Rejection Letter

[Hootie]

I got my first rejection letter in the mail today from a company I'd submitted my resume to. I'm sorta bummed because I got rejected and I didn't even get an interview. What is worse is that in the letter they said though I have an impressive background, applicants with more relevant experience were being considered for the position (Public Relations/Media Coordinator).

A) How do you get experience in your desired field of work if you can't get hired?

B) Do they know that I'd worked full time and went to school full time?

C) Though I may have more experience in a sales field, a lot of what I do is in fact Public Relations. I may not be writing press releases and contacting the media, but I have been in charge of certain events in our store that require thoughtful planning. I always try to implement something new and creative to promote these events and I'm very dedicated to what I do.

I dunno. I know my resume looks good, but I guess I need to find someone to look at it and figure out how I can put more PR stuff in there instead of just the sales stuff. I don't know how to do both because I know you're not supposed to get too detailed with resumes - otherwise employers won't read them! I thought my cover letter was pretty good too, but maybe I should include more? Or is it better to keep a cover letter simple and to the point?

So can anyone give me any pointers or ideas or experiences?
I'm frustrated because this is a job I've dreamed of since I was 17/18. I went into college and plunged myself into PR classes (as a matter of fact I took a Senior level class my first semester of college - with permission). I need to get more experience, obviously, but how? I can't quit my job for an internship - I'm 25!

HELP!

LICO!
Amy

[NutBrnHair]

I'm sorry, Amy. I know you're bummed.

I know there are ways to present a resume that focuses on your desired field. For a PR job, your resume needs to highlight the "PR-type" things you've done in your sales job. Also, in your cover letter you might want bullet points of the main things you want them to know.

As far as getting experience, I used to work in the non-profit field -- a lot of PR work is required for special events, etc. Maybe do some volunteer work & you can use that for your experience. (I'd look into one of the smaller charities where you could get really involved quickly -- the flip side of that is go with a larger charity & get to know some of the big wigs on their committees!)

[xo_kathy]

Nut gives great advice (as always). Where I work one of my bosses is in charge of recruiting. Since he's super busy with client work, he's "trained" me on what he wants me to look for. Basically, I'm on the lookout for people who have worked for our competitors. I think a lot of bigger companies are like mine. They scan resumes for competitors or key words that have to do with the position. If it's not there, we send the rejection letter.

So definitely highlight the PR work in your sales job. Leave out the "sales" stuff, or put it as the last bullet point, and instead list promotions you put together, ways you were able to increase visibility for the store etc etc. Obviously you shouldn't lie, but only let them see what they care about.

Also, with cover letters, keep them SIMPLE! I can't stand digging through 10 lines of a person telling me about my company's accomplishments and standing in the world of brand strategy! I work here, I already know all that. Just introduce yourself and maybe bullet a few key accomplishments, and leave it at that.

Lastly, do not get discouraged at one reject. You will likely get many more over the years. Come try to be a dancer in NYC - it's like 50 rejections for every 1 call-back!

Good luck! We're pulling for you!

[XOMichelle]

Hootie,
The president of the Sillicon Valley Alumni Assoc out here holds an interview/ resume writing workshop every so often. I an give you her contact info (or you can find it yourself if you look at www.svchiomega.com), and you can ask her for help. She's awesome.
-Michelle