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Job outlook for public relations supervisors in the United States
Are public relations supervisor jobs in demand?
Public relations supervisor job and salary trends over time
Public relations supervisor jobs over time
Public relations supervisor job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 548 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 535 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 523 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 478 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 444 | 0.00% |
Average public relations supervisor salary over time
Public relations supervisor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $75,368 | $36.23 | +4.1% |
| 2025 | $72,418 | $34.82 | +2.1% |
| 2024 | $70,946 | $34.11 | +3.2% |
| 2023 | $68,770 | $33.06 | +3.7% |
| 2022 | $66,323 | $31.89 | +3.1% |
Public relations supervisor jobs by state
Most common states for public relations supervisors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 301 | 43% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 420 | 6% |
| 3 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 243 | 6% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 56 | 6% |
| 5 | California | 39,536,653 | 2,042 | 5% |
| 6 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 503 | 5% |
| 7 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 456 | 5% |
| 8 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 351 | 5% |
| 9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 303 | 5% |
| 10 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 165 | 5% |
| 11 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 146 | 5% |
| 12 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 55 | 5% |
| 13 | Alaska | 739,795 | 34 | 5% |
| 14 | New York | 19,849,399 | 860 | 4% |
| 15 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 497 | 4% |
| 16 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 343 | 4% |
| 17 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 281 | 4% |
| 18 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 112 | 4% |
| 19 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 27 | 4% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 25 | 4% |
Most common cities for public relations supervisors
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pasadena | 1 | 1% | $93,461 |
| 2 | Baltimore | 3 | 0% | $70,108 |
| 3 | Austin | 2 | 0% | $85,814 |
| 4 | Washington | 2 | 0% | $71,812 |
| 5 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $87,199 |
Public Relations Supervisor job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of public relations supervisor experts
Washington State University
University of the Incarnate Word
Northwestern University
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
College of Charleston
Saint John's University
University of South Florida
University of Connecticut
University of New Haven
Neumann University
University of the Incarnate Word
Bellarmine University
Albright College
Belmont University
University of Oklahoma
Dominican University
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Saint Xavier University
University of Kentucky
Ms. Chelsea Thomas
Scholarly Assistant ProfessorWashington State University
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What Public Relations Supervisor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ms. Chelsea Thomas: Public relations is a good fit for those who enjoy a fast-paced lifestyle with low predictability. That said, a professional in this field will spend significant time building a well-planned, strategic campaign that anticipates potential issues and capitalizes on client successes. A person in this field would do well being organized, strategic, flexible and sociable. A strong writing capacity is a positive aspect as well. Conversely, those in this profession might dislike unpredictable hours, as this industry can sometimes require significant time, attention and dedication to the client's needs.
What will help Public Relations Supervisors increase their earning potential?
Ms. Chelsea Thomas: Public relations is a unique and dynamic field that allows professionals to execute both strategic and tactical initiatives. This profession allows one to experience a fast-paced industry where creativity, objectivity and strategy meet. No two days are likely the same; one can be filled with socializing at planned events, another working with media to manage external relations, and another spending quality time strategizing with a client representative. With the growing need for an organization to build and maintain a positive relationship with the target audience and stakeholders, public relations is an excellent profession for those skilled in communication and customer relationship management.
Pallavi Kumar
What general advice would you give to a Public Relations Supervisor?
Pallavi Kumar: I can’t think of any other industry where your passion can become your profession. Because no matter what you are interested in, whether it’s the arts, science, sports, the environment, entertainment etc., there is a job in that area. And you have the ability to move into different areas of specialization because the core skills of PR translate across many areas of specialization.
Dr. Trey Guinn
Associate Professor and Program DirectorUniversity of the Incarnate Word
Communication Arts
What skills stand out on Public Relations Supervisor resumes?
