How to Write a Great Resume for a Writing Job

In the competitive world of writing, a stellar resume is your ticket to landing dream gigs. It's your first impression, and it needs to make a lasting impact. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to create a resume that grabs attention and lands you interviews.

Key Elements of a Winning Writing Resume

1. Tailor Your Resume to the Specific Job

Every writing job has unique requirements. Before you start writing, take time to analyze the job description carefully. Identify the key skills, qualifications, and experience the employer is seeking. Then, tailor your resume to align with those specific needs. Highlight relevant projects and skills that directly demonstrate your ability to excel in the role.

2. Choose the Right Resume Format

While there are different resume formats, the most common and effective for writing jobs are:

• Chronological Resume: This format presents your work history in reverse chronological order, showcasing your career progression and experience. It's ideal for experienced writers with a clear career path.
• Functional Resume: This format emphasizes your skills and abilities, making it ideal for career changers or those with gaps in their work history. It allows you to highlight your writing expertise even if you lack direct experience in the specific job.
• Combination Resume: This format combines elements of both chronological and functional resumes, offering a balanced approach. It highlights your skills and experience while showcasing your career progression. This is a versatile option for many writers.

3. Craft a Powerful Resume Summary or Objective

Your resume summary or objective statement is your opportunity to make a strong first impression. It should be concise, impactful, and tailored to the specific job.

• Resume Summary: Suitable for experienced writers, a summary provides a brief overview of your key skills, experience, and achievements. It should highlight your most relevant accomplishments and showcase your value proposition to the employer.
• Resume Objective: A better choice for entry-level writers or career changers, an objective statement expresses your career goals and how your skills and experience align with the specific job requirements.

Here are some tips for writing a compelling summary or objective:

• Use strong action verbs to describe your accomplishments.
• Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate impact.
• Highlight relevant skills and experience that align with the job description.
• Keep it concise and to the point. Aim for 3-4 sentences for a summary or 1-2 sentences for an objective.

4. Showcase Your Writing Experience

This section is the heart of your writing resume. It showcases your writing skills and experience to potential employers.

• Emphasize Relevant Experience: Focus on writing roles and projects that align with the job you're applying for. If you're seeking a freelance writing position, highlight your experience in various writing niches and your success in attracting clients.
• Quantify Your Accomplishments: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements to demonstrate tangible results. For example, instead of saying "Wrote articles for a website," say "Wrote 20+ articles for [website name], resulting in a 15% increase in website traffic." This clearly demonstrates your impact.
• Use Action Verbs: Use strong action verbs to describe your writing experience. Instead of saying "I wrote," use verbs like "authored," "crafted," "created," "edited," "researched," or "published." This adds dynamism and makes your accomplishments more compelling.
• Include Relevant Projects: If you have any relevant projects or writing samples, include them in your resume. This could be a link to your portfolio website, a published article, or a case study showcasing your writing skills.

5. Highlight Your Key Skills

Your skills section is your opportunity to demonstrate your expertise and capabilities as a writer. This is where you list your technical writing skills, soft skills, and other relevant abilities that make you a valuable asset to any writing team.

Here are some key skills to highlight:

• Technical Skills:
• Content Management Systems (CMS): WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, etc.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Keyword research, content optimization, link building
• Social Media Marketing: Content creation, strategy, engagement
• Copywriting: Headline writing, persuasive writing, call-to-action optimization
• Editing and Proofreading: Grammar, punctuation, style, consistency
• Research: Information gathering, fact-checking, analysis
• Software and Tools: Google Analytics, SEMrush, Grammarly, etc.
• Soft Skills:
• Communication: Clear and concise writing, effective communication, active listening
• Creativity: Original ideas, storytelling, engaging writing
• Problem-Solving: Critical thinking, analytical skills, finding solutions
• Time Management: Meeting deadlines, prioritizing tasks, efficient work habits
• Adaptability: Open to feedback, quick learner, flexible approach
• Teamwork: Collaboration, effective communication, positive attitude

Pro Tip: Use a combination of action verbs and descriptive phrases to make your skills section more impactful. For example, instead of simply saying "SEO skills," say "Experienced in implementing SEO strategies to increase website traffic and organic rankings." This shows you're not just familiar with SEO, but you have a proven track record of using it successfully.

