The HR of PR – Resume Tips for Communications Job Seekers

Given our current economy and the uncertainty of the looming pandemic, it’s a difficult time for getting hired in PR.  Jessamyn Katz, president of the San Francisco office of Heyman Associates, a communications and marketing recruiter says the job market “is going to be rough” for PR professionals.  Newly graduated candidates are also facing a tough situation with a 68% drop in entry-level job postings compared to last year.  

So, where to begin?  Certainly there is the advice you’ve been given by others or learned during  your career development classes – create a LinkedIn profile, develop your professional network, apply for a variety of jobs, etc.  These are all great activities and hopefully at some point you will be asked to send a resume.  It’s important to take time to develop a clear and effective resume that well represents you have the skills needed for a communications career in 2020.  Here are some suggestions to consider.

One Size Does Not Fit All For Resumes – So obvi, right?

At some point somebody has probably told you this – a recruiter will make a decision within the first 60 seconds of seeing your resume.  That’s best case – some only look for 7 seconds.

The HR of PR – Resume Tips for Communications Job Seekers

Such a quick scan is why it’s important to customize your resume for each opportunity.  Determine what to emphasize most – is it your degree or particular skills or certain experience or something else?  It will depend on the job you’re seeking and the company. 

Highlight your qualifications that are most similar to the requirements of the job or organization.  For example, KCD PR is a small agency and we specialize in B2B clients in the finance, fintech, tech and transportation sectors.  One of the first things we look for on a resume is internship or professional experience doing PR activities for similar clients.  Resumes showing this background get moved forward first for additional consideration.  We also prefer to see experience at other PR agencies over in-house PR experience, so resumes highlighting that do well.

What if you don’t have experience directly related to the position?  Think about attributes you’ve developed at other jobs.  Chances are a few of them are what a communications hiring manager is seeking.

Targeting each reader when you customize your resume gives you a better chance of moving forward in the selection process.  Make sure the hiring manager can most easily see the qualifications on your resume that match the company’s requirements.

Robot or Human – Who Really Knows?

Often you don’t know whether your resume will first be read by a human or an automated resume scanner (sometimes called an ATS or Applicant Tracking System).  You will have to make a best guess.  Generally, large companies are more likely to use an automated process.  This pares down the hundreds of resumes received to a more manageable number for human review.  Smaller PR agencies run lean operations and may not hire often enough to invest in maintaining an automated system.  Usually one person is tasked with reviewing each resume and evaluating if basic qualifications merit a longer look.

Robot reading

If you think an ATS is reviewing your resume, it’s best to have a separate version formatted specifically to impress the robots.  Certain formats and headings work better for the system to accurately read your resume.  ResumeGenius gives some helpful suggestions for writing an ATS-friendly resume to increase the likelihood it will be passed on to a human. 

Make the Answers Easy to Find

Hiring managers have questions and they look to your resume for answers:  Does the candidate have a degree or is it in progress? Was their experience at a company that does similar work to mine?  Have they worked in a large team?  Did they have direct contact with clients? 

Some research will help you determine what information is important for a particular job.  Start with the job posting as many are great in laying out desired qualifications.  However, also take a careful read through the rest of the information.  Look at the job duties and company description.  Consider what the company talks about on its website and social media.  These resources all give clues about what a company most wants in candidates, especially softer skills like initiative, teamwork, and attention to detail.  For instance, one company may most value your experience working in a small team, while another company is most concerned about your ability to work from home by yourself.

The example earlier about how KCD PR looks for people with experience providing PR to similar clients applies here also.  By looking at our website, potential candidates can see the industries we specialize in.  Even so, we often see candidates list previous experience without any details about the focus of the agency or the type of client roster they supported.  For us, providing answers to our questions about where you did the work is as important as what you did and will being you one step closer to getting hired in PR.

Include Some Links

Putting a few direct links at the top of your resume encourages a reader to click and learn more about you.  At a minimum, include your LinkedIn profile is a great tool to getting hired in PR.  Even better, develop and link to your own website with samples of your writing, such as blogs, social media posts, pitches, etc.  Showcase if you have graphic design skills, creative blog ideas, and insightful social media posts. PR is about telling a story, use your writing examples to show you have that skill.

In today’s competitive PR job market, adding these types of links are more of a basic expectation by hiring managers than seen as going a step above.  Glassdoor advises having your professional candidacy package refined and ready to go when you need it.

Never Forget the Basics

Public Relations agencies want to know your written communications to clients will be professional and effective.  They will judge your resume accordingly to determine if you are getting hired in PR.  Use a format that is visually attractive and professional.  In a recent Forbes article, Ashira Prossack called font and spacing the most important design factors on a resume.  She suggests Arial and 10pt for easy reading. 

Based on a few resumes we’ve seen, unfortunately, it still needs to be said – always, always proof read your document.  Will one error automatically delete you from consideration?  Maybe, maybe not.  Even if an error is not a show stopper, it’s on the minds of the hiring team.  They will now be hyper-diligent in looking for additional mistakes.  Any new errors won’t be easily forgiven.

 

spelling error

Overall, keep in mind that concise and purposeful is best.  The resume doesn’t get you the job – it gets you the interview.  Crafting a targeted, well-designed resume increases your chance of your being invited to that next hiring step and getting your desired public relations position.  

PR Assistant

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.

PR Assistant 2

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.

PR Assistant 3

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.