How to write a communications officer cover letter

A communications officer develops strategies to share information with large audiences on behalf of a company, whether internally or externally. After gaining several years of experience in communications or adjacent roles, you may seek to advance your career to an officer position. Learning more about what to include on a cover letter can help you write compelling applications, impress hiring managers and secure a new role. In this article, we explain how to craft a communications officer cover letter, offer valuable writing tips and share a helpful template and example you can use for guidance when writing your own.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

How to write a communications officer cover letter

Here are the steps you can follow when learning how to write an effective communications officer cover letter:

1. Address the letter

You can include your contact details, the date and the address of the company you're applying to at the top left-hand corner of the page. Your contact information includes your first and last name, phone number, email address and location. On a separate line, note the date to demonstrate that your interest in the role is current. Then below that, include the company's name and address.

You can begin your letter by addressing the hiring manager with Dear, followed by their first and last names. You can search the company's website or review the job description to find this information, or use a generic greeting such as Dear Hiring Manager or To Whom It May Concern if you don't know the intended recipient's name. Taking the time to find their name can make your letter more personal and may make them more likely to read it.

Read more: How to address a cover letter (with examples)

Find communications officer jobs

2. Introduce yourself

Below the greeting, you can introduce yourself and express your interest in the role in the first paragraph. You might also include relevant details such as the specific role you're applying for, where you learnt about the position and the name of the person who referred you, if applicable. It can also be beneficial to highlight how many years of experience you have as a communications officer requires extensive knowledge and experience.

Related: How to use the best cover letter format (with examples)

3. Summarise your work experience

The second paragraph is an opportunity to elaborate on the information you included in your CV. For example, you might discuss the experience you have working with media outlets, developing strategic business plans and crisis communication. You can explain what makes you a suitable candidate for the role by discussing your skills, education and professional qualifications. Featuring any additional courses or advanced credentials you believe may make you a more impressive candidate can help you differentiate yourself from others.

Related: What does a communications officer do? (plus key skills)

4. Discuss your most notable achievements

It's effective to use specific examples of successful strategic plans, social media campaigns or internal communications initiatives you've managed, to demonstrate your abilities. Consider one or two situations from your career and provide a brief description of what you did to achieve success, focusing on the positive outcome. Using statistics or data to quantify your success can make your statements more impactful. You may also choose to mention awards and recognitions you've received if they're relevant to the role.

5. Choose a professional closing

Close your letter by thanking the hiring manager for considering your application and using a call to action to encourage a response. For example, you can share your availability and invite them to call you to schedule an interview. This final section can also be an excellent opportunity to reiterate what you hope to achieve for the company. You can choose a professional closing statement, such as Sincerely or Best regards, before printing your full name on the line below.

Related: Working in communications: a guide (with interview tips)

Cover letter writing tips

Here are some valuable writing tips to consider when preparing your cover letter:

Research the company

Conducting some research about the company you're applying to can help you write a more engaging and persuasive communications officer cover letter. You can do this by following them on social media, visiting the company website to read their mission statement and reviewing any recent press releases. You can then reference what you've learnt in your cover letter.

Related: Research skills: definition and examples

Use keywords

Review the job description carefully before you start writing to identify relevant keywords you can use throughout your letter. For example, it might list specific skills or qualifications, such as postgraduate education, client relationship-building, leadership and strategic planning, that you can highlight throughout your letter. This is a valuable tip to apply when writing a complementary CV as well. Tailoring your cover letter to each unique role you apply for can ensure it conveys your genuine interest and what you can offer the company as a communications officer.

Related: 11 resume writing tips to help you land a job successfully

Proofread carefully

Reviewing your letter for spelling, grammar, syntax and typographical errors can help you write a professional letter. It's an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills, as these are an essential part of the role. You may consider writing the letter and then waiting for several hours before proofreading or giving it to a friend or family member to review and request their feedback. Employing spellchecker software or using an online resource can also be a valuable way to identify and correct possible errors and improve the quality of your letter's content.

Related: Written communication skills: definition and examples

Communications officer cover letter template

Here's a template you can use for reference when preparing your own cover letter as a communications officer:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City]

[Date]

[Company name]

Dear [Hiring manager's first name] [Hiring manager's last name],

[Express excitement for the position including the role title and the company name]. [Introduce yourself by explaining why you're applying for the job and how the job aligns with your career goals and what specifically draws you to the company].

[Explain your relevant experience and qualifications without repeating what's in your CV]. [Highlight one to two relevant achievements with facts and data when possible]. [Explain why you'd be a good fit for the company]. [Optional - address employment gap or career transition].

[Express gratitude]. [Summarise qualification]. [Restate interest in role]. [Call to action + availability and preferred contact method]

[Complimentary close],

[Signature]

Related: How to write the perfect cover letter (with examples)

Communications officer cover letter example

Here's an example you can use for reference when writing a cover letter for a communications officer role:

Evan Wade, Master of Business Administration (MBA) 07555 555555 | e.wade@email.com] | Manchester

24 February 2023

Sunlight Workshop Co.

Dear Joan Van Daalen,

I'm writing to apply for the Communications Officer position at Sunlight Workshop Co. I heard about the role through John Lewis, who I worked with for many years at The Wavewood Group, and who's the current finance manager at your company. He speaks highly of the organisational culture and recommended that I apply for the role because of my proven ability to develop and implement effective communication strategies to achieve positive change. I'm drawn to Sunlight Workshop Co.'s focus on creativity and innovation and believe I can use my strategic planning skills to add value to the organisation and maintain a positive public image.

As a communications expert, I completed a Master of Business Administration and have worked with a diverse range of media outlets, internal teams and external partners over the past 11 years. I have excellent writing skills that allow me to craft compelling messages that resonate with target audiences and inspire action. I have leveraged my collaboration skills and industry expertise to launch successful internal and external communication campaigns. I'm confident in my ability to work with cross-functional teams to manage crisis communications, public relations, marketing campaigns, client relationships and employee communications effectively.

Thank you for considering my application. I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to your company and contribute to its continued success. I am available from Monday to Saturday, so please call me at your convenience to discuss the role further and schedule an interview.

Kind regards,

Evan Wade

The model shown is for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.