6. Education and Certifications

Include your education and any relevant certifications that enhance your writing abilities. If you have a degree in journalism, English, communications, or a related field, list it. Also, include any relevant writing certifications or courses you've completed, such as SEO writing, content marketing, or copywriting.

7. Proofread and Edit Carefully

Your resume is a reflection of your professionalism. Before submitting it, proofread and edit it meticulously. Check for grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies. Have a fresh pair of eyes review it for any mistakes you may have missed.

8. Customize Your Resume for Each Job Application

Don't send out the same generic resume for every job you apply to. Take the time to customize your resume for each application, emphasizing the skills and experience that are most relevant to the specific position. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the job and shows you've taken the time to understand the employer's needs.

Writing Resume Examples

Here are some sample writing resume sections that you can adapt for your own resume:

Example 1: Freelance Writer

Summary

Freelance writer with 5+ years of experience in creating engaging and effective content for various clients in the tech, travel, and lifestyle industries. Proven ability to research, write, and edit high-quality content that aligns with SEO best practices and client goals.

Experience

• Freelance Writer (2020 - Present)
• Authored blog posts, articles, website content, and social media posts for various clients.
• Researched and wrote in-depth articles on a wide range of topics, including technology, travel, and personal finance.
• Optimized content for search engines, resulting in increased website traffic and organic rankings.
• Collaborated with clients to understand their needs and deliver content that met their specific goals.

Skills

• SEO writing
• Content Marketing
• Copywriting
• Editing and Proofreading
• WordPress
• Google Analytics
• SEMrush

Example 2: Content Marketing Manager

Summary

Experienced content marketing manager with a proven track record of developing and executing successful content strategies that drive brand awareness, generate leads, and increase website traffic. Skilled in content creation, SEO optimization, and social media marketing.

Experience

• Content Marketing Manager (2018 - 2020)
• Developed and implemented a comprehensive content strategy that resulted in a 20% increase in website traffic.
• Managed a team of writers and editors to create high-quality content for various platforms, including the company blog, website, social media, and email marketing.
• Optimized content for search engines, leading to a 15% increase in organic rankings.
• Monitored content performance using Google Analytics and adjusted strategies accordingly.

Skills

• Content Strategy
• SEO Optimization
• Social Media Marketing
• Content Creation
• Content Management Systems (CMS)
• Team Leadership
• Project Management

Example 3: Technical Writer

Summary

Technical writer with 3+ years of experience in creating clear and concise documentation for software, hardware, and technical products. Excellent analytical and communication skills with a proven ability to translate complex technical information into user-friendly materials.

Experience

• Technical Writer (2021 - Present)
• Developed user manuals, training materials, and online help documentation for a variety of software products.
• Collaborated with engineers and product managers to gather information and ensure accuracy and completeness of technical documentation.
• Performed user testing and revisions to ensure clear and understandable documentation.
• Utilized Adobe RoboHelp and other technical writing tools to create professional-quality documentation.

Skills

• Technical Writing
• Documentation
• User Manual Creation
• Training Materials
• Adobe RoboHelp
• MadCap Flare
• XML
• DITA

Boosting Your Writing Resume: Extra Tips

• Create a Portfolio Website: A portfolio website is essential for showcasing your writing skills and experience. It allows potential employers to see your best work and understand your style and expertise. Be sure to include a diverse range of writing samples that represent your capabilities.
• Use a Professional Resume Template: A well-designed resume template can make your resume look more polished and professional. Choose a template that is visually appealing but not overly distracting. Make sure the font is readable and the layout is clear and easy to follow.
• Highlight Your Achievements: Don't just list your responsibilities. Instead, highlight your accomplishments and quantify your impact whenever possible. For example, instead of saying "Wrote articles for a website," say "Increased website traffic by 15% through SEO-optimized blog posts." This shows you're not just a writer, but a results-driven professional.
• Network and Build Connections: Networking is crucial in the writing industry. Attend writing conferences, join online writing communities, and connect with other writers and editors on social media. This can open doors to new opportunities and help you build your professional network.

By following these tips and crafting a compelling writing resume, you'll be well on your way to landing your dream writing job. Remember to tailor your resume to each specific job, highlight your skills and experience, and showcase your writing abilities in a clear and compelling way. Best of luck in your job search!