Communications Manager Resume Keywords for ATS
ATS systems for Communications Manager roles prioritise candidates who demonstrate measurable impact in media relations, stakeholder engagement, and content strategy. Successful CVs combine strategic communication competencies with evidence of campaign delivery, crisis management experience, and proficiency in digital communication platforms. Keyword matching focuses on both traditional PR skills and modern digital communication capabilities.
ATS keywords for a Communications Manager Resume
Use these as a checklist — include the ones that genuinely apply to you, matched to the wording of the job you are targeting.
Core skills
Tools & software
Soft skills
Certifications & qualifications
How to get a Communications Manager Resume past the ATS
- Include both 'Communications' and 'Comms' as ATS may search for either variant; use 'Internal Communications' and 'External Communications' as distinct phrases rather than grouping them
- List specific communication outputs with metrics (e.g., 'press releases', 'media coverage', 'stakeholder newsletters') as these are common ATS search terms
- Reference industry-specific communication contexts if applicable (e.g., 'healthcare communications', 'financial services communications', 'public sector communications') to match sector-specific searches
- Include both traditional PR terminology ('media relations', 'press office') and digital terms ('social media management', 'digital content') as roles increasingly require both
- Mention specific stakeholder groups you've managed communications for (e.g., 'executive communications', 'employee communications', 'investor relations') as these trigger targeted searches
- Use 'crisis communications' or 'issues management' explicitly if you have this experience, as it's a high-value keyword often used as a filter criterion
Before & after: Communications Manager Resume bullets
Before: Responsible for managing company communications and social media accounts
After: Developed and executed integrated communications strategy across internal and external channels, increasing stakeholder engagement by 45% and growing social media reach to 28,000 followers using Hootsuite
Before: Wrote press releases and dealt with media enquiries
After: Managed media relations programme delivering 120+ press releases annually, securing coverage in tier-1 publications including The Guardian and Financial Times, achieving 89% positive sentiment
Before: Handled communications during difficult situations
After: Led crisis communications response for 3 high-profile issues, coordinating stakeholder messaging and media briefings that protected brand reputation and maintained 92% customer confidence scores
Communications Manager Resume keywords — FAQ
What keywords should a Communications Manager put on their Resume?
A Communications Manager Resume should include core skills such as Media Relations, Internal Communications, External Communications, Stakeholder Engagement, Content Strategy, Crisis Communications, and name specific tools like Hootsuite, Sprout Social, Meltwater, Cision, Mailchimp. Always match the exact terms used in the job description you are applying to.
How do I make my Communications Manager Resume ATS-friendly?
Use a plain-text skills section, mirror the keywords from the job posting word-for-word, spell out acronyms once alongside their short form, and quantify your achievements. Include both 'Communications' and 'Comms' as ATS may search for either variant; use 'Internal Communications' and 'External Communications' as distinct phrases rather than grouping them
What skills do employers look for in a Communications Manager?
Beyond technical skills, employers screen for Strategic Thinking, Relationship Building, Stakeholder Management, Attention to Detail. Relevant qualifications include CIPR Diploma in Public Relations, PRCA Qualifications, CIM Diploma in Professional Marketing.