6 answers
Anne-Perry
Student
Charleston, South Carolina
1
Question
Updated
1098 views
How can I stand out when applying for communication jobs online?
I’m a Communication major with a Psychology minor graduating in the spring. I’m starting to look for entry-level roles in event planning, brand communications, and marketing. With so many applications happening online, what are the best ways to make my resume and experience stand out to employers?
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6 answers
Shruti Marwaha
Communications and journalism
2
Answers
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Updated
Shruti’s Answer
Hello!
You can create a digital portfolio of your work to stand out. Create a simple website or a polished PDF showcasing your best work.
Include 3-5 varied examples: an academic research paper, a press release, a social media campaign plan, a feature article, or something related to content and communications. Link this portfolio directly on your resume. So when the interviewer looks at your profile , they see your work first hand in a visual format.
All the very best!
You can create a digital portfolio of your work to stand out. Create a simple website or a polished PDF showcasing your best work.
Include 3-5 varied examples: an academic research paper, a press release, a social media campaign plan, a feature article, or something related to content and communications. Link this portfolio directly on your resume. So when the interviewer looks at your profile , they see your work first hand in a visual format.
All the very best!
Honorata Kotlińska
Category Product Manager
3
Answers
Wrocław, Lower Silesian Voivodeship, Poland
Updated
Honorata’s Answer
Hi Anne-Perry. To make your resume and experience stand out to employers, create a couple of different versions that you can use as a starting point depending on the role you apply for. Then review your experience and education history and capture it through the glasses of "what skills that are useful in Event planning have I developed in this role?"; "how have I used my Communications skills in this job experience?"; "what marketing relevant skills have I learned during this course?". You can then further taylor your resume to the job you actually apply for, but you can have a good starting point for any of these three paths.
For event planning, highlight the situations where you helped/organized an event - e.g. a conference, a class dance, a reunion meeting - and list some key points. Example: As a school book club leader, I have organized monthly book club sessions gathering 15 members each time. I have organized a meeting with an author, coordinating the logistics between their agent, book club members and school library. The meeting gathered 100 participants from the school and local community.
For communication related roles, highlight the tasks you performed that focus around communication channels. Example: I have lead the school newsletter, leading a team of three peers and targeting an audience of 1000 students and teachers across two departments. I was responsible for editorial and overview work, shaping the final format of the newsletter and choosing the topics.
For event planning, highlight the situations where you helped/organized an event - e.g. a conference, a class dance, a reunion meeting - and list some key points. Example: As a school book club leader, I have organized monthly book club sessions gathering 15 members each time. I have organized a meeting with an author, coordinating the logistics between their agent, book club members and school library. The meeting gathered 100 participants from the school and local community.
For communication related roles, highlight the tasks you performed that focus around communication channels. Example: I have lead the school newsletter, leading a team of three peers and targeting an audience of 1000 students and teachers across two departments. I was responsible for editorial and overview work, shaping the final format of the newsletter and choosing the topics.
Dorcas Kpabitey
Communications Associate
2
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Dorcas’s Answer
Hi Anne-Perry,
Your degree is a great start, so congratulations in advance!
Every company looks for different things, so read job descriptions closely. Match your skills and experiences to what the company wants in your resume and cover letter. This helps recruiters see how you fit their needs. You might find the tool Teal useful for this.
As you're about to graduate, consider applying for graduate internships. These are usually paid and entry-level, so they're a good fit even if you don't have much experience. Just make sure you meet their requirements and prepare well for any tests or interviews.
Networking is also important. When you find a job you like, connect with recruiters or employees on LinkedIn. Set up informational interviews and ask for advice. These connections can lead to referrals or help your application stand out.
Since you want to work in events, brand communications, and marketing, it might also be helpful to focus on specific industries. This will help you target your efforts more effectively.
Wishing you the very best!
Your degree is a great start, so congratulations in advance!
Every company looks for different things, so read job descriptions closely. Match your skills and experiences to what the company wants in your resume and cover letter. This helps recruiters see how you fit their needs. You might find the tool Teal useful for this.
As you're about to graduate, consider applying for graduate internships. These are usually paid and entry-level, so they're a good fit even if you don't have much experience. Just make sure you meet their requirements and prepare well for any tests or interviews.
Networking is also important. When you find a job you like, connect with recruiters or employees on LinkedIn. Set up informational interviews and ask for advice. These connections can lead to referrals or help your application stand out.
Since you want to work in events, brand communications, and marketing, it might also be helpful to focus on specific industries. This will help you target your efforts more effectively.
Wishing you the very best!
