Use this template
Add your own experience and make this layout yours.
marketing
Public Relations
Resume Example
4.5 / 5
Why This Template Works
This resume format is highly effective for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) because it includes a clear and concise professional summary that highlights key skills and experiences relevant to the Public Relations field. The inclusion of specific keywords and phrases commonly found in job descriptions for PR positions further enhances its compatibility with ATS software, increasing the likelihood of being noticed by potential employers. Additionally, the structured layout ensures that all necessary information is easily accessible to both human readers and automated systems.
Instant Resume Score
Check Your Public Relations Specialist - The Fixer Resume Score
Upload your resume for an instant ATS score and practical, role-specific improvements.
- No Signup Required
- Private by Default
- Usually under 30 sec
Your resume
One step to your resume score
Add your resume to run a free score and get prioritized fixes.
How to Write This Resume
Expert guidelines and best practices for each section of your resume.
01
Contact
Contact
First Name Last Name City, State, Zip Code Phone Number | Email Address LinkedIn Profile URL | Portfolio URL (Optional)
General Guidelines
Your contact information is the first section recruiters see. Keep it concise and professional. Ensure your email address is appropriate (e.g., [email protected]). Include your LinkedIn profile for a comprehensive view of your professional journey. A portfolio or personal website is recommended for creative, technical, or design roles.
Avoid This
Do not include your full physical address (street number/name) for privacy reasons. Avoid including personal details like marital status, age, photo, or social security number unless specifically required in your country. Do not use unprofessional email addresses.
Real Examples
See clear examples of how to format contact details effectively.
Don't
John Doe 1234 Random St, Apt 56 New York, NY 10001 [email protected] github.com/aliciacode Single, 28 years old
Do
John Doe New York, NY (555) 123-4567 | [email protected] linkedin.com/in/johndoe | johndoe.com
Quick Tips
- Use a professional email address (firstname.lastname format)
- Ensure your voicemail is set up and professional
- Double-check your phone number and email for typos
- Make your LinkedIn URL custom (linkedin.com/in/yourname)
02
Summary
Summary
Professional Title Result-oriented [Role Name] with [Number] years of experience in [Key Skills/Industries]. Proven track record of [Major Achievement]. Skilled in [Key Technologies/Skills]. Committed to delivering [Specific Value] for [Target Industry/Company type].
General Guidelines
A professional summary is your elevator pitch. It should be 3-5 sentences long, summarizing your experience, key skills, and major achievements. Tailor it to the job description by using relevant keywords. Focus on what makes you unique and the value you bring to potential employers.
Avoid This
Avoid generic objectives like 'Looking for a challenging role to grow my skills.' Recruiters want to know what value you bring to them, not what you want from them. Don't use first-person pronouns (I, me, my). Keep it concise and impactful.
Real Examples
Compare a weak objective with a strong professional summary.
Don't
Objective: I am a hard-working individual looking for a Public Relations position where I can learn new things and advance my career.
Do
Seasoned public relations specialist with over 9 years of experience in crisis management, media relations, and brand rehabilitation. Led Tech Company Inc through a reputation crisis post-data breach, restoring public trust within six months via strategic communication plans.
Quick Tips
- Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., 'Increased revenue by 20%')
- Keep it under 5 lines for readability
- Use strong action verbs to start sentences
- Tailor the summary to match the job description
03
Skills
Skills
Technical Skills - PR Software Tools: [List] - Social Media Management Platforms: [List] Soft Skills - [Skill 1], [Skill 2], [Skill 3]
General Guidelines
Organize your skills under clear categories such as Technical and Soft. Prioritize technical tools and software relevant to the PR industry, including media monitoring and social management platforms. For soft skills, focus on those that are essential in public relations like communication and strategic planning.
Avoid This
Do not include personal traits or vague qualities like 'team player' or 'leader'. Avoid listing outdated or irrelevant technologies unless directly required for a specific position. Do not use subjective measures to rate your proficiency.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for skills
Don't
Communication: 7/10, Media Relations: Intermediate
Do
Strategic Communication Planning, Crisis Management
Quick Tips
- List technical skills in order of relevance or proficiency to the specific role you are applying for.
- Use clear and concise language when describing soft skills; focus on abilities that can be applied directly to job responsibilities.
- Include a variety of PR tools under Technical Skills, such as Cision, Meltwater, Hootsuite, and Sprout Social.
- Demonstrate proficiency in using digital platforms for both traditional and innovative public relations strategies.
