You never expect time to go by so quickly, and before you know it, you’re standing at the door to the real world, key in hand. Entering the real world is a big step. I think like any journey, preparation determines your success… You are not going to embark on a trip away without a cleverly thought-out bag of essentials packed. In the same sense, you truly should not be standing at that gate to the real world without some bare essentials (and I am not talking toothbrush and razor here – however, if you’re going to a job interview those may be necessary to use before!). What I am referring to, are the little things you need to do now, to get prepared, so when  that fateful day suddenly hits you, you are not standing there ill-prepared, but rather ‘dressed for success’.

There are a lot of things one doesn’t think of.

• In the broadcasting and journalism field, it is imperative that you start collecting on camera pieces, studio work, stand ups, packages that you have done and compile them for your resume reel. There are a few companies that you can pay to create your resume reel for you, but I personally did my own. I took a few days and went into the field to do stand ups and packages. Another day I took a bunch of suits into the studio and did various studio shots, changing in between. I also used some packages and interviews I had from the previous year’s work. Then you have to sit down, choose your best shots, and compile a 5-7 minute reel.

A few tips:

• If you can edit, edit your stuff together, show it to a few people and take the criticism. Watch it again, and then don’t look at it again for a week.
• When watching it again, put yourself into the mind frame of the potential employer… also try and do this when you have a lot going on around you and you are under time pressure – thus experiencing the true effect of what the person who will be watching your tape will be seeing.
• Edit edit edit! Make sure your piece is short, concise, and only shows your best shots – quality rather than quantity!
• Show it to people in the industry and get their feedback.
• Lastly, presentation is everything… so make sure your reel cover looks professional and impressive.

• Your resume itself is equally important. I sent my resume to three of four people, asking them to read over it and make any suggestions. That definitely helped, and it was a working process – my resume looks nothing like my original draft. Once again, keep it short and concise… choose the best of you activities to list etc. Also, don’t be too modest. I struggle talking about myself, as I am sure everyone does, but as one professor said to me: No one is going to let them know why you’re best for the job, but you! Also, try asking a professor for a copy of their resume, that would really help you with formatting and wording. Don’t forget your cover letter! and remember that there are a hundred other candidates applying for the same job, make sure your resume stands out.
• References and letters of recommendation are vital. So, ensure you have a few of these, and get copies!
• Next thing is finding out where to look for jobs. In regards to communication, try the following:
  • Medialine
  • Monster
  • Ragan Career Center
  • and the actual websites of the company (there is generally a link to employment or careers)

So, hopefully this is a recipe for success… I am yet to find out, but will be sure to let you know!