Applying For A Job in PR: The Basics

Preparing your CV: Top Tips

Gaining relevant work experience cannot be stressed enough; employers want to see that you know what you're doing. Your CV provides you with the perfect opportunity to show off your PR experience and achievements. Don't undersell yourself.

Bear in mind the PR specific skills employers will be looking for; communication, confidence, teamwork and leadership can all be brought out in previous work experience.

• Talk the talk. Use the language of the PR industry to get across your knowledge and expertise. 

• Make your strengths clear; the more focused your CV is, the better. Tailor it to the position you're going for so that you can demonstrate the expertise required for the role.

• Illustrate your personal PR achievements. Include examples of how you've dealt with clients and what the outcomes of your work have been.

• Finally, stick to a 2 page limit. PR is often a writing game so use your CV to demonstrate your ability to keep information concise and to the point.

Writing your covering letter

When trying to break into the world of PR, your covering letter might provide your ticket in. Unlike your CV, it gives you the opportunity to show off your writing skills. Aim to impress.

• For starters, make it personal. Find out the name of the person who will be reading your application and address it directly to them.

• Within the letter, make sure to state the job you're applying for and why you're interested. What experience do you have and what skills could you bring to the team?

• Research the company and explain why you want to work with them specifically. What makes it a great company? How could you make it better?

If you copy and paste information across letters to different companies, be careful. Don't accidently talk about how great one company is when your letter is actually addressed to their competition. Impersonal templates can be spotted a mile off so don't just send out lots of generic letters; go the extra mile.

Finally, proofread. Check for spelling and punctuation and re draft until it's perfect. Employers won't stand for silly mistakes and your application will likely be thrown straight out if any are found.

So what are you waiting for? Get writing, get proofing, get sending. Get out there.

Tags: PR, Advice for Interns