How to Be a PR Professional Even When You're Unemployed

The truth? I haven't had a full-time PR job in 5 years! Also true? Each year I've been unemployed I have facilitated significant PR projects that I can be proud of (and can add to my resume). Not working in the industry I love and feeling as if I am getting left behind was frustrating and had begun to get the better of me. Lucky for me, I realized that there were a few solid ways for me to maintain my PR pro status although I was not working in PR full-time.

1. Become your own client: Although I was fortunate to maintain paying PR work pretty consistently, there was a lot of downtime. There were weeks when I didn't have a project and I risked falling in to a space of true unemployment. During those times, I became my own client. I updated my own website, created content for myself, and pitched myself. I actually landed a patch.com article for myself. Visit my website, like my Facebook page, or follow me on twitter.
2. Create Content: Whether or not you have a client the one thing all PR pros need to do is create content. How you choose to do it doesn't matter. Tweet, update your Facebook, blog, make a video or write an op-ed. What matters is that you're creating content that's compelling, informed, honest, and that you're sharing that content in the appropriate context.
3. Update your toolkit: There's always something new to learn. Read a new book (right now I'm reading WTF Business by Brian Solis), master a new social media tool or learn html. When I have downtime in between jobs and/or clients I've spent that time learning something new. I even taught myself SEO and used it to land a new client.
4. Be with other PR pros: The best part of not having a client to worry about was that it gave me time to attend networking events, workshops, and conferences. Being in the same room with PR pros who are doing great work is priceless. I recently attended events co-sponsored by PRWeek and MSL Group. I met freelancers, entrepreneurs, hiring managers, and even media moguls. Check me out with Arianna Huffington!
   
   
   
   
   
   It's tough being an unemployed PR professional. This industry changes so fast and if you're not careful, you can be left behind. I've used these tips to keep me inspired, motivated, and truly connected to my industry. What tips have you used when you're in between clients and/or unemployed?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Breaking In (again)

There was a time when I knew that I had broken in to the PR industry. Maybe it was the first time I saw my client in the NYT or when I created my first monthly PR activity or perhaps it was when I successfully orchestrated PR for a trade show in Germany from my office in New York for a client based in Utah whose product came from Brazil. Whatever the moment, I knew I was in public relations. Then when the economy went down and jobs were scarce I found myself in an interesting position...not working in PR. My challenge wasn't finding a job but finding a PR job. I was able to work as a substitute teacher, a counselor, a writer, a singer anything except for PR. Do you know what that does to PRnista's self esteem? So here I am nearly 3 years away from my last full-time PR gig and still looking. It's challenging, frustrating, and sometimes depressing but I love this business and know I belong in it! I'll keep plugging away at it until I break into the biz...again.

Dear HR Manager: Am I boring you?

"I recently viewed your ad for a Public Relations Account Executive. I am very interested in the position" These have got to be the 2 most boring sentences in the English language. Now don't get me wrong I am guilty of committing this cover letter sin but have become so bored with writing it I actually feel like calling and apologizing to all the HR reps.

If there's one thing I've learned in my job hunt for a public relations job in NY or NJ, it's that I must be creative. Yes I still send my resume and a cover letter but I've been determined to let my personality shine through. I have even been calling hiring managers and email PR Directors my thoughts on their most recent PR tactic.

I hope that my diligence and tenacity will soon land me the coveted interview. That's where I really shine.