Are you looking to write your perfect Communications Assistant CV?
A communications assistant’s job involves creating engaging content, assisting with PR strategies and maintaining strong communication channels within an organisation.
Crafting a well-structured CV is vital to stand out in this competitive field. Your CV should highlight your qualifications, showcase relevant experience and spotlight your achievements.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step, offering valuable tips and providing an example CV to ensure you create a compelling document that gets you noticed. Let’s get started!
94 Park Place Castle GY5 3JP Mob: 0000 5474 2484 Email: [email protected]
Personal profile statement
I am a hard-working, confident, creative and self-driven (Graduate) Communications Assistant with over three years of work experience seeking a long-term position in the Marketing and Communications sectors. I have an excellent track record of supporting the operations of companies and making a significant and tangible difference in their performances.
Achievements
Founder and Executive Editor of a website which receives 20k+ visits a month
Elected Class Representative (University, 2nd Year)
Education
2009 – 2012
BA Business Studies BSc (Hons)
Aston University
Classification: [2:1]
Relevant Modules:
Brand Strategy
Functions of Organisations
Marketing Fundamentals
Introduction to Visual Basic
2007 – 2009 Results: DDM
BTEC Higher Nationals in Business
Redding College
Relevant Modules:
Organisations and Behaviour
Business Decision-Making
Marketing Planning and Intelligence
Managing Communications, Knowledge and Information
Advertising and Promotion in Business
Employee Relations
The Internet and E-Commerce
Business Ethics
Work experience
Mar 2013 – Present
Communications Assistant Nottingham Trent University
Main duties performed:
Creating and developing student case studies for marketing purposes
Collecting and uploading student profiles on the University website
Coordinating and organising events (e.g. Open Days, Graduation, etc.)
Liaising with design agencies to produce leaflets, banners, and prospectuses.
Writing and publishing press releases and news stories
Editing and proof-reading marketing materials (both online and hardcopy)
Managing and updating the departmental staff intranet
Ensuring all the information on the website is accurate and up-to-date
Supporting the administrative teams with their internal communications
Organising meetings between internal and external stakeholders
Providing accurate information to students, parents and staff
Writing articles tailored particularly towards a student audience
Managing Social Media Campaigns
Assisting with PR campaigns
Organising external visits and arranging meetings
Conducting interviews with staff, students and potential employees
Assisting with administration tasks
Dec 2012 – Mar 2013
Marketing Trainee NEXT Teaching Centre
Main duties performed:
Uploading images, stories and information on the CMS
Contributing to the marketing of the organisation’s products and services
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) to improve the website’s ranking
Managing Facebook and Google Adwords Campaigns
Getting testimonials from customers and publishing them on the website
Performing market research
Producing press releases
Communicating with clients, press, suppliers and members of the public
General Admin duties; phoning, filing, photocopying, etc.
Qualifications
Level 3 in Literacy
Level 2 Better Communication Skills at Work – Hemsley Fraser
Level 2 Award in Effective Team Member Skills – ILM
Skills
Exceptional communication skills (both oral and written)
Confident and professional in dealing with people from all levels of seniority
Excellent IT Skills (Microsoft Office; e-Mail, CMSs, etc.)
Hobbies and interests
In my spare time, I like to surf the web, watch movies and socialise with my friends, family and colleagues. I have a big passion for helping with the organisation of events/activities which is one of the reasons why I volunteer at a local School.
References
Mr Ryan Ali Marketing Manager, Nottingham Trent University Address: 76 Northgate St, Thalamus, HS2 5GB Tel: 0206 4855 2347 Email:[email protected]
Mr James Black Officer Manager, NEXT Teaching Centre Address: 6 Fox Lane, Blackley, GL56 1DW Tel: 0253 3472 3245 Email:[email protected]
Preview
What makes this CV good and effective?
Tailored to the job: The candidate has tailored their CV to match the requirements of the communications assistant role they’re applying for, emphasising skills and experiences directly relevant to the job description.
Clean and professional design: The CV adopts a clean and professional font and format, enhancing its readability and visual attractiveness, thereby leaving a strong impression on recruiters. CVs that are badly formatted are automatically rejected.
Clear education section: The education section is concise but includes important details about the candidate’s relevant degrees, institutions and graduation dates. It also contains the subjects or modules that they have studied, giving employers a better insight into what they learned.
