Top Public Relations Specialist Skills for 2026

Source: O*NET 30.0 Database (SOC 27-3031) · Updated April 2026

According to O*NET 30.0 occupational data (SOC 27-3031), these are the tools, technologies, and competencies employers require for Public Relations Specialist positions. Add the ones you have to your resume — and consider building the ones you don't.

Tools & Technologies for Public Relations Specialists

High-demand tools and technologies for Public Relations Specialist roles. Use exact names when listing on your resume — ATS systems match on precise tool names.

1 Adobe Creative Cloud software
2 Adobe Photoshop
3 Canva
4 Microsoft Excel
5 Microsoft Office software
6 Microsoft Outlook
7 Microsoft PowerPoint
8 Microsoft Word
9 Adobe Acrobat
10 Adobe After Effects

Core Occupational Skills for Public Relations Specialists

These competencies are most important for Public Relations Specialist performance. Don't list these generically — demonstrate them through quantified achievements in your work experience section.

✓ Active Listening
✓ Speaking
✓ Reading Comprehension
✓ Writing
✓ Social Perceptiveness
✓ Critical Thinking
✓ Coordination
✓ Time Management
✓ Persuasion
✓ Judgment and Decision Making

Knowledge Areas for Public Relations Specialist Roles

Core knowledge domains for this occupation. Demonstrating depth in these areas signals readiness to employers and sets you apart from candidates with surface-level experience.

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    Communications and Media

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    English Language

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    Administration and Management

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    Customer and Personal Service

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    Sales and Marketing

Certifications That Boost a Public Relations Specialist Resume

These certifications signal validated expertise to employers and often correlate with higher compensation. Add them to a dedicated Certifications section on your resume.

APR (PRSA)

Verify current requirements before listing

Google Analytics

Verify current requirements before listing

ATS Optimization Tips for Public Relations Specialist Resumes

  • 1. Use exact tool names from this list — ATS systems match on "Microsoft Excel" not "Excel."
  • 2. Mirror keywords from the job description — don't just use this list verbatim.
  • 3. Put a "Skills" or "Technical Skills" section near the top of your resume.
  • 4. Only list skills you can discuss confidently in an interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important skills for a Public Relations Specialist resume?
The top skills for Public Relations Specialist resumes include Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe Photoshop, Canva, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software. These are the tools and technologies most frequently required in Public Relations Specialist job postings, according to O*NET occupational data (SOC 27-3031).
How many skills should I list on my Public Relations Specialist resume?
List 8–12 relevant skills. Prioritize skills from the job description, then add complementary skills from this guide. For ATS purposes, use exact tool names (e.g., "Microsoft Excel" not just "spreadsheets"). Quality and match-rate to the posting matters more than length.
What soft skills do employers look for in Public Relations Specialists?
Employers hiring Public Relations Specialists prioritize occupational skills like Active Listening, Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Writing. Rather than listing these generically, demonstrate them through specific achievements in your work experience bullets.
What knowledge areas are most important for Public Relations Specialists?
O*NET identifies the following core knowledge domains for Public Relations Specialist roles: Communications and Media, English Language, Administration and Management, Customer and Personal Service, Sales and Marketing.

Skills and knowledge data: O*NET 30.0 Database (CC-BY 4.0), U.S. Department of Labor. Actual requirements vary by employer and role.