Joseph Maltby
Analysis and Management
26
Answers
Richmond, VA
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
When I've hired, or helped hire, employees in communication-related roles, I've focused primarily on whether it looks like they can do the work required without needing to be taught everything from scratch. So the more you can emphasize practical experience, the better. This can be projects in your classes, internships, personal projects, or volunteer work. Anything that shows you've already produced the kinds of output required in that role.
Doing the work isn't just about having created those specific kinds of deliverables either. It's also about demonstrating that you don't need someone following after you to make sure things get done. I've definitely worked with new employees who aren't lazy, but who are timid and want to be told they aren't making any mistakes at every stage, which can eat up a lot of a supervisor or senior employee's time and attention. So try to emphasize that you can get the job done on your own and know when to ask for help or clarification in your resume as well as any interviews or messages you send.
As far as a clear resume goes, bear in mind that a hiring official will be reading dozens or even hundreds of them. So use your communications know-how to make it as easy as possible to read and get the highlights. Short, punchy, lots of white space, bottom line up front, etc. Imagine someone is skimming it in the middle of a pile of similar resumes, so you need to make sure they get the highlights quickly.
Doing the work isn't just about having created those specific kinds of deliverables either. It's also about demonstrating that you don't need someone following after you to make sure things get done. I've definitely worked with new employees who aren't lazy, but who are timid and want to be told they aren't making any mistakes at every stage, which can eat up a lot of a supervisor or senior employee's time and attention. So try to emphasize that you can get the job done on your own and know when to ask for help or clarification in your resume as well as any interviews or messages you send.
As far as a clear resume goes, bear in mind that a hiring official will be reading dozens or even hundreds of them. So use your communications know-how to make it as easy as possible to read and get the highlights. Short, punchy, lots of white space, bottom line up front, etc. Imagine someone is skimming it in the middle of a pile of similar resumes, so you need to make sure they get the highlights quickly.
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Anne-Perry !
Congratulations on your soon to be graduation ! That is great !
What you'll need to understand about employment is that because of the divers nature of employer's viewpoints, needs and the culture of their companies, there is no way to tell how you could "stand out". Don't feel alone, almost everyone that inquires here wants to "stand out". If you don't want to get lost in cyberspace or be just another one in the crowd, there are some things that would help, but nothing is guaranteed - you just have to be whatever the employer is looking for. That means a combination of having the pointed college degree in a subject that is focused on what you're applying for, having the skills, flexibility and versatility and adapting to and accepting the nature of the work.
With a Bachelors Degree in Communications and a Minor in Psychology, applying for work (and it should be a career job at this point, not an entry level job) in the fields of Event Planning, Brand Communications, and Marketing, many other applicants will have their degrees in Business or Marketing. The Psychology minor is not going to be applied in a corporate setting as courses from the psychology department are geared towards a career in the mental health field, not business. So I wouldn't even put that you have a minor in Psychology on your resume.
Think about obtaining some professional Certifications connected to business and marketing to boost your knowledge, skills and credibility.
I see so much inquiry about "standing out" that I have started to interpret it as meaning, how can one be different. Being different helps one stand out but nothing is guaranteed. Besides your experience, degree and skills matching up to the job description, you can do some things like strong networking in person and mailing a hard copy of your resume and cover letter directly to the company. You can even go in person and deliver it and depending on the venue, ask for a tour, talk with staff. It's hard to "stand out" if you are just words on a computer screen. Attend as many Job Fairs as you can and develop the confidence that you can start your career after graduation instead of thinking of entry level. Your experience and projects should be looked at as the preparation for it.
Doing things in person like that establishes a special and memorable rapport and connection. Too many students are having issues with submitting resumes electronically and not hearing back, so is only applying online really a better way to obtain employment ? My advice is follow the employment notice directions which most times say to apply online, but also send a hard copy via delivery or mail and be physically present at events and extra trainings after college. It is a lot of work finding work, yes.
A good way to get started is to open your own Event Planning service. Your path in Communications probably taught you about advertising and you can research how to set up a business in your locale, and you can work from home for this and go to your clients instead of them coming to you. Get business cards made to hand out to people and attend expos that deal with weddings, the arts, corporate events such as conferences, trade shows, product launches, team building retreats, and business dinners, aligning these events with specific business objectives like brand promotion or employee engagement.
