Memo To: Deborah J. Gran - Akron Office Administrator From: Michele Hladik - Administrative assistant to Atty. Wayne M. Jones Subject: Communications Specialist Position Date: February 20, 2011 ______________________________________________________________________________ Ms. Gran, I am deeply interested in the Communication Specialist position that recently became available in this firm. My background as a newspaper journalist, my education at Franklin University and my experience with this firm make me a good candidate for this position. These experiences have given me the communications skills and legal knowledge to be successful. Communications specialists need a variety of communications skills including excellent written skills needed to produce press releases and publications as well as the verbal skills needed to address internal and external questions or concerns. Working with the media is a key component of this job, but it will also be necessary to handle internet issues including managing social media tools, monitoring online and e-marketing metrics, and maintaining the firm’s website information by posting the latest news releases, photographs and other information (“PRSA Public Relations…,” 2011). Internally a communications specialist is responsible for editing and coordinating internal communications, assisting with customized presentations, working with a graphic designer to edit and coordinate community-sponsored advertisements, and assisting with marketing initiatives. The successful person must be able to do a variety of activities and must be able to see “the big picture” as was stated in the job posting. A self motivated person would fill this position well and represent the needs of the firm’s Akron office as well as the firm’s other offices (“PRSA Public Relations…,” 2011).
I believe I already posses the majority of these skills and I have a plan to successfully develop those I do not already posses. As a newspaper reporter, I have developed all aspects of communications over the last 16 years. In addition to the skill of writing and editing, I am also very familiar with how news agencies think and what it takes to garner media interest. I know what constraints they face and can adapt my work as a communications specialist to fit the firm’s needs while fitting the parameters set by the media outlets. As a member of the media I have developed relationships with a variety of outlets that could prove beneficial in promoting the firm. Through my education at Franklin University and my experience volunteering for a number of organizations, I have developed numerous internet and marketing skills. I have established social networking areas for several local private schools that were used them to keep current and former students aware of ongoing activities. In this area I have experience using Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. I have also helped develop web content used to promote the private schools. These schools have also allowed me the chance to exercise my marketing skills by preparing and implementing marketing strategies aimed at increasing attendance and revenues. I have also prepared promotional materials for these schools and organizations including press releases, fliers, brochures, newsletters and more. There are a few areas I would like to improve on, but I believe continuing my education at Franklin University will assist in developing these skills. I have very limited experience with graphic design. I would like to expand this area by directing my remaining course work in this area. I also have developed relationships with professionals in this area who have agreed to train me in this area. Another skill I would like to work on is in giving presentations. Preparing the presentations is not a problem, but presenting is sometimes a challenge. I plan to overcome this
issue, by rehearsing the presentations and by volunteering to take on more presentation roles. The more practice I can get in this area the easier it will become. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing the issue with you further. I believe my experiences and my desire to improve upon certain skills make me a perfect candidate for the position as communications specialist. Sincerely, Michele C. Hladik
References About the firm. (2011). Roetzel and Andress. Retrieved February 18, 2011, from http://www.ralaw.com/about.cfm?sp=overview PRSA public relations and communications jobs. (2011). Retrieved February 18, 2011, from http://jobs.prsa.org/c/search.cfm?site_id=2170