Job Requirements
Public relations work has a set of requirements for managerial positions. With trends and changes occurring globally and locally, public relations specialists are placed in the forefront of government and private corporations.
The basic requirement for public relations job is a degree in public relations or related communications field. Entry level jobs for this career accept graduates of journalism and marketing. Other degrees accepted are business administration, finance, advertising, sociology, political science, and psychology. Those who have earned any of these degrees must also have relevant work experience. Managerial positions are always given to MBA holders.
To be able to qualify for a public relations job, candidates must have training and experience. College students aiming for this type of public relations work must already take steps to fulfill these requirements for entry level public affairs jobs. They can sign up with the local Public Relations Student Society of America, an affiliate of the Public Relations Society of America. As a member, they have access to insider information and professional tips.
Job candidates for public liaison positions should be self-confident, outgoing, have a pleasant disposition, and must be able to remain in control whatever the situation. They should be able to protect and promote the image of the company whatever the pressure on them. It is part of their job to make snap decisions when the situation warrants such.
Job Description
Liaison experts or media specialists are expected to target public support of the company's policies and to maintain positive rapport with the public. The PR job requires development of strategies to boost the company's image and products or services.
The job links the public to the company. Companies rely on PR to handle to inform the public of the company's products/services, activities, and policies. Communicating with the public involves communication through emails and phone calls, distribution of information materials, and participation in conventions and public forums.
Information materials are carefully planned and designed to reflect the company's message. The PR specialist also takes part in planning the PR concept and contributes towards the successful creation of PR products. Hence, job candidates must have a working grasp of production - printing and other media. They also work closely with graphic artists, printers, and media experts.
As the company's spokesperson, PR managers should be able to write speeches and letters, prepare fact sheets and have a hand in the preparation of newsletters. In big companies, the PR department has different experts handling the various PR aspects. This is the opposite in smaller companies - a PR specialist handles the different PR roles.
The ability to communicate ideas simply and clearly without losing sight of good judgment, and problem-solving skills make a good PR manager. PR personnel or managers should also be able to work with a team and are ready to accept and share ideas. These ideas are also results of careful research and analysis.
Job Projections
PR specialists are also hired by schools, hospitals, social assistance, financial firms, government outfits, commercial and non-profit organizations. In 2008, there were 275,200 PR jobs according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Bureau also reported that a big percentage was concentrated in industries providing services, specifically in advertising. Job growth will have a 24% increase by 2018 due to job changes, retirement, and newly created posts.
Job Preparation
Graduating from an HR relevant course is the first step toward an HR career path. Certifications from affiliate programs and completing additional courses in advertising or psychology, and Information Technology increase chances to get hired. Acceptance to entry level jobs paves the way to advanced PR positions. In a few years' times and with an MBA one can get the coveted specialist position.
To keep tabs on the requirements for the job read the classifieds and/or browse websites of companies posting vacancies for public relations. The list of qualifications should prepare you for your job search. As a job candidate, be abreast with PR trends and innovations because job applicants are asked to give their views on PR trends during the job interview and requested to submit their portfolio.
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