Job Advice From the Editor-In-Chief of Seventeen Magazine

Job Advice From the Editor-In-Chief of Seventeen Magazine Ann Shoket, Editor-In-Chief of Seventeen Magazine, Flickr photo courtesy of Jason Meredith Landing an entry level position in the media industry can be delicate â€"  especially when aiming for a spot with a notable company like CNN,  ABC, Hearst, Seventeen Magazine, and etc. In a career field that is competitive and constantly changing, it is important to stand out from other job candidates when journeying through the application and interview process. Job advice is redundantly shoved down the throats of college students and graduates constantly, yet qualified  applicants  continue to fall short of landing jobs. Fortunately, the Editor-In-Chief of Seventeen Magazine, Ann Shoket, graced the stage this weekend at the first ever Her Campus National Intercollegiette Conference in New York , NY. With  approximately  300 young inspired students,  professionals, and media lovers under the sound of her voice, she delivered what she precisely called, Ann Shokets Plan to Getting a Job. This 3-step plan  emphasizes  the importance of making the small gestures count. 1. Write a letter to the Editor. Whether its the the E-I-C or a managing editor, find their information and send them a letter. Write a letter about your connection and what youre going to do for the magazine, Shoket emphasized. While she  acknowledged  that there is no guarantee that your letter will get a response, its vital to let them know your ideas and what you can bring to the company. Dont just say you read the magazine all of your life,  she added. Its about showing what you can actually put into action. 2. Sit on the edge of your seat. Youve managed to land a meeting or interview with the company of your liking. You know when to show up, what to wear, and how to smile like your life depends upon it. Youre invited into the interview space, but now what? Stop!  Dont you dare sit comfortably with your back against the chair. Sit on the edge of your seat, Shoket says. You have to earn the right to sit back in your seat. Its all about engagement. Dont make it  monologue; make it conversation, she added. Its okay to bring your notepad filled with questions. Make yourself memorable by not waiting to have the information pried out of you.  Just start talking. 3. Write a thank you letter. Yes, youve probably heard this more than a couple of times, but its time for you to actually start doing it. With the  convenience  of emails, not many people take the time to write handwritten letters anymore. Shoket suggests using plain paper. You dont need anything fancy with flowers, rainbows, and swirls. Ensure that your letter is not generic by including something discussed in the interview, while keeping it short and sweet. We know the economy isnt the best right now and school is expensive. But there are steps that job seekers can take to improve the process. Sometimes it just takes someone influential to say something for people to understand its importance.