Jobs In Public Relations | Tips for Getting a Job in PR

It may seem somewhat daunting in this economic time to find a job of any sort. Depending on where you're starting, being a recent graduate or a specialist from another profession, here are a few tips that might help you land a position in public relations:

[If you'd first like to learn more about public relations (and if it's the career for you) and the differences between it and advertising, click here]

First things first: it is in your best interest to have an education. Having a degree in public relations is not always necessary as a degree in journalism, marketing, or communications may suffice in lieu of a PR degree. The playing field has been leveled, though, with more and more individuals making their way into the job market with degrees; a bachelors degree seems to be the new high school diploma. It has become a necessity in order to find yourself with more options when looking for a career or job.

Where to start, where to start...

Finding a job to apply for may be the hardest part of getting a job in PR, but it could be half the battle. Some place to look may be your school's job board (if you still have access), LinkedIn, Facebook, PRWeek Jobs (US), Monster, and America's Job Bank may be some good resources.

For some ideas of best firms to work for, check out TheHolmesReport, which offers news and intelligence for PR professionals. Here is a list of their best agencies to work for.

Bulldog Reporter also offers media news and intelligence for PR professionals, and has job listings on their site, which you can search and read through here.

LinkedIn even has an Entry Level and Intern group specifically for Public Relations. If you do not already have a LinkedIn profile, create one for yourself! It may be a resource a prospective employer may use to learn a little more about you and your accomplishments. Once you have a profile, you can join the PRintern|EntryPR group that lists internships and entry-level jobs, as well as discussions, articles, and available advice from PR professionals. With over 830 members, this may be a good place to start.

Also, be sure to check out industry publications, magazines, and other websites to get some leads and possible career opportunities.

Ok, so you've found a job you want to apply for. Now what?

Find out who to talk to about the position. Is it HR, the PR department, or the CEO? Figure it out so you can address your cover letter and other correspondence appropriately. This will show preparation and real interest in the company/firm and the position. If you don't seem interested, there is no reason for the firm to even consider hiring you; why would they want to? They want someone passionate about the company and what the company is doing.

If there is a job description, tailor your resume and cover letter accordingly. If the job description asks for attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and computer skills, by all means say that you have exactly these things! (So long as you have these qualities, of course.) List them as reasons why you would be a good fit for the firm, and what you could bring to the firm. Action words are key.

The person interviewing may also want some writing samples or examples of any PR work you may have done in the past. Do not supply them unless asked for; you can mention you have examples in your cover letter, but there is no need to inundate the hiring person with more to read when they may not even read your entire resume.

If you start off right, you may land yourself a position you love, or maybe one that just leads to another. Either way, being prepared makes it easier to accomplish your goals.

"Train Hard, Win Easy"


Tags: Job In Public Relations, Public Relations Jobs, Public Relations Career, public relations


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5W Public Relations: A Quick Company Overview

One of the top 25 PR firms in the industry, 5W Public Relations has clients the likes of Harrah's, Evian, McDonald's, XM Satellite Radio, and BET Networks. Founded in 2003 by Ronn Torossian, they are now a full-service firm, and work in the consumer, technology, entertainment, lifestyle, fashion, corporate communications, and health and wellness areas. The are headquartered in New York with an office in LA. They were voted the 5th largest firm in NY and the 21st largest firm in the US by the O'Dwyers PR Report, and have revenues exceeding $11.5 million.

To learn more about one of the 'fastest-growing-agencies', check out their website and their CEO's blog, which can be found here on their homepage.

Tags: 5W Public Relations, public relations firms, public relations companies, public relations


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Public Relations Associations



Below is a list of a few associations in the public relations industry. For more information visit each of their websites where they have blogs, news, and an application to join.





  • Public Relations Society of America: With more than 22,000 members, PRSA offers their members an outlet to have their voices heard, an opportunity to stay on top of emerging trends and industry news through the Public Relations Journal and Tactics and Strategist, the ability to extend their networks while increasing their knowledge through chapters and the sharing of information and ideas, as well as online resources (including case studies and full-text articles) for members only.
  • International Public Relations Association: IPRA offers international networking opportunities through global conferences and regional meetings, annual directories of members, and online global PR resources. Also as member, there are benefits such as reduced fees to international PR conferences, reduced rates to online Hot-Link referral service, and professional credibility.
  • Canadian Public Relations Society: With ~1,500 members in 16 member societies located across Canada, in places such as Prince George, Vancouver, Toronto, and Ottawa, they are one of the top associations in North America and Canada, and provide networking for members as well as a member referral program, leadership opportunities, and a National Resource Library.
  • Council of Public Relations Firms: Some of the membership benefits of the Council of Public Relations Firms include: Proprietary Research, access to major industry studies and data, participation in business development programs, recruitment and intern support, and much more. The Council represents ~14,000 employees and a large portion of the est. $4.0 Billion dollars in US revenue.

  • Entertainment Publicists Professional Society: Founded in 1991, EEPS has been a tool used to bring people from every level of entertainment publicity together in order to share their expertise, information, and ideas. Members are encouraged to join committees, such as the activities, membership, publicity, and website committees. Benefits include a free subscription to EPPS's bimonthly newsletter, discounts on the SCOOP seminars, and access to the Motion Picture Federal Credit Union.

  • International Association of Business Communicators: IABC provides a network for over 15,500 business communication professionals in 80 countries. Members come from backgrounds in PR, marketing, advertising, training, editing, writing, and graphic design, to name a few. Joining the association gives these professionals a resource in order to make an impact in their jobs, find clients, and to find and explore the hidden job market.

