A Job Description for a Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists handle media inquiries.

A public relations (PR) specialist is someone who handles the writing and editing of press releases and related material for a company or client. PR specialists are typically the link between their company and the media, as their jobs are to make the public aware of a new product, service or event related to their employer. They also often act as spokeswomen for their company when dealing with media inquiries.

Basics

Public relations specialists work in a wide array of industries, but their function is typically the same: to maintain a positive public image for their client or company. They disperse press releases and contact members of the media to arrange interviews of key company personnel, highlighting the company's best attributes. Occasionally, a PR specialist will sit in on an interview between a reporter and client, monitoring the questions and perhaps even advising his client on what not to answer. PR specialists also issue press credentials to events.

Skills

A public relations specialist needs to be an expert in written and verbal communication. She should be professional, upbeat, organized, energetic and an astute problem-solver. She needs to be passionate about her company and understand how it operates, as well as someone who can remain calm in times of stress. In addition, PR specialists need to possess basic computer skills, such as typing and responding to email. A public relations specialist often will oversee and provide material for the company website.

Background

There are no set requirements for someone to become a public relations specialist. Most companies prefer someone with a bachelor's degree in public relations, with an emphasis on courses in communications, journalism, administration, creative writing and public speaking. Some specialists spend time as print or broadcast journalists before moving into the PR field.

Prospects

Jobs for public relations specialists are expected to increase by 24 percent from 2008 through 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is a considerably faster growth rate than all occupations. More than 275,000 workers were employed as PR specialists in May 2008, according to the BLS.

Earnings

Public relations specialists earned a median salary from $29,000 to more than $73,000 in February 2010, according to PayScale.com. The figures primarily are based on the PR specialist's experience, as well as the industry in which he worked. The BLS reported the median annual salary of PR specialists to be $51,280 in May 2008.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Public Relations Specialists
• PayScale: Public Relations Specialists