Getting Noticed
Posted by Kerri Birtch on February 18th, 2009
Well, I thought since so many PR students are popping up and asking questions, it might be a good time to offer a little advice about getting noticed by employers. Janna mentioned her experience in her last post and I recently engaged in a similar conversation over on Martin Waxman’s blog.
While I will not claim to be an expert by any means, I did work as a student employment counselor for a few years, so I think I can likely offer some sound advice – mostly generic, but I think it’s easily applicable to looking for a job in public relations. If you’re looking for more information about job searching in the PR industry, my personal favorite blog resource is Lindsay Olson.
1) Do your research. This is two fold –
- Know who to address your application to. Do not address it Dear Sir/Madame, or To Whom It May Concern. I was always told – it concerns no one. Make the phone call and find out who it needs to be sent to. WORST case scenario: For a large corporation with a big, fancy HR department, try Dear Hiring Manager.
- Research the company in depth – the more you know the better. It can be beneficial to be able to name some clients they work with, the number of employees in the company, or how long they’ve been operating. You never know when you might be able to drop an interesting comment into an interview question response.
2) Be just a little bit different. Make yourself stand out - having been on the job seeker and the hiring side, I think it’s important to show your creativity and professionalism. Create your own personal logo for your cover letters, make your own business cards and make sure you’re noticeable online. Google yourself – employers will too.
3) Have an online presence. I’m not suggesting you run out and start a blog if you’re not interested in that kind of thing. But consider setting up a LinkedIn profile, start a Twitter account (follow me @kerribirtch) and either clean up or update the settings on your Facebook page. Oh, and jobseeker101 tip – create an email address that is just your name – Qtpie03@hotmail.com might have been ‘cute’ in high school, but remember that you’re a professional now.
4) Make connections. This is probably the biggest, most important thing of all. There is statistic out there that says 85% of all jobs are not advertised. This means you need to be visible and be vocal. Get to know people in the industry you want to be in – attend networking and professional development events and actually talk to people. Don’t be shy, but have something to say. Here are a few suggestions from Workopolis.com on networking. If you’re looking at an agency that is into social media, read blogs AND comment, follow them on Twitter. If they keep seeing you and hearing from you (in a non-harassing way of course) they’ll remember you when they see your resume.
So that’s my two cents – what do you think? Any more suggestions – I’m sure there are lots out there!
February 18th, 2009 » 8:27 pm
Great advice. My blog, Web site and twitter account have been key in getting me noticed. You know it’s working when people recognize who you are when you are at a national conference!
February 18th, 2009 » 11:56 pm
Thanks for the call-out Kerri.
I think these are all useful and well-considered tips – especially finding a way to make yourself stand out. I’d like to add that as you’re trying to be unique, it’s also really important to let your own personality shine through.
February 19th, 2009 » 8:39 am
Good advice. It’s important for any PR professional to have an online presence these days. Employers WILL look you up. Having an online presence is a personal decision, but I can quite honestly say if I am looking for a candidate online and can’t find a professional LinkedIn profile or some sort of reference that the person knows a little something about the online world, I become concerned.
Yesterday The Ladders posted a checklist on how to clean up your webtrail and find out where your information is online. Your readers may find it helpful. http://marketing-jobs.theladders.com/career-advice/find-personal-information-online
February 19th, 2009 » 1:09 pm
This is a great post. I’m currently job seeking and the tips offered were a refresher. I’ll share this with my Twitter network with hopes they’ll will benefit as I did from this information.
February 19th, 2009 » 8:01 pm
Great post! As a student I am grateful for every piece of advice that is related to preparing for my career, especially from someone who is currently where I aspire to be. I have been reading PRGirlz for a while and this post gave me the courage to post my first comment. In fact, PRGirlz has also inspired my friend Hilary and me to start our own blog. Thank you!
February 19th, 2009 » 8:53 pm
@Tiffany – Good luck with your job search!
@Dominique – Glad you’re commenting, it’s definitely one of the most important parts of blogging. Read and comment on posts and others will return the favour. I quite like your blog design and you’ve got a good start with content. Glad to hear you’ve decided to jump into the blogosphere – welcome!
February 19th, 2009 » 10:59 pm
Thanks so much for this post! I took in every word. I’m really inspired to start making a name for myself, and I’m wondering what your take is on joining the Canadian Public Relations Society? Do you think it’s worth it? Have you had any experience with the society?
February 19th, 2009 » 11:38 pm
Hi Hilary,
I am a student member (still working on my Masters) of the CPRS branch here in TO but unfortunately have not been able to make use of the opportunities. They do have a number of great programs for students though (Mentorship and volunteer opportunities) as well as useful professional development events. Not that I need it, but they also send out job postings and have lots of resources on their website. The other great thing about it – it’s cheap (at least cheaper compared to IABC) – definitely worth looking into, but it really depends on the effort you’re able to put into the opportunities.
-Kerri
February 20th, 2009 » 12:02 pm
Thanks for the advice, Kerri! It sounds like they have some great student programs, and you’re right- it’s very cheap for us to join.
I think I’m going to look into it some more, I don’t think it would hurt to join!
February 23rd, 2009 » 11:11 am
Hi PR Girlz,
Love the post!
I had a question for you…
What do you feel is the best path (education wise) to be successful in the field? I have a diploma in fashion and after working in the industry I’m finding that I don’t see a future in the path I’m on.
I have always been interested in PR/communications and am seriously considering going back to school and pursuing it.
If I enrolled in a diploma program, such as the 3 year program at Humber college, will I be at a major disadvantage against someone with a bachelors degree?
Any help/advice is greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
February 23rd, 2009 » 12:05 pm
Hi Stephanie,
Since I asked a very similar question myself just a year ago, I thought I’d refer you to Joe Thornley’s post on the subject – there are some very useful responses from pro’s in the industry.
Thanks for commenting,
-Kerri
February 24th, 2009 » 12:00 pm
Thanks for these tips. I am currently looking for a job in PR, and any advice to make me more appealing to potential employers is big help. Hopefully doing these four things will give me a little boost to making it in this industry!
February 24th, 2009 » 12:18 pm
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