The Intern Experience
Part 1: Landing the Killer Internship
Meet Gia and Grace, former Interns turned Account Coordinators. In this three part series, they’re sharing their top tips for nailing the interview, landing the job, and climbing the industry ladder. In Part 1, they’re breaking down the five key steps to (hopefully!) getting the job.
1) ‘Agency’ or ‘in-house’ – how to choose?
You may be asking, “so, what’s the difference?” While both offer valuable experiences to build your foundational skills, the main difference between agency and in-house is the number of clients you will work with. At an agency, you have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of businesses, whereas if you’re working in-house, you’re focused 100% on the marketing goals of the brand or organization.
We may be biased (we love agency life!), but an agency environment challenges you to adapt to change quickly and think on the spot. You tend to work with a smaller team and will likely have your hands in multiple projects at once. You’ll also have the opportunity to work in a range of industries - including apparel, jewelry, beauty, and cannabis – you name it! At Nine Point, we are always working with brands that we love, which is one of the best parts.
2) Do your research
If you find a job that’s a fit for you, take a scroll through a company’s LinkedIn, website, social media accounts, and look at their recent news hits. A quick Google search of the agency will do. Even if you aren’t familiar with the PR landscape, try to learn about their style, current client roster, and anything unique about the team. This helps you get a better picture of how you may fit into the team.
3) Prepare for the hiring process
Most agencies or in-house teams will ask for a resume and cover letter to be emailed directly or sent through a job posting website, like LinkedIn. If things go well (fingers crossed!), you’ll be asked to meet for an initial interview. This first interview is about getting to know you, your skills, background, and what you can bring to the role. This is also a great opportunity to learn more about the company yourself. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Sometimes a hiring manager will also request a skill assessment, just to get an understanding of your skills in relevant tasks. For PR, this could look like writing a pitch, working on an excel sheet, or designing a social media grid.
Now it’s time to play the ‘waiting game,’ which is probably the most nerve-racking part. Don’t forget to also send a follow-up email to thank your interview contact! It shows your dedication and gratitude, which can both go a long way in selecting a candidate.
4) Prepare for the Interview
Congrats! You’re one step away from the internship. While not the most important part of the interview process, pick out an outfit. It can help you feel confident and comfortable going into the interview, and it can also be a great way to showcase your individual style (very important!).
Try to also write some notes down for things to mention during the interview. These could be pointers for common interview questions or questions you have for the hiring manager. Don’t be afraid to do a ‘deep dive’ into the company by researching the team, past work, and their client roster. Having a basic understanding of the company is very important as it shows your interest, attention to detail and ability to self-direct - which are all very important skills to have in the job.
And now it’s time to go do the ‘thing.’ And remember, don’t be tardy - this is the first part of setting a good impression.
5) Post-Interview Thank You’s
A post interview thank you can go a longgg way. The day after the interview, take the time to send a quick email to say ‘thank you’ and that you look forward to chatting about the opportunity further. Express your gratitude and interest, and say that you’ll be in touch for next steps, if needed.
Now it’s time to play the waiting game. If you’ve completed all five steps and have officially been offered the position - congrats! Pop that bottle of champagne and head over to Part 2 for our tips on what to do once you land the job :)
