What to Do When Your Contacts Can't Find You A Job!

I've come to a roadblock in my quest for Fashion PR employment. Though I have made many connections it seems that my network of professionals just cannot help me find work. At this point (8 months post grad) it may just be entirely up to me to break my way into the industry.

As per advice given by my career mentor,
I have made contact with a few more recruiter agencies here in NYC. Though it is difficult to think of actually putting your job search in someone else's hands it may just do the trick. Many reputable PR firms and fashion houses use agency recruiters to find the best candidates around.

So as I continue to look on my own I am being represented by an agent who knows my career path, where I have been and how I intend to get there. When you network of contacts seem unable to lend a helping hand consider a recruiting agency.

Interning at an Agency

It's no secret that agency operations are different from that of working in-house PR. In most cases an agency intern is just that...an intern. The office segregation is comical. Interns often inflict it upon themselves by sitting at different tables in the lunchroom. But the scariest part would have to be the separation of simple amenities like bathrooms, which is often enforced by staff and owners of the firm. Agency PR interns seem to be the black sheep of the office. It actually made me laugh when I realized what the too secret agent locks on the kitchen cabinet doors were for ( to keep interns out).

The next 4 months should be interesting and I am so down for the ride. It's important for me to experience all that the world of fashion PR has to offer. Each day is more and more interesting, and getting used to an agency culture has not been easy.

Interviewing for a PR Internship

Dec 7, 2012-- On my way to an interview for a PR intern position in the big Apple. Surprisingly I am more anxious than nervous. It shocks people when they hear I'm looking for another internship right after finishing one. But my hunger to work in this industry is more than enough to make me over look my pride and focus on the dream.

Today my attire is serious but not boring. I didn't throw on a basic suit in order to appear serious but I chose a look that would showcase my personal style and ability to be taken seriously not only by a future employer but the ability to show clients that I am the one for the job. I am confident that my résumé is more than enough to lock this position down so it is up to me to sell the interviewer on my personal brand.

Although this is just an internship I treat it as if it were a job interview. Meaning showing up early, putting on a smile and letting the interviewer into my world and perception of the industry I aspire to be a part of. It's so important to showcase your ability to sell (yourself) when interviewing especially for positions that require you to pitch and sell ideas to perspective clients.
This time around I'm going to be a part of a PR agency as opposed to an in-house PR team and I believe this experience is needed to make my brand desirable. Notice how I've already claimed the internship without knowing whether or not it's mine. This is all a part of branding and making sure your future employer knows your intentions and confidence in your abilities to deliver.

Be genuine and let them know your ready to go all out and be the very best at everything you do whether its packing boxes or pulling samples for a shoot. Have a positive attitude from day one because you don't get a second chance to make a first impression.