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7 Writer Resume Examples Created to Win the Job in 2024

Writer Resume

• Writer Resumes by Role
• Write Your Writer Resume

As a writer, you’re the creative soul behind hundreds and thousands of words that help and engage the readers. Whether you write compelling stories, how-to guides, or complex documentation, you’re a wordsmith through and through. 

You know the joy of writing better than anyone. However, having to succinctly summarize your strengths in a one-page resume is challenging enough to cause some serious writer’s block.

We’re here to give you a healthy dose of inspiration and expert tips. Our AI cover letter generator and writer resume examples helped creatives like you land their dream jobs, and now, it’s your turn!

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Why this resume works

• Ensure you detail your impact factor from your editing input of manuscripts and the overall publishing outcomes.

Ghost Writer Resume

• Here’s the deal with your ghost writer resume’s bullet lists: kick things off with your latest gig and then take a step back through time with each entry. It’s pretty straightforward but incredibly effective at showcasing a sustained, fulfilling upward career path, helping you curry favor with the hiring team.

Proposal Writer  Resume

• Embark on a meticulous review of the job description, on the lookout for specific keywords, recurring phrases, and the skills deemed necessary for the role. And then? By incorporating these elements in your resume, you subtly suggest that you possess the exact qualifications the hiring company is seeking.

Technical Writer Resume

• As such, mentioning your ability to conduct competition analysis and using the insights to improve processes in your technical writer resume will boost your value.

Freelance Writer  Resume

• Your freelance writer resume should underscore your ability to collaborate with other cross-functional members and make impactful contributions to the outcomes.

Grant Writer Resume

• While this highlight doesn’t have to take much space in your grant writer resume, it showcases your skill in persuasive writing and strategic communication and a knack for aligning with the potential funder’s priorities and goals.

Medical Writer  Resume

• For inspiration, take a glance at Christina’s summary of her stint as a clinical research coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital and research assistant at Harvard University.

Related resume examples

• Content Creator
• Virtual Assistant
• Social Media manager

Write a Unique Writer Resume to Match the Job

Straight-up writing isn’t the only skill required for this job, and you juggle the various facets of your role with ease. From keyword research and optimization to managing various CMS and collaborating with other creatives, you’ve proven yourself to be not just a skilled writer, but also a marketing whiz.

In order to capture the interest of potential employers, describe your diverse skill set, and be as job-specific as possible. Steer clear of generic terms like “dedicated” or “creative,” even though you embody both of those traits. Instead, read the job description carefully and include as many relevant skills as possible.

At this point in your resume, it’s best to focus on your technical skills, be it software proficiencies or SEO knowledge. Your personality will have its time in the spotlight in your cover letter.

Want some inspiration?

15 popular writer skills

• Google Docs
• Microsoft Word
• Technical Writing
• Google Analytics
• SEO Techniques
• A/B Testing
• Research Skills
• Keyword Research
• Social Media

Your writer work experience bullet points

As a writer, you’ve likely hit many brag-worthy milestones. Perhaps you’ve written an article that was published in the local paper, or you have a byline in an industry-leading publication, or you’ve authored a series of novels. No matter your achievement, this is where you can show them off.

Leverage this section to talk about your greatest accomplishments. Make the most of it by adding some metrics to really showcase your impact as a successful writer or content marketer.

Tailor it to the job—for example, if the role emphasizes all-around content creation and not just writing, talk about your editing chops or social media management, too.

• Show that you can write engaging copy by discussing page reads, traffic, and bounce rates.
• Express your knowledge of SEO and marketing with metrics like open rates, click-through rates, organic search traffic, or increasing subscriber counts.
• Highlight that you’re efficient and reliable with metrics like on-time delivery rates or reducing the need for revision through meticulous edits.
• Describe the number of articles you’ve written, social media campaigns you’ve participated in, or documentation you’ve edited.

See what we mean?

• Optimized product descriptions for SEO and clarity that resulted in a 32% decrease in bounce rate on product pages
• Shortened document review cycles by 53% by implementing an automated review process in Cflow
• Utilized storytelling techniques in Active Campaign email marketing, achieving a 38% rise in click-through rates
• Secured top three rankings for high-competition keywords, resulting in a 44% increase in organic search traffic

9 active verbs to start your writer work experience bullet points

• Collaborated

3 Tips for Crafting a Writer Resume as a Beginner

• Make sure to prepare a portfolio with relevant samples and link to it in your resume. If you care about the job a great deal, you could even write a short sample that’s specific to the role and showcase it right at the top.
• You may not have a particular niche yet, so showcase your ability to adapt by mentioning specific examples, like how you’ve shifted from writing SEO-optimized blog posts to crafting engaging social media captions. Highlight your skill in using different platforms such as WordPress for blogs and Hootsuite for social media management.
• Attention to detail is crucial for a writer, so show your future employer that you’ve done your homework by tailoring your AI resume to match the job. Update skills, work experience bullet points, and career objectives based on each role.

3 Tips for Creating a Writer Resume Once You’re Experienced

• Show off your extensive writing background by discussing the niches you’ve worked in before, be it writing documentation or financial journalism. If your experience aligns with the job you’re applying for, even better—find similarities and highlight them in your resume.
• Talk about the impact you’ve had in your past roles. Perhaps your keyword optimization boosted organic traffic by 39%, or the newsletters you prepared in Mailchimp achieved higher-than-ever open rates? Mention those wins to show that your writing skills deliver powerful results.
• Writing may feel like a lonely job, but the ability to cooperate across departments and teams is crucial. Mention working with editors, graphic designers, marketers, and junior colleagues to deliver high-quality copy.

It’s best to spotlight your technical skills instead. However, highlight your interpersonal skills in your work experience bullet points and your cover letter by discussing cross-departmental collaboration and working directly with clients.

A career objective or summary can be effective, but only if you use it to highlight why you’re the right writer for the role. Mention the company by name and tie it to the job description to make an impression.

Yes, you should still give the hiring manager a taste of your writing so that they can see your skills in action. Alternatively, you can prepare a tailored sample for that particular company, but don’t go overboard—you may still be asked to complete a writing test during the recruitment process.

Resume Worded   |  Proven Resume Examples

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9 Content Writer Resume Examples - Here's What Works In 2024

Content writing is a booming profession that is a necessary part of almost any industry. with a large number of content writers available at any given time, it is important to create a unique and attractive resume to stand out from the crowd and snag your next content creation job. this guide will give you tips to help you strengthen your resume and will provide resume samples to model your resume on..

The content writing market is a predominantly female, growing, and shifting industry. Traditionally, content writers were full-time employees who wrote solely for one company. Today, with the increasing need for content, companies are contracting freelancers and new companies are being created to offer clients content writing services.

Thankfully for some, content writing has pretty low barriers to entry. While a degree might be helpful, it is not mandatory. What will ultimately determine your success is your writing skills. So gaining as much experience as possible and building a strong and effective body of work is key.

This guide will take you through 7 content writer titles, give you some insight into what recruiters are looking for when hiring each one, give you resume samples, and some tips to take your resume to the next level.

Content Writer Resume Templates

Jump to a template:

• Content Writer
• Creative Content Writer
• Technical Writer
• Medical Writer
• Scriptwriter
• Brand Journalist
• Digital Content Writer

Jump to a resource:

• Keywords for Content Writer Resumes

Content Writer Resume Tips

• Action Verbs to Use
• Related Marketing Resumes

Get advice on each section of your resume:

Template 1 of 9: Content Writer Resume Example

A content writer writes engaging and attractive content for a company’s website, newsletter, advertisement material, or anywhere else they may need. The topics you write about may be broad and often require research and fact-checking. Having a degree in English or a similar field is definitely beneficial to your resume but it is not necessary for success. Your resume should focus on showing as much experience as possible. Take a look at this strong content writer's resume.

We're just getting the template ready for you, just a second left.

Tips to help you write your Content Writer resume in 2024

   create a portfolio of your work..

Along with your resume, you need to show recruiters samples of work you have written in the past. If you know what kind of content a company wants you to produce, provide your strongest samples of that type of content.

   Show variety in your experience section.

You should show recruiters that you are capable of producing many different kinds of content. So mention your experience writing blog posts, advertisements, website content, social media posts, and more. The more variety the better.

Skills you can include on your Content Writer resume

Template 2 of 9: creative content writer resume example.

Creative content writers create copies that require creativity and imagination. This is in contrast to more technical copies such as manuals or guidebooks. Creative content can include blogs, ebooks, advertisements, poems, etc. You must be able to think outside the box and create unique copies to thrive in this position. Your resume should focus on your experience writing creative copies and any background in the arts or a similar field is likely to be attractive to a recruiter. Here is a sample resume for a creative content writer.

Tips to help you write your Creative Content Writer resume in 2024

   include all languages you write in..

Being able to create content in multiple languages is a huge advantage and is very attractive to recruiters. It means you can translate your work and also expands the number of companies you can apply to, and countries you can apply in.

   Include metrics to show impressive content engagement.

Content is written to be consumed. Your content, therefore, needs to be very engaging. Show recruiters that you can create engaging content by using metrics. This resume does this effectively. E.g. this applicant’s copy ‘[shot] engagement up by 200% within 5 months of [a] campaign.

Skills you can include on your Creative Content Writer resume

Template 3 of 9: technical writer resume example.

A technical writer writes content that gives information to a target audience. Some of the mediums used include guides, manuals, journal articles, etc. Your goal is to make complex information easily digestible and understandable. Your resume should show a strong background in technical writing and, preferably, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field as well. Take a look at this recruiter-approved resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Technical Writer resume in 2024

   include a portfolio with strong technical writing samples..

When applying to technical writing jobs, you should always include a portfolio. In this portfolio, include your strongest and most recognizable technical writing samples. This will give recruiters a better idea of what you can do.

   Indicate the mediums you have experience in.

Show that you are a well-rounded technical writer by mentioning the different mediums you write in. This applicant has included tutorials and product manuals among the mediums they have experience with.

Skills you can include on your Technical Writer resume

Template 4 of 9: technical writer resume example.

Technical writing gives little space for creativity and is commonly used for laying out a company's procedures or giving very specific or educational information to their audience. This content includes manuals, guides, product instructions, etc. In most instances, you will be given the information you need to use, and your job will be to transform it into engaging and easily-read content. A degree in English or a similar field would be beneficial but not absolutely necessary. A history writing technical copies, on the other hand, is essential to attract recruiters. Take a look at this impressive technical writer’s resume.

   Include any technical writing certification.

Go the extra mile by earning certification in technical writing. It’s an easy way to show recruiters your dedication and prove your skills. This is especially helpful if you are trying to transition into technical writing or just starting out.

   Have a specialization.

If you generally specialize in writing for a specific industry, mention that in the intro to your resume. This is especially useful if you are applying for a job within that industry.

Template 5 of 9: Medical Writer Resume Example

As a Medical Writer, you'll be bridging the gap between complex medical and scientific information and your target audience, working on various projects like academic papers, promotional materials, and educational content. This field is evolving rapidly, so it's essential to showcase your knowledge of the latest industry trends and adaptability to new formats on your resume. Not only should you highlight your educational background and writing experience, but also demonstrate your ability to understand and communicate complex medical concepts and terminology in a clear, concise manner. In your resume, emphasize your expertise in areas like clinical research, regulatory submissions, or medical education, depending on the specific position you're applying for. It's crucial to tailor your resume to the needs and requirements of each organization, as some may prioritize candidates with experience in a particular therapeutic area or a background working with specific target audiences (e.g., physicians, patients, or payers).

Tips to help you write your Medical Writer resume in 2024

   showcase your writing samples.

As a Medical Writer, it's important to include relevant writing samples in your resume or portfolio. This will give potential employers an idea of your writing style, attention to detail, and ability to convey complex information in a digestible format.

   Highlight your therapeutic area expertise

Employers often seek Medical Writers with specific expertise in one or more therapeutic areas. Make sure to emphasize any experience or knowledge you have in key therapeutic areas relevant to the job you're applying for, and try to quantify your experience if possible (e.g., number of projects or publications).

Skills you can include on your Medical Writer resume

Template 6 of 9: medical writer resume example.

Medical writing is very specific and very technical. It could take the form of medical studies, training programs, literary reviews, brochures, etc. To be suited in this industry you need to have a medical background or a strong understanding of the field. This work may require in-depth research and specification. There is no room for error as the consequences of any misinformation could be deadly for the reader if acted upon. Recruiters will be looking to see your experience and qualifications in the medical field. Here is an example of a strong medical writer’s resume.

   Have a specialized portfolio.

If you have worked as a writer in other fields, make sure you create a specialized portfolio containing your strongest content from the medical field only.

   Use medical industry keywords.

Show recruiters that you are well versed in the medical field by using industry-standard keywords. Use words like ‘clinical trials’, ‘PubMed’, ‘RW medication, etc. It shows that you are knowledgeable in the field and may help you bypass resume filters recruiters may have put in place.

Template 7 of 9: Scriptwriter Resume Example

Scriptwriters write scripts for performances. You may create scripts for theatre, film, TV, adverts, etc. Scriptwriting requires expertise in storytelling and script structure. You also need to have an in-depth knowledge of the medium your script will be performed on. Film scripts and theatre scripts, for example, are different in style and structure. A degree in the arts would be very attractive to recruiters, as would a background in writing and/or performing. This applicant has an educational background in film and creative writing which would be very attractive to recruiters.

Tips to help you write your Scriptwriter resume in 2024

   specify the medium you write for..

As we have mentioned, each medium requires very different scriptwriting. So work on specializing in one medium and have your resume focus on your expertise and experience in that medium.

   Highlight recognition of your work.

If your scripts have won competitions or if the plays or films you wrote were wildly successful, highlight this in your resume. Include titles of your work if they are well-known.

Skills you can include on your Scriptwriter resume

Template 8 of 9: brand journalist resume example.

This form of content writing focuses on creating a narrative for a brand by writing engaging stories. It is a creative and effective way to market a brand and express the company’s values and ethos. Recruiters will be looking for an educational background in journalism and any journalism experience so ensure that your resume highlights that. A background in marketing would also be helpful to your application. This resume is a great example of a strong brand journalist resume.

Tips to help you write your Brand Journalist resume in 2024

   list the marketing mediums you are familiar with..

Show recruiters that you are skilled in creating brand journalism content for different mediums by listing them in the skills section as this applicant has. This applicant has experience with social media marketing, and email marketing among others.

   Mention any Fortune 500 company you have written copies for.

Impress recruiters by listing any known and successful companies that you have created copies for. These companies only hire the best of the best, so including their names in your resume is a sure way to stand out from your competition.

Skills you can include on your Brand Journalist resume

Template 9 of 9: digital content writer resume example.

As the name suggests, these content writers write copies for digital platforms. A couple of examples of digital platforms include websites, social media, emails, blogs, etc. Consumers are inundated with digital content all day, so you need to create particularly engaging content to be successful. You also need to be knowledgeable about the digital space and how to use SEOs to get as many viewers to read your content. Recruiters will be looking for any qualification that shows your expertise in the digital space, as well as any qualifications or experience to show your creativity and success in creating copies. Here is a resume sample from an entry-level digital content writer.

