Why should I hire you is one of many exciting CPRS events!
This month, the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) once again held its annual event, Why should I hire you, just in time for summer job interview season! This year’s event was held Wednesday, February 6, on the SAIT Polytechnic campus and was a tremendous success.
Why should I hire you, brings in public relations and communications professionals to conduct mock job interviews with CPRS students. These interviews are great opportunities for students to not only practice their interview skills, but to also gain valuable feedback, ask industry related questions, and network with both professionals and fellow students.
Which industry professionals were there?
This year, the following industry professionals participated in the event:
Kim Blanchette – Energy Resources Conservation Board
Sean Beardow – Cohn & Wolfe
Paula Worthington – Brookline Public Relations
Ashlee Smith – Brookline Public Relations
Preparation is the key
When asked what her most common piece of interview advice is, Ashlee Smith from Brookline Public Relations stresses the importance of preparation. “Whether a student is interviewing for their PR educational program, or graduated and looking for their first career opportunity, preparation and research of the organization is essential.”
Michelle Crossland, Education and Awards Chair of CPRS Calgary, also recommends preparing a list of detailed questions specifically related to the organization and position applied to. “This shows the employer that you have thought about the position and are actually interested in the position,” Michelle noted.
In addition, Michelle strongly believes in the importance of networking. “Building relationships with your peers in the PR field is critical. Often times, people get hired through word-of-mouth or because someone in their network recommended them for a position,” she said. “CPRS offers a variety of networking events, including lunch n’ learns which are held every few months.”
The ultimate PR student experience!
This year’s Why should I hire you was greatly appreciated by all attendees and is sure to help many in their future job searches and interviews. Casey Knoll, a journalism and communications student at both SAIT and University of Calgary, facilitated the event and has thoroughly enjoyed her leadership experience as a CPRS student representative.
“I’ve learned more about PR, made industry contacts, and got a first-hand look at event management, “ Casey acknowledged. “I also have had a great time working with and getting to know the student team.”
Want to get involved with the CPRS? Check out the CPRS website!
See you at the next CPRS event!