HOW TO GET A JOB IN PR
Table of Contents
Read relevant news publications
Update your social media profiles
Are you wondering how to get a job in PR? Or are you a career changer looking to transition into PR?
The number of new jobs in the PR industry is expected to grow by 7% in the U.S. alone from 2021 - 2029 according to research from 99firms, meaning thousands of new PR jobs will open up in the coming years.
Below, we detail the key steps you can take to land your dream PR job.
Develop your PR skill set
65% of PR professionals noted the ability to analyse Big Data will be the most important skill in public relations according to USC Annenberg School, meaning the ability to quantify and measure results from your PR activities.
PR professionals use off the shelf marketing tools and spreadsheets to update, monitor and track their brands' news coverage.
Job seekers can develop their PR analytical skills via free tutorials on YouTube detailing Excel, Google Sheets and how-to’s on media monitoring tools such as Meltwater.
Network with PR professionals
PR managers need to build relationships before pitching news articles with the press. 54% of PR professionals always or frequently follow journalists on social media before pitching to them according to Muck Rack PR research.
Research the top media publications in your market and use LinkedIn and Google to find the editors-in-chief and journalists. Add journalists and editors on LinkedIn, follow their feeds on Twitter, join their groups and attend their upcoming events.
This will help grow your PR network, improve your understanding of the PR landscape and increase your likelihood of publication.
Read relevant news publications
Read, watch and listen to the news - your job in PR is to stay up-to-date to keep abreast of the latest customer developments, trends, news stories, hot topics and insights to act and react quickly to protect your brand and proactively shape discussions.
Job seekers can set up Google Alerts covering the brand they wish to work for, industry news, competitor news as well as local and international updates.
Pick a PR niche
Specialist PR roles are in increasing demand amongst employers searching for experts in strategic communications, marketing commu