Tips to help you write your Digital Content Writer resume in 2024

   create a digital media focussed skills list..

Your skills list should show recruiters that you are experienced with digital media tools and concepts. These skills can include SEO, JavaScript, WordPress, etc.

   Include non-paying content writing jobs.

If you are just joining the industry, feel free to include any volunteer or intern work you did as a content writer. The experience and skills gained are just as useful as they would be in a paid position.

Skills you can include on your Digital Content Writer resume

We spoke with hiring managers who recruit content writers at top companies like HubSpot, Shopify, and Vox Media to get their insights on what they look for in content writer resumes. The following tips are based on their real-world experience and can help you create a resume that stands out from the competition and gets you hired.

   Highlight your writing niche and industry expertise

Employers want to know that you have experience writing about topics relevant to their industry. Highlight your niche and the industries you've written for prominently in your resume.

Compare these two examples:

• Wrote blog posts and articles on various topics
• Created content for multiple industries

Instead, be specific like this:

• Wrote blog posts and articles about personal finance, investing, and retirement planning
• Created content for fintech startups and financial services companies

   Show results and impact with metrics

Whenever possible, quantify the results and impact of your content writing. Use metrics to show how your writing contributed to business goals.

Here are some examples:

• Wrote SEO-optimized blog posts that increased organic traffic by 50% in 6 months
• Created email nurture series that improved lead-to-customer conversion rate by 20%
• Wrote product descriptions that increased average order value by $20

Metrics prove to employers that you can drive real results with your writing.

   Include links to your best writing samples

Hiring managers want to see examples of your published work. Include links to your strongest writing samples that are relevant to the company and job you're applying for.

Add a 'Selected Writing Samples' section to your resume like this:

• How to Create a Budget You Can Stick To [link]
• 5 Ways to Boost Your Credit Score Fast [link]
• The Beginner's Guide to Investing in Stocks [link]

Choose recent samples that demonstrate the type of content you'd be writing in the role. Avoid linking to your whole portfolio site - pick your best individual articles.

   Mention content types and channels you have experience with

Today's content writers need to be skilled at creating content in various formats and for different channels. In your work experience, mention the range of content types you've written.

For example:

• Wrote in-depth blog posts, ebooks, case studies, and white papers
• Created website copy, landing pages, product descriptions, and category pages
• Developed scripts for explainer videos and podcast episodes
• Wrote Facebook and Google ads, promotional emails, and newsletters

This shows employers you have the versatility to handle all their content needs, from top-funnel blog posts to bottom-funnel conversion copy.

   Demonstrate your skills in content optimization and distribution

Writing is just one part of a content writer's job. To be successful, you also need to know how to optimize content for search engines and promote it to reach the target audience.

Bad example:

• Wrote SEO-friendly blog posts

Good examples:

• Optimized blog posts for target keywords, meta descriptions, header tags, and internal linking
• Used keyword research to plan blog editorial calendar and identify topic clusters
• Promoted blog content on social media and online communities to increase reach
• Built backlinks to blog posts to improve search engine rankings

Optimize your resume itself for relevant keywords the employer might be scanning for, like 'SEO writing', 'content distribution', 'email marketing', etc.

   Show progression and increasing responsibility

Employers want to see that you've progressed in your content writing career and taken on more responsibility over time. As you list out your work experience, highlight how your role grew.

Content Writer, ABC Company Jan 2019 - Dec 2020 Started as a Content Writing Intern, creating 4 blog posts per week Promoted to Junior Content Writer after 3 months, managing the blog editorial calendar and writing 8 posts per week Became Head Content Writer after 1 year, leading a team of 3 writers and overseeing all content production

Even if your job title didn't change, you can still show progression in the scope of your work and the results you achieved.

Writing Your Content Writer Resume: Section By Section

  header, 1. put your name on the first line.

Your name should be the most prominent part of your header, on its own line. Use a larger font size than the rest of your header details.

Here's an example of what to do:

• Samantha Thompson
• [email protected] | 555-123-4567 | New York, NY | linkedin.com/in/samthompson

Avoid this common mistake:

• Samantha Thompson | [email protected] | 555-123-4567 | New York, NY | linkedin.com/in/samthompson

2. Include your location, even if applying remotely

Hiring managers want to know where you're based. Include your city and state in your header.

If you're applying for remote content writer roles, you should still include your location. Many companies prefer to hire within certain time zones or regions, even for remote positions.

Samantha Thompson [email protected] | 555-123-4567 | New York, NY | linkedin.com/in/samthompson

3. Add links to your portfolio and social profiles

As a content writer, hiring managers will want to see samples of your work. Make it easy for them by including a link to your online writing portfolio in your header.

Also include links to relevant social profiles, like LinkedIn and Twitter, where you share industry insights and engage with other writers.

• [email protected] | 555-123-4567 | New York, NY
• Portfolio: samanthathompson.com | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samthompson | Twitter: @samwritesalot

  Summary

A summary on your resume is optional. While it's not mandatory, it can be a helpful way to provide context about your career journey, especially if you're changing industries or have a lot of experience. However, you should never use an objective statement, as it's outdated and focuses on what you want rather than what you can offer.

When writing your summary, avoid repeating information that's already included in other sections of your resume. Instead, use it to highlight key skills, experiences, or accomplishments that are most relevant to the content writer position you're targeting. Keep it concise, ideally no more than a paragraph, and tailor it to the job description to improve your chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS).

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Content Writer resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Content Writer Resume Summary Examples , or Content Writer Resume Objective Examples .

1. Showcase your writing and communication skills

Your summary is an opportunity to demonstrate your writing abilities right off the bat. Craft a compelling narrative that engages the reader and highlights your key qualifications:

• Creative and detail-oriented content writer with 5+ years of experience crafting engaging blog posts, articles, and web copy. Skilled at translating complex topics into clear, compelling content that drives traffic and resonates with target audiences.
• Versatile writer and editor with a passion for storytelling and a knack for adapting to different writing styles and formats. Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and deliver high-quality content on tight deadlines.

Avoid generic or overused phrases that don't provide concrete examples of your skills:

• Experienced content writer with excellent communication skills and a proven track record of success.
• Hardworking and dedicated professional with a passion for writing.

2. Tailor your summary to the job description

To increase your chances of getting noticed by employers, make sure your summary aligns with the requirements and preferences outlined in the job posting. Mirror key phrases and highlight relevant skills and experiences.

Job description: Seeking a creative and detail-oriented content writer to craft compelling blog posts and articles that drive traffic and engage our target audience. Must have experience writing about personal finance and investing topics.

Tailored summary:

Skilled content writer with 3+ years of experience creating engaging and informative personal finance and investing content. Adept at breaking down complex topics into accessible, SEO-optimized articles and blog posts that drive traffic and keep readers coming back for more.

Avoid using a generic summary that could apply to any content writing position:

Experienced writer with a diverse portfolio and a passion for creating high-quality content on a variety of topics. Strong research and editing skills and the ability to adapt to different writing styles and formats.

  Experience

Your work experience section is the heart of your resume. It's where you show hiring managers what you've accomplished in previous roles, and how that translates to the content writer position you're applying for. Here are some tips to make your work experience section stand out:

1. Highlight content creation accomplishments

When describing your previous roles, focus on your content creation achievements rather than just listing responsibilities. Use numbers and metrics to quantify your impact where possible.

For example, instead of saying:

• Wrote blog posts for company website
• Created social media content
• Wrote 10+ SEO-optimized blog posts per month, increasing organic traffic by 25%
• Created engaging social media content resulting in a 20% increase in followers and a 15% boost in engagement rate

2. Showcase your versatility

Modern content writers need to be versatile, creating content across various formats and platforms. Highlight experiences that showcase your range, such as:

• Writing for different target audiences and industries
• Creating various content types (blog posts, articles, web copy, social media, video scripts, eBooks, etc.)
• Adapting to different brand voices and style guides
• Experience with content management systems, SEO tools, and analytics

Versatile content writer experienced in creating engaging content across industries, including blog posts, articles, eBooks, infographics, and social media. Adept at matching brand voice and optimizing for SEO.

3. Demonstrate career growth

Hiring managers love to see career progression on your resume. If you've been promoted or taken on more responsibility in your content writing career, make sure to highlight that in your work experience section.

• Promoted from Junior Content Writer to Content Strategist within 18 months
• Started as a Freelance Writer and grew into a Content Team Lead managing a team of 5 writers

You can also show growth through your achievements, such as:

• Took on more complex writing projects and client accounts
• Mentored junior writers and provided editorial feedback
• Implemented new content processes and style guides

4. Tailor your experience to the job

One of the biggest mistakes content writers make on their resumes is including every bit of experience they have, even if it's not relevant to the job they're applying for. This can make your resume feel unfocused.

Instead, curate your work experience section to focus on the most relevant roles and accomplishments for the content writer position you want. For each job, pick 3-5 bullet points that best demonstrate your fit.

Look at the job description for clues on what to highlight. For example, if the job emphasizes SEO, lead with accomplishments related to SEO-optimized content and organic traffic growth. If it's a social media heavy role, focus on those experiences.

Grew Instagram following by 20% and increased engagement on Facebook posts.

Developed and executed a social media content strategy across Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Grew Instagram following by 20%, increased Facebook engagement by 15%, and generated 500+ LinkedIn leads through optimized content.

  Education

The education section of a content writer's resume should be concise and highlight your most relevant qualifications. Hiring managers will look for a mix of formal education, industry-specific training, and any other credentials that prove you're the best candidate. Here's how to write an effective education section:

1. List your highest degree first

Start with your most recent or advanced degree, like a master's or bachelor's degree. Include the name of the degree, the institution, and the year you graduated.

If you have a degree relevant to content writing, such as English, journalism, or marketing, make sure to highlight it. You can also include your GPA if it's impressive (3.5 or above).

Master of Arts in English, University of California, Los Angeles, 2018 Bachelor of Science in Marketing, New York University, 2016 GPA: 3.8

2. Include relevant coursework

If you're a recent graduate or have limited work experience, listing relevant coursework can help demonstrate your knowledge and skills. Choose classes that relate directly to content writing, like:

• Creative Writing
• Copywriting
• Digital Marketing

Keep the list short and focused. Too many courses will clutter your resume and dilute the impact.

3. Highlight writing-related awards and honors

If you've received any special recognition for your writing during your academic career, the education section is the perfect place to showcase it. Awards and honors help you stand out from other candidates.

Some examples of relevant awards include:

• Dean's List
• Phi Beta Kappa
• Departmental Honors in English
• Best Thesis Award

Be selective and only include the most impressive and writing-focused awards.

4. Keep it brief if you're a senior-level writer

If you have extensive work experience, your education section should be short and to the point. Hiring managers will be more interested in your professional accomplishments than your academic background.

A bad example for a senior content writer would be:

Bachelor of Arts in English, XYZ University, 1995-1999 Relevant Coursework: Creative Writing, Journalism 101, American Literature GPA: 3.7 Dean's List, Fall 1998

Instead, keep it concise:

B.A. English, XYZ University

Action Verbs For Content Writer Resumes

Strong action verbs help recruiters easily understand the tasks you have undertaken as a content writer and the successes you have had with those tasks. They help you and your successes stand out from the crowd and can help you secure that job. Content writers create concepts, and write, edit, and proofread copies. They also do this in several different mediums. Your action verbs should help show off this variety in experience. 

Here is a list of useful action verbs to get you started.

• Collaborated
• Conceptualized
• Contributed

For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs .

Action Verbs for Content Writer Resumes

Skills for content writer resumes.

Content writing is a broad and creative industry with fairly low barriers to entry, especially for general content writing. When creating your skills section, you need to make it specific to the industry you want to write in and the mediums you want to write for. This will inform which skills are the most relevant to list. E.g a digital content writer needs to show their skills in the digital space like SEO, while a medical content writer needs to show their skills in the medical field.

Here is a list of recruiter-approved hard skills that content writers should consider including in their resumes.

• Web Content Writing
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Feature Writing
• Online Journalism
• SEO Copywriting
• News Writing
• Content Management
• Adobe InDesign
• Adobe Photoshop
• Social Media Marketing
• Translation
• Online Marketing
• Copy Editing
• Digital Media
• Social Media
• Web Content Creation
• Content Development
• Proofreading
• Article Writing
• Content Strategy

How To Write Your Skills Section On a Content Writer Resumes

You can include the above skills in a dedicated Skills section on your resume, or weave them in your experience. Here's how you might create your dedicated skills section:

Skills Word Cloud For Content Writer Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Content Writer job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.

How to use these skills?

Other marketing resumes, content creator.

Underwriter

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Content Writer Resume Guide

• Video Editor Resume Guide
• Marketing Executive Resume Guide
• VP of Marketing Resume Guide
• Digital Strategist Resume Guide
• Brand Ambassador Resume Guide
• Technical Writer Resume Guide
• SEO Resume Guide
• Director of Marketing Resume Guide
• Brand Strategist Resume Guide
• Campaign Manager Resume Guide
• Content Writer Resume Example
• Creative Content Writer Resume Example
• Technical Writer Resume Example
• Medical Writer Resume Example
• Scriptwriter Resume Example
• Brand Journalist Resume Example
• Digital Content Writer Resume Example
• Tips for Content Writer Resumes
• Skills and Keywords to Add
• All Resume Examples
• Content Writer CV Examples
• Content Writer Cover Letter
• Content Writer Interview Guide
• Explore Alternative and Similar Careers

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Jobscan > Resume Examples > Writer Resume Examples, Skills and Keywords

Writer Resume Examples, Skills and Keywords

Different writing positions have unique requirements that your resume should meet. Here's what you need to know about writing a resume for the most common writer jobs.

Jobscan users have been hired by:

Writer resume samples

Writers provide content for every industry, from technical documents to long-form news and fiction. In general, they need to have an eye for detail and strong research skills. Specific necessary skills can vary dramatically. For example, technical writers need industry-specific knowledge, copywriters need to match brand voices, and grant writers need to understand the grant application process.

If you want to work as a writer, you need to understand what your target employers expect from candidates. Your resume is your best chance to do that. You can use your application to show that you know the position’s requirements and demonstrate your writing ability at the same time.

If you write your resume well , it can convince hiring managers to look at your portfolio. It’s tempting to let your portfolio speak for you, but that can backfire. Many hiring teams will use your resume to decide whether it’s worth looking at your portfolio in the first place, so your resume needs to get their attention.

If you want to build a resume that gets you hired, you can learn from other resumes in that field. These three writer resume examples show how you can appeal to employers in the most common writing niches.

Copywriter resume example

Copywriters produce copy for websites, blogs, and stores. They may work as a staff member at a single company or copywriting agency, or they may freelance. Salaried copywriters usually work with marketing and PR teams to create material for content marketing strategies. These writers are responsible for everything from taglines and ads to blog posts and whitepapers. ‌ Copywriters need to write a wide variety of materials, so they need to have a flexible writing style. They also need to understand SEO marketing. Finally, copywriters need to have excellent research skills so they can write authoritatively on any topic they’re assigned. ‌ This copywriter resume shows how to highlight your relevant skills and flexibility without sounding generic.