  • Issue Management Council: "Helping members anticipate and successfully resolve issues through effective management processes". This council is from professionals who work in managing issues and for those who wish to advance in the profession.


Tags: public relations associations, public relations, public relations memberships



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360 Public Relations: An Overview

360 Public Relations, founded in 2001, is a public relations firm focused on niche consumers, such as foodies, homeowners, parents, gamers, and green consumers. They found that these target markets are passionate about what they consume and 360 Public Relations has upped their game and crafted a new, creative way of reaching these audiences. One of these creative ventures includes the MomSquad™ which "brings a real parent perspective to clients, brands, products and services the agency represents." The members of MomSquad™ are people who parent and market, and are journalists, researchers, and PR veterans.

They have helped the likes of companies such as Lego, PBS, Vicks, Snuggie, and Disney. They have some case studies on their website that highlight some of their clients, including Crock Pot, Lego, and Ball. Among the work they have completed, they also network through Converge™, of which they were a founding member. Converge™ is a geographically diverse network of agencies that offers resources and expertise in markets across the US, on-ground, and in the market.

To read more about them and to visit their website, click here.

Tags: 360 Public Relations, public relations firms, Public Relations Companies, public relations


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J Public Relations


J Public Relations is a PR firm based in San Diego, California. They are a select-service boutique agency that specializes in hospitality, restaurant, design and consumer products, and travel/tourism public relations and marketing. They were initially established as a partnership between Kim Guyader and Jamie Sigler, both of whom had experience in the public relations industry.

With a PR team of women, J Public Relations has helped clients such as Harrah's, Sheraton Hotels, AIDS Walk San Diego, and many, many more. They offer public relations, media relations, community relations, cause marketing, promotions, event management, talent management, and online marketing services.

To read some of their case studies and to learn more about their all woman PR team, click here to be redirected to the home page.

Tags: J Public Relations, public relations firms, public relations companies, public relations


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Public Relations Jobs | Some Typical PR Jobs

Some Typical Public Relations Jobs

Though the PR industry has a lot to offer in jobs and careers, this article will address a few typical jobs that can be found within the industry.

  • Public Relations Specialist: This position usually requires a 4 year degree, preferably a BBA or BBS degree in an area dealing with Marketing, Communications, Journalism, and behavioral sciences, or field closely related. Excellent writing skills are required, as well as a range of 0-4 years of experience, depending upon the hiring company. The position calls for an individual who will be able to effectively incorporate marketing and public relations to better handle marketing and PR campaigns and advertising. In order to promote the company favorably and to create an ideal company image, the PR Specialist will do a variety of tasks, from compiling publications and other works to generating and retaining relationships with customers, media outlets, and retailers.
  • Public Relations Manager: This position also requires a BA degree, also preferably in Communications, Journalism, or Public Relations. Excellent writing skills are also required, as well as the ability to meet deadlines and work under stress. (As is required in many, many jobs.) 3-5 years experience is also required. The main tasks this job entails monitoring press coverage, developing and managing relationships, and working towards increasing visibility of company brand.
  • Public Relations Supervisor: This position too looks for a BA or BS degree or equivalent in Journalism, Marketing, or Public Relations. 4+ years of experience are typically required, as well as some industry experience. Writing and communication skills must be exceptional, and one must be driven and hard working. Some of the job's tasks include overseeing, coaching, and mentoring junior-level team members, providing client feedback to team members, analyzing results and reports to evaluate program effectiveness, and assisting in the preparation of client billing and overseeing administration and budget. Tasks also include gaining outside exposure, enhancing company credibility and visibility through print and other forms of media, as well as implementing other public relations strategies. This job requires that you work well with others and under pressure.
Permanent Link: Public Relations Jobs
Tags: Public Relations Jobs, PR Jobs, Public Relation Jobs, PR Jobs


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Online Public Relations Resources: Free Sites to Post a Press Release

Are you launching a new product or website? Announcing a new book, movie or seminar? Then you’ve probably created a press release – sharing the: who, what, when, where, how and why of your special newsworthy item.

However, there is a lot more to a press release than just creating one. Perhaps the most important aspect of a press release is the distribution. The purpose of a press release is to gather media attention. Online there are many places to post your press release. However, if you’re on a low project budget, the cost can be prohibitive – ranging from the hundreds to even thousands of dollars.

Below, I’ve gathered several sites, forums and lists that will allow you to distribute your press release for free!

Places to Post Your Press Release For Free:

-BizEurope

-Free Press Release

-Click2NewsSites

-PRWeb

-PressBox

-DimeCo

-OpenPress

-Press XTV World

-Press Blaster

In addition, there is a great thing called “Web Rings” where like sites are grouped together in a directory like fashion, check it out by clicking here.

Also, don’t forget the importance of discussion boards and online forums. Be sure to check out the different groups offered by both Yahoo! and MSN to see if they may be interested in getting the word out on your new product, service or site!!

There are many avenues out there for getting the word out without going broke! So, don’t be intimidated, get started sharing the word. You may just be surprised by the results!!

Jennifer Gibbs is a successful freelance professional living in South Georgia with her husband and son. If your business is in need of an exciting press release (or an exciting SEO’d press release) visit her website here.

Article Source.

Tags: online public relations resources, public relations online, press release distribution, public relations, free press release submission


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About the Author: Ashley Wirthlin


I am a Marketing Associate of the H Media Group and I write daily here on Public Relations Blogger.com. I have experience in marketing, event coordination, and non-profit fundraising. I am a Marketing and Management graduate from the University of Portland.

I am currently working on developing a public relations certification program while continuing to write about public relations best practices and tools through this blog. Thank you for your interest and time in our website.

- Ashley

Ashley Wirthlin
Team@BusinessTraining.com


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