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Job outlook for communications officers in the United States
Communications officer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected communications officer job growth rate is 8% from 2018-2028.
About 6,300 new jobs for communications officers are projected over the next decade.
Communications officer salaries have increased 14% for communications officers in the last 5 years.
There are over 9,784 communications officers currently employed in the United States.
There are 73,260 active communications officer job openings in the US.
The average communications officer salary is $40,161.
Are communications officer jobs in demand?
Communications officer job and salary trends over time
Communications officer jobs over time
Communications officer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9,784 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 10,232 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 10,735 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 10,637 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 10,944 | 0.00% |
Average communications officer salary over time
Communications officer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $40,161 | $19.31 | +4.1% |
| 2025 | $38,589 | $18.55 | +2.1% |
| 2024 | $37,805 | $18.18 | +3.2% |
| 2023 | $36,646 | $17.62 | +3.7% |
| 2022 | $35,341 | $16.99 | +3.1% |
Communications officer jobs by state
Most common states for communications officers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 209 | 30% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 185 | 24% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,602 | 23% |
| 4 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 397 | 23% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 142 | 23% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 234 | 22% |
| 7 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,191 | 21% |
| 8 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 179 | 21% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 259 | 19% |
| 10 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,107 | 18% |
| 11 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 932 | 17% |
| 12 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 334 | 17% |
| 13 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 509 | 16% |
| 14 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 219 | 16% |
| 15 | California | 39,536,653 | 5,753 | 15% |
| 16 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,348 | 15% |
| 17 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,099 | 15% |
| 18 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 303 | 15% |
| 19 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,752 | 14% |
| 20 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 417 | 14% |
Most common cities for communications officers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seaside | 1 | 3% | $56,089 |
| 2 | Cambridge | 2 | 2% | $56,224 |
| 3 | Lawton | 1 | 1% | $30,257 |
| 4 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $56,318 |
| 5 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $42,978 |
| 6 | Miami | 1 | 0% | $28,890 |
| 7 | New York | 1 | 0% | $62,553 |
| 8 | Oklahoma City | 1 | 0% | $30,336 |
| 9 | Wichita | 1 | 0% | $42,751 |
Communications Officer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of communications officer experts
Michigan Technological University
University of Wisconsin -- Madison
Michigan Technological University
University of the Incarnate Word
Dominican University of California
Northwestern University
Southern Illinois University
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Saint John's University
Penn State University, Brandywine
Randolph-Macon College
Calvin University
Drake University
Montana State University Billings
University of New Haven
Mississippi College
Neumann University
Evangel University
Dixie State University
Evangel University
Dr. Maria Bergstrom
Academic Advisor:Humanities and Modern Languages, Lecturer: Writing and Literature, Humanities Internship CoordinatorMichigan Technological University
Department of Humanities
What soft skills should all Communications Officers possess?
Dr. Maria Bergstrom: I think it always helps to have experience working with diverse teams--and of course, that includes social/cultural/ethnic/racial diversity, but also working with people of different age groups, perhaps, or people from different technical areas. Our humanities students at Michigan Tech, for example, work on a lot of teams with students in engineering, and I think being able to bridge those different ways of knowing and different ways of thinking about products and processes can be a real strength. Also, the ability to listen empathetically and think about how other people might make different assumptions in a given situation than you do is valuable. It helps you be a better colleague, better leader and also helps you design and communicate with a more nuanced understanding of your audience.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Communications Officers?
Dr. Maria Bergstrom: I think experience with a variety of platforms for communication is important--can you use a variety of digital tools and software, and are you able to think about how communication looks different in those different spaces? So, for example, can you use Google Suite or Microsoft Teams and maximize your efficiency and effectiveness because you are using all the tools available in those platforms? I also think an understanding of data analytics, search engine optimization, and other ways of tracking how your audiences are interacting with your communication platforms is important and will continue to be important.
What skills will help Communications Officers earn the most?