Technical writer resume example

Technical writers produce supporting documentation for manufacturers, software and hardware developers, and other specialized fields. They usually work at a single company since they need an in-depth understanding of what they’re writing about. ‌ These writers collect data about new products and services. They use that information to create instruction manuals, journal articles, procedure write-ups, guides, and any other documents their employer needs. This means that technical writers need to explain complicated topics in a way that’s easy to understand. Most technical writers get certifications in the field to learn how to write well. ‌ This technical writer resume displays how to showcase your education and experience effectively.

Grant writer resume example

Grant writers research different funding opportunities, find grants for which their employer is eligible, then produce polished grant proposals to win funding. They usually work for a single non-profit employer at a time, though some grant writers work as consultants. It’s not unusual for grant writers to move from position to position depending on funding. ‌ Many grant writers learn about the process by volunteering or taking marketing roles at non-profits. Past experience is excellent to put on your resume, but it’s not always necessary. ‌ This grant writer resume example demonstrates how to use different types of non-profit experience to make your application more appealing.

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Writer resume skills and keywords.

As a writer, you’re probably familiar with the importance of using keywords in your work. It’s just as important to include writer skills and keywords in your resume. Employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to look for specific resume keywords . The ATS filters out resumes that don’t include the keywords the employers are looking for.

Your resume is more likely to be seen if you include the best writer resume keywords.

30+ skills for writers

• Clear written communication
• ‌Time-management
• ‌Meeting deadlines
• ‌Problem-solving
• ‌Online publishing
• ‌Microsoft Office
• ‌Multitasking
• ‌Article pitching
• ‌Copywriting
• ‌Creativity
• ‌Collaboration
• ‌Attention to detail
• ‌Compliance
• ‌Flexibility
• ‌Efficiency
• ‌Computer literacy
• ‌Social media
• ‌Google Suite
• ‌Independence
• ‌Resilience

Writing is a popular career, but not every type of position is equally competitive. Technical writers generally earn more because there are fewer writers with industry-specific knowledge. In contrast, grant writers often work for non-profits and earn less.

Salary expectations for popular writer roles

Most writer positions don’t require any specific education or training. However, having a degree or certification can help you get hired if you don’t have professional experience as a writer. Education and training can help convince hiring managers that you have the skills they need.

For example, many copywriters have associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in fields like:

• ‌Communications
• ‌Journalism
• ‌Creative writing
• ‌Technical writing

‌These degrees include a lot of training in writing clearly, so they help you build your portfolio. They also reassure employers that you know what you’re doing.

If you’re interested in technical writing but don’t have a degree, some employers will require you to get a field-specific certification. The Society for Technical Communication, the National Association of Science Writers, and the American Medical Writers Association all offer specific certifications you can include on your resume.

Finally, grant writers often come from marketing and business backgrounds. If you want to transition into grant writing without prior writing experience, you can take college courses or outside certification classes to learn more.

• Career Blog

Creative Writer Resume in 2024: Examples and Tips

As a creative writer, you possess a unique set of skills that allow you to craft engaging and thought-provoking pieces of writing that captivate your audience. But how do you convey your abilities effectively on your resume? This article aims to explore the best ways to showcase your creativity and writing expertise on your resume, with examples and tips that will help you land your dream job in the writing industry.

Definition of a Creative Writer

Creative writing is a form of writing that focuses on originality, imagination, and expression, often in the form of poetry, fiction, or non-fiction. A creative writer’s job is to tell stories, evoke emotions, or convey information in an engaging and captivating manner that connects with the reader on a deep level. You are a master at crafting narratives that transport the reader to different worlds or provide them with insights and perspectives they hadn’t previously considered.

Best Practices for Creative Writer Resumes

When it comes to applying for a creative writer position, your resume can be your most valuable asset. It is the first impression a potential employer will have of you, and it needs to be well-crafted. A great resume can help you stand out from the competition and get the job you want. In this section, we’ll discuss the importance of a well-crafted resume, unique considerations for creative writers, and formatting best practices.

Importance of a well-crafted resume

Your resume is essentially your marketing tool. It should be well-written, easy to read, and highlight your strengths as a writer. A well-crafted resume can help you showcase your skills and experience in a clear and concise manner. It can help you land an interview and ultimately, the job.

Remember that a potential employer will have limited time to look over your resume. Try to keep it to one or two pages and make sure it is easy to read. Use bullet points, headings, and subheadings to organize your information. Your resume should also be tailored to the specific job you are applying for.

Unique considerations for creative writers

As a creative writer, your resume should reflect your unique skills and experiences. While traditional resumes focus on work experience, creative writers should also highlight their writing skills. This can include published works, writing awards, or creative writing programs you’ve attended.

Another important consideration is the type of job you are applying for. Creative writing encompasses a wide range of fields, from journalism to marketing to fiction. Make sure you tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for, and highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant.

Formatting best practices

Here are some formatting best practices for creative writer resumes:

• Use a simple and clear font such as Times New Roman or Arial
• Keep your resume to one or two pages
• Use bullet points, headings, and subheadings to organize your information
• Make sure your contact information is easy to find and up-to-date
• Tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for
• Use action verbs to describe your experiences and accomplishments
• Highlight your writing experience and skills
• Include any relevant work experience, education, and training

Your resume is your ticket to landing your dream creative writer job. By following these best practices, you can create a resume that showcases your unique skills and experience and helps you stand out from the competition. Remember to tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for, and showcase your writing ability. Good luck!

Key Elements of a Creative Writer Resume

A creative writer resume should include the following key elements: an objective or summary statement, writing experience, education and training, skills and competencies, and awards and achievements. These elements are important because they help showcase your skills, experience, and abilities as a creative writer.

Objective or Summary Statement

The objective or summary statement should be a brief, concise statement that describes your career goals and objectives as a creative writer. This statement should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for and highlight your skills and accomplishments.

Writing Experience

Your writing experience should highlight your professional writing experience, including any published works or writing samples. You should also include any relevant freelance or writing projects you have completed. Be sure to include any experience that demonstrates your ability to write creatively and effectively.

Education and Training

Your education and training should showcase any relevant degrees, certificates or training programs that you have completed. This section should also highlight any specialized courses or seminars that you have attended in creative writing.

Skills and Competencies

Your skills and competencies should showcase your specific abilities, such as storytelling, character development, or dialogue writing. You should also highlight any expertise you have in specific genres or writing styles, such as poetry or screenwriting.

Awards and Achievements

Finally, your awards and achievements should highlight any recognition you have received for your writing. This could include literary awards or accolades, such as publication in literary journals or magazines.

By including these key elements in your creative writer resume, you can effectively showcase your skills, experience, and abilities as a writer. Remember to tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for and highlight your unique strengths as a creative writer.

Creative Writer Resume Example

When it comes to securing a job in the competitive field of creative writing, a well-crafted resume can make all the difference. As a creative writer, you’ll want to showcase your unique style and voice while also highlighting your experience and skillset. Here, we break down the key elements of a successful creative writer resume, providing best practices and tips along the way.

Step-by-step breakdown

Start with a clear objective or summary statement that highlights your relevant experience and qualifications. This should be tailored to the specific job or company you’re applying to.

Create a section devoted to your writing experience, including any published works, articles, or freelance projects. Don’t forget to mention any relevant education or certifications as well.

Highlight your skills and abilities, such as writing proficiency in a particular genre or style, editing skills, or experience with content management systems.

Emphasize your creativity and originality by including a section on your personal projects or writing samples. This can showcase your unique voice and perspective, as well as your ability to think outside the box.

Don’t forget the basics: include your contact information, previous work experience, and education.

Analysis of key elements and best practices

When crafting your creative writer resume, there are a few key elements to keep in mind.

First, it’s important to tailor your resume to the specific job and company you’re applying to. This means customizing your objective statement, focusing on relevant experience and skills, and highlighting any particular strengths that align with the job requirements.

Another important element is highlighting your creativity and originality. As a creative writer, you want to showcase your unique voice and perspective, as well as your ability to bring fresh ideas to the table. Including a section on personal projects or writing samples is a great way to do this.

Finally, be sure to emphasize your writing experience, including any published works or notable freelance projects. This can demonstrate your proficiency in the craft, as well as your dedication and expertise.

In terms of best practices, it’s important to keep your resume clean and concise, while also incorporating some personality and flair. Use bullet points and clear headings to organize your information, and don’t be afraid to showcase your personality through the content and style of your resume.

By following these steps and incorporating these best practices, you can craft a successful creative writer resume that highlights your unique skills and showcases your creativity and expertise.

Crafting a Strong Objective or Summary Statement

As a creative writer, your resume should reflect your unique voice and style in addition to your qualifications and experience. A strong objective or summary statement is your opportunity to capture the attention of potential employers and show them what sets you apart from other applicants. Here are some tips for writing an attention-grabbing statement:

Tips for Writing an Attention-Grabbing Objective or Summary Statement

1. be clear and concise.

Your objective or summary statement should be brief and to the point. Avoid using long or complex sentences that can confuse the reader. Instead, use clear and concise language to convey your message.

2. Highlight Your Unique Qualities

What makes you stand out from other applicants? Highlight your unique qualities in your objective or summary statement to make a strong first impression.

3. Showcase Your Expertise

Use industry-specific keywords and phrases to showcase your expertise and demonstrate your knowledge of the field.

4. Use Active Verbs

Use active verbs to describe your skills and achievements, such as “created,” “developed,” and “produced.” This shows that you are proactive and results-driven.

5. Tailor Your Statement to the Job

Customize your objective or summary statement for each job you apply for to show that you are a good fit for the position and the company culture.

Examples of Effective Statements

Here are some examples of effective objective or summary statements for a creative writer resume:

Creative and detail-oriented writer with five years of experience in digital content creation. Extensive knowledge of SEO best practices and a proven track record of creating engaging and shareable content. Seeking a position as a content marketer with a focus on social media.

Award-winning writer with a passion for storytelling and a talent for creating compelling narratives. Proficient in creative writing, copywriting, and scriptwriting. Seeking a position as a content writer for a reputable publishing company.

Experienced writer with a background in journalism and a strong understanding of current events. Skilled at conducting research, conducting interviews, and writing engaging news stories. Seeking a position as a staff writer for a respected news outlet.

By following these tips and examples, you can craft a strong objective or summary statement that will set you apart from other applicants and capture the attention of potential employers.

Demonstrating Writing Experience

To convince potential employers that you have the writing skills and expertise to excel in a creative writing role, you must demonstrate your writing experience in a clear and effective manner. To help you stand out from the crowd, here are some best practices for showcasing your writing experience on your resume and some examples of how to present it.

Best Practices for Showcasing Writing Experience

Tailor your resume to the specific job: Before applying for a creative writing job, it’s essential to know what skills and writing experience the employer is looking for. Study the job description and highlight the skills that match your experience. Customizing your resume to the specific job will help you to stand out and demonstrate your understanding of the employer’s requirements.

Use quantifiable metrics: If possible, quantify your writing experience in terms of the impact or results of your work. For example, if you wrote content for a company’s website, explain how your writing increased traffic or conversions.

Highlight your writing skills: To showcase your writing skills, create a portfolio of samples that demonstrate your range of writing abilities. Be sure to include samples that show your ability to write in different styles, such as blogs, articles, social media posts, and marketing copy.

Use active verbs: When describing your writing experience, use strong, active verbs that communicate your accomplishments. Instead of saying, “I wrote content for the company website,” say “I developed and executed the content strategy for the company website, increasing traffic by 20%.”

Emphasize collaboration: If you’ve worked with other writers, editors, or creative professionals, highlight your ability to work collaboratively. Many writing jobs require teamwork, so demonstrating your experience with collaboration will show employers that you’re a team player.

Examples of Relevant Experience and How to Present It

• Content Writer: Create a section of your resume that focuses on your experience as a content writer, ensuring to include the following details:
• Note how many years of experience you have
• Highlight your area of expertise, such as blogs, articles, social media posts, product descriptions, or whitepapers.
• Mention your success rate, such as social media ads leading to 15% increased sales, or blog articles generating 500 average views per article.
• Provide samples of your writing or links to the websites or published work.
• Highlight any collaborations with other writers, editors, or creative professionals.
• Freelance Writer: For freelancers, showcase the following:
• Provide a short paragraph about your experience working remotely with clients and projects managed.
• Sources of income, such as how much revenue have you generated from writing/consulting per year.
• Include the type of writing skills that you have in your portfolio, such as scriptwriting, marketing copy, press releases, video script, eBook writing, and research papers.

Highlighting Education and Training

One of the important sections of a creative writer’s resume is their education and training. This section should be placed after the work experience section, and it should include all relevant education and training that the writer has received.

How to Demonstrate Relevant Education and Training

It’s important to only include education and training that is relevant to the creative writing field. For example, if the writer has a degree in business, it may not be as valuable to include that information as it would be to include specific courses that pertain to writing, such as creative writing workshops, literature classes, or writing conferences attended.

It’s best to present this information in chronological order, starting with the most recent educational experience. In addition to the name of the school, degree or certification earned, and dates of attendance, it’s also good to include any honors, awards or recognition received during the educational experience.

Best Practices for Presenting Educational Background

There are several best practices to keep in mind when presenting your educational background. First, keep it concise and to the point. Use bullet points and avoid long paragraphs. Also, focus on specific details that will be valuable to the employer, such as any specialized training, licenses or certificates that are relevant to the job.

Another best practice is to tailor your education and training section to the position you’re applying for. If you’re applying for a writing position at a fashion magazine, highlighting any fashion-related courses or writing projects can help you stand out.

Including your education and training in your creative writer resume can be a valuable tool in helping you land your dream job. By following these best practices, your resume will showcase your educational achievements and qualifications in the most effective way possible.

Showcasing Relevant Skills and Competencies

As a creative writer, there are certain key skills and competencies that you should highlight on your resume. These skills not only demonstrate your writing ability but also show how you stand out from other writers in the field.

Key Skills for Creative Writers

Writing Skills : Your writing skills are your bread and butter as a creative writer. You must be able to create compelling narratives, craft vivid descriptions, and create characters that resonate with your readers.

Research Skills : Good creative writing involves a great deal of research. You must be able to conduct in-depth research to create a realistic and authentic world for your readers.

Editing Skills : Editing is an essential part of the writing process. You must be able to revise and refine your work until it is polished and ready for publication.

Time Management : Creativity doesn’t always come on demand, but deadlines do. You must be able to manage your time effectively to ensure that you deliver your work on time.

Examples of How to Demonstrate These Skills

Writing Skills : Showcase your writing skills by including a writing sample with your resume. Choose a piece that showcases your ability to create compelling narratives and vivid descriptions.

Research Skills : Highlight your research skills by including a project where you had to conduct extensive research. Briefly describe the research you conducted and how it impacted the final product.

Editing Skills : Emphasize your editing skills by showcasing a before and after example of a piece you have edited. Describe the changes you made and how they improved the piece.

Time Management : Demonstrate your time management skills by including a project where you had to juggle multiple deadlines. Highlight how you prioritized your work and delivered your projects on time.

