Lesbi Honest, Leslie.

A tribute to the best employee of all time, Leslie Knope.

It's that time to date again...aka to search for a new job.

Might I say, I hate applying for jobs. The whole process is a complete and utter joke. Call me a pessimist, SAY IT--but I am not a fan. I don't think I've EVER received a job through an online application.

I'm not a professional--and that's okay.

Leslie Knope, is definitely my spirit animal. A local politician that knows how to have a good time but can also get down to business. Like Leslie, I'm not a fan of fitting a "set social norm," especially for someone else.

When hunting for a job, like dating... it's very important to me to be true to who I am. I'm not going to pretend to be some uptight, meticulous freak to get a job--there are already enough meticulous freaks in the world? Don't you think!

Find beauty in your quirks, flaws are a good thing.

Do you worry?

Do you actually care about your work?

Well someone has to!

For some reason, it's become the norm for companies to want mindless robots. I will avoid those companies like the plague! It's so important to embrace your personality. 

Once again, like Leslie--I am OVER PASSIONATE. I've learned to settle down on this a little bit over the years.. but I have to have passion, tenacity, and drive with whatever I do. I'm the type of employee that cares too much, overplans, and doesn't know what to do with a day off. It's okay to be this way, honestly. 

Don't hide these important qualities, they're part of who you are.

If companies don't like you for it... like a stupid boyfriend... you don't need them. Dump them. Don't allot a second date. 

The right fit exists, I promise.

There is a good fit for you--but it's up to you to date around up and down to find it--apply, apply, apply, interview, interview, interview. Don't settle for less. It takes time, but I assure you, you get out what you put in.

Best of luck grads of 2016. You got this. 

Getting over a botched job interview

Botched Your Job Interview? Have no fear.

After today, the best way to describe my interview was a 'botched' interview. Here's some synonyms that encompass my feelings.

 

 

Normally, when I don't get a job--I don't regret it because I know I did well during the interview. But when the interview was off key, it's a bit more shameful to deal with.

 

How do you know you botched your interview?

• You somehow urge the interviewer to label you. "Oh, you're too nice for this industry"
• You feel uncomfortable or out of place the entire time.. (your body language will show it)
• You accidentally forget the abundance of CEO/Partners joining into the interviews names
• You beat around the bush on accident when you can't give an answer that they want
• You answer a question and the interviewer looks disappointed by your response
• THE LIST GOES ON AND ON..

What next?

1. Confide in your mentor. Grieve, exchange thoughts, and listen.

 

Today I spoke to one of my mentors immediately after the interview. It is comforting to have someone to confide in that trusts in you and your work abilities to reassure you that regardless you are going to be okay. Also, it's helpful to have in mind some moment from the interview that made you feel uncomfortable or felt out of place and to receive feedback on those thoughts. Your mentor will open insight for you and to help you rethink your strategy for next time. Also, thank them for their guidance and listen o their wisdom.. they've been there and they want to help you get through your 'botched-interview-stress-disorder.'

 

2. Quickly re-evaluate the company and what they were looking for.

 

Most likely the interview wasn't a good fit. Interviews tend to run smoother if it's a better fit with the personality and overall culture of the company. Realize that both you and the interviewer might've had different needs.

 

3. Give it another go.

 

 

 

If you don't agree with step two, you can always give it another go. Try to use you best judgment, in some instances it's not terrible to acknowledge it was an off interview, explain why, and explain why you'd like another chance. I've actually known several colleagues to overcome their barriers this way by overcoming their fear and giving it another go.

 

4. Your pity party starts now.

 

 

 

It's okay to be sad, embrace it. Do what you need to do.. whether it's a Netflix marathon, McDonalds dollar menu spree, or going for a stroll. Give yourself time to mope for the rest of the day. Reflection is key to decompress your thoughts and behaviors... to "Let it gooooooo," and move forward.

 

You are worth it!

If you got an interview and made it this far, it's because you are worth it. Keep doing what you're doing and proceeding forward. Finding the right job is like dating, remember there are plenty of other fish in the sea.

 

 

Words of Wisdom from CNN Producer, Jill Chappell

While in D.C., our wonderful professor Stephen Whyte set up some great meetings for us to meet and learn from professionals. One of them was his longtime friend, Jill Chappell. Jill, (as you can see in her description) is the CNN Producer for The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.

