How to Make a Resume for a Job in Literature

So, you want a job in literature? It takes more than just loving books. You need a resume that really shows what you've got. Think of it as your sales pitch! This guide will help you create a killer literature resume that gets you noticed. We'll cover the basics, give you awesome resume tips, and share some solid career advice. Ready? Let's go!

Why a Special Literature Resume?

A regular resume just won't cut it for literature jobs. Employers want folks with strong skills. We are talking analysis, writing, and knowing your literary stuff! A good literature resume screams "I love this stuff!" Don't ignore it. Your job application depends on it.

What Kind of Literature Jobs Are Out There?

Before you write, know what's out there. Check out these cool options:

• Editor: Fixin' up books before they hit the shelves.
• Writer: Makin' up stories, articles, the works!
• Teacher/Professor: Sharing the love of books with students.
• Librarian: Helping people find their next favorite read.
• Literary Agent: Selling writers' books to publishers.
• Journalist/Critic: Reviewing books for the world to see.
• Content Writer/Marketing Specialist: Writing about books online.

Knowing your dream literature job? Super important. It helps you write a resume that fits just right.

What Needs to Be on Your Literature Resume?

Here's the lowdown on what to include in a strong literature resume:

1. Your Info: Name, number, email. The basics! Keep your email professional, ok?
2. Summary or Objective: A quick "elevator pitch" about you.
   • Got lots of experience? Use a summary.
   • Just starting out? Go with an objective.

   Summary Example: "Editor with 5+ years making books the best they can be. Helps writers improve their writing."

   Objective Example: "English grad looking for a job in publishing. I write well and pay attention to detail."

3. Your Education: List your schools. What did you study?
   • List schools in order, most recent first.
   • Think about adding important classes you took:
     • Literary Theory
     • Creative Writing
     • Critical Analysis
     • Genre Studies
     • Rhetoric and Composition

   Did you win any awards? Dean's List? Include them! Like: "Magna Cum Laude".

4. Your Experience: This is big. Show where you've worked. What did you do?
   • List jobs in order, most recent first.
   • Use strong action words.
   • Tell them how well you did:
     • Editor at [Publishing House]: Edited 50+ books a year. Made authors' writing better. Increased accepted books by 15%.
     • Teaching Assistant at [University]: Helped teach college English. Graded papers and gave feedback. Led class discussions.
     • Freelance Writer: Wrote articles for websites. Made sure the writing was great for Google. Brought website traffic up by 20%.
     • Intern at [Literary Agency]: Read new books for the agency to consider. Gave writers feedback. Helped with office tasks.

   No job experience? List volunteer work, internships, school projects.

5. Your Skills: What are you good at?
   • Tech Skills: Microsoft Office, Adobe, WordPress.
   • Soft Skills: Talking, writing, problem-solving.
   • Languages: Speak anything else? List it!
6. Your Published Works: Did you write something that got published? List it here! (Articles, essays, poems, books).
7. Your Awards: List any wins you have received for your writing or academics.
8. References: List people who will recommend you. Or, just say "References upon request." But ask them first!

Make It Look Good! (Formatting)

Looks matter! A clean resume is a good resume. Here are some resume tips for your literature resume:

• Pick a Simple Font: Like Times New Roman or Arial.
• Keep it Consistent: Same font size, same style.
• Use White Space: Don't cram it all in!
• Bold and Italics? Use them a little.
• Proofread! Get a friend to help.
• Save as PDF: This keeps it looking the same on every computer.

Make It Fit the Job

Change your resume for every job you apply for. Sounds like work, right? It is! But it's worth it. Read the job description. What do they really want?

• If they want an editor, highlight your editing skills.
• If they want a writer, show off your writing!
• If they want someone who knows Shakespeare, mention your Shakespeare class!

Use the same words they use. These help computers find your resume in their system!

Help! I Have Problems!

No experience? Gaps in your work history? Don't worry! Here's what you do:

• No Experience? Talk about school, skills, and what you're willing to do.
• Gaps in Work History? Be honest. Say what happened. Focus on what you did learn.
• Career Change? Show how your old skills fit the new job. Explain why you want to work in literature.

The Cover Letter: Your Secret Weapon

Your resume is a list. Your cover letter is a story. Tell them:

• Why you want the job.
• Why you're perfect for the company.
• How you write so well.

Change your cover letter for every job, too! Do your homework. Find out who you're writing to.

Keep It Fresh!

Update your resume all the time! New skill? New project? Update it! That way, you're always ready for your next job application.

Get Help If You Need It!

Stuck? Talk to a career advice expert. A pro can help you with your resume and give you career advice.

Key Things to Remember for Your Literature Resume

Making a great literature resume takes time. Follow these resume tips and career advice. You can do this. With a good resume, you can land your dream job. It's all about showing them you love literature!

Now go get that literature job! Good luck!