Landing a role in marketing or public relations is as much about presentation as it is about skill. Your CV is your first chance to show a potential employer that you understand how to sell a message—especially when that message is yourself.
In a competitive field where communication, branding, and creativity are key, your CV should reflect those traits from the first glance. Here are eight essential tips to help you stand out when applying for marketing and PR jobs.
1. Tailor Your CV to the Role
Avoid using a generic CV for every application.
Marketing and PR jobs vary widely—from social media management to event planning to crisis communications—so your CV should reflect the specific requirements of each role.
Carefully read the job description and identify keywords and responsibilities. Then adjust your CV to highlight relevant experience, achievements, and skills that match what the employer is seeking.
This approach shows attention to detail and proves that you’ve done your research.
2. Start with a Strong Personal Statement
The first few lines of your CV should quickly tell employers who you are and what value you bring.
Craft a short, punchy personal statement that highlights your experience, specialisms (e.g. digital marketing, brand communications), and career goals.
Avoid vague statements. Instead, make it specific: “Creative marketing professional with five years’ experience in B2C campaigns, social media strategy, and copywriting, with a proven track record of increasing engagement and brand visibility.”
3. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties
Hiring managers want to see the impact you’ve made, not just a list of responsibilities.
Use bullet points to describe key achievements in each role. Quantify wherever possible.
For example:
“Increased Instagram engagement by 45% in six months through targeted content campaigns.”
“Secured media coverage in national publications including The Guardian and Marketing Week.”
These metrics help paint a clearer picture of your effectiveness and potential.
4. Showcase Relevant Digital Skills
Marketing and PR are increasingly driven by digital tools.
List specific software, platforms, and tools you’ve used—such as Google Analytics, HubSpot, Mailchimp, SEMrush, Hootsuite, or Adobe Creative Suite.
Mention any certifications or training, especially if you’ve completed a Google Ads course or Meta Blueprint program.
Proving your tech literacy is key to getting ahead in modern comms roles.
5. Include a Portfolio or Work Samples
Where possible, provide evidence of your work.
If you’ve written press releases, created content calendars, run campaigns, or designed branding materials, include links to a portfolio or digital folder.
This is particularly important for content-heavy roles such as PR executives, copywriters, or social media managers.
A portfolio not only adds credibility but gives recruiters insight into your style and creativity.
6. Highlight Soft Skills and Cultural Fit
Strong communication, collaboration, adaptability, and problem-solving are essential for marketing and PR.
Use your CV to demonstrate these qualities by referencing team projects, cross-functional collaboration, or how you responded to tight deadlines or crises.
Marketing and PR often involve fast-paced environments, so employers want people who can thrive under pressure and adapt to changing priorities.
7. Keep It Clean, Clear, and Visually Appealing
Your CV design should reflect the aesthetic awareness expected in a marketing or PR job.
Stick to a clean, modern layout with clear headings, plenty of white space, and consistent formatting.
Avoid overloading it with text or using distracting fonts or colors.
Use bold or italic styling sparingly to highlight key points, but ensure the document remains easy to scan quickly—especially on a screen.
8. Don’t Forget Keywords and ATS Optimisation
Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan CVs before a human ever sees them.
To improve your chances, incorporate relevant industry keywords naturally throughout your CV—especially in the skills and experience sections.
Use phrases like “brand management,” “stakeholder engagement,” “content strategy,” or “SEO optimisation” where relevant.
Avoid stuffing your CV with buzzwords, but do ensure the language matches that used in the job advert.
Final Thoughts
A CV for marketing or PR jobs should do more than just list your experience—it should tell your professional story in a way that’s persuasive, results-driven, and visually on-brand.
By tailoring your content, showcasing real achievements, and presenting it with clarity and polish, you’ll demonstrate that you’re not just qualified for the job—you’re already thinking like a marketer.
In an industry built on messaging and image, your CV is your personal campaign. Make every word count.