How to get a graduate job in PR
Citigate Dewe Rogerson attracts hundreds of applications every year from undergraduates and graduates looking to start their career in PR. We go on to offer roles to only three or four of the most talented and promising candidates – so what is it that makes them stand out from the crowd?
When sifting through CVs, we don’t just look for the most academically gifted or a degree from a particular university, although a strong intellect and real interest in business and the media are clearly vital.
Further important evidence is how a candidate has demonstrated genuine interest in communications: work experience in journalism and PR or internships during the holidays all count.
The ‘other’ section of a CV is also interesting to us: Have they volunteered for charitable work; worked abroad; fulfilled an ambition? Have they run their own business? Played in a band or edited a student newspaper? All of this shows determination and an interest in going the extra mile.
We’ll also look favourably on applicants who write a well-crafted email or letter alongside their CV. Points are deducted for those who fail to identify a real person to address it to, simply writing Dear Sir, or To Whom It May Concern. Even more are dismissed for those who have taken a sloppy ‘cut and paste’ approach to an application letter.
Finally, our graduate assessment days are designed to choose the best candidates from our shortlist. In our view, the following top tips will help you succeed:
- Demonstrate energy and drive: whether that’s in your one-to-one interview or group exercise
- Show that you can work in a team: talking over people or dominating group discussions will leave a lasting (poor) impression
- Ask smart questions: show that you’ve done some research on the company you’re interviewing for
- Dress to impress: looking the part is important for any role in communications
- Be a digital native: show an aptitude for using social media like Twitter and LinkedIn
- Show you are well read in the fields of business, politics
- Prove you understand data, even if you’re not a mathematical genius