By Camille Twitchell
Public relations is one of the fastest growing fields. A fast growing field means that the job market is gaining momentum. However, employers are very particular about what qualities they are looking for in a position. For this reason, let us take a look at how professional public relations practitioners got a hold of the job they currently have.
Practice confidence – To an employer, nothing is more of a turn off than an interviewee who does not portray confidence. Showing uncertainty can damage the chances of getting the job.
Network – In the field of public relations, who you know is more important than what you know in a critical time. This field is built on professional relationships, and those can come in handy for the job market. More importantly do not burn bridges. In a field where networking is so important, burning bridges can be equally as devastating. You never know what is going to happen down the line and whose help is going to be needed.
Master multitasking – In this field, no two days are alike. This means that you have to know how to do what task that needs to be done at the moment. Whether that filling individual clients needs, handling deadlines or writing a news release.
Gain experience – Public relations is a field in which experience is just as important as your degree. Employers want to know that you are capable of handling tasks assigned by looking at what you have done. There are a shocking number of graduates who have no experience. Having some shows that you understand what the job is about.
If a job is not already won, what must be done to get that job you want?
Do the research – First you need to decide which sector of public relations you want to do. Some different examples are event coordinating, research organization and data analyst. It is a good idea to research with current professionals in the field you are interested in. Look at items they have researched or events they have coordinated and ask questions if you get the opportunity.
Practice writing skills – Public relations is not the Sex and the City perception that many people would like you to believe. Writing is essential, and cannot be taken lightly. Writing is a skill that can always be improved upon and is constantly changing. A way with words is important factor in becoming successful in the field of public relations.
Master AP style – A public relations practitioner can essentially end up writing for millions of people to see. You need to know how to write using AP style because it is the accepted professional journalistic writing style in the United States. If a mistake is made, the professionals will notice. As a PR professional, you do not want to be in this situation of others noticing your errors, and practicing can help avoid it.
Decide to apply to a PR agency or an in-house agency – Both types of agencies have their positives and negatives. It ultimately comes down to whether you want to work with multiple clients and different roles or secure a job within a large company. If you choose the first, it creates new challenges with the variety of clients and tasks that you will undertake. If you choose the latter, quite often, the pay is higher and promotion opportunities are greater but the variety may not be there.
Know where to look – Depending on the type of job, it may be beneficial to reach out to your relationships made through networking than just applying through traditional application processes. Public relations is a field in which networking is so important, and it can mean the difference between an established job or no job at all.
