Crack the marketing and PR code with a standout cover letter. With our handy tips, tangible examples, and powerful templates, you'll be ready to showcase your unique brand story to potential employers.
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Together, we'll highlight your unique creative campaign ideas, your SEO strategy savvy, and your digital trend awareness. Let's stir your strengths into this mix and pour out a cover letter that simply can't be ignored.
Keep reading to learn more about:
- Exploring valuable public relations cover letter samples
- Formatting your marketing & PR cover letter into a visually appealing document
- Crafting an effective cover letter header
- Writing a compelling headline for your marketing & PR cover letter
- Personalizing the greeting and content of your cover letter
- Crafting an eye-catching marketing cover letter introduction
- Highlighting your professional value by describing skills and achievements
- Using powerful action verbs throughout your cover letter
- Concluding your marketing cover letter with an effective closing statement
- Avoding common mistakes on a marketing & PR cover letter
- Pairing your cover letter with a resume
- Understanding the average salary and job outlook for PR specialists
- Accessing the best job search resources for marketing & PR professionals
Public relations internship cover letter sample
Why does this intern cover letter sample work?
- Highlighting relevant experience: The candidate excels in detailing their educational background, leadership roles, and significant internship experience in their cover letter. They skillfully tie their past roles to measurable achievements or skills gained, such as heading the TEDx Club and accomplishments captured during the PR internship.
- Showcasing essential skills: The candidate illustrates their important skills such as time management, team collaboration and problem-solving abilities — the key qualities every hiring manager would appreciate in an intern.
What could be improved?
- Overused terminologies: Phrases like "highly-skilled individual" are cliches and fail to provide specific insight into your skills. Instead of generic phrases, consider directly highlighting your skills through experiences or achievements.
- Starting with impersonal salutation: Using "To whom it may concern" as the opening greeting is outdated and impersonal. Modern-day cover letters are expected to begin with a direct address to the hiring manager whenever possible. Researching the company to find the right contact can demonstrate your initiative and genuine interest in the position.
PR assistant cover letter example
Why does this assistant cover letter example work?
- Clear presentation of comprehensive work experience: The candidate's cover letter effectively details their extensive work experience, drawing direct links between past roles and the crucial skills and accomplishments gained. Explicitly mentioning accomplishments such as the 'Employee of the Month' award at Vulcan, Inc. provides a concrete testament to the candidate's ability to excel in the PR field.
- Language skills: The applicant has highlighted their multilingual capabilities — an invaluable strength in PR, where communicating with a diverse range of audiences can be a daily occurrence.
What could be improved?
- Greeting: Similar to the previous example, using "Dear Sir/Madam" as the opening line might not be the best approach. The candidate should attempt to find the hiring manager's name and address them personally for a more customized touch.
- Further details about university engagement: The candidate presented their university experiences, though comprehensive, in a listing format. Expanding on certain specifics from their wider university experiences could offer deeper insights into their skillset and qualities.
- Illustrating software proficiency: While the candidate mentioned proficiency in various industry software platforms, providing instances of how and when these tools were utilized in previous roles might offer stronger evidence of their technical prowess.
Public relations specialist cover letter sample
Why does this PR specialist cover letter example work?
- Job alignment: Anita showed clear alignment of her skills and experience to the job requirements highlighted in the ad. This can assure the hiring team of her ability to perform in the role.
- Showcasing achievements: Highlighting her 'Employee of the Month' recognition at Aviva, Inc. presents her as not only a functional team member but also a high achiever.
What could be improved?
- Personalization: The impersonal "to whom it may concern" in her introduction could be improved. Researching to find the hiring manager's name would add a personalized touch and show her interest in the company.
- Overemphasis on self: The phrase "it would be a great opportunity for me to further grow my career" is centered on her interests, not the company's. Framing how the role aligns with her ability to contribute to the company can be a more persuasive approach.
- More tangible outcomes: While she detailed her tasks at Aviva, Inc., including measurable outcomes for the activities she was engaged in could have made a stronger impact.
