Kamara Turner’s Post

Breaking into PR: A Journey Worth Taking 💫 As someone who's been in the PR game for a whil now, I can confidently say that it's an incredibly rewarding (and sometimes wild!) industry. But let's be real, getting your foot in the door can feel like a daunting task, especially when you're fresh out of college or making a career pivot. I still vividly remember the days of scouring job boards, crafting endless cover letters, and feeling like a tiny fish in a vast ocean of applicants. But fear not, my friends! I'm here to share some insider tips that helped me break through and might just give you the edge you need. 1. Network, network, network! Attend industry events, connect with PR professionals on LinkedIn, and don't be afraid to reach out for informational interviews. Building relationships is key in this business. 2. Gain relevant experience through internships or volunteer work. PR agencies and companies love to see hands-on experience, even if it's unpaid. 3. Develop a strong writing portfolio. PR is all about storytelling, so showcase your writing chops with blog posts, press releases, or even creative writing samples. 4. Stay up-to-date with industry trends and news. Follow PR publications, blogs, and thought leaders to demonstrate your passion and knowledge. 5. Tailor your application materials. Research the company or agency you're applying to and highlight how your skills and experience align with their needs. 6. Don't get discouraged! PR is a competitive field, but persistence and a positive attitude will take you far. Remember, breaking into PR is a journey, and every step counts. Embrace the hustle, learn from setbacks, and keep pushing forward. Who knows, you might just be the next PR rockstar in the making! Feel free to drop a comment if you have any specific questions or need advice. I'm always happy to lend a helping hand to fellow PR enthusiasts. Wishing you all the best on your PR pursuit! 🚀 #PR #PublicRelations #CareerAdvice #PersonalBranding

"I'm becoming so fatigued from applying to job after job and nothing coming from it" Does this sound like you? I've been speaking to lots of candidates over the last couple of weeks who are going through application fatigue. From PR juniors to mid-level candidates from the UK to local senior PR pros - everyone's finding it tough right now. It got me thinking 💬 💬💬💬 If I was going through serious application fatigue, I'd take a step back and reflect on a few things - how can I change up my application? does my CV need revamping? could I reach out directly to the hiring manager and introduce myself? would creating a portfolio boost my chances of standing out? I recently placed a standout PR Account Coordinator into a role and you know what I still think about from time to time? The quality of her portfolio. I don't think it's ABSOLUTELY necessary for people in PR to have a portfolio, however I am a strong believer that having a relevant and relatable folio ready to share with a client would be massively advantageous for your application. Now before you start saying "I have no work experience, why would I create a portfolio?", here's a couple of things I would do if I was creating one. 🎀 Craft a press release highlighting your experience 🎀 Highlight previous university work 🎀 Keep the work consistent and relevant to what you're applying for 🎀 Ensure all my work is up to date - it'll show that you're up to date with the latest trends/PR landscape 🎀 Tailoring my folio to reflect the work I know I want to be doing / would be doing in the role I'm applying to 🎀 Avoiding a PDF folio - they're static and when you update them, the copy the potential client has is out of date 🎀 Ensuring my contact details are easily accessible/up to date Clients want to see the process and learn how you come up with the output. It doesn't have to be a huge time consumer so have fun with it and flex that creative muscle. Show em what you got!! Comment below if you've found having a portfolio is worth the work!

I’m super excited to share a helpful new resource for business leaders worldwide… ➡ CommsConsultants.com This is an amazing tool for those looking for an expert communications partner. Whether you have an interim need, a fractional opportunity, a complex project or you’re simply desperate for some extra arms and legs - this resource is going to help you breathe easier. So many of us have been in a position where we need a seasoned communications pro on deck, and we need them now. In these moments, we typically turn to a recruiter or headhunter. Or, we just ask around our personal network. Sometimes these options work out, sometimes they don’t. This new directory is a sure bet. You get immediate access to 200+ of the best of the best pre-vetted talent in communications consulting worldwide (20+ countries). It’s a highly curated and exclusive directory of experts in 25+ specialities (public affairs, influencer relations, employer branding, internal communications, media training, executive visibility, speaking & award positioning, DEIB communications and so much more). There’s no middleman, no waiting and no worry about whether or not these consultants will deliver. Oh, and the cost is a fraction of what recruiters typically charge. Give it a browse and see what all the hype is about! CommsConsultants.com I'm happy to answer questions about it or connect you with the amazing Ashley Dennison who is the brain behind the brand! Consultants interested in applying can do so on the website! https://lnkd.in/gJc-9Sas

