How to Be Internal Communications Consultant - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 1, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The rapid development of technology has had a significant impact on internal communications within organizations. By providing new ways to communicate, technology has enabled teams to become more connected and collaborative, enabling them to work more efficiently and effectively. This has created a need for organizations to invest in internal communications consultants, who are trained in using the latest tools and techniques to ensure the most effective use of technology. The advantages of such consultants include improved productivity, increased employee engagement, and better collaboration between teams, leading to greater overall success for the organization.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become an internal communications consultant, you will need to have at least a bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
Consider Pursuing a Master's Degree. A master's degree in communications may be beneficial to those who wish to become an internal communications consultant. This degree will give you a deeper understanding of the topics related to communication, such as media relations, crisis communication, social media, and writing for digital media.
Gain Work Experience. You will need to gain work experience in the field of communications. This could include working as a communications specialist or an internal communications manager.
Obtain Certification. There are various certifications that you can obtain that will help you to become an internal communications consultant. These include the Certified Professional Communicator (CPC) and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).
Develop Your Professional Network. Building relationships with people in the industry is essential for any consultant. You can do this by attending industry events and joining professional networks.
Start Your Own Business. If you have the skills and experience necessary, you can start your own internal communications consulting business. This requires registering your business with the relevant authorities, setting up your online presence, and marketing your services.

The need for a competent Internal Communications Consultant is essential in order to ensure effective communication within an organization. Without a consultant, it can be difficult to ensure that employees have the right information, at the right time. A consultant can analyze the current communication structure, identify any issues, and develop strategies to improve the flow of information and ensure that all employees are on the same page.

Properly implemented communications strategies can lead to improved efficiency, reduced costs, and happier employees. In addition, the consultant can provide advice on best practices to ensure the most effective and efficient use of resources and tools available, such as electronic communication and social media. By having a knowledgeable and experienced consultant in place, organizations can save time and money while ensuring that employees have access to the information they need.

You may want to check Public Relations & Communications Specialist, Digital Communications Consultant, and Media & Communications Analyst for alternative.

Job Description

Manage and develop internal communications strategies and plans.
Lead internal communications initiatives and activities.
Develop, write and edit communications materials, including newsletters, emails, intranet content, videos, etc.
Oversee internal messaging programs to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all channels.
Work with the communications team to ensure consistency of company messages across all channels.
Monitor the effectiveness of communications efforts and adjust as needed.
Research, evaluate and recommend new methods for communicating with employees.
Identify potential communication issues and develop strategies to address them.
Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the company.
Assist with the planning and execution of employee events, such as town halls and awards ceremonies.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with external vendors and partners.
Provide guidance, support and advice to management on communication-related issues.
Troubleshoot communication issues as they arise.
Monitor industry best practices and trends in internal communications.
Develop and manage communication budgets.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills
Understanding of corporate culture and values
Knowledge of internal communication channels and best practices
Ability to develop creative and effective messaging strategies
Experience with project management and workflow coordination
Proficiency in editing and proofreading content
Ability to develop compelling visuals and multimedia content
Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and in teams
Understanding of social media platforms and trends
Excellent time management skills

Effective communication is essential for any business to thrive and grow. Poor communication can lead to a lack of understanding and disagreements that can lead to decreased productivity, customer dissatisfaction, and even the loss of customers. An internal communications consultant is a key element to the success of a business.

They are responsible for developing efficient communication strategies to ensure that all employees are informed, and that their messages are received and understood. The most important skill for an internal communications consultant to have is the ability to listen to the needs of the business, understand the objectives of the organization, and craft effective messages that are tailored to each audience. They must also be able to be creative, flexible and responsive to changing needs, translating complex information into simple, easy-to-understand concepts.

an internal communications consultant needs to be able to handle difficult conversations and motivate stakeholders with diplomacy and professionalism. With these skills and attributes, an internal communications consultant can help organizations bridge the gap between their employees, customers, and other stakeholders, leading to increased efficiency and improved outcomes.