By showcasing these skills and competencies on your resume, you demonstrate that you are a well-rounded creative writer who can deliver high-quality work on time. This will help you stand out from other candidates and land your dream job in the creative writing field.

Including Awards and Achievements

When it comes to creating a resume as a creative writer, it’s important to showcase your accomplishments and recognition within the industry. Including awards and achievements can help set you apart from the competition and demonstrate your expertise. Here are some best practices for presenting awards and achievements on your resume:

Best practices for presenting awards and achievements

Make a separate section for awards and achievements: Consider creating a separate section on your resume specifically for awards and achievements. This will make it easier for potential employers to find and recognize your accomplishments.

Be specific: When listing awards or achievements, be specific about what you earned the recognition for. Include the name of the award, the organization, and the year it was received.

Highlight the most relevant accomplishments: If you have a long list of awards or achievements, consider only including the ones that are the most relevant to the job you’re applying for. This will help demonstrate that you have the skills and experience necessary for the role.

Use bullet points: Create a bullet point list of your awards and achievements to make them easy to read and quickly scan.

Examples of awards and achievements relevant to creative writers

Here are some examples of awards and achievements that could be relevant to a creative writer:

Pulitzer Prize for Fiction: This award recognizes exceptional works of fiction, which would demonstrate your ability to craft compelling stories.

National Book Award: Winning this award demonstrates your expertise in writing and would be a significant accomplishment on a resume.

Pushcart Prize: This award recognizes exceptional short stories, essays, or poems, which would demonstrate your ability to create impactful pieces within a limited timeframe.

Best New Poets: Being selected for this annual anthology showcases your talent as an up-and-coming poet.

Lambda Literary Award: This award honors exceptional LGBTQ literature, which would demonstrate your dedication to inclusivity and representation in your writing.

By including relevant awards and achievements on your resume, you can demonstrate your expertise and catch the attention of potential employers. Remember to be specific, highlight the most relevant accomplishments, and make them easy to read with bullet points.

Creative Writer Resume Tips and Tricks

In addition to the examples and tips already provided, there are further strategies you can use to craft a standout creative writer resume. The following tips and tricks can help you make your resume more competitive and compelling:

Additional Tips for Crafting a Standout Creative Writer Resume

Highlight your unique skills: As a creative writer, you likely have skills that set you apart from other candidates. Whether it’s your ability to develop compelling storylines or your knack for writing vivid descriptions, be sure to showcase what makes you unique in your resume.

Create a portfolio: While your resume should demonstrate your skills and experience, a portfolio of your writing can be invaluable in showcasing your talent. Consider creating a website or online portfolio where you can showcase your best work.

Use active language: Avoid passive phrases such as “responsible for” or “involved in.” Instead, use active language to describe your achievements and responsibilities. For example, rather than saying “assisted with project management,” say “managed project timelines and budgets.”

Cater your resume to the job: When applying for a specific job, it’s important to tailor your resume to the position. Review the job description and highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant. Use the language and keywords in the job posting to make sure your resume stands out to the employer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While there are many things you can do to make your creative writer resume stand out, there are also common mistakes that can hold your resume back. Here are a few things to avoid:

Spelling and grammar errors: As a writer, it’s important to demonstrate strong writing skills in your resume. Spelling and grammar errors can suggest that you lack attention to detail and may not take your work seriously.

Too much information: While it’s important to provide a comprehensive overview of your skills and experience, it’s also important to be concise. Try to limit your resume to one or two pages, and focus on providing the most relevant information.

Lack of specificity: Avoid vague statements such as “worked on various projects” or “contributed to the team.” Instead, be specific about the projects you worked on and the specific contributions you made.

By incorporating these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a creative writer resume that stands out and impresses potential employers.

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More from ResumeHead

13 Writer CV Examples [+ Template]

Writers are the architects of imagination, skillfully weaving words into narratives that captivate, inform, and inspire. Similarly, a well-crafted Writer's CV should tell a compelling story, showcasing your creative prowess, command of language, and ability to engage diverse audiences. Explore our Writer CV examples to construct a document that effectively communicates your unique voice and literary expertise.

CV Examples

Cv guidance.

• Essential Sections

Optional Sections

• Getting the CV Structure Right
• Formatting Your CV
• Personal Statements for Writer
• CV Experience
• CV Skills & Proficiencies
• How to Tailor Your CV to a Job
• FAQs about CVs
• Related CVs

CV Writing for Writers

• Highlight Your Writing Experience : Detail your writing experience, including the genres or fields you specialize in, the platforms you've written for (blogs, magazines, books, etc.), and the types of content you've produced (articles, reports, stories, etc.).
• Showcase Your Published Works : List your published works with their titles, publication dates, and publishers. If you've written for a blog or website, provide links to your articles.
• Customize Your CV for the Role : Tailor your CV to the specific writing job you're applying for. Highlight relevant experiences and skills, such as SEO knowledge for a digital content writer role or technical expertise for a technical writer position.
• Detail Your Writing Skills : Mention your proficiency in writing software like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Scrivener. If you're familiar with design software like Adobe InDesign or Photoshop, include these too. Also, highlight your ability to write in different styles and tones.
• Illustrate Your Creativity and Adaptability : Provide examples of how you've used creativity to engage your audience or adapt your writing style to different platforms or audiences. This could include a successful marketing campaign you wrote or a technical manual you made easy to understand.

The Smarter, Faster Way to Write Your CV

Writer CV Example

• Authored and published a best-selling novel that sold over 100,000 copies within the first six months, significantly boosting the publisher's revenue and market presence.
• Collaborated with a team of editors and designers to ensure the timely and high-quality production of the novel, leading to positive reviews and a 30% increase in pre-orders for the next book.
• Conducted extensive research and interviews to create authentic, engaging characters and plot, resulting in a 20% increase in reader engagement and a 15% rise in social media followers.
• Developed and executed a content strategy for a leading online magazine, resulting in a 40% increase in website traffic and a 25% increase in ad revenue within a year.
• Managed a team of freelance writers, ensuring consistent quality and voice across all articles, leading to a 30% increase in reader retention and subscription rates.
• Wrote a monthly column that consistently ranked as the most-read piece on the website, driving a 35% increase in social media shares and engagement.
• Contributed to a variety of writing projects for a marketing agency, including blog posts, press releases, and social media content, resulting in a 20% increase in client satisfaction rates.
• Worked closely with the SEO team to optimize all written content, leading to a 30% increase in organic search traffic and a 15% increase in conversion rates.
• Implemented a new content management system that improved the content creation process by 25%, enhancing collaboration and efficiency within the team.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling abilities
• Strong research and interview skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with editors and designers
• Experience in developing and executing content strategies
• Proven track record in managing freelance writers
• Expertise in SEO optimization
• Experience with content management systems
• Ability to drive reader engagement and social media growth
• Proficiency in creating high-quality content for various platforms
• Strong skills in boosting website traffic and ad revenue

Blog Writer CV Example

• Developed and executed a content strategy that increased blog traffic by 35%, resulting in a significant boost in lead generation and conversions.
• Managed a team of 3 junior writers, providing guidance and feedback that improved their writing skills and increased overall team productivity by 20%.
• Implemented SEO best practices in blog content, leading to a 50% increase in organic search traffic and a 30% improvement in search engine rankings.
• Authored a series of influential blog posts that were shared over 10,000 times on social media, significantly increasing brand visibility and audience engagement.
• Collaborated with the marketing team to create compelling blog content that supported promotional campaigns, resulting in a 25% increase in product sales.
• Conducted comprehensive research on industry trends and audience preferences, leading to a more targeted and effective content strategy.
• Initiated a guest blogging program that attracted high-profile contributors, increasing blog credibility and expanding the reader base by 30%.
• Managed the blog's editorial calendar, ensuring consistent content publication and maintaining a high level of reader engagement.
• Improved the blog's user experience by incorporating visual content and interactive elements, leading to a 15% decrease in bounce rate.
• Content Strategy Development
• Team Management and Leadership
• SEO Best Practices
• Highly Influential Writing
• Collaborative Content Creation
• Industry Research and Analysis
• Guest Blogger Recruitment
• Editorial Calendar Management
• User Experience Enhancement
• Visual Content Creation

Contributing Writer CV Example

• Authored a series of investigative articles on climate change, resulting in a 30% increase in website traffic and a 20% increase in digital subscriptions for the publication.
• Collaborated with the editorial team to develop a new content strategy, leading to a 15% increase in reader engagement and a 10% increase in social media shares.
• Implemented SEO strategies in content creation, contributing to a 25% improvement in search engine rankings and a 20% increase in organic traffic.
• Developed and maintained a weekly column on technology trends, which consistently ranked as one of the top 5 most-read sections on the website.
• Conducted in-depth interviews with industry leaders, resulting in exclusive content that boosted the publication's credibility and readership.
• Worked closely with the marketing team to create compelling ad copy, contributing to a 15% increase in ad revenue.
• Contributed to a monthly lifestyle magazine, with articles consistently receiving positive feedback for their creativity and depth of research.
• Assisted in the editing and proofreading process, improving the overall quality of the publication and reducing errors by 20%.
• Managed the publication's blog, increasing its monthly views by 30% through the use of engaging content and effective SEO practices.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills
• Strong research abilities
• Proficiency in SEO strategies
• Ability to increase reader engagement
• Experience in conducting in-depth interviews
• Expertise in content strategy development
• Ability to create compelling ad copy
• Experience in managing blogs and digital content
• Proven track record in boosting website traffic and digital subscriptions
• Ability to collaborate effectively with editorial and marketing teams

Creative Writer CV Example

• Developed and executed a unique content strategy for a major publishing house, resulting in a 30% increase in book sales and a 20% increase in new author acquisitions.
• Authored a bestselling novel that sold over 500,000 copies worldwide, leading to a 15% increase in the publisher's annual revenue.
• Managed a team of 5 junior writers, mentoring them to produce award-winning content that boosted the company's reputation in the literary industry.
• Conceptualized and wrote a series of successful children's books, which were translated into 10 languages and sold in over 50 countries, significantly expanding the company's global reach.
• Collaborated with the marketing team to create compelling promotional materials, resulting in a 25% increase in book pre-orders.
• Implemented a new writing process that improved content quality and reduced editing time by 40%, enhancing productivity and efficiency.
• Contributed to a popular blog, increasing monthly site traffic by 50% through engaging and SEO-optimized content.
• Developed a comprehensive social media strategy, growing the company's follower count by 30% and boosting engagement rates by 20%.
• Authored a series of articles that were featured in major industry publications, enhancing the company's brand visibility and credibility in the market.
• Content strategy development
• Team management and mentorship
• Marketing and promotional writing
• Process improvement and efficiency
• SEO-optimized content creation
• Social media strategy development
• Brand visibility and credibility enhancement
• Ability to write for a global audience
• Experience in writing across multiple genres

Curriculum Writer CV Example

• Directed the development and implementation of a new K-12 curriculum, resulting in a 30% increase in standardized test scores across all grade levels.
• Collaborated with a team of 10 educators to design engaging, interactive lesson plans, leading to a 20% increase in student engagement and participation.
• Implemented a system for regular curriculum review and updates, ensuring content remains relevant and aligned with the latest educational standards and trends.
• Managed the transition from traditional to digital learning materials, increasing accessibility for remote students by 50%.
• Designed a comprehensive teacher training program on new curriculum implementation, improving teaching effectiveness and resulting in a 15% increase in overall student performance.
• Conducted detailed analysis of student performance data to identify areas for curriculum improvement, leading to a 25% improvement in underperforming subjects.
• Developed a curriculum for a specialized STEM program, leading to a 40% increase in student enrollment in STEM subjects.
• Collaborated with subject matter experts to ensure curriculum accuracy and relevance, resulting in a 20% increase in student comprehension and retention.
• Implemented a feedback system for teachers and students to contribute to curriculum development, fostering a collaborative learning environment and improving curriculum relevance by 30%.
• Curriculum Development and Implementation
• Team Collaboration and Leadership
• Knowledge of Current Educational Standards and Trends
• Transition Management from Traditional to Digital Learning
• Teacher Training Program Design
• Data Analysis and Interpretation
• Specialized STEM Curriculum Development
• Collaboration with Subject Matter Experts
• Feedback System Implementation
• Improvement of Curriculum Relevance and Student Engagement

Freelance Writer CV Example

• Authored and published a series of 10 articles for a leading lifestyle magazine, resulting in a 30% increase in online engagement and a 15% increase in magazine subscriptions.
• Collaborated with a team of designers and editors to produce a best-selling e-book, which sold over 10,000 copies within the first month of release.
• Developed a content strategy for a startup's blog, leading to a 50% increase in website traffic and a 20% increase in lead generation within six months.
• Produced a bi-weekly column for a national newspaper, consistently meeting deadlines and contributing to a 10% increase in readership over a one-year period.
• Ghostwrote a memoir for a high-profile client, which was subsequently published by a major publishing house and received positive reviews in several national publications.
• Conducted in-depth research and interviews to produce a series of articles on social issues, leading to a significant increase in public awareness and discussion.
• Created engaging and SEO-optimized content for a variety of clients, resulting in improved search engine rankings and increased web traffic.
• Edited and proofread content for a range of clients, improving clarity, tone, and style, and reducing errors by 25%.
• Managed multiple writing projects simultaneously, consistently delivering high-quality work on time and within budget.
• SEO optimization expertise
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong research and interviewing skills
• Experience in content strategy development
• Proficiency in collaborating with diverse teams
• Ability to meet strict deadlines
• Experience in ghostwriting
• Proven track record in increasing readership and engagement
• Expertise in producing content for various platforms and formats

Grant Writer CV Example

• Successfully secured over $2 million in grant funding in a single fiscal year, contributing to a 30% increase in the organization's overall budget.
• Implemented a new grant tracking system that improved efficiency by 40%, leading to an increase in the number of grants applied for and won.
• Developed and delivered grant writing training to a team of 10 staff members, enhancing their skills and increasing the organization's grant writing capacity.
• Managed a portfolio of over 50 grants, maintaining a 90% success rate in securing funding and contributing significantly to the organization's financial sustainability.
• Collaborated with program staff to develop compelling narratives for grant proposals, resulting in a 20% increase in funding for key initiatives.
• Conducted comprehensive research on potential funding sources, identifying 30 new opportunities that aligned with the organization's mission and strategic goals.
• Authored and submitted over 100 grant proposals, securing funding for critical projects and contributing to a 15% increase in the organization's annual revenue.
• Established strong relationships with key funders, enhancing the organization's reputation and increasing the likelihood of future funding opportunities.
• Played a key role in the development of the organization's strategic plan, ensuring alignment between funding needs and organizational goals.
• Exceptional grant writing abilities
• Proven track record in securing substantial funding
• Efficient grant tracking and management
• Ability to train and mentor staff in grant writing
• Strong collaboration and team working skills
• Comprehensive research and identification of funding opportunities
• Excellent relationship building with key funders
• Strategic planning and alignment with organizational goals
• Ability to develop compelling narratives for grant proposals
• Experience in managing large grant portfolios

