Media & Communications Resume Examples

Public Relations Specialist Resume Example & Writing Guide

Create a standout public relations resume. Includes PR resume examples, media relations skills, and tips for showcasing press coverage and campaign results.

ATS-Optimized Expert-Written Updated 2026

Public Relations Specialist Resume Example

Here's a professional public relations specialist resume example that you can use as a reference. This example highlights the key sections and content that hiring managers look for.

Alex Johnson

Public Relations Specialist

New York, NY | alex.johnson@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/alexjohnson

Professional Summary

Strategic Public Relations Specialist with 5+ years of experience in media relations, crisis communications, and brand storytelling for corporate and nonprofit clients. Expert in securing earned media coverage, managing press events, and crafting compelling narratives. Generated 500M+ media impressions through strategic PR campaigns.

Work Experience

Senior Public Relations Specialist

2022 – Present

ABC Corporation, New York, NY

  • Secured 300+ media placements in outlets including Forbes, TechCrunch, and major local publications
  • Generated 500M+ earned media impressions through strategic PR campaigns across 3 fiscal years
  • Managed crisis communications for 5 high-profile incidents, preserving brand reputation and stakeholder trust

Public Relations Specialist

2019 – 2022

XYZ Company, Chicago, IL

  • Planned and executed 20+ press events and product launches with 90% media attendance rates
  • Grew client social media presence by 150% through integrated PR and digital content strategies

Skills

Media Relations • Press Release Writing • Crisis Communications • Event Management • Brand Storytelling • Media Monitoring (Meltwater/Cision) • Social Media Management • Spokesperson Training • Campaign Strategy • Influencer Outreach • Internal Communications • Content Creation • Analytics & Reporting • Stakeholder Management • AP Style Writing

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations

Bachelor of Arts in Communications

Master of Arts in Strategic Communication

Public Relations Specialist Resume Summary Examples

Your resume summary is the first thing hiring managers read. Here's a strong example for apublic relations specialist with 5+ years of experience:

Good Example

Strategic Public Relations Specialist with 5+ years of experience in media relations, crisis communications, and brand storytelling for corporate and nonprofit clients. Expert in securing earned media coverage, managing press events, and crafting compelling narratives. Generated 500M+ media impressions through strategic PR campaigns.

Avoid This

“Hardworking public relations specialist looking for a challenging position where I can utilize my skills and experience. I am a team player with excellent communication skills.”

Why the first example works: It includes specific years of experience, quantified achievements, technical skills, and certifications — all things ATS systems and hiring managers look for.

Work Experience Bullet Points

Here are powerful, metrics-driven bullet points for a public relations specialist resume. Notice how each one starts with an action verb and includes specific numbers:

  • Secured 300+ media placements in outlets including Forbes, TechCrunch, and major local publications
  • Generated 500M+ earned media impressions through strategic PR campaigns across 3 fiscal years
  • Managed crisis communications for 5 high-profile incidents, preserving brand reputation and stakeholder trust
  • Planned and executed 20+ press events and product launches with 90% media attendance rates
  • Grew client social media presence by 150% through integrated PR and digital content strategies

Pro Tip: Use the formula: Action Verb + Task + Quantified Result. For example: “Managed” + “team of 12 engineers” + “delivering project 20% under budget.”

Key Skills for a Public Relations Specialist Resume

Include these skills on your public relations specialist resume to pass ATS screening and impress hiring managers:

Media Relations
Press Release Writing
Crisis Communications
Event Management
Brand Storytelling
Media Monitoring (Meltwater/Cision)
Social Media Management
Spokesperson Training
Campaign Strategy
Influencer Outreach
Internal Communications
Content Creation
Analytics & Reporting
Stakeholder Management
AP Style Writing

ATS Keywords for Public Relations Specialist Resume

These are the most important keywords that Applicant Tracking Systems scan for in public relations specialist resumes. Include them naturally throughout your resume:

public relationsPR specialistmedia relationspress releasecrisis communicationsearned mediabrand storytellingmedia monitoringCisionMeltwatercampaign strategyspokespersonevent managementinfluencer outreach

Important: Don't stuff keywords. Use them naturally in your summary, experience, and skills sections. ATS systems can detect keyword stuffing and may flag your resume.

Education & Certifications

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations
  • Bachelor of Arts in Communications
  • Master of Arts in Strategic Communication

Certifications

  • Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)
  • Cision Media Intelligence Certification
  • HubSpot Content Marketing
  • Google Analytics Certification

Expert Tips for Your Public Relations Specialist Resume

1

Quantify media impressions, placements, and outlet tier levels

2

Show crisis communications experience and outcomes

3

Include media monitoring tools and analytics proficiency

4

Highlight event planning and press launch execution

5

Mention specific journalists and outlets you have relationships with (in interviews, not on resume)

Public Relations Specialist Salary & Job Outlook

Entry Level

$40K

Median Salary

$67K

Experienced

$100K

Job Outlook

6% growth (2022-2032), faster than average

Source: BLS 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a PR specialist put on a resume?

Include media placements count, earned media impressions, crisis communications examples, event management experience, and specific PR tools used.

Is APR certification worth it for a PR resume?

APR is highly valued — it demonstrates professional credibility. It's especially important for agency work and senior in-house PR roles.

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Quick Stats

Median Salary$67K
Experience Shown5+ years
Key Skills15
ATS Keywords14

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