From Davin G's photostream on flickr
I got a call the other day from someone at a very well respected publication, looking for insight into how agencies bring on interns. I love that. Being asked for my opinion, that is. Because I have an opinion on just about everything! As I thought about it, my advice for interns isn’t much different than advice I might give to other candidates. Here are a few things to think about when trying to score an internship or a job:
1. Be excited about the opportunity. There is nothing more annoying from an interviewer’s perspective than trying to interview someone who fails to exhibit any amount of enthusiasm for the role, opportunity, or company.
2. Think beyond the classroom, or your usual space. Have an opinion about what the company does, and what their competitors are up to.
3. Be prepared. Make an effort to understand how things work in the industry or field you are interviewing in. If you want to work in an ad agency, do some research and try to figure out what the roles look like in your potential department. Don’t just walk in and say, “I’m creative, so I want to work in creative!” Not impressive. Cliché and lame. And yet, alarmingly common.
4. Show and tell. If you are a creative, have an online portfolio. For everyone else, bring samples of your relevant work, nicely presented, or put together a website. It NEVER hurts. No matter what level you’re at.
5. Don’t be too cool. If you are really tied to your dreads or body jewelry or uber trendy clothes, save as much as possible for Friday night. Dress like a normal person in an interview. Even if it’s a cool company. If your interviewer is covered in tats, I give you permission to compare notes!
6. Clean up your social media presence. Beer bonging or flipping off the person wielding a camera is not considered cool in the working world. No one wants to hire a jackass. Honestly, talking about your political and religious views can also be treading thin ice. Just…Get rid of that shit. People will look at it. And most of them won't like it.
7. Be resourceful. Leverage your network shamelessly to get an interview. Neighbors, friends of friends, the guy you met at the bakery. This is how people get internships and ultimately, jobs. Find out via the company site, Facebook or other avenues whether the Company is sponsoring or going to attend any recruiting events…and go! Connect with relevant people on LinkedIn, follow them on Twitter, and strike up a conversation, or ask for an informational interview. Figure out what the company’s email protocol is and get a direct message to the right person. Don’t just target the HR person. In fact, sometimes it’s better to find a sympathetic manager. HR people get so much of this kind of stuff sometimes it gets missed.
8. Be yourself. You don’t want to work somewhere that’s not a good fit. It won’t last.
To get a job, you have to do your homework. You also have to create and shamelessly leverage your network . Good luck.
tracy c