Proposal Writer CV Example

• Orchestrated the development and submission of over 50 high-stakes proposals, resulting in a 30% increase in won contracts and contributing significantly to the company's annual revenue.
• Implemented a new proposal management software, streamlining the proposal creation process and reducing the average proposal development time by 40%.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to gather technical information, leading to the creation of more accurate and compelling proposals, and improving the win rate by 20%.
• Managed a team of junior proposal writers, providing guidance and feedback that improved the quality of proposals and increased the team's win rate by 15%.
• Developed a comprehensive proposal library, reducing the time spent on proposal creation by 25% and improving the consistency of proposal content.
• Conducted detailed competitor analysis for each proposal, leading to the development of more competitive bids and a 10% increase in won contracts.
• Authored and edited over 100 proposal sections, ensuring compliance with RFP requirements and contributing to a 15% increase in won contracts.
• Assisted in the development of proposal strategies and themes, resulting in more compelling proposals and a 10% increase in positive client feedback.
• Collaborated with the sales team to understand client needs, leading to the creation of more targeted proposals and a 20% increase in client satisfaction.
• Proposal Development and Submission
• Proposal Management Software Implementation
• Cross-functional Team Collaboration
• Team Management and Mentorship
• Proposal Library Development
• Competitor Analysis
• Proposal Writing and Editing
• Proposal Strategy Development
• Sales Team Collaboration
• Client Needs Analysis

Resume Writer CV Example

• Revamped the resume writing process, incorporating industry-specific keywords and ATS-friendly formats, resulting in a 30% increase in client interview rates.
• Managed a portfolio of over 100 clients, providing personalized resume writing and career consultation services, leading to a 95% satisfaction rate.
• Developed and conducted resume writing workshops for local universities and job fairs, educating over 500 individuals on effective resume strategies.
• Implemented a client feedback system to continuously improve resume writing services, leading to a 20% increase in repeat clients and referrals.
• Collaborated with a team of 5 resume writers, streamlining the workflow and reducing project turnaround time by 25%.
• Conducted in-depth industry research to stay updated on hiring trends, improving the relevancy and effectiveness of client resumes.
• Successfully assisted over 200 clients in diverse industries with their job search by crafting compelling resumes and cover letters, resulting in a 40% increase in client job offers.
• Initiated a resume review service, providing constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement to over 50 clients per month.
• Partnered with local career centers to provide resume writing services, expanding the company's client base by 30%.
• Exceptional Resume Writing
• Client Relationship Management
• ATS Optimization
• Industry-Specific Keyword Incorporation
• Workshop Development and Facilitation
• Feedback Analysis and Service Improvement
• Team Collaboration and Workflow Streamlining
• Industry Research and Trend Analysis
• Cover Letter Writing
• Partnership Development and Networking

Senior Writer CV Example

• Directed a team of junior writers and editors, resulting in a 30% increase in content output without compromising quality or adherence to brand voice.
• Implemented a new content strategy that boosted website traffic by 40% and increased user engagement by 25% within six months.
• Authored a series of thought leadership articles that were picked up by major industry publications, enhancing the company's reputation and visibility in the market.
• Managed the development and execution of a comprehensive content calendar, leading to a more consistent publishing schedule and a 20% increase in readership.
• Collaborated with the marketing team to create compelling copy for advertising campaigns, resulting in a 15% increase in conversion rates.
• Introduced a rigorous editing and proofreading process, reducing content errors by 50% and improving overall content quality.
• Produced a wide range of content, including blog posts, white papers, and case studies, that generated over 1 million views and significantly increased brand awareness.
• Worked closely with the SEO team to optimize content, leading to a 35% increase in organic search traffic.
• Played a key role in the development of the company's content style guide, ensuring consistency in tone and voice across all written materials.
• Team Leadership and Management
• Thought Leadership Writing
• Content Calendar Management
• Copywriting for Marketing Campaigns
• Editing and Proofreading
• Content Production across Various Formats
• SEO Optimization
• Brand Voice Consistency
• Performance Metrics Analysis

Sports Writer CV Example

• Headed the sports editorial team, increasing readership by 30% through the introduction of innovative content formats and in-depth analysis of trending sports events.
• Developed and maintained relationships with key sports personalities and industry insiders, resulting in exclusive interviews and scoops that boosted the publication's credibility and audience engagement.
• Implemented a new digital strategy that increased online traffic by 40%, enhancing the visibility and reach of sports content across various digital platforms.
• Managed live coverage of major sports events, resulting in a 20% increase in real-time audience engagement and a 15% boost in social media followers.
• Collaborated with the marketing team to create compelling sports content for promotional campaigns, contributing to a 25% increase in subscription rates.
• Introduced a weekly sports podcast that became one of the top 10 sports podcasts in the region, attracting significant advertising revenue for the publication.
• Authored a weekly sports column that consistently ranked among the top 3 most-read sections of the publication, driving a 10% increase in overall readership.
• Conducted in-depth research and analysis of sports trends, contributing to the publication's reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive sports coverage.
• Coordinated with the graphics team to incorporate visually appealing infographics and images, enhancing reader engagement by 15%.
• Exceptional sports knowledge and analysis
• Strong leadership and team management
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships
• Digital strategy implementation
• Live event coverage and reporting
• Content creation for marketing and promotional campaigns
• Podcast production and hosting
• In-depth research and trend analysis
• Visual content coordination and incorporation

Staff Writer CV Example

• Authored and edited over 500 articles, driving a 30% increase in website traffic and contributing significantly to the organization's online presence.
• Implemented a new content strategy that boosted social media engagement by 50%, enhancing brand visibility and audience interaction.
• Collaborated with the marketing team to develop compelling ad copy, resulting in a 20% increase in click-through rates and contributing to revenue growth.
• Developed a series of investigative pieces that were recognized with an industry award, highlighting the organization's commitment to in-depth reporting.
• Managed a team of junior writers, improving content quality and consistency, and reducing editing time by 15%.
• Initiated a weekly newsletter that grew to over 10,000 subscribers, enhancing reader loyalty and boosting website return visits by 25%.
• Contributed to a variety of sections including news, features, and opinion, demonstrating versatility and adaptability in writing styles.
• Conducted interviews with high-profile individuals, adding depth and credibility to articles and increasing reader engagement.
• Worked closely with the design team to integrate visuals with written content, improving reader experience and time spent on page by 20%.
• Proficient in driving website traffic and social media engagement
• Ad copy creation
• Team management and leadership
• Newsletter development and distribution
• Versatility in writing styles
• Interviewing high-profile individuals
• Collaboration with design teams
• Award-winning investigative reporting

UX Writer CV Example

• Directed a team of UX writers to develop and implement a comprehensive content strategy, resulting in a 30% increase in user engagement and a 20% reduction in customer support inquiries.
• Championed the integration of user-centric language into the product design process, leading to a 15% improvement in user comprehension and a 10% increase in user satisfaction scores.
• Implemented a new content management system that streamlined the content creation process, reducing production time by 25% and improving content consistency across all platforms.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop user-focused content for a major product launch, resulting in a 50% increase in user adoption rates within the first quarter of release.
• Conducted extensive user research to understand user needs and pain points, leading to a 20% improvement in the clarity and effectiveness of product instructions and guidelines.
• Developed and maintained a comprehensive style guide and glossary, ensuring consistency in language and tone across all product interfaces and reducing content discrepancies by 30%.
• Created engaging and intuitive content for a variety of digital platforms, leading to a 15% increase in user retention and a 10% increase in user conversion rates.
• Conducted regular content audits to identify areas for improvement, resulting in a 20% reduction in outdated or irrelevant content and a 15% improvement in overall content quality.
• Worked closely with the design team to ensure that content and design worked in harmony, leading to a 10% improvement in user experience scores and a 5% increase in user satisfaction rates.
• User-Centric Language Integration
• Content Management System Implementation
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• User Research
• Style Guide and Glossary Maintenance
• Content Auditing
• Design and Content Integration
• User Engagement and Retention Strategies

CV Structure & Format for Writers

Crafting a writer's CV requires a strategic approach to structure and formatting. Not only does it need to highlight the most relevant information for potential employers, but it also needs to reflect the creativity and organizational skills inherent to the profession. A well-structured CV can effectively showcase your writing career, ensuring your accomplishments and skills are displayed prominently. By focusing on essential sections and presenting your information effectively, you can significantly enhance your chances of securing an interview. Let's explore how to organize your CV to best showcase your writing career.

Essential CV Sections for Writers

Every writer's CV should include these core sections to provide a clear, comprehensive snapshot of their professional journey and capabilities: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

To further tailor your CV and distinguish yourself, consider adding these optional sections, which can offer more insight into your professional persona: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Getting Your CV Structure Right

For writers, an effectively structured CV is a testament to the creativity and order inherent in the profession. Keep these tips in mind to refine your CV’s structure:

• Logical Flow : Begin with a compelling personal statement, then proceed to your writing experience, ensuring a logical progression through the sections of your CV.
• Highlight Key Achievements Early : Make significant accomplishments stand out by placing them prominently within each section, especially in your writing experience.
• Use Reverse Chronological Order : List your roles starting with the most recent to immediately show employers your current level of responsibility and expertise.
• Keep It Professional and Creative : Opt for a straightforward, professional layout and creative language that reflects the creativity writing demands.

Formatting Your Writer CV for Success

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Technical Expertise

• Content Creation & Editing : Proficiency in creating compelling content across various genres and editing for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy.
• Research & Fact-Checking : Ability to conduct thorough research and fact-checking to ensure accuracy and credibility in content.
• SEO & Digital Writing : Skilled in optimizing content for search engines and writing for digital platforms.
• Proficiency in Writing Tools : Mastery of writing software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Scrivener) and content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal).

Interpersonal & Collaboration Skills

• Team Collaboration : Ability to work effectively within diverse teams, contributing to a productive and creative environment.
• Communication Skills : Excellent verbal and written communication skills, essential for presenting ideas and liaising with clients or team members.
• Creativity & Innovation : Ability to think outside the box and bring fresh, innovative ideas to the table.
• Time Management : Proficiency in managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Creating a Compelling Skills Section on Your CV

How to tailor your writer cv to a specific job.

Tailoring your CV to the target job opportunity should be your single most important focus when creating a CV.

Tailor Your CV to a Job Description

Emphasize Your Most Relevant Writing Experiences

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Try our AI Resume Builder

How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide

For most job-seekers, a good resume is what stands between a dream job and Choice D. Get your resume right, and you’ll be getting replies from every other company you apply to.

If your resume game is weak, though, you’ll end up sitting around for weeks, maybe even months, before you even get a single response.

So you’re probably wondering how you can write a resume that gets you an interview straight up.

Well, you’ve come to the right place!

In this guide, we’re going to teach you everything you need to know about how to make a resume, including:

• The 8 Essential Steps to Writing a Resume
• 11+ Exclusive Resume Tips to Up Your Resume Game
• 27+ Real-Life Resume Examples for Different Professions

….and more!

So, let’s dive right in.

How to Make a Resume (The Right Way!)

Before we go into detail about how you should make a resume, here’s a summary of the most important steps and tips to keep in mind:

• Choose a resume format carefully. In 99% of cases, we recommend the reverse-chronological format .
• Add the right contact details. Leave your headshot out and make sure to include your job title , a professional email address, and any relevant links. (E.g.: your LinkedIn profile , online portfolio, personal website, etc.).
• Write an impactful resume summary. Unless you’re an entry-level professional, always go for a resume summary. If you do it right, it’s your chance to get the hiring manager to go through the rest of your resume in detail.
• Pay attention to your work experience section. Take your work experience section from OK-ish to exceptional by tailoring it to the job ad, making your achievements quantifiable, and using action verbs and power words.
• Add the right skills for the job. Keep this section relevant by only including the hard and soft skills that are required for the position.
• Keep your education short and to the point. Your most recent and highest degree is more than enough for a strong education section. You only need to add more details here if you’re a recent graduate with barely any work experience.
• Leverage optional resume sections. Optional sections like languages, hobbies, certifications, independent projects, and others can set you apart from other candidates with similar skills and experience.
• Include a cover letter. That’s right, cover letters matter in 2024, and the best way to supplement your resume is by adding an equally well-crafted cover letter to your job application. To make the most of it, check out our detailed guide on how to write a cover letter .

To get the most out of our tips, you can head over to the resume builder and start building your resume on the go as you read this guide.

New to resume-making? Give our ‘7 Resume Tips’ video a watch before diving into the article!

#1. Pick the Right Resume Format

Before you start filling in the contents of your resume, you have to make sure it’s going to look good. 

After all, the first thing hiring managers notice is what your resume looks like, and then they start reading it. So, this is your best chance to make a great first impression.

Start by choosing the right resume format.

There are three types of resume formats out there:

• Reverse-chronological. This is by far the most popular resume format worldwide and, as such, it’s the best format for most job-seekers.
• Functional. This resume format focuses more on skills than work experience. It’s a good choice if you’re just getting started with your career and have little to no experience in the field.
• Combination. The combination resume format is a great choice for experienced job-seekers with a very diverse skill set. It’s useful if you’re applying for a role that requires expertise in several different fields and you want to show all that in your resume.

So, which one should you go for?

In 99% of cases, you want to stick to the reverse-chronological resume format . It’s the most popular format and what hiring managers expect to see. So, in the rest of this guide, we’re going to focus on teaching you how to make a reverse-chronological resume.

Fix Your Resume’s Layout

With formatting out of the way, let’s talk about your resume’s layout , which determines the overall look of your resume. 

Does it look organized or cluttered? Is it too short or too long? Is it boring and easy to ignore, or is it reader-friendly and attention-grabbing?

Here are some of the best practices you should apply:

• Stick to one page. You should only go for a two-page resume if you have decades of experience and you’re sure the extra space will add significant value. Hiring managers in big companies get hundreds of applications per job opening. They’re not going to spend their valuable time reading your life story!
• Add clear section headings. Pick a heading and use it for all the section headers so the hiring manager can easily navigate through your resume.
• Adjust the margins. Without the right amount of white space, your resume will end up looking overcrowded with information. Set your margins to one inch on all sides so your text fits just right on the page.
• Choose a professional font. We’d recommend sticking to a font that’s professional but not overused. For example, Ubuntu, Roboto, or Overpass. Avoid Times New Roman, and never use Comic Sans.
• Set the correct font size. As a rule of thumb, go for 11-12 pt for normal text and 14-16 pt for section titles.
• Use a PDF file. Always save your resume as a PDF file, unless the employer specifically requests otherwise. Word files are popular, but there’s a good chance they’ll mess up your resume’s formatting.

Another thing you need to consider in terms of your resume’s layout is whether you’re going for a traditional-looking resume template or something a bit more modern :

If you’re pursuing a career in a more traditional industry, like law , banking , or finance , you might want to stick to the first.

But if you’re applying to a tech company where imagination and innovation are valued, you can pick a more creative resume template .

Want to Save Time? Use a (Free) Resume Template

Anyone who’s ever tried creating a resume from scratch knows how boring the formatting can be.

Before you can even start filling in the contents, you need to tweak the margins, adjust font sizes, and make sure everything fits into one page while still looking good.

What if you could skip past all that and still create a compelling resume?

