Category: Careers

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Exploring Food and Bev PR in Portland

By Sierra Goodman

Portland, Oregon has become a “foodie” paradise with craft microbreweries, a flourishing wine scene, food carts galore, and intriguing restaurants and shops such as Salt & Straw with their quirky ice cream flavors.

Portland’s thriving food culture has increased demand for food and beverage public relations services. If you’re looking for a career in food and bev PR in the City of Roses, you’re in luck! There are a few employment routes to take such as specialty, big agency and in-house options. Here’s what you can expect from each route:

Speciality Food and Bev PR Agencies
Portland is unique in that there are a multitude of specialty food and bev PR agencies, most of which specialize in Portland and Oregon-based clients.

Maxwell represents Pacific Foods, Dave’s Killer Bread and Kettle Chips among many specialty food products and brands. Little Green Pickle represents some of the top Portland restaurants such as Pok Pok, Irving Street Kitchen and Mother’s along with tourism, events and artisan products. Harvest PR is an agency that specializes in farming and agriculture and works with several wineries, natural and organic food companies, and dairy and produce brands.

If you want to promote food and drink all day every day, then a specialty agency may be the best fit for you.

Agencies with Food and Bev Accounts
If you need variety in your life, agencies such as Edelman and LANE work with an array of clients including those in the food and bev sectors. Edelman and LANE (Finn Partners) are global agencies, however, their Portland locations work with local clients along with national brands.

Edelman has a food and bev branch called Edible, and they represent brands such as Starbucks, Olive Garden and Florida Citrus among many others. LANE represents Oregon brands such as 10 Barrel Brewing and Dutch Brothers and nationally recognized brands such as Tree Top Apple Sauce and Steaz Green Tea.

These larger agencies with food and bev accounts mimic smaller agencies allowing employees to have an intimate feel and the opportunity to work on food and bev accounts while gaining experience in other sectors as well.

In-House Food and Bev
It is common for PR professionals to move from agency to in-house after working with one company for a long period of time. In Portland, in-house food and bev PR can involve working for the Tillamook Cheese Co. Working in-house may seem more static compared to agency life which is why and creative PR team is important to keep the company’s product or service fresh.

In-house PR work involves knowing the ins and outs of a company in order to incorporate storytelling and maintain consistency. Depending on the company, you’re more likely to be involved with the company’s CSR initiatives and crisis communication prep and execution which is why it is important to know and reflect the company’s core values.

Portland provides numerous opportunities to explore food and bev PR whether it is specialty, big agency or in-house. The city’s unique foodie culture allows for collaboration with both local businesses and national companies. The food and bev scene is a reflection of those who inhabit Portland and the surrounding area and as a result, there is a diverse food and beverage PR field to go with it.

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The Intersection of PR and Business

By Sierra Goodman

In the SOJC, it is common for public relations majors, such as myself, to minor in business. I regularly apply concepts from PR and business to my classes and clubs such as IR Futures. Understanding business is beneficial not only for a career in financial communications but in all sectors of PR. Here is why:

Better serve your clients

Whether you work for an agency or in-house, your knowledge of business will allow you to understand your client’s business model faster eliminating a learning curve with concepts such as stock history and return of investment (ROI). It will be easier to communicate and simplify what your client or employer is trying to say to their audience if you have insight to the business side as well.

Pursue Investor Relations

Investor relations is a lucrative PR position and requires a strong understanding of the financial sector of business. Investor relations involves communicating an organization’s value directly to current and potential shareholders. This requires literacy of stock markets such as the NYSE, NASDAQ, Dow Jones, etc. A company’s stock value is a reflection of the shareholder and public view of the company. It is a PR professional’s job to find out why your client’s stock goes up or down and convey this information accurately to shareholders.

Expand Your Marketing Toolbox

Public relations is one of many business marketing tools. Other tools include digital marketing, social media, advertising and search engine optimization (SEO). Strong knowledge of marketing can help you advocate the reason why a client should use PR as a marketing tool opposed to another option.

