Resume Examples for Communications

Resumes and CVs for communications professionals vary significantly depending on experience level, from entry-level to seasoned experts. Discover our tailored templates for each stage and take advantage of our Resume Builder to craft your standout application.

Entry-Level Communications Resume

Ideal for recent graduates and career changers entering the communications field, this template is crafted for those looking to create a resume with no experience while showcasing their skills and potential.

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Why this resume works:

This resume example showcases a solid educational background with a master’s in communications and hands-on experience in various roles.

Mid-Career Communications Resume

An ideal choice for mid-level communications professionals, this template showcases relevant experience and positions you for advancement into specialized roles or leadership opportunities.

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Why this resume works:

Action verbs such as “increased,” “managed,” and “developed” highlight active contributions in communications. Achievements like “boosted client event attendance by 40%” and “improved internal communications by 15%” demonstrate effectiveness through concise, scannable bullet points.

Experienced Communications Resume

An ideal choice for seasoned communications professionals with over 10 years of experience, this template highlights job seekers seeking leadership roles in public relations and strategic communications.

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Why this resume works:

The resume effectively highlights 13 years of experience in communications, positioning the extensive work history prominently to capture attention. Education is placed lower since hiring managers typically value demonstrated abilities and achievements over academic credentials at this advanced career level.

Communications Resume Template (Text)

Use this customizable text format of a communications resume to copy, edit, and personalize directly in your document.

Emma Nguyen

Minneapolis, MN 55406

Professional Summary

Results-driven communications specialist adept in digital strategies. Proven track record in enhancing social engagement and coordinating successful campaigns. Expertise in media relations and brand management.

Work Experience

January 2024 – May 2026

Vertex Communications – Minneapolis, MN

Communications Specialist

  • Enhanced social presence by 30%.
  • Led a team to increase engagement by 50%.
  • Developed campaigns for product launches.

January 2022 – December 2023

Innovate PR Solutions – Minneapolis, MN

Public Relations Manager

  • Managed PR projects totaling $1M.
  • Built media relationships, increasing coverage.
  • Streamlined communication processes by 20%.

January 2021 – December 2021

Creative Edge Marketing – Cedar Valley, MN

Marketing Communications Coordinator

  • Generated content driving 10K leads.
  • Coordinated events increasing participation by 40%.
  • Redesigned the newsletter enhancing reach.

Education

May 2020
San Francisco State University San Francisco, CA
Master of Arts Communication Studies

May 2018
California State University Los Angeles, CA
Bachelor of Arts Public Relations

Certifications

  • Certified Digital Marketing Professional – Digital Marketing Institute
  • Social Media Strategist Certification – Hootsuite Academy

Skills

  • Digital Content Creation
  • Media Relations
  • Public Speaking
  • Social Media Strategy
  • Crisis Communication
  • Campaign Development
  • Copywriting
  • Brand Management

How to Write a Communications Resume

As a communications professional, understanding how to write a resume means showcasing your abilities and experiences in a format that clearly reflects your qualifications. Use the guidance below to emphasize your strengths and tailor your resume for the positions you’re pursuing.

1. Contact Info

Your contact information should be prominently displayed at the top of your resume, ensuring clarity and professionalism.

Include the following essential information:

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Professional email address
  • City and state (ZIP code is optional)
  • LinkedIn profile or personal portfolio (if relevant)
TipPRO TIP

Skip including sensitive details such as your Social Security number, age, or religion on your resume unless an employer specifically requests them.

2. Resume Profile

A resume profile is a brief introduction (two to four sentences) that highlights your key qualifications and serves as an engaging pitch to hiring managers. Its purpose is to capture attention quickly and motivate employers to delve deeper into your resume.

Typically positioned at the top of your resume, this profile can take the form of either a summary or an objective statement, each serving distinct roles in presenting your candidacy. Understanding these differences will help you choose the best approach for your job application:

  • A resume summary highlights relevant experience, skills, and achievements in the communications field. This format benefits job seekers with professional history or transferable abilities aiming to highlight their contributions as effective communicators.
  • A resume objective highlights your future career aspirations and outlines what you aim to accomplish. This is particularly useful for recent graduates, coding bootcamp alumni, or professionals shifting into new fields like marketing, where experience may be limited.

Let’s explore the distinctions between a resume summary and a resume objective through the following examples:

Communications resume summary example:

Dynamic communications professional with over 6 years of experience in corporate and nonprofit sectors. Proficient in content creation, strategic messaging, and media relations. Recognized for improving brand visibility and engagement through innovative communication strategies that resonate with diverse audiences.

Communications resume objective example:

Recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in communications eager to launch a career in a dynamic corporate environment. Committed to fostering effective collaboration and improving brand messaging, while bringing strong interpersonal skills and creativity to a marketing or public relations firm.

3. Work Experience

The work experience on your resume is a critical foundation for showcasing your potential. Employers dive deeper than just job titles and responsibilities, seeking to understand the impact you’ve made in previous roles.

Your work history illustrates how your unique experiences and skills align with the requirements of the target position, reinforcing your suitability as an applicant.

