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The job search can be challenging—first, there’s the resume, then the cover letter, followed by the interview process. In our last article, we explored the first step of a successful job application: building an entry-level PR resume. Now, let’s dive into the next step. In this piece, you’ll learn insider tips to craft an engaging, persuasive cover letter for any Public Relations and Communications role. By the end, you’ll be ready to create a cover letter that truly highlights your strengths and makes a memorable impression. 

How to Structure a Public Relations Cover Letter

A Communications or Public Relations cover letter is different from a resume. It is not just a list of skills and qualifications. It is a well-crafted (but concise) document that should show how you can fit in with the company.

Start your cover letter by addressing the person in charge of hiring for the role. You can often find their contact information on the company website or LinkedIn. 

For the content, make sure your research into the company is visible, and use keywords from the job description as a guide. You can cross reference your resume for skills and experiences that match closely with the job description and expand on them. Focus on what you can contribute to the company, rather than what they can do for you. If you did something similar in a previous position, include a specific example and how it could work for the new company as well. Mentioning relevant software can also help the hiring manager understand if you are a good fit for the role. 

Close your cover letter with a clear call to action. This can be an enthusiastic (but not too eager) sentence that can encourage the hiring manager to reach out to you. It also shows your genuine interest in the position and how excited you are about the opportunity.  

Showcase your PR and Communication Skills 

To elevate your PR or Communications cover letter, bring your experiences to life by sharing specific, impactful examples that showcase your unique blend of skills! Rather than listing keywords or figures, tell the stories behind your achievements. Describe how you tackled challenges, built strong relationships, or led creative strategies. Highlight your adaptability, problem-solving, and strategic thinking by weaving in details that reveal your expertise. 

Even if you are new to PR and Communications, there are transferable skills that you can expand upon by using examples. This approach not only shows what you’ve done but also that you are a strong candidate for their team. 

Media Relations:

Emphasize any relevant experience that involves working with journalists, pitching stories, or securing media coverage. This is a unique skill that requires empathy, a creative touch, and a deep understanding of both clients and media—and one that shows your drive to get powerful stories out into the world. If you’ve secured media placements, dive into how you did it—whether through positioning or coordinating interviews. 

Strategic Thinking:

Developing strategies lies at the heart of Communications and PR. No matter your background, you have valuable experience to draw from—whether it’s planning a project or setting goals. 

If you’ve worked with social media, you probably started by putting together a game plan. First, you’d dive into creating a brand kit and getting to know the target audience. Then come the content calendars and post schedules. In your cover letter, show how you tackled each step, tracked metrics like engagement and reach, and adapted your approach along the way. 

This hands-on experience with strategy shows your ability to turn ideas into results.

Communication Skills:

Effective communication is essential in PR—whether it’s engaging clients, pitching to the media, or collaborating with internal teams. Rather than just listing it as a skill, dive into when your communication strategies made a difference. For example, if you’ve managed a client in a complex industry, explain how you took the time to understand their brand and bring their vision to life.

Teamwork and Collaboration:

In PR and Communications, success often comes from teamwork. Think back to a time when you partnered with marketing or sales teams on a large project. Maybe you helped pull together a campaign that needed ideas from design, copywriting, and analytics teams. Expanding upon your adaptability and teamwork will make you a valuable team player who’s invested in collective success!

Crisis Management Skills 

Crises can be intense, but that’s when communication and problem-solving skills shine. Highlight any experience you have with crisis communication, problem-solving, reputation management, or handling sensitive issues.

Continuous Learning:

For a higher-level position like a Communications Manager, demonstrate your commitment to professional development and continuous learning. Highlight any relevant courses, certifications, or training programs you’ve completed, especially those related to PR or Communications. This includes HubSpot, Google, and Coursera certifications. 

Examples of Public Relations and Communications Cover Letters

When diving deeper into the writing process, looking at examples can help understand the tone and format of a professional cover letter. If you are looking for examples of cover letters for specific positions you are applying for, this list can be beneficial. 

PR Cover Letter Examples

Communications Cover Letter Examples 

Conclusion

Your cover letter is your opportunity to bring your professional journey to life and convey enthusiasm for the role. Think of it as a way to connect your skills, experiences, and achievements directly to the company’s goals, making it clear why you’re the ideal fit. To create impact, craft a narrative that not only highlights your expertise but also shows how you’re uniquely positioned to add value to their team.

When you dive into describing your experience, share the stories behind the skills on your resume. This will show your proven track record of successful development and execution. Describe how your attention to detail has elevated client relationships or how your problem-solving skills have turned challenges into success stories. Make each example resonate with the company’s needs and paint a vivid picture of what you’ll bring to the role.

By pairing this engaging cover letter with a resume tailored to showcase your communication and teamwork skills you’re setting yourself up to stand out from other candidates. Make each application an opportunity to highlight your unique value, turning your job search into a compelling career story!