Think Quantitatively

It is helpful to understand your client’s target audience in both quantitative and qualitative factors. For instance your client may have a young audience of skateboarders and snowboarders (qualitative) and have 70% of that demographic in the Portland area (quantitative). The ability to find out these details will help you produce better results for your client.

A business mindset will help you gain credibility in a public relations role. The ability to argue a case from a business perspective is a valuable asset to employers. A business degree is not the only way to gain knowledge. Chapter president, Lily Gordon, takes online business classes through Lynda.com and communications director, Talia Smith, listens to business podcasts.

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No Stress Interview Tips

By Kate Templeton

Do you stress out before an interview? Don’t worry- you’re not alone! For me, interviews are the most nerve-racking part of the job process. Demonstrating to prospective employers that you are the most qualified person for the job while being asked questions on the spot can be very stressful. However, with preparation and practice anyone can become a pro interviewee! Here are five tips that will help you nail your next PR interview and alleviate some of that stress:

  1. Dress the Part

First impressions matter! When going into an interview, it is always a good move to dress professionally. Have you ever heard the expression, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have?” Dressing up for an interview can show prospective employers that you care about the job and are taking the interview seriously. You want them to be able to picture you doing the job you are applying for. Plus, when you dress well it can help you feel more confident!

  1. Practice Common Interview Questions/Responses

When conducting an interview, people are looking for specific responses. They are seeing if you possess the skills needed to work well with their organization. Why not show up extra prepared? As PR students and PR professionals we should be able to think on our feet and effectively promote ourselves. There are certain questions that are consistently asked at interviews (ex: strengths, weaknesses, why do you want to work here, etc.). Practice answers to questions you think you may be asked so that you feel more prepared and confident for the actual interview!

  1. Bring Your Portfolio/Work Samples

It’s easy to tell people that you have a full public relations portfolio with a variety of creative work pieces through multiple clients. However, actually being able to show off your skills during an interview is even better. Make sure to show your PR portfolio and sample work to an interviewer, whether it be a hard copy or online. This will help differentiate you from other candidates.

  1. Study the Organization/Position

Few things are as impressive in an interview as showing how prepared and knowledgeable you really are about what you are applying for. Especially if it’s a job related to PR, you want to know all of the ins and outs of the organization and role. Being able to demonstrate that you have done your research tells employers that you spent time learning about the company and position, and that you genuinely want the job.

  1. Follow-up Post Interview

After the interview is over and you begin the process of waiting for a response, it is important to follow-up with the person/people who interviewed you. Sending a thank-you note or e-mail is always a great idea. This is an additional way to reiterate how much you want this position and help them specifically remember you when they are picking from a large pool of applicants.

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How Studying Abroad Will Help You Professionally

By Kate Templeton

When most students imagine studying abroad, they probably picture exploring a foreign country and making lasting memories with new friends. However, studying abroad can actually help students gain professional connections and develop important skills that can positively impact their future. Last summer, I was fortunate to have an opportunity to study abroad. After what felt like months of researching different programs, countries and courses, I finally decided to spend six weeks studying in London. The program I chose was offered through the University of Oregon, and it provided me with an incredible opportunity to spend the summer with 60 other journalism and public relations students. While abroad, I gained valuable skills that have already greatly benefited my life as a PR student, and will help me reach my ultimate career goals.

Here is why you should consider studying abroad:

  1. Make Connections

The professors in my London program were much different than the professors we have in the states. Two of my professors worked for the BBC, one in radio and one in television. Interacting with professors who are also working professionals from a different country with diverse experiences helps students gain new perspectives in the world of public relations. As students, we are advised to make connections and build professional networks. Having the chance to be in small, interactive and engaging classroom settings with professors who have their own unique professional connections opens up more possibilities for networking. One of my study abroad professors actually wrote me a letter of recommendation for a job!

  1. Gain New Skills

My study abroad courses provided a great deal of experiential learning. We had amazing opportunities to attend a variety of theatre productions, dances, museums and sporting events. Through the classes, I learned how to effectively write news releases, news stories, critical reviews, blogs and features. I reviewed events and performances and learned how to critically and clearly explain what I had seen. Being a strong writer is important for PR professionals. Students who study abroad get the opportunity to dramatically improve their writing skills and become more compelling and effective communicators.

