Best Public Relations (PR) Cover Letter Example

Follow these cover letter tips and samples to create an effective cover letter for a public relations position.

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Public Relations Cover Letter Example

Public Relations Cover Letter Example

The best public relations cover letter example

As a PR professional, you know how to craft a positive public image for your clients. But can you do the same for yourself? A cover letter is a crucial step in your job search, explaining why you’re the best fit for the role and persuading the recruiter to offer you an interview.

This guide will show you:

  • A great public relations cover letter sample for you to follow
  • Key cover letter tips to help you secure an interview
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Public Relations Cover Letter Sample

Use this public relations officer cover letter as a source of inspiration for your cover letter:

Dear [Hiring Manager’s name],

I am writing to register my interest in the public relations officer role at [Company name]. I have vast experience in external communications, and my efforts in my previous job helped boost brand awareness by 146% in just two years. I now hope to bring this expertise to your organization.

As public relations coordinator at [ZYX Company], I played a key role in the development of the company’s public image. Responsible for all external communications, I developed and distributed a wide variety of PR campaigns, including press releases, fact sheets, and crisis responses. As the appointed spokesperson for the company, I was also tasked with fielding media inquiries and appearing on local news broadcasts. On separate occasions, I have been commended by senior management for my ability to secure leads within top media outlets in the U.S. My relationships with journalists have been key to securing good press coverage for my former employers, and I will help strengthen your company’s media relations should I be appointed to the role of public relations officer.

With my expertise in external communications and media outreach, I am sure I would make a great addition to the team. I am available for a phone call to discuss the role further at your convenience.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Tips for writing your public relations cover letter using this example

Whether you’re applying to an entry-level role or senior position, use these cover letter tips to write the best cover letter possible:

1

Tailor your cover letter to the job description.

Always adapt your cover letter to the job specifications. To do this, read the job description and look for any desirable skills that you already possess. These will serve as the foundation for your cover letter. For example, if the job posting stresses brand campaigns as an important responsibility, feature any related experiences or skills in your letter. Public relations roles demand the following soft skills:

  • Interpersonal skills
  • Communication
  • Organization skills
  • Teamwork
  • Attention to detail
You should also reference specific hard skills, which will vary depending on the role. Some of these skills might include:
  • Brand management
  • Media relations
  • Copywriting
  • Crisis management
  • Social media
  • Graphic design
Mention two or three skills related to the job posting in your cover letter. In the example above, you can see the candidate chooses to emphasize interpersonal skills and media relations abilities.

2

List your best qualities in the first paragraph.

Mention your key selling point as a candidate in the opening paragraph. This will hook the recruiter’s interest and encourage them to continue reading to learn more about your skillset. The hook could be your experience within a specific area of public relations. If you’re a recent graduate, you could choose to emphasize your passion for the profession and willingness to learn.

3

Use examples to add credibility.

Case studies and statistics actively demonstrate your skills and help quantify your performance. Where possible, include real-life examples from your previous roles to support your cover letter. This could be as simple as quoting the number of press releases you wrote in your last job. For best results, use key performance indicators (KPI) like media mentions, impressions, and engagement.

4

Close with a call to action.

Finish your cover letter with a call to action. This is a short, instructive sentence that guides the recruiter toward the next steps. It could be a request for a phone call or follow-up interview to discuss the role in greater detail.

5

Add your contact details to the header.

Include your contact details in the header at the top of the cover letter. Present this information so the hiring manager can reach out to you to schedule an interview. You must include your full name, phone number, email address, and your LinkedIn link or another online professional portfolio link. Wasn't this quite what you were looking for? Don't worry. The pages below might be just what you need:

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FAQ: Public relations cover letter example

Have questions? We’re here to help.

Unless the job posting explicitly says not to, always include a cover letter as part of your job application. The cover letter is your chance to illustrate your key skills related to the role. It can also be used to explain any employment gaps on your resume.

Aim to fill three-quarters of a page with your public relations cover letter. This is around 250–350 words. If you’re struggling to keep to this length, use a role-specific public relations cover letter template from our cover letter builder. Our cover letter designs will provide you with a set structure that’s proven to work.

 

A job seeker without much work experience can use the example above as a template for their cover letter. Focus on your experience as a volunteer or intern within the public relations field. Failing that, discuss any education or training that has prepared you for the role.

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Donna Profile
WRITTEN BY Donna

Donna is a career expert with extensive experience in the fields of Marketing, Publishing, Direct Mail and Communications. She’s witnessed firsthand the importance of a powerful resume and cover letter to a job search, so she takes great pride in helping change the lives of job seekers by sharing expert career advice and tips to help land the perfect job.

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