How to Create a Resume for a Job in Writing

In the writing world, a killer resume is your ticket to getting those coveted interviews. A well-crafted resume shows off your skills, experience, and achievements, making you a standout writer. But with so many writers out there, how do you make your resume shine?

The Secrets to a Winning Writing Resume

A good writing resume is more than just listing your past jobs. It's telling a story that shows how awesome you are as a writer. Here's what you need to include:

1. Contact Info

• Name: Make your name stand out with a clear, professional font.
• Phone Number: Give a professional-sounding number you check often.
• Email Address: Use a professional email, like one with your name.
• LinkedIn: Include your LinkedIn link, especially if you have a strong profile.
• Website/Portfolio: Link to your website or portfolio to show off your writing.

2. Summary/Objective

This short section tells your story. It's about your goals and what makes you great. It should change for each job you apply to.

• Summary (Experienced Writers): Use a summary to show off your skills and experience for the job. Example: "Experienced content writer with a knack for creating engaging and SEO-friendly content for different audiences."
• Objective (Entry-Level Writers): Use an objective to clearly state your goals and what type of writing job you want. Example: "Looking for a challenging writing job where I can use my awesome writing and research skills to create amazing content."

3. Skills

This section lists all your writing abilities and any tech skills you know. Make sure it matches the job requirements.

• Core Writing Skills: Include things like content writing, copywriting, technical writing, creative writing, editing, proofreading, and research.
• Software and Tools: List any software or tools you're good at, like SEO tools, content management systems (CMS), graphic design software, or social media platforms.
• Languages: If you speak other languages, mention them here.

4. Experience

This section talks about your past writing jobs and shows how awesome you are at your work. Use action verbs to describe what you did and what you accomplished.

• Reverse Chronological Order: List your jobs from newest to oldest.
• Highlight Achievements: Use numbers to show how great you are. For example: "Increased website traffic by 20% with optimized content creation."
• Tailor to the Job: Focus on jobs that match the needs of the job you're applying for.

5. Education

List your education, like your degrees, certifications, and any relevant coursework. Focus on things that relate to your writing career.

• Degrees: Include your degree, major, and school.
• Certifications: Mention any certifications like SEO or editing certifications.
• Relevant Coursework: Highlight classes that show off your writing skills, like creative writing or journalism classes.

6. Portfolio

A strong portfolio is key to showing off your writing talent. It can include:

• Website or Online Portfolio: Create a website or online portfolio to show off your best work. Include links to published articles, blog posts, website content, or writing samples.
• PDF Portfolio: If you don't have a website, make a PDF with your best writing.
• Links to Published Work: Direct links to your published articles or content.
• Testimonials or Awards: If you have any good feedback or awards for your writing, include them.

Crafting a Resume that Gets Noticed

Here are some tips to make your resume stand out:

1. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job

Don't use the same resume for every job. Read the job description carefully and find the key skills and experience they want. Use words from the job description throughout your resume, especially in your summary/objective, skills section, and experience descriptions.

2. Use Action Verbs

Instead of just listing your responsibilities, use action verbs to show what you accomplished. Strong verbs make your resume more exciting and powerful.

• Examples: Developed, Created, Edited, Wrote, Managed, Analyzed, Optimized, Increased, Implemented, Collaborated, Led, Presented.

3. Quantify Your Results

Whenever possible, use numbers to show how awesome your work was. This shows the real impact of your work and makes your achievements more impressive.

• Examples: "Increased website traffic by 20% through optimized content creation." "Reduced editing time by 15% with better workflow processes."

4. Show Off Your Writing Style

Even though your resume isn't a long essay, you can still show off your writing style. Use clear and simple language, good grammar, and a professional tone.

5. Proofread Carefully

Before sending your resume, double-check it for any mistakes in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. Typos can really turn off potential employers. It's also a good idea to have a friend or colleague look it over for any mistakes you might have missed.

Writing Resume Examples

Here are some sample sections from writing resumes to give you ideas:

Summary

"Experienced content writer with a proven track record of creating engaging and SEO-optimized content for diverse audiences. Skilled in writing website copy, blog posts, articles, and social media content. Proficient in SEO best practices, keyword research, and content marketing strategies. Strong ability to adapt writing style to different target audiences."

Skills

"Content Writing, Copywriting, SEO Writing, Blog Writing, Article Writing, Social Media Content, Keyword Research, SEO Optimization, Content Marketing, Editing, Proofreading, CMS (WordPress), Google Analytics, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite."

Experience

"Content Writer, [Company Name], [Dates]

• Developed and implemented content marketing strategies that resulted in a 25% increase in organic website traffic.
• Created engaging and informative blog posts that drove a 15% increase in leads generated through the website.
• Wrote SEO-optimized website content that improved the company's search engine rankings.

Beyond the Resume

While a great resume is important, it's just one part of the puzzle. Here are other things that can help you get your dream writing job:

1. Network

Go to writing conferences, workshops, and networking events to meet other writers and potential employers. Make connections with people in the writing industry, and use your network to find out about job opportunities.

2. Build Your Portfolio

Keep creating high-quality writing that shows off your skills. Write for blogs, contribute to online publications, or make your own website to showcase your work.

3. Gain Experience

Look for freelance opportunities or volunteer writing jobs to get real-world experience and build your portfolio. You can also take online writing courses or workshops to improve your skills.

Conclusion

Creating a killer writing resume that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements is key to landing your dream job. By following these tips, you can make a resume that shows off your value as a writer and helps you stand out from the crowd. Remember to change your resume for each specific job you apply for, and always proofread carefully before sending it. With a well-crafted resume and a strong portfolio, you'll be well on your way to achieving your writing goals.