Try one of our free resume templates . They’re pre-formatted, so all you have to do is fill in the contents.

They’re also created in collaboration with recruiters from around the globe, ensuring that the templates are visually appealing and ATS-friendly!

See for yourself how one of our templates compares to a resume created in a standard text editor:

#2. Add Your Contact Information

Now that we’ve got all the formatting out of the way, let’s get into what your resume is all about— the information you put on it .

The first thing you want to do when filling out the contents of your resume is to add your contact information .

This section is pretty straightforward but crucial. Your contact details belong at the top of your resume in a designated resume header , so the hiring manager can easily find them.

Even if everything else about your resume is perfect, that all flops if you misspell your email address or have a typo in your phone number. If the hiring manager can’t contact you, it’s a missed opportunity.

So, double-check, and even triple-check your contact information section and make sure everything is factually correct and up-to-date.

Must-Have Information

• Full name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top of your resume.
• Email address. Stick to an address that’s professional and easy to spell, like a combination of your first and last name. (E.g.: [email protected])
• Phone number. Add a reliable number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
• Location. Add your city and state/country. If you plan to relocate for the job or want a remote position, specify it on your resume.

Optional Information

• Job title. Add your professional title underneath. Write it down word for word, whether it’s “Digital Marketing Specialist” or “Junior Data Scientist.” Just don’t make up job titles like “Marketing Wizzard” or “Data Manipulator.” They’re not quirky; they’re just unprofessional. 
• LinkedIn profile . We recommend that you include a link to your updated LinkedIn profile since over 77% of hiring managers use the platform when evaluating a candidate. 
• Relevant links. Include links to personal websites or any social media profiles that are relevant to your field. For example, a developer could include a Github profile, while a graphic designer could link their Behance or Driblle account, and so on.
• Date of birth. Unless this is specifically required in the job ad, the hiring manager doesn’t need to know how old you are. It’s not important for their decision-making, and at worst, it might lead to age-based discrimination.
• Unprofessional email address. Your quirky, old high school email address doesn’t belong on your resume. Instead of [email protected] , go for a [email protected] type of address.
• Headshot. (USA, UK or Ireland) Depending on the country where you’re applying, it might even be illegal to include a picture of yourself on your resume . While it’s the norm to include a picture in most of Europe and Asia, always check the regulations for each specific country or industry you’re applying to.

All clear? Good! Now, let’s look at what a great example of a resume's contact information section looks like:

#3. Write a Resume Headline (Summary or Objective)

It's no secret that recruiters spend an average of less than seven seconds on a resume .

When you receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications daily, it's physically impossible to spend too much time on each.

So, what the hiring managers do to go through resumes more effectively is to skim through each resume and read it in depth only if it piques their interest.

This is where the resume headline comes in.

Placed right next to (or underneath) your contact information, this brief paragraph is the first thing the hiring manager is going to read on your resume.

Now, depending on how far along in your career you are, your resume headline can be either a resume summary or a resume objective.

So, how do you choose between a resume summary and a resume objective? Here’s all you need to know:

Resume Summary

A resume summary, as the name suggests, is a two to three-sentence summary of your career so far. If done right, it shows that you’re a qualified candidate at a glance and gets the hiring manager to give you a chance.

Here’s what your resume summary should include:

• Your job title and years of experience.
• A couple of your greatest professional achievements or core responsibilities.
• Your most relevant skills for the job.

Here’s an example of a well-written resume summary: 

Experienced Java Developer with 5 years of experience in building scalable and efficient applications. Contributed to a major project that enhanced application performance by 25%. Strong background in Spring Framework and microservices. Aiming to apply robust coding skills to develop innovative software solutions at XYZ Tech Solutions.

Unless you’re a recent graduate or amid a career change, we recommend you stick to a resume summary. Otherwise, a resume objective might be a better option for you.

Resume Objective

A resume objective is supposed to express your professional goals and aspirations, academic background, and any relevant skills you may have for the job.

It communicates your motivation for getting into a new field, so it’s the go-to headline for recent graduates and those going through a career change. As with a resume summary, a resume objective should be brief—around two to four sentences long.

So, here’s what it would look like if you’re a student:

Hard-working recent graduate with a B.A. in Graphic Design from New York State University seeking new opportunities. 3+ years of practical experience working with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, creating illustrations and UX/UI design projects. Looking to grow as a designer and perfect my art at XYZ Design Studio.

Or, on the other hand, if you’re going through a career change, it might look more like this:

IT project manager with 5+ years of experience in software development. Managed a team of developers to create products for several industries, such as FinTech and HR tech. Looking to leverage my experience in managing outsourced products as a Product Owner at Company XYZ.

#4. Prioritize Your Work Experience

The most important part of your resume is your work experience.

This is where you get to sell yourself and show off your previous accomplishments and responsibilities.

If you manage to master this section, you’ll know most of what’s there to know about how to make a resume.

There are plenty of good practices for writing your work experience . But before we dive into all the nits and grits, let's start with the basics.

The standard format for each work experience entry is as follows:

• Job title/position. Your job title goes on top of each work experience entry. When the hiring manager looks at your resume, you want them to know, at a glance, that you have relevant work experience for the job.
• Company name/location/description. Mention the name of the employer and the general location, such as the city and state/country where you worked. In some cases, you may also want to briefly describe the company, like when the organization isn’t particularly well-known.
• Dates employed. Add the approximate timeframe of your employment at each company. You don’t need to give exact dates since the standard format for this is mm/yyyy.
• Achievements and responsibilities. This is the core of each work experience entry. Depending on your field, you want to list either your achievements or responsibilities. List them in bullet points instead of paragraphs, so they’ll be easier to read.

Here’s a real-life example:

Your work experience entries should always be listed in reverse chronological order , starting with your most recent job and working your way back into the past.

Now that you know how to list your experience, we’re going to show you how to write about it in a way that makes you stand out from the competition, starting with: 

Are you a student with no work experience? We’ve got you covered. Check out our guide to writing a resume with no experience here.

Focus on Achievements Whenever Possible

One of the most common resume mistakes is only listing responsibilities in your work experience section.

Here’s the thing—in most cases, the hiring manager knows exactly what your job responsibilities are.

For example, if you’re a sales manager, your responsibilities would be:

• Reach out to potential clients over the phone or email.
• Maintain relationships with existing company clients and upsell relevant products.
• Tracking and reporting on leads in CRM.

Coincidentally, this is also the same list of responsibilities for every sales manager out there. So, 90% of all other resumes probably mention the same thing.

To stand out from the competition, you want to focus on writing achievements in your resume instead. These can be how you helped your previous company grow, reach quarterly quotas, and so on.

Let’s compare how responsibilities hold up next to achievements for the same job:

• Exceeded sales team KPIs by 30%+ for 3 months straight.
• Generated over $24,000 in sales in 1 month.
• Generated leads through cold-calling
• Managed existing company clients

Keep in mind, though, that in some fields, there just aren’t that many achievements you can mention. Let’s say you’re a warehouse worker .

Your day-to-day responsibilities probably include:

• Loading, unloading, and setting up equipment daily.
• Packaging finished products and getting them ready for shipping.
• Assisting in opening and closing the warehouse.

In fields like this, it’s pretty hard to distinguish yourself through achievements, so it’s okay to stick to responsibilities instead. You can still make them shine by following the rest of our advice about listing your work experience.

Keep in mind, though, that in some fields, there aren’t that many achievements you can mention. Let’s say you work in a warehouse. Your day-to-day responsibilities probably involve:

• Loading, unloading and setting up equipment on a daily basis.
• Package finished product and get it ready for shipping.
• Assist in opening and closing the warehouse.

In such fields, it’s pretty hard to distinguish yourself, so it’s totally OK to stick to responsibilities instead.

Tailor Your Resume to the Job

Tailoring is what sets an amazing resume apart from an okay one.

Hiring managers don’t need to know about every single job you’ve ever worked at or every single skill that you have.

They only want to know about your jobs, experiences, or skills that are relevant to the role you’re applying for.

For example, if you’re applying for a job doing Google Ads, you don’t need to talk about your SEO internship from eight years ago.

By focusing your resume on whatever is important for the specific role, you’re a lot more likely to stand out and catch the hiring manager’s attention.

Let’s take a look at an example of a job ad:

As you can see, we’ve highlighted the most important requirements.

To tailor your resume accordingly, you just need to mention how you meet each of these requirements in your resume.

You can highlight your relevant achievements and qualifications in different parts of your resume, such as:

• In your resume summary, where you should recap your years of experience.
• Throughout your work experience section, where you should list achievements and responsibilities that reflect your social media marketing experience.
• In your education section, where you can let the hiring manager know you have the degree that they’re looking for.

Include the Right Amount of Work Experience

If you’ve got over a decade’s worth of work experience, you’re probably wondering whether all of it belongs on your resume. In most cases, you’d end up writing a novel if you listed everything you’ve ever done, and that’s not how long a resume should be .

If you’re new to the job market, on the other hand, you probably don’t have any experience, and you’re wondering what you could even add to this section.

So, here’s how much information your resume should include, depending on your level of experience:

• No experience. If you’re looking for your first job , you won’t have any work experience to fill this section with. So, you can either keep it empty and focus on all the other sections or fill it up with any experience gained in student organizations, extracurricular activities, volunteering, and other projects.
• Entry-level. List all your work experience so far. While some of it won’t be relevant, it can still show the hiring manager that you do have some actual work experience.
• Mid-level. Only mention relevant work experience to the position you’re applying for. There’s no need to waste space on jobs that aren’t related to what you’re after.
• Senior-level. List up to 15 years of relevant work experience, tops. If your most recent experience is as a marketing executive , the hiring manager doesn’t care how you started your career as a junior marketing specialist 23 years ago.

Consider Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Software

Did you know that over 70% of resumes don’t even make it to the hiring manager ?

Most companies these days use ATS to evaluate hundreds of resumes instantaneously and automatically filter out the ones that don’t meet their criteria.

For example, if a resume doesn’t mention a specific skill or isn’t formatted correctly, the ATS will automatically reject it.

Fortunately, there are some easy ways to make an ATS-friendly resume .

Here are a couple of tips to help you get past those pesky robots:

• Stick to one page. Sometimes employers set a limit on how long a resume should be. This means that if your resume is longer than one page, it might get automatically disqualified.
• Incorporate keywords. Tailoring your resume to the job helps a ton with beating the ATS. Just carefully read the job description to find hints for what the ATS will be looking for. Then, whenever you find keywords related to your responsibilities and achievements, make sure to include them in your work experience section.
• Use an active voice. Passive voice is too vague and unclear, so make sure to use active voice as much as possible when describing your previous jobs. (E.g.: “Managed a team of ten people,” instead of “ A team of ten people was managed by me.” )
• Leverage powerful action words. Instead of starting each of your sentences with “was responsible for," make your work experience impactful by using words that can grab attention. Saying that you “spearheaded” or “facilitated” something sounds a lot more impressive than “helped.”

Want to make sure your resume formatting passes the ATS test? Choose one of our tried and tested ATS-friendly resume templates , and you’ll be good to go! 

#5. List Your Education

The next section on your resume is dedicated to your academic qualifications. Let’s start with the basics!

Here’s how you should format the education section on your resume :

• Program Name. Your major and degree type should be listed. (E.g.: “B.A. in Business Administration” )
• University Name. Add the name of the institution. (E.g.: “New York State University” )
• Dates Attended. Use a mm/yyyy format for the dates you attended. (E.g.: “08/2008 - 06/2012” )
• Location. If your university is less well-known, you can also add the location. (E.g.: “Stockholm, Sweden” )
• GPA. Use the appropriate grading system for the country you’re applying to work in. (E.g.: In the USA, it would be “3.9 GPA” )
• Honors. Add any honors and distinctions you’ve been given. (E.g.: Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude )
• Achievements. You can mention interesting papers you’ve written, projects you’ve done, or relevant coursework you’ve excelled in.
• Minor. “Minor in Psychology”

Pretty simple, right? Now let’s see what an education section looks like in practice:

This example includes all the necessary information, plus an eye-catching award and relevant classes this candidate has taken.

Resume Education Tips

Now that you know how to list your education on your resume, let’s take this section to the next level.

Just follow these expert tips:

• If you’re making a resume as a student and don’t have any work experience yet, you can list your education section at the beginning of the page instead of work experience.
• You can add your expected graduation date if you’re still pursuing your degree.
• If you already have relevant work experience, just keep this section short and sweet. Recent graduates can expand on their education more and add optional information like projects, classes, academic achievements, etc.
• Always list your degrees in reverse chronological order, starting with your highest degree on top. Your highest and most recent degree is usually enough, so if you have a Master’s degree that’s relevant to the job, there’s no need to mention your earlier degrees.
• Don’t add your high school degree to your resume if you already have a university degree. It doesn’t have as much weight, and you can use the space for something else.
• Only mention your GPA if you had an impressive academic career. Anything below a 3.5 GPA doesn’t need to be on your resume.

Are you in the process of applying for college? Check out our guide to writing a college application resume to wow that admissions officer!

#6. Emphasize Your Know-How in the Skills Section

After your work experience, your skills are the first thing the hiring manager is going to look for. In fact, together, work experience and skills make up 90% of the hiring decision .

So, this is the place where you want to mention all the know-how that makes you the perfect candidate for the job.

There are two types of skills you can include when writing your resume:

• Hard Skills. These are measurable abilities. What you can list here can be anything from coding in Python to knowing how to cook Thai cuisine.
• Soft Skills. Also known as personal skills, these are a mix of communication skills , personal traits, career attributes, and more. They can include leadership, critical thinking, and time management , just to name a few.

Your resume should always cover both hard skills and soft skills . Here’s an example in action:

Now, let’s discuss how you should list your most important skills on your resume.

There are a few essential steps you need to follow:

Always List Hard and Soft Skills Separately

Your resume should be easy and neat to navigate. The hiring manager shouldn’t have to waste time looking for a specific skill because you didn’t separate it into the appropriate subsection.

So, just create separate categories for your hard and soft skills.

Depending on your field, you could customize the name of your “hard skills” subsection to something like “technical skills," “marketing skills," or something else related to your field.

Let’s look at an example of what skills look like on a project manager’s resume :

Methodologies & Tools

• Agile Methodology
• SCRUM Framework
• Waterfall Project Management
• Microsoft Project
• Critical Path Method (CPM)
• Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Risk Management

Soft Skills

• Team Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Negotiation

Tailor Your Skills to the Job

You might have some awesome skills, but the hiring manager only needs to know about the ones that are relevant to the job.

For example, if you’re applying for a job as an accountant, your gourmet chef skills shouldn’t be on your resume.

Look at the job ad and list at least two to three essential skills you have that are required for the role. Remember—there’s no need to list every skill you have here; just keep it relevant.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Graphic Design or a related field.
• Tech-savvy, with some background in CMS systems such as WordPress.
• Thrives in a stressful environment and juggles multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Self-reliant, with the ability to manage their own work.
• A can-do attitude and an outside-the-box thinker.
• Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Keynote, and Pages.
• Basic understanding of Office software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

So, the must-have hard skills here are Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Keynote, and Pages. Other good computer skills to have are WordPress or similar CMS systems.

