What are recruiters looking for when screening your communications job application.

by Henrik Rydén
CPO and Co-founder of Impactpool

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Communication plays a vital role in all Organizations. The role includes market research, awareness-raising, communicating with media personnel to address Organization's news, and implementing communication policies and procedures to uphold their brand image. It is the collection and dissemination of critical, time-sensitive, lifesaving information among crisis-affected populations and humanitarian agencies, to enable a more effective response to emergencies.

The good thing about the communications job field, it is an easily transferable job field - this we explain more below. The sector knowledge and lingo are vital, but the skills and platforms used are essentially the same in all sectors.

To land a role in communications, here are some of the general skill requirements in the majority of the job ads at Impactpool:

Proven technical knowledge of a wide range of multimedia (development of mass communications materials such as leaflets, photography, and audio/video productions), web and digital tools is required, including MailChimp, SurveyMonkey, and Drupal (having a portfolio or website with some of the exciting projects and industries you have worked in would be great)
Outstanding article-writing and editing skills - The first point of judgment will be your cover letter and curriculum vitae.
Developed an understanding of the needs of media and public audiences, preferably with NGO - a relevant approach (take a look at the organization's current digital presence, what are they doing right? Evaluate and study the way they present themselves and their brand to the public).
Excellent knowledge and use of social media
High level of self-motivation, initiative, and creativity
Proven experience in using Photoshop, Illustrator, Final Cut, Adobe Suite (or other alternative design software)
Time management skills and effective problem-solving skills are required.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to work with both community members as well as local authorities in a sensitive and respectful manner, and ensure that all community members are represented.
Previous experience in NGOs and/or humanitarian work is an asset.
Regularly meet with and conduct interviews with media personnel.
Act as a spokesperson for the organization.
Write, edit, and distribute various types of content, including material for a website, press releases, marketing material, and other types of content that take the message to the public.
Prepare and manage the organization’s communication budget.
Given the importance of an organization’s public image, previous experience working in industries like journalism, public relations, or social media is generally required for the Communications Officer position.