A public relations job does require certain predispositions, but quick learning and drawing appropriate conclusions is even more important. What you can learn while working in PR will not only help you navigate easily in the industry, but also let you acquire universal professional skills. Here are five things a PR job can teach you.
Interpersonal communication
Relations with clients and journalists are the grist to the PR mill. Contrary to what one may think, introverts are not doomed to fail. On the other hand, those who enjoy working with people and making new contacts are not guaranteed success. Communication in public relations is largely based on specifics and respect for yours and someone else’s time. Honesty and clarity are key, and flexibility can also be an asset. Your interlocutors will have varied communication preferences and needs, and will be interested in different information. In order to establish and maintain good relationships, not only do you have to be a competent interlocutor, but above all – a good listener.
Work organization
In public relations, monotony Is rare. Each day brings new challenges, and when they pile up, it’s easy to get lost. Proper systematization of work will allow you to save time and get out of more difficult situations unscathed. Not everything can be planned, but it is worth trying in areas where you have control. Taking notes, using reminders, or task grouping can help. Chaos is one of the greatest enemies of a PR person, and learning how to fight it can make the difference in your career’s development.
Creativity
Opinions vary on whether it is possible to learn creative thinking. However, everyone has at least a few ideas, and that number can always be increased. A team experienced in carrying out creative processes is a team that inspires and creates an atmosphere conducive to abstract thinking. By listening to others and actively taking part in e.g. brainstorming sessions, you can learn to generate more ideas, regardless of your mood or how inspired you are.
Responsibility
Responsibility takes on a special importance in public relations. The task of PR specialists is to properly relate to the media the topics that are important to clients. This puts them on the front lines of communication and makes them the representatives of brands to media outlets – including the very influential ones. A client’s success is primarily the success of efficient public relations. This does not mean, however, that individual responsibility is the only important thing in PR. A responsible employee strives to achieve their goal, seeks advice and support from team members, delegates tasks efficiently and accurately, and is not afraid of original solutions. Responsibility in public relations also means focusing on favourable results and the satisfaction of clients and journalists.
Building accurate and reliable communication
A PR message should be clear and precise, adhering to the principle of “say as much as you can with as few words as you can”. The ability to create content in this style is important and acquiring it will allow you to reach journalists and other audiences more effectively. This also includes the correct determination of target groups and proper research of information, which is a perfect example that a trained public relations specialist is a universal worker. This is especially appreciated by clients and employers, because they can sometimes have requests that are not necessarily part of the PR repertoire. You may also be required to get acquainted with a completely new topics, such as cybersecurity or smart home technologies. In order to prepare valuable messages in these areas, you first need to become a sort-of expert in a given field. It is a response to the needs of both the client and the journalist – the latter can sometimes expect your support with more complex issues. It all influences your credibility, which is the basis of all PR activities.