Graduate Public Affairs Assistant CV Template Example
A Graduate Public Affairs Assistant plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between organizations, government bodies, and the public. This entry-level position often involves supporting senior public affairs officers with research, communications, stakeholder engagement, and policy analysis. In the UK, salaries for this role typically range from £22,000 to £30,000 per year, with opportunities for progression into higher-level public affairs or communications roles. Crafting a CV that clearly demonstrates your skills, achievements, and enthusiasm for public affairs is critical for securing your first role in this competitive sector.
Understanding the Role of a Graduate Public Affairs Assistant
Before you start writing your CV, it’s important to understand what employers are looking for. Graduate Public Affairs Assistants are expected to have strong communication skills, analytical abilities, and a keen understanding of policy and government structures. Key responsibilities often include:
Assisting in the development of public affairs strategies.
Conducting research on policies, legislation, and stakeholder activities.
Drafting briefings, reports, and press releases.
Supporting engagement with stakeholders, including MPs, government officials, and industry representatives.
Monitoring political developments that may affect the organization.
Employers value candidates who show initiative, can manage multiple projects, and demonstrate a genuine interest in public affairs and communications. Highlighting these attributes in your CV will increase your chances of landing an interview.
Creating an Interview-Winning Graduate Public Affairs Assistant CV
A strong CV is your ticket to landing that first interview. The key is to present your experience, skills, and education in a clear and compelling way. Here’s how you can structure your CV for maximum impact:
1. Personal Details and Contact Information
Start with your full name, professional email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile link. Ensure that your email sounds professional—avoid nicknames or unnecessary numbers.
2. Personal Statement
This is your chance to make a strong first impression. Write 3-5 sentences summarizing who you are, your career goals, and why you’re a great fit for a Graduate Public Affairs Assistant role. Focus on your passion for public affairs, your analytical skills, and any relevant experience.
Example:
“Recent Politics and International Relations graduate with experience in stakeholder engagement and policy research. Highly motivated to contribute to public affairs strategies and support senior teams in influencing policy outcomes. Skilled in research, communication, and project coordination.”
3. Education
List your highest level of education first, including your degree, university, dates, and any relevant modules or projects. Highlight achievements such as dissertations, research projects, or leadership roles in societies related to politics, law, or communications.
4. Work Experience
Even if you have limited professional experience, focus on transferable skills. Include internships, voluntary roles, or part-time jobs where you demonstrated research, communication, or project management skills. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements, using strong action verbs and measurable results where possible.
Example:
Conducted research on policy changes affecting local communities, contributing to internal briefings used by senior staff.
Coordinated communications with stakeholders, ensuring accurate dissemination of information.
Drafted press releases and summaries for political campaigns, improving stakeholder engagement by 15%.
5. Skills
Include both hard and soft skills relevant to public affairs:
Policy analysis and research
Stakeholder engagement
Written and verbal communication
Project management
Digital literacy (Microsoft Office, social media platforms)
Event coordination
6. Achievements and Awards
If applicable, highlight awards, scholarships, or recognitions received during your education or early career. This demonstrates motivation and commitment.
7. References
It’s acceptable to simply state “References available upon request.” Ensure your referees are professional and can speak to your skills relevant to public affairs.
CV Writing Tips for Graduates
Tailor your CV to each job application by using keywords from the job description.
Focus on transferable skills from education, internships, and voluntary roles.
Keep your CV concise—two pages are standard in the UK.
Use clear headings and bullet points for readability.
Proofread carefully to avoid spelling or grammar mistakes.
CV Advice for Middle and Senior Management
For more experienced professionals, the emphasis shifts from education to results and achievements:
Highlight strategic contributions to policy campaigns or public affairs initiatives.
Quantify results wherever possible (e.g., “Led a stakeholder engagement project that increased policy compliance by 20%”).
Demonstrate leadership, team management, and budget oversight experience.
Keep your CV concise but focused on your impact on organizational goals.
Do’s and Don’ts on a Graduate Public Affairs Assistant CV
Do’s:
Do tailor your CV for the role and use relevant keywords.
Do highlight transferable skills from internships, volunteering, or part-time work.
Do use strong action verbs such as ‘coordinated,’ ‘research,’ ‘engaged,’ and ‘analysed.’
Do quantify achievements where possible.
Do ensure your CV is clear, concise, and professionally formatted.
Don’ts:
Don’t exaggerate or include inaccurate information.
Don’t use overly long paragraphs—keep it skimmable.
Don’t leave gaps unexplained; account for time with education, volunteering, or skills development.
Don’t use casual language or informal email addresses.
Don’t ignore formatting—presentation matters as much as content.
Conclusion
Creating a compelling Graduate Public Affairs Assistant CV is all about showcasing your skills, passion, and achievements in a structured and professional way. Whether you are a recent graduate, or an experienced professional aiming for higher roles in public affairs, tailoring your CV and demonstrating impact is key. Remember, your CV is your personal marketing document—invest the time to make it shine.
If you want expert guidance to take your CV and LinkedIn profile to the next level, book an appointment today with a career coaching professional and start your journey to your dream role: Book an Appointment
