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Starting out in PR. Senior. I’m going to cover:. Top tips for breaking into PR Social media and your job search How to shine at interviews Managing your career progression State of the market for new entrants and grads. Top tips for b reaking into PR.
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Starting out in PR Senior
I’m going to cover: • Top tips for breaking into PR • Social media and your job search • How to shine at interviews • Managing your career progression • State of the market for new entrants and grads
Top tips for breaking into PR Develop your base knowledge through research Know what PR is (vs advertising, sales promotion…) Understanding the different types – consumer, corporate, financial… Know the key sources of information: CIPR, PRCA, PR Week... Get work experience if you can Provides hands on experience Gives you contacts Gains you referees Ensure your basic skills are strong Interpersonal skills Writing skills Ability to communicate clearly
Social media and your job search Social media understanding is a must for PR professionals, HOWEVER: Think about how public your personal life is Is your social media profile the one you’d like your future employer to see? If not, adjust your settings accordingly Don’t think it’s too early for a professional profile Consider a LinkedIn profile Make sure it matches your CV Assume recruitment managers will look at your social media profile – I will!
Increase your chances of getting an interview Make sure your CV sells you Clear and concise Relevant to the job (lots of examples) Include achievements and results *Visit our blogs page for a chronological CV template
How to shine at interview – pre-meeting Research The company/ agency – their clients, the campaigns they run Brainstorm Think what questions you might be asked Practice your answers (including examples that support them) Think about questions of your own Plan How you’re going to get to the meeting What you’re going to wear
How to shine at interview – at the meeting Make the right first impression Sit up straight (even when you’re waiting in reception) Have a firm handshake Smile! Listen to the interviewers’ questions… ...And answer them (no tangents please!) Ask your questions Don’t be shy or think they don’t want to hear them They demonstrate that you’re thoughtful and want the job
Managing your career progression Seize every chance to develop and practise your skills Write lots Get to know key journalists and what they like Get involved in brainstorms and contribute ideas Understand what you need to do to get promoted Make sure you have clear, achievable objectives Let your line manager know when you’re meeting them Be willing to do the admin Do this well and account-handling work will follow
State of the market for new entrants and grads Despite the recession, PR is a growing sector E.g. 2010 – sector grew by 10-15% (while advertising shrank) It’s a competitive market PR has always been a top career choice for graduates PRCA industry research predicts the level of graduate recruitment will stay the same in 2012 HOWEVER, agencies of all sizes are running grad schemes Persistence will pay off Know what PR is Get yourself some relevant hands on experience Make contacts and work them!
Thank you Any questions? Senior Vice President – FTI Consulting The Works Search and Selection 52 Brook StreetLondon W1K 5DS www.the-works.co.uk