Dr. Maria Bergstrom: What I hear from alumni is that solid writing skills translate into promotions and opportunities almost no matter what specific field you are in. If you can write well and adapt your writing to different situations, that pays off in many ways. I also think people with the ability to look around and envision what could be better (in their project, in their workgroup, in their company) are more likely to be given more responsibility and move into leadership positions. It's important not to be so focused just on the specific job you have to do that you don't keep that bigger picture in mind and think about how you can contribute to it.
Robert Glenn Howard Ph.D.
Director, Digital Studies & DesignLab, Professor, Department of Communication Arts, Affiliated FacultyUniversity of Wisconsin -- Madison
Department of Communication Arts
What skills stand out on Communications Officer resumes?
Robert Glenn Howard Ph.D.: For Communication Officer’s resumes, the key skill is, of course, communication. That covers a huge range of specific skills, from designing and executing social media campaigns to interviewing people to designing and creating digital media. While technical skills can be learned, the central skill is the ability to succinctly and clearly see what needs to be said to whom and to do it best.
What soft skills should all Communications Officers possess?
Robert Glenn Howard Ph.D.: Soft skills are always key in any professional context, and they are often the sort of thing you can convey to a potential employer by giving a good interview: one that shows you can listen and respond verbally at the moment.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Communications Officers?
Robert Glenn Howard Ph.D.: Technical skills for communication officers include using social media platforms, using digital media software to create graphic, video, and audio content, understanding and doing some basic coding. Understanding the use of metadata tagging, social media marketing techniques, and database design and how those structures work can be assets.
What skills will help Communications Officers earn the most?
Robert Glenn Howard Ph.D.: In the end, technical skills are the thing that will take you the furthest. While important, what’s way more important is to foresee, imagine, and come up with solutions to problems and means to expand the goals of the institution you are working for. Doing the hard coding isn’t what will take you to the top; it's leading others to do bunches of hard coding that then can come together into a global solution or global strategy that benefits your institution.
Dr. Stefka Hristova Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Digital Media, Humanities, Communication, Culture, and Media Undergraduate Program Director, Co-Leader for Tech Forward Education for the 21st Century IDEA HUB GenEdMichigan Technological University
Communication, Culture, & Media Undergraduate Program
What skills stand out on Communications Officer resumes?
Dr. Stefka Hristova Ph.D.: Communication is a central block for building a community. Through communication on interpersonal, group, organizational, and public levels, we can co-create shared cultures. As such, communication is at the core of our personal, professional, and social worlds. Being a good communicator entails not only the ability to speak and write/design but also expertise in being a good listener and careful reader of multimedia content. Communicators can create a common ground, and as such, they are indispensable to organizations that seek to have a meaningful engagement with the public.
Dr. Trey Guinn
Associate Professor and Program DirectorUniversity of the Incarnate Word
Communication Arts
What skills stand out on Communications Officer resumes?
Dr. Trey Guinn: The field of communication(s) is like an enormous playground. The roles and responsibilities of professional communicators vary as much as playgrounds and the equipment they house. What seems universal is that communications managers work to advance a brand's image by developing and delivering intentional messages that effectively convey meaning with impact. Beyond that, these individuals work in various settings and perform a range of communicative tasks. Some have general oversight of an organization's internal and external communications, while others may have a narrower focus exclusively on liaising with media to gain purposeful exposure or manage crisis communication. Thus, while the role may seem straightforward, the truth is that the job description and responsibilities can vary greatly. This is important to note because the skills that should stand out on your resume must incorporate your knowledge of the industry and the nuance of the specific job to which you are applying. Sticking with our aforementioned metaphor, a hiring manager may need to know that you have a general understanding of all the toys on the playground but may be especially interested in how well you build sandcastles. Thus, it behooves you to make your resume speak to the job description. And moreover, when appropriate to do so, you would be wise to utilize language in the job description. If you are part of a "tiger team," but the job description calls for someone who has been part of a "high-performing team," accommodate your language for the reader, especially if your reader is a machine that may not be programmed to understand your jargon.
What soft skills should all Communications Officers possess?
