Improving my chances at landing comms job

[PuppyDogEyes13]

Hi
I wonder if anyone can give me some tips on how to improve my chances of landing a Comms Coordinator (or similar) role. I’ve applied for a few recently and been rejected without an interview. On paper I felt I was well qualified, but I know with Covid etc, competition is fierce, especially for home based positions, which is what I’m going for.
The other thing that probably goes against me is that my current job title does not include any reference to comms, although I’m responsible for producing newsletters/content/social media posting/circulating press releases etc. I work for a very small company and took on these extra roles when I started, having shown an interest (and aptitude for writing).
I’m in my late 40s, so no spring chicken, but think I still have a lot to offer in the work place. Are there any courses (free ideally) that are well regarded in the industry that would help my chances and make my CV look more appealing?
Thanks, in advance.

Have you edited your CV for the applications to highlight the relevant experience?

How about getting even more experience via volunteering?

What sort of comms do you want to get into? It can be very competitive so you might want to look for roles which link to your current job in some way, for instance in the same sector so you can use your wider expertise.

People will look at your job title, so I might use a different heading for that but of your CV. Big and bold up the top - Company X: press and social media specialist. Do include your actual job title further down so you're not being misleading.

Good comms teams will look at results. I would discount you (sorry) for saying you circulate press releases - I really don't care that you can press send on an email, I want to know what coverage you won and that it did for the business.

Good luck!

Thanks - I currently work for a charity so would be looking at a charity comms role.

Contact the recruiter and ask for an informal discussion before you submit your application to find out more a out the role. It shows your enthusiasm, that it's not just another application for you, and you get a chance to highlight immediately that although its not in your role title you're still heavily involved in comes.

That’s a good idea. Thanks Actually....

@PuppyDogEyes13 I'm pretty sure that's what landed me my project management job when I wasn't a project manager! Had a zoom call, looks enthusiastic, and got to explain the elements of my previous role that translated well into PM :) good luck x

Thanks. I know I need to keep plugging away with the applications but it’s such an arduous process! Almost a job in itself!