1. How to properly format your marketing & PR cover letter
A well-formatted cover letter not only reflects your professionalism but also makes it easier for recruiters to spot the information they need. Here are a few general formatting rules to ensure your marketing & PR cover letter is both smooth to read and easy to navigate.
- Choose a professional font: Stick with classic fonts such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri and keep the size between 10 and 12 points to ensure readability.
- Use margins and spacing: A one-inch margin all around your letter and single or 1.5 line spacing can help keep your text neat and uncluttered.
- Align your text to the left: Most cover letters align their text to the left since this is how our brains are naturally wired to read text.
- Keep it to a single page: Respect the recruiter's time by keeping your cover letter concise. One page should be enough space to make your case.
- Include your contact information: Make it easy for the recruiter to reach you by including your contact information at the top.
- Make use of bullet points or subheadings: If you're trying to highlight key points or break up your text, these can prove helpful. However, use them wisely — too many can make the letter look fragmented.
- Be consistent: Ensure line and paragraph spacing, font size and type, and the alignment of your text is consistent throughout the entire letter. This helps create an overall clean, professional look.
Remember, these general formatting tips are the first step to producing a polished and impressive marketing & PR cover letter. But the journey doesn't stop here. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into crafting each section.
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2. How to craft an effective cover letter header
As a marketer, you know that the visual appearance of your marketing materials matters arguably just as much as the content itself. And a compelling look can be also accomplished through the creation of a proper cover letter header that both provides a visual structure and lists all of your vital personal information.
A good marketing cover letter header should include:
- Your name and professional title
- Your professional contact information, which includes your phone number, email address, and a link to your LinkedIn profile
- The name of the hiring manager
- The company name
- The company address
Let's take a look at two contrasting examples:
Bad cover letter header example
Jane Smith
(123) 456-7890
To: Full Circle Media Solutions
Why does it fall short? While this header states the sender's name and phone number, it misses out on other vital details. Without a professional title, email address, or LinkedIn URL, and no specific mention of the hiring manager or company address, it renders the header incomplete and impersonal, which could diminish the impact of the cover letter.
Good example of a marketing cover letter header
Jane Smith, Professional Marketer
(123) 456-7890 | janesmith@email.com | linkedin.com/in/jane-smith
To: Peter Kent, Hiring Manager
Full Circle Media Solutions
1234 Street Address
Naples, FL
Why does it work? This header is clear and concise, listing all the necessary details in an easy-to-read format. It's visually structured, keeping the recruiter's eyes guided from one piece of information to the next.
All in all, an effective cover letter header provides clarity, organization, and easy access to crucial information. Remember, a well-structured header not only grabs attention but also leaves a lasting impression of your professionalism.
3. How to write a compelling headline
A headline is like a doorway to your cover letter. It needs to draw the reader in and encourage them to venture further. For a marketing & PR cover letter, this means summarizing your unique selling proposition in a succinct yet striking way, speaking directly to needs of the hiring manager.
Bad cover letter headline example
Experienced in marketing and PR
Why is it ineffective? It's overly general, not bringing any unique skill-sets or achievements to light. What's more, it misses an opportunity to showcase enthusiasm or individual flair.
Good cover letter headline example
Award-winning marketer with an aptitude for innovative PR strategies
Why is this headline a winner? It specifies the field (marketing, PR), highlights a significant achievement (award-winning), and nods to key skills (innovative strategies).
Ultimately, the aim is to cast your skills and experience in the most compelling light. A captivating cover letter headline assures the reader they're about to dive into something worth their time.
4. How to tailor the greeting and content of your cover letter
Personalizing a cover letter is a crucial step in any cover letter writing process.
Put simply, the process of personalization involves making a cover letter as specific as possible to each employer. This requires you to research the employer to find essential information that you can reference throughout your letter, such as the company’s values, goals, or projects.
Additionally, during your research, you should try to discover which staff member at a specific company is in charge of hiring. Once you have uncovered this information, use it to create a personalized greeting that addresses this person by name.
Not only will this help your cover letter stand out from competing applicants but it also lets the reader know right off the bat that you have personalized your letter.
