It is easy to let this question stump you. But it is even easier to deliver a thoughtful response that shows you know what's going on in the industry. If you can sail past this question, employers know you are interested in the career path you've chosen and that you will be able to stay abreast of client news when you (knock on wood!) get the job.
There are some awesome resources to help you stay current on what's going on in the PR world. Whether you want to learn about a particular agency or just read about new social media trends, I rounded up some of my favorite PR-related news outlets. Check these daily, or just read their tweets, and you will be able to rock any interview.
One // Ragan.com is my first stop for PR news and industry trends. I subscribe to their daily email newsletter that compiles all the latest articles and is sent to your inbox. I like to skim the headlines every day and if I see something that is interesting, I'll read the whole article. This is your one-stop-shop for everything you need to know about the communications industry. Plus, the articles are easy to read and concise.
Two // If tech and social are more your thing, check out Mashable. You can subscribe to their daily newsletter too and get the most current news sent directly to you. I signed up for their "Mashable Velocity Alerts" that send articles that are about to trend online straight to your inbox, which is super helpful when big news breaks.
Three // I'm particularly interested in working in a public relations agency, so it's important I stay current with what's going on in the agency world. If this is your interest to, I recommend following the Holmes Report. This is a great tool to learn about a new business opportunity an agency won or to hear about an award an agency received.
Four // If you think that advertising might be for you, check out Ad Age. From marketing to advertising to digital, this is a wonderful resource for learning about what's going on outside of public relations. Great information about campaigns and social news here as well.
Five // For those interested in corporate communications, Bulldog Reporter is an excellent resource. You can sign up for their "Daily 'Dog" service that sends top headlines straight to your inbox as well. They also offer webinars on topics ranging from travel PR to strategies to create viral videos.
Six // PR Week and Media Bistro are other great tools to learn more about PR.
Seven // Shameless self-promotion here. Follow @iuPRSSA on Twitter or "like" Indiana University PRSSA on Facebook for your daily dose of PR news. Our Director of Communications, Cassie, is killing it on social media! She posts awesome articles and videos on a wide range of topics and industries.
Bonus tip: If you see an article you like online, tweet about it or post it on Facebook. When employers check you out on social media (trust me, they will!), this shows them that you actively seek out the news and want to share it. Add your thoughtful two cents on the article and employers will know you have an opinion and stay up-to-date on the news, two important qualities for a potential new hire.
What are some of your favorite sources of PR-related news? I'm especially dying for some
new PR blogs to follow!
As the interviewer who asked you this curveball question(!), I'd like you remind you that you knocked it out of the park! I believe you shared the Mattel Save the Bunnies campaign. Your answer was perfect - and you got the job!
ReplyDelete-Kelly :)
DeleteThanks, Kelly! And yep, that was the campaign I talked about. Pulled it from a chocolate class I was taking at the time. And you cited Taco Bell's Doritos Taco campaign. I can't wait to try their new breakfast! Yum.
Delete