Dr. Trey Guinn: The field of communication(s) is like an enormous playground. The roles and responsibilities of professional communicators vary as much as playgrounds and the equipment they house. What seems universal is that communications managers work to advance a brand's image by developing and delivering intentional messages that effectively convey meaning with impact. Beyond that, these individuals work in various settings and perform a range of communicative tasks. Some have general oversight of an organization's internal and external communications, while others may have a narrower focus exclusively on liaising with media to gain purposeful exposure or manage crisis communication. Thus, while the role may seem straightforward, the truth is that the job description and responsibilities can vary greatly. This is important to note because the skills that should stand out on your resume must incorporate your knowledge of the industry and the nuance of the specific job to which you are applying. Sticking with our aforementioned metaphor, a hiring manager may need to know that you have a general understanding of all the toys on the playground but may be especially interested in how well you build sandcastles. Thus, it behooves you to make your resume speak to the job description. And moreover, when appropriate to do so, you would be wise to utilize language in the job description. If you are part of a "tiger team," but the job description calls for someone who has been part of a "high-performing team," accommodate your language for the reader, especially if your reader is a machine that may not be programmed to understand your jargon.
Clarke Caywood
Professor (founder group of IMC and PR in Medill) Joint Doctorate in Business and Journalism - Univ. Wis. MadisonNorthwestern University
Integrated Marketing Communications in Medill School of Journalism, Media and IMC
What Public Relations Supervisor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Clarke Caywood: Rapid and changing from competitors who offer advanced textual intelligence systems to track brands, employees, competitors, public figures, customers, and more.
Sherry Morreale Ph.D.
ProfessorUniversity of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Department of Communication
What skills stand out on Public Relations Supervisor resumes?
Sherry Morreale Ph.D.: Stephen Colbert, actor, comedian, and TV host, graduated with a B.A. in Communication, as did Howard Shultz, the Executive Chairman of Starbucks, Carrie Underwood, country music singer, Peyton Manning, retired NFL football player, Oprah Winfrey, former talk show host and producer, and Spike Lee, director, producer, and actor. Less well known but successful communication graduates also include Robert Lampley, Assistant Director of the Office of Civil Rights at Central Michigan University, Jessica Berlin, Social Marketing Manager of Yahoo, Brandon Weathers, Analyst/Federal Government Contractor, Ashley Kronsell, Communication Specialist at Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition, and Sierra Lowe, Regulatory Communications Coordinator at Cook Medical Group (National Communication Association, 2021a).
This impressive list highlights just a few of the many highly productive people with Communication degrees who are now employed in a range of interesting positions. Clearly, a degree in Communication opens the door to a wide variety of employment opportunities. That is because communication itself is ubiquitous - it is everywhere. But we need to clarify exactly what communication skills are needed, given this wide array of jobs and careers. This brief commentary presents three diverse sources of information about those important communication skills.
1. The results of a national study that highlights exactly what aspects of Communication, and therefore Communication Education, are considered critically important to everyone's personal and professional success in life.
2. Employers' expectations about their communication knowledge and skills in college graduates would like to see.
3. A summary of learning outcomes for communication graduates was developed by the National Communication Association.
Dr. Jenna Stephenson Abetz Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorCollege of Charleston
Department of Communication
What soft skills should all Public Relations Supervisors possess?
Dr. Jenna Stephenson Abetz Ph.D.: I don't like the metaphor of "soft" and "hard" skills or use that terminology myself. The label "soft skills" diminishes their importance and devalues the disciplines connected with their development. Let's call them interpersonal skills. In PR, the ability to tell a captivating story that makes readers care or being able to show what value a story brings to your client is driven by emotional intelligence. Being able to work with others, adapt, and creatively tailor your ideas to suit the interests, feelings, and motivations of your audience is very important.
Nancy DiTunnariello Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorSaint John's University
Mass Communication
What skills stand out on Public Relations Supervisor resumes?
Nancy DiTunnariello Ph.D.: One of the best skills a Communication Manager can hold is taking charge during stressful situations yet still managing their team. A great manager will understand that they must delegate work to others on their team to get things accomplished. Utilizing and helping to cultivate the strengths of others on your team is an excellent skill to have and a true asset to your organization. One strong and capable employee is great; however, an entire team of them is even better.
What soft skills should all Public Relations Supervisors possess?
Nancy DiTunnariello Ph.D.: Be personable! During the interview process, individuals are so focused on being "professional" that they forget to show potential employers who they really are. YOU are what sets you apart from other applicants. Also, employers want to see if your personality is a good fit with the company culture and the colleagues/clients you would be working with. Plus, would you want to work for an organization where you have to pretend and assume a false persona all day?
