1. Desiree Watkins & Dr. LaMont Flanagan April 1, 2013
Virginia State University School Of Liberal Arts & Education Department Of Mass Communications And Mass Communications Services How To Get A Job in Mass Communications How To Succeed In The Interview Process
Desiree Watkins & Dr. LaMont Flanagan
April 1, 2013

2. Overview Tell Me About Yourself. What is Mass Communications?
Targeting the job you want.
Why is networking important for your career?
Professional Organizations.
Criminal History and Fingerprinting.
Social Networking and job searching.
Best companies for Entry-Level jobs.
Navigating through USAJOBS.GOV.
Job Openings.
Resume building.
How to prepare for a successful interview.

3. Tell me about yourself?
I’m a graduate of Virginia State University with a major concentration in Mass Communications. I have developed analytical skills in the analysis of diverse forms of media, research acumen regarding the impact media has on our culture and project development expertise through the initiation of media projects during my tenure in college. I also possess a wealth of knowledge pertaining to media history and regulations. This asset provides me with an open mind and a broad perspective of issues which are valuable and transferable to any discipline and work environment. I also possess training in public policy analysis and marketing. I have been trained to think critically, creatively and collaboratively. I have gained hands on experience in media relations, community relations and employee relations. I have learned the importance of and processes behind building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and target publics through effective interactive communication. Do these qualifications meet the criteria of the position?

6. What is mass Communications?
Mass communications is the academic study of how individuals transfer a message to a large group of people. This requires the use of some form of media such as newspapers, television, or the Internet. Imagine life without radio, television , Internet, computers, tablets, newspapers, magazines, books, or telephones. How would that impact your life? All of these provide a means of quick and sometimes direct form of communication.

7. What can I do with a degree in mass communications?
Obtaining a communications degree gives you a wide range of skills that involves writing, research and critical thinking, which will prepare you to work in a variety of fields such as:
Media
Journalism
Public Relations
Marketing
Advertising

8. Occupations suitable for a mass communications degree
Audio/Video Specialist Fundraiser Author Government Relations Specialist Blogger Hotel Manager Camera Operator Human Resources Administrator Circulation Manager Journalist Communications Specialist Legal Assistant Copy Editor/Writer Librarian Correspondent Magazine Editor Customer Service Representative Mediator Editorial Assistant Motivational Speaker Event Planner Public Relations Specialist Film/Documentary Specialist Speechwriter Freelance Reporter Website Marketing

9. Internet resources
Here are a few job links that may help you with your job search. These are national internet source links. DC Public Affairs publishes jobs and internships in the Washington, DC area. Mediabistro Publishes various blogs and job listings for journalists. Idealist offers a directory of volunteer opportunities and other resources. Simply Hired is a job search engine that allows users search for jobs in many categories. LinkedIn is a social networking site designed specifically for the business community.

10. Targeting the job you want
The key to get the job you want is believing. Believe in yourself. Plant your feet firmly on the path to the job you desire.
Stay positive. Remind yourself of all the positive qualities and skills you bring to any job by making a list.
Put best qualities forward. Keep in mind that you are a composite of all those wonderful qualities and prepare yourself to share them.
Learning is always a possibility. If the job requires a new skill, confidently acknowledge that you can gain that skill.

11. Why is networking good for your career?
Networking helps you develop a network of friendly people to share helpful information. Its also the best known strategy for getting a good job! To build an effective network, you need both formal and informal networks in place.
Informal networks may include friends you run into at an annual holiday party, friends you keep up with from a former job, or even people from your church.

12. Steps to building your network
Here are five steps to build your network:
Plan your network
Make Contact
Organize your network
Take Action
Practice networking etiquette

13. PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS FOR MASS COMMUNICATIONS SCHOLARS
Radio One, Inc. is an urban-oriented, multi-media company that primarily targets African-American and urban consumers. Partners with TV One, Interactive One and REACH Media. Visit .
The League's Thursday Network is a leadership development vehicle for young adult professionals ages 21 to 35 who are interested in volunteer service to the community. Visit

14. Professional organizations
A full-service trade association which represents the interests of free, over-the-air radio and television broadcasters. You can go online, download and fill out their application. Visit
The leadership of the NAACP DC Branch in comprised of political figures, progressive thinkers, young adult professionals, collegiate activist, and empowered youth committed to achieving social justice. Visit

15. Disclosing criminal Record on job applications
BE HONEST. Most job applications asks about criminal history. It is in your best interest to tell the truth if you have any kind of criminal background.
Be sure you read the questions about a criminal past CAREFULLY!
Lets say for instance, If an application asks you about criminal activities in the past five years, that is all you must answer. If it asks about felonies and you have only misdemeanors, don’t disclose them. You are only obligated to answer questions that are asked, nothing more and nothing less.