Dr. Trey Guinn: It goes without saying that a communications manager is expected to demonstrate exceptional verbal, nonverbal, and written communication. They should have in-depth knowledge of best writing and messaging practices for the needs of the particular organization and industry to which they have applied. But more than developing and delivering effective messaging, a savvy communications manager must effectively engage with individuals of all levels, whether internal or external to the organization. They must be able to lead and influence with and without positional authority.
What skills will help Communications Officers earn the most?
Dr. Trey Guinn: Companies large and small, especially those offering impressive salary ranges, seek individuals who can go beyond the traditional definition of the role. Organizations are looking for communications managers who can work cross-functionally, employ quantitative reasoning to extract meaningful insights, and then utilize their emotional intelligence and interpersonal savvy to turn nuggets of data into compelling stories presented to senior leaders. They seek people who can lead projects from ideation and strategy phases through implementation and assessment. Best-in-class communications managers also exhibit tremendous ability to influence internal and external stakeholders, unlock potential, and drive value.
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Communications, Coordinator, Online Learning and Development, Chair of the Communications and Media Studies DepartmentDominican University of California
Communication and Media Studies
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Communications Officer job market given the pandemic?
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.: Traditional Institutionalized (not just temporary) distance roles that were once thought of as onsite-only (human resources for example) will likely become distance-oriented whenever possible, the technologies we use for distance communication will probably become much more personalizable, training incorporating distance communication technologies will become a part of regular job trainings, distance communication skill sets could gradually augment or even replace some of the standards we taught for years.
Sort of Dale Carnegie meets Zoom or in other words the perfect presentation will no longer be as formal but should include personal, more human moments as we endeavor to make interpersonal connections online. Distance skill sets will gradually replace our old standards. For example eye contact during a formal presentation and eye contact via Zoom or other distance platforms is very different (from in-person group to camera).
What Communications Officer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.: I would recommend that graduates use that time to focus on creating a portfolio showing specific skills they think will put them ahead of other applicants. These can be universal (coding or graphic design for example) or specific to the type of job they want.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Officer?
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.: Stay current with distance communication platforms and become proficient at using them. For example, it would be wise to start developing interview skills using distance communication technologies and realize the differences between an onsite interview and a distance interview (eye contact and other interpersonal skills should translate from one-on-one to the camera).
Clarke Caywood
Professor (founder group of IMC and PR in Medill) Joint Doctorate in Business and Journalism - Univ. Wis. MadisonNorthwestern University
Integrated Marketing Communications in Medill School of Journalism, Media and IMC
What Communications Officer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Clarke Caywood: Rapid and changing from competitors who offer advanced textual intelligence systems to track brands, employees, competitors, public figures, customers, and more.
Justin Young
Assistant LecturerSouthern Illinois University
School of Communication Studies
What skills stand out on Communications Officer resumes?
Justin Young: What I hear more and more is a desire for multi-skilled Communication Managers. In other words, it's not simply enough to have a background in PR, but often you'll wear many hats and might be asked to shoot a video with your phone, edit it on your desktop, and then post it across social media. So they're not just looking for video editing, or web content management, or social media, or article writing, or public speaking, but ideally, a little of them all.
What soft skills should all Communications Officers possess?
Justin Young: Two big factors are affecting soft skill needs-diversity and remote work. As companies diversify, they need people who can deftly integrate diverse employees while keeping an open, understanding ear to those employees' needs. A background in intercultural communication and empathy is very useful here.
Along the same lines, COVID has forced many employees into remote work, and the truth is that some will never return to a traditional office schedule. Companies need communicators who can build those team dynamics when the team might be scattered across five states. Again, it's about listening to the needs and understanding that a video chat meeting is less about the tech and more about interpersonal communication and teamwork.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Communications Officers?
Justin Young: I would say it's less important that someone knows the latest video editing software than they have a sound understanding of film theory. I'm more concerned that someone shooting a 30-second clip for Instagram understands how to compose a shot than they necessarily know how to integrate visual effects. That basic idea is true across the board. Technology is shifting so rapidly today that a core understanding of the principles of design, composition, and even something like UX allows a young person straight out of college to adapt over the next five years as a lot of their physical tech may phase out of use.
