Office Hours: Evan Pellett Recap
By: Matt Hadzibrahimi, Event Intern, Center for Communication
In the fiercely competitive landscape of the media job market, standing out as a candidate requires a strategic approach that goes beyond conventional methods. Recently, Evan Pellett, Executive Talent Advisor at HowLeader and the bestselling author of “Cracking the Code to a Successful Interview,” shared some invaluable advice on that very point with the CenCom community. His virtual “Office Hours” session, held May 15 over Zoom, was full of pro tips on crafting a compelling resume, networking effectively, and acquiring job-ready skills. Let’s crack the code and dive into Evan’s expertise and actionable tips for interview success! Check out the highlights below and watch the full conversation on Facebook.
Craft a Winning Resume: "The summary gets people's attention. It wakes them up, and it gets them to read on."
Whatever your past experience, be sure that your resume highlights the results you achieved in each role. For instance, if you have worked in sales, your resume should showcase achievements such as surpassing sales targets, winning awards, or leading successful projects. Bold and italicize these key results to grab attention instantly.
Network Effectively: "The closer we connect face-to-face, the more likely they are to support us."
In a sea of applicants, networking strategically can make all the difference. Evan advises researching industry leaders, connecting with them on LinkedIn, and crafting personalized outreach messages that showcase your value to their company. Leveraging tools like Clearbit Connect to find email addresses can enhance your networking efforts.
Acquire Job-Ready Skills: “Completing a solutions consultant role demonstrates technical proficiency, analytics skills, and industry expertise."
Many graduates face the challenge of acquiring job-ready skills that they haven’t learned—or that weren’t available—in college. Evan recommends seeking mentorship, attending relevant events, and taking online courses to bridge the skills gap.
Addressing the concerns about acquiring specific skills, Evan encourages pursuing educational and volunteering opportunities to gain hands-on experience.The willingness to go above and beyond demonstrates initiative and dedication to continuous learning.
Build Meaningful Relationships: "Could I come take you to lunch? Could I spend a half hour with you, just informationally?"
Beyond skills and qualifications, building meaningful relationships can open doors to opportunities. Evan stresses that authenticity, genuine interest in others’ work, and a proactive approach in offering assistance can not only showcase your dedication but also open long-term connections.
Stand Out In Media and Journalism: "Everyone has the ability to create something of high quality and can choose to do so intentionally."
Navigating the media world can seem daunting. In addition to showcasing tangible results, such as successful internships, impactful projects, and alignment with industry trends,Evan highlights the of crafting a compelling narrative around achievements and showcasing growth and adaptability.
Ultimately, Evan’s advice comes down to being confident in your outreach and clearly communicating the value you can offer while always showing respect for others’ time. This is the key to building genuine, lasting relationships that can be vital throughout your career journey.
And the best way to learn how to master these skills is to practice them at the CenCom’s upcoming Diversity + Media Career Summit, Wednesday, June 26, at BRIC House! REGISTER NOW!
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