Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Public Relations Specialist
What public relations specialists actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Scan news and social media for mentions. From there, the day usually includes write press releases and statements, pitch stories to journalists, and manage social media and website content. Most work full-time, with after-hours work during crises or events.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a public relations specialist working full time.
- Scan news and social media for mentions.
- Write a press release about a new product.
- Pitch the story to reporters.
- Prepare the CEO for an interview.
- Draft social media posts.
- Respond to a reporter’s questions.
- Report on media coverage.
Where public relations specialists work
PR specialists work in offices or remotely, with events and media appearances.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time, with after-hours work during crises or events.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Write press releases and statements
- Pitch stories to journalists
- Manage social media and website content
- Prepare spokespeople for interviews
- Plan events and announcements
- Handle crisis communications
- Track media coverage
Tools you’ll use every day
- Media databases such as Cision or Muck Rack
- Social media platforms
- Content management systems
- Media monitoring tools
- Presentation software
- Design tools such as Canva
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Creative writing and strategy
- Variety of clients and topics
- Remote options
- Work with media
What’s hard
- Crisis stress
- After-hours demands
- Rejection from media
- Fast pace
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love writing
- I enjoy building relationships
- I stay calm in a crisis
- I follow the news
- I’m persuasive
- I want a communications career
Not sure? Take the free Public Relations Specialist fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Protect confidential information
- Avoid misleading statements
- Follow disclosure rules
- Manage stress during crises