Looking for a Job in PR? Know Your Social Media.

You gotta’ walk the walk, not just talk the talk.

In this video, Mark Ragan talks with Weber Shandwick VP of Digital Communications, Jason Wellcome, about how social media is playing an important role in the hunt for Public Relations talent.

Social media is changing how résumés are viewed in the PR industry

Wellcome says, “this whole transition to social media and the earned side of the pie has bode well for communications and PR, but there’s still a lot PR folks have to consider in their businesses to optimize that change.” I’d say that applies doubly if not more so for job seekers — and not just in PR, but across industries.
As LinkedIn has all but made it their goal to be nothing less than a deathblow to the paper résumé, our digital selves become ever more relevant. As far as going totally paperless, I don’t think we’re there yet (and the Wall Street Journalagrees) but having your digital act together is mandatory. Even if you aren’t in the PR industry, you’re definitely in it for yourself if you’re looking to get hired — so be your own best representative.
As Wellcome says, “Everyone’s media now.” And if you claim to know more about “the space” than what your activity actually shows… you ain’t getting the job. Best part of what he says about PR candidates here:

Three things that make PR candidates stand out:

• Passion
• Curiosity
• Not fearing the trial & error of finding out what works.
I say these are great qualities to have not just for PR, but in any industry.

What do you think? Do these apply to your field? Have you recently been on the job hunt, and did social media play a role ? Have you ever screened candidates’ social media presences when hiring, or been screened yourself (that you know of)? Let us hear from you in the comments!

Related articles

• Superb digital talent has a home at Weber Shandwick(socialstudiesblog.com)
• What does it take to be prepared for a social media crisis? (smartblogs.com)
• PR graduate schemes on the increase (prlecturer.wordpress.com)
• Social Media Bubble (maryferreira.wordpress.com)
• Can LinkedIn replace the paper CV? (carbongraffiti.com)
• Forget the Resume, Try Tweeting (Fins Finance)
• Letters of Recommendation vs. LinkedIn Recommendations (Huffington Post)