You’re ready to start
applying! But wait…you’ve heard from many students and professionals that
successful job hunting is about whom you know in the industry.
“Shit!”
This is true and false. To
explain further let’s cover two concepts: the Open Job Market and the Hidden
Job Market.
The Open Job Market
This is the usual way you
come across job opportunities: through classifieds, job boards and other forms
of communication available to the general public. While we’re discussing it,
here are a few places to hunt for jobs.
Social
Media:
Job
Boards:
Pro Tip: Make your job easier by setting up email
alerts on keywords for the position you’re looking for or subscribe to
newsletters that offer job opportunities.
The Hidden Job Market
This is the job market
revealed only through the alien methods of networking and cold calling. Not everyone has friends in high places but
consider these steps before losing hope:
1.
Are there alumni
at the agency you wish to complete your internship with that you can contact
for advice and assistance?
2.
Are there
networking events in your area that you can attend?
3.
Have you
contacted the agencies you wish to intern with about available opportunities?
(Either through their creatives or HR departments)
4.
Are you
following who is moving from agency to agency through industry publications to
see if there are opportunities for a new junior or intern?
5.
Are there
associations or clubs you’re a part of which may have connections to the ad
agencies or marketing firms you want to meet?
6.
Do you know
anyone in marketing or in a company that has a marketing department seeking
interns?
There are many ways for
you to find your way into the hidden job market, but to be perfectly honest,
companies hire based on personality, enthusiasm for the position and skill
(among several other attributes completely unrelated to who you know).
Ultimately,
do not assume the world of advertising is out of your grasp because you don’t
have the right connections. There is a lot more to the hiring process than
thinly veiled nepotism. We’re here to get shit done people, not scratch each
other’s backs.
Janet is a freelance copywriter and social media
consultant currently in her fourth year at Humber College’s Bachelor of Creative Advertising program (aka CABA). She is
obsessed with rap, knitting and food.
Janet Ha | info@janetha.ca | @Janet_Ha | http://ca.linkedin.com/in/janetha2
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