I am looking for a position in a small Public Relations firm
in Vancouver, Canada. I would like to know how I can information on the PR firms, since they are all privately owned and therefore do not have annual reports. These firms are very small (2 to 10 people) and I don not
want to ask them directly. I want to be fully prepared before I talk with them. Please tell me where I could find information about these companies (client lists, examples of their work, etc.) Thank you for responding!
The only way to find out "inside information" about these small firms is to gain a
contact within the field who will share facts/data with you. You may be able to find this contact through networking or possibly through a PR association. Another avenue may be through a contact in an associated or
competitive industry (such as advertising). You can also begin reading the industry trade magazines, although it is unlikely that you will find out information about very small firms. A final way to gain information
would be through a potential client contact. Keep in mind that the PR Director for a large company would likely have info about the PR firm they work with and the others in the industry. Often, this client perspective
can be the most valuable and objective.
Two final methods (although less likely to produce the level of detail you are seeking) would be to contact a local business organization (such as the Chamber of Commerce) or
work through a local research librarian.
As you will come to find, there are many different avenues to information. Consider yourself an investigative reporter on assignment, digging further with each new nugget of
information. Good luck!
Do you have a question that you would like to have answered here in this forum? Send your question direct to Brian Krueger.
All job search information at this forum is provided by Brian Krueger, author of the book College Grad Job Hunter, the definitive guide for college grad job search. Used by permission of the author.
