Public relations resume examples
Why this is a top-notch entry-level PR resume sample
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Begins with a targeted career objective
The candidate concisely presents her aspirations in PR at the outset. A well-constructed career objective captures attention and reflects a clear direction and passion for public relations.
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Showcases diverse skill sets
Even if entry-level, the resume brings forth a mix of experiences, including internships, volunteer roles and academic endeavors that demonstrate a breadth of skills. This presentation underscores the candidate’s versatility and adaptability in various contexts and situations.
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Educational background is highlighted
This budding PR professional wisely mentions their relevant coursework, showing that they have a foundation for their public relations career and effective communication.
Why this is an effective resume for an experienced PR professional
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Opens with an engaging professional summary
This seasoned PR professional adeptly uses a professional summary to spotlight their prowess in crisis management, brand awareness and culivating relationships.
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Features a comprehensive PR skill set
Leadership roles in PR require a mix of high-level skills. This resume effectively underscores a range of competencies, from media relations to crisis communication and event planning.
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Highlights the impact of campaigns and successes
Detailed accounts of past PR campaigns and their results are vital for an experienced PR professional. This resume highlights key campaigns that led to increased brand visibility, improved public perception and successful product launches.
Looking for a specific job? Here are other examples that might interest you:
Choose the best format for your public relations resume
Picking the right resume format is a big step in making a PR resume that will have an impact. Your chosen format should mirror your career progression, and you have three primary options:
With your chosen format locked down, it’s time to decide on a design.
Choosing a polished public relations resume template
Your resume template should exude your PR flair. It must visually captivate while carefully presenting your professional milestones, just like a well-orchestrated PR campaign.
For PR professionals in more traditional sectors like government or education, a simple resume template often suffices.
For those wanting a contemporary style, we suggest using a modern template. Select one that tastefully incorporates color with clean lines, leading to a cutting-edge yet polished look.
In more creative PR domains, perhaps a creative resume template will be your best bet. You can let your uniqueness shine as long as the design accentuates — rather than overshadows — your accomplishments.
Regardless of your choice, adherence to structured and cohesive formatting is important. Seek a template with clear section headers, bullet points and a judicious use of white space, making for a seamless read.
For specific file preferences, we offer an array, including Word resume templates and Google Doc templates.
Armed with the perfect resume design, you’re all set to craft a resume that distinguishes you from the rest. Let’s get started.
How to write a PR resume in 5 easy steps
Your resume serves as a highlight reel of your PR career: an overview of every strategic campaign, each expertly navigated media interaction and all the positive brand stories you’ve managed to craft.
This is like any good PR campaign, only the brand is you, and the objective is to land your next job.
STEP 1
Analyze the PR job posting
Before diving into the art of resume crafting, familiarize yourself with the job specifics, just as you would before pitching a story.
Dissect job descriptions to pinpoint skills and traits in demand — such as media relations, crisis management and event planning. This scrutiny will reveal the expectations of diverse organizations and allow you to tailor your resume accordingly.
Remember, while hiring managers don’t have press kits, they do possess a distinct mental inventory of qualities they desire. These often translate into specific keywords they leverage to filter many submissions.
To craft an ATS-friendly resume, synchronize your content with the job’s language.
Suppose a job listing emphasizes “stakeholder engagement” or “brand narrative development.” In that case, weave these terms into your professional summary, skills segment and work history. But ensure they genuinely mirror your competencies. As in any PR campaign, authenticity and transparency reign supreme.
A resume that seamlessly weaves these keywords into the text will resonate with prospective employers, showing you’re not just another PR professional but their dream public relations expert. Omit these, and your resume may be overlooked.
For all the challenges you’ll face in this process, trust us — the resulting document will be worth every ounce of effort.
With these insights in mind, it’s time to craft your story.
STEP 2
Summarize your career high points
Being a public relations professional is more than just managing press releases and media relations. From writing compelling narratives for brands to understanding the complexities of crisis communication, your experience speaks volumes.
