15 Tips to Land That First Job in PR
By Jeff Wilson, APR
Each semester, I have the privilege of talking with college students about what I do as a PR professional. I’ve always found it invigorating to hear from students about their hopes and aspirations, as they prepare to enter the world of public relations. It reminds me of what I enjoy so much about what I do for a living.
Around this time of year, the thoughts of most college students who are about to graduate turn to finding that first job. For many PR graduates, coming out of college in a tough economy, it’s about finding ANY job in public relations.
A few years ago, I enlisted the help of some of my colleagues at CRT/tanaka to offer some advice – 15 tips, if you will – to college students hoping to land their first PR job. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and the things included on the list are not rocket science. Hopefully, they offer a little insight to PR students about how they can stand out in a crowded job market. Here goes:
1. Get Internship Experience. Nothing is more impressive on a resume than experience. Get valuable internship experience while you are in college, and be willing to take an internship after graduation. It could lead to a full-time position.
2. Volunteer. Along with internships at corporations and PR agencies, consider interning or volunteering for non-profits. These organizations always need help, which offers interns great opportunities to get hands-on experience. While many non-profits may only offer unpaid internships, the experience you gain will pay dividends in your career.
3. Write, Write and Write Some More. Most employers in PR place a premium on strong writing skills. Find every opportunity to add writing samples to your portfolio. Join the student newspaper. Create a newsletter for a student organization or non-profit. Practice writing e-mails flawlessly. And get to know the AP Stylebook like the back of your hand.
4. Proof Your Material. Make sure that your resume, cover letter and supporting material are error free. If you aren’t the best proofer in the world, have someone review your material who is.
5. Network. Attend local PRSA, AMA, IABC, Social Media Club and even Ad Club meetings. Join your college’s young alumni and/or alumni association, and utilize professional social networking sites such as LinkedIn. You never know when or where a job opportunity might present itself.
6. Ask for Informational Interviews. Ask for informational interviews at companies where you think you’d like to work, or that you want to learn more about. The company might not be hiring now, but could be two weeks from now. If you’ve made a good impression, they’re likely to remember you for the job. Or, they can refer you to others who might have a position that is a good fit for you.
7. Do Your Homework. Research the PR opportunities in the area where you want to work. Pay close attention to the work environments (agency, corporate, government, non-profit, etc.) and the type of work you will be asked to do as an entry-level employee to make sure your skills and interests match the job requirements. Understand the company’s products, services and breadth of work. Integrate this knowledge into your application letter and interview whenever possible.
8. Customize Your Resume. Present your experience in a way that is tailored to each job opportunity. Demonstrate to prospective employers how you would be an asset to their company and their PR team.
9. Show Your Passion. Make yourself stand out from the crowd by demonstrating the passion and personal dedication you have for the specific type of PR for which you are interested. Also articulate your desire to learn and grow. Sincere interest and passion for your work can help make up for a lack of experience.
10. Ask Questions. You should never be afraid to ask questions while interviewing. It shows you are interested and want to learn as much as possible about the prospective company.
11. Be Willing to Relocate. You might have to leave town to find that dream job – or any job – in this economy.
12. Be Flexible. Your first PR job may not be your dream job, but look at it as an opportunity to gain valuable real-world experience.
13. Create a Support System. To land internships and that first PR job, professors and guidance counselors can serve as great references and help guide you down the right career path. Also, rely on friends and classmates in your job search and share leads with one another. A classmate may already have a position in the company you want to work for, and may be able to provide valuable insight and a way to get in the door.
14. Embrace Social Media. With PR 2.0 and the increasing importance of social media, it’s essential that you have a grasp on new technologies and trends in this space. Increasingly, companies expect you to have experience and an understanding of social media – in fact it’s almost a job requirement for entry-level positions these days. Your knowledge of tools such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, wikis, blogs, online communities, etc. will help demonstrate your worth to your prospective employer.
15. Send “Thank You” Notes. Don’t forget the lost art of writing “thank you” notes. If a prospective employer has taken the time to interview you, take the time to send a “thank you” note or e-mail to express your genuine interest in working for that company.
While the job market is tough right now, it’s not impossible to land that first job in PR. It will require some perseverance and patience. Hopefully, these 15 tips will help with that job search.
Are there any other great tips to add to our list?