04
Experience
Experience
Job Title | Company Name | Location Month Year – Month Year - Action Verb + Context + Result (Quantified) - Led [Project] resulting in [Outcome]... - Collaborated with [Team] to implement [Feature]...
General Guidelines
This is the core of your resume. Use reverse-chronological order (most recent first). Start each bullet with a strong action verb. Focus on achievements and impact, not just duties. Use numbers to quantify your impact (dollars, percentages, time saved, users affected). Show progression and increasing responsibility.
Avoid This
Avoid passive language like "Responsible for..." or "Tasked with...." Don't list every single daily task; focus on significant contributions and measurable outcomes. Avoid jargon that recruiters outside your field won't understand.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for experiences
Don't
Managed social media accounts to promote company news.
Do
Increased brand engagement by 30% through strategic content creation on social media platforms.
Don't
Worked with the team to plan events.
Do
Led event planning teams, organizing conferences that attracted over 500 attendees and generated $1 million in sponsorship revenue.
Quick Tips
- Use strong action verbs like 'increased', 'led', 'implemented' for impact
- Quantify achievements with specific metrics to demonstrate tangible results
- Highlight increasing responsibilities by showcasing leadership roles and initiatives
- Avoid vague statements; focus on concrete actions and outcomes that benefit the company
05
Education
Education
Degree Name | University Name | Location Month Year – Month Year - Relevant Coursework: [Course 1], [Course 2] - Honors/Awards: [Award Name] - GPA: X.X (if above 3.5)
General Guidelines
List your highest degree first. If you have significant work experience, keep the education section brief. Include your GPA only if it is above 3.5 or if you are a recent graduate. Highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, honors, or leadership roles.
Avoid This
Do not include high school details if you have a college degree. Avoid listing every single course you took; select only the most relevant ones. Don't include graduation dates from decades ago if age discrimination is a concern in your field.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for educations
Don't
Bachelor of Arts in Communication | San Francisco State University | San Francisco, CA September 2013 – June 2017 - Courses: Introduction to Journalism, Public Relations Writing I, Media and Society - GPA: 3.4
Do
Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations | XYZ University | Berkeley, CA September 2013 – May 2017 - Relevant Coursework: Public Relations Management, Media Theory & Practice, Corporate Communications - Honors/Awards: Dean's List - GPA: 3.8
Quick Tips
- List your most relevant degree first and keep the education section concise.
- Highlight only the courses or academic achievements that are directly related to public relations.
- Include a strong GPA if it is above 3.5, especially for recent graduates.
- Avoid detailing high school information unless you lack significant higher education or professional experience.
06
Projects
Projects
Project Name | Tools/Technologies Used - Briefly describe what you created and its purpose - Highlight specific challenges you solved - Link to portfolio or demo if available
General Guidelines
Projects are excellent for demonstrating practical skills, especially if you lack work experience or are changing careers. Include a link to your portfolio or demo if possible. Focus on projects that show problem-solving skills and relevant tools for the target role.
Avoid This
Don't include trivial tutorials unless you significantly expanded on them. Avoid projects that are outdated, incomplete, or irrelevant to the role you're applying for. Don't just list technologies—explain what you created and why it matters.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for projects
Don't
Developed a simple blog using WordPress, with no customization or added features. The project is not linked to any portfolio.
Do
Created an interactive PR campaign site using WordPress that featured custom plugins for real-time media monitoring and influencer engagement tracking. The project significantly improved stakeholder communication during a product launch and can be viewed in my portfolio.
Quick Tips
- Choose projects that highlight your ability to solve complex problems related to crisis management or brand rehabilitation.
- Ensure each project showcases your proficiency with tools like Cision, Hootsuite, or Sprout Social, which are relevant to the PR industry.
- Include a brief description of the challenges you faced and how you overcame them using specific strategies or techniques.
- Provide links to live demos or portfolio pages where hiring managers can see the tangible results of your work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this role and how to best present it on your resume.
Key skills include media relations, crisis communication, event planning, and social media management.
Highlight transferable skills from your previous industry and focus on how you can apply them to PR roles.
A degree in Communications or Journalism, relevant certifications like APR, and hands-on experience are crucial.
List roles chronologically, highlighting responsibilities and achievements that demonstrate growth within each position.
Build a Resume That Gets You Hired 60% Faster
In minutes, create a tailored, ATS-friendly resume proven to land 6X more interviews.
Make Your 6 Seconds Count
Recruiters scan resumes for an average of only 6 to 7 seconds. Our proven templates are designed to capture attention instantly and keep them reading.