But at the end of the day, your experience only matters if you can encapsulate it on your resume. How do you do it?
Enter the resume profile. There are two main types of resume profiles tailored for PR pros — the professional summary and the resume objective. Both can be powerful tools for showing how you are the maestro of messaging.
Professional summaries synthesize your PR journey into a few lines, highlighting milestones like successful crisis aversion, launching high-profile media campaigns or securing front-page coverage for clients in top-tier publications.
Alternatively, a resume objective zones in on your future aspirations. Perhaps you’re aiming for higher-profile clients, seeking to specialize in influencer collaborations or yearning to be part of a firm that truly understands the difference between PR and advertising.
Seasoned PR experts might lean toward a professional summary. On the other hand, a resume objective can be the ideal choice if you’re considering a shift in PR specializations or are newly venturing into this dynamic field. Objectives provide an opportunity to present your aspirations and preparation, even if your experience in that niche is limited.
Let’s delve into both formats:
Public relations professional summary example:
Veteran PR specialist with a decade of crafting compelling brand stories. Successfully managed high-stakes crisis communication for PR Corp during a national incident, averting potential brand damage. Renowned for strategic media placements and forging strong relationships with industry influencers.
Public relations resume objective example:
Passionate PR strategist eager to transition into the world of entertainment PR. With a solid foundation in corporate communication and a proven record in media strategy, I am prepared to leverage my expertise in securing high-profile interviews and features. My goal is to drive brand narratives that resonate, all while navigating the exhilarating realm of entertainment publicity.
STEP 3
Champion your program management skills
In the world of public relations, versatility and adaptability are more than just assets — they’re necessities.
Your blend of hard skills, such as expertise in media databases like Cision or PR Newswire, coupled with soft skills like framing a narrative or handling that unexpected journalist inquiry (you’re familiar with those curveballs), makes you a PR powerhouse.
Check out some of the quintessential skills expected of PR professionals in 2023.
Essential skills for a public relations resume
Here’s a glimpse into a seasoned public relations professional’s skills section:
- Master of media relations, successfully securing features in top-tier publications like Forbes and the New York Times.
- Swift and strategic in crisis communication, diffusing potential brand-damaging scenarios.
- Skilled in harnessing Cision for pinpointed media outreach, ensuring the right message reaches the right audience.
- Adept at crafting compelling narratives that resonate, turning ordinary announcements into impactful headlines.
- Proven connector, fostering strong relationships with industry influencers, journalists and stakeholders alike.
Pro Tip
In the rapidly evolving PR landscape, mastering essential computer skills isn’t just an asset — it’s a necessity. Demonstrating proficiency in contemporary digital tools and platforms proves your adaptability and makes you a forward-thinking professional.
STEP 4
Detail your PR professional work history
In the world of public relations, your resume should do more than just list tasks. It should tell a captivating story, mirroring the compelling narratives you craft for your clients and employers.
Always include work experience on your resume. This offers hiring managers a glimpse into your capability to handle diverse PR campaigns, work seamlessly with various media outlets and continuously manage and enhance the reputation of brands or individuals.
But it’s not just about recounting campaigns you’ve participated in. Dive deeper. Showcase the communication strategies you’ve designed, the crises you’ve navigated, and how you’ve improved a brand’s image and visibility. Make them see you’re not just another PR professional but a guardian of brand narratives.
And don’t forget to pepper your resume with some action words. These verbs emphasize your proactive role in shaping public perceptions and narratives.
Here’s an example of a standout PR professional work history entry:
Senior PR Specialist, BrandExperts Inc.
Brooklyn, NY
January 2020 – Present
- Devised and executed a media outreach strategy that landed coverage in top-tier publications, resulting in a 50% increase in brand visibility.
- Navigated a major product recall crisis, mitigating negative press and resulting in a net positive sentiment shift of 30% in post-crisis coverage.
- Coordinated with influencers across various platforms, bolstering brand engagement rates by 40%.
- Implemented cutting-edge social listening tools, ensuring real-time response to emerging brand narratives.
