We’re in the last part of our “how to get the job” series, and this post will cover all the moments in between the resume and the interview – and the ones after that! The small things can be just as important as the big moments, and can leave a lasting impression. The PR industry is especially well-connected, and you never know whose path you will cross again. Maintaining good rapport with whomever you encounter is valuable not just for the job you’re applying for, but for future roles you might be interested in. With so many applicants, you might think we won’t remember – but I can tell you, we do! 

EMAIL COMMUNICATION

I really can’t stress this enough – ALWAYS reply to emails from a potential employer, even if you are no longer interested in the position. Whether it’s an email asking if you’re still interested in the job, that you weren’t the right fit or whatever it may be, give a reply to not leave them hanging. I know some of you may be thinking, what about when you apply to a position and never get a reply from the company? Make sure you read the job posting details. Most will say that only candidates moving to next steps will get a reply. Often there can be 100+ applicants for any given position, so replying to every single application is just not feasible for the HR department – which is usually one person! 

FOLLOW THE CHANNELS

When the application process is laid out, i.e., apply over email or through an online portal, please follow it! We get a lot of DMs across social channels with resumes, asking how to apply etc. when the instructions are all on the job posting. This is something we call a “papercut.” It’s a  small thing, but it gives a paper-cut to our overall impression of a candidate.

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

You can apply online for our trainee program, and one of the questions is if you’d like to sign up for our newsletter. I find it a little funny how many people say no! If you’re trying to get a job somewhere, wouldn’t you be excited to learn more about that company? Signing up for a newsletter is such a simple thing! You can always unsubscribe after, but set the right impression from the start. We take that into consideration!

THE THANK YOU

A traditional sentiment is to send a thank you note to the interviewer after your interview, and companies still absolutely value this! It can be as simple as a short email thanking them for their time, what you enjoyed about the interview and why you think you’d be a great fit after learning more about the role. For more senior positions, a handwritten note, flowers or treats is also common, especially in the marketing world. It adds a level of polish! If you happen to forget or miss an interview (worst feeling on both ends!) send an apology email to clear things up.

WHEN TO ASK FOR A REFERRAL 

Use your network! If you know someone well who worked or worked at a company you’re applying to, get in touch and ask if they have any advice! Also review your connections – is someone in your close network connected to this company through their own network, who may be able to send a referral on your behalf? This can help you get a foot in the door, often at least right to the interview phase! There is a fine line here, though! I’m not really sure what started this trend, but we have noticed applicants reaching out to various people at our organization, that they don’t know beyond perhaps being a LinkedIn connection, asking for a referral. I definitely cannot recommend this! So think before you hit send and use your network effectively!

KEEP IT PROFESSIONAL

It can be frustrating if you didn’t hear anything after submitting your resume, or didn’t get the job after feeling like you nailed the interview, but how you handle those situations makes a difference. I have received curt emails from candidates who did not get hired or don’t agree with an element of our Trainee program. My best advice here is that we will remember. I have had these same applicants apply for future positions, and they do not make it past an inbox. Instead of lashing out, ask questions! I always take the time to answer candidates who ask for feedback or want to stay in touch. Take the opportunity to learn and grow, and keep it positive in case another position opens up – it’s helpful to already have a good relationship with a company!

I hope you enjoyed this series! Anything I missed?  Connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a DM! I hope these tips were helpful and that you GET THE JOB!