Graduate Communications Officer CV Template Example
As a graduate entering the world of communications, you are stepping into one of the most exciting and versatile career paths available today. The role of a Graduate Communications Officer is pivotal for organisations looking to connect with their audiences, build trust, and deliver clear and engaging messages. Typically, a Graduate Communications Officer will support the development and execution of internal and external communications strategies, manage social media channels, create compelling content, draft press releases, support media relations, and assist senior colleagues with campaigns and events.
In the UK, starting salaries for Graduate Communications Officers generally range from £22,000 to £28,000 depending on the size of the organisation and sector. With experience, you could move into Communications Executive or Officer roles with salaries of £28,000–£35,000, and later into senior management or Head of Communications positions reaching £60,000 and above.
Your CV is your passport to these opportunities. A well-written Graduate Communications Officer CV not only shows off your academic credentials and transferable skills, but also highlights your creativity, digital awareness, ability to write persuasively, and your enthusiasm for building a career in communications.
Why your Graduate Communications Officer CV matters
Competition for communications roles is fierce. Employers want to see that you have the right balance of skills: writing, organisation, attention to detail, digital literacy, and interpersonal skills. A CV that reflects these qualities in a structured, engaging, and concise manner will stand out in a crowded field.
Your CV needs to demonstrate your understanding of communications as a discipline. Whether that’s through internships, voluntary work, part-time jobs, or university projects, showing how you’ve developed skills in content creation, stakeholder engagement, or campaign support will help employers picture you thriving in their team.
The key skills to highlight in your CV
Strong written and verbal communication
Social media management and content planning
Creativity and innovative thinking
Analytical and research skills
Team collaboration and relationship building
Time management and organisation
Adaptability and eagerness to learn
Even if you don’t have direct professional experience, think about transferable skills from academic studies, group projects, student societies, part-time jobs, or volunteer work. For example, if you wrote for a university magazine, helped promote an event on social media, or worked in customer service, you’ve gained valuable experience that is relevant to communications.
How to structure a Graduate Communications Officer CV
Employers typically spend less than 10 seconds on an initial CV scan, so clarity and organisation are key. Here’s a tried-and-tested structure:
Contact Information
Full name, professional email, phone number, and LinkedIn profile link.
Personal Profile Statement
A short, punchy paragraph summarising who you are, your strengths, and what you bring to a communications role. For example:
“Enthusiastic Communications graduate with a passion for crafting engaging content and driving audience engagement across digital and print platforms. Proven ability to manage social media channels, write persuasive copy, and collaborate effectively within teams. Seeking to bring creativity and energy to a Graduate Communications Officer role.”
Key Skills Section
A bullet-pointed list of 6–8 core skills tailored to communications.
Education
List your degree(s), university, and dates. Include relevant modules (such as Media Relations, Marketing Communications, or Digital Strategy) and highlight any academic projects demonstrating your ability to research, analyse, and communicate effectively.
Experience
Use reverse chronological order. Include internships, part-time jobs, voluntary roles, and university experiences. Use bullet points to highlight responsibilities and achievements, focusing on transferable skills such as writing, social media, event coordination, or teamwork.
Achievements and Interests
Add anything that sets you apart – for example, awards, published writing, or leadership roles in societies. For interests, stick to those that show creativity, teamwork, or communication.
References
Available on request is sufficient.
Example Graduate Communications Officer CV template
[Here you would provide an anonymised example of a clean, two-page CV tailored for a communications graduate, with clear headings, bullet points, and concise achievements.]
Advice for graduates
Graduates often feel they don’t have enough professional experience, but don’t underestimate the value of your transferable skills. Employers know you’re at the start of your career – what they want to see is potential. Focus on your enthusiasm, your willingness to learn, and the skills you’ve developed through academic projects, societies, internships, and part-time work.
Highlight digital skills: knowledge of social media scheduling tools, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or WordPress can make you stand out. Employers are increasingly looking for graduates who can hit the ground running in digital communications.
Advice for middle management candidates
If you’re moving into a Communications Officer or Communications Executive role with a few years’ experience under your belt, your CV needs to highlight achievements and impact. Instead of listing duties, focus on measurable results – for example, “increased social media engagement by 35% in six months” or “coordinated media coverage resulting in features in The Guardian and BBC News.”
Employers want to see how you’ve grown in your role, managed stakeholders, or contributed to major campaigns. Demonstrating leadership, initiative, and project management will set you apart as a strong mid-level professional.
Advice for senior management candidates
At senior levels – such as Communications Manager, Head of Communications, or Director – your CV should read as a leadership document. Focus on strategy, team management, budget responsibility, and organisation-wide impact. Employers want to see evidence of long-term planning, crisis communication management, and ability to influence senior stakeholders.
Your CV should include clear career progression, quantified achievements, and a strong personal profile that shows vision, leadership, and authority. Highlighting thought leadership, keynote speaking, or published articles will also add weight.
The do’s and don’ts of a Graduate Communications Officer CV
Do’s
Tailor your CV to every role you apply for – use the job description as a guide.
Keep your CV concise, ideally two pages.
Use active, impactful language such as “created,” “delivered,” “coordinated,” or “achieved.”
Provide evidence of your achievements with numbers, percentages, or outcomes where possible.
Make your CV easy to read with clear formatting, bullet points, and white space.
Include a link to your LinkedIn profile and ensure it’s polished and up to date.
Don’ts
Don’t use generic phrases like “hardworking” or “team player” without context.
Don’t include irrelevant details such as primary school qualifications.
Don’t use overly complex language – keep it professional but clear.
Don’t send your CV without proofreading it carefully. Spelling and grammar mistakes will undermine your credibility as a communicator.
Don’t forget to showcase your personality and enthusiasm. Communications is about connection – let that shine through.
General tips for success in communications applications
Research the organisation thoroughly before tailoring your CV. Show an understanding of their values, target audience, and communication style.
Match your CV to the job description – use similar keywords and phrases to demonstrate alignment.
Always accompany your CV with a well-written cover letter tailored to the role.
Keep developing your skills – free online courses in digital marketing, copywriting, or media relations can give you an extra edge.
Network actively – LinkedIn is a fantastic platform to connect with communications professionals and discover opportunities.
Conclusion
Your Graduate Communications Officer CV is your first opportunity to make an impression, demonstrate your potential, and secure an interview. With a strong structure, relevant skills, and evidence of your enthusiasm for communications, you’ll stand out from the competition and take an important step towards building a rewarding career.
If you’d like professional guidance to ensure your CV and LinkedIn profile truly shine, I would be delighted to help. With over 25 years of UK career coaching experience, I’ve supported countless graduates and professionals in creating interview-winning applications. Book an appointment today to take your career to the next level: Book a CV and LinkedIn appointment
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