How to Get a Job in PR: An Insider's Guide

by Romana Shah

Being a graduate fresh out of university can be daunting with the prospect of sending endless CVs and going to countless interviews all in the hopes of getting your foot on the career ladder. There are a few things you can do, to set yourself apart in the fast pace world of Public Relations.  So, here are some pointers for people wanting to get a job in PR.
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Choosing your industry

What is great about Public Relations is that you can PR every industry imaginable, so start off by finding one which is right for you. We spend the majority of our lives working, so finding an industry that makes your Monday morning a little bit brighter is certainly worth it.

Know what’s going on in the news

If you're passionate and serious about getting into PR, it's essential to keep up to date with current affairs. We are in the business of storytelling, and so ensuring that you are able to get to grips with what is going on in the news agenda is key to showing you understand how the media landscape works but also what is going on politically, economically and culturally.

Following and engaging with journalists from particular publications, whether these are trades or nationals, is also key to building connections. Alongside this, it will help you get to grips with the industry lexicon and develop a newsworthy writing style.

Create your personal brand

In essence, PR is about protecting, enhancing and building the reputation of your clients through the media. So it is equally important to ensure that you manage your own reputation and presence, whether it’s online through social media or offline through networking.

Your social media accounts will put you in the spotlight, so make sure you leave a lasting and positive impression. Retweeting journalist content and commenting on industry trends is good practice, but it is also important to show prospective employers who you really are. PR is a people business built around relationships, so showcasing that is key.

Networking & relationship building

Contacts, contact, contacts! Networking is crucial in PR and so getting into the habit of attending events, workshops and conferences in particular areas you are interested in whether its fashion or financial services is a way to be updated on industry trends. You will also be able to start conversations with key industry professionals, peers and influencers, allowing you to sell your services in a more spontaneous manner! 

Internships can be great, as long as you are not just making coffees and doing general admin task. At Flame PR, our ethos is to invest in our staff – our internship programme plays an integral role in our recruitment process. Our team offer support and training to interns to develop their knowledge, experience and skill and help them adjust to the life of working as a PR professional.