
In the spirit of HAPPO, here's a look at some questions to ask when considering you next PR hire. My responses as a candidate in Minneapolis/St. Paul follow. If you like what you read, let's get in touch:
andy@andygiefer.com
@andy_giefer
LinkedIn
1. Do I need a traditional PR person or a someone with a broader skill set?
While traditional PR skills are still important, technology has infinitely broadened the scope of the field. Is it important that your hire is skilled working outside that traditional box?
My abilities reach beyond traditional PR. Over six years at an integrated agency, I demonstrated expansive skills including PR, digital/social media, creative and strategic thinking, writing and branding. I'm also someone who's driven to enhance my skills and develop new ones as PR evolves.
2. Am I committed to the strategic use of digital and social media?
As the social web becomes the center of gravity, PR is poised to capitalize. Are you on board with this shift? Will your next hire be ready to make it happen?
If you're looking for someone to immediately take advantage of social media, we should talk. My passion for and knowledge of social eliminate the learning curve. I'm prepared to strategically build, implement and manage programs from day one.
3. Am I looking for a cog or a linchpin?
A cog is a replaceable gear in a machine. A linchpin, in Seth Godin's parlance, is someone indispensable. Which will your next PR hire be?
I'm driven by a desire to help others, do meaningful work, teach, learn and provide great ideas. I'm not interested in the cog life. I try make myself a linchpin through exceptional results, insights and productive collaboration with smart people.
4. Do I have a sense of humor?
If your work culture is rather buttoned down, your PR candidate should fit that mold. If you believe that humor, personality and fun are prerequisites to creativity, make sure your next hire does too.
While I do work hard, I'm not someone who gets accused of taking myself too seriously. I want to work with fun, interesting people with an opinion and a story to tell. I believe that kind of culture ends up producing the best results.
What are you looking looking for in your next PR candidate, and do I fit the bill? If so, let’s talk soon. Reach me at:



