It should come as no surprise that Communications Specialists specialize in communication. It is in the name, after all. The ability to communicate a company or organization’s messaging is the foundation of the role. Communicating with the media, crafting and coordinating press conferences, presentations, and events all fall under your purview. While including a cover letter is always an excellent idea, including a cover letter with your Communications Specialist resume is hardly optional. A role like this requires excellent, expert-level communication skills. Both written and verbal communication skills matter, given the duties expected. Your cover letter provides you with an opportunity to display your mastery of the written word. Your job as a Communications Specialist is to build a company’s relationship with the media and the public. If you can’t connect with your potential employer through your cover letter, they will never believe you can fulfill the job’s requirements.
Just like any other form of written communication, a cover letter has very specific writing guidelines. You want to deliver a well-written and properly formatted cover letter, or you send the wrong message.
Hiring managers are intimately familiar with the standard formatting of both cover letters and resumes. They know what elements a cover letter should include and will likely see something amiss with a cursory glance.
Familiarize yourself with the key elements of a cover letter before writing your own.
You also have the option to include:
Alexander Gibbons
152 Comm Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90001
555-123-4567
alexgibbons@email.com
linkedin.com/in/alexandergibbons123January 1, 2021
Illeana Gray
Director of Human Resources
CommYou, Inc.
123 Business Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 9001
As a Communications Specialist, you should have a mastery of the written word. Your cover letter should most definitely display this skill. But, first, you need to convince the hiring manager to read it.
Outside of the overall format (and a postscript if you’re including one), this is what the reader will see first. These lines are your make it or break it.
A strong opening will capture the hiring manager’s interest and convince them to read on. A poorly written opening will earn you a one-way trip to the discard pile.
Use your writing abilities and your talents to stand out from the other job applicants. Give the hiring manager a reason to choose you above the others.
Dear Ms. Gray,
I am no stranger to the deadline-driven, fast-paced world of communications. As a double major at UCLA, focusing my studies on Communications and Business, I participated in multiple extracurricular activities holding leadership roles in many. CommYou, Inc. needs someone who works well under pressure and is adept at cultivating relationships and delivering key messaging in your Communications Specialist role. I would be an excellent asset.
You may not be familiar or comfortable with the art of selling. But, you should definitely be familiar with persuasive writing. It is one of the expected skills for a Communications Specialist.
Put your skills to good use here.
Use your experience, your qualifications, and your achievements to show them you are their ideal candidate. Use the job description to help you decide which to highlight. We’ll say that again: use the job description.
The job listing will have much of what you need to write a cover letter that truly speaks to what the company needs. They tell you exactly what duties and qualifications they want and what expectations they have. This may not mention soft skills, but you will want to include them in your cover letter as well.
Here are some skills a Communications Specialist should have:
As a Communications Specialist, you need to be intimately familiar with a brand’s messaging. Normally, you research a company before the interview. Do your research before you write your cover letter.
Show the hiring manager that you already know their brand voice and understand their messaging. Demonstrate what you could provide them if they choose to hire you.
My experience working in marketing and public relations has given me an expert knowledge of new and traditional media channels — including all current social media platforms. I am well-versed in the art of creating web and social media content, responding to media inquiries, and coordinating communications programs, all while staying on message. If something does go wrong, I am comfortable stepping in to coordinate damage control, shifting the company back into a positive light. With my professionalism and expertise, CommYou, Inc. will be able to build brand awareness, elevate brand image, and communicate key messaging through marketing campaigns, promotional events, and all media outlets.
Your opening paragraph hooked them. Your body paragraphs kept them engaged. Your closing lines are your opportunity to reel them in and claim the prize -- the interview.
Clear. Concise Convincing. Use your final lines to leave a lasting impression that has them reaching for the phone. Give them a reason to reach out.
You will find that I am a capable, team-oriented person with strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. If my cover letter and resume can’t persuade you of my talents, then I don’t deserve to hear from you. Thank you for your time and consideration.
I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely,
Alexander Gibbons
alexgibbons@email.com
555-123-4567
Looking for a job? These position are hiring now near you:
Search For Communications Specialist JobsAlexander Gibbons
152 Comm Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90001
555-123-4567
alexgibbons@email.com
linkedin.com/in/alexandergibbons123January 1, 2021
Illeana Gray
Director of Human Resources
CommYou, Inc.
123 Business Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 9001Dear Ms. Gray,
I am no stranger to the deadline-driven, fast-paced world of communications. As a double major at UCLA, focusing my studies on Communications and Business, I participated in multiple extracurricular activities holding leadership roles in many. CommYou, Inc. needs someone who works well under pressure and is adept at cultivating relationships and delivering key messaging in your Communications Specialist role. I would be an excellent asset.
My experience working in marketing and public relations has given me an expert knowledge of new and traditional media channels — including all current social media platforms. I am well-versed in the art of creating web and social media content, responding to media inquiries, and coordinating communications programs, all while staying on message. If something does go wrong, I am comfortable stepping in to coordinate damage control, shifting the company back into a positive light. With my professionalism and expertise, CommYou, Inc. will be able to build brand awareness, elevate brand image, and communicate key messaging through marketing campaigns, promotional events, and all media outlets.
You will find that I am a capable, team-oriented person with strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. If my cover letter and resume can’t persuade you of my talents, then I don’t deserve to hear from you. Thank you for your time and consideration.
I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely,
Alexander Gibbons
alexgibbons@email.com
555-123-4567