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Public Relations Supervisors?
Jody McBrien: The Covid pandemic reaches far beyond the issue of a global health issue. Limitations in social and economic life required to limit the reach of the virus have had major effects on both immediate and long-term job opportunities. For instance, many businesses that might have employed graduates have had to close their doors. As a result, there may be fewer opportunities, especially dependent on degrees that graduates have earned. For instance, the arts have been hard hit, as have restaurants and tourism. It remains to be seen how these important elements in society will recover.
What's a day at work look like for a Public Relations Supervisor?
Jody McBrien: If we look at a Spring 2021 graduate's work life, I have to say it remains highly unclear what the daily life will entail. Just last spring, we were all hopeful that we would move out of the pandemic later in 2020. But here we are, nearly a year after the beginning of this pandemic, and we are now fearing variants of the virus when we had hoped that a vaccine might allow us to move back to a more "normal" way of life by spring 2021. So it's just hard to say. I think that graduates need to be prepared for distanced jobs and technological savvy for the near future.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Public Relations Supervisor job market given the pandemic?
Mohamad Alkadry Ph.D.: Just like 9/11 resulted in substantial investment in homeland security jobs, I believe that the pandemic will likely result in a substantial investment in our public health infrastructure. More than ever before, Americans understand the importance of public servants at all levels. Americans, who have historically undermined the importance of the public serctor, were all looking to public officials more than ever before. The pandemic also highlighted the importance of professional non-elected officials' expertise to our survival. There was a clear respect for the evidence-based scientific knowledge and recommendations of professional public servants like Dr. Anthony Fauci. We are also likely to see an investment in e-government programs that would allow citizens and employees to interact virtually. I believe the pandemic undermines the trend toward service industry and we will likely see a very slow return of service and travel-related positions especially if the virus mutates and the pandemic lingers over a few years.
What skills stand out on Public Relations Supervisor resumes?
Mohamad Alkadry Ph.D.: The ability to work independently has always been important, and its importance was put on steroids because of the pandemic and the work-at-home mandates that resulted from it. Results-oriented employees will stand out. The modern workplace wants employees who can get things done rather than employees who can clock-in and clock-out on time. Most modern workplaces were heading in that direction since the 1990s. The pandemic accelerated that trend and made it more universal.
What type of skills will young Public Relations Supervisors need?
Matt Caporale: What type of skills will young graduates need when they enter the workforce in the coming years?
On the technical/hard skill side, young graduates are going to need to become more adept at remote and virtual work environments, including coding, programming, visual presentation, and data analytics/visualization. These skills were becoming more necessary prior to the pandemic and will only accelerate due to the changes in the nature of work and work environments the pandemic will cause. Big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence will only grow more important as well. Related skill sets such as data analysis, policy development, global supply chain management, social media content creation and management, design thinking, and the ability to build consensus among disparate groups.
More importantly it will be the soft skills and competencies that will truly determine the success of new graduates in coming years. As the world continues to become more interconnected, with automation coming in most industries, and manufacturing continuing to decline, the most sought-after skills will be those of global leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, design thinking, cultural awareness and understanding, and flexibility/adaptability. The post-pandemic global economy is going to need change leaders who can work with people of different backgrounds and perspectives, who can communicate to varied audiences, develop plans and policy, and change at a moment's notice. These soft skills will be the strongest currency for new graduates to develop and grow to succeed in their chosen careers.
What experience really stands out on Public Relations Supervisor resumes?
Matt Caporale: In a nutshell, hands on and applied experiences stand out the most. What employers truly seek is not just what you know and what you did, but how you did it, where you did it, to what outcome, and what do you offer now because of those experiences. This isn't new, but employers are increasingly looking for details and level of specificity to a student's college experience - buzzwords won't suffice any more. The experiences that stand out are ones students can actively quantify and showcase success, hard skills, and soft skills.
These types of experiences include traditional experiences such as internships, research projects, study abroad, and campus leadership. But they more often now include diverse perspectives, interdisciplinary experiences, and roles in which students make a focused impact on the organization in which they served. Employers seek well rounded candidates with hard and soft skills; so, the experiences that stand out will need to be diversified, skill focused, and impactful.
