PRSA Public Relations, Marketing and Communications Jobs
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Need Career Guidance? Pose a Question to the“Ask the Experts” Forum
If you have questions about your job search, turn to our career experts and get the edge you need. Members of PRSA’s College of Fellows are ready and willing to help you with two programs:
Ask the Experts: Answers to quick questions about your job search. Examples include:
- How should I respond to these types of interview questions: "Tell me about yourself” or "What are your salary requirements?”
- How can I develop a network? Where do I start?
- What am I doing wrong? I send out resumes but never get interviews.
- How long should I wait after an interview to hear from an employer?
To ask a question, scroll down to the question form and fill it out. When you’re ready to submit it, click the "Submit Question" button at the bottom. Many of your questions may already be answered in the more than 300 responses listed below so you may wish to review them first.
Mentor-Match: In-depth coaching. Examples include:
- Resume review
- Interview coaching
- Individual career assessment and coaching
- Tips for dealing with current job situations
There are currently 465 questions posted.
You are currently viewing questions 1 thru 5.
| posted: May 20,2013 04:44 PM -- submitted by: Jonathan | |
| Q1: | I am in my late 20's and interested in a possible career change (I have a BA in Psychology currently) to the field of accounting. What would be a better career move: going back to an undergraduate program to get another BA or go into a Certificate program offered by one of the Universities' extensions? (I would take the CPA after either option) My first thought was to go back to school, however, the school I graduated from is not accepting former students seeking a second undergraduate degree, |
| A1: | Jonathan-- "Ask the Experts" is a site devoted to helping people looking for positions in public relations. We are not qualified to answer questions about accounting, so you must seek other avenues to assist you. expert response from: Jim Haynes, APR, Fellow PRSA |
| posted: April 24,2013 10:04 AM -- submitted by: Mark | |
| Q2: | Asking advice for someone else. in law school - Accepted a summer internship with a small company to start in a few weeks. Just received an E Mail from a much more prestigious company that I applied to a number of months ago. They are interested in interviewing me for a summer position - more prestigious, less commute, potentially more income. If offered this position - is it okay to now turn down the other company ? WhaT WOULD BE THE PROPER THING TO SAY AND DO ? |
| A2: | Mark, I can't answer that question for someone else. It's not a legally right or wrong question. The answer to this question depends on your friend's personal values and ethics. If he has committed to the original organization, does breaking this promise fit within his values? That is really what you're asking or trying to rationalize. I often ask my clients this question: Would you be comfortable reading about this decision in the morning paper, above the fold? And this follow-up question: Would you be comfortable with your mother reading about this decision in the morning paper, above the fold? How an individual answers these questions generally leads him to the correct answer. Wishing your friend and these two organizations good luck in working toward a decision. Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA expert response from: Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA |
| posted: April 16,2013 04:23 PM -- submitted by: Brenda | |
| Q3: | I've only held one official "PR" job, but have been in the communications business for more than a decade. PR is the field I really want to work in. I keep getting rejected for jobs that require 1-2 yrs experience & not even considered for jobs which require more. I keep telling potential employers I want to be fully immersed in the trade and see the benefits for each of us. Should I dumb down my resume? Or would that make me look lazy since my resume will not be crammed with successes? |
| A3: | Brenda, Without more information, it's hard to respond to your particular situation. In general, I would not advise someone dumb down (your wording) a resume. If you are a PRSA member, I recommend you request a mentor who can give you more individual help in making the transition you seek. Also, if you aren't currently taking advantage of networking opportunities through your local PRSA chapter, you should begin doing that immediately. The best way to find a job is through your network. You could also build your credibility by studying for and taking the accreditation exam to have the APR (Accredited Public Relations) credential behind your name. I hope this helps and that you are able to make the transition you seek. Regards, Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA expert response from: Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA |
| posted: April 15,2013 05:02 PM -- submitted by: Maria | |
| Q4: | Do you recommned to reapply to a job ater been rejected? |
| A4: | Maria, I think that might depend on the circumstances related to your specific situation. I have known people who were second in line of a job and have landed that job when the first person wasn't a fit or for some other reason left the position. If you are a PRSA member, you might request a mentor who could talk with you about this with greater detail than I have here. Good luck, Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA expert response from: Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA |
| posted: April 15,2013 05:00 PM -- submitted by: Charlie | |
| Q5: | I am currently working in a constituent services type job but would like to return to Non-Profit PR and eventually become Communications Director for a non-profit. I have been active on LinkedIn and have the following questions: a.) How do I best use my profile to showcase my strategic PR skills? b.0 How do I best use LinkedIn to demonstrate PR skills and abilities? |
| A5: | Charlie, Since most jobs result from your network, I suggest you not rely too heavily on any one tool. If you have previous non-profit PR experience, clearly that needs to be listed and you may want to use the space below your name to highlight that in some way. Additionally, expanding your network is critical to a job search, particularly when changing fields. Join your PRSA chapter and talk with others who are working in non-profit PR positions. Also, you should consider becoming accredited. Look on the PRSA website for more information about the APR credential and how to begin working toward that designation. Good luck, Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA expert response from: Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA |
| posted: April 15,2013 04:56 PM -- submitted by: Martina Kloss | |
| Q6: | Hi! I am a graduate student at the UGA Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. I am from Brazil and when I graduate, may 2014, I'll have one year with the OPT - “Optional Practical Training” which allow me to work holding my F-! visa. In order to have some opportunity by that time, when do you think I could start looking for jobs? Do you think if I apply for jobs in January 2014, companies might wait for me to graduate in may for me to start? what are your suggestions? Thanks!! |
| A6: | Martina, An interesting question. Since I am not familiar with the visa process or international work experience, I suggest you contact your university's career center. They will have the best insight into your questions. Good luck, Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA expert response from: Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA |
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