Tips on Finding a Job in Public Relations

Sometimes I think that a lot of college graduates are under the impression that once they receive that bright-white piece of paper after waltzing across the stage in front of friends and family, that they will automatically land their dream job. Right? Wrong. Finding a job in the field of public relations (that you will thoroughly enjoy) is not an easy task to accomplish, but it is obviously doable.  I’d like to offer some tips and advice to those of you who are about to delve into the somewhat scary, “adult” world and hunt for jobs (myself being one of those people).

First, you should conduct some secondary research. You don’t want to seem unprepared, do you? Plus, if you conduct a sufficient amount of research, you will have a leg-up against your competitors who’ve applied for the same position. You should conduct research:

• When you are initially looking for jobs
• When you are applying to jobs
• When you are invited to interview

Here is some information that you should gather while conducting your research:

• General company information: products, services, history, mission, finances, structure, office locations, etc.
• Employment information: if there is ample opportunity for advancement within the company (if that’s something you’re concerned about), if they offer benefits, company diversity
• Industry information: who their competitors are, the state of the industry, major industry publications
• The city that you’d potentially be living in: cost of living, areas to reside, social activities, etc.

You should also look at the company’s website, Facebook, Twitter feed, blogs and LinkedIn (here’s mine if you are unfamiliar with LinkedIn). Also read outside reviews of the company: Businessweek (for public and private companies), Hoovers (for public companies), Forbes (for private and public companies), Inc. 500 (for private companies), and Quint’s guide to non-profits. This can help you gain a better understanding of how the company ranks against other companies.

Also, your resume should be in tip-top shape to avoid getting a one-way ticket to the trash bin. Here are some resume tips:

• Generate and use keywords and don’t sell yourself short
• Have an easy-to-read format
• Customize your own header in a program such as InDesign
• Customize your resume for each position that you apply for and take out things that are irrelevant
• Look at sample resumes and research other resume advice

Lastly, set yourself apart from other applicants by going above and beyond:

• Start your own WordPress blog or Tumblr site and engage actively in social media
• Follow industry leaders on Twitter, participate in the conversations that they’re having and tweet on a regular basis to show companies that you know what you’re doing
• Create and beef-up your LinkedIn profile. This is a perfect way to connect with professionals in your field of interest
• Create an online portfolio through Weebly or WordPress (Here’s a great example of a site create through Weebly: Desiree Mahr)

Here are additional job search sites to help jump-start your search: PRSA Alabama, PRSA Atlanta, PRCA Alabama, PRSA, PRWeek Jobs, Talent Zoo, PR Crossing, Odwyer PR, Media Bistro, Simply Hired, Indeed, Council of Public Relations Firms, Idealist.org  (non-profits), UA Career Center

Here are some Twitter handles that are helpful to follow:

@nyprjobs, @dcprjobs, @PRSAjobcenter, @Prjobs, @prwork, @advertisingjobs, @nyadjobs, @topcreatives, @AdJobsinUSA, @Prwork, @GetPubRelatJobs

I hope this post is beneficial to you in your public relations job search. Good luck and may the best PR man or woman win!