For students in international relations, these experiences will include traditional internships and study abroad, but also Model UN, policy research and development, multi-cultural experiences (local and international), and data-based projects.
Dr. Alfred Mueller Ph.D.
Dean, School of Arts and Sciences, Professor of Communication ad Digital mediaNeumann University
School of Arts and Sciences
What type of skills will young Public Relations Supervisors need?
Dr. Alfred Mueller Ph.D.: Coming out of the worst days of the pandemic, I predict that soft skills will be much more important. I have needed to rely more on my own emotional intelligence in the last twelve months than I did in the five years prior to the pandemic. Graduates need to demonstrate emotional intelligence, be able to work well in teams, and be highly adaptable. Given where we are in society right now, graduates must have the ability to communicate clearly and to distinguish between fact and fiction in the world around them. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge a strong need for professional ethics, regardless of the field that a graduate decides to pursue.
What general advice would you give to a Public Relations Supervisor?
Michael Mercer: I hope the graduate has done at least one internship that's journalism-related or at least called on the graduate to show their journalism skills, especially writing. Not just any writing but writing aimed at conveying information in its simplest form. If the graduate has not done a previous internship, be prepared to do one, even as a freelance writer or unpaid volunteer to show how determined and skillful you are just to get your foot in the door.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Public Relations Supervisors?
Stacie Shain: I am a very optimistic person, and I believe the enduring impact will be positive. The graduates from 2020 and 2021 have learned to be flexible, agile, resilient, and persistent. They have overcome obstacles that no one predicted, challenging them to complete not only a lot of the coursework from their final semester(s) online but also to grapple with the personal challenges that the pandemic caused.
Finishing college is not easy in a traditional setting in a "normal" academic year. But add in a change in delivery systems, quarantines that took away social and academic support systems, and psychological and financial hardships created by the loss of socialization and jobs (many students work in service jobs such as restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and retail stores, many of which were shuttered during the spring and summer), and you have an unprecedented college experience. Because these students graduated under such conditions, they are well-prepared for whatever happens along their career paths. They've already shown they can navigate through change, adapt to and overcome obstacles, adjust in adverse conditions, and still complete tasks and accomplish goals.
What experience really stands out on Public Relations Supervisor resumes?
Stacie Shain: To me, real-world experience always sets one graduate apart from others. There is also plenty of research that supports this.** Any experience a student can gain doing real projects for real organizations is a bonus because it shows students can translate what they have learned in a classroom to a project for a business or nonprofit. It shows students can do the work when there is more than a course grade on the line and when many people will see their work and not only a professor or classmates.
In our program, all majors must complete at least one internship, and we encourage our students to complete more than one so they get different experiences. This not only builds their resumes and hones their skills but also allows them to learn what they like - or don't like - doing. Some students have been set on working in a particular field only to change their minds after an internship and decide they want to do something else.
Our marketing communication minors are required to take a practicum in which they work for a student-run agency doing work for area nonprofits. They are responsible for the client meetings, production, deadlines and client satisfaction. The projects range from graphic design to writing to social media planning to website design to video production. All of their work will be used by the organizations, so having these projects in their portfolios and on their resume showcases exactly what they can do. The students earn credit and get to show the work in their portfolios, and the nonprofits do not pay for the projects. It's a true win-win situation. Students may complete more than one semester in the practicum, and that gives them a wide range of work samples in their portfolio. I've known several students who had jobs before graduation, and they all said their work for clients helped them get the job because they already had professional experience.
Internships and working for a student-run agency will help students build those soft skills, too. They must collaborate, they must learn to work in a team setting, they must solve problems as they arise, and they must think critically about the projects and how they will complete them. Research shows that students with hard skills will get interviews, but students with soft skills will get the job and keep it ** because businesses value soft skills and not every applicant has them.
What skills stand out on Public Relations Supervisor resumes?
Heidi Mau Ph.D.: Skills particular to industry needs and unique experiences that help a candidate stand out continue to be important to highlight, but what is often forgotten is the emphasis on strong communication skills needed for all professions - written, verbal, visual, and digital communication skills. These are skills that continue to translate across all industries.
Proven skills in advocating and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion are similarly important across all industries. Being able to speak concretely about actions that positively impact these areas is of particular interest and stand out on a resume.
