Internal Communications Resume Example
Pursuing a career as an internal communications specialist provides opportunities for career progression and responsibilities involving collaborating with HR and creating engaging content. A strong resume for internal communications specialist applications showcases your skills, experience and achievements and helps you stand out from other candidates. In this article, we'll showcase resume tips and examples that can help you create a professional internal communications resume that catches the eye of hiring managers.
This comprehensive guide will give you all the tools you need to craft an internal communications resume that positions you strongly against other candidates. The guide will show you practical examples of how to structure your resume to show off your best and most relevant skills and career achievements. It will also show you how to tailor your resume according to the job description and your unique skill set. Read on to access expert insights from Jobseeker that will help you create a winning internal communications resume.
What to include in an internal communications resume
A successful internal communications resume will typically include each of the sections listed below, with some optional sections.
If you have no work experience as an internal communications specialist or have just started in the industry, you could consider using a functional or skills-based format, which emphasizes your skills and education. Soft and transferable skills are often more highly valued by employers for junior roles, so highlight these. Also add any internships, volunteer work or training courses you've undertaken.
When applying for mid-level internal communications specialist positions, it's typically best to opt for a reverse-chronological resume format. This is because work experience tends to be the most important resume section for this level. In your resume work experience section, outline your relevant achievements and showcase the impact you've made in your career to date. Make sure everything you include is relevant to the job description.
Senior job applications require a slightly different approach to mid-level or junior internal communications specialist roles. Use a reverse-chronological format focusing on your work experience, with a particular emphasis on the impact you've made. It's likely that your senior resume will be longer than a standard resume of one-to-two pages. This is because you'll be listing additional achievements beyond your work experience, such as awards, publications and professional memberships.
Your resume layout and structure may differ depending on your experience levels, but make sure your resume includes the following:
Resume Header
A internal communications resume header contains your name and contact information. Add your first and last name, your phone number and your email address. Include your address or location, but avoid adding any other personal information. If you have a LinkedIn profile, you can add the URL to your header so the hiring manager can get a better understanding of your work history and experience. Be aware of the amount of space your resume header takes up. You don't want your contact details to take space away from the main content of your resume, so keep this section as brief as possible.
Opt for a professional-looking email address based on your name. If your email address could be construed as unprofessional or inappropriate because it contains nicknames or unsuitable language, create a new, more professional email address for your job applications. Always check your contact details to make sure they're up-to-date before you send your resume.
Avery Clark
avery.clark@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
Bag End, Hobbiton, Shire, TX
linkedin․com/in/avery–clark123
Resume Profile
Your resume personal profile is a short, concise paragraph to highlight two or three key skills and achievements in internal communications specialist roles. You may also see this section named as 'resume summary' or 'resume objective'. Resume summaries tend to focus on your career experience, while resume objectives cover your ambitions and plans for the future. However, make sure you keep your resume summary short and snappy, and focused on the skills and experience listed in the job description.
Alternatively, use this summary to introduce your personal career ambitions and explain why internal communications specialist roles are a good fit for you at this stage of your career.
A strong resume summary focuses on two or three key skills and achievements that showcase your suitability for internal communications specialist roles in a clear, quantifiable way. It also gives an insight into your personal qualities, to help the reader understand why you're a suitable candidate. See below for some great examples of what to include in your internal communications resume summary.
Good example:
Dynamic and results-driven Internal Communications Specialist with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and extensive experience as an Internal Communications Coordinator. Proven track record in developing and implementing effective communication strategies, enhancing employee engagement, and fostering a cohesive organizational culture. Skilled in content creation, digital communications, and stakeholder management. Adept at leveraging various communication platforms to deliver clear and impactful messaging
Bad example:
Internal communications professional with a background in communication studies and some experience in coordinating communications. Worked on creating plans to share information within a company and tried to keep employees engaged. Have done some writing and used digital tools to share messages. Have interacted with different groups to share information. Used various methods to communicate messages clearly
On the other hand, an unsuccessful resume summary is one that mentions irrelevant skills, qualities and achievements and fails to differentiate you from other candidates. In the graphic above you can find some negative examples of how to write a resume summary.
