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Media Relations Resume Samples and Templates for 2026

Media Relations Resume Examples and Templates: A Complete Guide

A professional media relations resume is essential for standing out in India’s dynamic public relations and communications industry. Whether you’re applying for positions at leading PR agencies like Adfactors, Edelman, or Genesis BCW, corporate communications teams at Tata, Reliance, or Infosys, media organisations, or government communications departments, your resume should highlight your media management expertise, journalist relationships, and ability to craft compelling narratives.

This guide walks you through media relations resume examples and templates, formatting tips, and keywords to help you write a resume that stands out to recruiters at leading PR organisations in India.


Understanding the Media Relations Role in India

Media relations professionals are communications specialists responsible for managing relationships between organisations and the media. From developing press releases to handling crisis communications, media relations professionals in India work to build and maintain positive public perception through strategic engagement with journalists, editors, and media outlets across print, broadcast, and digital platforms.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Building and maintaining relationships with journalists and editors
  • Developing press releases and media materials
  • Coordinating media interviews and press conferences
  • Managing crisis communications and reputation
  • Monitoring media coverage and preparing reports
  • Developing media strategies for campaigns
  • Pitching stories to relevant media outlets
  • Managing social media and digital PR initiatives

India’s growing corporate sector, increasing focus on reputation management, and evolving media landscape create strong demand for skilled media relations professionals across agencies, corporations, and organisations.


Preparing to Write Your Media Relations Resume

Before drafting your resume, gather all relevant information:

Professional details to compile:

  • Complete employment history in PR/communications roles
  • Media coverage secured and publications reached
  • Press releases and campaigns managed
  • Journalist relationships and media database
  • Crisis communications experience
  • Awards and recognition received
  • Certifications and training completed
  • Writing samples and portfolio

Research target employers:

  • Review requirements from PR agencies (Adfactors, Edelman)
  • Understand expectations at corporate communications teams
  • Note specific qualifications mentioned in job descriptions

Choosing the Best Resume Format

Select a format that best presents your media relations experience:

Chronological Format

Best for media relations professionals with steady career progression in PR and communications roles. Highlights your work at organisations in reverse chronological order.

Functional Format

Suitable for those transitioning from journalism, marketing, or related fields who want to emphasise communications skills and media experience.

Combination Format

Ideal for experienced professionals with diverse experience across different industries, agency types, or communications functions.

Format recommendations by experience: | Experience Level | Recommended Format | Resume Length | |-----------------|-------------------|---------------| | Entry-level (0-3 years) | Chronological | 1-2 pages | | Mid-level (3-7 years) | Combination | 2 pages | | Senior (7+ years) | Chronological | 2-3 pages |


Professional Summary Examples

Your professional summary should immediately communicate your media relations expertise:

Junior Media Relations Executive

Mass Communication graduate from IIMC Delhi seeking media relations position at leading PR agency. Completed internship at Adfactors PR working on technology and healthcare clients. Proficient in press release writing, media monitoring, and social media management. Strong relationships with technology journalists. Excellent writing and communication skills. Eager to contribute to client success while developing expertise in strategic communications.

Media Relations Manager

Results-driven media relations professional with 5+ years of experience managing media programmes at leading PR agencies. Currently Media Manager at Edelman India handling technology and consumer clients with ₹50 lakh annual PR budget. Expertise in media strategy, crisis communications, and integrated campaigns. Secured 500+ media placements in top-tier publications. MBA from SIBM with PRCI certification.

Senior Media Relations Manager

Strategic communications professional with 9+ years of experience leading media relations at premier agencies and corporations. Currently Head of Media Relations at leading IT company managing corporate communications and media strategy. Expertise in executive positioning, thought leadership, and reputation management. Built relationships with 200+ journalists across national publications. MBA from XLRI with proven track record of campaign success.

Director of Communications

Seasoned PR leader with 15+ years of experience driving communications excellence at multinational corporations. Currently VP Communications at Reliance Industries managing media relations, internal communications, and CSR communications with team of 20 professionals. Expertise in strategic communications, crisis management, and stakeholder engagement. Built award-winning communications programmes. MBA from IIM Bangalore. Known for strategic vision and media influence.


