Create an Interview-Winning Graduate PR Assistant CV Template Example
Landing your first role as a Graduate PR Assistant is an exciting step into the dynamic world of public relations. This entry-level position offers a fantastic opportunity to build your career, develop critical communication skills, and work with leading brands. Typically, a Graduate PR Assistant supports senior PR professionals in executing campaigns, drafting press releases, managing social media, and maintaining media contacts. In the UK, starting salaries generally range from £20,000 to £27,000 per year, depending on location and agency size, with excellent opportunities for progression into Account Executive, Account Manager, and Senior PR roles.
Crafting a CV that stands out in this competitive sector is crucial. Recruiters in PR are looking for candidates who demonstrate creativity, attention to detail, strong written and verbal communication, and a proactive attitude. A tailored CV can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview and ultimately securing the role.
Why a Graduate PR Assistant CV Matters
Your CV is your first impression. In PR, first impressions are everything, and your CV should reflect your potential to thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment. Beyond just listing your education and work experience, your CV should highlight key skills such as media relations, social media management, content creation, and campaign support. Employers look for graduates who are not only capable but also enthusiastic, adaptable, and ready to contribute to innovative projects.
Structuring Your Graduate PR Assistant CV
A well-structured CV can make all the difference. Here’s a recommended structure for graduates aiming to impress PR recruiters:
Header and Contact Information
Include your full name, professional email, phone number, LinkedIn profile, and location. Ensure your email is professional (avoid nicknames or personal handles).
Professional Summary
Write 3-4 sentences summarising your strengths, enthusiasm for PR, and career aspirations. Use keywords like “media relations,” “campaign support,” “press releases,” and “content creation” to optimise for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems).
Key Skills
Include both hard and soft skills. For a Graduate PR Assistant, relevant skills might include:
Media monitoring and research
Social media management (LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter)
Writing press releases and newsletters
Campaign coordination and project management
Event planning and administration
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Education
List your degree, institution, and graduation date. Include modules or projects relevant to PR, marketing, or communications. If you have a high GPA, awards, or scholarships, mention them.
Professional Experience
Even as a graduate, highlight internships, volunteer work, or part-time roles that showcase transferable skills. Use action verbs and quantify achievements where possible, for example:
“Drafted press releases and managed social media content, increasing engagement by 25% over three months.”
“Supported a campaign for a client event attended by over 200 participants.”
Additional Experience
Include freelance work, blog writing, university societies, or other projects that demonstrate initiative, creativity, and teamwork.
References
Optional. You can note “References available upon request” to save space.
Tips for Graduates Crafting a PR CV
Graduates face unique challenges when entering the PR sector, but the right approach can help you stand out:
Highlight internships and placements: Even short-term experience shows practical knowledge.
Emphasise transferable skills: Leadership in student societies, content creation, and social media management all count.
Tailor your CV to the role: Use the job description to identify keywords and skills to include.
Showcase enthusiasm: PR employers want candidates who are eager to learn and proactive.
Advice for Middle and Senior Management
If you are reviewing or creating CVs for PR positions at higher levels, focus on measurable achievements, campaign results, and leadership experience:
Account Managers and Senior Roles: Highlight client portfolios, successful campaigns, media coverage secured, and team management.
Use metrics: Numbers grab attention. Example: “Increased media coverage for a key client by 40% YoY.”
Professional summary: For experienced roles, include your specialisations, awards, and strategic impact.
Dos and Don’ts of a PR CV
Dos:
Tailor your CV for each role
Use concise bullet points
Include relevant keywords
Quantify achievements
Keep formatting clean and professional
Don’ts:
Don’t exaggerate experience or skills
Avoid irrelevant personal information
Don’t use generic phrases like “hard worker” without evidence
Avoid cluttered design or overly decorative fonts
Crafting a Professional Summary That Stands Out
Your professional summary is your hook. For a Graduate PR Assistant, it should demonstrate enthusiasm, practical knowledge, and a willingness to learn. Example:
“Recent Communications graduate with hands-on experience in social media management, content creation, and press release drafting. Skilled in supporting campaigns, building media relations, and delivering engaging communication strategies. Eager to contribute creativity and organisational skills to a dynamic PR team.”
Maximising Keywords for Google-Friendly PR CVs
To ensure your CV ranks well in digital searches by recruiters, include high-ranking PR keywords naturally:
Public relations
PR campaigns
Social media strategy
Media monitoring
Content creation
Press releases
Campaign coordination
Stakeholder engagement
Event planning
Communication skills
Additional Tips for Boosting Your PR CV
Keep it concise: 1-2 pages is ideal for graduates.
Proofread rigorously: Typos are unacceptable in a field centred on communication.
Include links: If you manage professional social media or have a portfolio, include clickable links.
Use active language: Words like “coordinated,” “developed,” “implemented,” and “enhanced” resonate with recruiters.
How to Tailor Your CV to Different PR Employers
Different types of PR agencies and in-house teams have unique expectations:
Corporate PR: Focus on stakeholder engagement, reputation management, and media monitoring.
Creative/Consumer PR: Highlight campaign creativity, content creation, and social media impact.
Digital PR: Emphasise online campaigns, SEO, analytics, and influencer partnerships.
Cover Letter Integration
While a CV is critical, pairing it with a tailored cover letter can enhance your application. Address the hiring manager by name, show knowledge of the company, and demonstrate how your skills and experience make you a perfect fit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on a Graduate PR CV
Submitting a generic CV for multiple roles
Overloading with university coursework irrelevant to PR
Using clichés without proof (“excellent communicator” without examples)
Neglecting ATS optimisation by omitting keywords
Actionable Advice for Networking and Career Growth
PR is a relationship-driven industry. Beyond your CV:
Build a strong LinkedIn profile highlighting skills and achievements
Engage with PR groups, events, and webinars
Seek informational interviews with PR professionals
Volunteer for campaigns to gain practical experience
Conclusion
Creating an interview-winning Graduate PR Assistant CV is about more than listing your education and experience. It’s about demonstrating your creativity, proactivity, and potential to contribute to a PR team from day one. By carefully structuring your CV, using strategic keywords, and showcasing measurable achievements, you can stand out from the competition.
Whether you are a graduate just starting out or a senior professional looking to elevate your career, following these CV tips can make all the difference. If you want personalised support to optimise your CV and LinkedIn profile for maximum impact, book an appointment with me today: Book an appointment
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