How to Get Job-Hunt Ready for a PR Agency Move: A Practical Checklist

UK unemployment fell to 4.7% in the three months to August 2026, its lowest level in over a year, according to the Office for National Statistics. Vacancies are still low, so this isn't a hiring rush. But a steadier market makes people more willing to move, and when agencies do hire, they go for candidates who are ready.

At PR CROWD we've spent over a decade placing PR and comms people into London agencies, from Junior Account Executive to Director. These are the things that make the difference.

Is now a good time to look for a PR agency job?

It's a good time to get ready. Agencies are hiring carefully, so roles often move quickly once they open, and the people who are prepared get seen first. Updating your CV and LinkedIn costs you nothing, and you're ready when the right role comes up.

1. Update your CV with the last 12–18 months

Most CVs we see are out of date by a year or more. Add your recent clients, campaigns and promotions, and focus on what you achieved rather than a list of duties.

  • Instead of: "Responsible for media relations across consumer accounts"

  • Try: "Secured key coverage in Computer Weekly and The Register for a product launch, contributing to a 20% rise in product orders"

Keep it to two pages and put your most relevant work at the top.

2. Prepare two or three campaigns you can talk through

Interviewers will ask you to walk them through your work. For each campaign, be ready to explain:

  • The brief: what the client needed

  • Your role: what you did, not just the team

  • The challenge: what went wrong or nearly did, and how you handled it

  • The result: coverage, but also sales, sign-ups, share of voice or a change in perception

The challenge part is where good candidates stand out, so don't skip it.

3. Make your LinkedIn match your CV

Hiring managers look at your CV and LinkedIn together. Different job titles, dates or missing roles raise questions. Check that:

  • Your headline says what you do and your level, such as "Senior Account Manager | Consumer & Lifestyle PR"

  • Your About section reflects the work you want next

  • Your recent roles include a line or two on clients and results

4. Have the right evidence ready for your level

Junior AE to Account Manager: choose four to six pieces of work you're proud of, such as coverage, a press release you wrote or a campaign summary. Have them ready as a PDF or a set of links.

Senior Account Manager and above: coverage matters less than how you got there. Prepare two or three short case studies, each covering the challenge, the strategy you recommended, how you led the team and what it delivered for the client. Be ready to talk about how you grew an account or won new business too.

At any level, only include material you're allowed to share, and anonymise clients where you need to.

5. Know your numbers

Before you speak to a recruiter or an agency, be clear on:

  • Your current salary and benefits

  • What you'd want to move for

  • Your notice period

  • The working pattern you're after, whether office, hybrid or remote

This saves time on both sides and helps us put you forward for the right roles.

6. Expect a writing test

Many agencies set one, usually a press release, a pitch email or a short written task, often against the clock. Run through one beforehand so it isn't a shock on the day.

7. Research the agency properly

Look at their client list, recent campaigns, awards and leadership team. Check their social media feeds too, as they show how the agency talks about itself and what it's proud of. Keep an eye on PR industry news and the trade press for the sector the role sits in. Then prepare two or three questions that show you've done your homework, such as how the team is structured or the agency’s growth plans.

8. Be ready to talk about AI

It's coming up more in interviews. Think about how you use AI tools in your work, whether for research, drafting or monitoring, and where you think human judgement still matters most.

9. Tidy the details

  • Line up two referees and check they're happy to be contacted

  • Review your public social accounts

  • Check your email address and voicemail sound professional

Frequently asked questions

How far back should a PR CV go?
Focus on the last ten years or so. Earlier roles can be a single line each.

Should I tell my current employer I'm looking?
Generally not until you have an offer. Keep job-hunting activity off work devices and work email.

Is it worth using a specialist PR recruiter?
A specialist recruiter knows which agencies are hiring, including roles that are never advertised, and can give honest feedback on your CV and how you come across. PR CROWD is a London-based PR and communications recruitment agency placing talent from Junior Account Executive to Director level.

Ready to make a move?

If you work in PR or comms and you're thinking about your next step, PR and comms recruitment is all we do at PR CROWD. Send us your CV or take a look at our live roles.

Gavin Watson