Overview
Breaking into PR often feels like a catch-22. Agencies want candidates who already understand media relations, but you need that first role to build those skills professionally. The good news is that university placements, student societies, and even volunteer campaigns can give you exactly the kind of experience hiring managers want to see.
This resume belongs to Sophie Brennan, a Public Relations graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University. She completed a six month placement at a regional PR agency and led communications for a student charity event. Her resume works because it shows real outputs like media coverage numbers, audience reach, and engagement growth rather than just listing responsibilities.
What Makes This Resume Work
Media results are quantified. Sophie does not just say she "pitched to journalists." She specifies that she drafted 35 press releases and secured 18 media placements in named publications. PR hiring managers care about tangible outputs, and these numbers prove she can deliver coverage, not just send emails.
The placement reads like a real job. Six months at a PR agency gave Sophie enough experience to fill a strong job entry. She managed multiple client accounts, built media databases, and coordinated launch events. Each bullet has a number attached, making it easy for a recruiter to assess her contribution.
Transferable retail experience is included wisely. Rather than hiding her John Lewis role, Sophie highlights customer service scores and the fact that she trained new staff. These soft skills translate directly to client management and stakeholder communication in PR.
Key Takeaways
If you are applying for your first PR role, focus on outputs that prove you can do the job. Count the press releases you wrote, the coverage you secured, the events you helped run, and the audiences you reached. PR is a results-driven profession, so your resume should reflect that from day one.
