Probably the very first question you may ask, “What is Public Relations?”
Public relations (PR) is a strategic communication process that builds and maintains mutually beneficial relationship between the organisation and the publics. Due to changes of public’s demand, PR now plays an important role in an organisation. They build good image and reputation for organisation.
Every organisation has at least one or two PR teams to help with the promotions and issues. Some companies may subcontract to other PR agencies to do that.
So, what are the basic requirements that employers, especially in Malaysia, are seeking for when hiring a PR person?
Of course, a Communication degree or diploma certificate is a “must.”
1. Excellent communication and writing skills.
In PR field, you must be good in communicating with a range of people across different mediums. Therefore, you should be flexible and sensitive enough when communicating or socialising with people, or even during public speaking. Having the ability to write captivating contents is also one of the requirements that employers are seeking. It will help in attracting the target audience as well as other audiences.
Undoubtedly, if you are capable to speak different languages, it’s an extra bonus for you! How would an employer not love a multilingual PR person? *wink*
2. Professional research skills.
A PR person needs to be a good researcher in order to communicate effective and accurate messages to the publics. Research allows you to find out current trends, issues, feedbacks and demand of the publics.
Good research = Good reputation/image = Trust increase
3. Great understanding of media trends.
You must be familiar with all forms of media, monitor up-to-date trends and go with the flow. Especially the social media, it is updating every minute. You might fall behind the new trend, if you do not monitor or understand it well. You must identify the current media trend and use the right medium to connect with target audience.
4. Critical thinking and Problem solving
As a PR person, you are required to think out of the box, think creatively and always come up with creative plans that will make your employer love you. Your writing skills, promotion ideas as well as campaign planning must be able to create awareness and capture the attention of the clients including the publics. Other than this, your problem solving skill is important too. You have to solve negative feedbacks or any bad situation and make the publics to trust the organisation once again.
"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and 5 minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do thing differently." ----- Warren Buffet
5. Good attitude
Being outspoken, socializing, sharing and passionate in everything you do will reflect a positive working attitude. Also, you must be able to work under pressure without complaining, it shows that you are professional. Sometimes, you may have to work with different team, so make sure you have good attitude when working with people!
These are the 5 attributes that help you to be prepared and successful working in PR field! All the best! :)
and here's a short video for you!
References:
1. Turner, A. (2013) Five must-have skills for a career in PR. Available from: <https://www.theguardian.com/careers/pr-five-must-have-skills> [Accessed 10 September 2018].
2. Doyle, A. (2018) Public Relations Skills List and Examples. Available from: <https://www.thebalancecareers.com/public-relations-skills-2063765> [Accessed 10 September 2018].
3. Forsey, C. (2018) What is Public Relations? The Definitions of PR in 100 Words or Less. Available from: <https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/public-relations-definition> [Accessed 10 September 2018].
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