In this episode of Beyond Bites, Michelle Mumford shares essential tips for PR graduates seeking their first job in the industry.
She emphasises the importance of content creation, a polished CV, an effective LinkedIn profile, networking, and gaining work experience. Each tip is designed to help graduates stand out and successfully launch their careers in public relations.
Transcript
Hello, welcome to our next episode of Beyond Bites. Today, I'm answering a question I’m hearing a lot at the moment, coming from my PR graduates who are looking to get started in the industry. They’re not quite sure how to find that first opportunity. So, my five top tips today can be applied to marketing too. If you're looking to get into your first marketing role, either in an agency or in-house, I hope you find these helpful.
My number one tip is: Content is king. Whether you’ve had the opportunity to complete a placement at university or if you’ve been writing lots of content for your course, you’ll want to start collating it. Do you have samples of press releases, blogs, articles, or social media content you’ve created? Anything you’ve written that showcases your writing style and attention to detail should be gathered. It doesn’t need to be in a polished portfolio yet, but you’ll want samples ready. These are great to send alongside your application and CV.
Number two is your CV. I receive a lot of CVs from people looking to start their first role, and the number one thing I spot is typos. My eyes are drawn to them, and if I’m noticing them, potential employers will too—especially in PR, where attention to detail is crucial. Since you'll be doing a lot of writing, it’s essential to showcase this skill. Take the time to read your CV carefully; make sure there are no typos, and that it’s grammatically correct. Focus your personal profile or summary at the top, clearly explaining what you’re looking for next. Mention your degree, and tailor the profile to state your goal of securing a PR role, whether that’s in an agency or in-house.
Your CV should also demonstrate your communication skills. You may not have previous job experience, but if you’ve had any placements or roles outside of the industry, include them. They demonstrate life experience, your skills, and your ability to work with others, so make sure your CV reflects that.
This leads us to my next tip, LinkedIn. Potential employers will check out your LinkedIn profile, so make sure it represents you well. Avoid typos, and focus your profile on your recent experiences. Use the summary section to describe what you're looking for, particularly if you’re targeting PR agencies or in-house marketing teams. If you've done placements, list them on LinkedIn. It’s a fantastic platform for networking and for immersing yourself in the PR industry.
My next tip is networking. Join PR groups on LinkedIn and connect with industry professionals—people at PR agencies in your area, companies with strong PR or comms teams, or industry influencers. By connecting with them, you’ll gain insights into PR campaigns, industry trends, and even job opportunities. Your feed will start filling up with relevant content. Don’t be afraid to comment on posts to get noticed. Start slow, if you’re nervous, but soon it will become easier to join the conversation.
Finally, work experience and placements are key. If you’re part of a degree or university course, hopefully, you’ve had a chance to complete some placements. If not, look out for internships, work placements, or even graduate schemes that some agencies offer. These schemes expose you to different areas of PR, allowing you to explore where you want to take your career. Any experience will be invaluable for your CV, LinkedIn, and overall industry knowledge.
To round up, focus on content—always collect samples, even from your first PR job through your fifth or sixth. Refine your CV, paying attention to typos and showcasing communication skills. Optimize your LinkedIn profile, network actively, and seek out work placement opportunities. Remember, it’s all about relationships. Focus on connecting with people and building those relationships.