It was incredible to listen to her insight and to hear how hard she worked to be where she is today. Jill is not a lady who had her wants handed to her on a platter. She disclosed to us her story of perseverance which has lead her to where she is today...HARD WORK.

Did you know that on average Jill gets over 800 emails per day? Wow. I'm sure if you're a PR professional reading this post, one of those emails could easily be yours. She offered a quick secret to in regards to email pitching:

Less is more. Don't send attachments. Be concise. When writing a headline use her name, title it "Hi Jill," "Hey Jill," If you are trying to get a placement for a client such as an expert with ebola--title it, "Ebola Guest." Also, within the email, be sure to hyperlink a short bio to provide credibility.

Below are some phrases she said that stood out to me. 

• Relationships with others take precedence over your degree. 
• My Rolodex is my bread and butter. 
• No one likes someone who complains all the time.  
• People are still JUST people. These people ARE people! Be Relatable. 

I hope this helps you realize that others, as Jill said, "ARE JUST PEOPLE." 

The Importance of New Friendships

Meeting New People 

The struggle is real, when it comes to branching out to meeting new people at the conference. Here are some tips that I applied to being able to make new friends.

- Be Friendly: Easier said than done. Try to have an open mind and good intentions with everyone you meet.

- Breakaway From Your Bubble: As difficult as it is, it is so important to be willing to break out of your shell and to try things out of your comfort zone. At conference it's easy to stick with the same people, give it a little of variety.

- Use Your Ears: It is bewildering to me how many students struggle with using their ears during a conversation. Be sure to listen and to show in your body language that they are the MOST IMPORTANT person in the room. NO glancing at your phone. NO talking over the other person. This is their chance to shine, be their audience.. they'll love you for it.

- Utilize Your Location & Take Advantage of Every Moment: Realize that if you are at a business conference.. take advantage of what you can't do online.. MEETING PEOPLE. Education is done online, but being able to network with a variety of people and to engage with them is entirely different.

I hope these small tips helped, I basically lived off of protein bars the entire conference because as Ariel from Little Mermaid would said, "I want to be where the people are."

Powell Tate Agency Tour

Powell Tate Rumored as Best Agency Tour at PRSSA Conference.

I'm pretty sure that Powell Tate won me over during their agency tour. As a Midwest girl, I have never been able to tour a big agency.. or any agency in that matter. Powell Tate was beyond organized for their tour. I expected to just briefly walk around the building but they had the whole time slot scheduled out for us.

The biggest take away from Powell Tate is that they welcome diversity, good work, and ethics. They also spoiled us with lots of swag, one on one interactions with staff, a presentation, introduction of their head directors, and a catered lunch with a Q&A session with their employees and even introduced us to their intern coordinator.

Some background on Powell Tate for you. They have over 3,000 employees and are the 2nd largest international agency in the world. Their clients makeup over 50% of the Fortune 100 Company and they were the first bipartisan firm in Washington, D.C.

I also was able to make some great friends while on the tour. This is my friend Kyle Vendebeek from Texas Christian University. She was so much fun and grew up in Los Angeles--it was so neat hearing about her internship at CBS.

Takeaways from Powell Tate:

- "We look for students who are great writers, who achieve with everything that they do." -Pam Jenkins, President

- "When working with clients, ask the right questions. And remember to ask questions thorough delivery. Be sure to set meetings and talk throughout. Be available." - Catie Caborn, Director

- "When looking for internships, have strong skills and prior agency internships."

- "Tell us about what makes you different in your cover letter."

- "Networking tips: find out what they're interested in, what they're working on, and what they're passionate about. Do your research and follow up."

The Apathetic American

I have to write this post quickly, I apologize for the manner that I address issues and information if it does not come across tactfully. Today spent 14 hours, went to 13 different national monuments, and walked nearly 12 miles. Yup, you could say the least that my body is still a bit cranky from the walking.

I consider myself to be a pretty empathetic person. However, there are situations in my life where I intentionally distance or associate myself to cope with pain. I've heard lots of complaints that Americans are apathetic--we just don't care. That's not the case, we care, but with the demands set on us to work and perform we don't have time to sit around feeling sorry and sad about things.

The first place we went in Washington, D.C. was the Arlington Cemetery. I was not sure what to expect. I imagined we would show up, glance for a minute or two and move on. There was a lot to explore at Arlington Cemetery that I was unaware of, we were there for several hours.

