PR Resume Tips 101

June 7, 2018

“I’ve got ‘skills’ – and they’re multiplying…” ~ sung to the Grease Soundtrack

Job hunting is worse than dating. Yes, that’s a bold statement, but hear me out. In both scenarios, each party is looking to make the perfect match. However unlike dating, there’s not a whole lot of courtship in selecting a new job opportunity. Once you’ve signed the contract, you’ve made the big leap.

A good resume will not only help you land a job interview, it will help you and your new employer ensure you are the best fit for each other. If you’re not looking for a position heavy on graphic design, don’t emphasize it in your resume, for example. Your resume’s job is to highlight the experience you want to call the most attention to, and also to give employers the confidence that you can take on the role they need.

Have Mad Skills.

Public relations is a results-based industry. Don’t tell the hiring manager you’re a PR pro. Provide them details that demonstrate how you’re a PR pro. Your resume should reference specific things you’ve accomplished for clients or brands, and when possible, provide links to writing samples, coverage you’ve secured, articles you’ve placed, a list of journalists and/or media outlets you’ve built relationships with, and other tangible wins.

If you’re a bit newer to the PR industry, creativity coupled with a well-written resume is going to get you noticed over other candidates. Start with experience you have in any industry. Many companies want you to have some experience in the industry they represent. For example, this could be finance, government or even the arts. You should also consider your transferable skills such as social media, event planning and management, business development, customer service and sales from other job sectors even if they are not direct PR experience.

A portfolio of work and writing samples is always necessary. Even if you’re hunting for your very first job, a portfolio is necessary. University or pro bono work are easy sources for portfolio fodder. There’s also another option: just make something up. Need press releases for your portfolio? Dream up a company and their latest product launch; write that press release. A portfolio simply demonstrates that you have the necessary skills. A press release that’s not tied to an actual campaign is better than no press release or writing example at all.

Sell Yourself.

The first rule of public relations is to be seen. A manager has seen dozens, if not hundreds, of resumes. If you’re applying to a larger organization a machine might be the first one to check your credentials. Keywords are critical. Managers and machines alike will skim your resume for particular phrases. Include some industry keywords in your resume, such as press kit, press releases, media relations and event coordination. You should also highlight technical skills, computer knowledge and social media experience. Check here for a general list of skills and personal attributes specific to public relations.

To really sell your resume you need to pay attention to how it looks. People ‘eat’ with their eyes first. Sure that’s a reference to food, but it holds true in document design too. Humans are visual creatures. Create a clear visual hierarchy of information, use clean and professional fonts, and add some personality. Resumes that look outdated, outlandish or just plain bad will end up deleted or go straight to the recycling bin – virtual or otherwise.

Cover All Your Bases.

Your cover letter is non-optional in the PR world. It’s essentially a pitch to your potential new boss, and just like a pitch, a cover letter is a winning combination of structure and creativity. As an introduction the cover letter doesn’t need to be weighed down with too much detail. Three to four solid paragraphs will suffice. First, state your interest in the position: Explain why you want to work for this company and what you know about them. Demonstrate enthusiasm and that you’ve done your research. Second, summarize your background and highlight any unique selling points that make you standout as the best new addition to the team. Third, request an interview. Just like a pitch, be direct and ask for what you want.

A top notch resume and cover letter will get you one step closer to landing an interview and the PR job you want. After all, if you can’t sell yourself, how effective will you be at selling a client or their products to the media?

Think you have what it takes to join the MGP team? Hit us up with your resume and killer pitch at hello@wearemgp.com!