A career in PR can be busy and stressful, but communication veterans
wouldn’t work in any other industry.
From coaching executives for media interviews to writing and pitching press
releases and news stories, PR pros’ jobs are full of challenges,
opportunities to be creative and chances to learn and grow with new skills.
No matter if you work in an agency or in-house—or what tasks fill your
day—there are certain elements of the career to which every communicator
can relate.
You know you’re a PR pro when:
1. You check your phone multiple times an hour—including after work
hours and on the weekends.
via GIPHY
A PR pro’s work is never done—whether it’s a last-minute client request or
monitoring digital campaigns and engagement. Social media never sleeps, and
you want to take advantage of every moment you can—while also avoiding
firestorms on- and offline.
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2. You watch the Super Bowl for the commercials and tweets.
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You might also be a football fan, but the February matchup provides plenty
of fodder for those interested in what PR and marketing agencies have
cooked up for their brands’ 30-second slots. As more and more people turn
to Twitter during the game, you can learn valuable lessons—or stake your own claim to the spotlight.
3. You hate the term “fake news.”
via GIPHY
The much-repeated phrase of 2017
gave “whatever” competition for the most annoying word, according toMarist College. You’re just as fatigued by the growing problem as the next person, but
PR pros are sometimes blamed for spreading false or misleading stories. With your reputation on the line, you want to make sure that the industry
stays as far away as possible from any story that’s not true.
4. You know the struggle with clients is real.
via GIPHY
You might sometimes feel as though you’re trying to be a mind reader due to
confusing or vague instructions, which can be even more frustrating when
you’ve completed a task multiple times.
Setting realistic client expectations can help you manage this issue—but if you can’t get through to a difficult
client,
it might be time to end the relationship.
5. You’re constantly checking the news and staying up to date on
current trends.
via GIPHY
PR pros must stay updated on news and trends, especially as it pertains to
your industry, organization or client. You probably already have several
Google Alerts set for you and your organization, but you also know when
news breaks and
use that to your advantage when pitching reporters.
6. You can’t stand grammar errors or typos.
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You know that copy riddled with jargon and grammar errors can kill your
chances of securing media coverage or enticing stakeholders to read your
copy, so you avoid writing errors and typos whenever possible. You often
enlist your co-workers to proofread what you write, because double checking
your writing never hurts.
7. You know how to act in front of a camera.
via GIPHY
Whether it’s to promote your products and services, contribute an expert
opinion or respond to a crisis, you’re skilled at preparing and delivering
statements that can put stakeholders’ minds at ease, foster transparency
and trust, and ultimately boost your reputation. Even when you’re not in
the hot seat, you’ve spent time training and coaching those who will be—so
your executive or client doesn’t say something that causes a PR headache.
8. You struggle to tell your friends and family what you do.
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If you fear the question, “What do you do for work?” you’re not alone.
PR pros wear many hats, and a typical day might include managing crisis
communications, creating and launching a strategic communications campaign,
engaging with consumers online, reporting your ROI in a meeting, pitching
journalists, working with influencers, coaching your boss before an
on-camera interview or running an event. Though there’s not one short
answer for what you do,
these tips can help.
What would you add to the list, PR Daily readers?
(Image via)