Career in PR and Communications

 

What Public Relations Managers and Specialists Do
Public relations managers and specialists create and maintain a favorable public image for their employer or client. They write material for media releases, plan and direct public relations programs, and raise funds for their organizations.

Job Outlook
Employment of public relations specialists is expected to grow 23 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of public relations managers is expected to grow 16 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth of both will be driven by the need for organizations to maintain their public image in a high-information age and with the growth of social media.

Info target: bls.gov

Whether you have always wanted to work in the PR industry or you are considering a change in career, here are some top tips to help you break into your dream industry.

 

Start with the Job Descriptions

Depending on your level of experience and expertise, it is always a good idea to look up the job descriptions in this field. The expectations can range from ‘Developing and edit high-quality written materials, including media correspondence, speaking abstracts, and marketing collateral..’ for junior and entry levels to ‘Assisting in media relations training for staff, including current employees and new hires‘ for senior level positions.

It would be easier to identify the requirements for the job you could be best suited for and you can then focus on positioning your cover letter and resume to get the best results.

Entry-level salaries in the field average in the low $30,000s, according to PayScale.com. Senior level salaries can go high up in 6 figures.

 

Tailor your Resume

Before you begin searching for your dream role, it is essential that your CV is the best it can be. Your CV is the first thing that a potential employer will see and for this reason it is crucial that you make a great first impression. Don’t be afraid to change your CV as it is wise to tailor it for every job role. The qualities that an employer will look for may differ from role to role and taking this in to account will help you stay one step ahead of the rest. Include an introduction that pinpoints key skills that are relevant to both the industry and the role and omit everything that isn’t relevant.

Adding favorable testimonials from previous clients or managers would be to your advantage here. Your resume shows how well you can communicate your strengths and showcase a portfolio which deserves a second glance!

Related post: 6 Ways to Create A Memorable Resume

 

Re-Think your Job Search Strategy

If you have been looking for a job in PR for more than six months but haven’t been successful, it is time to change your approach. When it comes to job hunting, the internet plays a crucial role in your search and can help you to research your industry as well as seeking out a reputable recruitment agency. A recruitment agency can pass on your details to some of the best PR firms in your area and present the perfect opportunity to get your foot on the corporate ladder.

If the company you are applying for is looking to hire to better their social media presence, they are probably interested in those who have some experience and presence here. How is your interaction and involvement on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook? It’s important that you are well conversant at attracting followers and presenting a good brand value on these social media platforms.

 

Brush Up on Interview Etiquette

So, once you have re-evaluated your job search strategy you should have a few interviews lined up. This is your chance to showcase your skills and tell potential employers why you would be a great fit for the role. Before you attend an interview make sure you have researched the company. Study their website to find out as much as you can about the company, their clients and their services. Most PR companies have a Facebook page or a Twitter account and you can use these social networking channels to get a feel for the team. It is important that you can list the relevant skills that you have but you must also be able to give examples of when you have put these skills into action. Being able to demonstrate your abilities in an interview will set you apart from other candidates.

 

Take Examples of your Work

Employers love hearing about what you can do but if you can show them examples of this it will ensure you stand out from the crowd. Organize examples of your work in a portfolio and present them in an aesthetically pleasing way. This is a great way of showing off your skills and it is a good idea to leave them with a copy of the portfolio that they can keep.

You must have some written examples: published or unpublished, that might impress the interviewer. The company is hiring you for your communications skills, finesse in writing and also your reach in the social media might be the determining factors when it comes to choosing from two equally qualified candidates.
Some good advice is here at this video:

If you are looking to kick start your job search, you can find London PR jobs @ www.prospectresourcing.com

Read about How to Become a Public Relations Manager or Specialist on bls.gov