How to Build the Perfect Marketing and PR Resume
Your resume is your golden ticket to making a dazzling first impression. Whether you've been in the industry for a while or just starting out, a stellar resume can set you apart from the competition and showcase your unique blend of skills and experiences. Here’s a guide to crafting the perfect Marketing and PR resume that will get you noticed.
Craft a compelling summary
To start things off on the right foot, you must have a punchy, engaging summary that highlights your key strengths and career goals. This section should encapsulate who you are as a professional and what you bring to the table. Emphasise your experience, skills, and unique selling points that align with the job you’re applying for.
Highlight your skills
List your key skills prominently. Focus on both hard and soft skills relevant to Marketing and PR. This might include:
Media Relations
Digital Marketing
Content Creation
Social Media Strategy
Event Planning
Public Speaking
SEO/SEM
Analytics and Reporting
Showcase your experience
Detail your professional experience in reverse chronological order. For each role, include your job title, the company name, dates of employment, and bullet points highlighting your key achievements and responsibilities.
Focus on:
Specific campaigns or projects you’ve managed
Quantifiable achievements (e.g., increased social media engagement, media placements, improved brand awareness)
Key responsibilities that align with the job description
Include relevant education
Detail your educational background, including degrees earned, institutions attended, and graduation dates. If you have relevant certifications, list them here as well. This might include:
Degrees in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related fields
Certifications like Google Analytics, HubSpot Inbound Marketing, or PRSA Accreditation
Add professional affiliations and awards
If you’re a member of any professional organisations or have received industry awards, include them. This demonstrates your commitment to the field and recognition of your expertise. Examples might be:
AMI Awards, Mumbrella Awards, Australian Effie Awards, B&T 30 Under 30 Awards etc.
Awards for PR campaigns, marketing initiatives, or industry achievements
Tailor your resume for each job
While you don’t want to be recreating your resume for every single job you apply for, it is important to tailor your skills based on the job description. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific role you’re applying for. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your resume aligns with what the employer is seeking. This increases the chances of your resume passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Proofread and edit
Attention to detail is crucial in both PR and Marketing, so ensure your resume is error-free. Proofread for spelling and grammatical errors and always have another set of eyes review it as well.
Additional tips
Use a Clean, Professional Layout: Avoid overly complex designs. Stick to a clean, easy-to-read format with consistent fonts and spacing. Canva has literally thousands of templates to chose from to help you create a polished first impression.
Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to highlight your impact (e.g., “Increased social media engagement by 50%”).
Be Concise: Aim for a one-page resume if possible, especially if you’re early in your career. For more experienced professionals, two pages are acceptable.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to creating a Marketing and PR resume that not only stands out but also effectively showcases your qualifications and achievements. A well-crafted resume is your first step towards landing that dream job in Marketing and PR.
Building the perfect Marketing and PR resume is all about highlighting your strengths, tailoring your experiences to the job at hand, and presenting your skills in a clear, professional manner. With these tips, you'll be ready to make a lasting impression and take your career to the next level.