Executive Communications Analyst, Community Relations & Communications Specialist, and External Communications Specialist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How would you describe your experience in internal communications?
Have you ever managed an internal communications program?
What strategies have you implemented to successfully engage employees?
How do you handle difficult or sensitive topics in internal communications?
Describe a successful internal communications project that you have worked on.
What processes do you use to ensure employees receive accurate and timely information?
What do you consider the most important elements of an effective internal communication strategy?
How do you measure the success of an internal communications program?
What challenges have you encountered when developing an internal communications plan?
How do you stay updated on the latest trends in internal communications?

Common Tools in Industry

Microsoft Teams. A cloud-based collaboration platform that allows teams to communicate, share files, and work together in real-time. (eg: example: Microsoft Teams is used by the Internal Communications team to share updates and collaborate on company-wide initiatives. )
Yammer. A private social network for companies that allows employees to connect, engage, and share information. (eg: example: Yammer is used by the Internal Communications team to announce new programs or initiatives and encourage feedback from employees. )
Slack. A messaging platform for teams that helps organize conversations and keep track of tasks. (eg: example: Slack is used by the Internal Communications team to send out notifications and reminders about upcoming events or deadlines. )
Email Marketing Platforms. Software used to design, send, and track marketing emails. (eg: example: The Internal Communications team uses an email marketing platform to send out company-wide newsletters. )
Video Conferencing Platforms. Software used to host virtual meetings and webinars. (eg: example: The Internal Communications team uses a video conferencing platform to facilitate weekly town hall meetings with employees. )

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
Association for Talent Development (ATD)
Institute of Internal Communications (IoIC)
National Communication Association (NCA)
Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management (GA)
International Public Relations Association (IPRA)
International Association of Professional Communicators (IAPC)
International Association of Business Communicators Canada (IABC/Canada)
Communication Leadership Network (CLN)

We also have Social Media & Communications Specialist, Public Relations & Communications Coordinator, and Media & Communications Consultant jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Employee Engagement. A measure of how connected and motivated employees are with the organization and its values. It can be measured through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other methods.
Internal Communications Strategy. A plan for how a company will communicate with its employees. It usually includes what channels will be used to communicate, who the audience is, and what messages should be shared.
Change Management. The process of managing and implementing organizational change. It involves analyzing the current situation, developing a strategy, and executing the plan with the help of employees.
Employee Recognition. Acknowledging and rewarding employees for their contributions and achievements. This can be done through awards, bonuses, public recognition, or other incentives.
Cultural Change. The process of shifting an organizations culture to better align with new values or goals. It involves creating a shared vision and developing initiatives to support it.
Internal Branding. Developing a consistent message and identity across all internal communications and activities. This helps to strengthen employee pride in the company and create a unified corporate culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of an Internal Communications Consultant?

An Internal Communications Consultant is responsible for developing and managing communication strategies, campaigns, and tactics within an organization to improve employee engagement and productivity.

What qualifications are needed to be an Internal Communications Consultant?

To be an Internal Communications Consultant, one should have a degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related field, along with strong writing, editing and organizational skills. Experience in media relations, corporate communications and digital strategy is also beneficial.

What types of tasks does an Internal Communications Consultant normally perform?

A typical day for an Internal Communications Consultant may involve creating and implementing communication plans, developing content for internal newsletters or emails, managing employee surveys, creating reports and presentations, and facilitating meetings to discuss strategy and best practices.

What is the average salary for an Internal Communications Consultant?

The average salary for an Internal Communications Consultant can vary depending on experience and location, but typically ranges from $50,000 - $75,000 per year.

What are the benefits of having an Internal Communications Consultant?

Having an Internal Communications Consultant can help an organization improve employee engagement, foster collaboration, increase productivity, build positive relationships with stakeholders, and provide clear and consistent communication within the organization.