Resume Examples for Public Relations Professionals

Public relations resumes and CVs vary significantly based on career stage. Discover what to include at each level, with templates available for customization in our Resume Builder to help you create your own.

Entry-Level Public Relations Resume

Ideal for recent graduates looking to create a resume with no experience, this template is also perfect for career changers transitioning into public relations from other fields.

public-relations-entry-level-resume
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Why this resume works:

This resume showcases excellent font selection with a polished, professional typeface that improves readability. For the best fonts for a resume, consider options like Calibri, Garamond, and Helvetica, which align well with the expectations of hiring managers in the public relations field.

Mid-Career Public Relations Resume

A good fit for public relations professionals with several years of experience, this template highlights recent achievements and supports growth into managerial or specialized roles.

public-relations-mid-level-resume
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Why this resume works:

With seven years of experience, this public relations specialist showcases a strong record of increasing brand engagement and media coverage. The combination format highlights their diverse skills in strategic planning and media relations alongside their professional achievements, making them a compelling applicant for advanced PR roles.

Experienced Public Relations Resume

An ideal choice for seasoned public relations professionals with over 10 years of experience, this template supports applicants targeting senior leadership roles in dynamic communication environments.

Experienced public relations resume example
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Why this resume works:

This resume prominently features the reverse-chronological work history, showcasing 12 years of experience in public relations that highlights significant achievements. Education is placed lower, reflecting the industry’s preference for demonstrated results and successful campaign execution over academic qualifications at this career level.

Public Relations Resume Template (Text)

Use this customizable text format of a public relations resume to copy, tweak, and adapt directly in your document. You can view more resume templates in our library.

Jin Lee

Maplewood, NJ 07043

Professional Summary

Dynamic Public Relations Manager with 4 years of experience enhancing brand visibility and driving communications strategies. Expert in media relations, strategic communications, and crisis management, achieving 50% increase in client media coverage. Skilled in social media strategy and public speaking.

Work Experience

January 2024 – April 2026

Bright Wave Communications – Maplewood, NJ

Public Relations Manager

  • Increased client media coverage by 50%
  • Led PR campaigns exceeding 10% target KPIs
  • Managed budgets up to $500K annually

March 2023 – December 2023

Evergreen Media Group – Maplewood, NJ

Communications Specialist

  • Boosted press release engagement by 35%
  • Coordinated 20+ event press coverages
  • Developed social campaigns with high ROI

May 2022 – February 2023

Prestige Publicists – Maplewood, NJ

Media Relations Associate

  • Secured 30+ high-profile media placements
  • Elevated brand presence by 40% in Q3
  • Drafted press materials leading to 20% coverage

Education

June 2021
Columbia University New York NY
Master of Arts Public Relations

June 2019
University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA
Bachelor of Arts Communications

Certifications

  • Certified Public Relations Specialist – Public Relations Society of America
  • Digital Marketing Certification – American Marketing Association

Skills

  • Media relations
  • Public speaking
  • Crisis management
  • Strategic communications
  • Social media strategy
  • Content creation
  • Event planning
  • Brand management

How to Write a Public Relations Resume

As a public relations professional, knowing how to write a resume involves showcasing your communication skills, relevant experience, and a format that clearly presents your qualifications. Use the guidance below to emphasize your strengths and customize your resume for the specific roles you’re aiming for.

1. Contact Info

Your contact information should be clear, professional, and easy to find at the top of your resume.

Make sure to include:

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Professional email address
  • City and state (ZIP code is optional)
  • LinkedIn profile or personal portfolio (if relevant)
TipPRO TIP

Avoid listing personal details such as your age, gender, or social media links on your resume unless specifically requested by the employer.

2. Resume Profile

A resume profile is a brief introduction (two to four sentences) that highlights your skills and experience. It serves as an engaging pitch to hiring managers, designed to spark their interest and prompt them to explore your resume further.

Typically located at the top of your resume, the profile can be formatted as either a summary or an objective, each serving unique purposes. Understanding these differences is important for crafting a compelling introduction:

  • A resume summary showcases your relevant skills, achievements, and experience in public relations, emphasizing strategic communication abilities and media relations expertise. This format is particularly beneficial for individuals with a solid work history or transferable skills who want to highlight their contributions in the dynamic field of public relations.
  • A resume objective outlines your future aspirations and highlights the goals you aim to achieve in your career. It’s particularly useful for recent graduates, professionals shifting fields, or individuals with limited experience, such as coding bootcamp graduates entering tech roles.

Let’s take a look at an example of each to see how a resume summary and a resume objective differ:

Public relations resume summary example:

Strategic public relations specialist with over 6 years of experience in fast-paced agency environments and corporate communications. Proficient in media relations, social media strategy, and crisis management. Acknowledged for crafting compelling narratives that improve brand reputation and drive engagement through innovative campaigns.

Public relations resume objective example:

Recent communications graduate excited to launch a public relations career in a dynamic agency environment. Dedicated to fostering positive media relationships and eager to offer creativity and strategic thinking to marketing firms or corporate communication departments.