Include yourself in directories so that customers can contact you. Try The Event Coordinator Directory - USA, D7 Lead Finder (for New York City), Yelp, Eventective, and The Knot. Your local Chamber of Commerce just may keep a listing, too so definitely check with them. So instead of wondering how to stand out, take action and create an opportunity for yourself. It will take a lot of networking locally, but that's usually fun and a direct way for people to remember you. On an additional positive note, know that you are unique, people need to know you in person and you have the potential to make a real impact in the world of Event Planning or whatever field you strive for.
Best wishes in all you do !
Congratulations on your soon to be graduation ! That is great !
What you'll need to understand about employment is that because of the divers nature of employer's viewpoints, needs and the culture of their companies, there is no way to tell how you could "stand out". Don't feel alone, almost everyone that inquires here wants to "stand out". If you don't want to get lost in cyberspace or be just another one in the crowd, there are some things that would help, but nothing is guaranteed - you just have to be whatever the employer is looking for. That means a combination of having the pointed college degree in a subject that is focused on what you're applying for, having the skills, flexibility and versatility and adapting to and accepting the nature of the work.
With a Bachelors Degree in Communications and a Minor in Psychology, applying for work (and it should be a career job at this point, not an entry level job) in the fields of Event Planning, Brand Communications, and Marketing, many other applicants will have their degrees in Business or Marketing. The Psychology minor is not going to be applied in a corporate setting as courses from the psychology department are geared towards a career in the mental health field, not business. So I wouldn't even put that you have a minor in Psychology on your resume.
Think about obtaining some professional Certifications connected to business and marketing to boost your knowledge, skills and credibility.
I see so much inquiry about "standing out" that I have started to interpret it as meaning, how can one be different. Being different helps one stand out but nothing is guaranteed. Besides your experience, degree and skills matching up to the job description, you can do some things like strong networking in person and mailing a hard copy of your resume and cover letter directly to the company. You can even go in person and deliver it and depending on the venue, ask for a tour, talk with staff. It's hard to "stand out" if you are just words on a computer screen. Attend as many Job Fairs as you can and develop the confidence that you can start your career after graduation instead of thinking of entry level. Your experience and projects should be looked at as the preparation for it.
Doing things in person like that establishes a special and memorable rapport and connection. Too many students are having issues with submitting resumes electronically and not hearing back, so is only applying online really a better way to obtain employment ? My advice is follow the employment notice directions which most times say to apply online, but also send a hard copy via delivery or mail and be physically present at events and extra trainings after college. It is a lot of work finding work, yes.
A good way to get started is to open your own Event Planning service. Your path in Communications probably taught you about advertising and you can research how to set up a business in your locale, and you can work from home for this and go to your clients instead of them coming to you. Get business cards made to hand out to people and attend expos that deal with weddings, the arts, corporate events such as conferences, trade shows, product launches, team building retreats, and business dinners, aligning these events with specific business objectives like brand promotion or employee engagement.
Include yourself in directories so that customers can contact you. Try The Event Coordinator Directory - USA, D7 Lead Finder (for New York City), Yelp, Eventective, and The Knot. Your local Chamber of Commerce just may keep a listing, too so definitely check with them. So instead of wondering how to stand out, take action and create an opportunity for yourself. It will take a lot of networking locally, but that's usually fun and a direct way for people to remember you. On an additional positive note, know that you are unique, people need to know you in person and you have the potential to make a real impact in the world of Event Planning or whatever field you strive for.
Best wishes in all you do !
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Anne-Perry. To be effective, you need to create a clear and professional resume. Use simple formatting and highlight your most relevant skills and experiences. Tailor your resume and cover letter for each job you apply for instead of sending the same version to every employer. Also, focus on using keywords from the job description to show that you are a strong match for the position.
You should emphasize your practical experience. As a Communication major with a Psychology minor, you already have valuable skills in understanding people and crafting messages. Highlight internships, class projects, volunteer work, or part-time jobs that show your ability to plan events, manage social media, or work with a team.
You should also build a strong online presence. You can create a professional LinkedIn profile and keep it updated. Add a short summary about who you are, what you're passionate about, and what kind of roles you're seeking. Additionally, you might need to share your work such as event photos, writing samples, or marketing projects. This can help you stand out and make a positive impression on employers.
All the best!
You should emphasize your practical experience. As a Communication major with a Psychology minor, you already have valuable skills in understanding people and crafting messages. Highlight internships, class projects, volunteer work, or part-time jobs that show your ability to plan events, manage social media, or work with a team.
You should also build a strong online presence. You can create a professional LinkedIn profile and keep it updated. Add a short summary about who you are, what you're passionate about, and what kind of roles you're seeking. Additionally, you might need to share your work such as event photos, writing samples, or marketing projects. This can help you stand out and make a positive impression on employers.
All the best!