18-year-olds aren't using Twitter anymore, but a fundamental understanding of how algorithms work will translate to newer social platforms such as Tik-Tok.
What skills will help Communications Officers earn the most?
Justin Young: Straight out of school, some of those hard skills might give you a leg up on that first job. However, long-term, I think soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and simply interpersonal skills will advance you further. The most successful people I see tend to be good with people as well as willing to listen and learn. Some people can fake these skills to advance, but the organization usually suffers in the long-term, as do they financially.
Sherry Morreale Ph.D.
ProfessorUniversity of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Department of Communication
What skills stand out on Communications Officer resumes?
Sherry Morreale Ph.D.: Stephen Colbert, actor, comedian, and TV host, graduated with a B.A. in Communication, as did Howard Shultz, the Executive Chairman of Starbucks, Carrie Underwood, country music singer, Peyton Manning, retired NFL football player, Oprah Winfrey, former talk show host and producer, and Spike Lee, director, producer, and actor. Less well known but successful communication graduates also include Robert Lampley, Assistant Director of the Office of Civil Rights at Central Michigan University, Jessica Berlin, Social Marketing Manager of Yahoo, Brandon Weathers, Analyst/Federal Government Contractor, Ashley Kronsell, Communication Specialist at Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition, and Sierra Lowe, Regulatory Communications Coordinator at Cook Medical Group (National Communication Association, 2021a).
This impressive list highlights just a few of the many highly productive people with Communication degrees who are now employed in a range of interesting positions. Clearly, a degree in Communication opens the door to a wide variety of employment opportunities. That is because communication itself is ubiquitous - it is everywhere. But we need to clarify exactly what communication skills are needed, given this wide array of jobs and careers. This brief commentary presents three diverse sources of information about those important communication skills.
1. The results of a national study that highlights exactly what aspects of Communication, and therefore Communication Education, are considered critically important to everyone's personal and professional success in life.
2. Employers' expectations about their communication knowledge and skills in college graduates would like to see.
3. A summary of learning outcomes for communication graduates was developed by the National Communication Association.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Communications Officers?
Sherry Morreale Ph.D.: A very recent analysis of 82 million job postings uncovered a critical demand by employers for what often is referred to as durable skills (America Succeeds, 2021). By contrast to hard skills, durable skills, sometimes referred to as soft skills, comprise important professional capabilities (Leadership, Critical Thinking, Communication, etc.) and personal qualities (Creativity, Mindfulness, Fortitude, etc.) that last throughout a person's entire career. In this analysis, two key findings are:
-In the job postings, the top five durable skills were requested nearly four (3.8) times more than the top five hard skills.
-Also, Communication and Leadership were in the highest demand, requested by 50+% of postings. These two durable (soft) skills sets include the following specific knowledge and skills.
A third durable skill or competency identified in the job postings, closely related to Leadership and Communication, is Collaboration. The Collaboration knowledge and skills connected to Communication and Leadership are interpersonal communications, coordinating, teamwork, team-oriented, team leadership, collaboration, team building, cooperation, and virtual teams.
Nancy DiTunnariello Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorSaint John's University
Mass Communication
What skills stand out on Communications Officer resumes?
Nancy DiTunnariello Ph.D.: One of the best skills a Communication Manager can hold is taking charge during stressful situations yet still managing their team. A great manager will understand that they must delegate work to others on their team to get things accomplished. Utilizing and helping to cultivate the strengths of others on your team is an excellent skill to have and a true asset to your organization. One strong and capable employee is great; however, an entire team of them is even better.
What soft skills should all Communications Officers possess?
Nancy DiTunnariello Ph.D.: Be personable! During the interview process, individuals are so focused on being "professional" that they forget to show potential employers who they really are. YOU are what sets you apart from other applicants. Also, employers want to see if your personality is a good fit with the company culture and the colleagues/clients you would be working with. Plus, would you want to work for an organization where you have to pretend and assume a false persona all day?
What hard/technical skills are most important for Communications Officers?
