Five Necessary Skills for Communications Jobs Applicants
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem Solving
- Conflict Resolution
- Creative Skills
There are a lot of articles about the necessary skills for communications jobs; indeed, as the field grows more diverse, there is a need to understand the mandatory skillset. Even the technology field is now requiring communications expertise; Forbes reports that AI may be a significant assistant in corporate communications. But for professionals who are getting ready to enter the field, they may need a little primer on skills they will be asked to possess; here are five such skills.
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1. Communication
This is a no-brainer: every communications applicant should be able to communicate effectively. This can include written and verbal communication. Because much of a communications professional’s job requires them to constantly be in contact with their co-workers, clients, talent, and crew, they must be able to communicate effectively. This means clear and concise emails, professional but affable communications face-to-face or through video conference, and even the ability to converse with consumers on social media. Communication is the heart of the communications industry and no professional will make it if they cannot speak or write effectively.
2. Teamwork
The communications field is not for mercenaries; it is a teamwork-driven field. Professionals must learn how to get along with a team. This team may be stable for years on end or can change from project to project, so they must also be adaptable to changing teamwork environments. They must also be able to manage and work with people who have different personalities or work ethics. Those who master this skill often are the ones who are promoted within the field because the ability to work with others is prized by busy brands and corporations.
3. Conflict Resolution
Along with teamwork comes the need for strong conflict resolution skills. Communications professionals are part of a team, and when different people come together, there are bound to be issues. Professionals must be able to learn to work through conflicts in order to get their job done; this is why conflict resolution skills are necessary. It is imperative to identify a conflict as soon as it occurs, keep the issue professional, and find a solution quickly so that everyone can move on.
4. Problem Solving
Problems happen; a brand makes a mistake, an individual does something embarrassing, or something goes wrong with the launch of a product. Communications professionals have the responsibility of assessing a problem, devising a solution, and then delivering that solution to consumers, the board of directors, or to whoever requires an explanation. This is their job, so problem-solving skills are necessary. Whether there is a technical issue with a social media platform or copyright infringement, communications professionals must be able to acknowledge the problem and find a way to fix it.
5. Creative Skills
The field of communications has changed dramatically since the internet was founded. Now more than ever, communications professionals may find that they are required to have some sort of creative skills. This can include anything from writing to photography to even graphic design skills. While these professionals do not have to be experts, it is part of their job as the voice and face of a brand or company to at least understand the creative aspects of a project. Creative skills also enable these professionals to brainstorm more efficiently when pitching new projects which can, in turn, lead to more responsibility and a promotion in the field.
Communication is vital in America, especially in the age of the internet. While social media skills are integral, there are other vital skills that are just as important when entering the field. The above necessary skills for communications jobs does not cover the spectrum of what will be required by these individuals, but it does paint a picture of what can be expected when entering the field.
Source: Forbes