Public affairs specialists work for federal departments; state, local, or private industry; or nonprofit organizations.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that Public Relations Specialists earn a median annual salary of $61,150 per year as of 2018.
The BLS also reported that the job outlook is projected to grow 9% from 2018 to 2028.
What to Include in a Public Affairs Specialist Cover Letter?
Roles And Responsibilities
- Writing and publishing news releases, fact sheets and other public information materials.
- Promoting the activities of an organization through the media.
- Handling requests for interviews and providing background material for articles.
- Collaborating with other marketing communication professionals to develop public relations campaigns and strategies.
- Monitor and analyze news coverage to identify issues that could impact an organization’s image or reputation.
- Respond to questions from the public or media about agency activities.
- Collaborate with company leadership to understand their goals.
- Liaising with staff and members of the press.
Education & Skills
Public Affairs Specialist Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong leadership and public speaking abilities.
- Organized, Adaptable, Innovative, Detail Oriented, Strong Communicator, Team Player.
Public Affairs Specialist Education Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree is required for a public affairs specialist. Aspiring specialists may consider majoring in public relations, journalism, communications or another related field.
Public Affairs Specialist Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
Dear Mr. / Ms. [Recruiter Name],
As a highly skilled Public Affairs Specialist, I read your posting for a new Public Affairs Specialist with interest. My experience aligns well with the qualifications you are seeking at [name of company], in particular my role as a Public Affairs Specialist at [name of previous company], and I am certain I would make a valuable addition to your organization.
With over [X] years’ experience as a Public Affairs Specialist, I am adept in public relations, media relations, and crisis management. Moreover, while my on-the-job experience has afforded me a well-rounded skill set, including first-rate interpersonal and communication skills,
I excel at:
- Communicating with key stakeholders.
- Securing media opportunities.
- Maintaining an active presence on social media sites.
- Developing press releases and other materials to distribute to the media.
- Establishing relationships with members of the news media.
In addition to my experience and personal qualities, I have a solid educational foundation and a passion for public affairs. Please review my attached resume for additional details regarding my expertise and abilities.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips
What is the best way to show a hiring manager that you are the perfect fit for a public affairs specialist position? The cover letter of course! Take a look at these tips for writing your public affairs specialist cover letter.
Highlight your interpersonal skills. When you are writing about your past experiences, be sure to mention any relevant work that involved interacting with others (you will probably have a lot). This could include developing and maintaining relationships with key personnel, coordinating events, organizing meetings, or arranging social media campaigns.
Showcase your technical skills. As a public affairs specialist, you will need to have strong technical skills. Be sure to mention any experience you have creating content for social media and other digital platforms. You should also mention your familiarity with SEO and keyword research tools.
Explain how your education has prepared you. If you went to school for communications or journalism, be sure to explain how these studies have prepped you for a career as a public affairs specialist.
Once you’ve written a great cover letter, it’s time to start working on your resume. Refer our Public Affairs Specialist Resume Sample for more tips on how to write your resume and accompany it with a strong cover letter.