Work History
In your work experience section, list any previous relevant roles you've worked in, as well as your key achievements as an internal communications specialist. List each relevant role in reverse-chronological order starting with your current or most recent role. Add your job title, the organization name, its location and the dates you worked there.
Also include some bullet points for each job mentioned, showcasing your achievements so the employer can see the impact you made on the company. Pay attention to the job description and make sure each point is relevant to internal communications specialist roles.
An effective resume work experience section is one that constantly echoes the skills and experience listed in the job description, and shows how you used your skills to positive effect in each job. Each bullet point should be carefully crafted to showcase a particular skill or achievement relevant to internal communications specialist jobs, with evidence to show the value you added. Review some strong examples of resume work experience sections in the graphic below.
Good example:
Internal Communications Coordinator, January 2022 - Present
InterConnect Solutions, Gilbert
- Implemented a company-wide intranet platform, increasing employee engagement by 35% within six months
- Developed and executed internal newsletters, achieving a 50% open rate and 25% click-through rate
- Coordinated successful internal events, enhancing cross-departmental collaboration and achieving 90% employee participation
Bad example:
Internal Communications Coordinator, January 2022 - Present
InterConnect Solutions, Gilbert
- Improved company communication strategies to boost team collaboration and engagement
- Enhanced employee interaction through various communication initiatives
- Facilitated successful company events to promote teamwork and unity
See above for some of the pitfalls to avoid with your resume work experience section. Poor examples of resume work experience sections tend to be vague and fail to quantify your achievements and the impact you've made in your career to date. They may also focus on responsibilities above relevant skills and how you've used them.
Educational Achievements
In your education section, include details of your most relevant internal communications specialist qualifications and educational achievements.
Typically, working as an internal communications specialist requires a university or college degree, which you'll need to list on your resume. If you're working in this sector, it's usually a good idea to highlight your Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies degree or other relevant qualifications. Focus on qualifications that showcase your copywriting and editing or digital content management.
For each entry in this section, add the name and level of your qualification, the institution you studied at, its location and your dates of study. Include bullet points to show any specialist modules you studied, awards or exceptional grades and achievements that can set you apart from other candidates. These will all contribute to creating a positive impression on employers.
Additionally, mentioning any leadership roles or any societies and clubs you participated in while studying shows proactivity and initiative.
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, 2017 - 2020
University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Skills
The skills section of an internal communications specialist resume is a chance to list any skills you have that match those of the job description. You could include employee engagement strategies, interpersonal relationship building or any other skills that show you're a suitable candidate. Again, refer to the job description and make sure you include skills that the employer has listed as essential or desirable for employment as an internal communications specialist.
Listing hard skills on your internal communications resume
Hard skills are the key technical skills required for internal communications specialist positions. They include specific industry knowledge and abilities that you could learn on the job, or through a specialist qualification. Furthermore, your list of hard skills provides a strong indication to the reader of your expertise in internal communications specialist roles, and how well you'll fit into the position. It's best to aim for four or five key hard skills that match the job description. These can really showcase your suitability for the job.
For an effective resume hard skills section, focus on the technical skills that are most essential in the job description, and that match your specific expertise. Some examples of the best hard skills for an internal communications resume are listed below.
- Copywriting and editing
- Digital content management
- Employee engagement strategies
Adding soft skills to your internal communications resume
In your list of soft skills, add any personal strengths, qualities or transferable skills that make you a good fit for the job. Soft skills are often less specific to different industries, but that doesn't make them any less important. In fact, you can develop soft skills throughout your career, and they tend to be suitable for various roles and professions. In this section, add four of five transferable skills that match the job description.
A good soft skills section would include skills that match the job description, and also reflect your key strengths and qualities. See the graphic below for an indication of what to include in a strong soft skills section for an internal communications resume.
