Job Search and Transition Resources

Dear PRSA National Capital Chapter Community,

We understand that navigating job loss or career transition can be challenging. As part of our commitment to supporting you, we’ve gathered some valuable resources to assist you during this time.

Learn and Connect at Upcoming NCC Events

Stay engaged and expand your network by participating in upcoming NCC events. These opportunities can help you gain insights, develop skills, and connect with fellow communicators who are here to support you. Follow PRSA NCC on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram to learn about future coffee meet-ups, networking happy hours, and more professional development opportunities.

• 15th Annual Issues of the Day for Associations and Nonprofits, March 26, 2025, 8-10 am EDT (IN-PERSON)
• Brand Builders Webinar: How to Stand Out When Applying for Jobs, April 1, 2025, 4:30-6:30 pm EDT (VIRTUAL)
• Summer Coffee Meet Ups (4 Sessions); April 8, 2025, May 13, 2025, June 10, 2025, July 8, 2025; 8-9 am EDT (IN-PERSON)
• Managing Wikipedia the Right Way: What PR Pros Need to Know in 2025, April 23, 2025, 12-1 pm EDT (VIRTUAL)
• Jump Start to Accreditation Online Series (4 Sessions); April 25, 2025, May 2, 2025, May 9, 2025, and May 16, 2025; 9-11 am EDT (VIRTUAL)
• Spring Networking Happy Hour, April 30, 2025, 5-7 pm EDT (IN-PERSON)

Find Your Next Job Opportunity

Explore helpful resources, job boards, and networking opportunities designed to help you identify and secure your next role.

• Optimize Resumes: Use JobScan to optimize your resume with keywords and position your resume better in organizations’ Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that search and filter resumes by keywords
• Optimize LinkedIn to Draw Recruiters: Learn what recruiters look for and how to help them find you in this LinkedIn Learning training with J.T. O’Donnell, a LinkedIn Top Voice and an expert on modern job search and recruiting.
• Check Communication-Specific Online Job Boards
  • PRSA Job Center
  • PRSA NCC Jobs
  • LinkedIn
  • Ragan
• Use Job Search Support and Counseling Services
  • NBC4 Washington Report on DMV Area-Specific Resources: This piece published on March 21 summaries the resources available in DC, Maryland and Virginia:
  • American Job Centers: Nearly 2,300 AJCs nationwide help people search for jobs, find training, and answer other employment-related questions.
  • CareerOneStop: Site and resources sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor for career exploration, training and jobs.
• Consider Freelancing and Consulting Opportunities
  • Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer: For PR consulting gigs.
  • Working Not Working: Specifically for creative and communications roles.
• Explore Skills Development and Training Resources
  • LinkedIn Learning: Free online courses for skill development, offering certificates that can be added to resumes and LinkedIn profiles.
  • Coursera: The site provides free and paid skill and project trainings.
  • Career Ready DC: A a free service that provides DC residents access to AI-technology for career searching.

Expand Your Professional Networks

Access training programs, webinars, and certification options to enhance your skill set and strengthen your credentials.

• PRSA: PRSA offers a financial hardship plan to members who are unemployed or temporarily disabled. The hardship dues rate is $130, a one-time, one-year offer that cannot be combined with the Quarterly Payment Program. Members retain full benefits. To apply, members must submit a signed application and payment. For questions about the hardship plan, contact Member Services at membership@prsa.org.
  • TIP: Explore PRSA’s Navigating Job Loss or Transition: Displaced Professionals Portal for content and guidance.
• College/University Alumni Networks: Many alma maters offer career center access to their alumni, especially if you are a member of the alumni network.
  • TIP: Consider signing up for one class at a local community college and gain access to their career center that may provide free job hunting and transition services like job boards, career counseling, resume review, etc.
• Additional Professional Associations and Networks to Consider:
  • International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)
  • Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR)
  • National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC)
  • American Marketing Association (AMA)
  • Public Affairs Council (PAC)
  • ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership
  • Journalism associations with professional communicator member categories: National Association of Black Journalists, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and Asian American Journalists Association
  • The Association for Women in Communications (AWC)

Care for Your Mental Health and Wellness

Your well-being matters. Discover resources focused on mental health, stress management, and maintaining resilience during your job search.

• 988 Lifeline: If you are in crisis, call or text 988 on your phone to be connected with a trained crisis counselor 24/7. You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org. The Lifeline provides confidential support for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance use, or mental health crises, or any other emotional distress.
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): A grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for those affected by mental illness. The NAMI HelpLine (1-800-950-NAMI or 1-800-950-6264) provides guidance and support, but is not a crisis line. You can also text “HELPLINE” to 62640 for support via text.
• org: Provides information and resources on coping with job loss stress, including tips for allowing yourself to grieve, reaching out for support, and finding other ways to define yourself.
• Practice Breathing Exercises: A simple method of managing anxiety and mental health challenges in the moment can be practicing deep breathing exercises can help calm your body and reduce the severity of panic attacks. Try diaphragmatic breathing or the 4-7-8 breathing method. The breathing technique involves breathing in for 4 seconds, holding it for 7 seconds and exhaling for 8 seconds.

If you have additional resources to share or need specific support, please feel free to contact us at info@prsancc.org.

We’re here to help you succeed and thrive, no matter where your journey takes you.

Onward,

Crystal Borde

PRSA NCC President