You know the PR game. You create compelling messaging, have a grasp of the newest brand strategies and are a whiz at grabbing media attention. 

But if you’re looking for a new role at a PR firm it can be a struggle to refocus those skills and use them to pitch what’s most important: yourself. 

Ironically, some of us who are great at selling others are pretty bad at selling ourselves. We won’t dive into all the reasons that may be (you probably have your own theories), but it can be a crucial mistake if you’re looking for long-term success in public relations.

Here are some of the most common missteps we’ve seen:

No Cover Letter

We know, we know. The cover letter is one of the most excruciating tasks when looking for a job. We recently saw someone on LinkedIn say they’d rather eat a tire than ever write one again. But when it comes to PR, you need to consider this like a personal press release. 

You are not only presenting yourself in the best light possible, but you’re showing potential employers that your copy grabs people and doesn’t waste a word. And considering that so many looking for a job don’t write cover letters, you’ll start right away with an advantage. 

No Research  

One of the cardinal rules of PR is having a thorough knowledge of whomever you’re representing. That kind of deep dive is not only necessary, but it shows clients immediately that you are thoughtful and know how to conduct research. And the best way to show off that skill to a potential employer is to put some time into researching them. 

That means more than just Googling their site and skimming through the front page, though; look at who’s on the team, the clients they’ve worked with, their social media and company culture. Knowing about them will shine through in a cover letter or interview; and even more importantly this will help you decide if it’s somewhere you’ll want to work. 

No Social (or the Wrong Social)

In the world of finance, the biggest warning signs tend to be no credit or bad credit. This is similar if you’re looking for a PR career. If a potential employer looks you up and can’t find anything–no LinkedIn, Instagram or any social footprint– it will raise some red flags as to why someone who wants to promote others for a living is so intent on hiding themselves. 

You also don’t want your social media to be a liability. If Googling you reveals profiles that could be construed as controversial or inappropriate, then it’s best practice to go private. And if you do have LinkedIn (which you absolutely should), make sure you put in the work on your profile so that when people come across it they know your skills, work history and all the amazing things you’ve accomplished. 

No Self-Confidence

The most important thing about good PR is a genuine belief in what you’re promoting. And it’s no different when you’re promoting yourself. Whether you’re writing a cover letter, working on your profiles or speaking with a potential employer, show that you truly believe in your skills, insights and knowledge; it’s the best pitch anyone can have.

Interested in a PR agency that can tell your story without buzzwords or jargon and help you think clearly? Get in touch with us at hello@wearemgp.com

You know the PR game. You create compelling messaging, have a grasp of the newest brand strategies and are a whiz at grabbing media attention. 

But if you’re looking for a new role at a PR firm it can be a struggle to refocus those skills and use them to pitch what’s most important: yourself. 

Ironically, some of us who are great at selling others are pretty bad at selling ourselves. We won’t dive into all the reasons that may be (you probably have your own theories), but it can be a crucial mistake if you’re looking for long-term success in public relations.

Here are some of the most common missteps we’ve seen:

No Cover Letter

We know, we know. The cover letter is one of the most excruciating tasks when looking for a job. We recently saw someone on LinkedIn say they’d rather eat a tire than ever write one again. But when it comes to PR, you need to consider this like a personal press release. 

You are not only presenting yourself in the best light possible, but you’re showing potential employers that your copy grabs people and doesn’t waste a word. And considering that so many looking for a job don’t write cover letters, you’ll start right away with an advantage. 

No Research  

One of the cardinal rules of PR is having a thorough knowledge of whomever you’re representing. That kind of deep dive is not only necessary, but it shows clients immediately that you are thoughtful and know how to conduct research. And the best way to show off that skill to a potential employer is to put some time into researching them. 

That means more than just Googling their site and skimming through the front page, though; look at who’s on the team, the clients they’ve worked with, their social media and company culture. Knowing about them will shine through in a cover letter or interview; and even more importantly this will help you decide if it’s somewhere you’ll want to work. 

No Social (or the Wrong Social)

In the world of finance, the biggest warning signs tend to be no credit or bad credit. This is similar if you’re looking for a PR career. If a potential employer looks you up and can’t find anything–no LinkedIn, Instagram or any social footprint– it will raise some red flags as to why someone who wants to promote others for a living is so intent on hiding themselves. 

You also don’t want your social media to be a liability. If Googling you reveals profiles that could be construed as controversial or inappropriate, then it’s best practice to go private. And if you do have LinkedIn (which you absolutely should), make sure you put in the work on your profile so that when people come across it they know your skills, work history and all the amazing things you’ve accomplished. 

No Self-Confidence

The most important thing about good PR is a genuine belief in what you’re promoting. And it’s no different when you’re promoting yourself. Whether you’re writing a cover letter, working on your profiles or speaking with a potential employer, show that you truly believe in your skills, insights and knowledge; it’s the best pitch anyone can have.

Interested in a PR agency that can tell your story without buzzwords or jargon and help you think clearly? Get in touch with us at hello@wearemgp.com