PRSA Public Relations, Marketing and Communications Jobs
Ask the Experts
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 473 questions posted.
You are currently viewing questions 11 thru 15.
| posted: April 16,2013 04:23 PM -- submitted by: Brenda | |
| Q11: | 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? |
| A11: | 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 | |
| Q12: | Do you recommned to reapply to a job ater been rejected? |
| A12: | 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 | |
| Q13: | 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? |
| A13: | 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 | |
| Q14: | 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!! |
| A14: | 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 |
| posted: April 11,2013 06:49 PM -- submitted by: Brittany | |
| Q15: | I am a graduate student studying communications. I have a BA in Comm (Advertising/PR). There are not many internship opportunities in my area and I do not have any experience. How do I even begin to look for a job? |
| A15: | Brittany-- All university accredited public relations programs in the USA require public relations students to complete at least one supervised internship before graduating. Not having had an internship puts you at a disadvantage in the highly competitive job marketplace. I believe the following are keys to your finding a job in public relations: 1. Find and complete a public relations internship. Even in your area, you probably will find internship opportunities in government agencies (municipal, county, regional, state and federal), hospitals, non-profit organizations, school districts and so on. It’s up to you to seek them out. Try the American Red Cross affiliate first. Meet the communication professional; offer to “shadow” that person for a week or so; ask for assignments that you know you can handle professionally; ask for advice on looking for a job, along with references. Then try for a 4-month internship. 2. In the meantime, locate the nearest PRSA chapter (See http://www.prsa.org/Network/Chapters/Find.) Read back through answers to questions in “Ask the Experts,” and you’ll find tips on how to approach officers and directors. 3. Go to http://www.prsa.org/learning/accreditation/ and download the Free APR Study Guide (PDF). Go through it carefully and critique your KSAs (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities) against the contents. 4. Now go to http://www.praccreditation.org/Preparation%20Sources/index.html and locate and acquire a book or books that will help you improve in areas where you feel inadequate. 5. Go to http://www.prsa.org/jobcenter/career_resources/resource_type/strategic_advice/mentor_match/ and follow the process to secure a mentor. The mentor can provide much more complete information than is possible here. Best of success to you! expert response from: Jim Haynes, APR, Fellow PRSA |
| posted: April 6,2013 10:16 AM -- submitted by: Elena Ogens | |
| Q16: | Hello, I am currently an associate producer for a local news station, but I really want to get into PR work. I know that a lot of people in news/media make the transition to PR, but I'm not totally sure how to get someone to give me the chance without having experience. I work in North Carolina and want to move back to the Tri-state area because that is where I am originally from. I'd appreciate any advice! How do I get them to give me a chance? (Especially since I would have to relocate.) |
| A16: | Elena, PR is hard work. The body of knowledge is significant. Where are you on the spectrum of understanding our profession? How much research have you done? What do you know about public relations work? Have you shadowed PR professionals? What skills do you currently have that would translate into your new profession? You will need to answer this questions honestly. If you are serious about a transition, you will want to connect with your local PRSA chapter and attend monthly meetings or forums. This will introduce you to people and expand your network. You might also want to talk with people who have made the transition you propose -- both where you currently live and back home. I recommend joining PRSA and studying to take the APR test. It's knowledge, skills, abilities approach will add to your knowledge of our profession and prepare you to do the kind of work we do which is different from your current work. Relocating to "come home" is an easier sell than relocating when leaving home. It's perceived as much lower risk. Good luck, Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA expert response from: Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, Fellow PRSA |
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