3. Work Experience

The work experience on your resume is an important foundation for your career in public relations. Employers assess your job history to understand not only where you’ve worked but also the impact you’ve made in managing communications and building brand reputation.

Your professional journey highlights how your experiences qualify you for the role, focusing on skills in media relations and strategic communication.

The work experience section should contain:

  • Job title
  • Employer name and location
  • Dates of employment (month/year)
  • 3–5 bullet points describing your relevant responsibilities and achievements

Tailor your content to reflect the specific public relations role you’re targeting. Start each bullet point with an action verb (like “Managed,” “Developed,” “Coordinated”) to create a strong impression of your contributions.

Incorporate quantifiable information or metrics whenever possible. Specific numbers and achievements illustrate your impact in public relations and help distinguish you from other job seekers.

In general, consider following the format of:

[action verb] + [responsibility] = [result/achievement]

For example:

Managed media relations for 15+ clients, resulting in a 30% increase in positive coverage and a 20% growth in client engagement.

Note that you can also flip the result/achievement with the responsibility:

Achieved a 50% rise in social media followers by implementing targeted content strategies and community outreach initiatives.

Explore more work experience examples for public relations professionals further along this page.

4. Skills

The skills section provides a concise overview of professional abilities tailored for public relations. This allows recruiters and hiring managers to quickly assess qualifications and fit for the role. Skills can be grouped into three categories:

  • Soft skills are personal qualities that influence how public relations professionals interact with clients and the media. Key attributes such as communication, adaptability, problem-solving, and relationship-building are essential for cultivating connections and ensuring successful campaigns in a dynamic work environment.
  • Hard skills are specific, quantifiable abilities gained through education, training, or direct experience. For public relations professionals, examples include crafting press releases, managing media relations, and conducting market research.
  • Technical skills refer to the specific knowledge and abilities required to perform specialized tasks. In public relations, this includes skill in media monitoring tools, press release distribution platforms, and social media management software.

In general, aim to showcase a diverse range of relevant skills that match the job requirements to convey your comprehensive value. See below for more skills examples for a public relations resume.

TipPRO TIP

If you’re a newer public relations specialist, consider placing your skills section higher on the resume, right after your summary. If you have more experience, position this section lower and integrate your skills into your work history for a cohesive presentation.

5. Education

Understanding how to list education on your resume is important for showcasing your qualifications. Start with your most advanced or relevant degree, clearly stating the degree type and institution name.

For recent graduates, consider including your graduation year, GPA (if it’s 3.5 or higher), any honors received, or related coursework that highlights skills in public relations.

Public relations resume education section example:

Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations (BA)
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Graduated: 2024 | Magna Cum Laude

TipPRO TIP

If you’re advancing from an Associate Degree in Public Relations to a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, or have completed an additional relevant degree, include both in reverse-chronological order.

6. Certifications

Listing certifications on your resume can help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world skills when you have limited direct experience. Though this section is not a staple of every traditional resume, it’s especially beneficial for professionals in public relations. Employers often seek specific credentials for specialized roles like crisis management or media liaison.

Include only relevant certifications that improve your candidacy, ensuring they are current and clearly listed. Accurate formatting helps potential employers quickly assess your qualifications.

Public relations certification examples:

  • Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Certification | Public Relations Society of America | Expires: 03/2028
  • Accredited in Public Relations (APR) | PRSA | Expires: 09/2027
  • Digital Marketing for PR Professionals | HubSpot Academy | Expires: 06/2028
  • Social Media Strategist Certification | National Institute for Social Media | Expires: 11/2027

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Tailor Your Work History to Beat the ATS

Your work experience is more than a list of job titles. It’s an opportunity to showcase the measurable impact you’ve made on campaigns, media relations, and brand reputation. This approach results in an ATS-friendly resume that applicant tracking systems (ATS) can easily scan.

To create a strong work history, tailor it to the public relations role you’re applying for by using relevant keywords and phrases. Begin by thoroughly analyzing the job description. Identify repeated skills, strategies, or target audiences mentioned, and then reflect those elements in your experience descriptions where applicable.

These examples are pulled from our most-used entries in the resume builder—based on what hiring managers respond to most.

  • Developed and executed media campaigns that increased positive press coverage by 30% over six months.
  • Managed social media channels with a focus on audience engagement, growing follower count by 25%.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to organize events, improving brand visibility and community relations.
  • Used PR software tools to track campaign performance and generate actionable insights.
  • Mentored junior staff in media relations strategies, improving team coordination and project outcomes.

Example of Skills for Public Relations Professionals

Including the right skills for your resume demonstrates to employers and ATS that you possess the essential abilities needed for success in public relations. Since hiring managers often scan resumes quickly, ensure the skills you include are focused, relevant, and aligned with the job description.

The skills for your resume listed below reflect what is currently valued in the field of public relations. These capabilities commonly appear in successful PR resumes and resonate with hiring managers looking for qualified applicants.

5 Soft Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Effective communication
  • Crisis management skills
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Team leadership
  • Strategic thinking

5 Hard Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Media relations (press releases, media kits)
  • Crisis communication strategies
  • Social media management (Hootsuite, Buffer)
  • Event planning and coordination
  • Content creation (blogs, articles)

What’s a Fair Public Relations Salary?