The most emotional part of the day happened for me when I was at Arlington. As I was at the monument, they have a ceremony for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This is symbolic of unidentified soldiers killed at war. During the ceremony that was populated with people, I noticed nearly 100-150 veterans at watch. They were participating in the Honor Flight. The Honor Flight is an organization that flies veterans out to the national memorials who have never been able to see the memorials.

I was overwhelmed with emotion, seeing how strongly they were moved by the ceremony. Overwhelmed to the point of tears. I approached one of the veterans with tears and my eyes and told him thank you. He proudly responded your welcome, I was overcome with emotions. We hugged and my whole being was filled with gratitude being surrounded by veterans who have helped give me the freedoms I enjoy in my life.

There was more I wanted to say, but I must cut this short. Today, was a reminder of the sacrifice for freedom.

Preparing for Your First Impression at National Conference

Making a First Impression at PRSSA National Conference Washington, D.C. 

Networking and making a first impression work hand in hand. When I meet someone new, I am constantly brainstorming new techniques and strategies of how to build authentic relationships with them. This is to show you a bit of the thought process I go through to think up ideas of how to make a nice impression at #PRSSANC

1. Appearance

I am a plus size queen. It's hard sometimes to stand out in an industry dominated by mostly gorgeous women! Since the PRSSA National Conference last year, I haven't lost my winter weight. I was struggling to know what to wear to the conference without having to put a dent in purchasing lots of gorgeous new clothes since I've moved up a size. 

Gwynnie Bee & Rent the Runway. 

I decided to have these two amazing online rental stores take care of me. Gwynnie Bee is a website for extended sizes, size 12-32. Rent the Runway is a website that rents all sizes of amazing hollywood brand apparel. 

PROS: 

• DON'T WORRY WASHING THEM
• FREE SHIPPING
• FREE MONTH TRIAL
• CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE
• HIGH QUALITY, NAME BRAND

The plan is to have the free shipping labels with me and to ship the dresses back to the online stores giving me lots of luggage space for the plane ride home. 

Here's a sneak peek of all the beautiful clothes I'll be sporting in Washington, D.C. 

(Don't worry, I'll remember to bring my cardigan and blazers to complete the #PRPro look.)

2. Business Cards

Business cards are a major part of your presentation at conference and how others are going to remember you. Professionals will come prepared with their cards, ready to trade them with you. Think back to the time all your friends eagerly traded Pokemon cards at school-- it's like that. Here are my cards that I designed for the conference to leave a lasting impression. 

3. Conforming with Apple Products AKA Getting the Iphone 6

I didn't buy my first Apple product until I went to the conference last year in Philadelphia. The reason that I bought it, as silly as is-- a large number of public relations professionals trust and love apple products. I've always heard the quote, "dress for the type of job you want to have." I think it's important to also be familiar with or to use similar technology that others use in your industry. So, I got an Iphone six this week. (Don't worry, I got a good deal with my Sprint plan) 

4. A Memorable Gift

Cleverness, thoughtfulness, and authenticity are key traits that I value, especially when it comes to picking out gift for others. As part of the conference, it's important to bring a small gift from your home state. Utah is known as the 'beehive' state. While, I was pondering gifts-- I decided of something unique to give out each time I make a new connection. Honeysticks, AKA Honeystraws. Honeystraws come in various flavors of raw, creamy honey. I contacted a local seller here and have lots of yummy flavors of honey I'll be bringing with me.. 300 honeystraws to be exact. 

5. Listening and Having a Desire to Learn From Others

Although this is listed as number 5, this is the MAIN INGREDIENT into making a first impression. Yes, you can bribe someone with honey (possibly), catch an eye by wearing designer clothes, look like a PR Pro with an iphone six, or make someone smile with a brilliant business card-- but all of these fade quickly if there is a lack of execution to truly get to network and know someone. I challenge you as you meet people next week at the National Conference to listen, truly engage--ask questions. I assure you, you will be happy that you did. 

11 Brands to Admire for Poking Fun at Bending Iphone 6 #Bendgate

In public relations and marketing, it is so important to be on top of the most current news cycle. Below are brands who you should follow and praise for their quick response to Iphone's #bendgate.


1. Kit Kat

Kit Kat launched a whole tumblr about it! http://kitkatbendorbreak.tumblr.com/

2. Coca-Cola

3. LG 

4. Zazzle Inc.

5. Pringles

6. HTC

7. Heineken

8. Slim Jim

9. Chex Mix

10. Whataburger

11. Lenovo