The role of an NHS Communications Officer is pivotal in ensuring clear, engaging, and accurate communication between healthcare services and the public. As the NHS continues to grow and adapt in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape, the demand for skilled communications professionals has never been higher. NHS Communications Officers are responsible for developing press releases, managing social media campaigns, internal communications, and ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms. The average salary for this role ranges from £28,000 to £42,000, depending on experience and seniority, making it an attractive and fulfilling career choice.
Crafting a CV that captures the attention of NHS recruiters is essential. With competition for roles often high, a strategically written CV can be the difference between securing an interview or being overlooked. In this guide, I, Jerry Frempong, with over 25 years of career coaching experience, will show you how to create an interview-winning NHS Communications Officer CV, tailored for graduates, middle management, and senior professionals alike.
Understanding the NHS Communications Officer Role
Before diving into the CV itself, it’s important to fully understand the role’s requirements. NHS Communications Officers are expected to:
Develop and implement communication strategies for public engagement
Write, edit, and distribute press releases, newsletters, and digital content
Manage social media platforms, monitoring trends and analytics
Coordinate internal communications to staff, stakeholders, and partners
Handle crisis communication and sensitive information with discretion
Employers are seeking candidates with strong written and verbal communication skills, creativity, stakeholder management experience, and proficiency in digital communication tools. Highlighting these competencies on your CV is critical to making a strong impression.
Structuring Your NHS Communications Officer CV
A well-organised CV ensures your experience and skills are presented clearly. Here’s a structure that consistently performs well with NHS recruiters:
1. Contact Information
Include your full name, phone number, professional email, and LinkedIn profile. Ensure your email is professional and easy to read.
2. Personal Statement
This is your opportunity to immediately engage the recruiter. Write a concise, optimistic statement summarising your experience, key skills, and what you bring to the NHS communications team. For example:
“A proactive and creative communications professional with five years’ experience in public sector media, adept at delivering clear, engaging messages across multiple channels. Passionate about supporting the NHS mission through strategic communication and stakeholder engagement.”
3. Key Skills
Bullet-point your core competencies. For SEO and recruiter relevance, include:
Media relations and press release writing
Digital and social media management
Internal communications and stakeholder engagement
Crisis communication
Content creation and copywriting
Microsoft Office Suite & communication tools
4. Professional Experience
List roles in reverse chronological order. Focus on achievements rather than responsibilities, using action verbs and measurable results. For example:
Communications Officer – XYZ NHS Trust
Jan 2020 – Present
Led a social media campaign that increased patient engagement by 35%
Developed and implemented internal newsletter improving staff communication ratings by 20%
Coordinated press releases that received local and national media coverage
5. Education & Qualifications
Include degrees, diplomas, and relevant certifications. For communications roles, consider including:
BA in Communications, Media, or Public Relations
CIPR (Chartered Institute of Public Relations) Accreditation
Digital Marketing or Social Media Management Certification
6. Additional Information
Optional sections like volunteering, languages, or professional memberships can enhance your CV. Highlight relevant NHS experience or community engagement initiatives here.
Creating a Graduate-Focused NHS Communications Officer CV
For recent graduates, emphasise transferable skills and experiences gained through internships, volunteering, or university projects. Highlight coursework, writing samples, or media-related projects that demonstrate your capability in communication. Use a concise personal statement and ensure your enthusiasm for joining the NHS is clear.
Crafting a Middle and Senior Management CV
For professionals with more experience, your CV should focus on leadership, strategic planning, and measurable impact. Include achievements such as:
Leading a communications team of X members
Implementing successful trust-wide communication strategies
Managing budgets for campaigns
Mentoring junior staff and developing training programs
Use metrics and results to strengthen your CV, e.g., “Implemented a digital campaign that reduced patient wait-time complaints by 25%.”
Do’s and Don’ts of an NHS Communications Officer CV
Do:
Tailor your CV for each application using NHS-specific keywords
Highlight achievements, not just responsibilities
Keep formatting clean and professional
Use clear, concise language
Proofread multiple times to avoid errors
Don’t:
Include irrelevant personal information
Use jargon or overcomplicated terms
Submit a CV longer than two pages for junior roles
Overstate experience or skills
Neglect your LinkedIn profile; ensure it aligns with your CV
General CV Advice and Tips
Keep sentences short and impactful
Use bullet points for readability
Use keywords from the job description to pass applicant tracking systems
Quantify achievements wherever possible
Tailor your CV to reflect both NHS values and role-specific requirements
Include a professional summary that reflects optimism, commitment, and reliability
Persuasive Closing and Career Support Offer
Crafting a standout NHS Communications Officer CV can be challenging, but with the right guidance, you can significantly improve your chances of securing an interview. Whether you’re a graduate just starting out or an experienced manager looking to progress, a well-structured, achievement-focused CV is essential.
If you want expert support to elevate your CV and LinkedIn profile to attract NHS recruiters, I invite you to book a personalised appointment with me. Together, we can transform your professional story into an interview-winning CV. Secure your session today at https://www.cvlondon.net/book-an-appointment/
and take the next step towards your dream NHS Communications Officer role.