Here are 3 examples of personalized cover letter greetings
- Dear Head Marketer Jackson Lily,
- Dear Mr. Jackson Lily,
- Dear Mr. Jackson Lily & the Marketing Team,
There may be instances, however, where despite your best research efforts, the name of the hiring manager or recruiter remains elusive. This is not unusual and certainly not a show-stopper. In such cases, resorting to a general but professional greeting is the right way to go.
Safe and respectable greeting alternatives include
Dear Hiring Manager,
Dear [Company Name] Team,
Dear Marketing Team,
Remember, the greeting is just the first interaction in your cover letter. While personalizing it can catch the reader’s eye, the content that follows is where you can truly make the job opportunity your own. So, keep a balance between putting effort in finding the recruiter's name and crafting a compelling cover letter that best tells your professional story.
5. How to craft an eye-catching marketing cover letter introduction
After completing your research and gathering the necessary information to personalize your cover letter, your next key step is to write an eye-catching introduction.
In your header, you already briefly introduced yourself with your name and contact information. As such, you should omit this information from your introduction and dive straight into what makes you a great candidate for the position.
A strong cover letter introduction should include:
- A brief overview of your professional history and goals
- A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
- Any specialized areas of expertise you possess (digital marketing, content marketing, SEO, etc.)
Bad cover letter introduction
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to apply for the job you posted. I have done marketing stuff before and I think I would be good for the role. I hope you consider me.
Why is this opening weak? This introductory paragraph misses the mark due to its generic tone and lack of detail. It doesn’t mention any specific experiences or skills suitable for the role. Moreover, it lacks energy — by saying "marketing stuff" and "I hope you consider me", the writer fails to convey enthusiasm or confidence.
Good cover letter introduction example
Dear Head Marketer Jackson Lily,
I am a marketing professional with 6+ years of experience working in digital and social media marketing. And as an ambitious marketer with a passion for driving brand success, I couldn't resist the opportunity to apply for the marketing position at [Company Name]. With my diverse background in strategic marketing, brand management, and digital campaigns, I am confident in my ability to make an immediate impact on your organization's marketing initiatives.
Why does this introduction hit the mark? It simply creates interest by sharing relevant experience, demonstrating a genuine enthusiasm for the company, and stating areas of specialized expertise. This grabs the reader's attention by painting a vibrant image of a confident, experienced, and passionate candidate perfect for the role.
In closing, your cover letter introduction serves as the 'hook' that engages the reader. It should briefly but powerfully encapsulate your suitability for the role, your passion for the company, and your unique areas of expertise. It's your spotlight moment — make it shine.
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6. How to highlight your best marketing skills and achievements
With your introduction finished, your next step is to provide a more in-depth look into the specific skills and achievements that qualify you for the position.
When describing skills, achievements, and other qualifications, it is of the utmost importance to prioritize relevance and brevity. The qualifications you describe should be easy to relate back to the needs of the employer and kept concise enough that the employer can easily skim through your letter.
Here are 6 examples of skills to describe in a marketing cover letter
- Clear verbal and written communication
- Creativity
- Collaboration
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
- Content strategy
- Data analysis
Detailing your skills in an evidence-based, concrete way lets the recruiter see your potential contribution to their company. It's not just about listing your skills; it's about telling a story of how you've harnessed those skills to generate results.
Now, let's pivot from skills to achievements. One thing to remember while outlining your achievements is specificity. Metrics, percentages, and quantifiable outcomes make your accomplishments tangible and demonstrate your direct impact.
Here are a few examples of how to describe accomplishments in a marketing cover letter
- As a junior marketer at my former employer, one of my key responsibilities was writing content for and managing the blogs of three different clients. After improving the quality of the content on these blogs, my marketing efforts helped to increase the client’s web traffic by more than 40%, resulting in a 15% increase in lead generation.
-
I developed and executed a comprehensive social media marketing campaign that resulted in a 40% increase in brand visibility and a 25% growth in social media followers.
-
I implemented a targeted email marketing strategy that resulted in a 20% increase in open rates and a 10% rise in click-through rates, driving qualified leads and boosting conversion rates.
