“Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted. Would you capture it or just let it slip?”
Detroit’s Eminem gives great advice that is easily relatable to a job search. Anyone who has gone through the job interview process knows how much work goes into it. Some may say the act of looking for a job is a full-time job.
I’ve sat on both sides of the interview table, as a recent college graduate seeking employment and as a manager interviewing potential candidates. I’ve learned a lot through my years of experience and I love being able to share that advice with students and college grads. Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for a PR agency job:
K.I.S.S.
Keep it short and simple. The one thing I’ve learned about resumes is to keep it to 1-2 pages. (A good rule of thumb: one page per 10 years of relevant experience.) A resume should highlight your career and showcase your skills to a potential employer. Keep your skill set to the job you’re applying for. If you only have one or two jobs in the PR industry, it’s perfectly acceptable for school projects on a resume, as long as they relate to public relations.
Some say searching for a job is a full time job. Andrea Kenski offers simple tips for college graduates finding their first job in PR.
Dress for the job you want, not the job you have
Candidates who look like they should work for an agency will be looked upon as motivated and driven to succeed. Business attire is always a safe bet for an interview. PR professionals are all about details and your attire should reflect that attention to detail.
The art of writing
When you apply for a PR agency job, expect a writing test. As a PR professional, we write on a daily basis. Agencies look for candidates with strong writing skills, knowledge of AP style and attention to detail, as well as creative content. Hopefully, as a recent PR graduate, you’ve taken a public relations capstone course and extensive writing classes. I also recommend blogging to sharpen your writing skills. Follow PR pros who are bloggers as well.
Following these tips won’t guarantee you a job in the PR field, but it’ll give you edge over the competition. What would you add to these tips?
Andrea Kenski is an Account Manager at Franco.
