Ten Tips for Landing Your First Public Relations Job
Chloe
Create a profile on LinkedIn and Twitter. LinkedIn has great groups that post jobs all over the country daily and discussion boards with tips from recruiters and professionals on everything from interviewing to resumes. I found my position posted in the #PRintern/ #EntryPR group. Some recruiters and companies have Twitter accounts that post both job postings and up-to-date information on the companies you are interested in. A friend of mine landed a summer internship in New York City at a prominent public relations agency by following the recruiter on Twitter and inquiring about employment via direct messages to her.
Create a personal Web page. There are plenty of free Web domains out there that have easy to use templates that allow you to share your resume, biography, writing samples and much more. Many employers ask to see writing samples, and sending them a link is much easier than bogging them down with huge files in their e-mail inbox.
Write an eye-catching cover letter tailored specifically to the position and company you are applying for. I like to start with a funky off-topic first paragraph then tie that paragraph to the position and my qualifications.
Do your research on the company! Read all available information on the company’s Web site and social media pages. If it is an agency, do research on their clients, especially if the position is dedicated to a specific client.
Research who you are interviewing with. If you are provided with the names of the people you will be interviewing with be sure to Google their names and check out their profiles on LinkedIn.
Prepare at least five good questions for the interview. Chances are some of your questions will be answered during general conversation in the interview so be sure to have plenty of questions to choose from to make things easier when it’s your turn to take the reins in the interview.
Bring suggestions and new ideas that improve the company or their clients’ initiatives to your interview or send a small plan to the company if you are really interested in the job and have not heard from them. Even if they don’t like the ideas or would never use them, they will be well appreciate that you took the time to think beyond the interview.
Prepare your answers to possible interview questions. There are thousands of sites that list every possible interview question imaginable. Don’t forget to prepare an answer to the obvious question– Why should we hire you?
Follow up! Follow up after you’ve sent your resume, to check the status of your application if you haven’t heard back from them and also after your interview.
Be yourself! It’s important to let your personality shine in both the interview and when you’re writing to the company. Americans today spend more time at work than anywhere else, so companies are looking for applicants who have a personality that will be compatible with that of the office.
