Jason Mollica has had the fortune of wearing many hats over his career. He has worked in television places like NBC10 and Comcast SportsNet in Philadelphia, Pa., where he was nominated for an Emmy. In 2001, he joined Fox News Channel in New York and was part of the team that launched Fox News Radio in 2003. Seeking a new challenge, Jason entered the public relations and marketing profession. He currently works as the public relations manager at Carr Marketing Communications in Amherst, N.Y. In 2009, he launched One Guy’s Journey, his blog about life, career, and everything in between. You can also find him adding value to the online PR community on twitter @JasMollica.
So, you’ve been sending your resume and cover letter to various places in the hopes that it will be one of the few they pull out of the stack. It’s enough to drive you crazy. Will they call? Should I write/call to make sure they got my information? WHEN WILL THEY CALL?
What I want to talk to you about today is not if they’ll call or mail you, but WHEN they call or mail you for an interview. It’s your chance to hit it out of the park and be the next public relations manager or account executive. Your first step should be to think about what you will bring to the interview. I recommend having two copies of your resume and references, two pens, and your portfolio.
You also need to consider a plan of attack prior to actually going on the interview. You’ve probably done a little research on your (possible) future employer. Make it your duty to know everything you possibly can about them. Research their clients, their history, and who the bosses are within the company.
Do you get a little shaky before interviews? It’s fine. You are going to be nervous. A little case of the nerves shows just how much you want the job. It also keeps you on your toes. I was very nervous prior to my last job interview and, in the end, felt it was the best interview I had ever been on.
Are you proud of your skills? Good. Show your potential boss what you’ve got. A piece of paper only goes so far. You want to give the interviewer something to think about during and after the interview. It was always my intention to get in that room and I knew I could sell them on me. Find some common ground and break the ice; show that you can think on your feet.
If you want the job as an account manager, then you should start thinking like the job. Know the job you are going for and what it entails. Use your contacts or call another PR/marketing firm and ask what this type of job entails. Then, put yourself in a position of strength. A question will come up if you know anything about the posted job. I can’t stress how important this is for you and your interview.
Finally, here’s something I learned from a trusted colleague. When the interview is wrapping up, ask your interviewer/future boss if they have any concerns about your resume. This shows you have nothing to hide and are willing to discuss a job that may have not ended well. Honesty is always the best policy. Doing this will show that you are trustworthy and can handle criticism.
This is an exciting time, whether you are a soon-to-graduate student or a seasoned pro looking for that next challenge. Step up to the plate and nail it!
Jason has had the fortune of wearing many hats over his career. He has worked in television at places like NBC10 and Comcast SportsNet in Philadelphia, Pa., where he was nominated for an Emmy. In 2001, he joined Fox News Channel in New York and was part of the team that launched Fox News Radio in 2003. Seeking a new challenge, Jason entered the public relations and marketing profession. He currently works as the public relations manager at Carr Marketing Communications in Amherst, N.Y. In 2009, he launched One Guy’s Journey, his blog about life, career, and everything in between. You can also find him adding value to the online PR community on twitter @JasMollica.
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