A promotions assistant should have an outgoing personality.
In many sectors of the business world, the public relations or promotions department is the first point of contact with the customer. A shy, reserved person may not be the appropriate fit for the job of promotions assistant; the position is better for outgoing, personable people who don't mind getting their hands dirty, both literally and figuratively.
What They Do
A promotions assistant, in most cases, works directly under a promotions director. The promotions assistant may have a hand in scriptwriting, Internet advertising design and marketing, and often maintains the organization's promotional calendar of events. He may also work in conjunction with other officers of the company, offering general administrative support where needed. This may include maintenance of archives if the company works in the entertainment industry.
Where They Work
Several avenues are available for exploration as a promotions assistant. A marketing or public relations firm may employ a promotions assistant. Radio stations often house large promotional staffs to make their brands available and constant throughout the listening area. Publishing companies will use promotional assistants to maintain what are often massive archives of copyrighted material.
Qualifications
In nearly any case, a promotional assistant should possess strong communication skills, as many of their duties involve public interaction. Office and organizational skills are usually necessary as well, since the job description will likely include detail-oriented work, such as client profiles and company records. A flexible schedule is another trait often sought in a promotions assistant, since organizations, such as or television stations, do not operate on a traditional 9-to-5 schedule. Many companies seek a candidate with a bachelor's degree or those with years of experience, but others do not require anything but the willingness to work an occasional weekend or holiday.
What They May Not Teach You
Sometimes, a promotional assistant needs to go above and beyond the call of duty for his employer; this can involve tasks he did not consider before taking the position. Many radio stations, for example, require a promotional assistant to travel to events dressed as the company mascot. Those costumes can get hot during August in Philadelphia, for example, and they may itch a little after an entire day of greeting listeners. A promotion assistant usually must attend events as a representative of the company. This can be a desirous task -- like going to a rock concert -- or unenviable one -- like a weekend of out-of-town meetings.
Of course, the very word "assistant" in your title may mean that you must do anything other staff members won't do. This "dirty" work can include activities like cleaning the office, sorting through a mess of e-mails and having to play dress-up.
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