A Communications major at my Alma mater recently asked me about the top things I wish I'd known before entering the world of public relations and corporate comms. And while the industry has changed significantly since my first days in the workplace, I believe several key pieces of advice remain true. ✔ Embrace Continuous Learning: PR is a dynamic field that evolves with trends, technology, and societal shifts. Stay curious and keep learning—whether it’s mastering new digital tools, understanding emerging AI-driven solutions, or keeping up with industry news. The more you know, the more valuable you become. ✔ Build Strong Relationships: Relationships are the backbone of PR. Whether it’s with journalists, clients, colleagues, or mentors, take the time to build and nurture these connections. Be genuine and reliable, and always look for ways to add value to the relationships you develop. ✔ Be Resilient and Adaptable: PR is fast-paced and unpredictable. You’ll need to think on your feet, manage multiple priorities, and sometimes handle challenging situations. Stay calm under pressure, learn from setbacks, and be open to change. ✔ Hone Your Writing Skills: Writing is at the heart of PR—media pitches, print and digital content, press releases, talking points, social media content and more. Focus on being clear, concise, and compelling. Good writing can set you apart and is essential for effective communication. ✔ Understand the Big Picture: PR is more than just media relations; it’s about shaping perceptions and driving business goals. Take the time to understand the industries and organizations you work for. This will help you create strategies that align with broader objectives and demonstrate your strategic thinking. ✔ Be Ethical and Authentic: In PR, your reputation is everything. Always be honest, transparent and ethical in your work. Building trust takes time, but it’s the foundation of a successful career in communications. ✔ Seek Mentorship and Networking Opportunities: Don’t hesitate to contact experienced professionals for advice and guidance. Attend industry events, join PR associations and connect with peers. Networking can open doors and provide invaluable insights as you grow in your career. What early career advice still sticks with you today? #PublicRelations #PRCareer #Communications #CareerAdvice #PRTips #DigitalPR #MediaRelations #PublicRelationsStrategy #ProfessionalDevelopment #IndustryInsights #CommunicationSkills #Networking #CorporateCommunications #FutureofPR #Leadership #CareerGrowth

Have you heard about this already? CommsConsultants.com Founded by Ashley Dennison, a true #comms #professional who I met (via LinkedIn) earlier this year, this directory will be an amazing resource for companies looking for talent. It’s a global directory that provides immediate access to 200+ pre-vetted, senior-level communications consultants working in 25+ specialties, 20+ countries and 25+ languages. You can find and contact your perfect fit in minutes. All for a fraction of what you’d pay a recruiter. If you’re a leader in #communications or #marketing (in-house or agency side), a small business owner, an #entrepreneur, or a talent acquisition leader, you’ll definitely want to bookmark this for the future. Take a look and let me know what you think! CommsConsultants.com

The road to a successful career in PR can be long and isn’t always straightforward, but it offers plenty of valuable teaching opportunities along the way.   Sterling Randle, Account Lead at Hot Paper Lantern, reflected on a few key lessons he’s learned in his 10-year career in PR and media relations:   ▸ Devote attention to creating authentic relationships “Since shifting industries and working from home, I make introductions virtually via email or Twitter after reading/watching something a reporter has worked on. I’ll share a short note about how I enjoyed their work and how I’d love to be a resource in the future, and I’ll ask to connect via video call or phone call. If I get a response, I go about learning as much as I can about them before we talk.”   ▸ Understand the importance of seeing both sides “When there’s trust, you don’t have to have all the right answers all the time. You can confidently say, ‘Actually, that’s a good question. I don’t have the answer right now, but I’ll find out.’ When you fake an answer or tell a ‘mostly’ truth, you dig yourself into a hole, and the reporter starts formulating and writing their story with incorrect information.”   Working in public relations demands attention to detail and sometimes involves overcoming unexpected challenges. These experiences and learning opportunities ultimately lead to growth and expertise in the industry.   What experiences or teaching moments have shaped your career path? Share your story in the comments below. #pr #mediarelations #communicationspro #careersuccess