  1. Learn About New Companies/Businesses

During my program, I had the opportunity to tour different businesses in the heart of London. I was able to see firsthand the role that public relations and journalism have in organizations like Chelsea Football Club, Ticketmaster, the BBC, the Olympic Games and many more. Being able to experience what it would be like to actually work in a communications field for these huge organizations opened my eyes to the many different possibilities that are out there for public relations majors. The hands-on atmosphere in studying abroad is key in showing students how professionals in these fields work and find successes.

  1. Grow Your PR Portfolio

While abroad, the classwork we did was very special. My program offered classes that required writing, photography and videography. Students left the program with multiple original pieces of work that showcased a variety of media platforms. The coursework created while abroad is extremely beneficial in differentiating and enhancing PR portfolios in comparison to other portfolios.

  1. Experience a Different Culture

And finally, it wouldn’t be a study abroad experience without fully immersing into an entirely new and different culture. When students are able to say that they successfully lived in a new country while also taking classes, this demonstrates personal growth and perseverance. Study abroad students come back to their colleges and universities with a life changing experience that helps them mature personally, professionally and culturally.

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Advice from a Graduating Senior

By Erica Freeze

I am graduating in less than two weeks. As I continue to process this, I thought that I should end my UO PRSSA blog contributions with some advice for those who get to enjoy college for a bit longer.

The last few weeks of my senior year have felt like the series finale of a sitcom; you say tearful goodbyes to the dear friends you have made and start to reminisce on all of the good times throughout your college career. Your character development over time suddenly becomes apparent and you realize that this development in this environment is ending.

For those of you lucky enough to still be in college, or who are about to start, I remind you to keep your college friends close before they start their new lives elsewhere. Enjoy the fact that you are only a few blocks away from some of the greatest people you will ever meet. Take a class you enjoy and soak up as much knowledge as possible. Make a bucket list and go on adventures with your friends all over the state. Don’t be afraid to overuse the excuse, “I’m in college” while you can. And when you do have some free time, don’t be afraid to utilize the connections you have made to pursue a future career that interests and excites you.

The job search is a long and strenuous one. I am still on my search and rejection is not easy. But something that I am constantly reminded of is that everyone has a different path and you cannot compare yours to your peers. Being in the SOJC, this is extremely difficult as I compare myself to those who have had jobs lined up since the beginning of the year. I feel behind and as if I will never find a job. But at the end of the day, there is, believe it or not, some positivity to the job search. This search has helped me learn more about my passions and exactly what I want to do. Don’t be afraid to be a little selfish as you embark on the post-grad job search and journey. I have not had an easy spring term and have dealt with a lot of anxiety and stress about my future. But the thing is that it is MY future, no one else’s. Remember that it is your life, and if you want to move to New York and work long hours to survive, then go for it! Yes, I know that some parents may have reservations about where their children go, but a conversation about your future with them can be beneficial when you present them with all of the wonderful opportunities that there are for young college graduates. Don’t move to a big city just because all of your friends are. Don’t go to grad school because it’s what your parents want. Do what makes YOU happy and strive for that!

With all of that being said, in the craziness of senior year, make sure you take at least one moment to realize how beautiful and special life is at this moment in time. Sit back and smile when you have little responsibilities and time to grab brunch with your friends on a Friday morning or gather around a TV with a pizza on a Tuesday night. Take this moment to appreciate the life you are living. Although next year will be different, keep these memories close to get you through your post-grad years. Life is filled with ups and downs, but there are many great years ahead to look forward to.

To those of you graduating, congratulations to the Class of 2017. We did it! Good luck to you all, and to those still embarking on the wonderful journey that is college.

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How to Write an Interview-Worthy Cover Letter

By Erica Freeze

As I am about to graduate from the University of Oregon, my job search is on full-throttle. Every time I see the words “please attach a cover letter,” I start to question the purpose of one. What is the point of a cover letter? It turns out that they actually have a purpose and when you utilize them to their full potential they can get you past the application process and into the interview process.