-
I conducted market research and competitor analysis to identify new market opportunities, leading to the successful launch of a new product line that generated $1 million in revenue in its first year.
In conclusion, the art of crafting an effective marketing and PR cover letter is a balance between showcasing your skills and painting a vivid picture of your achievements. It’s your opportunity to showcase why you’re not just a suitable candidate, but an outstanding one.
7. How to use powerful action verbs in your cover letter
Choosing the right words is key to turning an ordinary cover letter into a captivating one. This is where action verbs come in — they transform your achievements and skills from a passive list into a testament of your proactive approach at work.
Action verbs are strong, explicit words that clearly demonstrate your impact. They bring energy and shift the focus from what you were tasked with doing to how you did it and what the benefits were. In short, they give your cover letter that dynamic edge.
Here are some powerful action verbs for your marketing & PR cover letter
- Enhanced
- Directed
- Orchestrated
- Optimized
- Amplified
- Cultivated
- Streamlined
- Initiated
- Galvanized
- Diversified
When writing your cover letter, pick from this list to give your achievements the spotlight they deserve. For instance, instead of writing "Was in charge of social media," write "Orchestrated a social media strategy that amplified brand reach by 40%."
Strategically using power words can turn your cover letter into a dynamic narrative that illustrates your accomplishments and paints a vivid picture of your professional journey.
Pro tip: Each industry has its special set of action words that resonate well. In marketing and PR, terms like "orchestrated," "optimized," "amplified," and "cultivated" are particularly powerful because they reflect core functions of these roles. However, avoid overuse of any one term and aim for variety to keep the reader engaged and present a multi-faceted view of your skills.
8. How to end your cover letter persuasively
The last and final step to writing a great marketing cover letter is to craft an effective conclusion.
In a closing statement for a cover letter, you should include the following key information:
- The best times, days, and methods for contacting you
- When you expect to hear back from the employer
- How and when you plan to follow up if you do not hear back by your requested time
- A formal sign-off
Let's look at an example of a less effective closing statement:
Bad cover letter conclusion example
Thanks for reading this, hope to hear from you soon. I'm free anytime.
Cheers,
[Applicant Name]
Why is it ineffective? This closure misses the mark, for it lacks clear information and leans to informality. It doesn't provide definite availability timings, keeping recruiters guessing. The lack of a follow-up strategy gives an impression of non-commitment. The colloquial sign-off may not sit well in this professional context. These gaps make the ending less engaging, potentially dampening the impact of an otherwise solid letter.
Good example of a cover letter conclusion
I am deeply grateful that you have taken the time to review my application and read my cover letter. As a dedicated marketer, I know I can bring the right level of professionalism and creativity that your team needs. I hope to hear from you within the upcoming week and can be best reached Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m at (123) 456-7890.
If I have not heard back by the following Friday morning, I plan to give you a call at that time.
Best Regards,
[Applicant Name]
Why does it work? it successfully delivers a convincing closing statement by reaffirming the applicant's qualifications, expressing gratitude for the reader's time, providing specific details for contact and follow-up, and ending with a formal sign-off.
9. How to avoid common mistakes in your cover letter
Just like embarking on a new marketing campaign, you must be wary of pitfalls when drafting a marketing and PR cover letter. Here are some common errors that applicants often make, along with how to avoid them.
1. Generalization: Many job seekers use a generic template for their cover letters, only swapping out the company name and job title. This approach not only makes your application blend into the crowd but could also give recruiters the impression that you aren’t genuinely interested in the role or the company. Instead, tailor each cover letter to the specific role to illustrate your interest and effort. Show that you understand the company's mission, brand values, and current initiatives.
2. Irrelevant information: Discussing experience or skills that bear no relevance to the position is another common misstep. If you're applying for a PR role, listing your experience as a high school football coach may not be the best choice unless you can tie in relevant elements like leadership or strategic planning. Always highlight the parts of your work history that align with the job description.
3. Typos and grammatical errors: These suggest a lack of attention to detail, which is a major turn-off for recruiters. Double-check, triple-check your cover letter. Consider using a grammar-checking tool and don't
4. Negativity: Never talk negatively about a previous employer or make excuses for a gap in your work history in your cover letter — it demonstrates a lack of professionalism. You want the focus to be on your skills and experience, and why you are a great fit for the role.