Relevant experience: The candidate has effectively showcased their work experience gained in prior communications roles. For each position, they have provided comprehensive insights into their key responsibilities, notable accomplishments and the duration of their tenure, offering a clear and in-depth understanding of their professional journey in the field.
Choose a legible font: Select a professional and easy-to-read font like Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, Calibri or Times New Roman to enhance readability.
Separate sections clearly: Research has shown that employers tend to scan CVs rather than read them in detail so it’s vital that the sections of your CV are clearly separated to make it easier for the employer to navigate it. Use horizontal lines, appropriate spacing and a larger font size to separate different sections.
Consider a modern design: Depending on the industry and employer, a more modern design with subtle colours or design can add a contemporary touch to your CV. The key is using colour and design elements sparingly, keeping the focus on the content of the document.
Use powerful language: To captivate the reader’s attention, it’s important to begin each bullet point with powerful action verbs as they illustrate your proactive approach and the tangible results you’ve achieved in your previous roles. For instance, instead of merely stating that you “worked on a marketing campaign”, using action verbs transforms it into “Managed a successful marketing campaign”, instantly portraying you as an active and influential contributor. Similarly, “Developed a content strategy that increased website traffic” is more compelling than a passive description like “Contributed to the content strategy.”
Update your CV regularly: Keep your CV up to date, and revise it to reflect new achievements and experiences as they occur.
Your CV’s personal information section is the opening segment that introduces you to potential employers. It should include essential details such as your full name, phone number, email address and address.
Employers use the details provided in this section to contact you, so make sure it’s accurate and up-to-date. Double-check for any typos in your email address or missing digits in your telephone number.
Experienced Communications Assistant with a proven track record in crafting compelling content, managing social media campaigns and enhancing brand visibility. Successfully implemented a PR strategy resulting in a 20% increase in media coverage. Skilled in fostering strong media relations and boosting online engagement by 30%. Passionate about driving effective communication strategies for impactful results.
Accomplishments
The accomplishments section of your CV is where you list some of your notable achievements, like awards, promotions or impressive grades.
These bullet points showcase your successes and skills to potential employers and provide solid evidence of your abilities that can set you apart from other applicants.
Example:
Spearheaded a social media campaign that increased engagement by 40%.
Received a “Communication Excellence” award for exceptional performance in the workplace.
Implemented a crisis communication plan that effectively managed a PR crisis.
Developed and led a student marketing campaign for a university event.
Employment history
As its name suggests, this section should provide a succinct and transparent summary of your work experience.
Begin with your most recent job and move in reverse chronological order. For each role, make sure to detail your job title, the company you worked for, your employment dates and a list of bullet points highlighting your key responsibilities and accomplishments.
Use powerful action verbs to describe your role and place a strong emphasis on results and outcomes to illustrate your contributions and influence.
January 2020 – Present
Communications Assistant ABC Media Ltd
Main duties and responsibilities performed:
Assisted in the development and execution of comprehensive PR campaigns.
Managed social media platforms, increasing engagement by 35% within six months.
Drafted and edited press releases, resulting in extensive media coverage.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create and distribute internal communications.
Coordinated and promoted company events, achieving a 20% increase in attendance.
Assisting in the development and execution of PR and communication strategies.
Managing and maintaining social media profiles to increase engagement and followers.
Drafting and editing press releases, newsletters, and other communication materials.
Coordinating and promoting company events and campaigns.
Conducting market research and analysis to identify communication trends and opportunities.
Supporting the creation of multimedia content, including graphics, videos, and podcasts.
Monitoring media coverage and creating reports on the effectiveness of communication efforts.
Responding to inquiries and requests from the media, stakeholders, and the public.
Maintaining and updating internal communication channels and intranet.
Educational background
The educational background section of your CV provides information about your academic qualifications and achievements. It typically includes details about the educational institutions, degrees earned, areas of study and graduation dates.
When applying for entry-level positions, it’s advisable to include your school-level qualifications like GCSEs. However, if you possess significant work experience or advanced education, omitting these details is preferred because they are no longer relevant.
Example:
September 2016 – June 2019
Bachelor of Arts in Communications
University of Sunderland
Degree classification: 2:1.
Subjects studied:
Media and Communication Studies
Public Relations
Journalism and News Writing
Advertising and Marketing
September 2014 – June 2016 Results: A in Media Studies, B in English Literature and B in Business Studies.
