We all remember “the dress” – the Guardian said it was black and blue, while half of Redditors and Tumblr readers were convinced it was white and gold. Within days of the debate going viral, the Salvation Army used this hit to launch an online campaign: #StopAbuseAgainstWomen. Featuring a bruised women in a white and gold dress, the caption read: “Why is it so hard to see black and blue?”
Clever PR stunts like this are rife within the industry – there’s also the Snickers box sent to Jeremy Clarkson with the slogan, “you’re not you when you’re hungry”, and ASL’s spine-tingling ice bucket challenge.
There are plenty of reasons to work in PR – seeing your work go viral, attending exclusive events and the chance to meet new people. The industry is also thriving: it’s worth a staggering £8.4bn and employs more than 80,000 people worldwide. Communication skills are also increasingly valuable in a digital world, leading to a recent 11% increase in PR jobs, says Paul Holmes, publisher of the PR industry report.
So, what’s the best way to break into the industry? “If you’re passionate and serious about getting into PR, it’s essential to keep up to date with industry news and trends, so make sure you read all relevant trade press such as PR Week and Campaign,” says Jon Gloyne, head of PR recruitment for Major Players.
Similarly, networking is important. “You need to be comfortable speaking and connecting with people – sign up for professional social networking sites such as LinkedIn, get involved in discussions and make connections. It’s also worth going to industry seminars and events,” adds Gloyne.
So, if you’re looking for a job in PR but need help on where to start, or advice on how to perfect your application – join us on Wednesday 15 April from 1–3pm BST for a live chat with the experts. We’ll be discussing:
- How to find a job in PR
- What to include in a PR CV and cover letter
- What PR recruiters are looking for
- How to make sure your applications are successful
The Q&A takes place in the comments section below this article. Taking part is easier than ever: create a free Guardian account, or log in using your Twitter or Facebook profiles to comment. Alternatively, you can tweet us @GuardianCareers or email your questions to charlotte.seager@theguardian.com who can post them for you.
Panel
Richard Warburton is director of media at Save the Children. After nine years in regional and national newspapers, Richard worked as a press officer in Whitehall departments – including senior press officer for policing and national security at the Home Office. He was chief press officer for home affairs in the Prime Minister’s press office at Downing Street before moving to the charity sector.
Michael Rosen is PR and communications director for FTI Consulting, a global business advisory firm. He has 15 years’ experience in a variety of PR, media relations and stakeholder communications roles across a number of sectors, including professional and financial services, not for profit organisations and non-governmental departments.
Koray Camgoz is a public relations and policy officer at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. He works across paid, earned, shared and owned media channels to raise professional standards of practice in PR.
Lisa McCabe is PR manager for the British Red Cross. She has worked mainly in house for 10 years across various different industries and has experience in running campaigns, working with high profile people and managing events, experiential activities and PR stunts.
Emma Streets is PR and social media director for Turn Key. Streets has more than 10 years’ experience in leading both traditional PR and social media campaigns globally for brands spanning trade, consumer and corporate markets.
Sam Holl is client service director at Kindred Agency with over a decade of experience in helping organisations from across the private, public and voluntary sectors improve their communications. He currently looks after a large portfolio of clients from across the automotive, financial services, construction and manufacturing industries.
Julia Meighan is the executive chairman of VMA Group, a global recruitment firm specialising in PR and corporate communications. Julia became managing director of VMA Group in 2003 and since then has led the growth and development of the company, achieving UK market leading status in 2007.
Tracey Barrett is founding director of BlueSky PR, the specialist boutique communications consultancy for the HR and education sectors. Prior to this, Barrett worked as head of communications for Balfour Beatty and group marketing manager for Hudson.
Katy Foster manages the recruitment of PR Apprentices for the PRCA’s higher level PR Apprenticeship Scheme. The scheme was designed by the PRCA to help school leavers start careers in PR without a university degree. She often speaks to students at careers events on the skills and attributes necessary for getting a job in PR.
Looking for a job? Browse Guardian Jobs or sign up to Guardian Careers for the latest job vacancies and career advice