While you can also mention Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, it’s pretty much assumed that you know how to use them since they’re required for most office jobs.

List Hard Skills with Experience Levels

For each hard skill you list on your resume, you should also mention your proficiency level. This tells employers what they can expect from you and how much training you might need.

• Beginner. You have some experience with the skill, whether it’s from some entry-level practice or classroom education.
• Intermediate. You’ve used the skill in a work environment with good understanding.
• Advanced. You’re the go-to person for this skill in your office. You can coach other employees, and you understand the skill at a high level.
• Expert. You’ve applied this skill to more than a handful of different projects and organizations. You’re the go-to person for advice about the skill, not just in your office but even amongst some of the best professionals in your field.

Just make sure to never lie about your actual skill level. Even if you get the job, once you need those skills you exaggerated, it will be pretty awkward for both you and your employer.

Include Transferable Skills

These are the types of skills that are useful for almost any job out there.

Transferable skills can be both soft skills (e.g.: teamwork, creativity, problem-solving skills, and others) and hard skills (MS Office Suite, HTML, writing, etc.)

Whatever job you’re applying to, chances are you have transferable skills from your experience that can come in handy one way or another. So, feel free to include them, even if they’re not specifically required for the position.

Not sure which skills to mention on your resume for your specific field? Check out our list of 101+ essential skills for inspiration!

#7. Leverage Optional Resume Sections

The sections we’ve covered so far are must-haves for any resume. They’re the bread-and-butter for any job application, and if you get them right, you’ll land any job you apply to.

But if you have some leftover space, there are a few optional sections you can choose from to give your resume a boost!

Are you bi-lingual? Or even better  – multi-lingual? You should always mention that on your resume!

Even if the position doesn’t require you to know a specific language, it can still come in handy at some point. At the end of the day, it’s always better to know more languages than less.

To list languages in your resume , just write them down and assign them the appropriate level:

• Intermediate

You can also use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) or the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency scales.

As a given, you should never lie about your language skills. You never know—your interviewer might turn out to be fluent in the language or even be a native speaker!

Hobbies and Interests

If you want to spice up your resume, hobbies and interests could be just what you need.

While this section isn’t a game-changer, it can help the hiring manager see who you are as an individual.

For example, if you listed “teamwork” as one of your skills, hobbies like team sports can back up your claim.

And who knows? Maybe you and your interviewer have some hobbies or interests in common!

Volunteering Experience

If you’re the type of person who devotes their free time to helping others while expecting nothing in return, chances are that you’re the type of employee who’s in it for more than just the money. 

Seeing volunteer experience on your resume tells hiring managers that you’re a loyal employee who’s after something meaningful.

Several studies show that listing your volunteer experience can boost your chances of getting hired, especially if you have little to no work experience.

Certifications

Hiring managers love candidates who invest in themselves, and that’s exactly what they see when you list certifications on your resume .

If you value continuous learning and strive to expand your skill set, that’s always a plus.

Certifications can also show employers how much expertise you have.

For example, if you’re a Microsoft Cloud Engineer and you specialize in Microsoft Technologies, you should definitely include all essential certifications on your resume, such as the Azure Solutions Architect Expert one.

Awards and Recognitions

There’s no harm in showing off a little on your resume. After all, you want to be a candidate that shines above the rest.

So, if you’ve received any awards or recognitions that make you stand out in your field, make sure to add them.

For example, if you’ve been recognized for your contributions to data science or received a hard-to-come-by scholarship , mention it in your resume. Just keep your entries here relevant to the field you’re applying to.

Publications

Whether you’re a freelance writer or a distinguished academic, publications are always impressive.

If you have any published works (online or in an academic journal), you can add them to your resume. Just make sure to include a link so the hiring manager knows where to check your work!

Are you looking for a career in academia? Check out our guide to writing the perfect academic CV to get started!

Working on side projects can show off your passion for your field. Whether they’re university class projects or part-time entrepreneurial endeavors, they’re relevant.

For example, if you worked on a mock software product as part of a university competition, it shows you went through every step of product creation, from ideation to creating a marketing strategy.

This project also shows off your organizational skills , and if you mention it in your resume, you stand a better chance of landing the job you had your sights set on.

But projects can also be personal, not academic. For example, you might manage an Etsy store where you sell hand-made arts and crafts to customers online. This is a great opportunity to highlight your creativity, management, and customer service skills .

Overall, hiring managers love employees who do cool work in their free time, so projects are always a great section to add to your resume.

Looking to kickstart your career? Check out our guide on how to get an internship for useful tips and real-life examples!

Extracurricular Activities

Every college freshman knows that extracurricular experience can make a difference in their application.

Especially if you don’t have a lot of experience outside of school, extracurricular activities are a great way to show potential employers your skills and give them insight into you as a person. Different clubs and after-school projects can help you gain real-life skills and considerably increase your chances of landing your first job after college.

For example, joining a student government organization can hone your leadership skills and teach you how to work as part of a team.

For example, if you’re part of a student government or public speaking club, these activities can help you hone your leadership and presentation skills.

11+ Expert Resume Tips

You’ve got the gist of how to make a resume. Now, it’s time to make it really stand out from the crowd!

Follow these exclusive resume tips to take your resume game to the next level:

• Match the professional title underneath your name to the job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
• Mention any promotions from your previous jobs. Use the work experience entries for them to focus on the achievements that helped you earn them.
• Describe your achievements using Laszlo Bock’s formula : accomplished X as measured by Y by doing Z . This way, your work experience can go the extra mile and show the hiring manager what you can bring to the table.
• Always list your achievements and responsibilities in concise bullet points. This makes your resume more reader-friendly, and it’s more likely that the hiring manager will see your impressive achievements at a glance.
• Don’t use personal pronouns like “I” or “me,” and don’t refer to yourself by name. Stick to a slightly altered third person, like “managed data integrity at XYZ Inc.” instead of “he managed data integrity at XYZ Inc.”
• Name your resume sections correctly, or it might get rejected by the ATS. Swapping out quirky names like “career history” or “expertise” for “work experience” and "skills" makes it easier for the hiring manager to find what they’re looking for, too.
• Prioritize important keywords instead of adding all of them. Make sure the relevant skills, qualifications, and experiences you add all make sense in context, too. Your goal is to get past the ATS and impress the hiring manager.
• Focus on transferable skills if you don’t have a lot of relevant work experience. Any extracurricular activities or personal projects can help you stand out here.
• Add a strategic pop of color to headings, bullet points, or key elements you want to highlight. It can help your resume stand out, but don’t overdo it—you want the information to be more impressive than the color palette.
• Don’t include the line “references available upon request.” Hiring managers already know they can request a list of references from you, so there’s no need to waste valuable space on it.
• Make sure your resume is optimized for mobile viewing. Most hiring managers use their mobile phones as often as desktop computers, so save your resume to a PDF file and make sure your formatting stays intact across any device.
• Rename the resume file you plan to send so it includes your name and the name of the position you’re applying for. It’s a small detail that can turn into a crucial mistake if you forget it.
• Read your resume out loud when you’re done. This is a great way to catch awkward phrases or spelling mistakes you might have missed otherwise.
• Use a tool like DocSend to track your resume. You’ll get a notification any time someone opens your resume, and you can see how long they spend reading it.

FREE Resume Checklist

Are you already done with your resume? Let’s see how it holds up!

Go through our checklist for perfecting your resume and see where you stand!

If you missed some points, just go through your resume one more time and perfect it.

And if you ☑’d everything—congrats! You’ve learned all there is to know about writing a resume, and you’re good to go with your job search.

Need to write a CV instead of a resume? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to write a CV with dozens of examples!

9 Resume Templates for Different Industries

Looking to create an effective resume without dealing with the formatting hassle? Just choose one of the templates below.

#1. Traditional Resume Template

Good for traditional industries like finance, banking, law, and manufacturing.

#2. Modern Resume Template

Good for both contemporary and forward-looking industries, including entrepreneurship, medical technology, and engineering.

#3. Creative Resume Template

Good for creative industries, including entertainment, design, and architecture. 

#4. Minimalistic Resume Template

Good for experienced professionals in basically any industry who want to let their achievements do the talking. 

#5. IT Resume Template

Good for any IT-related profession like software development, cyber security, and DevOps engineering.

#6. Tech Resume Template

Good for the tech industry and everything it encompasses.

#7. College Resume Template

Good for college students and recent graduates alike.

#8. General Resume Template

Good for multiple industries, including HR, education, and customer service.

#9. Executive Resume Template

Good for senior professionals across different industries, including hospitality, marketing, and logistics.

17+ Resumes for Different Jobs

Knowing how to write a resume is one thing, but making a resume that stands out is something entirely different. Without inspiration, even top career experts might stumble on a roadblock or two.

Check out the following effective resume examples for specific jobs to get a better sense of what a good resume looks like:

#1. Nurse Practitioner Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a nurse resume here.

#2. Data Scientist Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a data scientist resume here.

#3. Business Analyst Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a business analyst resume here.

#4. Digital Marketing Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a digital marketing resume here.

#5. Software Engineer Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a software engineer resume here.

#6. Construction Project Manager Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a construction project manager resume here.

#7. Customer Service Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a customer service resume here.

#8. High School Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a high school resume here.

#9. Student Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a student resume here.

#10. Server Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a server resume here.

#11. Actor Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing an actor resume here.

#12. Web Developer Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a web developer resume here.

#13. Engineering Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing an engineering resume here.

#14. Computer Science Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a computer science resume here.

#15. Architect Resume Example 

Check out our full guide to writing a data analyst resume here.

#17. Remote Job Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a remote job resume here.

#18. Sales Associate Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a sales associate resume here.

#19. Receptionist Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist resume here.

Want to see more examples? Check out our compilation of 80+ resume examples for different fields .

• Administrative Assistant Resume
• Bartender Resume
• DevOps Engineer Resume
• Executive Assistant Resume
• Flight Attendant Resume
• Graphic Designer Resume
• Paralegal Resume
• Pharmacist Resume
• Recruiter Resume
• Supervisor Resume

Next Steps After Your Resume

Now that we’ve covered everything you need to know about how to make a resume, it’s time to talk about the rest of your job application.

After all, your resume is only the first step in your job search. To land the job you deserve, you also need to write a captivating cover letter and ace that upcoming interview. Here’s how:

#1. How to Write a Convincing Cover Letter

The companion piece to every resume is the cover letter.

Most job-seekers flinch when they hear that they have to write a cover letter. What do you even mention in a cover letter, anyway? If you were good at writing cover letters, you’d be applying for a job as a writer !

In reality, though, writing a cover letter is very simple once you know its purpose.

Think of your cover letter as a direct message to the hiring manager. It’s your chance to briefly explain why you’re such an awesome fit for the position. And with a few cover letter tips to point you in the right direction, you’ll write the perfect cover letter for your job application.

Just follow this structure:

• Add the contact details. Include the same contact information as on your resume, plus additional contact details for the hiring manager, including their name, job title, the company’s name, and location.
• Introduce yourself. Start your cover letter by mentioning who you are, what your work experience is, and why you’re interested in the position. Mention a standout achievement or two, relevant skills, and what you’d like to do for the company you’re applying for.
• Explain why you’d excel at the job. Find the requirements in the job ad that you meet, and elaborate on how you fulfill the most important ones. Research the company so you know what you like about it, and mention it in your cover letter. Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for the job and confidence that you’ll be a great fit for their team.
• Wrap it up politely. Conclude your cover letter by recapping your key selling points and thanking the hiring manager for their time. Then add a call to action, such as “Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided phone number so that we can discuss my application in greater detail.” Then, add a closing line and follow it with your full name.

Sounds easy, right? Here’s a real-life example to drive the point home:

Do you need more help perfecting your cover letter? Learn what the most common cover letter mistakes are and check out cover letter examples for all professions here.

#2. How to Ace Your Next Interview

Once you’ve perfected both your resume and cover letter, there’s only one thing left.

It’s time for the final step—the dreaded job interview.

Whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert, you probably hate the interviewing process. No matter how experienced you are, it can be nerve-wracking. Sitting there while someone’s prodding into your past experiences and judging you isn’t fun.

But did you know that most interviewers ask the same questions?

That’s right—all you have to do is learn how to answer some of the most common interview questions, and you’ll be an interview away from landing your dream job!

Just check out our complete guide to the 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers and learn how to ace your next interview.

FAQs on How to Make a Resume

Do you still have some questions about making a resume? Check out the answers to the most frequently asked questions below!

#1. What does a good resume look like in 2024?

For your resume to look good in 2024, make sure it’s organized and clean and isn’t longer than one page.

Be sure to include information that adds value to your application—leave out the focus on your relevant work experience and skills that you can back up, and list as many achievements as possible. 

If you’re using a resume template, choose one based on your industry. Conservative industries like law, banking, and business require more traditional resume templates. But if you’re going for an industry like design, architecture, or marketing, you can go for a creative resume template . 

Remote work is also big in 2024, so if that’s what you’re after, tailor your resume to match the job you want.

#2. How do you make a resume in Word?

The best way to create a resume in Word is to use a pre-designed Microsoft Word template. To access them, you should: 

• Open MS Word
• Click “file” from the menu bar 
• Select “new”
• Type “resume templates” in the search bar 

That said, Word resume templates are generic, hard to personalize, and overall not very stylish.

Want a resume that looks good and is extremely easy to make? Check out resume templates to get started!

#3. How do I write a resume for my first job?

If you’re writing your first-ever resume for an entry-level position, the hiring manager won’t expect you to have any work experience.

However, you can make up for your lack of experience with your skills and academic achievements.

For example, you can take advantage of extracurricular activities, internships, volunteering experiences, and other non-professional experiences. You can use them to highlight the skills you’ve gained and what you’ve achieved so far.

So, your first job resume should have a resume objective, emphasize your education, and replace your work experience with any internships, volunteering, independent projects, or other experiences.

#4. How to make a resume on Google Docs?

You can make a resume on Google Docs by choosing one of their templates and filling it in on the go.

All you have to do is go to your Google Drive’s template gallery, choose your preferred template, fill in your information, and your Google Docs resume is ready to go! 

That said, Google Docs templates aren’t the most user-friendly choice. You don’t have much flexibility with the layout and formatting isn’t that easy. For example, you tweak a section to the slightest, and the whole resume becomes a mess.

If you want an easier option, check out our resume builder !

#5. What kind of resume do employers prefer?

Typically, employers prefer one-page-long resumes that follow the reverse chronological format. 

Hiring managers receive hundreds of resumes every day, so they don't have the time to read three-page resumes. Try one of our one-page resume templates so you don’t go over the recommended resume length.

Meanwhile, the reverse-chronological format is the most popular because it draws attention to your most recent jobs and professional achievements, which is the #1 most important thing hiring managers look at when evaluating a resume.

#6. How many jobs should you put on your resume? 

You should only include relevant job positions on your resume.

This means that your work experience section should be tailored to the job you are applying for. If you’ve worked five different jobs and they can all add value to your current application, then you should include all five. 

If, on the other hand, you’re applying for, say, a customer service position and some of your past jobs don’t have anything to do with customer service, you should skip them.