Skills that highlight the ability to think critically, problem solve, be productive without supervision, and also to collaborate and work with teams - these are skills that continue to be important across all positions. Solid skills in interpersonal and applied communications can greatly enhance these abilities, which are important both within the field and across industries.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Public Relations Supervisor job market given the pandemic?
Heidi Mau Ph.D.: An increased ability to work digitally is an immediate trend in the job market - to be nimble communicators via digital tools and online interactions with colleagues and clients. This trend was already happening before the pandemic but has now accelerated as an important part of an overall skill set.
There seems to be an increase in positions calling for digital communications and content management for small businesses as they seek to move parts of their businesses online and to increase their digital communications with clients and community during a time in which local, face-to-face communication is more difficult.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Public Relations Supervisors to find work opportunities?
Heidi Mau Ph.D.: Communication as a field is uniquely malleable - it has its own industries and can also be a component within other industries. Because of this, there is work that can be found in unexpected sectors and locations. It is a field that is constantly evolving, which is exciting. There are opportunities to move into more established positions, into evolving positions that are finding their foothold, and into potential new positions we are unable to even predict yet.
Bonnie Riechert Ph.D., APR
Chair; Associate ProfessorBelmont University
Department of Public Relations
What experience really stands out on Public Relations Supervisor resumes?
Bonnie Riechert Ph.D., APR: Employers want to see evidence of effective skills in teamwork, collaboration, and leadership. They also want to see applicants with practical experience, and that's where multiple, varied internships can set some apart from others. Resumes should report quantified results. Certifications in social media management and analytics and media relations, for example, are valued. We also especially encourage our students to earn the nationally-administered Certificate in Principles in Public Relations, which demonstrates achievement in 10 areas of industry knowledge, skills, and abilities (https://www.praccreditation.org/apply/certificate/) and serves as a stepping stone to the Accreditation in Public Relations credential.
What type of skills will young Public Relations Supervisors need?
Bret H. Bradley Ph.D.: The pandemic rushed the transition to virtual work, but this transition has been happening for at least 20 years. I suspect that the pandemic will have lasting effects on how 2020 graduates work. That is, I suspect new work habits and routines from the pandemic may persist well past when the pandemic is over. I had a virtual meeting with 25 colleagues on Zoom last week. In normal years past, we would spend $15,000-$25,000 to get together at a hotel for two days and work together. This year we did "pre-meetings" with small groups over 2 weeks, then a 4-hour meeting with the whole 25-person team. COVID forced this on us, but, we will absolutely use virtual tools more in the future because of it. Also, the value of social skills has long been on the rise. In some of my research on organizational teams, we discussed how the changing nature of work has increased the need for collaborative skills, AKA soft skills. In a hugely impactful article in a top economics journal, David Deming at Harvard University found that the labor market increasingly rewards social skills. He showed that, between 1980 and 2012, jobs requiring high skills levels of social interaction grew by 12 percentage points as a share of the U.S. labor force. Math-intensive, but less social, jobs-including many STEM occupations-shrank by 3.3 percentage points over the same period (The Growing Importance of Social Skills in the Labor Market, David Deming, 2017, The Quarterly Journal of Economics). This is remarkable because it's during the PC and internet explosion. The rise of tech jobs, the information (read 'Data') age, and emphasis on STEM! For us social scientists, it makes perfect sense: the world of work increasingly demands social skills, like teamwork, collaboration and negotiating. This is a major trend in the world of work.
What Public Relations Supervisor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jamie Shaw: It is hard for me to think of it as a gap year since I would recommend working in various capacities. For example, high school graduates taking a gap year can begin learning various technical skills through platforms like LinkedIn Learning to start building those skillsets. They should also consider volunteering to begin building those resumes and reaching out to former teachers to see if there are any projects related to their future career paths that they can assist in with-perhaps some research? This will help the students as well as their former teachers. Finally, I would recommend those in a gap year to begin information interviews, which are an invaluable tool in helping students determine career paths while also allowing students to build their networks.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Public Relations Supervisors?
Aubrie Adams Ph.D.: In some ways yes, and in some ways no. The reality is that over time, graduates must always adapt to changing industry standards and norms. In that way, this aspect will stay the same, and we'll all continue to adjust to meet the needs of our ever-evolving globalized society.
