Get the Experience to Land the Job | How to Become a Communications Professional

In a previous edition of “Get the Experience to Land the Job” we shared some creative ideas for building your data analysis toolkit. Now, in part five of our series, let’s take a look at how to build some of the experience you’ll need to become a nonprofit communications professional.

Reminder: I don't recommend you spin any of the following examples as professional experience on your resume. Instead, here are some ways that I suggest you feature this somewhat-informal experience to catch the eye of a future employer:

• Include a Relevant Coursework section on your resume.
• Creating a digital portfolio is the perfect way to highlight your newly-acquired communication chops.

Take a course, of course!

If you’ve been following this series, you’re used to finding intel on where to take always-amazing and occasionally-free online courses to get your skills up to snuff. As a budding communications professional, there are two key skills that you’ll want to start with (and plenty of others to work on once you’re up and running):

Storytelling

Being a communications professional isn’t just about writing. It’s about mapping an engaging and effective story arc, and the ability to deliver your message to a variety of audiences and stakeholders.

Presentation is just as important as written communication, so be sure that you start practicing communicating across a variety of platforms, in person and on paper. Explore options, both online and in person, for free improv and storytelling workshops.

Grammar

Don’t get caught with bad grammar! There’s nothing worse for a hiring manager than reviewing applications for a communications professional position and stumbling across typos and bad grammar. While grammar is always important, if you’re interested in this particular line of work, consider it your life’s goal to nail your hyphens, em dashes, clauses, and the like. Khan Academy is a great way to brush up on your grammar skills, and it’s free!

Launch that digital portfolio or professional website

A digital portfolio can serve several purposes. Sure, it’s a great way to highlight your professional and academic background, as well as offer prospective employers an easy, non-social-media based place to explore your style and credentials. But another benefit of a digital portfolio is that it's a place to put your copywriting skills to work!

While you may opt for a plain old digital portfolio with a page or two encompassing your resume and some examples of your work, you’re a writer! This is a moment to actually create copy for a real website. As you create the copy for your site, however, be proactive about testing to ensure that your content is on point and well-received. Survey friends, family, and visitors to the site by asking them to share feedback on whether they find the copy clear, intuitive, and relevant.

Start a blog

While you’re at it, add a blog to your personal website or portfolio. This is a great platform for regular content development and storytelling. Plus, as you acquire fans and followers, you can play with email automation, thank-you screens, and email confirmations to really flex your copywriting muscles.

A little intimidated at the idea of putting yourself on the hook for regular content creation? Avoid writer’s block with these writing prompt resources:

• 20 prompts to inspire your next professional blog post from The Muse
• Monthly writing prompts from Nonprofit Marketing Guide

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As you embark on your journey to becoming a nonprofit communications professional, remember that the skills you cultivate now will set the foundation for your future success.

By pursuing coursework, creating a digital portfolio, and actively engaging in continuous learning, you'll build not just your resume, but also your confidence and expertise!