20 Tips for Landing a Communications Job

20 Tips for Landing a Communications Job

Just like marketing jobs, communications jobs are coming back in a big way as explained at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com, which is good news for those looking to get into this field. However, this also means people will be out there looking too, and that means job seekers need to be more focused than ever when conducting their searches. Here are 20 tips for landing a communications job to set you on your way.

Hone your skills

While not everyone is a writer, like any skill, however, writing can be learned according to RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. Therefore, if you are considering a move to communications, start with the fundamentals and take a writing course or write something to improve that skill. You should also get training to improve your oratory skills.

Be able to demonstrate results

If you want to move into communications, ensure you have both multichannel writing samples and ROI. You must prove you have what it takes to be an excellent communications professional, and part of this is being able to demonstrate results.

Clean up your social media profiles

As per RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com, communications roles tend to be pretty visible. Therefore, your previous social media posts will likely come up when Googled, which is why you should spend time making sure your personal brand reflects the brands you would like to work with.

Learn SEO

Learn SEO so you know how to make any type of content findable on the web. This helps you rank for the job titles on LinkedIn and build a personal brand to help make the career change. It is also important for communication roles because the point of SEO is to make sure people find your content and message.

Know your target audience

The key to a well-executed PR or internal communications campaign is to ensure your messaging is not only clear but also resonates with your target audience(s). The best campaigns can fall short when there is no emotional connection or clear tie-in to what is in it for them.

Talk to professionals in the field

If you are considering a career in communications, you should always start with informational interviews as articulated at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. These help you learn about the different types of communications, build your network, and understand which of your skills translate and what areas will need attention as you get up and running.

Always be learning

As is the case with most industries, the communications industry is changing every day, and you have to keep up. Professionals and companies who want steady jobs where every day looks the same shouldn’t pursue marketing and communications.

Build your personal brand

When someone looks you up online, it is like a self-service interview as captured at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. Before they say a word to you, they will learn about you from websites that mention you, your social profiles, articles you have published, places you have been quoted, and more. It is a great way to show off your skills and build the brand you want to represent yourself.

Get comfortable with change and the unknown

Communication is ever-changing – new forms of communication for marketing keep launching, and current forms keep evolving. Professionals entering this field for the first time should be comfortable with the unknown and the fact that this is constantly changing.

Think like a shopper first

If you are new to communications, you will have a fresh perspective that is probably in line with how your customers perceive your brand. Therefore, you should think like a shopper first, and then as a marketer.

Trust in your creativity

Communications is all about being creative and finding ways to get your message to resonate with others as covered at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. Having the confidence and courage to attempt something new and different isn’t always easy, which is why you will stand out more if you have this quality.

Focus your messaging on your end goal

Whether it is external or internal, long-form or a tweet, every communications strategy should be prepared through the lens of “Who is receiving this?” and “What is my goal?” If you take a minute to learn about your audience and what will add value to their experience with your message, you will be that much closer to your end goal.

Follow your passion

Whether you are a college graduate or a seasoned professional, look for positions in areas you are passionate about as described at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. For instance, if you love the arts, you might want to consider a communications position with a museum or performing arts center.

Know yourself

While this sounds obvious, you must get to know yourself better: your strengths and weaknesses, your motivations, and what you want in a job. This will help you make decisions not based on what is being given to you, but on what you want.

Become a ‘Non-templated’ thinker

While school provides you with a template for learning, the business world does not. This means you have to be a ‘non-templated thinker’ and take a big step out of your comfort zone. You will have to be a flexible and adaptable thinker and take on any challenge.

Burnish your job search documents

Don’t just put your resume out there and hope employers as discussed at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. There is just too much competition. You have to be able to define who you are before you actually apply to any job, and your resume has to show the specific skills the hiring person is looking for.

Network both in-person and virtually

Networking is important at any part of your career, whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned professional. You should make sure that you are constantly networking, whether it is in-person or virtually on platforms like LinkedIn.

Practice your interviewing skills

If you have landed an interview, you should think beforehand about what questions you might be asked, and then practice your answers, not just in the mirror but also with someone you trust to give honest feedback as outlined at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com.

Differentiate yourself

When they advertise a communications position, companies know that you are not bringing deep knowledge and deep skills when you are just out of school. What they are looking for from you is character, initiative, enthusiasm, and a record of achievement in whatever goals you have been pursuing.

Sweat the small stuff

If you are a professional communicator, there is no excuse for sloppy grammar or typos. You should be fanatical about accuracy and integrity in everything you write, shoot, or post. If you want to be regarded as professional, reliable, and educated, take the time to read and re-read everything.

These are some of the tips that will help you land a communications job, with more on this topic, and much more, to be found over at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com.