Communication Audit

Term from Public Relations industry explained for recruiters

A Communication Audit is a detailed review of how well an organization communicates both internally and externally. It's like a health check-up for a company's communication practices. PR professionals use it to examine everything from employee newsletters to social media posts, checking what's working and what isn't. This process helps identify gaps, suggest improvements, and ensure messages are reaching the right people effectively. Similar terms you might see include "messaging assessment," "communications evaluation," or "stakeholder communication review."

Examples in Resumes

Conducted Communication Audit for Fortune 500 company, leading to 40% improvement in employee engagement

Led Communications Audit of internal and external messaging channels for regional healthcare provider

Implemented recommendations from Communication Audit resulting in streamlined corporate messaging strategy

Typical job title: "Communications Auditors"

Also try searching for:

Communications Specialist PR Consultant Communications Analyst Corporate Communications Manager Internal Communications Specialist Communications Strategist PR Strategist

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle resistance from department heads during a communication audit?

Expected Answer: Should discuss diplomatic approach, ability to demonstrate value, experience managing stakeholders, and methods for gaining buy-in from leadership through clear explanation of benefits and ROI.

Q: Can you describe a communication audit that led to significant organizational change?

Expected Answer: Should provide specific example showing ability to identify problems, present solutions, and implement changes that improved organizational communication effectiveness.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What methods would you use to gather data during a communication audit?

Expected Answer: Should mention surveys, interviews, focus groups, document analysis, and observation of communication channels, with understanding of when to use each method.

Q: How do you measure the success of internal communication channels?

Expected Answer: Should discuss employee engagement metrics, readership rates, feedback systems, and practical ways to track improvement in information flow.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic components of a communication audit?

Expected Answer: Should be able to list main elements like message analysis, channel assessment, audience feedback, and basic data collection methods.

Q: How would you organize findings from a communication audit?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to categorize information, identify patterns, and present findings in a clear, organized manner.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic data collection and analysis
  • Survey creation and distribution
  • Report writing
  • Communication channel mapping

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Stakeholder interviewing
  • Data analysis and interpretation
  • Recommendation development
  • Project management

Senior (5+ years)

  • Strategic planning
  • Change management
  • Executive presentation skills
  • Team leadership

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No experience with data collection or analysis
  • Poor writing and presentation skills
  • Lack of understanding of different communication channels
  • No experience with stakeholder management
  • Unable to demonstrate analytical thinking