Applicant Tracking Systems, or ATS, scan resumes for keywords and structured data. They rank resumes by keyword matches and clear formatting. If your resume lacks keywords, an ATS may filter it out before a human sees it.

For a Press Secretary, ATS optimization matters because hiring teams look for specific skills. They look for media relations, press releases, spokesperson experience, crisis communication, speechwriting, messaging strategy, press conferences, media training, and AP style. They also value stakeholder engagement, social media strategy, and communications plans.

• Use standard section titles like "Work Experience", "Education", and "Skills".
• Include role-specific keywords naturally from job descriptions.
• Avoid tables, columns, text boxes, headers, footers, images, and graphs.
• Choose readable fonts like Arial or Times New Roman and use simple bullets.
• Save as .docx or PDF, but avoid heavily designed files.

Use exact keywords rather than creative synonyms. If a job asks for "crisis communication," include that exact phrase. Match job-required tools and terms like "AP style" and "press release distribution."

Common mistakes cost you visibility. Many candidates hide key facts inside headers and footers, or use images and columns. Some swap precise terms for vague phrases like "handled media," which reduces keyword hits.

Finally, keep formatting simple so parsers can read dates, titles, and employer names. Write clear bullets that include outcomes and metrics when possible. That gives both ATS and hiring managers what they need.

Pick a clean, professional template with a reverse-chronological layout. That layout shows your recent press experience first, and it reads well for hiring teams and ATS scanners.

Keep length tight. One page usually fits early and mid-career Press Secretaries. Use two pages only if you have long, directly relevant roles and major campaign or crisis work.

Use ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri or Arial and set body at 10–12pt. Make section headers 14–16pt. Keep generous white space and consistent margins so readers scan your key messages quickly.

Structure sections clearly. Use headings like Contact, Summary, Key Media Wins, Experience, Education, and Skills. Put measurable outcomes in bullets, such as media impressions or rapid response time.

Avoid complex columns, images, and heavy graphics. They can break ATS parsing and distract hiring managers. Simple layouts let your messaging and results shine.

Watch common mistakes. Don’t cram long paragraphs or full sentences into bullets. Don’t use vague verbs like "helped"; use specific actions like "crafted," "pitched," or "managed." Avoid inconsistent dates, odd section names, or hidden contact details.

Keep language concise and active. Lead each bullet with an action verb and follow with a measurable result when possible. That approach makes your impact easy to spot during quick screens.

Why a tailored cover letter matters

You want the hiring team to see why you fit this Press Secretary role. A letter lets you add voice, judgment, and context your resume cannot show.

Key sections to include

• Header: Put your contact info, the company's name, and the date.
• Opening paragraph: Name the Press Secretary role, show real enthusiasm for the organization, and mention your top qualification or where you found the posting.
• Body paragraphs: Connect your experience to the job. Highlight media training, crisis messaging, speech writing, or press strategy work. Give one clear example with numbers when you can.
• Closing paragraph: Reiterate interest, state that you can contribute, request an interview, and thank the reader.

How to shape each section

Header: Keep it brief and correct. Use a professional email and phone number.

Opening: Start with one strong sentence. Say the role you want and a quick line about why you care.

Body: Use one to three short paragraphs. Tie past campaigns, media placements, or stakeholder briefings to what the job requires. Use active verbs and one technical term per sentence when needed. Include metrics, like audience reach, number of briefings led, or percent improvement in message recall.

Closing: Restate your fit in one sentence. Ask to meet and offer days and times. End with a polite thank you.

Tone and tailoring

Write like you speak to a hiring manager. Stay professional and confident. Customize each letter to the job and company. Avoid generic templates and copy-paste paragraphs.

Keep sentences short. Edit ruthlessly. Read the job posting and echo its key words where they match your experience.

Writing a resume for a Press Secretary needs care and precision. Your resume has to show clear communication, media results, and political judgment.

Little mistakes can cost interviews. Read each item and fix the ones that apply to you.

Writing a Press Secretary resume means showing your media skills, messaging experience, and crisis calm. This FAQ and tips set helps you highlight press work, measurable wins, and the right format so hiring managers see your fit fast.