1. Winning an Interview:
How to Skirt the Application Process
Mike Santoro, President, Walker Sands
April 30, 2013

2. Two Ways to Get a Job
Way #1: Traditional Way
2,000
applicants
40 “perfect”
resumes
10 “perfect”
writing tests
Interview

3. Two Ways to Get a Job
Way #2: Know Someone
Company influencer
says, “This person is
awesome.”
Interview

4. Traditional Way is Easy!
But it doesn’t result in an interview!

5. Getting Recommended is Very Hard.
But it will be more effective!
Walker Sands Hiring (Previous Year)
40%
10%
25%
25%
Job Listings
Recruiters
Employee Referrals
Interns converted to full time

6. Getting Recommended is Very Hard.
How do I get Challin to be my friend?

7. 6 Steps to Making Friends

8. Step 1: Define Your Goal
Figure out WHAT you want to do & WHO you
want to do it for.

9. Step 2: Become a Round Peg
Most resumes look like square pegs trying to fit
into round holes.
I know marketing things.
Typical Candidate
2-3 years experience in a PR agency
Strong writing skills
Ability to demonstrate creativity
Experience pitching the media
Understanding of social media
Job Description

10. Step 3: Meet People & Ask Questions
Target decision makers AND junior level
influencers. Everyone drinks coffee.

11. Step 4: Become a Special Peg
Find a way to get experience that matters.
I know marketing things.
No Job
PR experience
Experience with media
Strong writer
Creative thinker
Entry Level Highly Desirable
Tech PR experience
Media relationships
Regularly writes tech blog
Has managed an infographic
project
Shares highly relevant content
on Twitter

12. Step 5: Keep in Touch
Keep building your network while maintaining
your best connections.
Share their
content
Share articles
& events
Ask for
advice

13. Step 6: Find the Job/Make the Ask
Don’t forget to keep your contact up to date
once you’re in the process.
Wait for the
RIGHT job
Ask your friend – you’re friends by
now, right?

14. If you only remember 3 things…
Prepare yourself to fit that role
Find what’s right for YOU
Friend people who can help you

15. Thank you!
Walker Sands Communications
121 N. Jefferson St.
Chicago, IL 60661
Phone: (312) 267-0066
Fax: (312) 876-1388
www.walkersands.com