The purpose of a cover letter is to help you stand out past your resume. Cover letters are the outlet to introduce yourself and demonstrate your interest in a company. In these letters, you draw attention to your resume and motivate the reader to interview you. Often this letter and your resume are the first contact you have with a prospective employer, and if written correctly can have a large impact whether they ask you to interview.

After writing many cover letters for my job applications and conducting some research, I have learned a great formula on how to land an interview. So how do you write an interesting cover letter? Read on:

Headers

Headers can vary for every cover letter. Here is a pro tip: usually larger companies look for a header for your cover letter while smaller companies or startups usually don’t. If you are applying to a large in-house company or agency, then a header will most likely be preferred. If you apply to an agency with a few employees, then a header will most likely not be needed.

A header should normally consist of the date you’re writing the letter, your name, address, phone number and email address. Then, skip a line on the page and address your letter to the person who posted the job and their title at the company. For example, if Jane Smith, an HR representative for Edelman posted the job, then you would say, “Dear Jane Smith, HR representative.”

Sometimes you cannot always find the name of the person who posted the job. If you have no idea who this person is, or who makes selections for interviews, I simply put, “Dear Edelman.”

Introduction Paragraph

A successful introduction paragraph will include a brief introduction as to who you are and why you are interested, and qualified in the position. I normally start with my name and my education. Following this, I provide a brand statement. One great thing about the SOJC is that it encourages you to have a brand statement made before portfolio reviews. This is great to include in a cover letter because it provides a brief background as to what you are interested in. An example of a brand statement may be, (and this is the one I created for myself) “I am an aspiring public relations professional with a passion for writing, strategic communication and creative thinking.”

Following this, I like to explain why I am qualified for the position and what I can do for the company. It is important to make your reasons relate back to the job posting in some way. Think of it this way, if you can use the same cover letter and simply swap out the name of the company, you aren’t being specific enough.

Body Paragraphs

Read over the job posting again, and the mission of the company as a whole. How can you help this company accomplish its goals? What experience do you have to succeed in the posted role? The next few paragraphs are for you to talk about your experiences that make you qualified. These can be internships, volunteer roles or even classwork if you do not have a lot of job experience.

I like to divide each paragraph up with the same structure. The first sentence or two should introduce your previous role and the skills you gained from the role. The following sentences should include scenarios where you utilized these skills, and how you best fulfilled the role. Lastly, provide results if you generated any. This is one of the most important things that companies look for. If you generate positive results, it proves that you worked hard in your role. An example of a result may be, “increased Facebook page likes by 50%.” It is as simple as that!

Conclusion Paragraph

Your conclusion should be about one to two sentences, and reiterate the following:

Your enthusiasm about the role.

A “thank you” to the company for taking the time to read.

Where the company can contact you with any further questions.

A mention of relevant documents or links attached (resume, website, etc.)

With this formula, you can hopefully attract the attention of employers and show them your potential! Good luck with the job search.

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Five Common Résumé Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

By Erica Freeze

As the school year is coming to an end, it is important for college students to have updated résumés for future careers or internships. As a graduating senior, I constantly find myself updating and changing my résumé to best represent who I am. A résumé can include other elements besides words – different colors and fonts can all help to show who you are to a potential employer. Potential employers make snap judgments about who you are from a simple glance at your résumé. Because of this, it is important that your résumé makes a positive impression on readers. There are certain mistakes that people make time and time again on their résumés that will make an employer turn his or her nose up. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. There is not enough white space. 

You want your resume to appear clean and professional. Overcrowding the page with too much text will most likely overwhelm an employer and cause him or her to not want to read through the whole page. Being precise and to the point on résumés is the best way to go. When an employer receives your résumé, you want them to be able to glace at it and get a general idea of your experience. Additionally, it doesn’t hurt to have a visually appealing layout with some color or a logo you have created to represent who you are. If you’re adept at graphic design, there are general résumé layouts in Microsoft Word and also simple design platforms online such as Canva which have premade templates.

