6 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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6 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.
Stephanie Zimmerman
Talent Acquisition
2
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Take a good look at the job description and ensure your skills match up with the requirements. When detailing your most recent job, ensure that the bullet points you list correspond with what's needed for the role. In your bullet points, strive to provide a comprehensive context. For instance, merely stating "Assisted in reviewing and enhancing Workday guides" won't suffice. You need to explain the "why" behind each bullet point and, if possible, the outcome. Here's a better illustration: "Assisted in reviewing and enhancing Workday guides to guarantee new hires grasp the basic functionalities of Workday".
If you're new to the workforce and lack experience, don't worry. Highlight school projects, volunteer work, and internships. Incorporate all this information into your LinkedIn profile, and ensure your LinkedIn profile link is prominently displayed at the top of your resume. This way, potential employers can easily find you on a professional platform.
If you're new to the workforce and lack experience, don't worry. Highlight school projects, volunteer work, and internships. Incorporate all this information into your LinkedIn profile, and ensure your LinkedIn profile link is prominently displayed at the top of your resume. This way, potential employers can easily find you on a professional platform.
Briehan Leslie
Human Resources Business Partner
4
Answers
Knoxville, Tennessee
Updated
Briehan’s Answer
Boost your chances of being the perfect fit for a job by diving deep into the company's background and understanding the job description inside out. Illuminate your relevant skills and past experiences that align directly with the job requirements. Proudly present your measurable achievements and let your genuine passion for the role shine through. Clearly express how your unique strengths are perfectly tailored to meet the company's needs and objectives.
Gear up for your interview! Reflect on your past roles and identify instances that truly exemplify your personality. Highlight a skill that is crucial for the job you're aiming for. Discuss a passion of yours that aligns with the company's ethos. Share a proud moment when you were recognized or awarded by a previous employer.
Gear up for your interview! Reflect on your past roles and identify instances that truly exemplify your personality. Highlight a skill that is crucial for the job you're aiming for. Discuss a passion of yours that aligns with the company's ethos. Share a proud moment when you were recognized or awarded by a previous employer.
Milena Offredo
Campus Recruitment Analyst
9
Answers
Wilmington, North Carolina
Updated
Milena’s Answer
Hello Claire!
Embarking on a job hunt can sometimes feel like a mountain to climb, even for those who've been in the workforce for a while. So, let's equip you with the best tools for your search!
Start by reflecting on your desired job and the skills you've honed during your college years. Since you're interested in communications roles, you can explore the various entry-level positions in this field and delve into their job descriptions. This will help you understand if your skills match the job requirements. Also, remember to scout for companies that resonate with your career aspirations and personal beliefs.
Consider seeking a third-party perspective on your resume too. Many cities and states offer free resume review services through employment offices. Plus, your alma mater's Career Services often provide support to alumni, including resume reviews and mock interviews.
The job market can be challenging, but don't let that dishearten you. Forge connections and expand your network through platforms like LinkedIn, local professional groups, or even by finding a mentor to guide you. Many seasoned professionals are more than willing to share their wisdom with those just starting their career journey. So, don't hesitate to reach out!
Here's wishing you all the success in your job hunt!
Embarking on a job hunt can sometimes feel like a mountain to climb, even for those who've been in the workforce for a while. So, let's equip you with the best tools for your search!
Start by reflecting on your desired job and the skills you've honed during your college years. Since you're interested in communications roles, you can explore the various entry-level positions in this field and delve into their job descriptions. This will help you understand if your skills match the job requirements. Also, remember to scout for companies that resonate with your career aspirations and personal beliefs.
Consider seeking a third-party perspective on your resume too. Many cities and states offer free resume review services through employment offices. Plus, your alma mater's Career Services often provide support to alumni, including resume reviews and mock interviews.
The job market can be challenging, but don't let that dishearten you. Forge connections and expand your network through platforms like LinkedIn, local professional groups, or even by finding a mentor to guide you. Many seasoned professionals are more than willing to share their wisdom with those just starting their career journey. So, don't hesitate to reach out!
Here's wishing you all the success in your job hunt!