career advice

Getting hired and getting ahead in PR

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There’s something horribly age defining about being asked to speak to students about how to get a start in their career, like noticing policemen and doctors are starting to look younger.

At the same time it was also a huge and irresistible honour to be part of an event at one of the best PR courses in my home university. Continue reading →

Creative.Digital.Likeable

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In Stanley Kubrick’s classic 1987 film Full Metal Jacket the irascible old drill sergeant looks down the long line of new recruits and barks:

“From now on you will speak only when spoken to, and the first and last words out of your filthy sewers will be ‘Sir’. Do you maggots understand that? You will not laugh, you will not cry, you will learn by the numbers and I will teach you.”

Yes, Gunnery Sergeant Hartman was happy to give out some pretty clear instructions and he certainly knew exactly what he wanted from his new starters.

Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it) it’s rarely so clear cut for most of us when we’re looking to break into the sector or find that new role in PR.

I asked some of the communications people who’ve influenced me the most what key skills and attributes you need to stand out from the crowd and get hired.

Continue reading →