Showcase your communication skills, from the very first application contact

Looking for a new career opportunity? Then you know that experience and qualifications matter. But equally decisive are your communication skills. According to LinkedIn, a striking 92% of employers consider communication one of the most important soft skills when hiring. The World Economic Forum confirms this trend: effective communication will remain in the top five most in-demand skills until at least 2027.

Being able to express yourself clearly, listen actively, and tailor your message to your audience are essential assets in any professional setting. Yet these are often the hardest skills to demonstrate on paper or in a short interview.

The good news? There are proven ways to highlight your communication strengths right from the start. Recruitment specialist Robert Walters shares some practical tips – from your cover letter to the job interview.

1. Your cover letter: show your style, not just your intention

A strong cover letter is a demonstration of communication. Write with clarity, structure, and purpose. Avoid vague phrases like “I’m a strong communicator” without any context.

Instead, give concrete examples. Explain how you brought a team together on a challenging project, or how you turned around a difficult client conversation through active listening and the right tone. This shows your communication skills in action.

Also, adapt your tone of voice to the company and role. Formal and concise for a consultancy firm, or a more personal and creative tone for a start-up. Showing that you understand your audience is already a mark of great communication.

2. Your CV: proof of communicative action

Your CV can do much more than list job titles and duties. Highlight roles where communication played a key part – for example working with clients, writing reports, giving presentations or acting as liaison between departments.

Briefly describe how you approached those tasks:

• “Compiled reports for senior management – translated technical data into clear, actionable conclusions.”

• “Organised monthly alignment meetings with team members across three departments.”

Clear, active wording strengthens your profile and immediately reflects your writing ability. You’re already communicating effectively – even before the interview.

3. The Interview: listening, adapting, clarifying

A job interview isn’t just about what you say – it’s also about how you say it. Are you attentive? Do you ask insightful questions? Do you summarise briefly to check your understanding? These are all signs of a thoughtful and structured communicator.

Prepare specific examples where your communication style made a difference. Perhaps you prevented a misunderstanding through careful listening, or united colleagues with conflicting interests. Structure your story in three parts: the situation, your solution, and the outcome.

Some employers may also ask for a short presentation. That’s your moment to show how well you can structure and convey complex information. Don’t aim for perfection – focus on being clear, logical and confident, while keeping your audience in mind.

4. Communication can be learned – and it pays off

You don’t need to be a natural speaker to become a strong communicator. It’s a skill you can develop.

Becoming more aware of your style, actively seeking feedback, and looking for opportunities to present or lead will help you grow quickly.

Platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera offer practical training modules in writing, speaking and listening. Even in your daily work, you can practise – by structuring your emails more clearly or running meetings more effectively.

Don’t claim to be a good communicator – show It

Truly effective communication is all about timing, empathy and adaptability. By consciously reflecting on how you communicate – and backing it up with real examples – you significantly strengthen your professional profile.

Not by saying you’re a good communicator, but by showing it consistently: in your cover letter, your CV, and every interaction that follows.

More information

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