Graduation (Friends Forever)

No, this post isn't about that Vitamin C song played at every school social.

Many say a transition into a successful career in magazines is one of the trickiest things to conquer and for any of my older readers that have just finished uni, deferring or even just wanting to try something new, job interviews seem scarier than a broken GHD. (A broken GHD is plenty scary, trust me).

Mid last year, I was asked by my university's PR Club to write them a story about how to ace That Job Interview and also as I graduate at the end of this year, I thought I could learn a thing or two about decreasing my chances of having to apply for a waitressing job come graduation. (No offence to any waitresses, I just suck at carrying things with my feeble, small person hands).

Here's the original article, resurrected to help any Smellies who are stressing a tad at the prospect of diving into the world of glossies.

Think your uni grades will land you your dream job? Believe you have got what it takes to snatch That  Job with your High Distinction grades from Annie Average who has been an intern for years? Think again. Mel Evans chats to the editor of DOLLY magazine, Tiffany Dunk, and discovers that practical experience is more important than breakfast.

It’s a common misconception that marks are what counts for a job in the journalism and PR world, however, unless you are blitzing your classes, leaving a trail of smoke in your wake (and even then), it will be tough to beat those who have a little work experience under their belt. 

“I wouldn’t even look at someone without practical experience. The world of magazines is very different from when I got in 15 years ago with a bit of persistence and not even a degree, but these days you need qualifications and experience to show you have a proven track record,” Tiffany says.

Dolly Ed, Tiff

And she’s right! (“Well der,” I hear you jibe, “otherwise you wouldn’t be interviewing her”). More and more bosses are looking for experience over qualifications these days. But where does that leave the students that haven’t dipped their foot in the metaphorical pool of practical knowledge (or the ones that want to take a dive)?

“Work experience is the number one way to get ahead," says Tiffany. "Even a week during uni holidays- you can get your foot in the door and impress the right people. Obviously someone might not look at your emails without meeting you, but making those contacts and continually hitting them up is something I would encourage people to do.”

Even if you are only months away from graduation [You have probably already graduated now] you should still try and gain some valuable on the job training. Tiffany firmly believes it is never too late to ring up a magazine, newspaper or PR firm and request some work experience- especially if you are passionate about it. And keep on with those emails!

“You may feel like you’re being annoying but persistence will pay off.  I’ve seen people consistently apply for jobs and aren’t really right at the time, but they keep applying and eventually i'll have a meeting with them or possibly i'll put them forward for another job within the company. If you’re given a firm ‘no’ you’re given a firm ‘no’, but don’t give up- and try new avenues,” confirms Tiffany.

Have a geez at these fun facts Tiff says are the key to making sure you are pulling the right strings.

DO be extremely pleasant to those lower on the food chain. “Don’t waste time sucking up to the editor, it’s the juniors that will give you a helping hand.”

DO be polite and dress appropriately for the environment.

DO absolutely anything. Coffee runs and photocopying aren’t totally glam, but think about the tasks you will be given in the future:  “If you show enthusiasm people will give you more interesting jobs to do based on your attitude."

DO watch what you say and keep confidential info private. Spreading office gossip on Facebook is a one way ticket to ‘Out-of-Work-Town (it’s a legit town, I swear). “Once I heard an intern had posted some catty comments about an employee. Not only was she asked to leave but word spread, so she effectively killed her chances of getting in anywhere that may have heard”.

DON’T act like you know everthing. “When people show you they are quite eager to learn it makes you want to teach them more.”

What about nailing the all important job interview and CV?

“Come in with a confident attitude and look the person in the eye. We understand you are nervous but I’m surprised by how many people can’t look me in the eye! I’m also amazed at how many girls come in to me and they haven’t actually picked up a copy of DOLLY.  So do your research before coming in.”

Tiffany believes keeping your CV to a short one or two pages is the key to having yours read over someone else’s Resume Essay. “Don’t put in your year ten work experience if its not relevant to that job, it just becomes white noise.

“As a common rule of thumb, just have your necessaries- qualifications, work experience and just a little bit about you as a person. Keep it simple and short, then you can go to town (but not overboard) in your cover letter. Make yourself stand out without looking like a loony-tune.”

So there you have it- some honest tips from someone with years and years of experience in hiring graduates. Now you will have NO excuse for not nabbing that job. Goddit?! Good.

Smell ya later

x.