5 essentials for getting ahead in your PR career

1. Consume as much information as you can. I spend time every day reading and learning as much as I can about the current state of PR. You should have a voracious appetite for information. Set aside 30 minutes every day just to read PR blogs and books. The more you learn on your own, the less you’ll have to learn on the job, and the more valuable you’ll be as a job candidate. 2. Build your personal brand online. Employers want people who demonstrate knowledge of digital platforms. It’s one thing to tell a potential employer that you have a good understanding of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogging, etc., but it bolster your credibility if you can show them you have a strong online presence. Focus on building your online reputation. That’s how you’ll establish yourself as an expert who has something to offer. 3. Network, network, network. There’s some truth to the phrase, “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” You can be absolutely brilliant at PR, but if you have no connections, you’re never going to get ahead. Cultivate relationships with people who can help you in your career. 4. Create a cover letter and resume that stand out. Take an honest look at your resume and the cover letters you send when applying for jobs. Do you really believe they stand out from potentially hundreds of other resumes and cover letters? Think of it like pitching a reporter. What’s your hook? What makes you different? 5. Follow up every interview with a thank-you note. Most job candidates who get an interview simply go to the interview and wait with their fingers crossed, hoping to hear back from the employer. Avoid that trap. Be proactive. After every interview, send the employer a thank-you note. It can be handwritten or an email; it doesn’t matter. The point is that you’ll be making a strong impression and ensuring you stay atop the employer’s mind.