"Turning Vision into Impact: How Preparation and Expertise Drove a Transformative Communication Strategy" By Fatima Muritala Opportunities don't just happen—they are created through expertise, readiness, and seizing the moment. A while back, a Regional Director of Communication, Media & Marketing reached out with a unique contract opportunity. She shared, “Fatima, I can see you truly understand the power of media. We need you to bring our communication plan to life and make an impact.” Her confidence in my expertise fueled my commitment to taking on the role, despite it requiring an 18-hour weekly commute. As we discussed her goals, it became clear we’d need to re-evaluate the strategies designed to align with the board's vision. The Director candidly admitted her strengths lay in public and stakeholder relations, and she wanted me to lead external communications, audience analysis, and campaign generation to engage the government and stakeholders in a meaningful way. “Fatima,” she said, “we need them talking about this project to drive policy support and implementation.” After some deliberation due to the commute, she called the next day, ready to convince me. She said, “Fatima, I’ve made the decision for you—your offer letter is on its way!” And with a laugh, I knew I was all in. This role challenged me to push my boundaries like never before. Her communications team operated with precision, keeping me on my toes at every turn. Together, we didn’t just implement a communication plan—we fostered government involvement and set up structures for long-term success. One takeaway from this five-month journey? Preparation is everything. When you're prepared and constantly honing your skills, you’re ready for any challenge, no matter how big or unexpected. Invest in yourself. It’s what opens doors to the opportunities you’re dreaming of. I'm sharing my experience to inspire each of you, because now is the time to become whoever you aspire to be. #CommunicationsStrategy #MediaPower #ProfessionalGrowth #StakeholderEngagement #GovernmentRelations #CareerInsights" #linkedin #linkedinconnections

20+ Years of Experience or 5+ Years of Honest Dedication? The Truth About Trust in PR & Communications Trust and credibility are the lifeblood of PR and Communications. Yet, experience alone doesn’t guarantee them. Here’s a story that changed how I see the "experience vs. accountability" debate forever. Despite being backed by over two decades of experience, a collaboration turned out to be anything but professional. Here’s what happened: PROMISES WERE MADE —interviews in Cat-A publications, guest speaker invitations, and media interactions. What did we get? A 15-second filler story buried in a news bulletin, without the promised inputs or follow-ups. Worse, we weren’t allowed to even mention the collaboration, let alone post pictures or showcase the work. This experience was a lesson in what trust and credibility really mean—and why they matter far more than the number of years on a resume. Here’s the big takeaway: I’d take a decisively honest, transparent, and results-driven partner with 5 years of experience over a seasoned veteran who shirks accountability, plays the victim card, and blames others. Skill, dedication, and commitment outlast years of experience paired with dishonesty every single time. To my peers in PR & Communications—and beyond—this is your reminder: 🛠️ Showing up. Following through. Delivering what you promised- Beats it all, in every industry and expertise/niche. 📣 What’s your take on this? Would you prioritize experience over integrity, or are accountability and transparency your North Stars? Let’s discuss! #PR #TrustAndCredibility #ExperienceVsIntegrity #LeadershipLessons

What skills are essential for a career in PR? After noticing many PR enthusiasts on our inbox hoping to join us someday, here are 10 essential qualities for successful PR careers: ✓Communication (Written and Verbal) ✓Media Relations ✓Writing skills ✓Research and analysis ✓Social media savvy ✓Crisis management ✓Creativity and problem-solving ✓Time Management & Organization ✓Teamwork and collaboration ✓Data analysis and measurement Even with more rising skill needs, our industry offers a dynamic and rewarding career path. We hope this is helpful to you in growing yourself. #makingbrandsspark

A challenge for my fellow Communications professionals today (and yes, I'm talking to the lurkers amongst you!!) Apparently only 1-2% of people on LinkedIn actually share content through posts. This blows my mind, how about you? I did a quick video on this over on the other channel (that cannot be named!!) as part of a series I'm doing on career visibility and career progression. LinkedIn really values content that is thoughtful, adds to the professional conversation and shares insight and best practice. All things that we as communications professionals advise our stakeholders on, but seemingly rarely do ourselves! This is tied to my post yesterday about how we don't do a great job of positioning ourselves for success externally. And in these economic times, it strikes me as essential. So what stops you posting on LinkedIn? And how could I help you get over the fear? Finally, my challenge - if you choose to accept it - is to update your profile with a really strong elevator pitch this week and share something thoughtful about the world of Communications. You'll add value here and do yourself a favour into the bargain. #communications #strategiccommunications #linkedintips #linkedinadvice #commsjobs