Job hunting is difficult enough without businesses using confusing language to explain the role.
I recently saw a job available for a PR Account Executive [Note: I’m aware this link to the job will expire in a few days], and thought, sheeesh, they could have written that better. It was too grandiose and convoluted in my opinion. So I’ve decided to rewrite the job role into normal words.
Job: Account Manager
They say… The primary role of the PR Account Executive is to find and secure opportunities to share our clients’ stories, with help and guidance from the rest of their team. You’ll also be the eyes and ears of the account team, with a 360 degree view of all activity on campaigns.
Which means… The PR Account Executive will be part of a team who keep a general eye on all our client campaigns. You will also need to share stuff for our clients (which our team will help you with) and you’ll need to notice new things for our clients whilst out browsing around the web.
The PR Account Executive will:
They say… ‘Deliver against client, campaign and content plans, working with account teams to meet and exceed client expectations.’
Which means… Stick to the plan, talk to people, and do a good job.
They say… ‘Identify and secure opportunities to share clients’ news, opinions and customer testimonials.’
Which means…If you see a good thing we can share for our clients – do that. We trust you.
They say… ‘Contribute to the story making essential to differentiate our clients in a cluttered and competitive marketplace.’
Which means…There’s lots of client competitors out there, help us make each one look individual.
They say… ‘Produce and commission creative and informative content for various channels, in whatever format best suits our target audience.’
Which means…Make things (words, images, videos, audio, downloads) or get others to make great things for us and our clients.
They say… ‘Help to manage team resource in order to achieve results in the most cost-effective fashion.’
Which means…Shop around and look for good deals which achieve the best result for everyone.
They say… ‘Create and deliver client reports, highlighting success and ideas for progress.’
Which means…Understand the data we have to spot new opportunities.
They say… ‘Liaise with clients in meetings, calls, media briefings etc.’
Which means…Talk to clients
I hope someone sees this and realises that Job Skills and Descriptions are businesses talking ‘fluffy’ and are casting a wide net for a ‘perfect’ candidate, and rarely achieve it.
How I read job descriptions is: if I’m qualified for 60% of their needs – then I’m a suitable candidate. They can either compromise on the rest or train me.
Mark ?