What do you do if you're considering temporary or contract work in Public Relations?

Considering temporary or contract work in Public Relations (PR) can be a strategic move for your career. It offers flexibility, the opportunity to work on diverse projects, and a chance to build a broad network. When you're weighing the pros and cons, it's essential to understand what this type of work entails and how it might fit into your long-term career goals. PR professionals often find that contract work can lead to unexpected opportunities and valuable experiences that enhance their resumes and skill sets.

1 Assess Goals

Before jumping into contract work, it's crucial to evaluate your professional goals and how temporary assignments align with them. Are you looking for variety, flexibility, or a foot in the door at a particular company? Temporary work can offer all these benefits, but it's important to be clear about what you hope to achieve. This clarity will guide you in selecting contracts that are beneficial for your career trajectory and ensure that each position contributes to your overall objectives.

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Kajal Pandey

MBA | Marketing & Analytics | Department of Management Studies GLBITM | Associate | Impact Scholar - GGI | Optimite | 3x LinkedIn Top Voice | Senior CW | Former PR Director | DU Alum
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If you're thinking about temporary or contract work in Public Relations (PR), start by defining your PR skills and specialties, like writing press releases or managing social media. •Update your resume to highlight these skills and relevant experiences . •Use LinkedIn and other job platforms to find and apply for temporary or contract PR positions. •Networking is also key, so connect with industry professionals and join relevant groups to learn about opportunities. Lastly, consider working with a recruiter specializing in PR to find suitable roles. This approach helps you get your foot in the door and can lead to more permanent positions if that’s your goal.

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2 Update Resume

Your resume should reflect the unique skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for temporary PR roles. Highlight your adaptability, project management skills, and ability to quickly integrate into new teams. These traits are highly valued in contract positions. Tailor your resume to emphasize your successes in previous temporary assignments or projects that showcase your versatility and effectiveness in short-term roles.

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3 Network Constantly

In the world of PR, networking is key, especially when seeking temporary or contract work. Connect with industry professionals, attend events, and engage on professional social media platforms. Your next contract job could come from a former colleague, a new connection, or a recruiter who's familiar with your reputation and expertise. Keep your network informed about your availability and interest in contract opportunities.

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Erin Grant

Executive Vice President at Sling & Stone (VCCP Group)
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Networking but not just for networking sake is good. Start small and end every convo with, "Anyone you'd recommend I meet or connect with in your network?" This has been a great way to grow my network over the years versus solely hitting on cold outreach on LinkedIn.

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4 Understand Contracts

Grasping the nuances of contract work is essential. Understand the terms, duration, and expectations outlined in any contract before agreeing to it. It's also important to know your rights as a contractor, including payment terms and work conditions. If necessary, seek legal advice to ensure that contracts are fair and that you're fully aware of your obligations and entitlements.

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5 Set Boundaries

When engaged in temporary work, setting clear boundaries is vital for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Be upfront about your availability and the scope of work you're willing to undertake. This will prevent misunderstandings and ensure that both you and the employer have a mutual understanding of the commitment. It's also a good practice to manage your time effectively to avoid burnout, which can be a risk with back-to-back contracts.

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6 Market Yourself

Finally, marketing yourself effectively is crucial in securing temporary PR work. Develop a strong personal brand that showcases your expertise and what you can bring to a team on a short-term basis. Use social media, your personal website, or a portfolio to highlight your achievements and the value you've added in previous roles. Remember, every contract is an opportunity to demonstrate your worth and build your reputation in the industry.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if you're considering temporary or contract work in Public Relations?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Assess Goals

2 Update Resume

3 Network Constantly

4 Understand Contracts

5 Set Boundaries

6 Market Yourself

7 Here’s what else to consider

Public Relations

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What do you do if you're considering temporary or contract work in Public Relations?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Goals

2 Update Resume

3 Network Constantly

4 Understand Contracts

5 Set Boundaries

6 Market Yourself

7 Here’s what else to consider

Public Relations

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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