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Advice From the Pros
Perseverance
Right now is the best time to look for a public relations job in the Puget Sound region. The market is hot and the jobs are abundant. However, expect to spend a few months looking. Why? Because Seattle is so popular right now, people are moving here in droves which means the competition for jobs, particularly entry-level positions, can be fierce. Additionally, you might not want to take the first position you are offered. Remember that potential employers aren't just interviewing you, you are interviewing them, testing them out to make sure it will be a good fit for you. Because the economy is doing well and the jobs are plentiful, you can afford to be choosy and find the right job for you.
Something else to consider: the public relations profession's historically high rate of turnover means that the jobs that do exist need to be filled by employers more often. The average job tenure in the public relations field is three years, and in agencies it's only 18 months. In entry-level positions, the turnover is even higher because junior associates often take the first job they are offered and realize quickly it is not the right fit.
What does all this mean to you? Finding your first job in public relations will likely be one of the greatest challenges you face throughout your career, but people find success nearly every day. How do you keep your momentum in the face of rejection? Many job hunters find that working at non-public relations jobs rebuilds self esteem. It also provides the financial wherewithal to keep your search going. For some, it can be an opportunity to gain experience in a related field, such as sales. Check with temporary employment agencies to see if you qualify as a temp. These jobs often give you the flexibility and the time to pursue public relations job hunting as well.
Another alternative is to seek out freelance work. These projects can help fill or upgrade your portfolio. Keep in mind: freelancing for public relations projects is no easier than job hunting. As a newcomer, you will find it hard to land assignments and the pay will probably be low.
Should your schedule permit, these waiting months might offer a chance to fatten your portfolio by locating some volunteer public relations assignments. Nonprofit organizations often can use public relations skills, though their limited budgets make payment unlikely.
Finally, if your finances permit, consider a short course in a public relations-related skill such as web page design or photography. An evening class in an academic program at a local college could enhance your background in marketing or opinion research or polish your writing skills in a new area.
Most importantly, keep your personal public relations program moving. Don't let it stall just because you have yet to connect with the right job opportunity. Remember, there's got to be a reason why so many people are looking for public relations jobs. Those of us in the profession believe it's because public relations is the best job in the world. Keep your self esteem high by keeping your job search moving.
