6 Must-Have Traits for PR Graduates

So, you’ve just graduated from your degree in public relations and you caught yourself in the midst of applying for jobs daydreaming about what your dream PR job would be. Maybe being the head of communications in your favorite fashion outlet or even managing one of the world’s biggest celebrity’s social media platforms?

If this is something you want, this article is definitely for you to do a self-check on yourself to see if you have the qualities employers seek for in a PR graduate.

Image Source : Know Your Meme

1. Know Current Issues

Do you read the news? Do you know what the current trend is? Do you know what’s happening across the world? Consider it as a daily routine to keep up to date with news and trends as this would help to boost up your knowledge in this constant evolving field. Knowing news would no doubt give you a bonus when you’re job scouting as a PR graduate.

Many companies nowadays reach out to social media influencers and youtubers to send them items to be reviewed for. A PR practitioner scouts for these people and look into account which of the influencers are more suited for reviewing their products.

HUGE PR UNBOXING | WHAT'S NEW IN MAKEUP! By Madison Miller

Recently, there’s been a case where American YouTuber, Laura Lee’s racist tweets which were resurfaced on Twitter. This caused many companies that were collaborating with her opting out from their deal with her as companies themselves have a brand, reputation and image to keep up. This not only caused Laura to lose lots of subscribers, but it as well caused many brands to discontinue selling her beauty line and working with her.

Image Source : Youtube (Laura88Lee)

Click HERE to find out more about Laura Lee's situation.

2. Own Communication Skills

Language is crucial in the field of PR. Knowing more languages certainly gives you a plus when applying for a job. Most jobs require their PRs to be fluent in at least 2 languages as this helps the company both internally as well as externally. Being able to write and communicate professionally is essential in the PR field. One is as well expected to proactively identify and secure editorial, interview opportunities in conjunction with cultivating and maintaining media relations.

Image Source : Kantar Media

3. Tech Savvy

Ever came across a time where your parents ask you not to be on your digital devices? Well, PR is a whole different story as being technology savvy is greatly needed in the world of PR.

It is especially important for companies to keep up in this digital era to keep hold of their customers. Thus, having skills in web analytics and softwares like Adobe would be an extra plus for the employers to have you as their PR practitioner.

4. Social Media Skills

Besides being tech savvy, having social media skills is as well a key player in this pace of time. This being said, having the right skills, words and techniques is crucial for even a Facebook/Twitter post. Most companies and organizations these days have more than one account across social media platforms taken care by PR practitioners to ensure customer engagement is present as well as to get feedback from customers.

Click HERE for 10 Tips to increase PR Exposure on Twitter.

5. Critical Thinking/Problem Solving

To be able to think independently and logically about what to do in a situation (especially in a crisis) is essential for a PR practitioner. Being a skillful critical thinker would allow one to have a vast mind to analyze and make the best decisions of the best outcome for all parties involved.

6. Self-management & Willingness to Learn

Managing one’s self means you are in control of what you do and how you behave. Having a right attitude is crucial as companies do not want the people they hire to have a bad attitude and bring down the company’s name.

Whereas, the spirit of willingness to learn is essential for PRs especially. This is because it determines and shows how open one is towards learning new things. Things such as presentation skills as well as public speaking skills can be learnt as well with time.

“The capacity to learn is a GIFT. The ability to learn is a SKILL. The willingness to learn is a CHOICE!” - Brian Herbert

How many of the above attributes do you own? With hard work and confidence, you’re bound to secure yourself that dream job of yours!

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References:

CareersNZ (N.A) Skills employers are looking for. [online] Available at : https://www.careers.govt.nz/plan-your-career/not-sure-what-to-do/skills-employers-are-looking-for/

Conklin, A. (N.A) 4 Steps to Landing That Killer PR Job. The Muse. [online] Available at : https://www.themuse.com/advice/4-steps-to-landing-that-killer-pr-job [Accessed 11 September 2018]