A-Levels
Windsor College
Qualifications
The professional qualifications section of your CV lists any specific certifications, training or licenses relevant to your field, showcasing your expertise and credentials to potential employers.
This is a separate section to your “Education” section where you detail your formal education.
Example:
Level 5 Diploma in Public Relations – Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)
Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) in Adobe Photoshop – Adobe Systems Incorporated
Google Analytics Certification – Google
Advanced Writing Course Certificate – New York University
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Marketing – The Open University
It should contain a list of your specific abilities, such as writing, media relations, social media management and content creation.
These skills demonstrate your qualifications for the job and make it easy for potential employers to identify your strengths at a glance.
Refer to the job’s personal specifications to find out the skills and abilities required for the role.
Example:
Content creation: Produced engaging written and visual content, resulting in a 25% increase in website traffic and a 15% rise in social media engagement over a six-month period.
Social media management: Managed and grew social media platforms, increasing followers by 40% and enhancing online presence. Achieved a growth of 5,000 new followers on Twitter and 10,000 on Instagram within a year.
Media relations: Successfully secured coverage in leading publications, including “City Times” and “Tech Insights,” through strategic media outreach.
Content creation: Skilled in producing engaging written and visual content for various platforms.
Social media management: Experienced in managing and growing social media channels to enhance brand visibility.
Public relations strategy: Capable of developing and executing effective PR strategies to boost brand recognition and media coverage.
Media relations: Proficient in building relationships with media outlets and securing coverage for your organisation or clients.
Crisis communication: Able to handle and manage communication during crises or challenging situations to protect your organisation’s reputation.
Copywriting: Skilled in crafting persuasive and compelling written content for marketing materials.
Graphic design: Proficient in creating visually appealing graphics, infographics and other visual content.
Email marketing: Proficient in creating and executing effective email marketing campaigns.
Presentation skills: Effective at delivering clear and engaging presentations to both internal and external audiences.
Event planning: Competent in organising and promoting events for your organisation.
Hobbies & interests
This section of your CV offers a glimpse into your personality and personal interests.
As a Communications Assistant, you might include hobbies related to writing, public speaking, community engagement, volunteering or any activities that showcase your communication skills and passions.
Example:
In my free time, I enjoy writing short stories and articles, which not only sharpens my communication skills but also allows me to stay updated on current writing trends and engage with diverse audiences. I am also an active member of a local public speaking club, where I continue to develop my presentation and communication abilities while connecting with the community.
Professional references
The references section of your CV is where you can provide contact information of individuals who can vouch for your skills and abilities.
Employers want to get an unbiased opinion about you from your references, who can include previous supervisors or colleagues who are familiar with your work.
This section is optional, and you can simply state, “References available upon request” if you prefer not to include this information directly on your CV.
Example:
William Ingram Communications Director, ABC Media Ltd Address: 890 South Street, Bristol, BS1 9EJ Tel: 01455 321 987 Email:[email protected]
Vincent Lane Marketing Manager, Insight Media Address: 234 Elm Avenue, Glasgow, G3 8CD Tel: 01698 765 432 Email:[email protected]
Proofread thoroughly: Eliminate any spelling or grammatical errors, ensuring your CV presents you as detail-oriented. The last thing employers want to see on a communication assistant’s CV are spelling and grammar mistakes!
Include a professional summary: Begin with a compelling personal summary that encapsulates your strengths and goals. It could read, “Experienced Communications Assistant with a passion for crafting engaging content and fostering media relationships.”
Use the right keywords: Utilise keywords from the job description in your CV to align with the employer’s expectations and improve your chances of passing through automated systems. The more targeted your CV appears, the greater its chances of being shortlisted.
Demonstrate adaptability: Emphasise your ability to adapt to evolving communication platforms and technologies. Mention your proficiency in utilising emerging tools like data analytics and SEO.
Engage in the community: Mention any involvement in relevant communities or groups, whether it’s participating in industry associations or leading local communication workshops. If you don’t have any experience, it’s recommended to take up some voluntary positions to gain experience, meet new people and strengthen your CV.
Written by Sobhan Mohmand Sobhan is a qualified Careers Advisor and Professional CV Writer with over 10 years of experience in helping job seekers get a job. He is a Member of the Careers Development Institute (CDI) and is listed on the official UK Register of Career Development Professionals. He holds a Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development (QCF).
