Public Relations Specialist

Common tasks

• Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source.
• Plan or direct development or communication of programs to maintain favorable public or stockholder perceptions of an organization's accomplishments, agenda, or environmental responsibility.
• Post and update content on the company's Web site and social media outlets.
• Write press releases or other media communications to promote clients.
• Establish or maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, employee, or public interest groups.
• Confer with other managers to identify trends or key group interests or concerns or to provide advice on business decisions.
• Coach client representatives in effective communication with the public or with employees.
• Study the objectives, promotional policies, or needs of organizations to develop public relations strategies that will influence public opinion or promote ideas, products, or services.
• Prepare or edit organizational publications, such as employee newsletters or stockholders' reports, for internal or external audiences.
• Arrange public appearances, lectures, contests, or exhibits for clients to increase product or service awareness or to promote goodwill.

Most important skills

Speaking

Talking to others.

Active Listening

Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.

Reading Comprehension

Reading work-related information.

Social Perceptiveness

Understanding people's reactions.

Writing

Writing things for co-workers or customers.

Time Management

Managing your time and the time of other people.

Coordination

Changing what is done based on other people's actions.

Critical Thinking

Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.