What are the best ways to land your first job in public relations?

I have always encouraged new PR professionals to work in a nonprofit early in their careers. Typically, you can build skills in multiple areas and are often encouraged to stretch and contribute new ideas. It is a great opportunity to work with and build a diverse network of community, nonprofit, and business leaders. If that is not an option then I would encourage a new PR professional to volunteer with a nonprofit for the same reasons.

If you’re ever wondering how you can build a portfolio without having a job, then the answer is to volunteer. It could be for your friend’s business, or an NGO, or even a community in your school(like in my case) or for a social cause. Whatever it is, just do it! Put in the work and track your strategies for numbers then use it to build up your portfolio. Companies want to see that you know how to take initiative.

There were a couple ways I got my first experiences in PR: 1. Volunteering with the local professional organization (in my case CPRS) 2. Taking a certificate program specific to PR that offered practicum placements

Outgoing communication is the key in this case. You should choose brands/ PR specialists that absolutely fit your vision and values, create a cover letter with the list of hard and/or soft skills, and mention in what way you might be helpful during the working process. Your first job could be your core in the PR profession, so be careful when choosing. A good person is not always a good professional, and a good professional doesn't mean you have to tolerate, adjust, or do anything else that doesn't appeal to your personality.

Volunteer. Even if your job is in public relations, use volunteering to build your portfolio to build skills in areas that are not part of your job. Want to do more media relations? Find a non-profit who is hungry for promoting an event or their cause. Volunteering helped me get an interview when the posting was "internal only" because one of the hiring managers knew me as a volunteer.

Often times landing your first public relations job is truly about who you know. Join a professional organization like Public Relations Society of America or Toastmasters to network face-to-face with established professionals in the industry. Attend the organization’s meetings, participate in activities and volunteer to serve on committees. This will gain you real access so when jobs are available you are the first to hear about them or are the first those professionals think about as candidates.

Always look forward to learning and improving yourself. Attend company training, conferences, and online webinars for opportunities to grow and connect with others. Explore skills like AI tools, brand management or social media content marketing to stand out in the PR field, which is expanding to various disciplines. Adding these skills to your portfolio can make you stand out.

Networking and connecting with companies and people already working in the industry is so beneficial when preparing for your first role in Digital PR. Following accounts and individuals on social profiles like LinkedIn and X (Twitter) can help to to keep up-to-date with what's going on in the industry, building on your commercial awareness - which is a really good skill. It also gives you insight into the types of campaigns that agencies are creating, which create noise and drive conversation. There are also lots of tips and advice on social from DPR's that you can pick up on. If you are feeling brave you can also start contributing to the conversation around which campaigns you like and have seen in the news!

Connect with people offline: As much as digital connections seem more 'comfortable' nothing can replace an in-person meeting and putting a face to your voice (or well, in this case, texts/emails). This improves the personal brand recall in the long run. Some places to begin with are conferences, workshops, and seminars related to PR. One can also join professional organizations like CIPR, PRSA, or PRCA.

In a jobfield including the term "relations", it seems cristal clear that you cannot do without networking. It is THE way to get to know your peers, plan some collaborations, as well as get new contacts of specialized journalists and influencers.

It took me 10 years before I got my first actual "PR" job. I wish I would have looked at my previous gigs in a variety of roles and industries to see "what could PR bring to this situation" rather than just putting my head down and plugging away. I might have been able to carve out more in those roles and possibly brought something else to the table. PR hides sometimes right in plain sight.

If you're fresh out of school, it can be hard to land your first public relations role, but it’s not impossible. Also, remember that many roles have a PR function; however, it might not be reflected in the position’s title. My best advice is to write down all the experience you’ve obtained and match it to the job description. This allows you to tailor it in a way that will resonate with the recruiter or hiring manager. Additionally, contact someone at the company and ask for a referral. This sometimes can provide a leg up and help you move through the process faster.

It's cliche but failing to prepare is preparing to fail. In the world of DPR here are some things to think about to prepare for an interview; - Research the company you want to work for (about them, their campaigns, clients, awards they've won, anything notable on social media or their blog etc) - Research their competitors - Your favourite campaigns and why - Study the job description and have examples of transferable skills - Know the places that you read the news/ your favourite resources to keep up-to-date - (has anything happened recently in the industry, has something gone viral, has their been a PR fail?) Most of all be yourself and show your passion for the industry!

Apart from the preparations that includes doing your research( industry knowledge, competition research, doing your homework etc.), you should go in for the interview with flexible expectations. Digital PR covers a vast realm. With every technological expansion, there is always something new to learn and be part of. Your responsibilities could spill into Marketing that is often evaluated by the numbers. Therefore, equip yourselves to analyze data, extrapolate results and drive your campaigns accordingly. Many companies prefer PR personnels who are capable of understanding numbers, data, statistics and so on. You will have to present your Y-o-Y progress with metrics and measurements and it would greatly impress the hiring team.

If you’re not already involved, I recommend starting with PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) and PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) if you’re a student.

Do you like to write? If yes, then PR is for you. Sure, classroom theories will shape your thinking, but the primary skill is writing. We think and then write...if you can't do both, don't pick PR as a career. PR folks are miracle workers; it's presenting your ideas through impactful writing. And we write a lot, from quotes, speeches, newsletters, and an Instagram post. There is much writing involved!

There are no algorithms on how to work as a PR specialist. Everyone has his manner and tools; you should learn them in practice and choose the most comfortable way that fits your personality and vision. Of course, there are a few core rules, but don't copy someone's methodology or mechanics because you see them as more successful or popular. Each skill must be formed during your personal ups and downs. Read, learn, test, make conclusions on your mistakes, improve the skills, but never copy.

Starting a career in digital PR doesn't necessarily require a degree or previous experience. In my opinion, a desire to learn and take a proactive approach to go out there and immerse yourself in the industry and learn as much as you can on your own outweighs this. There are so many resources out there for beginners on pitch writing, building a list of media contacts and coming up with great ideas. Creating your own list of digital PR ideas for various industries or writing a mock press release is a great way to impress hiring employers and show them how much you know already.

Don't be scared off by a list of skills or qualifications. Find a company or cause you are passionate about and eager to learn and grow with. This industry is evolving so quickly that a hunger to learn in the trenches is just as valuable as any degree. Be prepared to sell any and all transferrable skills during your interview process and show the work you've already put in to learn about the industry and company you're pursuing a position with.

Try and get a PR firm to let you shadow a staff member and learn about the skills required to succeed in the industry. Read PR news and other PR trade publications to get a feel for what is taking place within PR and marketing.

A lot of companies are now investing in PR. The roles and responsibilities have evolved beyond press release writing and media relations. The candidate is expected to work with cross-functional teams and this means upgrading oneself with the necessary tools and technological skills. While starting out in the technology industry, it is necessary to give yourself enough time to learn about product-based and service-based industry and then choose your niche.

The best way to land your first PR job is to show any potential employer your versatility. PR practitioners have to have a variety of skills as employers look for employees who are not just specialists but can do more than one thing. Being a great writer is fantastic. Being a great writer who can take photographs is even better. Also, employers look for new hires who have a wealth of knowledge and personal experience. Your hobby may come in handy someday when working with a client. Make sure the employer knows you can do many things and do them successfully.