It may not be warm enough yet to pack away your winter coat, but all those daffodils out there mean that the spring has sprung, so now is a great time to look for a new job in PR. Even if you are happy in your present role, you should still take stock. Check that your skills are up to date; that you are doing all you can to shine in your present role; and that your employer is aware of your dedication and enthusiasm. The next step, naturally, is then straight into your boss’s office to demand a pay rise! We asked PR recruitment specialists and PR leaders for their advice about how to get ahead in PR this spring. Here’s what they said:

• Ten top tips for improving your prospects in PR

• Educate yourself about the market place

• Update your CV

• Get active on social networks

• Engage with relevant industry groups

• Attend networking events

• Build and maintain professional relationships, both online and personally

• Find a specialist recruiter

• Do your homework about the companies you want to work for

• Practice your interview skills

• If you love the job you are in, ask for a pay rise (being clear about why you deserve it)

How to add some spring to your career

Fiona Murray, global head of marketing for recruiter VMA GROUP: “Here at VMA, we definitely see an increase in job moves and promotions in most industries as spring approaches. As we come out of the dark winter days, many people are naturally more positive and use this energy to seek new career opportunities. However, this means that PR professionals looking to take the leap into a different role will really need to set themselves apart from a growing crowd.

“There are multiple ways individuals can achieve this. In the first instance, it’s important to spend some time getting your CV and social networks up to scratch. Make sure you are being active on the right online channels and engaging with groups that include some of your ideal companies to work for. It’s also vital that you seek out networking opportunities, after all, getting actual face time with a potential employer will help put you front of mind for job.

“Finally, utilising the networks and experience of specialist recruiters will really set you on the path to success. Remember the key purpose of a recruiter is to help an individual stand out from the competition and secure their dream job, so use them to your advantage and make sure you select the right advocate for you.”

Jo Seymour-Taylor, client services director at agency Stir Public Relations: “The marketing mix as we know it is const