Communications analyst skills for your resume and career

It’s hard to showcase soft skills on a traditional resume—but it’s not impossible, and there are alternative ways of doing it. In addition to doing the job, employers want someone likable—someone they will enjoy working with. It’s also important to be motivated and self-directed and to be able to prioritize and manage one’s time. Asking good questions is a good thing, but it’s critical to remember that the quality of our questions reflects the quality of our thinking. If you can find the answer to your question with some simple research, do it. This shows that you are a resourceful learner. Of course, being creative and thinking strategically are also soft skills that aspiring communication professionals need. Other soft skills that have come in demand over the past year or so are adaptability and perseverance. You want to show these soft skills—don’t just tell a prospective employer that you have them. Show them through examples and stories. That’s hard to do on a resume. You can do it with a short video on your online portfolio, personal website, or LinkedIn profile.

Communicating in writing and in oral presentations is a basic skill, but doing so concisely in a manner that captivates and compels your audience is something to work on mastering. It’s also important to be able to write with style. Associated Press (AP) style is an industry-standard for communication professionals. However, it’s critical to learn and apply the ideal style of the communication channel you’re using.

Aspiring communication professionals must be able to use applications for word processing, create presentations, organize data, communicate digitally (e.g., email), and manage tasks and projects. You can do a lot of simple tasks using web-based apps, and that’s what many students have used through school. However, you’ll stand out if you’re a superuser who really knows how to work applications like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook. These applications are powerhouses—if you know how to use them. If you can work magic with them and do it efficiently, you’re already ahead of the game, and it will make your life so much easier. Of course, other specialized applications may be required by your organization or your position, e.g., design, photography, audio, and video editing software. Be prepared to learn the ones you need. There is plenty of online tutorials that are free or inexpensive.

Another way to set yourself apart is by earning and showcasing you are invested in your own professional development. There are increasing numbers of industry-recognized courses and exams to earn certificates showing your competencies in the profession. For example, seniors or recent graduates could earn the Principles of Public Relations Certificate offered by the Universal Accreditation Board, Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), and its student organization, PRSSA. Google, HubSpot, and Muck Rack are among industry service providers who have developed training programs where students can earn certificates to make them marketable.

One of the most important changes happening in the communication industry right now is the dawn of AI and its impact to our professions and our personal lives. Understanding what AI is, does, and means and developing skills sets around this knowledge is critical to the future of all kinds of employment especially in the near future. The impact from AI to all of the fields in the communication industry is unavoidable. Whether working with various forms of communication technologies (podcasting, broadcasting, making films, or being a journalist) or engaging in interpersonal communication in an organization (managing people, leading organizational change, working in human resources, or being a sales associate, for example) in person or virtual, AI will play a role in those interactions. Learning how to understand and navigate AI in the workforce will be essential for anyone starting their career. Not being afraid of it and learning how AI can benefit one in the workforce is key to staying relevant and navigating the nuisances of this expansive integrative experience.

Most mass media outlets expect employees to be able to do it all, writing, editing, photography, video production. Having a broad spectrum of skills is a requirement. Few firms have the luxury to hire someone for just on specialty.