media update’s Jenna Cook offers five tips that will help you secure your next job offer.
A job in PR isn’t a particularly easy one. It’s hard work, late nights and tight deadlines. But it’s also a truly exciting world for anyone who is looking for a career in an industry that sets trends, tells great stories and requires innovative problem-solving.
If you’re looking for a job in PR, here are five things you can do to make sure you ace your interview:
1. Don’t rely entirely on your CV
When it comes to showcasing your potential, don’t spend too much time focusing on your CV. While it’s a great way to get your foot in the door, it may not be what carries you across the threshold.
There are many other ways you can show your future employer that you are capable of doing what you say you can. Create a portfolio that represents who you are and what you stand for, which is something you can add to your LinkedIn or Twitter profile.
Also, have a clear idea of what it is that you want to gain from landing this job. Think about all the questions that your future employer may ask you and work on constructing concise, honest answers.
For example, you may be asked if you are willing to work flexible hours – a job in PR is not like a traditional desk job. You’ll need to know if dealing with a PR crisis at 3am is something you’re willing to work through, or not
Developing a professional presence for yourself, outside of your CV, will show your future employer that you are more than what’s written on your CV.
2. Show a little personality during your interview
When you’re trying to enter the business of building reputations, the most vital one to keep on display is your own. And you are not solely a collection of professional skills and achievements.
Don’t be afraid to add a personal touch to your interview. Your future employer will be interested in seeing more of what makes you, you. This means learning about your interests, passions and skills outside of your professional life.
You might be wondering why they’ll be interested in learning about your personal life. It’s simply because many employers will be looking to hire someone who will fit the culture of the brand and, more than that, someone who will be a good addition to the culture.
In PR, many employers will be looking for someone who works better with deadlines, is great at building relationships and is detail-oriented, while also being able to bring their own unique flare to the organisation. So be sure to put emphasis on yourself as a well-rounded individual who can handle rejection and bring a little something extra to the table.
3. Stay up to date with any developments and news in the PR industry
Staying informed with the latest happenings in the PR industry is the best way to ensure that your knowledge is relevant. It’s also a great way to beef up your answers during the interview process.
Make sure you read relevant publications (like
media update), follow influential blogs and network with people who already work as PR professionals.
This is important because it will let you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into when applying for a job in the PR industry. Also, it will allow you to demonstrate just how passionate you are for a job in PR.
Your future employer will want to see that you take interest in the industry, so much so that you're willing to learn about it outside of your work environment. And in an industry like PR, staying relevant is key, as trends, deadlines and news is constantly changing.
4. Be transparent about your skills
Your future employer knows that you aren’t perfect, but this is not something you should be discouraged by. All it means is that you simply have more to learn about the industry, developing your skills and managing client relationships.
So instead of trying to avoid talking about the skills and achievements that you don’t yet have, own them. Make sure to let your future employer know that you’re an open-minded individual who is keen to learn more about the trade.
Share past experiences where you had to take criticism, the ways you’ve learnt to deal with it and how you’ve managed to improve. Being open about your past industry experience shows that you’re self-aware and willing to do what it takes to be the best version of yourself.
You may think that opening up to your future employer is a no-no. But as long as it’s done with a positive, professional attitude, they will be keen to hear about the times you’ve failed and how you’ve managed to turn those moments into opportunities.
5. Make sure to show gratitude towards your current position
Gratitude is a very important trait to master. It’s not hard to believe that, for many people, it is easier to work with someone who is grateful to be in the position that they’re in. And when it comes to PR, being humble is something that you’ll need to master quickly.
More often than not, working in PR means you need to juggle many things at once. From demanding clients, relationships with journalists and crafting press releases, there’s always something that needs to be managed, which means there is always something that can go wrong.
A PR pro needs to be willing to give their job their all, to do their absolute best, go the extra mile and, above all else, be able to admit when they were wrong. Your potential employer will be intrigued to learn about how you can turn your job into a fulfilling, resilient career.
While people skills and multitasking are prerequisites for a job in PR, there are a few things that PR professionals can borrow from journalists to improve their work. Read more in our article, Three skills PRs can borrow from journalists.
*Image courtesy of Vecteezy