- Regularly provided media training to C-level executives, ensuring consistent brand messaging in public appearances.
Pro Tip
The example above emphasizes the need to use measurable outcomes on your resume. In an industry where results can often feel intangible, showcasing clear, quantifiable achievements will differentiate you from the competition. After all, in PR, it’s all about the impact and perception.
STEP 5
Highlight your education and certifications
Your academic achievements and certifications aren’t merely a string of letters on your business card; They’re a testament to your hard work and marketing knowledge. Wear them with pride.
Starting with the most prestigious degree or accreditation you’ve earned, put together a resume education section. While many in PR boast degrees in Communication or Journalism, certifications such as APR (Accredited in Public Relations) or digital media courses elevate your profile.
Remember, seminars on crisis management, reputation building or even the latest tools like Meltwater and Cision can add great value to your candidacy. If you’ve attended or participated in these, they deserve a spotlight on your resume.
How to showcase your education and credentials:
Education
M.A. in Public Relations and Corporate Communications
New York University, New York, NY
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
Boston University, Boston, MA
Accredited in Public Relations (APR)
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
Additional sections for your PR resume
Certifications
For public relations professionals, highlighting certifications and specialized courses should show your commitment to the ever-evolving world of media and communications. These credentials validate your dedication to the best PR practices and mastery of contemporary media tools.
How to feature certifications on your PR resume:
Accredited in Public Relations (APR) – PRSA, 2023
- Underwent rigorous evaluation, demonstrating expertise in strategic communications and ethical PR practices.
Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) – Digital Marketing Institute, 2020
- Achieved expertise in digital marketing strategies, emphasizing social media and online brand management.
Signature campaigns and success stories
Highlighting hallmark campaigns and PR victories gives potential employers a glimpse into your strategic vision and results-driven approach.
How to showcase key campaigns on your PR resume:
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Brand Revitalization for Alpha Corp
Directed a reputation management campaign reversing negative press, resulting in a 30% brand favorability uptick. -
Product Launch for TechTrend
Devised and executed a product launch strategy, leading to features in top tech publications like Wired and TechCrunch.
Industry events and workshops
Signifying your active participation in notable PR conferences and workshops showcases your dedication to staying on the pulse of the industry.
How to list events and workshops on your PR resume:
- Reputation Management Masterclass, PRWeek Conference 2022, Chicago, IL
- Crisis Communication Seminar, PR Insights Summit 2021, Los Angeles, CA
Personal initiatives
Sharing personal interests, especially if intertwined with PR or community outreach, provides a holistic view of your professional and personal passions.
How to feature interests and initiatives on your PR resume:
- Running a podcast discussing media trends and interviewing industry leaders.
- Curating a personal blog analyzing PR case studies and media strategies.
- Organizing local workshops for businesses on media handling and press relations.
Community outreach and volunteer efforts
Featuring your volunteer engagements, especially those related to media advocacy or community communications, further underscores your commitment to the ethos of public relations.
How to showcase volunteer engagements on your PR resume:
- Led media relations for local nonprofits, amplifying their causes in the regional press.
- Provided pro bono PR consultations to startups, guiding them in initial brand building.
- Mentored college students, offering insights into PR career pathways and industry challenges.
Add a cover letter
In public relations, a meticulously crafted cover letter can elevate your application and show off your unique strengths.
Cover letters provide a personalized space to highlight your skills in shaping narratives, managing brand reputations and fostering robust relationships with media stakeholders. Delve into specific moments where you’ve successfully turned around public opinion or managed crisis communications with finesse.
Additionally, if your resume points to a period of hiatus or unique career challenges, the cover letter is your stage to address and frame them in a positive light.
For those seeking guidance, our guide on how to write a cover letter and our assortment of cover letter examples are valuable resources.
To achieve a harmonious balance between your cover letter and resume, consider using a cover letter template from our Cover Letter Builder.
Let your dedication to effective communication and reputation management shine through your cover letter, positioning you as the ideal candidate for the PR role.
Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.