The work experience section should contain:

  • Job title
  • Employer name and location
  • Dates of employment (month/year)
  • 3–5 bullet points detailing your communications strategies and campaign successes

Tailor your work experience bullet points to the job you want by using industry-specific terminology. Start each point with an action verb (like “Developed,” “Coordinated,” “Facilitated”) to improve the impact.

Incorporate quantifiable data whenever possible. Concrete figures and notable achievements can clearly illustrate your contributions and set you apart from other job seekers, providing compelling evidence of your capabilities.

In general, consider following the format of:

[action verb] + [responsibility] = [result/achievement]

For example:

Implemented a comprehensive communication strategy that increased patient engagement by 40% in a community health center, resulting in improved overall health outcomes.

Note that you can also flip the result/achievement with the responsibility:

Achieved a 30% improvement in team collaboration efficiency through the introduction of regular interdepartmental meetings and feedback sessions.

Discover more examples of work experience tailored for communications professionals further down the page.

4. Skills

The skills section gives a concise overview of your communications abilities, showcasing your strengths in verbal and written interactions. This ATS-friendly resume format lets hiring managers quickly assess your qualifications for the role.

Skills can be categorized into three key areas:

Result:

  • Soft skills are interpersonal qualities that influence how individuals communicate and collaborate in the workplace. In communications, essential soft skills include active listening, empathy, clarity, and adaptability.
  • Hard skills are specific, quantifiable abilities acquired through education, training, or direct experience. For communications professionals, relevant hard skills include writing press releases, managing social media campaigns, and conducting market research.
  • Technical skills encompass the specific competencies required to use tools and technologies relevant to a field. In communications, this includes expertise in digital content management systems, video conferencing platforms, and social media analytics tools.

In general, aim to showcase a diverse range of relevant skills that match the job requirements to demonstrate your value. For additional examples of industry-specific skills, feel free to explore further down the page.

TipPRO TIP

If you’re a newer communications professional, consider placing your skills section higher on the resume, right after your summary. For those with more experience, it’s better to position this section lower and weave your skills throughout your work history for a more integrated approach.

5. Education

Understanding the how to list education on your resume can be important for showcasing your qualifications. Begin with your most recent or relevant degree, including the degree type and the institution’s name.

If you’re a recent graduate, consider adding your graduation year, GPA (if it’s 3.5 or above), any honors received, or relevant coursework to highlight your academic achievements.

Communications resume education section example:

Bachelor of Arts in Communication
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Graduated: 2024 | Graduated with Honors (GPA 3.8)

TipPRO TIP

To effectively list multiple degrees on your resume, always start with the most recent degree first, such as Bachelor of Arts in Communication (BA), followed by any previous degrees like Associate Degree in Communication (AD).

6. Certifications

Certifications are essential as they showcase your qualifications and up-to-date knowledge in the communications field. While not typically included in a traditional resume, listing certifications is valuable for many professionals. Employers often seek specific credentials for specialized roles, such as public relations or digital marketing positions.

Highlight relevant certifications that improve your candidacy and ensure they are clearly listed and formatted. Keeping your certifications current demonstrates your commitment to the profession and helps you stand out to potential employers.

Communications certification examples:

  • Communications Management Certification | International Association of Business Communicators | Expires: 03/2028
  • Certified Public Relations Professional (CPRP) | Public Relations Society of America | Expires: 11/2027
  • Digital Marketing Strategies Certificate | HubSpot Academy | Expires: 01/2028
  • Social Media Marketing Certification | Hootsuite Academy | Expires: 09/2027

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Tailor Your Work History to Beat the ATS

Your work experience is not just a compilation of job titles. It’s your chance to illustrate the tangible effects you’ve had on projects, teams, and communication outcomes. By doing this effectively, you can create a resume that is friendly for applicant tracking systems (ATS) and easily scannable by recruiters.

To maximize impact, make sure your work history aligns with the job you’re pursuing. Begin by thoroughly examining the job description to pinpoint key skills and requirements. Highlight these repeated elements within your experience descriptions to ensure they resonate with potential employers.

These examples are pulled from our most-used entries in the resume builder—based on what hiring managers respond to most.

  • Developed and implemented communication strategies that improved patient engagement by 20% in a hospital setting.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to streamline information sharing, reducing response times to patient inquiries by 30%.
  • Facilitated training sessions for staff on effective communication techniques, improving team collaboration scores by 25%.
  • Used digital platforms to disseminate critical updates, ensuring timely and accurate information flow among departments.
  • Mentored junior staff in communication best practices, fostering a culture of openness and support within the team.

Example of Skills for Communications

Including the right skills for your resume is essential as it shows employers and ATS that you have the abilities needed to thrive in communications roles. Since resumes are often scanned quickly, make sure your skills section is focused, relevant, and closely aligned with the job description.

The skills listed in this guide reflect what is currently valued in communications. They frequently appear in successful resumes within the field and resonate well with hiring managers searching for qualified applicants.

5 Soft Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Effective verbal communication
  • Active listening skills
  • Team leadership abilities
  • Conflict resolution techniques
  • Persuasive presentation skills

5 Hard Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Public relations strategy
  • Content creation (blogs, press releases)
  • Media outreach and engagement
  • Crisis communication planning
  • Social media management (Hootsuite, Buffer)

What’s a Fair Communications Salary?

