Presented by:Melodie Tao

Social Media Strategist Marketing Coach

December 4th 2009Platt College, San Diego, CA

Breaking Into the Industry

Transitioning from student life to the online world

About MelodieProfessional: • Marketing Coach• Social Media Strategist

Background:• Online Marketing Agency• Traditional Media: Radio, Events, Promotions

Organizations:• San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce• San Diego Ad Club

Intro• Main objectives of presentation

Learn specific actionable steps on making the transition from being a college student to the online agency world

How to market yourself effectively to potential employers

•Presentation StructureJob Search Preparation

Establish your goals Optimize your portfolio Optimize your online presence Job search resources

Getting Your Foot in the Door Internships Informational Interviews Industry Events Volunteer

Interview Techniques Be Prepared During the Interview Ask Questions Follow Up

•The more clear you are about what you’re looking for, the easier it will be to relay this to others.

• Help other people help you

• Choose a specific industry

•Choose a specific job function and demonstrate clearly how you’ve succeeded in that role.

Job Search Preparation:

Establish your goals

• Standard Portfolio vs. Online Portfolio

• Emphasize work that’s directly related to the job you’re applying for.

• Do research on exact deliverables that have been produced by others in the same job that you’re applying for so

Specific types of design Websites that have been produced

• Spend extra emphasizing your skills that will help company’s bottom line

•Leave a tangible takeaway Always bring additional copies of your resume to leave behind Leave part of your portfolio work Business card that lists how they can find your work online

Job Search Preparation:

Optimize Your Portfolio

• Online Portfolio Organize your work into specific categories

• Create synergy between all of your networks List your networks on your resume List your networks on your portfolio List your portfolio links on your social networks

• Blog If you already have a blog make sure you have recently updated posts Blog about your qualifications, skills and enthusiasm for your new venture Do not mention specific companies you’re applying to

• LinkedIn List relevant part time jobs and internships Request recommendations Be very clear on your summary and specialties

Job Search Preparation:

Optimize Your Online Presence

Job Search Preparation:

Job Search Resources• Website specific to your industry:

CGSociety.org

• Follow companies you want to work with on Social Media: Learn company culture from their blog Interact with them on Facebook and Twitter to learn about their community

• General Job Search websites Monster.com Craigslist.org

• Add RSS Feeds to your toolbar

• Temp Agencies Opportunity to test your skills Networking opportunity Add value to the company

Job Search Preparation:

Setting Up RSS Feeds

Subscribe here

Job Search Preparation:

Setting Up Bookmarks & Dashboards• Allows you to easily access all of your information

• Increases productivity and efficiency during your search

Tag with keywords

• How To Get an Internship Let people know you’re looking Your network Alumni groups Contact companies you’re interested in

• Benefits Real work experience Many companies hire from within Great way to network and earn referrals Allows you to learn about the different types of career opportunities

• Create Opportunity during the internship Clearly state your goals with your manager before you even begin Ask questions about your job description to ensure both your expectations and your

manager’s expectations are aligned Always be available to help with additional tasks Take the initiative to assist others

Getting Your Foot in the Door:

Internships

Getting Your Foot in the Door:

Informational Interviews• What is an Informational Interview?

An interview you conduct with someone who works in a career you’re interested in

• Who should you set up an informational interview with? Professionals who are alumni of your college Professionals in an occupation you’re considering

• Things to keep I mind when requesting an interview Show a strong interest in what they do Be very polite, patient and gracious even if you are declined an interview with

someone State that the interview will be a specific time frame. (20-30 minutes)

• Questions Ask open ended questions that will allow the interviewee to elaborate on their

experience.

Getting Your Foot in the Door:

Industry Networking Events• Start Networking Early

It's preferable to begin networking before you begin job hunting. If you establish your contacts early, you can better prepare for job searching and

interviewing. Ask your network what their job hunting experience was like and what approaches

worked best for them. Information from real live experience is invaluable. It can save you a lot time while

avoiding a lot of frustration.

• Events are everywhere Alumni groups Meetup.com San Diego Ad Club, Ad 2 AIGA Ask for student rates

Getting Your Foot in the Door:

Volunteer• Industry related Events and Conferences

• Volunteer your service to non profits Non profits are always seeking professional services for a great cause Great opportunity to provide value to a well known organiztion

The Interview:

Be Prepared

• Practice answering tough questions

• Research Company History Founders Trends Funding

• Understand Service Offerings & mission statement Be clear on what the company is offering Craft your answers to they demonstrate your

understand of the company

• Pay attention to your body language: Be aware of what you’re feeling inside, as you may be communicating your emotions on the outside, as well. Nervous energy conveys a lack of confidence.

• Mirror the body language of your interviewer. Mirroring others can build rapport and likeability.

• Find a reason to care. Do your homework in advance, understand their passions, and draw out the stories of their life that make them human. When you connect with them, and start to like them, they’ll start to like you, and care about you.

• Show them your passion! Specifically, your passion for the job you’re interviewing for.

• Tell stories: Don’t rely on lists of your qualifications. Tell stories of how you’ve specially used your skills to accomplish tasks your employer will want you to accomplish

The Interview:

During the Interview

The Interview:

Ask Questions• Keep in mind that an interview is a two way process. It’s just as much for the employer to determine if you’d be a fit for the company as it is for you to also decide. • Show up to an interview prepared with insightful questions that demonstrate your long term commitment and desire for the company’s success

Where do you see the company in 5 years from now? How do you see my role evolving in the next year?

The Interview:

Follow Up• Ask for clarification on next steps

How long will they take to make a decision? How should I expect to hear from you? Are there any additional interviews that need to be set up?

• Be grateful and thank them for their time Show your true appreciation by thanking everyone in the room When thanking your interviewers add any other information that may be relevant to

the conversation. Follow up with a thank you email immediately Send a thank you card, this will really make you stand out

Contact:melodietao@gmail.com

Connect:Twitter.com/MyMelodie

Linkedin.com/in/MarketingMelodieFacebook.com/MarketingMelodie

MarketingMelodie.com

Access Presentation Slides: slideshare.net/marketingmelodie

Thank You