PR Week Jobs gave some wonderful online recruitment insights about the industry and its 360 degree change in recent years since the dawn of digital. RecruitmentRevolution.com fills a lot of positions in PR and we’ve seen first-hand the changes in recruiting for this sector. Let’s look at some of the notable differences.
What’s Changed?
• Background of Candidates: The traditional route to a career in PR is after graduating, some sort of training programme followed by 1 – 2 years as a communications (or PR) assistant, then 2 – 3 years as communications officer, 2 – 3 years as senior communications officer, 2 – 3 years as communications manager then head of or director of communications. However, today’s candidates are not always following this route and different routes into the career are now acceptable. It’s still highly competitive though – 1 in 3 graduates choose it as their career path
• Social Media: Social media is still very much a buzzword in PR it seems – every blog we read has mention of it. The reach is phenomenal, and as a channel the PR industry seems very much invested
• Cross-sectional Talent Mix: Interestingly enough tech and digital talent are part of the desired PR mix when it comes to recruitment now. Strategists and niche digital experts are very much coveted
• Central Focus Shake Up: From a focus on securing print promotion, to the whole focus shifting to securing digital promotion and new use of bloggers and online influencers
• Quick Impact: Also interesting is that candidates are expected to make a quick impact in a PR position. Multi-lingual talents and their own set of contacts are desired
What Does This Mean for PR Recruitment?
If you’re a budding PR specialist here are some tips based on what the new PR hirers are looking for in their perfect candidate.
• Develop Your Contacts: Building your own network of bloggers and digital influencers in your desired sector can help make you covetable by PR recruiters
• Engage on Social Media: It’s impossible to ignore PR’s thirst for social media. This industry also uses it to recruit because of its low cost and ability to guess cultural fit of candidates – engaging with your desired employer can be a great way to get ahead. But be careful of your online tonality and digital footprint – things can easily go south on social media as we’ve seen!
• Be Tech Savvy: Knowing your tech and having digital skills will stand you in good stead to fit the current mould of a PR’s perfect hire!
• Give it a Go: Should you not have a traditional background, don’t worry as routes to PR as a career are becoming less conventional
Things have definitely changed in the PR sector – and there are plenty of ways to get ahead in this popular industry. For advice on how to stand out to PR recruiters, get in touch with us here.
Castle Hill House