Network Your Way to a “Hidden” New PR Job
A few weeks back Amy talked with Mac about his firm Prichard Communications. In this episode, they talk about his other company Mac’s List. The job board and career guidance resource started as Mac simply sharing job postings he compiled with friends and colleagues. The original “list” has evolved into a useful resource for job seekers and employers. In addition to job postings, Mac’s List provides many free resources for those on the new job hunt, including a podcast, how-to guides, books and events.
Learn the skills needed to get a job
In addition to learning about the evolution of Mac’s List, this episode also delves into: skills for successful job hunting, landing a position in a new location without connections and Mac’s tips for first-time job seekers — specifically for those looking in the marketing industry.
Mac points out that most jobs are not posted publically, stating that only 20-30% make it to a job board like Mac’s List. Those positions, referred to as hidden jobs, are filled by internal promotions, referrals and networking (something we talked about with Dan Lee in a previous episode).
Leading us to ask: how do you get a job that never posts?
Finding the “hidden jobs”
Mac says that you need to start with investing time in goal setting and figuring out what you want. This advice applies to any career move, but it especially matters for the most coveted positions.
The next step is to spend time understanding how the hiring system works. In general, people hire those they know or they turn to others for recommendations, encouraging established connections to apply. But don’t get too excited. Connections will help you get in the room but you’ll still need to work towards getting the offer.
What this means for job seekers is that they need to put themselves in a position to be one of the potential candidates that is recommended, or at least made aware of the hidden jobs.
Tips for first-time job seekers and people looking to change industries
I asked Mac how new grads or first-time job seekers can land dream jobs. His response was very candid that they will not, saying that while their first job may not be dreamy (sorry millennials), if they spend time setting goals and mapping out how to eventually get to their dream job, they’ll ultimately have success. You get there by getting good at job hunting and thinking a few steps ahead. This will help you make better choices in your first few jobs, eventually enabling you to land your dream job
Have a plan in regards to who you need to get to know. Then put yourself in a position to connect with and interact with those people.
Is it a good time to find a job? How about specifically in Portland or communications?
We are in a job market with historically low unemployment. However, there are still 500 jobs per month on Mac’s List. It has also never been easier to apply for a job, oftentimes with just a click of a button. That means a lot of competition is applying through the front door.
However, those who have clear goals, know what they want, know what they have to offer and how the jobs market works shouldn’t have too tough of a time.
How do you find a job in a new city that you don’t know anyone in?
Mac talks about his own experience moving to Portland from Massachusetts. When he decided to move to Oregon, he built a network in Oregon before starting to apply. If you don’t know people in a city (or industry) you want a job in, you have to build a network in that location from afar. Mac mentions utilizing various networks like your existing contacts, alumni associations and good old LinkedIn. You need to build a map of the world you want to work in, determine who the leaders are in that market (geographically and within the industry) and then see who is hiring and build relationships with those people.
Learn more & network your way to a new job
Mac’s List provides plenty of opportunities for job seekers to learn more about the job market and how to be successful in your job search, including weekly newsletters, a podcast, lots of “how-to” blog posts and local events.
Upcoming Mac’s List event: How to Land Meaningful Work in Nonprofits, Thursday, March 28th at Reed College from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Live in Portland (or want to get a job and move here)? Check out the FREE RESOURCE: 8 things you should do to get Portland job faster at macslist.org/prtalk
About the guest: Mac Prichard
Mac Prichard is the founder and president of Prichard Communications, which was founded in 2007. He has a master’s degree in public administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Iowa. His career experience includes working for both Earl Blumenauer and John Kitzhaber and founding a second company called Mac’s List.
Connect and follow Mac on social media:
This episode of PR Talk is brought to you by PRSA Oregon
Throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington, PRSA provides members with networking, mentorship, skill building and professional development opportunities – whether you are a new professional fresh out of college or a skilled expert with 20 years in the industry. Check out PRSAoregon.org for more information on how membership can help you grow and connect.
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