The role of a Press Officer is an exciting and pivotal one within any organisation. As the public voice of a company, charity, or government body, a Press Officer is responsible for managing media relations, drafting press releases, responding to enquiries, and building relationships with journalists. It’s a dynamic position that requires excellent writing skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and a calm head under pressure. Salaries for Press Officers in the UK typically range from £25,000 to £35,000 for entry-level and mid-tier roles, rising to £45,000–£60,000+ at senior and managerial level depending on experience and sector. With competition high in the communications industry, creating an interview-winning cv template tailored specifically to the role is vital to getting noticed.
Why your Press Officer CV matters
A Press Officer CV isn’t just a record of your experience—it’s your calling card. Employers want to see at a glance that you can handle the fast-paced world of PR and media. Your cv example must demonstrate not only your writing ability but also your capacity to influence, manage reputations, and create positive exposure for the brand. Hiring managers often spend no more than 30 seconds reviewing a CV, so having a professionally structured and results-driven document makes all the difference.
Core job description for a Press Officer
If you’re targeting a Press Officer role, your cv template should highlight your ability to:
Write and distribute press releases, media briefings, and speeches.
Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers.
Monitor media coverage and prepare reports for stakeholders.
Respond quickly to press enquiries and manage crisis communications.
Support senior management with public messaging and campaigns.
Plan and execute PR strategies to raise brand awareness.
This job requires resilience, adaptability, and creative storytelling. Your CV must reflect both your technical PR skills and your softer skills, such as diplomacy and teamwork.
What employers are looking for
When recruiters read your Press Officer cv example, they want to see evidence of:
Measurable achievements (e.g., “secured 15 pieces of national coverage in The Guardian, The Telegraph, and BBC News in six months”).
Campaign results (e.g., “helped increase media mentions by 40% in one year”).
Transferable communication skills that could apply across different industries.
Strong writing and editing abilities.
Proficiency in digital and social media platforms.
Demonstrating these in your CV is essential. Don’t just list responsibilities—show results.
Graduate advice for Press Officer CVs
If you’re just starting out in PR or communications, don’t panic about not having years of experience. Focus on internships, volunteering, and transferable skills. Did you write for your university newspaper? Did you run social media for a student society? Did you secure press coverage for a charity fundraiser? Employers value initiative and creativity.
Make sure your graduate Press Officer cv template highlights:
Strong writing ability (mention blogs, published articles, student publications).
Communication skills gained from group projects, debates, or presentations.
Digital skills (social media campaigns, content creation, analytics).
Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
Even if you’re at the start of your journey, you can still present yourself as a capable and ambitious communicator.
Advice for mid-level and senior Press Officers
For professionals with more experience, your cv example must reflect strategic impact. At this stage, it’s less about day-to-day tasks and more about leadership and influence. Showcase:
Team management experience (mentoring junior officers, leading teams).
High-profile campaigns or crisis communications you’ve handled.
Evidence of influencing board-level or government stakeholders.
Cross-functional collaboration with marketing, policy, or digital teams.
Tangible results: audience growth, coverage volume, reputation improvement.
Employers want proof that you’re not only technically skilled but also capable of steering organisational reputation at a strategic level.
Structuring your Press Officer CV
The structure of your CV is critical. Here’s a recommended order:
Contact details – Name, phone, email, LinkedIn profile.
Professional profile – A short, powerful introduction highlighting your key strengths and career goals.
Core skills – A bullet-point list of your most relevant skills (e.g., “Media Relations,” “Crisis Communication,” “Campaign Management,” “Press Release Writing”).
Career experience – Reverse chronological order. Use action-driven language and quantify achievements.
Education – Include degrees, relevant courses, or professional training (e.g., CIPR qualifications).
Additional information – Languages, digital tools (e.g., Meltwater, Cision, Adobe), voluntary roles.
This clear, professional format ensures recruiters can instantly see your value.
The do’s and don’ts for a Press Officer CV
Do:
Use strong action verbs (e.g., “developed,” “secured,” “delivered,” “led”).
Tailor your CV for each application.
Keep it concise (2 pages maximum).
Highlight measurable outcomes.
Demonstrate digital PR and social media knowledge.
Don’t:
Overload with jargon or buzzwords.
Include irrelevant experience that doesn’t support your PR career.
Use a generic CV template without tailoring.
Forget to proofread—errors are fatal in a role that demands precision writing.
Underestimate soft skills like diplomacy and relationship-building.
General CV writing tips from 25 years of experience
From my years as a UK-based career coach, I’ve seen thousands of CVs, and the best always combine clarity, confidence, and evidence. Think of your CV as your personal PR campaign. Every word should position you positively, just like a press release. Avoid modesty—this is your moment to shine.
Always write with the reader in mind. What would reassure them that you are the perfect Press Officer? Balance creativity with professionalism. Remember, you’re applying for a role that is all about communication—so your CV must communicate brilliantly.
Why a professional CV can transform your career
In today’s highly competitive job market, an expertly written CV and LinkedIn profile can open doors to interviews that otherwise might remain closed. Many talented professionals undersell themselves by using outdated CVs or poorly structured applications.
That’s where expert support makes all the difference. At CV London
, we specialise in creating tailor-made CVs that highlight your strengths, achievements, and career potential. We work with graduates, mid-level professionals, and senior executives to produce powerful documents that truly stand out.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re just entering the communications world as a graduate or aiming for a senior management Press Officer role, your CV is the key to unlocking exciting opportunities. By following the structure outlined above, avoiding common mistakes, and focusing on measurable achievements, you’ll be well on your way to securing interviews.
If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, don’t leave it to chance. Book a consultation today and let us help you transform your CV and LinkedIn into powerful career tools. Click here to book an appointment
with CV London and give yourself the best chance of landing that dream Press Officer role.
