media work, written reports, or even mock campaigns you can showcase to prove your capabilities.
-Network and Seek Informational Interviews: Networking with professionals in communications can provide insights, open doors, and lead to referrals. Ask for short virtual coffee chats, and be prepared with questions that show curiosity and respect for their time.
-Upskill with Certifications and Projects: If you have the bandwidth, consider certifications in areas like digital marketing, PR, or analytics. Sites like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Google Analytics are affordable and recognized.
-Craft a Results-Oriented Resume: Focus on achievements rather than duties, using metrics wherever possible. This could be increasing engagement on a student project’s social media or organizing an event that drove attendance.
-Tailor Applications to Each Position: Write a specific cover letter for each application, connecting your background directly to what the job requires. Mention the company’s values or recent news, showing you've researched them in-depth.
-Stay Positive and Persistent: The job market can be competitive, and feedback might be limited. Set small goals, like applying to a certain number of roles per week, and celebrate small wins to keep motivation high.
-Persistence pays off, and each step you take builds skills, knowledge, and connections that will help you break through. You’ve got this!
Nadia G
Psychologist, Coach & Career Advisor
64
Answers
Norway
Updated
Nadia’s Answer
Hi Claire,
My advice would be to aim for an internship first. However, although those roles are usually designed for people who are just starting their careers, sometimes companies still require some experience.
1. Craft your resume. If you can't work with a career counselor or a coach, you can ask your friends to review it. Sometimes, a fresh perspective from someone else can give you some new insights.
2. Whenever you apply for a job, look for keywords in the ad and then make sure you include them in your application.
3. Consider examples of off-work projects or initiatives where you gained communication skills. For example, a school club, scouts, sports, etc.
4. Find some popular foundation books or podcasts related to communications and mention your insights during an interview.
5. Connect with people from your desired companies on LinkedIn. You can also ask them if they would find some time for a virtual coffee to give you tips on the application process.
6. Gain more experience through charity work. You can volunteer for communication roles in your local community and then add it to your resume.
My advice would be to aim for an internship first. However, although those roles are usually designed for people who are just starting their careers, sometimes companies still require some experience.
1. Craft your resume. If you can't work with a career counselor or a coach, you can ask your friends to review it. Sometimes, a fresh perspective from someone else can give you some new insights.
2. Whenever you apply for a job, look for keywords in the ad and then make sure you include them in your application.
3. Consider examples of off-work projects or initiatives where you gained communication skills. For example, a school club, scouts, sports, etc.
4. Find some popular foundation books or podcasts related to communications and mention your insights during an interview.
5. Connect with people from your desired companies on LinkedIn. You can also ask them if they would find some time for a virtual coffee to give you tips on the application process.
6. Gain more experience through charity work. You can volunteer for communication roles in your local community and then add it to your resume.