Showcasing Your Work Experience

Present your media relations experience with specific achievements and metrics:

Vice President - Communications

Reliance Industries | Mumbai April 2018 – Present

  • Lead corporate communications function managing media relations, internal communications, and CSR
  • Manage team of 20 communications professionals across business units
  • Build relationships with 300+ journalists across national and business media
  • Achieve 90% positive media sentiment for corporate announcements
  • Manage crisis communications for sensitive business matters
  • Coordinate media engagement for flagship events (AGM, product launches)
  • Develop executive positioning strategy for leadership team
  • Secure 1,000+ media placements annually in top-tier publications
  • Establish communications best practices and SOPs
  • Receive “Best Corporate Communications” recognition (2022)

Head of Media Relations

Infosys | Bangalore June 2014 – March 2018

  • Managed media relations for India’s leading IT company
  • Built relationships with 200+ technology and business journalists
  • Secured coverage in Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and Bloomberg
  • Coordinated media for quarterly results and major announcements
  • Achieved 85% positive media sentiment consistently
  • Developed crisis communications protocols and playbooks
  • Trained spokespeople on media handling and messaging
  • Promoted from Manager to Head of Media Relations
  • Received “Excellence in Communications” award

Media Relations Manager

Edelman India | Mumbai July 2011 – May 2014

  • Managed media relations for technology and consumer clients
  • Built client media databases and journalist relationships
  • Secured 500+ media placements across print, TV, and digital
  • Developed press releases, bylines, and media materials
  • Coordinated press conferences and media events
  • Achieved high client satisfaction scores consistently
  • Completed agency’s communications training programme
  • Received “Rising Star” recognition (2013)

Essential Skills for Media Relations Professionals

Media Skills

  • Media relations strategy
  • Press release writing
  • Media pitching
  • Journalist relationship building
  • Press conference management
  • Media interview coordination
  • Crisis communications
  • Media monitoring
  • Editorial calendar management
  • Spokesperson training

Communications Skills

  • Strategic communications
  • Corporate communications
  • Content development
  • Thought leadership
  • Reputation management
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Internal communications
  • Social media management
  • Digital PR
  • Integrated campaigns

Soft Skills

  • Writing excellence
  • Verbal communication
  • Relationship building
  • Strategic thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Project management
  • Team collaboration
  • Client management
  • Crisis handling

Qualifications for Media Relations Professionals

Educational Qualifications

Qualification Institution Type Relevance
Mass Communication IIMC, Symbiosis, top universities Preferred qualification
MBA Marketing/Communications MICA, top B-schools Management focus
Journalism degree Top journalism schools Foundation
BA English/Communication Universities Entry pathway
PG Diploma in PR PRCI, other institutes Specialised training
Any graduate with experience Universities Career transition

Professional Certifications

  • PRCI Certification
  • IABC Certification
  • Digital PR Certification
  • Crisis Communications Training
  • Social Media Certification
  • Google Analytics Certification
  • Content Marketing Certification
  • Presentation Skills Training

Additional Training

  • Media relations workshops
  • Crisis communications training
  • Writing for media courses
  • Spokesperson training
  • Digital PR programmes
  • Industry conferences (PRAXIS, IPRCCC)
  • Agency training programmes

Tips by Experience Level

Entry-Level Professionals (0-3 years)

  • Highlight journalism/mass communication education
  • Include internship experience at agencies
  • Emphasise writing samples and media work
  • Showcase any journalist relationships
  • Include digital PR skills

Target employers: Trainee positions at PR agencies, corporate communications

Mid-Level Professionals (3-7 years)

  • Quantify media placements and coverage secured
  • Highlight client portfolio and industries served
  • Showcase crisis communications experience
  • Demonstrate journalist network built
  • Include campaign results and recognition

Target positions: Senior Manager, Head of Media Relations

Senior Professionals (7+ years)

  • Emphasise strategic leadership and team management
  • Highlight reputation impact and crisis handling
  • Showcase executive positioning work
  • Demonstrate industry recognition
  • Include thought leadership contributions

Target positions: Director, VP Communications, Chief Communications Officer


ATS Optimisation for Media Relations Resumes

Ensure your resume passes Applicant Tracking Systems:

Essential keywords to include:

  • Media relations, PR
  • Press release, media pitch
  • Communications, corporate
  • Crisis, reputation management
  • Journalist, editor, media
  • Coverage, placements, sentiment
  • Adfactors, Edelman (if applicable)
  • IIMC, mass communication
  • Strategy, campaigns
  • Spokesperson, executive

ATS-friendly formatting:

  • Use standard section headings (Summary, Experience, Skills, Education)
  • List media achievements clearly
  • Avoid tables, graphics, and complex formatting
  • Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
  • Include placement counts and sentiment metrics


Conclusion

A professional media relations resume is essential for success in India’s growing public relations and communications industry. Whether you’re targeting positions at PR agencies, corporate communications teams, or media organisations, your resume must demonstrate your media management expertise, journalist relationships, and ability to deliver strategic communications results.

Focus on quantifying your achievements—media placements secured, sentiment improvements, journalist network size, and crisis communications handled. Highlight your IIMC/mass communication education and certifications that validate your expertise. With India’s increasing focus on corporate reputation and strategic communications, skilled media relations professionals have excellent career opportunities across agencies and corporations.

Use our resume builder to create an ATS-optimised media relations resume, or explore our professional templates designed specifically for communications professionals in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sections should a strong media relations resume include?

At minimum, include contact information, a professional summary, work experience, key skills, and education. Depending on your experience level, you may also add certifications, achievements, projects, or industry-specific sections that highlight your expertise.

