nice advice

The more specific you are about what you want, the better chance you’ll have at finding it. Otherwise, you’re leaving everything to chance.

• Be a laser. Having clarity gives you a huge advantage over people without focus. People who know who they are and what they want convey confidence.
• But what if I don’t know what I want? You’re in trouble and you’ve gotta do some self discovery. The good news is there are a ton of resources online to help you get clear on your interests, skills and talents. You should always be checking in with yourself and paying special attention to what energized you vs what drains you. These could be people, places, activities, etc.
• Shouldn't I be open to any opportunity to get experience? Not all opportunities are created equal and some will align more with your goals than others.

AVOID GENERIC

Don't send messages in mass. Sending a generic, copy & paste message is a quick way to get ignored.

Writing to people, not companies. You’re better off communicating with an individual in mind, rather than writing to a company as a whole. Ideally, you can identify someone at a company that you could start a rapport with on a more personal level. Look for ways to strike up a conversation that goes beyond a formal, transactional exchange. Look for common ground. Let's say the Creative Director is a drummer and you are a drummer. Boonski. Just knowing that could help you break the ice.

Read your words out loud. If your email doesn’t sound like the way you talk, write it over. Be more casual and conversational. You’re not a robot! You’re a human being for cryin’ out loud. Act like it!

Don't do what everyone else does. Everyone sends emails these days. If you want to stand out, send a written letter. Better yet, send a pizza or something physical. It sounds like a gimmick, but if the gimmick gets you noticed, then it’s worth it.

Be interesting. One young designer applied to us and mentioned he spent over a year teaching English in South Korea. That alone made me want to know more about him and his experience overseas. 

“YOU CAN MAKE MORE FRIENDS IN TWO MONTHS BY BECOMING INTERESTED IN OTHER PEOPLE THAN YOU CAN IN TWO YEARS BY TRYING TO GET OTHER PEOPLE INTERESTED IN YOU.”

~Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends & Influence People