Students often ask me where to begin their job search. I could write numerous posts with numerous tips over the course of many months--but I know you, you want the quick start guide. So here it is, just a few simple steps and some web sites to help you get started.
My advice is to begin with your network (friends, mentors, professors, parents, social networking contacts, internships, previous employers, etc.), let them know what you are looking for and ask for leads and suggestions.
Use social networking to your advantage. At a minimum, register on LinkedIn, friend me and your friends, look at our contacts and ask for introductions if you see something interesting (you can also browse for jobs). On Twitter, follow people you admire, or whose organization you're interested in, say intelligent things, make contact. Blog to assist in creating a brand for yourself if you have a niche, but not randomly or sporadically.
To the best of your ability, decide where you're willing to live and what types of organizations you want to work for. Create a spreadsheet or other document that helps you chart who you know that can help you, any interesting organizations you come across, who you've contacted and what stage of communication you are in with that particular person/organization.
If you know no one in your target city or organization, contact the local PRSA chapter (it helps if you are a dues paying PRSSA member), search not only your contacts, but geographically on LinkedIn and don't be afraid to cold call/email to set up an informational interview.
It takes time, especially in this economy, but you will see momentum build. Be patient, work at job searching like it's your job, don't be afraid to do post-grad internships or volunteer work to get your foot in the door.
Once you're ready to contact people, work with whomever you need to in order to develop "you the brand" and make sure your elevator pitch, cover letter, resume and portfolio all support that brand.
Here are some sites to help you get started:
PR Local:
Ohio University PRSSA (we occasionally post opportunities we hear about)
http://www.ohiouprssa.org/
Central Ohio PRSA (must be dues paying member of PRSSA, log-in/password required)
http://www.centralohioprsa.org/
PR Denver:
Andrew Hudson's Job List (mainly Denver jobs, but some out of state)
http://andrewhudsonsjobslist.com/
PR National:
PRSSA National (need to be a dues paying member)
http://www.prssa.org/jobcenter/
PRSA National (guests can browse jobs, some member-specific perks)
http://jobs.prsa.org/c/search.cfm?site_id=2170
PR News Job Center (anyone can search)
http://www.prnewsonline.com/resources/pr_jobs.html
PR Week Jobs (accessible by setting up free account)
http://www.prweekus.com/Jobs/section/257
LinkedIn (accessible by setting up free account, browse jobs and link to all kinds of contacts)
http://www.linkedin.com/
Paradigm Staffing (PR headhunters, run by Lindsay Olson, follow her on Twitter @PRjobs)
http://paradigmstaffing.com/
All About PR (one stop shopping for all info related to PR job searches)
http://www.aboutpublicrelations.net/jobsinpr.htm
International/Development Jobs:
Devex (anyone can search, great for int'l and development jobs)
http://www.devex.com/
Political Jobs (mainly DC):
Political Jobs (anyone can search)
http://www.politicaljobs.net/
Political Wire (anyone can search, seems more upper level)
http://jobs.politicalwire.com/a/jobs/find-jobs
Roll Call Job (anyone can search, usually Capitol Hill/DC specific)
http://www.rcjobs.com/
FPRI Think Tank Directory (no listings, but thorough list of think tanks to contact)
http://thinktanks.fpri.org
Hope this helps, and get started soon!
Professor Honald
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