Post Grad Great Depression

Involvement in campus activities+ Great Grades + Internships x Networking = Entry level Position 

WRONG

This formula may have worked in the past, but not so much anymore. This is the dream everyone was sold and while some us were able to cash in that hefty receipt (oh I'm sorry I meant DIPLOMA), most of us found ourselves in the midst of a new age great depression.  People often tell me that they admire me because I am working in my chosen field of public relations, but what they always fail to realize about my journey is that it took me 1 year and 4 months to break into it. So seeing as we are all in this struggle together here's some tips I learned along the way...

Harsh Reality

If you are not working in your field of choice and it's been a year since you've graduated it's not anyone fault but your own. Harsh I know, but these are the exact same words someone once told me. No one has to reserve a position for you in this corporate america realm even if you have the degree and "experience". One other thing that I have witnessed time and time again...Stop bopping from one thing to another because things aren't unfolding at the speed that you would like. Yes their are moguls who have created these empires, but take note they started in one lane and then branched out. 

Network

Our generation knows for a fact that it's all about who you know and yet we scream out no new friends. Well let me be the first to tell you your network is a direct reflection of your networth. -Let that simmer for a second- To build your network you have to make yourself feel important. When I was jobless I had low self esteem when going into a room with people that held so much power. After so many rejections I started to feel like I wasn't cut out for this field.

Then I had an AHA moment. I stopped saying I'm an upcoming, aspiring, rising publicist. Just like myself you earned that degree so whether you are working in your field or not you have earned the right to claim that title. Get your own business cards to make sure you present yourself in the most professional manner. Vista Print offers the for FREE and all you have to do is pay for shipping. After you have your business cards in hand  go to every networking event that you can.  Also use social media for more than just the latest tea. Follow people in your field. Use the hashtag feature  to keep yourself updated on whats going on with professional in the field.

*Please refer to my Networking Post for more tips.

Resume
You can meet as many people you want and send out your resume till your fingers fall off, but if it's not up to par don't think for a second that it wont get thrown out. 

1.Times New Roman or Calbri should be your only options and your resume should never exceed one page.
2. Unless you are seeking a job in graphic design all the fancy smancy design and unneeded adjectives will get your resume thrown away before they even read your name.
3. Every bullet needs to be quantified if applicable and tailored to the job description for the job in which you are applying for.

Example:

This

• Worked on multiple public relations campaigns 

to 

• Worked on 4 nationwide public relations campaigns for Little Ceasars, Sirus Radio, Capital One, and LifeStyleOlogy

Applying for Jobs

Back when I would apply for jobs I would get up early and apply to as many as I could until my fingers got tired and I got angry at the amount of information that they requested. What I failed to realize was that I wasn't the only one sitting at home during the same thing. You have to be AGGRESSIVE with your job search. Look up the HR manager on Linkedin and send them a note. If the position posted has a contact listed don't be afraid to reach out directly. These tactic have gotten me responses within the same hour. When I applied for ESPN the HR rep called me 15 minutes after I forwarded my resume. With my current position I sent my resume to everyone in the PR department and guess who I work side by side with now.

Example:
Hello Lauren,

My name is Tomeka Kolleh; recently noticed the Marketing Asst. position on the Twitter and wasn't sure if you would be the best person to contact regarding the position. If you are not, I appreciate your time and any information to point me in the right direction would be extremely helpful. If you are the right person I would love to discuss the role and responsibilities with you.

I am interested in leveraging my post graduate experience to assist your PR department.Over the last year since obtaining my degree in Public Relations with a minor in Marketing I have gained relative work experience in the following:

· Assisted Horizon Media Clients such as Little Caesars, Capital One, and GEICO to leverage their brands and key messages to media properties.

· Branding and building brand equity for GLU Advertising Agency whose clients include Trukfit, Macy’s, and Dillards.

· Assist in the development and project management for EFactor the world’s largest entrepreneurial social networking site a client of Janine Just Agency.

I would love to be a part of your dynamic organization. Please take time to view my attached resume.

 Thanks for your time,

Tomeka Kolleh

To all those out there that bought the dream that they sold do not give up. Don't give up what you're passionate for because it seems like it could turn into your reality. If I  could tell you my story to the last detail to give you hope I would. If you take anything away my life on the gram please note that my journey has not been a easy one, but I have pushed through.  I'm learning that anything is possible if you consistently pursue it with all that you have.

Xoxo Kolleh