How to Get a Job as a Public Relations Specialist
"A public relations specialist job requires writing skills, critical thinking ability, fast turnaround, patience, a thick-skin mentality, and creativity," says Corbett, who also adds that you should be able to demonstrate real accomplishments and have broad networks. And wallflowers need not apply—public relations specialists must have an outgoing, self-confident, and friendly personality.
Interview Questions Submitted by Real Public Relations Specialists
"Why would you be the best person for this job?" - US Postal Service Public Relations Specialist Candidate (San Francisco, CA)
"Do you have experience building and managing an online community of social networks?" - NetSuite Senior Public Relations Specialist Candidate (San Mateo, CA)
What is the Job Like?
Some days are spent at a desk all day, while others can have you on your feet from early morning until the wee hours of the night. Much depends on your job and your employer. "Be prepared for a higher level of stress than normal, be flexible in your work hours, and have a relationship that can endure late nights, early mornings, and occasional weekends," advises Corbett. "Managing the rigors of the job will require flexibility in work-life balance, which can be made easier by a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise of some sort." In terms of professional development, Corbett says you can expect a fast track for advancement if the company is expanding and employing a wide range of communications methods and tools. According to Corbett, "Public relations professionals who can write well, have mastered social media infrastructure as well as traditional communications methods, are well-grounded in the art of networking, are cool under pressure, and can work at the speed of the Internet can do well in this profession."
Real Reviews From Public Relations Specialists
+ "Collaborative work environment. Senior management provides opportunities to learn, even if it means failing once and a while. Access to Senior management and Senior Strategists for counsel. Opportunities are given to the most qualified, regardless of job title."- Edelman Senior Account Executive (Atlanta, GA)
+ "Great thought leadership, innovative, strong sense of camaraderie, admirable colleagues." - GolinHarris Public Relations Specialist (Location Unknown)
- "Be prepared for serious micromanaging from people who don't know what they're doing. Be prepared for all original ideas to be shot down. Only ideas thought of by Senior Management will be allowed." - We Love Colors PR Specialist (Miami Gardens, FL)
- "While management is very understanding about balancing work and personal commitments, the tradeoff is lower salaries than you might find elsewhere. The environment is also a bit too "buttoned down" for some creative types." - Chernoff Newman Public Relations Specialist (Columbia, SC)
Review information and interview questions supplied by Glassdoor.