However, what's different about the coronavirus pandemic is the speed at which change was induced in so many different industries simultaneously. Never before have so many people across the globe had to adapt and implement new workplace practices and procedures so quickly. A year ago, teleworking was rare: most people didn't know how to videoconference, and paperwork often required hard copies. But industry practices have all shifted at a remarkably fast pace, and most of us have had to adapt quickly without much choice in the matter.
Ultimately, many of these adjustments are likely to result in permanent changes to workplace policies and procedures. Whereas a company before may not have had options for employees to work from home, now many of them do. And although working from home may not always be perfect, it's hard not to recognize the many benefits that it can afford. I suspect that even long after the pandemic, companies will be better positioned to allow more flexible workplace options that make better use of digital tools to facilitate our work, life, health, and wellbeing.
There's this common joke I've heard before in which the idea is that a face-to-face meeting "could have been an email." Well, the pandemic gave us the opportunity to test this idea, and for many meetings, we found out that this was true. The pandemic has basically forced us all to become more technologically savvy to better use our online tools in more efficient ways. Of course, we'll have to figure out a balance moving forward between what practices should remain online and what practices should function face-to-face. There will likely be some trial and error as each respected workplace and industry seeks to figure this out.
What experience really stands out on Public Relations Supervisor resumes?
Aubrie Adams Ph.D.: I don't think the pandemic has played a major role to change what kinds of skills, abilities, and experiences employees look for. Of course, it's always good to be able to show that one has experience performing tasks related to the job position they are applying for, but one type of experience I know I always personally look for and encourage in my students is simply participating in "above and beyond" experiences that show that they are engaged community members. Participating in clubs, organizing events, donating time to philanthropy: all of these experiences help show that a graduate has done more than just the bare minimum to get by. It always helps to show a future employer that they participate in purposeful ways to stay connected with a broader community in some way.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Public Relations Supervisors?
Cyndi Grobmeier: Indeed, in the short-term, students coming out of college during the pandemic may be challenged to temporarily rethink their career trajectory, as some areas of our economy boom and others struggle to survive. For example, many of our communication majors at Saint Xavier University live our institutional mission by finding work in the nonprofit sector-where we see some advocacy areas, such as food banks, overwhelmed. In contrast, other nonprofits struggle to survive without the ability to fundraise. But across industries, there is a growing understanding of the importance of effective communication across all mediums, which in the long-term, should provide new opportunities for communication professionals as they help organizations adapt to these new ways to communicate.
What type of skills will young Public Relations Supervisors need?
Cyndi Grobmeier: Communication skills have always been in high demand by hiring professionals. We are still only beginning to understand our new standard with the accelerated and comprehensive shift to replacing much of our face-to-face interaction with technologically-mediated communication. This will require a new emphasis on training people to engage audiences and develop strategic messages that cut through the noise.
Young graduates who understand the nuanced differences in communication across different channels and can effectively engage audiences in various ways will prove to be very valuable to organizations, no matter what their job role. We have been amazed, for example, at the number of computer science majors who are minoring in communication-recognizing that the ability to communicate technical material to a non-technical audience effectively will set them apart in the workforce.
What experience really stands out on Public Relations Supervisor resumes?
Cyndi Grobmeier: Demonstrating leadership skills, either officially or even unofficially, is critical. Sometimes, students become leaders without being in an official role, like an officer of a club. Being able to tell that leadership story effectively becomes a critical piece. Storytelling has become such an essential part of our culture that telling a compelling story about any accomplishment can help graduates stand out from the crowd. The more an applicant can say to the level of something they specifically accomplished that connects to what the organization is looking for in that position, the more memorable they become. The days of the general resume are obsolete. The expectation will be an application (whether that be online, video, etc.) that tailors the applicant's knowledge, skills, experience, and qualities specific to the position and the organization.
What experience really stands out on Public Relations Supervisor resumes?
William Howe Ph.D.: Cover letters are perhaps the most critical piece of a resume and yet are often the most underdeveloped. Cover pages should clearly state who you are, what you have done, and where you want to go with the company. Within the resume itself, it should be easy to read and well organized.