Why seven you may ask? Well five wasn't enough and 10 is far too common. I had to be original, so seven it is.
My seven suggestions for finding your perfect PR position:
1. Plan ahead
Start out with all your ducks in a row, and you'll already be in a better position than your competition. Have dates marked in your calendar and your memory if you can. This sounds so elementary, I know, but when talking with a potential employer, you'll look like you really have it together if you can give them exact dates. Remember, employers notice someone who can manage his or her personal schedule well. Those skills translate into work too. For those of you already addicted to your rigid schedule, keep in mind that employers like to see flexibility too.
2. Go to career fairs, even when they don't look promising
Go and talk to as many businesses as you can. Even if they don't look promising on appearance, wander the aisles and just meet people. I attended a career fair for mainly business majors and ended up falling into conversation with a woman who graduated with a journalism degree from my university, shifted to public relations and is looking to build her practice. At the very least, you will learn about a company and meet some new people. You never know who they know; that accounting firm might have contacts in PR.
3. Learn the industry, find your niche
How many different ways can you say PR? What I mean is that PR has so many niches, you need to know what interests you the most. Personally, I love agency world. I find it exciting, challenging and fun. Some practitioners think we agency folk are crazy; they feel like it's such a whirlwind pace they can't catch their breath. Learn about all the different opportunities available to you. Agency, nonprofit, corporate, government, health care, education; they all represent completely different opportunities and challenges in the field. Knowing about yourself is going to help too, which goes along with my next point.
4. Understand your personality
You can't possibly pick the realm of PR that suits you best if you don't know how your personality stacks up against the various aspects of the aforementioned fields. For me, I loathe fundraising, therefore, nonprofit would NOT be the way to go. I can do it, but it's not my first choice. I have a friend who has a huge heart for service and wants to do nonprofit PR more than anything. It combines her two loves in one career. Take a personality test or two, or sit down and objectively analyze yourself. I think it helps to start by asking yourself what you want out of your career and go from there.
5. Get advice
Probably the most underrated, forgotten point on the list. Seeking advice from people who have searched for an entry level PR position before can help you figure out what places in your search are going well and which ones need more attention. If you can't find a PR person to talk to, the next best person is a career counselor or even someone who has experienced searching for an entry level position in other fields, like business. Even if you know you have it together, a little reassurance never hurts.
6. Network, make contacts and keep in touch
The old saying, "It's not what you know, but who you know," comes to mind. Now that's only partially true; if you are incompetent, even if you land the job, you'll eventually get fired. But knowing people helps. Don't be afraid to tap those contacts. Asking people if they know of any openings in your field is a great place to start. Daunting I know, but once you get the hang of it, it'll be second nature to you. Then 15 years down the road when someone asks you the same question, you'll know exactly how to help them.
7. Have a back up plan
Unfortunately, job offers don't always work out, so be prepared. This is where having lots of contacts and good networking skills can really help you out. Remember that woman you talked to who offered you that job you weren't so sure about? Now maybe the timing is better for you to consider it. Your back up plan will probably be constantly changing, and won't look anything like that to-the-letter crisis plan you put together for your client. Even if it remains a little vague, the point is that you've thought about it. It'll keep you constantly evaluating your options.
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2 comments:
Great Post! This is basic information - but makes so much more sense written out. The part about making sure you find the right kind of PR work is so true. I did an interview with a firm who does nothing but litigation work for the government - so not interested in that! You really have to know what the work is and who the clients are to decide if it's for you. Great post - great ideas!!
Thanks for the comment Katie. I'm glad you liked the point about finding your niche. I think it's something people often overlook when trying to find a PR job. If you don't like the industry or the nature of the work, you're not going to be happy doing it, and you probably won't be able, or want to give it your best effort. It short changes you and your client or organization.
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