Understanding public relations salaries across the country helps you evaluate job offers, negotiate better compensation, and make informed career decisions. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and reflects the most recent national averages for public relations professionals.

Factors like geographic location, years of experience, industry certifications, and specialization can significantly influence your actual salary. Public relations specialists in major metropolitan areas often earn more than those in smaller markets, while roles focused on crisis management or corporate communications typically command higher pay rates.

Alabama$113,280
Alaska$117,250
Arizona$119,970
Arkansas$158,470
California$179,450
Connecticut$168,220
Delaware$160,060
District of Columbia$227,370
Florida$127,790
Georgia$153,520
Hawaii$124,400
Idaho$98,600
Illinois$132,740
Indiana$126,310
Iowa$120,840
Kansas$122,620
Kentucky$114,070
Louisiana$101,520
Maine$141,680
Maryland$163,110
Massachusetts$171,110
Michigan$127,700
Minnesota$127,940
Mississippi$106,160
Missouri$122,130
Montana$125,950
Nebraska$109,040
Nevada$128,130
New Hampshire$139,390
New Jersey$178,810
New Mexico$127,070
New York$214,930
North Carolina$148,810
North Dakota$108,470
Ohio$134,780
Oklahoma$98,760
Oregon$126,400
Pennsylvania$137,040
Rhode Island$164,920
South Carolina$113,470
South Dakota$66,580
Tennessee$121,610
Texas$134,110
Utah$143,230
Vermont$139,740
Virginia$190,250
Washington$172,600
West Virginia$105,330
Wisconsin$123,010
Wyoming$74,620
Puerto Rico$93,910
Virgin Islands$61,930

Key Takeaways

  • Customize your resume for each job application. Use the terminology from the job description to align with both ATS and hiring managers.
  • Highlight quantifiable outcomes in your work. Include metrics that demonstrate your impact (e.g., media coverage reach, campaign engagement rates, event attendance) for greater effect.
  • Select a suitable format based on your career stage. Entry-level professionals might opt for a functional layout, while seasoned PR experts usually prefer reverse-chronological formats.

More Resume & CV Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Update:

What resume format should I use for my public relations resume?

There are three primary resume formats to consider when applying for a public relations position. Your choice should reflect your experience level and the key aspects you wish to highlight in your career:

  • Chronological: The most popular format, a chronological resume emphasizes your work experience by detailing responsibilities and achievements in reverse order. This format is ideal for applicants with a consistent job history in public relations, as it reinforces their qualifications and demonstrates their growth in the field.
  • Functional: Also known as a skills-based resume, the functional resume emphasizes a qualifications summary and an expanded skills section to showcase your public relations expertise. This format gives less weight to work history, which benefits applicants without relevant experience or those transitioning from different fields.
  • Combination: A combination resume integrates elements from both chronological and functional formats, featuring a skills section alongside detailed work experience. This approach benefits public relations professionals by allowing them to showcase their communication abilities while highlighting their career development and key achievements.
Should I include a cover letter with my resume?

Yes, you should include a cover letter with your public relations job application. A well-crafted cover letter not only highlights your skills and experience but also provides insight into your passion for the field and the specific organization. It allows you to showcase aspects of your background that may not be fully represented in your resume, making it easier for employers to see why you’re the right fit for their team.

If writing a cover letter feels daunting, don’t worry—there are numerous resources available to guide you. Check out articles on how to write a cover letter or look at various examples tailored for public relations roles. You can experiment with different formats until you find one that best reflects your voice and experiences.

For those who want to simplify the process, tools like a cover letter generator can help create a polished document quickly by offering templates and suggestions based on the specifics of the job you’re applying for.

What keywords should I include to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS)?

To improve your resume for ATS screening, focus on incorporating keywords and phrases directly from the job posting. This may include terms like “media relations,” “crisis communication,” or “event planning.” By mirroring the language used in the listing, you signal that you’re a strong match for the role.

Additionally, don’t forget to list any relevant certifications, such as Certified Public Relations Counselor or Accredited in Public Relations. Mentioning specific tools or platforms you’re skilled in, like Cision or Meltwater, can further demonstrate your qualifications and readiness for the position.

Should I include internships or volunteer work in public relations?

Yes, especially if you’re starting your career. Listing internships and volunteer experiences demonstrates your ability to manage communications and engage with media, which can help you stand out when formal PR experience is limited.

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Kirsten Chorpenning Career Advice Expert

Kirsten Chorpenning is a career advice writer who empowers job seekers to take control of their career paths using Monster’s comprehensive job search and resume tools. She specializes in helping job seekers find rewarding jobs in today’s dynamic work environment.Holding a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in writing, Kirsten combines academic knowledge with five years of career industry experience to provide practical job search guidance. She focuses on the nuances of the modern job market and effective strategies for job applications. Her work, which focuses on providing actionable advice on how to secure interviews and achieve long-term career success, has been featured in Forbes, Money Talks News, MSN, and FlexJobs.

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