Most public relations professionals have an interview story – the best, the worst, the weirdest.  But some also have what could be a more interesting story – the hiring story.  They were the left field candidate hired, or they hired the left field candidate.  It may not happen often, but it does happen.  When companies want pure talent, regardless of the presence or absence of a PR background, and the hiring manager senses a match, innovative hiring happens.

This issue pays homage to open-mindedness and bravery.  Read what The Council of Public Relations Firms has done to shake up the industry and encourage innovative hiring.  Hiring managers who have filled a position with an unconventional choice – to their ultimate benefit – share their stories.  And finally, meet a professional who took an interesting detour in his career, to his ultimate benefit, and learn about his experience on both sides of the hiring equation.

© 2004 Heyman Associates, Inc.