16. Fingerprinting
Some employers are required to obtain fingerprints to complete the hiring process.
Federal Government
State Government
Banks
School Districts
Hospitals
Child Care Centers
If you’ve ever been printed then you’re in the system. If you are aware that your prints are saved in a system, prepare a letter of explanation.

17. Social networking sites and Employers
Employers use Facebook and Twitter as a marketing tool to look for potential employees.
Set your privacy settings high.
Keep your page clean and professional.
Maintain a good online reputation.

18. Best companies for entry level jobs
Verizon Nike Internal Revenue Service Target Marriott Bank of America Macys Starbucks Toys ‘R’ US Bank of America Wells Fargo Khols Department Store Wal-Mart Stores IKEA Ernest & Young AT&T Wireless Hilton Hotels PNC Financial Service Group City Year Peace Corps Au Bon Pain Walgreens Giant Teach for America FedEx CGI Enterprise Rent-A-car

19. What is usajobs.gov
USAJOBS.gov is the government’s official careers website;
Here will list government job openings, complete with position descriptions and instructions for how to apply.

20. Step 1- Create an account
Create an account on USAJOBS.gov. Having an account allows you to use the federal resume builder and create up to five customized federal resumes.
An account also allows you to generate specific searches and have the results ed to you automatically!

21. Step 2- create a resume Click “Build New Resume.”
Follow the on-screen prompts to fill out each of the five sections: Experience, Education, Other, References, and Preview and Finish.
Use any of your existing resumes and other aids to fill everything out as completely as possible.

22. Step 3- Customizing your search
When you create a new search, you have the option to input a specific or desired criteria.
For example:
Go to “Advanced Search”.
Enter “Mass Communications” in the “Keyword” tab. Depending on your career choice be specific (i.e. writer, public affairs, editor, technical writer, communications).
There it will give you a listing of all Federal Government agencies with open positions in the selected field.
Select your interested position and you will be given a summary of the position. This is called a Job Vacancy.

23. Job vacancies
Each job vacancy announcement on usajobs.gov will follow a five- tab format.
Overview
Duties
Qualifications and Evaluation
Benefits and other information
How to apply

24. Job opportunities for recent graduates
The Pathways Programs offer Federal internships for students and careers for recent graduates.
Jobs under the Recent Graduates Program are posted through USAJOBS.gov on a rolling basis.

25. Job opportunities for Recent graduates
Job Title: Telecommunications Specialist GS
Department: Department Of Homeland Security
Agency: U.S. Coast Guard
Job Announcement Number: SE-DB-M-R1
SALARY RANGE:
$57, to $74, / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD:
Thursday, March 21, 2013 to Thursday, April 04, 2013

26. Job opportunities for recent graduates
Job Title: Student Trainee HR Wellness & Work life - SV-0299-C/D
Department: Department Of Homeland Security
Agency: Transportation Security Administration
Job Announcement Number:HQ- OHC
SALARY RANGE:
$27, to $47, / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD:
Monday, March 25, 2013 to Friday, April 05, 2013

27. Job opportunities for recent graduates
Job Title: Foreign Service Information Management Specialist
Department: Department Of State
Agency: Department of State - Agency Wide
Job Announcement Number:IMS
SALARY RANGE:
$42, to $63, / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD:
Wednesday, March 06, 2013 to Wednesday, April 10, 2013

28. Current Job openings in Richmond Virginia

29. Current Job openings in Richmond Virginia

30. Resume Building
An effective resume is one that gets results. The purpose of a resume is to obtain an interview and ultimately to get the job or internship. The tips below will help you write a resume that yields positive results.
Be selective.
Be concise.
Avoid the use of pronouns and articles (a, an, the) whenever possible.