Nancy DiTunnariello Ph.D.: A hard/technical skill important in communication is to be aware of applications and programs used within your field and at least have some experience working with them. For example, if you are in advertising, be familiar with applications used in the ad and copy creation process. Or, if you are in tv/film, be familiar with editing applications like Adobe Premiere and Final Cut. This is why really jumping into your coursework pre-career is so important; you can take the time to explore and learn to use important software and applications that will tie to your future career.
What skills will help Communications Officers earn the most?
Nancy DiTunnariello Ph.D.: One of the characteristics that help you earn the most is your experience when searching for a job. Employers like to see that you have previous experience working in the field - especially if you have been working with other organizations in the same market. For example, suppose you are applying for a job in public relations at an agency specializing in entertainment PR, and you have had other positions in entertainment PR in the past. In that case, the hiring organization knows you are familiar with journalists and already have contacts in this market. This is why college programs really REALLY advocate for internships in the field before graduation. Any way you can get experience in the field that you plan to go into helps provide you with references who can speak on your abilities in the field and help you work on skills you will be utilizing throughout your entire career. More experience often equates to more money.
Hans Schmidt Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Communications, Coordinator, Schreyer and Cooper Honors ProgramsPenn State University, Brandywine
Communications Department
What skills stand out on Communications Officer resumes?
Hans Schmidt Ph.D.: It is important to have a wide range of communication skills -from effectively participating in and leading meetings to write in style appropriate for the setting to media productions skills. When people move into the "manager" role, of course, this entails having developed a broad awareness of the culture at that particular organization and the skills needed to lead a group of people. So, really, skills related to communication touch on a wide range of job functions and responsibilities.
What soft skills should all Communications Officers possess?
Hans Schmidt Ph.D.: I know that "soft skills" is commonly used, but I'm not a fan of the term. I think it implies that some of these skills are "soft" or "easy" or "unimportant." They aren't. In many ways, so-called "soft skills" - things like interpersonal communication skills - can be among the most important skills for any worker. This is especially the case in communication-related fields, where there is an expectation that human interaction - both in-person and mediated - is important. This is true with leadership skills and presentation/speaking skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Communications Officers?
Hans Schmidt Ph.D.: Having the ability to write well is important in most knowledge-based fields today. It is especially critical in any communication-related field of job specialization. Otherwise, the specific technical skills are important variations between the particular company and/or job expectations. Some fields use proprietary software that one typically learns about once one starts the job. Some fields require media production competencies - related to basic video production, audio production, imaging or photography, or even web design/management. The important thing is to develop a general competency with technology - and to learn how to learn. That allows you to pivot to develop new skills in different situations and roles.
What skills will help Communications Officers earn the most?
Hans Schmidt Ph.D.: There are so many variables here. For one thing, market needs are constantly changing. Similarly, there is a wide range of salaries between different employers. This is why it is so important to, again, "learn how to learn." That enables you to be adaptable, flexible, and capable of adjusting to different environments. Also, it emphasizes why the development of fundamental communication skills related to spoken communication, written communication, and - today - mediated communication are so important. You can take these skills and specialize them in any number of ways.
M. Thomas Inge Ph.D.
Blackwell Professor of HumanitiesRandolph-Macon College
Film Studies Program
What technical skills for a Communications Officer stand out to employers?
M. Thomas Inge Ph.D.: We learn from the textbooks of life and practice. What employers look for are students who not only reflect current knowledge but move it beyond to new frontiers.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Communications Officer job market given the pandemic?
M. Thomas Inge Ph.D.: When I graduated from Randolph-Macon College in 1959, I was one of 600 students. I wanted to be a writer and literary critic, but the closest thing we had were majors in the liberal arts. Majors in English and Spanish opened my world view, but today more than 1200 view for places in the sciences and technology. Randolph-Macon has become a mega-college and conveyor of the latest information and research like no other in the United States. Books and language work side by side in laboratories and with computers to provide the best education possible.
"What can you do with a degree in the novel or medieval studies?" Just about anything if you attend a school that takes a full perspective on life.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Communications Officer job market given the pandemic?
