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Careers in Communication
Students who are active members of PRO have the opportunity to gain many of the required skills needed to work in the field of communication.
Communication is a broad area of study that allows for many different applications in the professional world. Communication is used every day, by every organization regardless of whether it is verbal, or nonverbal, internal or external.
Communication skills are one of the most desired skills when hiring new employees. At Western Michigan University there are many different undergraduate programs for students who want to study Communication including Communication Studies, Public Relations, Journalism, Organizational Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Film, Video and Media Studies, and Telecommunication and Information Management.
Specifically, Public Relations maintain the relationship between an organization and its public. Strong communication and writing skills are required for a career in public relations such as a Community Relations Specialist, Media Planner, Publicity Specialist, or Public Speaker.
In addition to writing and communication skills, an education through the School of Communication at Western Michigan University will provide students with many strongly desired skills. WMU offers courses that specifically focus on skills such as group problem solving, clear and professional writing, public speaking, and research.
Ace your interview!
Interviews can be stressful, but there are many simple tips to follow in order to confidently interview for a job!
Dress the part:
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Wear clean, professional clothing.
Men should wear dress pants with a button down shirt or a nice sweater, tucked in to their pants. A belt will complete the outfit with a polished look. A tie may not be necessary, but will also greatly enhance the look. Clothing should be free of wrinkles and stains. Shoes should be clean, and neutral such as brown or black.
Women should wear dress pants or a long skirt, which should end no higher than below the knee. A blouse or sweater would be best suited for this outfit. A dress is another option for women, as long as it meets the length requirement and it is modest and professional. High heels are not required, but shoes should be clean, and typically closed-toe shoes are preferred. Women should not wear nylons with open-toed shoes.
In some cases, a suit may be most appropriate, depending on the type of position that you are interviewing for. -
Both men and women should refrain from wearing strong scented cologne and perfume.
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Hair should be clean, brushed and pulled-back out of one's face, if long enough to do so.
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Nails should be clean and well manicured. Women should use neutral nail polish colors- if any.
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Make-up should be applied sparingly and with natural colors.
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Men and Women should wear jewelry sparingly.
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Cover up tattoos and unusual body piercings.
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If you must bring a bag or purse to an interview choose a clean, professional looking style.
Prepare before hand:
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Resumes should be perfected prior to the day of the interview. Resumes should be clear, specific, and concise. Printing a resume on a slightly heavier sheet of paper is an inexpensive way to appear more professional and can be done at a copy center such as Kinkos. You may want to use a folder to transport your resume, to prevent folds and wrinkles. Make sure that your resume includes your contact information including your address, phone number, and e-mail address. E-mail addresses should be professional, preferably your first and last name. Do not use e-mail such as "wmugirl543@gmail.com".
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Cell phones should be turned off completely, and in most cases they do not need to be brought into the interview at all.
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Practice common interview questions.
Some frequently asked interview questions are:
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Tell me about a time when you were faced with a difficult decision at work. How did you handle it?
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What are some of your strengths?
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What are some of your weaknesses?
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What did you enjoy about your current/ most recent position?
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What interests you in working for this company?
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Be sure to research the company that you are interviewing beforehand. Also, prepare a short list of questions for your interviewer to show your interest in both the position and the company
After the interview:
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Immediately after an interview, mail a hand-written thank-you to your interviewer, thanking them for taking the time to meet with you. This is one last chance to emphasize why you are the ideal candidate for a position, and why you would be an asset to their organization.