Researching salary information is essential for assessing job offers, negotiating better pay, and making strategic career choices. The following data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and presents the latest nationwide averages for communications professionals.

Several factors can affect actual salaries, including geographic location, years of experience, certifications, and area of specialization. For example, communications specialists in public relations firms or corporate communications roles often command higher salaries compared to those working in smaller nonprofits or entry-level positions in media.

Alabama$66,270
Alaska$91,230
Arizona$77,480
Arkansas$63,440
California$149,930
Connecticut$99,610
Delaware$76,130
District of Columbia$96,940
Florida$78,800
Georgia$75,170
Hawaii$79,770
Idaho$91,140
Illinois$81,970
Indiana$73,940
Iowa$77,180
Kansas$79,950
Kentucky$67,840
Louisiana$85,060
Maine$84,380
Maryland$90,530
Massachusetts$96,080
Michigan$88,030
Minnesota$81,550
Mississippi$61,800
Missouri$78,940
Montana$96,140
Nebraska$79,640
Nevada$75,840
New Hampshire$83,150
New Jersey$99,210
New Mexico$59,970
New York$105,650
North Carolina$72,590
North Dakota$80,630
Ohio$70,780
Oklahoma$70,160
Oregon$104,800
Pennsylvania$87,420
Rhode Island$99,870
South Carolina$74,410
South Dakota$62,720
Tennessee$69,990
Texas$85,170
Utah$72,570
Vermont$75,540
Virginia$86,130
Washington$75,090
West Virginia$78,800
Wisconsin$84,560
Wyoming$72,280
Puerto Rico$81,290
Virgin Islands$50,090

Key Takeaways

  • Customize your resume for each job application. Mirror the language in the job description to resonate with both ATS and hiring managers.
  • Highlight quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact. Use specific metrics (e.g., audience engagement rates, campaign reach, media placements) to differentiate yourself.
  • Select a resume format that matches your experience level. Recent graduates might opt for a functional layout, while seasoned professionals often prefer a reverse-chronological format.

More Resume & CV Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Update:

What resume format should I use for my communications resume?

There are three main resume formats to choose from when applying for a communications position. Your selection should reflect your experience level and the aspects of your background you wish to highlight:

  • Chronological: A chronological resume is the most widely used format, highlighting your work history by outlining responsibilities and achievements. This format benefits job seekers with a consistent job background, reinforcing their qualifications and adding credibility to their experience in the field.
  • Functional: The functional resume, often referred to as a skills-based resume, highlights your qualifications and skills instead of focusing on work history. This format benefits applicants who lack relevant experience or have gaps in employment, allowing them to showcase their strengths.
  • Combination: The combination resume format merges the chronological and functional styles, showcasing both skills and work experience. This approach benefits professionals by emphasizing their abilities alongside their career trajectory, making it ideal for those transitioning into new fields or advancing in their current roles.
Should I include a cover letter with my resume?

Yes, you should include a cover letter with your application for a communications position. A well-crafted cover letter highlights your communication skills and conveys your enthusiasm for the role while providing context to your resume. It allows you to personalize your application, demonstrating to employers that you’re genuinely interested in their organization and the specific challenges they face.

If you’re unsure about writing a cover letter, there are numerous resources available to guide you. You can find articles on how to write a cover letter as well as examples tailored specifically for communications roles. Exploring various formats will help you choose one that best showcases your strengths and experiences relevant to the job.

To make the process easier, consider using a cover letter generator, which can assist in creating an organized and professional document by offering templates and tailored suggestions based on the job you’re applying for.

How long should a communications resume be?

For professionals in communications with less than 10 years of experience, a one-page resume is generally adequate to showcase relevant skills and accomplishments. Highlight key projects, educational background, and certifications that demonstrate your expertise in the field while maintaining clarity and focus.

Conversely, those in senior or specialized roles may extend their resumes to two pages if every detail remains relevant. Emphasize leadership experience and specific contributions to campaigns or projects, ensuring that all content adds value without unnecessary filler language.

What keywords should I include to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS)?

To improve your chances of getting past ATS, make sure to incorporate keywords and phrases from the job posting. Look for specific terms related to communications, such as “public relations,” “content strategy,” or “media outreach.” This helps demonstrate that you possess the skills the employer is seeking.

Additionally, don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications like Certified Communication Professional or Digital Marketing Certificate, along with tools you’re familiar with, such as Hootsuite or Adobe Creative Suite. These details can highlight your qualifications and increase your visibility in ATS screenings.

Is it worth including volunteer work on my resume?

Absolutely. Including volunteer work showcases your commitment to the community and highlights skills that are transferable to communications roles, such as teamwork and leadership. For those with limited professional experience, this can be a valuable way to demonstrate your capabilities and dedication.

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Megan Dawkins Career Industry Editor

Megan Dawkins is a career industry editor who empowers job seekers to take control of their career paths using Monster’s comprehensive job search and resume tools. She specializes in helping job seekers navigate the flexible job market.

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