LaShone Manuel: Some skills graduates should possess will be excellent communication skills (written, verbal). Persistence, relating to determination and hard work ethic. And lastly, I recommend students expand on their technical skills.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Communications Officers?
Alanah Mitchell Ph.D.: Information Systems (IS) is often identified as the highest paying major in a business school. While the impact of a global pandemic has certainly had an impact on students (both academically and professionally), IS majors continue to have a number of job opportunities during this time. IS majors understand both business and technology and are prepared to identify ways technology can be used to solve organizational problems. This background is particularly important as so many organizations are continuing their work through the use of technology both during and post-pandemic.
What soft skills should all Communications Officers possess?
Alanah Mitchell Ph.D.: Along with business and technical skills, IS majors do need to work in developing a broad set of soft, interpersonal skills. Specifically, collaboration and teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving, creativity, communication, negotiation and conflict management, and leadership as well as working under pressure often rank high in the list of soft skills necessary for success in IS. Increasingly, the development of soft skills is emphasized in academic programs as employers are looking for these skills in new graduates.
What soft skills should all Communications Officers possess?
Samuel Isaac Boerboom Ph.D.: Conflict management, the ability to work effectively and efficiently in groups, and active listening skills, especially as these pertain to engaging audiences in virtual settings.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Communications Officers?
Samuel Isaac Boerboom Ph.D.: It's difficult to predict the enduing impact, but graduates will need to be savvier than ever about establishing and maintaining online communication skills, especially web conferencing and virtual communication. Graduates may be working remotely for an extended period of time even after the COVID-19 crisis is managed. Time management and self-motivation skills will be more important than before.
What experience really stands out on Communications Officer resumes?
Matt Caporale: In a nutshell, hands on and applied experiences stand out the most. What employers truly seek is not just what you know and what you did, but how you did it, where you did it, to what outcome, and what do you offer now because of those experiences. This isn't new, but employers are increasingly looking for details and level of specificity to a student's college experience - buzzwords won't suffice any more. The experiences that stand out are ones students can actively quantify and showcase success, hard skills, and soft skills.
These types of experiences include traditional experiences such as internships, research projects, study abroad, and campus leadership. But they more often now include diverse perspectives, interdisciplinary experiences, and roles in which students make a focused impact on the organization in which they served. Employers seek well rounded candidates with hard and soft skills; so, the experiences that stand out will need to be diversified, skill focused, and impactful.
For students in international relations, these experiences will include traditional internships and study abroad, but also Model UN, policy research and development, multi-cultural experiences (local and international), and data-based projects.
What Communications Officer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Phyllis Seawright: A gap year is only as adventurous as the budget allows. An up-to-date resume, thorough research of job websites in the desired area, and the ability to Zoom or Skype for interviews will help a fledgling fly farther from the nest. Having excellent presentation skills will secure that job over the Zoom universe.
Dr. Alfred Mueller Ph.D.
Dean, School of Arts and Sciences, Professor of Communication ad Digital mediaNeumann University
School of Arts and Sciences
What type of skills will young Communications Officers need?
Dr. Alfred Mueller Ph.D.: Coming out of the worst days of the pandemic, I predict that soft skills will be much more important. I have needed to rely more on my own emotional intelligence in the last twelve months than I did in the five years prior to the pandemic. Graduates need to demonstrate emotional intelligence, be able to work well in teams, and be highly adaptable. Given where we are in society right now, graduates must have the ability to communicate clearly and to distinguish between fact and fiction in the world around them. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge a strong need for professional ethics, regardless of the field that a graduate decides to pursue.
What experience really stands out on Communications Officer resumes?
Dr. Alfred Mueller Ph.D.: As someone who reads resumes regularly, I don't spend much time on the resume. I expect a resume to convey to me basic information about degrees held. If the applicant played in a sport or held a leadership position in a club while attending college, I want to know that because it shows me that the applicant managed time reasonably well and led a group of people in some way. I will also look for information about what an applicant accomplished in a previous or current position. I don't want a listing of the job's responsibilities. I want to know what value the applicant brought to the workplace. For example, don't tell me that you oversaw training initiatives at your current employer. Tell me that you trained 85% of the staff to use the new software and that, as a result, quarterly productivity increased 115%. The first tells me nothing; the second tells me what value you brought to the workplace. So it is important to shift away from bland job descriptions to accomplishments.