2. You didn’t include results-oriented language. 

As aspiring public relations professionals, we know that results are very important in understanding how to best target key publics. Employers want to see how you drove change at a previous job or internship. They want to know what you have to contribute to their company to drive change. Your résumé should be clear about results you’ve achieved. It can be as simple as “increased Facebook page views by 15%.” If offered an interview, you can elaborate on how you did so, but it is important that on paper you show them that you do include how you contributed to your past job or internship.

3. Your objective statement could use some work.

If you decide to include a statement at the top of your résumé, try to steer away from an objective statement. An example of an objective statement is, “Seeking a role as an account coordinator to advance my career in the public relations industry.” There are a few problems with this statement. It is very bland, and the focus is on what the candidate wants for herself, to advance her career, rather than providing information on how she can generate change for the potential employer. Instead of that, try using a statement that shows your value to a company. An example of this would be, “Transforming communication problems in the entertainment sector into intensive, results-backed solutions. Creating results through identifying stakeholders, building relationships and implementing change.”

4. You didn’t include skills. 

You can list out your skills in a section or provide them interwoven throughout your résumé in your experiences. Employers need to see your skills and how you applied them in previous positions. These skills can help you stand out from other applicants. In a CareerBuilder survey, 35% of employers stated résumés that don’t include a list of skills is one of the most common résumé mistakes that may lead them to automatically dismiss a candidate. If you decide to weave your skills into your resume, start with the skill and then include how you generated positive results because of this skill.

5. You aren’t confident in your past work experiences. 

As a student in the SOJC, I know that classmates can get competitive with each other, and sometimes it feels as though you may not have enough experience or involvement to stand out. Don’t give up, and don’t represent a lack of confidence on your résumé. If you have no PR experience, highlight the skills you acquired in another job and how they can relate to the position you are applying for. For example, if you are a server, you can say something along the lines of “accurately recorded orders and partnered with team members to ensure satisfaction for our customers.” This shows that you have experience working on a team which most likely helped you enhance you r communication skills. Additionally, if you have no work experience, highlighting certain classes on your résumé is okay to do as well – that’s how I got my first internship! Be confident in what you have to offer an employer, even if it isn’t a bunch of work experience in the field you hope to end up in.

The job hunt can be a tricky one, but be confident in what you have to offer employers with an awesome, updated résumé! This is a first impression of who you are and what you have to offer. Use these tips to help you stand out among competitors!

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Five Ways to Increase Press Coverage

By Erica Freeze

When you have finally finished a piece and it receives coverage, all you want to do is sigh with relief. However, just because an article has received some coverage doesn’t mean you should stop reaching for more. Proactively providing audiences with the latest news on your client, and showing them how your client’s goals align with theirs, can help you gain coverage for months after an article has been published. View these tips on how to gain more coverage:

Put it on the FRONT PAGE of the website
Did your client receive recognition for an outstanding product or an innovative idea? It is extremely important to promote this on the website, and have it be the first thing that prospective customers see. Make sure to reach out to the publisher so you can properly and legally use logos.

Share it on social media
Utilize all social media platforms that your client uses to promote the article, even on some that are less utilized for article sharing, such as Instagram. Also, making it more personal and asking upper management to share on their social will show how important increasing brand awareness and customer loyalty is to your client.

Syndicate Coverage
Does the press coverage include a link back to your client’s website? If so, then you can utilize content syndication to keep interaction up weeks or even months after the article has been published. Utilizing syndication networks will help more key publics’ view the news on your client’s key messages or products they have to offer. The purpose of this syndication is to increase brand awareness, and it will help.

Include the article in a newsletter
If your client has a wide email contact base, then utilize this to promote the press coverage. Attach a link to the article in the bottom of your client’s newsletter. Provide a summary on what the article covered and a small back story along with the link. Additionally, if someone in your contact base was featured in the story, make sure to include that person’s name in the newsletter to show the customers that the brand cares.

Include press coverage in email campaigns
Most organizations have email campaigns that feature the promotion of specific products or key messages each month to align with what target audiences want to see. If the press coverage features something that will align with target audiences, make sure to include the news article in your email campaign series. Customers want to see how products and key messages can help them solve problems and provide solutions.

