Aspiring publicists and PR students commonly ask us for advice on how to break into the business and land their dream job. While PR is one of the most rewarding careers out there, we can tell you that it is also one of the most competitive industries on the market, and the ever-changing PR landscape has shifted the way people are looking for—and landing—jobs.
This week, Senior Publicist Ellen shares some tricks of the trade on landing your dream job and how to stand out from the competition.
INTERN – This may sound obvious, but the best way to gain valuable insight into the industry is to experience it first-hand. I always say I learned more about PR through my internships than I ever could in a classroom. At Heron, our interns work in tandem with senior level publicists who mentor them and include them as part of the team. From client interaction to attending segments with our team, our interns experience all facets of the industry so that they’re well equipped with the skill set they need to succeed in PR.
NETWORK – While I never like saying this, the saying “It’s about who you know, not what you know” is commonly true. Network with past internship supervisors, professors and college advisors to make as many connections as possible and meet professionals in the industry. You never know who might be hiring or at least know someone who is looking to fill a position.
PROOF, PROOF, PROOF – You can have an impressive GPA, a wealth of internships and a unique skill set, but one typo or grammar error can land your resume and cover letter in the trash. Proof anything you send out to potential employers, and have your friends look over it as well. A fresh set of eyes never hurts!
RESEARCH – You landed an interview. Now what? You never want to go into an interview without researching the agency. Who are their clients? What industries do they serve? Are there any past campaigns you were really impressed by? You want your potential employer to know you took the time to learn about the company’s culture.
SOCIAL MEDIA – It’s no secret that in today’s digital age, one of the first things employers do is look up your social media profiles. Make sure your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and any other platforms you’re on are cleaned up. Also, make it a habit to update your LinkedIn with recent experience, awards and scholarships, impressive courses you took, and recommendations from former internship supervisors or coworkers.
DRESS TO IMPRESS – Don’t forget to dress and act professional for the interview. Even if the agency seems casual, you should err on conservative. Employers take notice of how you look, act and fit in at their organization, before they even speak to you.
THANK YOU – Your potential employer took time out of his/her day to speak with you, so taking the time to write a Thank You note is crucial. Take mental notes during your interview and incorporate them into your note to really personalize it. If you talked about a specific campaign you were impressed by and how you can bring your experience and skill set to the company, make sure to work that into the letter.
