Ready to craft a stellar public relations resume? Let's spin your professional story into a headline-grabbing masterpiece. In this guide, we'll provide you with top tips, examples, and templates to help you create a PR resume that gets noticed.

Communications Intern Resume Example

Hired by:

Hired by: Boys and Girls Club of Western PA

Public Relations Director at Palm Beach County Resume Sample

Hired by:

Hired by: Palm Beach County

Public Information Officer Resume Sample

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The PR industry is all about one-page resumes. In the end, PR professionals should be able to provide all important information in a clear and concise way.

To make sure your public relations resume is flawless, follow our tips and learn about:

• Reviewing valuable PR resume examples
• Formatting your public relations resume accurately
• Crafting a catchy public relations resume summary or objective
• Selecting the right skills for your public relations resume
• Putting relevant work experience and key projects on your PR resume
• Weaving powerful action words into your resume
• Listing your education on a public relations resume the right way
• Including extra sections in your PR resume
• Avoiding common mistakes in a PR resume
• Pairing your resume with a matching public relations cover letter
• Average salary and job outlook for public relation specialists
• Finding useful job search resources for public relations professionals

Public relations intern resume example

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Why does this resume example work?

• Strong profile statement: The profile is well-written, clearly stating the candidate’s proactive approach and commitment. It highlights key skills such as generating press materials, liaising with media outlets, and time management, which are essential in PR roles.
• Diverse work experience: The candidate’s experience as a Public Relations Intern at BrightEdge Technologies covers a broad range of PR tasks like preparing press materials, liaising with media, and engaging in team meetings. This showcases a well-rounded experience in the field.

What could be improved?

• Lack of quantifiable achievements: While the resume describes various responsibilities, it lacks quantifiable achievements that show the candidate’s impact. For instance, instead of just saying "liaised with diverse media outlets," it would be more impactful to state "liaised with 15 media outlets resulting in coverage in three major publications."
• General descriptions: Some descriptions in the work experience section are too general. Providing more specific details about tasks and their outcomes would give a clearer picture of the candidate’s contributions. For example, detailing the social media tactics devised and their success metrics would add depth.

Public relations specialist resume sample

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Why does this resume example work?

• Varied action words: The resume uses a variety of powerful action verbs like "orchestrated," "cultivated," "developed," "implemented," "spearheaded," and "crafted." These verbs add dynamism and energy to the descriptions, making the candidate’s accomplishments more vivid and engaging.
• Recognition and achievements: Being recognized as Employee of the Month twice for exceptional performance at Aviva, Inc. highlights the candidate's dedication and effectiveness. Such accolades add credibility and demonstrate recognition from previous employers.

What could be improved?

• Tailor to specific job: The resume could be more tailored to the specific job application by mentioning any particular interests in the employer’s projects or values. Customizing the resume to align more closely with the specific role and company can make the application stand out.
• Missing follow-up statement: Including a follow-up statement in the cover letter or resume can show initiative and interest in the role. A simple mention of plans to follow up on the application can leave a positive impression.

Communications specialist resume sample

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 Why does this resume example work?

• Quantifiable achievements: Among the responsibilities listed, the quantifiable achievement of increasing Instagram followers from 5,000 to 750,000 over two years stands out and showcases the candidate's effectiveness in social media management.
• Educational background: Achieving a high GPA and graduating in the top 5% of the Mass Communication program from Northeastern University demonstrates strong academic performance. Additional recognition like the Academic Excellence Award further emphasizes the candidate's dedication and competence.

What could be improved?

• Generic descriptions: Some of the job responsibilities are stated in a generic fashion. Providing more detail about the specific tasks and their outcomes can make these sections more impactful. For example, detailing what the "new public relations strategy" entailed and its results would offer more insight into the candidate’s contributions.
• Tailoring to specific job: While the resume is strong overall, customizing it to align more specifically with the desired role and company could make it even more compelling. Mentioning particular interests in the company’s projects or values could demonstrate a deeper connection.

1. How to properly format your public relations resume

Your resume's format can set the stage for the entire document and significantly contribute to the first impression you make on a potential employer. Here are the three primary methods you can use to organize your PR resume:

• Reverse chronological format: As the most commonly used and traditional choice, this format has you list your experiences (work or education) starting with the most recent and working backwards. This allows employers to easily see your career progression and current skills.
• Functional format: If you're changing careers or have gaps in your work history, this could be the format for you. Rather than focusing on when you gained certain experiences, the functional format emphasizes the specific skills you have.
• Hybrid format: If you have a lot of relevant skills and experiences, or if you're applying to a senior role, consider this option. It blends the other two formats, allowing you to highlight both your skills and your work history.

Regardless of the format you choose, ensure it's easy to read, sticks to a professional font, uses consistent bullet points for listing details, and is properly spaced. A well-formatted resume is clean, professional, and places your most impressive and relevant qualifications front and center. 

Select the format that best presents your track record and capabilities and remember — consistency is key!

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2. How to craft a catchy public relations resume summary or objective

As a PR person, you’ve probably written dozens of press releases. And so, you know how important it's to catch the attention of the reader from the get-go. And the best possible way to catch the attention of a hiring manager is to start your resume with a great resume summary or objective.

Crafting a resume summary

A resume summary is a brief 3-4 sentence snapshot of your experiences, skills, and achievements. This section should contain a mix of your:

• PR-specific skills: Highlight the key skills that are crucial for the role.
• Notable accomplishment: Include a significant achievement that demonstrates your capabilities.
• Hint of your personality: Add a touch of your unique character or approach that sets you apart.

Let's take a look at two contrasting examples:

Why is it weak? While it does list a few PR-specific tasks, it's vague. It doesn't specify what kinds of PR campaigns were executed or how the experience influenced the results.

Why is this so much better? It's specific and results-focused. It clearly states the industries the candidate has experience in (tech startups), the achievement (increase in media coverage & brand recognition), and it highlights a unique PR skill (crisis management). It creates a clear picture of the candidate's experience and skills.

Your summary is your first impression — make sure it counts!

Crafting a resume objective

A resume objective, on the other hand, is perfect for those who are newer to the field or making a career switch. It focuses on your career goals and how they align with the employer’s needs.

An effective resume objective should contain:

• Career goals: Clearly state your professional aims and how they align with the job you're applying for.
• Relevant skills: Highlight the specific skills you bring to the table that are pertinent to the role.
• Experience or education: Mention any relevant experience or educational background, especially if it highlights a transition or a strong foundation in PR.
• Value to the employer: Emphasize what you can offer the company and how your goals align with their needs.

Why is it so bad? This objective is vague and lacks specificity. It doesn’t highlight any particular skills, experience, or how the candidate's goals align with the employer’s needs. It also fails to provide any indication of the value the candidate can bring to the company.

Why does it work? This objective highlights enthusiasm and essential skills, making it clear what the candidate can offer — fresh perspectives and strong writing abilities — which are crucial in PR roles. It also aligns well with the employer's needs.

Why is this strong? This example emphasizes transferable skills like storytelling and audience engagement while clearly stating the candidate’s new career direction. It makes it evident how these skills can benefit the employer's PR efforts.

Your summary or objective is your first impression — so make it a good one! Tailor it to showcase your strengths and match what the hiring company is after. Crafting a clear, results-focused summary or objective will grab the hiring manager's attention and set the perfect tone for the rest of your resume.

3. How to select the right skills for your public relations resume

Skills determination can often make or break your PR resume. The trick is to include a careful mix of job-specific hard skills and transferable soft skills.

Hard skills are the specific, measurable abilities you've learned over time. These are usually acquired through professional experience, training, or education. They're essential because they're the practical skills you need to perform job-specific tasks in public relations.

In a PR role, you'll be expected to showcase a variety of hard skills, each one adding a unique dimension to your capability as a PR expert. 

Contrary to hard skills, soft skills are more about your personal traits and how effectively you interact with others. They're important because, in PR, you're often managing relationships and working with teams — two tasks that require exceptional people skills.

While they can be harder to quantify, they're no less valuable and can often be the deciding factor for a hiring manager. 

When highlighting these skills, remember to lead with the ones that are specifically requested in the job ad. PR-related resume keywords are crucial if you want to show both the recruiter and the ATS that you're the right fit for the job — they will both scan your resume content for such keywords.

Also, don't just list them — provide solid examples under your work experience section that validate these skills. Show the potential employer that you don't just have these skills, but know how to use them to drive results.

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4. How put relevant work experience and key projects on your PR resume

One of the most crucial sections of your resume is your work experience. Here you get to demonstrate your practical PR experience and how you've applied your skills to great effect. 

This section adds substantial credibility to your resume, allowing you to showcase your capabilities and expertise through concrete evidence.

However, it's not as simple as merely listing all your past roles and responsibilities. Every job, project, or campaign you've worked on paints a unique picture of your abilities. And so, it’s crucial to select the right experiences to highlight, and present them in a compelling manner.

Equally important is showcasing key projects you've handled. Key projects can act as a mini portfolio inside your resume. They provide deeper insights into your capabilities as they underline your problem-solving abilities, strategic thinking, and ability to meet objectives. And remember, the projects you choose must align with the needs of the potential employer.

Why is it bad? The listed responsibilities are unspecific, and it's unclear how the candidate's actions impacted the company. Also, the key project mentioned doesn't provide any detail about the campaign's goal, execution, or result.

Why is it so much better? Each bullet point is specific and outlines the candidate's impact on the company. The key project explained demonstrates the candidate's ability to manage, execute, and reap positive results from a large-scale project.

The difference between these examples lies in detail and impact. Employers aren't just interested in what you did — they want to know how well you did it. So, when you're writing about your work experience and projects, don’t just list your tasks, display the value you added.

Key points:

• Use quantifiable achievements: Highlight specific results and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work.
• Select the right experiences: Choose relevant roles and projects that align with the needs of the potential employer.
• Be specific and detailed: Instead of listing vague responsibilities, provide detailed descriptions of your tasks and their outcomes.
• Showcase key projects: Include key projects as mini-portfolios that underline your problem-solving abilities, strategic thinking, and ability to meet objectives.
• Demonstrate your value: Focus on how you added value to your previous roles and projects, emphasizing your contributions and successes.

5. How to list your education on a public relations resume

An education section is a crucial component of your resume. Whether you recently graduated or have been working for some time, it's vital to outline your educational background. If you've studied something unrelated to public relations, don't worry — you can still highlight transferable skills and achievements.

If your degree isn’t centered around PR, think about relevant coursework or projects you’ve done that could transfer over. It could be a project where you had to manage a group's communication or a class where you spent time analyzing mass media. 

Why is it wrong? It merely states a degree in an unrelated field without leveraging any transferable skills or relevant achievements.

Why is it right? Despite the unrelated degree, this listing draws attention to relevant coursework and highlights transferable skills from a group project.

If your degree isn't in PR or a related field, emphasizing transferable skills, relevant coursework, or academic achievements can illustrate your potential as a PR professional. Remember, your resume should tell a story that underscores your capabilities and makes it clear you'd be an asset in any PR role.

6. How to use powerful action verbs in a PR resume

Using powerful action verbs in your PR resume is like adding an extra dose of sparkle to your achievements — they make your roles and contributions come alive. 

Why are action verbs important? They're crucial because they add dynamism to your resume. Instead of merely stating what you did, they emphasize how you accomplished your tasks and the results you delivered. This transformation makes your resume more engaging and highlights your proactive approach to work.

Using powerful action verbs doesn't just make your PR resume pop — it shows off your proactive vibe and real-world impact. Remember, these verbs paint a clear picture of your achievements, making it easy for employers to see why you're the best candidate for the job.

7. What extra sections to include in your PR resume

Extra sections are the cherry on top of your resume sundae. They can add depth to your professional identity, give you an edge over other candidates, and allow you to showcase your personality and additional skills. 

Here's what you can consider as a PR professional:

• PR certifications: If you've completed any PR-specific courses or certifications, be sure to list them. They add credibility to your skills and show continuous learning.
• Professional associations: If you're a member of organizations like the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) or the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), be sure to mention that. It indicates you're engaged with the industry beyond your day-to-day work.
• Publications/Portfolio: If you've had your work published or have a portfolio, add this section to your resume. It's instant proof of your skills.
• Volunteer activities: Volunteering demonstrates a commitment to community and can also demonstrate your PR capabilities, especially if you dealt with promotion or event organization.
• Languages: Knowing more than one language is an often underrated skill in PR. It can be a significant advantage in working with international clients or audiences.
• Awards and accolades: If you've been recognized for your work or achievements, it's proof of your expertise in your field.

Remember, the goal of including extra sections on your resume is to round out your professional profile and give employers a more comprehensive vision of who you are, not just as an employee, but as a person. Choose the sections that show off your unique strengths and abilities that contribute to your effectiveness as a PR professional.

8. How to avoid common mistakes on a PR resume

Crafting a standout PR resume means steering clear of common pitfalls that can undermine your application. Let's explore some frequent mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Vague descriptions: Avoid using vague and generic descriptions of your responsibilities. Statements like "handled PR tasks" or "managed social media" don’t convey your specific achievements or the scope of your work. Instead, be specific about your roles and the results you delivered, such as "developed a targeted media campaign that increased brand awareness by 30%."
2. Lack of quantifiable achievements: Numbers speak volumes. Whenever possible, include measurable achievements rather than just listing duties. For example, "secured 20 media placements in top-tier publications" or "increased event attendance by 50%. Quantifiable details underscore your impact and effectiveness.
3. Ignoring keywords: PR resumes, like all resumes, often go through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before a human ever sees them. Not using relevant keywords from the job description can mean your resume gets filtered out. Tailor each resume to the job by incorporating keywords related to the required skills and experiences.
4. Overloading with jargon: While industry-specific terminology can showcase your expertise, overloading your resume with jargon can make it difficult to read, especially for HR personnel who may not be as familiar with the terms. Strike a balance by using clear, straightforward language alongside key industry terms.
5. Neglecting soft skills: While technical skills and PR-specific expertise are crucial, soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are just as important in the PR field. Highlight these skills through examples of how you’ve successfully interacted with stakeholders or resolved crises.
6. Skipping the customization: Sending out a one-size-fits-all resume is a missed opportunity. Tailor your resume to each job application by emphasizing the experiences and skills that align most closely with the specific role and company. This shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
7. Poor formatting: A cluttered or poorly formatted resume can be hard to read and may appear unprofessional. Use a clean, modern layout with consistent fonts, bullet points, and ample white space. ensure your contact information is easy to find and that your resume is visually appealing.
8. Forgetting a strong summary: Your resume summary is your first impression — don’t waste it with a generic statement. Craft a compelling summary that highlights your top achievements, skills, and what makes you unique as a PR professional. This sets the tone for the rest of your resume.
9. Neglecting proofreading: Typos and grammatical errors can make you appear careless. Always proofread your resume multiple times and consider having a friend or colleague review it as well. Clean, error-free writing demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism.
10. Omitting a keywords section: While not all PR resumes will include a dedicated skills or keywords section, having one can help ensure your resume gets picked up by ATS. List specific skills, software proficiencies, and relevant keywords that align with the job description.

Avoiding these common mistakes can help you create a polished, compelling PR resume that stands out to potential employers. By being specific, quantifying your achievements, and tailoring your resume to each job application, you can demonstrate both your expertise and your enthusiasm for the role.

9. How to pair your resume with a matching PR cover letter

Pairing your PR resume with a standout cover letter is like pairing a great story with an eye-catching headline — they're more impactful together. 

Your resume gives a detailed account of your professional journey, including roles, achievements, and skills, often formatted as bullet points for ease of reading. Conversely, your cover letter provides a narrative, weaving together your experiences, passion for PR, and reasons for wanting to join the specific company. It’s your chance to bring your personality and enthusiasm to life, making a stronger connection with the hiring manager.

When to include a cover letter? Always include it unless the job posting explicitly states otherwise. Even if it’s not required, submitting a cover letter can set you apart by showing a deeper level of interest and effort. It gives you a platform to address key points that may not fit neatly into your resume and to directly align your qualifications with the job requirements.

Consistency in design

Just as brand consistency is crucial in PR, maintaining a consistent design across your resume and cover letter is equally important. This cohesion demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism, which are key traits in public relations.

Tips for matching design:

• Uniform headers: Ensure your name and contact information are formatted identically at the top of both documents. This creates a cohesive look and makes it easy for recruiters to find essential information.
• Matching fonts and sizes: Use the same fonts and sizes across both documents to maintain a professional and consistent appearance.
• Consistent color scheme: If you use color, make sure it’s the same on both the resume and cover letter. For example, if your name is in blue on your resume, it should also be in blue on your cover letter.
• Layout and spacing: Keep the overall layout and spacing similar. This includes margin sizes, line spacing, and the alignment of text elements.

By ensuring your cover letter and resume are visually aligned, you make a stronger, more professional impression. This consistency shows that you understand the importance of branding and presentation, both of which are crucial in the PR field.

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10. Average salary and job outlook for public relation specialists

In considering a career, it's essential to know the financial and professional growth potential. Here's the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2022.

The average annual salary for PR specialists stands at $66,750. However, remember that salaries greatly depend on your experience, location, and the size of the organization you work for. 

As for the future of PR careers, the industry shows robust potential. Employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. 

Furthermore, there is a substantial number of job openings projected in the coming years. The BLS estimates about 25,800 openings for public relations specialists each year, on average, over the decade.

The increased use of social media for product and service promotion seems to be one of the key drivers of this growth. This provides a promising outlook for aspiring PR specialists, proving that this career carries strong wage and employment prospects. 

Just remember, a well-crafted PR resume plays a critical role in landing these opportunities — so make yours count!

11. Job search resources for PR professionals

In the vibrant world of PR, knowing where to find the right opportunities is half the battle. Luckily, there are numerous resources designed to guide PR professionals on their path to career success. Here's your handy toolbox:

• PR job boards: These can be treasure chests for job seekers! Websites such as PRSA Jobcenter or Mediabistro specialize in PR job listings across levels and varied industries.
• General job platforms: Widely recognized platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor are also replete with PR job postings. Make the most of the search filters these sites offer to find your perfect fit.
• Networking platforms: For PR pros, networking isn't just a job hunt strategy, it's a lifelong habit. Create strong profiles on platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your work and connect with other industry professionals.
• Industry blogs and podcasts: Resources like 'Spin Sucks' blog or 'The PR Week' podcast offer rich insights into industry trends and often feature job opportunities. These are also great sources to pick up practical tips and tricks of the PR world.
• PR associations: Associations like Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) or the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) provide members with job boards, networking events, resources, and industry updates — a must for any PR professional.
• PR-specific recruitment agencies: Agencies such as The Works or Gemini Personnel specialize in PR staffing and can help connect you with job openings tailored to your skills and interests.
• Company career pages: Don't forget to regularly visit the career pages of PR agencies or industry-specific companies that you'd like to work for. Many businesses list openings here before publicizing them elsewhere.

With the right resources and a go-getter mindset, you'll be all set to conquer the dynamic PR job market!