Here's how you can identify the key qualities when hiring new team members in Corporate Communications.

If u understand the big Pic then only u can weave story to tell on which world can believe. Connect first then communicate to be credible.

Find candidates who are just problem-solvers, but problem anticipators. These candidates are not only aware of current fixes and trends but also see a near-term future of communication. Those who adapt and change tactics will thrive despite challenges.

Key qualities are subjective, especially when corporate items are involved. Here are the few things to consider during the hiring process 1. Knowledge based professionalism 2. Has understanding of the work environment (in depth not just company wise but industry wide) 3. Comprehend tools - audience - style of communication 4. View 'birds eye view' even when seeing a massive system, ready for change management 5. Can model-precise-crisp-position messaging 6. Adapt to latest trends to generate pulse reading

One thing that I disagree with is employing non professional for corporate jobs. People assume that anyone can do it but NO. I have backgrounds and degrees in Journalism, public relations and advertising. Having studied and work in this fields, I realised they are not the same but can be complimentary. This is very noticeable in our federal government appointment of journalists as their spokes person and media managers. Those tasked with this responsibility always fail whenever there is a crisis, because they are not trained public relations experts.

Prioritize candidates with strong communication skills, interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, adaptability, technical skills, and a passion for the industry. Evaluate their ability to write and speak effectively, build relationships, solve problems, adapt to change, utilize digital tools, and demonstrate a genuine interest in the company's field. Consider conducting behavioral interviews to assess their practical skills and experience. By focusing on these key qualities, you can hire team members who are well-equipped to contribute to your organization's success.

One of the top qualities of excellent corporate communicators is being a top-notch writer. Someone who can write well and coherently shows they're a strong thinker, too. We should all strive to continuously improve our writing skills by writing and reading extensively.

Persuasive communication is the key. The candidate can be tested on a topic during the interview process itself to evaluate the capability of writing

Being a strong writer is a top skill any corporate communicator needs to be successful, and leveraging these skills to create compelling content that resonates with your audiences. Thought leadership is an important component, and you need to be able to write well to reflect the voices of those leading your organization. Writing samples and portfolios are helpful in assessing such a candidate.

Now that AI is here - this is even more profound advice Stephanie - it will help a good candidate be better it will not help an unqualified candidate look better - for this role the attention to the words is critical along with the voice, tone, etc… Think about that you prompt and your piece comes out immediately.

En mi experiencia el conocimiento de los medios y de los periodistas es vital. Saber qué les interesa y sobre todo cómo "entrarles" o entenderse con ellos es un plus en cualquier estrategia. No hay que olvidar que los medios están constituidos por personas y las personas tienen "inclinaciones". Así que más que conocedor de los medios, en mi experiencia, la capacidad de convencer, de interesar y de tener una comunicación efectiva con quienes manejan las cámaras, o producen los especios es lo más importante a la hora de traer una nueva persona a un equipo de comunicación.

Ability to make a dent in all media, high energy and networking skills required. Clarity of thought and clear decision making skills an added advantage

Grace under fire is an increasing imperative versus a nice to have given the always on 24-7-365 news / social media cycles and scrutiny from customers, employees, business partners, regulators, investors, elected officials and yes, competitors too. Understanding the importance of crisis preparation, “war room” management, incident cadences, lean and fast writing, simulations and monitoring will set you apart. This is especially important for highly regulated brands and industries. I am actually willing to overlook other lack of experience if someone has great crisis experience.

Composure in adversity and deciding on all angles would open doors in resolving crisis, the foresight to think what if and it's repercussions with a cool head is the key attribute

The answer to this question really depends on the seniority of the person you're looking to hire. With more junior team members, digital and social fluency is going to be key to help fill in gaps that the Corp Comms leader and senior team members may have. Digital and social platforms and tools are evolving so rapidly that younger pros are more likely to be familiar with them. Of course, some level of digital proficiency is desirable for all comms pros.

Ao longo dos processos de seleção que conduzi, percebi que as qualidades essenciais são a capacidade de adaptação e a empatia. A comunicação é dinâmica e precisamos de pessoas que não apenas acompanhem as mudanças, mas que as liderem com sensibilidade. Outra característica vital é a proatividade. Membros que antecipam desafios e agem antes que eles se tornem problemas são inestimáveis. Esses atributos, combinados com uma visão estratégica, formam o alicerce de uma equipe de comunicação verdadeiramente eficaz.

I prioritize attitude over skills because while skills can always be learned, the right attitude is innate. I seek out individuals who demonstrate empathy, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset—qualities that are essential for creating an inclusive and effective communication environment. I look for candidates who are proactive in seeking out diverse perspectives and are comfortable navigating complex conversations with sensitivity. These traits ensure that new team members are not just capable but also driven to contribute positively to our culture, making everyone feel valued and heard.