Getting a Job as a PR Executive

Public Relations often referred to as PR is the process of managing the information flow between the company and its public. Every organization needs to build a rapport with its customers, clients, employees and the general public. This leads to the need for employing people who can effectively handle the public. PR jobs are offered by companies all across the globe so that the company and its public understand each other mutually. Functional areas in a PR job include research, planning, communication and evaluation.

PR executive jobs aim at understanding the clients and also influence their opinions. PR executive jobs use all type of media to build a reputation for the company. PR executives perform various functions that help to maintain the goodwill of a company. The main responsibilities in these jobs include:

• Developing and planning PR strategies.
• Maintaining good working relations with colleagues.
• Maintaining contact with media people and other important organizations.
• Carrying out research to write press releases and distributing these to the right type of media.
• Supervising the production of leaflets, information brochures, promotional videos, photographs and multimedia presentations.
• Organizing press conferences.
• Updating the company’s websites.
• Organizing events like exhibitions.
• Defining target audience and communicating important messages to them.
• Monitoring a publicity campaign.
• Conducting research to know the expectations of the public and stakeholders of the company.
• Reporting to the top management about the result of the research and developing methods that satisfy public expectations.
  

Academic qualifications needed for PR executive jobs are listed below:

1. At least a Bachelor’s degree in PR or business management.
2. A diploma or short course in communication and media studies.
3. Computer proficiency.
   

Other than the listed academic qualifications, the following skills are required by PR executives:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Competence.
• Organizational skills.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks at any given time.
• Time management skills.
• Analytical skills to solve problems successfully.
• Creativity.
• Good knowledge of current affairs.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Commitment.
  

Working conditions in PR executive jobs: These jobs are usually office based, often requiring the PR executives to attend meetings whenever required. The working hours are generally flexible but the employees may have to work at unsocial hours sometimes. These jobs also require employees to travel for the promotion of the company.

Salaries in PR executive jobs depend upon the sector in which one is employed. A private sector pays more to PR executives than the public sector. Salaries also depend upon the level of management at which one is employed. A senior level PR executive is offered a better compensation package than the one at lower level of management. In addition to salaries, these jobs also offer benefits like bonuses, insurance, allowances etc.

Training methods for such jobs vary from one organization to another. Some organizations provide in house training while others may require the employees to undertake short courses from external sources.

The PR industry is a fast developing industry that offers a large number of PR jobs. Career development and progression in this industry depend upon an employee’s ability to perform in a competitive manner. PR jobs offer an outstanding career option.