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How To Get A Job In PR- JournoLink’s Top Tips

Media Relations Executive Camilla Holroyd provides her top tips for getting a job in PR.

The PR industry has opportunities across every industry sector, creating positive brand awareness for businesses, individuals, charities and more.

If you’re interested in a job in PR it can be a great profession to be part of, but don’t get carried away with the idea of glamourous parties and long brunches. It involves working hard and isn’t your average 9-5 job.

To see whether PR is for you, and how to get started, we’ve created some tips to help you on your way.

1)  Is PR for you?

The first thing to consider when thinking of a job in PR is whether you have the right skills, the most essential being communication. You need to be able to communicate your ideas over all platforms, such as on the phone, via email, social media and in person. Networking events and meetings are vital when building relationships with journalists.

Other skills that are needed include research, writing, creativity and being able to work in a fast-paced environment. Not only is it important to have these skills but also to enjoy this type of work.

Common tasks will include researching current news and up-coming trends, writing content and press releases, creating new and exciting ways to promote the brand, as well as responding quickly to requests from journalists and breaking news.

2)  Research:

PR jobs are available in every industry sector, it’s important to choose a sector that you are attracted to, whether that’s health, finance or fashion. It’s a lot more exciting when reading articles and meeting journalists who you already have a particular interest in. In addition, when building relationships with the media it’s easier if you share common interests and can be genuine towards them.

From this you can then decide whether you would prefer to work in-house or for an agency.

Researching different companies and agencies who work in your area will help you understand if you want to work with one single company or with multiple clients.

3)  Experience:

When looking for a job in PR, experience is something employees will look for. This can vary from degrees or extra-curricular activities, to previous work experience or internships. The most common degrees are Public Relations or Marketing, however don't feel you have to do a specific PR degree, others such as English, Journalism and History can also highlight writing, research and communication skills.

In addition, having a degree isn’t always necessary. Writing for your local newspaper or starting a blog will also illustrate these skills.

A great way to put these skills into action, as well as getting your foot in the door, is work experience or internships.

There are plenty of websites and social media accounts that promote internships within the PR industry, but you should also bear in mind that these are often very popular and usually receive many replies.

Another way to gain work experience is by emailing local PR agencies asking if they would like a helping hand around the office. Most agencies would be happy to let you take part in two weeks work experience or even offer you an internship. 

Written By: Camilla Holroyd, Media Relations Executive

Camilla is the all-important portal between JournoLink's businesses and journalists; connecting them on a daily basis through press releases, Twitter engagements and editorial requests.

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