How do I write a professional summary for a media relations role?

Keep it concise — two to three sentences highlighting your experience level, core competencies, and a key achievement or strength that shows why you're right for the job. Tailor it to match the specific role you're applying for.

What skills are most important to list on a media relations resume?

Include a mix of technical skills specific to media relations roles and soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Research job postings in your target companies to identify the most commonly requested skills.

How detailed should my work experience be?

Use bullet points to describe your roles, focusing on specific results, tools used, and the impact you made. Quantify achievements where possible — numbers and percentages help recruiters quickly understand your contributions.

Do I need certifications on my media relations resume?

Certifications aren't always required, but they can strengthen your application — especially if they demonstrate advanced training or specialised expertise. List the certification name, issuing organisation, and year obtained.

What's the best resume format for a media relations?

Most media relations professionals benefit from a reverse-chronological format that lists your most recent experience first. If you're changing careers or have gaps, a functional or combination format might work better.

How long should my media relations resume be?

Aim for one page if you're early in your career. Experienced professionals with extensive achievements can use two pages — just ensure every section adds value and remains relevant to the role.

Should I tailor my resume for each job application?

Yes. Customising your resume with keywords and responsibilities from the job posting improves your chances of passing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and resonating with recruiters. Focus on relevant experience and skills for each role.

Media Relations Text-Only Resume Templates and Samples

Arvind Rawat

Phone: 09765467896

Email: arvind@abc.com

Address: Alpha1 greater noida, Beta 2 greater noida, Noida

About Me

Media Relations

  • Ambitious and driven public relations strategist with extensive experience directing PR campaigns in both agency and in-house settings; proven success developing, managing, and implementing media strategies and measuring results across traditional media and digital channels
  • Extensive experience of XX years in providing different media campaign ideas and also executing them with the team; discussing and developing the marketing strategy of the company; contributing to the development of the media strategy and plans discussed
  • Effectively managing the campaigns designed; providing media leadership across different media channels; gained significant knowledge of updated rules and regulations of all the work-related codes, laws, and other legal matters
  • Skilled in establishing and maintaining exceptionally good relationships with media representatives and public interest groups; instrumental in providing information to media outlets by generating articles, news releases, and holding press conferences
  • Huge working experience in journalism and media relations; extensive knowledge of principles and practices of effective Media Relations and Communications; solid knowledge of international media and media training procedures

Education

Management, Bachelor of Mass Communications, Completed, February 2017

Manav Rachna University

– Marks 70

Noida, UP

Certifications

  • Media Relations Certificate, Completed , January 2019

Work Experience

Period: June 2018 - Current

Marketing And Public Relations Specialist

Adfactors PR

Noida, UP
  • Act as the main media liaison for big media-planned events
  • Manage day-to-day relations with the media, including handling media queries, media interviews, and press conferences, preparing news releases and media kits, and promoting storylines
  • Oversee media relations activities and communications including press releases, social media, company literature, editorial calendars, articles, announcements, and media kits
  • Translate complex financial concepts into crisp, jargon-free messages that speak to target audiences; maintain knowledge of and relationships with key news media at local, state, and national levels
  • Respond to and follows through on requests for information from the media, determining appropriate, accurate response and appropriate contacts for response
  • Support effective response strategies, including response to crisis situations requiring 24/7 attention and intense media/public scrutiny, articulate the company’s position via personal interviews/written responses
  • Plan and disseminate internal and external communication of information through various media that are designed to keep the public informed of programs, accomplishments, or points of view
  • Gather, write, edit, coordinate, and upload information for/to the website; assist with the design of consistent methodologies for the development of internet/intranet and new emerging technological communication resources
  • Lead or guide the work of a collaborative communication team as appropriate
  • Facilitate media partnerships, sponsors, and community leader participation
  • Consult with department personnel to provide strategies and training on media and public relations protocol to the employees

Period: September 2017 - April 2018

Assistant Manager - Public Relations

Panache Designs - A Skylark Group Company

Mumbai, MH
  • Managed and administered the company’s media relations activities
  • Interacted with various departments to compile news and press releases regarding company affairs
  • Developed and sustained relationships with various media houses and interacted with them regularly
  • Prepared and communicated press releases and briefs to media persons for publication
  • Organized press conferences as and when required to brief media personnel regarding company affairs
  • Projected the company’s good images and clarified negative images

Skills

  • Campaign Development
  • Press Releases and Press Kits
  • Relationship Management
  • Media Relations
  • Strategic Messaging
  • Budget Management
  • Social Media Campaigns
  • Crisis Communications
  • PR Performance Metrics

Languages

  • English
  • Hindi

Softwares

  • Microsoft Office

Operating System

  • Mac
  • Window

Personal Interests

  • Yoga
  • Traveling
  • Reading 
article author
Author

Kshama Sharma - Resume, CV and Cover Letter Writing Expert

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