For me, the cover letter is much more important than the resume. The cover letter is the place where applicants can show me that they have done their research on my organization. Over 99% of the people whom I interview know little to nothing about my organization or its mission and values even though all of that information is a click away. If an applicant did not even take the time to look up that information on the Internet, it sends a clear signal to me about the applicant's lack of priorities. Demonstrate you have done that research by referring to my organization's mission and values in your cover letter. The cover letter is also the place where applicants can tell me about the soft skills they developed. Concrete examples help me see those skills in action.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Communications Officers?
Dr. Alfred Mueller Ph.D.: The pandemic is the single greatest disruption of American life we could ever have imagined. I predict that more workplaces will allow for telecommuting from home, businesses will retain some of the services they set up to address the pandemic, and health will be our primary focus for the next decade as the long-term effects of COVID are realized. As someone who sees opportunity in obstacles, I want to think that a graduate with an entrepreneurial approach will be able to take advantage of many of these cultural shifts. The Biden Administration will likely address student debt, but there are still many financial issues surrounding housing that have to be sorted out. So the next five years will be much more addled than anything we have seen in recent memory, but the end of the decade should see a return to prosperity.
Cameron Pace Ph.D.
Professor of Communication, Department ChairpersonEvangel University
Communication Department
What experience really stands out on Communications Officer resumes?
Cameron Pace Ph.D.: Specific software the student knows, types of equipment they have used, areas of experience they have worked in or had special training. Details matter here. If they can recount successes, number of sales, clients, or products they have produced or served, that's very helpful. The more professional-type experiences, the better.
Dr. James Stein
Assistant Professor and Director of Interpersonal Communication CurriculumDixie State University
Communication Studies Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Communications Officer job market given the pandemic?
Dr. James Stein: I think we're going to see a lot of hybrid job offers, meaning that people will get the opportunity to work remotely a lot more. I think this for three reasons. First, the largest complaint of my generation (Millennials) is that we don't have enough work-life balance. The online atmosphere provides for that. Second, companies can save hundreds of thousands in office space rent by switching to a more hybrid format. Third, this trend has been steadily increasing, the pandemic just supercharged it.
I also believe that we're going to see a lot more engineering and management jobs open up. Automation is replacing manual labor and self-driving cars will eclipse the trucker industry. Folks on the job market are going to need to learn to better manage technology and human relationships.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Officer?
Dr. James Stein: Take the job that best fits your career. I cannot tell you how many people (students, and personal friends alike) chose to turn down a career starter that pays $9 an hour in favor of a job that pays $11 and hour. As the old adage goes: penny smart, dollar foolish. You should always be asking yourself "how does this opportunity advance my larger goal?" Don't embark on an endeavor that doesn't help you, even if it does look shiny at first glance.
What Communications Officer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. James Stein: Well, first, if you have the means/finances to take a full year off, I commend you. My advice would be to immerse yourself in the use of technology and social media. Every company is always looking for good PR and a good "vibe." So, if you're taking a gap year, I would recommend using that time not to figure out what you want to do, but rather to hone the thing(s) that you're already good at and make them work for you.
What type of skills will young Communications Officers need?
Melinda Booze: Today's communication graduates will need adaptive storytelling skills. In a communication environment that is noisy and insistent, the graduates that will stand out are those who can demonstrate to employers and clients that they can identify an audience's needs, wants and values and craft messages that connects with and engages that audience. This involves all the requisite hard and soft skills, such as technological proficiency, writing, speaking, a love of learning, flexibility, creativity and more. The skill that is perhaps less emphasized or practiced is careful listening. The outcome of careful listening is valid research that informs meaningful stories that communicate. -Melinda Booze, assistant professor of communication, Evangel University.