Tag Archives: PR

Advice for Graduates wishing to pursue a career in PR

February 18, 2022 rachel_eaton Leave a comment

The good news is that according to the IDS (Income Data Services) there is an eight per cent increase in the number of graduate roles being advertised. The tide is definitely turning and we are certainly feeling it here at Gong. Our numbers have more than doubled in less than a year. A third of our new starters were graduates. Our international client base and the expansion of Gong Creative has allowed us to stretch upwards and outwards.

However, there are still 2.49 million unemployed people in the UK and last year one in 10 graduates were unemployed six months after graduating. We have a way to go yet. CVs and covering letters have never been more important.

We have seen a lot of CVs here at Gong. Here are my top five tips to help you write a standout application and make a lasting impression:

1. Research: Dig deep into agency websites and thoroughly research the company you wish to approach. If you can drop in a subtle one liner, something you’ve noticed, or are interested in, or impressive company stats and achievements, this will show you have done your homework and impress potential employers.

2. Covering letter: This should detail a little about you, why we should employ you and what attracted you to us. Keep it brief, informative and relevant.

3. CV’s: They should be no more than two pages. Make sure the layout is clear and sectioned off neatly, so that if someone is scanning through it, they can find information fast.

4. Internships: Do as many as you can. You cannot beat office experience. Internships have become an elongated ‘interview process’. They are a fantastic way for you to gain experience and re-confirm your career path. As an employer, it gives us the chance to see how you work and fit in, so make the most of it, be keen and get stuck in.

5. Stay in touch: Link up with everyone and stay in touch via the usual social media networks. Generate a strong presence out there, keep it up to date, but be mindful of your output.

These may sound painfully obvious, but very rarely are such simple guidelines followed. If you are interested in joining the team, I would be delighted to hear from you. Gong continues to grow both in London and internationally, particularly East Africa and the US. We have a wonderfully diverse culture in our London office alone: 50 per cent of our employees are non-Brits and between us we have a huge array of skills, languages, experience and creativity to bring to the table.

For more information please go to our ‘about us’ page and get in touch at careers@thewilful.com.

News

Gong named among winners of 2021 Africa SABRE Awards

May 21, 2021 sarahcaddy Leave a comment

Gong was delighted to be named among the winners of the 2021 Africa SABRE Awards, which recognise superior achievement in branding, reputation, and engagement, during a virtual award ceremony.

Since 2015, Gong has helped to deliver the Dive In Festival, the insurance industry’s festival for diversity and inclusion, which was celebrated in a record-breaking 35 countries last year.

As the effects of the festival continue to be felt around the world, Gong was named the winner of two categories (Research and Planning and Public Education) and also received a certificate of excellence (in the Financial and Professional Services category) in the awards ceremony (which is run by PRovoke Media) for its work in delivering this iconic festival in Nigeria, alongside its African partners Phyllion & Partners Limited, Aon and Lloyd’s.

To learn more about the Dive In Festival – which will run this year from 21 – 23 September – please see www.diveinfestival.com.

Insight

What do journalists want?

October 9, 2013 rachel_eaton Leave a comment

Sally Maier

Last week I attended a Gorkana media briefing with Jonathan Grun, Editor at The Press Association. In his view, “interesting stories” and “speed of response” are the secret to building long-lasting relationship with journalists.

Having worked in the PR industry in various cities for almost a decade, I wondered if other journalists shared the same view. With this in mind, I asked a few media industry friends what they thought made a good PR. Here are their responses:

TV producer, Channel NewsAsia TV news station, Singapore: “Journalists want to tell the best story within deadline, outshine rival media outlets, and be first with the news. PR folk who understand this and help provide the stories they need (with good multimedia elements) earn lots of goodwill and become good friends”

Reporter, Oriental Daily News, Hong Kong: “Regular catch-ups help and casual chats can build up friendships. If possible, say lunch every few months. For those who are in a different country, call or send a Christmas card”

Freelance writer, The Guardian, UK: “I generally contact PRs when I need information or a quote, often at short notice. The PRs that I go back to time and again are those who are quick to respond to inquiries, who are competent in their subject area and who have the ear of their clients so they can get the ball rolling”

Reporter, China Daily Europe: “I think it’s personal interest and friendship as opposed to work. My PR friends don’t talk about their clients when we meet for lunch, coffee or other things. We just become friends.”

UK-based freelance writer, Billionaire.com, Singapore: “Keep supplying relevant information that can be used going forward – or that builds a clear picture of the fields in which your key strengths/contacts lie”

So, my unscientific poll suggests Jonathan Grun is right – interesting news stories and speed of response are key to cultivating long-lasting relationships between PRs-Journalists. But so are regular, informal face-to-face catch-ups. Lunch anyone?

Part of The Wilful Group