Advice: Getting First Paid PR Job

[Linda Martins - Mann]

....Linda Martins - Mann

I am trying to get a job in Public Relations. I am a Public Relations Specialist and I want to know how to get a job doing it, where I can get paid for it. As of right now, all I have done is volunteer work, such as my work with Toastmasters International, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Diabetes Association.

Any advice would be great!

Thank you so very much!

Linda Martins - Mann

[Richard Whipple]

Hello Linda,

Have you met our newest member, Ms. Lisa Emrich?  She works on the opposite coast in DC but you could ask her for advice, particularly if non-profits appeal to you.  Your work with the National MS Society gives you something in common.   

My less specific advice would be to create an event for yourself.  Reward your established contacts with a networking event.  Since you are in PR, your functions would also include creating such events, and small events are the lifeblood of community non-profits.  (I have held a few humble hot dog/car washes in my day for the non-profit sector.)  Maybe you could do the same in a themed networking event, using your own initiative, for a local charity?  Pay It Forward is a good theme.

PM Chuck Hester for advice on it.  He's the master of Pay It Forward and keeps a blog on his experiences. I am sure he'd be glad to offer some tips.

Apart from creating events, I used to use a telephone survey to drum up new business: uncovering hidden opportunities before they reveal themselves. I wrote up a survey with a cross-reference of questions that would tell me everything I needed to make a presentation (including to verify the answers against social bias) and I would create a presentation of myself from the answers that would elicit the response: what a coincidence.

I never applied for a job in which I would be uncomfortable.  But the survey allowed me to talk the same language and at the same level. Just be forewarned about answers that paint a rosier picture than the reality (social bias).  Those were early time wasters for me.

And, something that may be obvious: cold call. That was how I got to work with Pfizer.  It was simple advice given to me by a salesman (he went on to become a city councilman) and I would have discounted the idea otherwise.  And to my surprise it worked. 

The best approaches evoke a “show me” rather than a “tell me” modus operandi.  I used the survey method extensively as I found the hidden job market to be a better return for my effort.  Get talking about work opportunities while you work shoulder-to-shoulder with the people who can employ you.  Let them see your gifts and your humanity.

All the best,
- R. A.

[Sharon Bond]

Hi Linda,

If you like working in the nonprofit arena, a job board to check out is the one hosted by Association Forum in Chicago (it has jobs from all over the country.)

The Web site is www.associationforum.org, I believe, but just Google Association Forum and then look under the "Careers" tab. Most of the PR work in nonprofits comes under the "Marketing" umbrella, I have discovered. I've been doing marketing/PR work for nonprofit trade associations for the past three years and really enjoy it.

Best wishes and good luck,
Sharon Bond
Chicago

....Linda Martins - Mann

I am trying to get a job in Public Relations. I am a Public Relations Specialist and I want to know how to get a job doing it, where I can get paid for it. As of right now, all I have done is volunteer work, such as my work with Toastmasters International, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Diabetes Association.

Any advice would be great!

Thank you so very much!

Linda Martins - Mann

[Jennifer Rush]

Hi Linda,

Experience is experience, whether paid for or not. Create a functional rather than chronological resume (Google sample pr functional resume for examples). Then, highlight your experience. Tell your successes. Sell yourself, just like you would sell your client. When you list your work experience at the bottom, include in your position title that you were a volunteer.

Don't sell yourself short. You have successes. Tell the world!

All the best,
Jennifer

[Kim Nys]

Hey Linda

Make sure you find your own strategy to "sell yourself". You have to find a USP. Ask yourself some questions: What makes you special? What makes you the person they need? Are you passionate about this job and why?

A well structured resume always helps. It's the first step to open that door. Once they ask you to come over you're halfway there most of the time.
Keep us posted about the job hunting!

Kim
http://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnys