Public Relations Resume Examples & Writing Tips

Public relations resume template

Hiring managers expect your resume to match your experience level. From entry-level PR positions to senior-levels, we have examples and writing tips to help you improve your chances of getting hired.

The resume of Resume Genius’s PR writer

Increase your chances of securing a PR job interview by taking inspiration from the resume that helped our senior digital public relations writer, Eva Chan, land an interview:

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Why Eva’s resume stood out

• Strong Work Ethic: Eva’s resume highlighted her ability to manage two jobs simultaneously, proving she’s enthusiastic and hardworking. Her bullet points showcase her capability, making it clear that she’s thriving, not just surviving. If you don’t work two jobs, consider highlighting side projects or freelance work to demonstrate your commitment and energy.
• Noteworthy Achievements: Eva’s history of securing high Domain Rating backlinks and mentions from reputable organizations, such as CNBC, Forbes, CNN, and Fortune, set her apart. If you’ve collaborated with prestigious organizations, include their names on your resume to catch the eye of hiring managers.
• Versatile Skill Set: Although Eva’s two jobs are similar, her roles differ slightly, allowing her to cross-train and enhance her skills in multiple areas. For instance, her experience in video creation at one company enables her to support the Video Department at the other, showcasing her transferable skills and adaptability.

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How to write a public relations resume

You may have written countless press releases, but do you know how to pitch yourself in a professional resume? Convince employers you can build positive publicity for their business with an outstanding resume, and your next PR gig isn’t too far off.

Use the four tips below to write a public relations resume that generates buzz for all the right reasons or take these writing tips on the go with our podcast episode:

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1. Open with a strong public relations resume summary

Your PR resume needs to set you apart from other job applicants if you want to get hired.

Write a compelling resume summary that showcases your skills and experience and proves you’re capable of writing persuasively.

Here’s a great example of an effective public relations resume summary:

In this example, the applicant provides a brief snapshot of their skills and experience as a public relations strategist, while simultaneously highlighting their track record of success.

Very concisely, they emphasize essential PR skills and list their key strengths in the field, such as campaign development, performance analysis, and media relations.

2. Showcase all your public relations skills

A job-winning public relations resume highlights your experience supporting PR campaigns, as well as your many hard and soft PR skills.

To show employers you meet their job requirements, list key PR skills in your resume skills section to make it easier for them to assess your qualifications. When elaborating on your work experience, emphasize job-specific skills in each bullet point to position yourself as their ideal candidate.

Here are some important hard skills to include in your public relations resume:

When it comes to creating favorable press, a great publicist will use a range of soft skills to manage a brand’s image or navigate a PR crisis.

Here are some key PR soft skills that employers look for:

How are a few highlighted examples of how to incorporate PR skills into your resume bullet points:

3. Customize your public relations resume for the specific job opportunity

To avoid being overlooked, carefully read the job post and write a targeted resume to ensure it meets the employer’s needs and catches the attention of busy hiring managers

Research the company you’re applying to so you can get a sense of their PR goals, along with what skills they’d value most. Then modify your resume to show how your skills and experience match their job description.

Unsure how to position yourself as an employer’s ideal candidate? Here are a few ways to customize your public relations resume:

• Focus on including relevant job information only. For instance, tutoring experience may not contribute to a PR application as the transferable skills are not applicable.
• Include PR-related resume keywords, such as campaign development, press releases, press kits, relationship management, media relations, and crisis communications.
• Use strong action verbs that strengthen your resume and show hiring managers how effective you are. “Devised,” “executed,” “drove,” and “navigated” are all good examples.

4. Use a professional and clean resume layout

A well-organized and visually appealing resume can make a significant impact on how potential employers perceive you. Here are some tips for achieving a professional and clean layout:

• Use a template: Starting with a simple resume template will help you save time designing and formatting your resume while making sure it looks professional
• Choose a simple, modern font: Use an easy-to-read font and keep the font size between 10 and 12 points for the body text
• Use bullet points: This makes your work experience section easy to read so employers can see all your accomplishments
• Make your formatting consistent: This includes font sizes, spacing, and alignment
• Don’t crowd your page: Adequate margins and spacing between sections make your resume easier to read
• Select professional colors: Keeping them minimal and professional can add a touch of personality without overwhelming the reader
• Proofread: Show you pay attention to detail and make sure your resume has no typos or grammatical errors

How to write a PR resume with no experience: tips for starting a successful PR career

Not sure how to get started on your career path as a public relations specialists? Jennifer Berson from Jenerationacademy offers her top tips in this video:

Average public relations salaries in the US

After you’ve written your resume, make sure you use it to apply for jobs within a fair salary range.

The following table includes information from the most recent US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics report (May 2024). Here are the ten states with the highest salaries for public relations managers, as well as the national average for your reference when applying for work.