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As an entry level communications role, you'll be dipping your toes into various facets like public relations, internal communications, media relations, and digital communications. It's an exciting field that's constantly evolving, with companies increasingly valuing effective communication across all mediums. Digital communication skills are in high demand, so it's essential to have a good grasp of social media trends and SEO practices. When drafting your resume, remember that it's all about showing how you can help a company communicate more effectively. You want to demonstrate your ability to adapt to new communication trends and tools, as well as your flair for creating engaging and informative content.
In this role, theory matters as much as practice. If you've learned about communications theories, crisis management, or public relations strategies during your studies, make sure to include those in your resume. It shows employers that you have a solid theoretical foundation, which you can apply in practical situations.
For many recent graduates, getting that first professional job in their chosen field with little to no practical experience can seem like a daunting task. If you’re in that position, take heart. Recruiters for entry level roles look for important skills you probably already have. The ability to communicate, collaborate, analyze and a demonstrated interest in digital and social media are considered valuable assets when applying for that communications dream job.
If you lack professional experience, showcasing relevant work through volunteering and school projects demonstrates initiative, a positive attitude and willingness to learn new skills. These are traits that can look favorable to a recruiter or potential employer.
As a hiring manager who has recruited for communications roles at companies like Edelman, Weber Shandwick, and Ketchum, I've seen thousands of resumes for entry-level positions. The best resumes that stand out have a few things in common. In this article, we'll cover what those are with plenty of examples, so you can create a resume that gets you hired.
Many entry-level candidates make the mistake of simply listing their responsibilities without showing the impact of their work. Instead, quantify your achievements like this:
By using numbers, you give hiring managers a clear picture of your capabilities and the value you can bring to their team.
A resume summary is an optional section that sits at the top of your resume, just below your contact information. It's a short paragraph that provides a high-level overview of your professional background, skills, and career goals. While a summary is not required, it can be beneficial for entry-level communications professionals to provide context and highlight relevant skills that may not be immediately apparent from their work experience.
In contrast, an objective statement is an outdated resume feature that focuses on what you want from an employer, rather than what you can offer. Avoid using an objective statement on your resume, as it takes up valuable space without providing any meaningful information to the hiring manager.
Your work experience section is the heart of your resume. It's where you show hiring managers what you've accomplished in previous roles and how you can contribute to their company. When writing your work experience section for an entry-level communications role, focus on highlighting your relevant skills, accomplishments, and impact.
When describing your work experience, use strong action verbs that showcase your communication skills. Some great examples include:
Avoid weak or passive language like 'helped with' or 'assisted in'. Instead, use powerful verbs that demonstrate your ownership and impact.
The education section of your entry-level communications resume should be concise yet impactful. It's your chance to showcase your academic achievements and relevant coursework that align with the job requirements. Here are some key tips to help you craft a compelling education section:
The skills section of your resume is one of the first places a hiring manager will look to evaluate your fit for an entry-level communications role. It's important to highlight relevant skills that demonstrate your ability to succeed in the position.
When crafting your skills section, focus on hard skills directly related to communications, such as writing, editing, social media management, and content creation. Avoid listing soft skills like "strong communicator" or "team player," as these are often viewed as fluff by recruiters.
Here are examples of popular skills from Entry Level Communications job descriptions that you can include on your resume.
This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Entry Level Communications job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more likely you should include it in your resume.
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