As a Public Relations Major, having strong Resume and LinkedIn profiles that showcase your talents and accomplishments is essential. These are great tools for finding internships and jobs and building your network.
Tailor Your Resume
Your resume is often the first opportunity to impress a potential employer and stand out from other applications. Tailoring your resume to the job description is one of the best ways to ensure you catch the hiring manager’s attention. By tailoring your resume, it shows you have the necessary skills and experience to succeed in the role. Some ways to do this are through using keywords and phrases that are relevant to the job description. This could include technical skills, job responsibilities, or personal qualities, such as leadership. You can also highlight your relevant experience or accomplishments that align with the job requirements. This can be beneficial in standing out from other applicants by showing you have an understanding of the job. Your resume is your ticket to an interview, and tailoring it to a job description can be essential in standing out from other applicants.
Optimize your LinkedIn profile
Linkedin is a powerful tool when building your personal brand and establishing yourself as a leader. Whether you are looking for an internship, or job or simply want to build connections with peers, Linkedin is a great source and an easy way to enhance your profile and build your network. Linkedin is also a great network for learning. Follow leaders in the industry, read their articles, blog posts, and engage with them through questions or share your thoughts. Always try to push yourself to stay engaged with your peers by celebrating their success or joining in on conversations! By staying active on LinkedIn and engaging with others, you are essentially building your network.
Including a Note to Connect on LinkedIn
Whether you’re requesting to connect on LinkedIn with a professional in the industry or a classmate from the J-school, it’s important to always include a personalized note. When requesting to connect, you will see an option to include a note pop-up. Always do this so the person you’re contacting knows who you are and why you’re interested in a connection. Include your name, a greeting, and a reason they should connect with you. Are you looking to connect because they were a recent guest speaker in one of your classes? Are you hoping for an informational interview? Or, do you just admire their work? Letting them know will help to set the foundation for any future relationship you two might share and also helps to boost your own professionalism and credibility.
Network, Network, Network
It may sound redundant, but you never know when you will meet your future boss or coworker. Public relations is a network-driven industry, most PR professionals wouldn’t be where they are today without their relationships. From media relationships with editors and news outlets to relationships with other professionals, one of the best ways to set yourself up for success is networking. This can be done through platforms such as LinkedIn, or in person. Be confident in your abilities and be able to sell yourself, but don’t be afraid to be honest and stay true to yourself. If you have yet to establish an “elevator pitch” for yourself, now is a great time to start. Being able to quickly and confidently tell someone who you are and what you do (or want to do) can get you further than you realize.
Your resume and LinkedIn profile are great components in your job search for a career in PR. It is important to show off your skill set, showcase your writing skills and emphasize your accomplishments. We hope these tips help you further create lasting impressions on potential employers and increase your chances of receiving the job you want.