Following these tips will help your client receive more brand awareness and customer loyalty. How will you utilize these tips for your next press coverage?

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A Checkup with Healthcare PR

Erica Freeze

Have you considered a profession in the healthcare industry? Public relations is vital to promoting and improving the reputations of organizations in this sector. What makes healthcare unique is that it is constantly changing and evolving. Think you are ready for the challenge? Keep reading to learn more about this unique sector of public relations.

In a fast-paced industry such as healthcare, organizations need to have a voice in the marketplace. Healthcare is constantly evolving as new science and technology emerges, and it is important that organizations stand out. Healthcare companies can invest in a public relations partner, such as an agency, to create a communication strategy that positions the organization as an innovative leader while increasing demand. Healthcare providers may also have an in-house staff which manages communication between patients and the hospital itself.

Public relations practitioners in the healthcare field are responsible for managing many relationships ranging between the hospital, its clients, visitors and stakeholders. In-house practitioners may work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), psychiatric facilities and community health centers, according to the Health Careers Center. Those who work in an agency may take on a variety of clients who are in these fields. Practitioners in both fields act as guides for an organization and help in making important decisions regarding an organization’s communication strategy. Especially within the healthcare industry, there are many rules and regulations that constantly change and practitioners must communicate any changes with the client. They are also vital in providing recommendations and advice to the client.

Whether in house or at an agency, public relations professionals in the healthcare industry help tell the stories of groundbreaking research and new innovations to help put their clients name out. Healthcare providers create technology and medicines that can potentially improve quality of life all over the world. Healthcare public relations practitioners have many target audiences to remember, and must reach beyond communication between the organization and the client. Suppliers are very important because they must also have a desire to positively impact the health care system and wish to partner with your organization. Because of this, public relations employees in the healthcare industry must approach each target public differently.

Public relations is important in health care, where both patients and clients can feel vulnerable. As a practitioner in this sector, you will be working with your coworkers to ultimately develop  communication to help your publics feel safe and as though their time and money are being used to better society overall. Think this is interesting? Check out healthcare agencies or providers in areas that you want to work and start networking!

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Tips for Writing an Effective Email Pitch

By Erica Freeze

Every day journalists and bloggers receive too many emails to count. Many of these emails are from public relations practitioners across the country who are paid by their employers and clients to reach out to press and hopefully gain some coverage. Because of this mass influx of emails, many pitches are overlooked. This is because pitches received are often too lengthy, not professional or irrelevant to the writer. But believe it or not, there are ways to reach the press, and if you follow these tips you may be able to do so. Here are a few rules to follow for success:

Choose a target:

Choose an outlet that fits your client. For example, if you represent a small coffee shop, pitch to a blogger who explores coffee shops in your area. If you represent a larger company, strive to reach for larger news platforms. Make sure that the blogger or reporter you target tends to write about topics that relate to your client.

Do your research:

Whether pitching to a blogger or a reporter, make sure to read up on the writer’s previous posts or articles. Do this to create an understanding of their interests and the way they write. Think about how your story will help them extend their focus further. When pitching, let the receiver know how your story will fit with their expertise, and most importantly, how it will be of interest to that writer’s readers.

Personalize the email:

After gaining an understanding of the reporter or blogger you hope to utilize, personalize your email with their name and outlet. Writers appreciate emails that are personalized and correctly formatted because it shows that you as a public relations professional took the time to read their material and understand their background.

Pitch a short and precise story:

Address the reporter in your email, and then get straight to the point. Reporters do not have the time to read a lengthy email highlighting details about your company and how it ended up creating a certain product. Don’t pitch your company’s new product without explaining how this accomplishment is part of a larger story. Pitch to the writer how you think its readers will benefit from this new product. Format this information in a structure that is easy to read, with potentially bullet points. Then end with a reasonable and convenient way for the reporter to follow up. The reporter will quickly be able to decide whether he or she will cover your story, and with a massive amount of pitches coming in each day, shorter is better.
You may not always be able to reach the reporter of the blogger of your dreams, but if you follow these guidelines you may be able to reach some great story tellers. How will you use these tips to tell your client’s story?