157. That’s how many job applications I’ve submitted - tailoring each application with an individualized cover letter, resume, and answers to their job-related questions. I’ve experienced the highs of landing interviews and the lows of rejection emails – or worse, complete silence.
The job market right now is intense to say the least, and the process can be disheartening. But through this journey I’ve learned valuable lessons I wish I had known 157 applications ago. If you’re about to graduate or starting your job search, here is my story and my best advice for breaking into the PR industry.
When I graduated from Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Public Relations program, I was eager to jump into the communications industry. I had the education, some experience, and a true work ethic that employers would LOVE. I thought that would be enough – but the reality was much tougher.
I quickly realized that the communications industry in Vancouver, BC wasn’t just about having the education and the work ethic; it was about networking persistence, and honestly… sometimes just being in the right place at the right time.
Once I finished school in December of 2023, like many new grads, I started applying to every PR-related job that LinkedIn, indeed, and every other job posting site could throw at me. Some companies did what us Gen Zs would call “ghosted” me, others sent generic rejection emails, and a couple interviews ended with the infamous “We have decided to move forward with another candidate.” It was discouraging. I even began to doubt my own education, expertise, and if a company would ever see me as an asset to their team. But I knew I couldn’t let these doubts stop me.
I switched gears and focused less on trying to stand out in a stack of resumes, and more on standing out in a room full of industry professionals. I began attending networking events and getting my name out there. Of course your resume and skills matter, but in PR, who you know can be just as important. Through attending and volunteering for CPRS events, coffee chats, and being a part of the CPRS Mentorship program, I built strong relationships with communications professionals who were happy to be a reference for a future employer.
These relationships grew into opportunities such as being on the board of directors for CPRS as their Student Representative, CPRS Special Events Coordinator, and spearheading their “Coffee and Comms” chats. This experience allowed me to showcase my skills, initiative, and ability to get a job done in front of PR and communication professionals.
While networking is a crucial part of finding success in today’s job market, the groundwork starts much earlier. It begins on your first day of university, when you decide what type of student you are going to be. As a self-proclaimed nerd, it was never enough for me to know how to do something – I always needed to know why we do it. That curiosity led to MANY questions in class and made me a familiar face to my professors. By applying myself to my studies and striving for academic success, I earned their respect and support. My professors became my biggest advocates during my job search, able to vouch for my skills, work ethic, and personality in ways that stood out to potential employers. That kind of support, I’ve learned, is an invaluable advantage.
Now, you’re probably wondering if I’m sitting here still unemployed or if I secured a job by now… and to that I say… you’ll just have to stay tuned for part two!