5. Overly lengthy text: Writing long paragraphs can discourage recruiters from reading your cover letter thoroughly. A cover letter needs to be concise and straight to the point. Maintain brevity by using short, compact paragraphs, and bullet points where necessary. Avoid including every detail of your career history, focus on highlighting your most relevant experiences and skills that marry well with the job requirements.
Remember, your cover letter is a reflection of your professional brand. Avoid these common pitfalls, and you'll craft a powerful cover letter that leaves a lasting impression.
10. How to match your cover letter with your resume
Think of your cover letter and resume as a dynamic duo. They're different, yet they work together to score you the job.
Your cover letter is like a sneak peek behind the scenes. It adds color to your professional journey, spells out why you're a great fit for the role, and conveys your excitement about diving into the opportunity.
Your resume, on the other hand, is the highlights reel. It's a quick snapshot of your skills, education, and work history. It's the who, what, when, and where of your career.
When it comes to presenting them as a package, think of your favorite matching set — consistency makes them click. Your cover letter and resume should rock the same style: the same fonts, margin widths, heading sizes. Even the language tone should be in sync; keep it uniformly professional throughout both.
This matching strategy isn't just pleasing to the eyes, but it also reinforces your professional persona. Aligning your cover letter and resume design creates a neat, memorable package that champions your professional story.
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11. Average salary and outlook for PR specialists
As we further plunge into the digital age, the demand for skilled public relations (PR) professionals continues to be on the uptrend.
Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates a promising outlook for the PR industry. As of May 2023, the average annual salary for PR specialists stood at $66,750. This figure signifies the industry's recognition of the expertise and value PR professionals bring to the table.
Looking ahead, the PR landscape is set to expand even more. Specifically, employment opportunities for public relations professionals are expected to rise by 6% from 2022 to 2032. This growth rate is faster than the average for all occupations, indicating the mounting significance of PR roles across different sectors.
Moreover, the job market is projected to see an average of approximately 25,800 openings for PR specialists each year over the coming decade. The numbers tell a story of a thriving field with plentiful opportunities for ambitious professionals.
If you are looking to build a career in PR, these stats shed a positive light on future prospects. As you craft your marketing & PR cover letter, take pride in the growth and development your profession is poised to experience.
12. Top job search resources for marketing & PR professionals
- LinkedIn: Due to its networking capabilities and professional focus, LinkedIn is an essential job search tool for marketing and PR professionals.
- Glassdoor: Besides job listings, Glassdoor provides invaluable insights into company cultures, salaries, and employee reviews.
- Indeed: This massive job search engine hosts marketing and PR jobs from companies across industries and geographical locations.
- MarketingJobs: As the name suggests, this dedicated platform is for marketing jobs ranging from entry-level to executive roles.
- PRSA Jobcenter: A job board specifically for PR professionals, run by the Public Relations Society of America.
- Company websites: Often, companies post openings on their own websites, so don't forget to check your dream companies' career pages.
Remember, maintaining an active online presence can also open doors in the marketing and PR world, so make sure your own marketing is on point.
Marketing / PR Cover Letter FAQ
What should I highlight in my marketing & PR cover letter?
Focus on the successes you've had in previous roles. Provide specific examples of campaigns or projects you've worked on, the roles you played, and the results achieved.
Should my marketing & PR cover letter match my resume exactly?
While the cover letter should complement your resume, it shouldn’t be a duplication. It's your chance to tell the story behind your skills and experiences.
How can I show my creativity in the cover letter?
You can showcase creativity through the language you use, the layout of the letter, or by detailing creative solutions you’ve implemented in past roles.
What if I don't have much experience in marketing & PR?
Focus on transferable skills from other roles or experiences. Anything to do with communication, project management, or customer engagement from any sector can be relevant.
What's the most common mistake on marketing & PR cover letters?
Lack of specificity is a common flaw. Don’t make vague claims about your abilities; provide examples that evidence each skill or accomplishment.
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