31. Resume do’s Focus on entry level positions.
Gather all information relevant to your position.
Prepare a good generic resume for the career path you intend to work.
Omit first person pronouns (I, me, my).
Omit unnecessary articles (a, an, the).
Remember, Presentation is everything.
Make sure your resume looks nice, clean and orderly.
Focus on accomplishments.
Use bolding, italics, or underlines to emphasize.

32. Resumes don’ts
Do not mention salary earned in previous jobs or how much you expect to earn in the future, unless you are specifically asked.
Be specific about reasons for leaving previous jobs or for gaps in your employment history. (i.e. family hardships, training, promotional opportunity or career advancement)
Be honest about previous work experience.
If someone has prepared your resume, be sure that you are familiar with the content.
Proofread and omit errors or misspellings.
Don’t use dark pastel paper, flower designs or photos.
Use spell check.

33. What not to say during an interview
Why should we hire you? “I would be a great asset to the events team because I party all the time”. Bill McGowan, founder, Clarity Media Group. Why did you leave your last job? “I have a problem with authority.” Carrie Richa, COO of HousingLink Why are you leaving your current job? “ Because I in my pants every time I enter the building.” Abbe Mortimore, Human Resources Manager, True Textiles, Inc.

34. Before your interview
History of the company (i.e. years of existence, services the company provide, number of employees, etc.).
Be able to pronounce name of the interviewers correctly.
If possible, inquire as to whether or not you meet with a panel or group.
Map out your travel route to determine the distance and be sure you have clear and precise directions to the location, this can save you from potentially arriving late!
Arrive 15 minutes early.
CRITICAL > Check hair, fingernails, and make-up. Conceal any tattoos and remove any piercings that may be distracting. Be sure clothing is neatly pressed and shoes are in good condition.

35. Proper interview attire for women
Suit. A two piece suit is always the best and safest choice.
Conservative colors. Navy, dark gray or black.
What if the JOB is in a NON-SUIT-wearing WORK ENVIRONMENT?
Even if you would or could wear jeans on the job, or the work environment is outdoors and a very non-suit environment, wearing a suit to the interview shows you take the interview seriously as a professional meeting.
Clothes should be clean and well pressed.
NO fishnet or decorative stockings!
Keep heel inch to a minimum of 2 inches!
Hairstyles should be neat and freshly groomed.
Make-up is simple and neutral.
Tattoos should be concealed and piercings must be removed! Earring piercings are acceptable.

36. NO
YES
YES

37. Proper interview attire for men
A two-piece matched suit is always the best and safest choice. Don't combine a suit jacket with pants that don't match.
One good quality suit is sufficient for a job search if that is all your budget allows. You can vary your shirt and tie.
Avoid character ties in interview.
Choose white or light blue, long or short sleeved shirts.
Facial hair should be well groomed.
Braids and dreads should be pulled back neatly and freshly done.
Any tattoos must be concealed!

38. NO
YES
YES

39. During the interview Be on time!
Use a firm handshake and make direct eye contact when meeting with the interviewer. Speak clearly and use complete sentences. Avoid using “um” and “well”.
Exhibit a positive attitude.
Bring tablet and pen.
Never give the impression that you’re only interested in salary.
*Bring extra copies of your resume and reference list.

40. Questions employer want to know
What makes you believe that you’re qualified for this job?
Have you ever worked as (name of position) before?
How did you learn about this job?
What interests you about our company?
What do you know about the company?
Why do you think you like this particular job?

41. Questions to ask the interviewer
What are the daily responsibilities of the position?
Are there training opportunities available?
How will my job performance be measured?
Will I work on my own, a member of a team, or both?
How long has the position been open?

42. Is this you?

43. No, this is you?

44. “He who has the gold makes the rules.” – Tyler Perry
"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do." - Eleanor Roosevelt
“He who has the gold makes the rules.” – Tyler Perry
“You can’t just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You’ve got to get out there and make it happen for yourself.” – Diana Ross
“Smile and let everyone know that today you're a lot stronger then you where yesterday”- Drake

45. Congratulations to the graduating class of 2013!