- Written communication skills
- Interpersonal relationship building
- Conflict resolution ability
Certifications
Under certifications and licenses, add any further qualifications that show you're a good fit for the job. Add any official certifications or accreditations that increase your level of qualification and suitability for working as an internal communications specialist. Therefore, list any official licenses and certifications, along with their dates, so employers can assess whether you've got the necessary qualifications to work as an internal communications specialist.
Read on to see some relevant example certifications for an internal communications specialist resume:
- SHRM-CP Certification, 2022
- IABC CMP Certification, 2022
- PMP Certification, 2022
Expert Tip:
Additional Information
As well as the main sections of an internal communications specialist resume, optional sections can help you prove your credentials to employers. Add any of the sections below that help you showcase your key skills and experience.
Personal Hobbies and Interests
Add any hobbies and interests that reinforce your credentials for the position. These are particularly useful for your resume if you're short of work experience and need to showcase a particular skill or experience. If you're thinking about adding hobbies and interests, just make sure they add something unique to your application, and showcase your personality and interests in unique and interesting ways.
Voluntary Work
Listing volunteer work is another useful way to prove your relevant experience for internal communications specialist roles. Write your volunteer section in a similar format to your work experience, including your role, the organization name, relevant dates and the details of your contribution.
References
It's not typical to include references in an internal communications resume, but some employers might ask for them. Don't add references unless requested by the employer. Be sure to prepare your referees in advance, so they've agreed to provide a reference and are ready to be contacted.
References are available upon request.
Best strong verbs for your an internal communications specialist resume
Add strong verbs to your work experience section to show the hiring manager the impact you made in your previous roles. Choose from the list of words below to make the best possible impression.
- Develop
- Coordinate
- Implement
- Manage
- Draft
- Edit
- Distribute
- Monitor
- Analyze
- Facilitate
If you need help creating a resume that impresses HR managers, take a look at Jobseeker's professional resume templates. You can also access beautiful cover letter templates that help your application stand out.
Example resume for internal communications specialist applications
Now we've covered the main sections to include in your internal communications resume, let's take a look at how it all comes together in the example below:
Bag End, Hobbiton, Shire, TX
•
avery.clark@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/avery–clark123
Dynamic Internal Communications Specialist with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and extensive experience as an Internal Communications Manager. Proven track record in developing and implementing effective communication strategies, enhancing employee engagement, and fostering a cohesive organizational culture. Adept at managing internal communication platforms, crafting compelling content, and aligning messaging with company goals
Internal Communications Manager
2020
-2022
Horizon Innovations Ltd (Kansas City)
- Successfully led a company-wide rebranding initiative, enhancing internal engagement by 30% and streamlining communication channels
- Developed and executed a crisis communication plan, resulting in a 25% increase in employee trust and morale during the transition
- Implemented a comprehensive internal newsletter, boosting open rates by 40% and improving information dissemination across all departments
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
2017
-2020
Emory University (Atlanta, GA)
Copywriting and editing
Digital content management
Employee engagement strategies
Written communication skills
Interpersonal relationship building
Conflict resolution ability
SHRM-CP Certification
IABC CMP Certification
English - Fluent
Spanish - B2
Tips for internal communications specialist resumes
Simple tips for creating a winning resume
- Tailor your resume to make it as relevant as possible to the role you're applying for. Consult the job description and adapt your resume to reflect the required skills and experience.
- Add your relevant education details, including any high grades such as your GPA or degree result.
- Make your internal communications resume short and to-the-point. A length of one page is ideal for junior roles, while two is acceptable for senior applications.
- Use a well-structured resume layout that optimizes headings, structure, margins, fonts and line spacing to make your document as accessible as possible to the reader.
- Showcase your key internal communications specialist qualities with a strong resume summary or objective to catch the attention of the reader.
Avoid these common mistakes on your resume
- Don't use overly decorative formatting and layouts that can detract from the content and make your internal communications resume harder for scanning by applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Don't add personal information such as your age, gender, a photo or marital status, as these can lead to bias in the hiring process.
- Don't include hobbies unless they help you prove a skill or experience that's necessary for the job.
- Don't exaggerate, lie or hide details about yourself as these can all undermine your chances of success with internal communications specialist applications.
- Don't use jargon or business-speak. It can make your resume appear clichéd and harder to read.
Tips on creating an ATS-optimized resume
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) help recruiters and employers to streamline their hiring process. They can store and process data, including applications and applicant data, quickly and efficiently. One of the jobs ATS applications are increasingly responsible for is initial candidate screening. The systems can quickly scan and rank resumes based on how closely they match the job description. When drafting your internal communications resume, there are a few guidelines to follow to give you the best chance of passing the ATS screening stage and progressing with your application.
Create an ATS-optimized resume by following these quick tips:
- Opt for an established, traditional resume format such as a reverse-chronological or functional structure. These will ensure your resume includes all the necessary details ATS systems scan for.
- Use keywords throughout your resume that reflect the job description, so ATS resume scanners can recognize a strong connection between your skills, and those in the job description.
- Include clear headings that make it easy to identify each section of your resume. This will help any ATS software navigate your resume during the scanning process.
- Use design elements that help make your resume more readable. These might include white space, clear, professional fonts and subtle color accents to help certain elements stand out.
- Adopt simple, professional language to keep your resume as concise as possible. This tends to make your document more readable, and easier for ATS software to scan.
For advice and guidance on creating the perfect resume, read our expert career blog and check out our detailed resume examples.
FAQs for an internal communications resume
After writing your internal communications resume, you'll want to write an accompanying cover letter that helps your application stand out.
Check the job description to see whether a full, formal cover letter is necessary. In some situations, it might be more suitable to simply send a brief email to introduce yourself and accompany your resume.
A traditional cover letter should follow formal letter-writing conventions and structure, including a header, the recipient's address and professional greetings and sign-offs. For the main body of the letter, open with a short paragraph introducing yourself and explaining your reasons for applying for the internal communications specialist role. Follow that with an explanation of your skills and experience and how they're relevant to the position. Close by expressing your gratitude and enthusiasm, and leaving a call to action that encourages the employer to open a dialogue with you.
If you want to impress employers with a professional cover letter, use Jobseeker's simple and beautiful cover letter templates.
Writing an internal communications resume with no experience needn't be a daunting task. There are still plenty of ways to impress hiring managers with your resume. Opt for a skill-based resume format instead of a traditional layout. This places your skills and education in a more prominent position on your resume. Use the additional information sections at the end of your resume as a showcase for relevant skills and achievements. These can be a particularly useful way of proving you have the skills necessary for the job.
If you want to create a strong first impression in your internal communications specialist application, a resume headline can help. A well-written resume headline is also a way to increase your chances of passing the ATS resume scanning stage, by referencing keywords that match the job description. Write a few words to set the tone for your resume, including the job title, your experience or track record and one or two key skills that make you stand out.
See an example resume headline below:
- Junior Internal Communications Specialist
- Expert in Employee Engagement Strategies
- Senior Internal Communications Strategist
The top resume format for your applications will vary according to a couple of factors. First, how much professional experience you have. Second, what type of job you're applying for and its seniority level. For applicants without much relevant work experience, a functional resume format tends to be best. This places the emphasis on your key skills and relevant qualifications. For more senior roles where you have plenty of relevant experience, use a reverse chronological format. This resume structure places work experience at the heart of the document, using it as a showcase for your skills and achievements.
Key takeaways for your internal communications resume
An effective resume is a concise, professional summary of your relevant skills and career achievements, showcased through a chronology of your career history. Use a suitable resume format and tailor your resume for every application you submit.
Remember, Jobseeker resume templates and other tools make it easy to create a resume and cover letter that leaves a positive impression on hiring managers. Sign up now to start building your perfect resume. Whatever job you're applying for, a professional cover letter can make all the difference to your chances. Use Jobseeker's HR-approved tools and cover letter examples to inspire your applications.
Sources:
(1) Tips for Writing a Federal Resume, U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/tips-for-writing-a-federal-resume
(2) Resume Tips, Duke University: https://careerhub.students.duke.edu/resources/resume-tips/
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