#7. Should I put my address on my resume? 

You can put your location (city, state, or country) on your resume, but you don’t need to put your entire physical address.

Putting a physical address on a resume was the norm back when companies would contact you via mail. In today’s world, everyone communicates via email, which is why adding a correct and professional email address to your contact information section is far more important than putting your physical address. 

So, just include your location or-–if you’re a remote worker—specify you prefer to work remotely by writing “working remotely from [location].”

#8. What information should I leave out of my resume?

As a general rule, you shouldn’t include your birthday or your headshot on your resume. This norm varies from country to country but it applies to the USA, Canada, and UK.

If you have plenty of achievements to list under your work experience, then you can leave your basic work responsibilities out of your resume. 

In your education section, you should only include your highest and most recent degree. So, if you hold a Ph.D., you can list that and your Master’s degree and leave your Bachelor’s degree and high school diploma out.

Finally, leave out any skills that aren’t relevant to the job you’re applying for.

#9. Is a resume a CV?

Depending on where you are, a CV (Curriculum Vitae) and a resume might be completely different things.

In most of the world, though, including Europe and Asia, they are used interchangeably for the same document. Both CVs and resumes are one to two pages long, and list skills and experiences relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Sometimes more detailed resumes that go over one page are referred to as CVs. These are typically only used by senior professionals, executives, CEOs, etc.

In the USA, however, a CV is a completely different document. Typically, CVs are detailed and comprehensive documents that highlight your entire academic and professional history. They’re often used for academic, scientific, or research positions, which is why this type of CV can also be referred to as an academic CV.

You can create your CV using one of our CV templates !

#10. Should I write my own resume?

Yes, you should always write your own resume.

Your resume is your opportunity to show the hiring manager your communication, writing, and presentation skills . Employers also evaluate you based on how effectively you can convey information about yourself, and there’s no one that can represent you better than yourself.

Writing your own resume lets you introduce yourself authentically. You have the best understanding of your skills and experiences, and you can personalize them to make your resume stand out.

And, as a bonus, the experience of writing your resume yourself can be reflective and insightful, so it might help you understand your professional journey and career goals better.

#11. Can a resume be two pages?

Generally, we strongly recommend that your resume stick to one page.

Hiring managers go through hundreds of resumes every day, and keeping your resume to one page increases the odds that they’ll see your qualifications faster.

In some cases, like when you have a lot of relevant experience, your resume can go over two pages. But this exception is reserved for senior professionals with over a decade of relevant experience and tons of skills and achievements that simply can’t fit on one page.

#12. Is a simple resume okay?

Absolutely, a simple resume is often more than okay—it's preferable.

Before your resume even gets to the hiring manager, a complicated layout could get it rejected by the applicant tracking system (ATS). A simple resume template can help get your application straight to the hiring manager.

A clean layout can also make sure that your resume is easily readable and looks professional. This can focus the hiring manager's attention on your work experience and skills without excessive clutter or flashy colors to distract them.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap!

If you’ve followed all of our advice until now, congrats! You’re probably an expert on how to make a resume.

To recap, let’s go through some of the most important lessons we’ve learned so far...

• Use the right resume builder to make the process as smooth as possible. You don’t want to mess around with formatting for hours before even starting to work on your resume!
• Focus on your achievements over responsibilities. This can help you stand out from all the other applicants, especially if you back your claims up with data.
• Include all the must-have sections, like the resume summary, work experience, education, and skills. Then leverage optional sections if you have leftover space.
• Tailor your resume for the job you’re applying for. Everything listed on your resume should be relevant to the specific job you’re applying for, and you should write a new resume for every new job application.
• Take the time to perfect your cover letter. It’s just as important as your resume, so make sure you pay as much attention to it!

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I tested 5 AI resume builders to help get a job — here's what happened

Here’s how to apply for a job using AI

I long for the day when I’ll wake up in the morning and get my AI ready to go to work for me . Until that time comes, the least AI could do for me today is to help me land a job I like.

Not everyone is a fan of resume and cover letters, but they remain staples in many recruitment processes.

For years, employers have also been using forms of AI to filter through these documents in order to narrow down the pool of applications they receive for any given vacancy. 

The latest advances in generative AI mean that right now employees can leverage AI tools at their disposal to empower themselves in the job-hunting process.

I wanted to see how powerful these tools are. To find out, I created a shortlist of AI resume and cover letter builders that I wanted to try. Tom’s Guide believes in fair fights, so I used each of them as though I was applying for the same job with the same profile.

A target was required and I found a LinkedIn ad for a real job as a remote Software Engineer with generative AI responsibilities at Meta (formerly Facebook) that looked promising.

The role asked for a candidate with over two years of coding experience and over two years of building large-scale applications. More experience was required in designing and completing medium to large features without guidance. Meta was looking for a candidate with, or in the process of obtaining, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or equivalent practical experience. In exchange, the company was offering a salary between $116k and $168k per year.

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I created a fictitious aspiring Meta software engineer, Tamsin Smith, in order to have some kind of profile I could submit to the AI. Smith holds two Stanford University degrees in computing science, completed an internship with Twitter and has been working at Google as a software engineer since 2019. 

If that’s not enough for Mark Zuckerberg to give her an offer, she also leads a local scouting group in her free time.

With an actual job ad and an alter ego in hand, I was ready to start reviewing AI tools. Read on to find out which tools I used, what they produced and my thoughts on their performance.

My first attempt was with Rezi.ai since it offers a free basic service and I wanted to check if the way I designed the review could work in principle. And it did!

Right after confirming my email, I was creating Tamsin Smith’s first resume.

I was presented with a choice between a “Job-Tailored Resume” and a “General Purpose Resume”; I went with the first choice as it was exactly what this test was about. It asked me for the role and company I’m targeting but I was blindsided when Rezi asked me to insert a job application I’d written for the role. Isn’t this something the AI should be doing for me?

I finished this side quest and then added basic details like my name and email, followed by my previous work experience. Here’s when I first encountered signs of AI life in the form of a bullet point generator to further explain my role. 

Rezi went on to ask me to add details on projects I’d worked on, my education history, certifications, coursework, involvement in other organizations, and my skills.

The next exciting step was the summary section, where I gladly let the AI take control. It was nothing I couldn’t have come up with myself if I simply wanted to summarize my resume, but it at least merits a pass mark. (I wanted to ask the AI to write a cover letter for me based on the finished resume but that feature requires a subscription.)

Overall Rezi marked the resume it produced at 87 out of 100, which I think is a bit too generous. If you have a rough idea of what you want your resume to look like, by all means, use Rezi so you don’t have to worry about the formatting. It might also provide a helpful AI-generated bullet point or two along the way.

If you were worried that not using Rezi’s AI was the one thing stopping you from getting your dream job, rest assured that (at least with its free version) this is not the case.

My score: 3/5

Resumaker.ai

“Designed templates that will get you hired at the world's leading companies,” Resumaker proudly displayed on its homepage. I also had to pay ($0.99) to download my resume and cover letter. Surely, I was on the verge of getting Tamsin hired?

By now I’d gotten the hang of inserting details like my education and work history. In this regard, little separates the resume builders tested here.

The AI kicked in to provide me with text I could insert as accomplishments in my jobs and as the headline summary. The latter left much to be desired but at least it was presentable. Resumaker didn’t offer to beef up my volunteering section so I had to write that part manually. As a whole, the resume felt a bit dry but at least it was presentable.

However, it’s a good thing this service isn’t called Coverlettermaker. Every sentence it generated started with either an “I am” or “I have”. When you’re working with such a structure, there’s only so much you can do to make the rest more exciting. Furthermore, it left the [Company Name] field for me to fill in. AI that’s supposed to help me land a job in a highly competitive market should come with higher standards. 

Resumaker.ai claims that thousands of applications it created landed people jobs. If there’s any truth to that, then on the bright side we really shouldn’t be overthinking what we’re sending to hiring managers.

The main question I asked myself before deciding whether each AI builder deserved a pass mark was: Can I send out the résumé as is? 

Teal didn’t quite make the cut here.

It asked me to connect the specific job I was applying for from LinkedIn to the resume and it started analyzing the job ad for keywords I should include. Fantastic! I was ready for a made-to-measure summary, past accomplishments, and cover letter — the areas where I wanted the AI to work its magic.

Unfortunately, this is where I felt let down. In the headline summary, Teal ended up giving me a compilation of the achievements it had previously generated but also prominently added that I had expertise in “work authorization”. The AI thought the right to work in the U.S. requirement from Meta’s job description was a hard skill. 

It scored its own resume at 79%.

As far as its cover letter goes, I appreciated that I could generate it for free without having to spend time adding more details than I already had. However, the result was something I could have just as easily written myself.

My score: 2/5

Kickresume.com

The last AI resume maker I wanted to test was Kickresume, which had the highest monthly fee out of the lot at $19 per month. You can bring that down by paying an annual lump sum that brings the pricing down to $9 a month or, as I did, utilize the free trial version. 

Right when I was losing hope in the resume generators, Kickresume lifted my spirits.

Its helpful AI writer was alongside me from start to finish, offering handy suggestions for work accomplishments, explaining my certifications, and also suggesting skills I should list specifically for a software engineering position. I ended up with a clean-looking CV and I didn’t even have to break a sweat.

Kickresume gave the resume it generated a score of 88/100.

If I’m in a pinch and need a new resume that I don’t have to scan for AI-generated sentences that would land me in the "rejected" pile, Kickresume.com is the first website I’ll be visiting.

I wanted to add a nice cherry to the cake, so I asked Kickresume to create a cover letter using the great resume it made. But this is where I was underwhelmed. 

While devoid of grammatical errors, I felt as though the AI didn’t take the résumé and job description I gave into consideration. It provided me with a few short lines that didn’t even name-drop Tamsin’s fictitious stints at Twitter and Google. You wouldn’t even know she completed two degrees at Stanford. Based on my positive experience with the résumé, I couldn’t believe this was the same AI content generator.

My score: 4/5

No subscriptions. No plugins. I wanted to see how well the free version of OpenAI ’s ChatGPT would do against the four dedicated AI resume and cover letter generators listed above.

I tweaked a prompt that I found online and, in 161 words, I asked the AI for a first draft of my new resume. I then asked the chatbot to refine its work based on the job description I gave it to make my resume less generic. In seconds, I had my second draft.

Since ChatGPT only gave me a plain text version of my resume, I then pasted what it gave me into a template from one of the previous builders.

I’m happy to announce that both myself and Tamsin were very pleased with the results. The resume easily rivals the ones generated from the other services I tested. I wouldn’t have minded some text to beef up the education section to explain what I had learned at Stanford. Also, the line pointing out that Meta was previously called Facebook is something I would never have included in a resume intended for Meta’s eyes. Other than that, ChatGPT gave me decent results in the shortest amount of time.

I was especially impressed with the cover letter I asked ChatGPT to craft for me. It was perhaps a bit too long for some tastes but it was arguably the most well-rounded out of the five.

Honorary score: 4/5

The verdict

There have already been reports of people using AI to write resumes and cover letters who ended up getting hired for the positions they’ve applied for, and I’m not surprised. But as this test has shown, a website’s claim that it uses AI to provide a service is not some kind of guarantee of the level of service you can expect. 

Shop around when looking for AI resume and cover letter writers. Perhaps combine two or more of them to leverage each one’s specific strengths. But add the finishing touches yourself.

More from Tom's Guide

• Google's new Gemini AI could beat ChatGPT — here's why
• Google’s plan to train its AI now includes the entire public internet
• 3 best AI synthetic video generators you can use today — tested and compared

Christoph Schwaiger is a journalist who mainly covers technology, science, and current affairs. His stories have appeared in Tom's Guide, New Scientist, Live Science, and other established publications. Always up for joining a good discussion, Christoph enjoys speaking at events or to other journalists and has appeared on LBC and Times Radio among other outlets. He believes in giving back to the community and has served on different consultative councils. He was also a National President for Junior Chamber International (JCI), a global organization founded in the USA. You can follow him on Twitter @cschwaigermt.

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How To Build a Professional Resume (Plus Examples and Templates)

Understanding the Basics of a Professional Resume

Steps to build a professional resume, detailed guide to filling out each section, tips for making your resume stand out, free professional resume templates and examples, frequently asked questions about building a professional resume.

A professional resume is a crucial tool in the job search process, serving as your marketing document. It showcases your qualifications, experiences, education credentials, and skills to potential employers and is most likely their first impression of you. Exploring our professional resume writing tips will help improve your chances of landing an interview and, ultimately, the job you desire. This resume writing guide will cover the essential steps, provide examples, and offer templates to help you craft a standout document.

Definition and purpose

A professional resume is a formal document that presents your educational background, work experience, skills, and accomplishments. Its primary purpose is to demonstrate your qualifications to a potential employer. Effective resume writing can make a strong initial impression and set you apart from other candidates.

Key elements of a professional resume

A professional resume should include at least the following elements: contact information, education, experience, and skills. If applicable, additional categories may also be included, such as volunteerism, licenses, certifications, affiliations, and others, which will be described in more detail later in this guide.

Select the right format

There are three formats from which to choose when building a resume:

Chronological: Lists work experience in reverse chronological order. Ideal for those with a consistent work history.

Combination/Hybrid: Blends chronological and functional elements. Best for those with diverse work experience and relevant skills. If you are unsure which format is best, you can decide later, and a free resume builder tool may also help.

Functional : Focuses on skills and experiences rather than chronological work history. Suitable for those with gaps in employment or changing careers.

Gather necessary information

Once you have determined which style suits you best, gather the important information needed to start building. Compile personal details, work history, education, skills, certifications, and achievements. You will need to know dates, titles, outcomes, names of courses or papers, and possibly additional details.

You can begin to brainstorm by creating a list of duties at each job. Think about why and how you did each task and the results. If you have less experience but recently completed education or training related to your field, you can prepare a list of the names of the classes you took, assignments or projects completed, or research papers written.

Select a professional template

Choosing a polished and suitable template is essential to make a good impression. There are many professional styles available online that you can customize to suit your needs.

Contact information

Every professional resume begins with your contact information.

What to include: name, phone number, email, LinkedIn profile, optional address

The full street address is not necessary. Some applicants include city, state, and zip code since some employers use a radius or zip code search from the location of the office as a way to screen candidates. The further you live, the less likely to be contacted; conversely, the closer you live, the more likely, in these scenarios. It is also a good idea to include your LinkedIn profile , which is important to have.

Writing a compelling summary or objective

A summary statement at the top of the page helps focus the reader on who you are and what you do. This powerful piece of information is in the most valuable place on your resume, the top of the page. Objectives such as “To obtain a position as an entry-level accountant” used to be fairly common. These phrases were about stating your (the job seeker) goal.

In recent years, the objective has transformed into a summary, a more substantive statement geared toward the employer’s needs rather than your wants. It is three to five sentences. Introduce yourself by explaining your background and what you can offer while also connecting to the role you are applying.

“Recent graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, and CPA eligible with knowledge of managerial and cost accounting. Advanced Excel, Oracle, QuickBooks, and SAP skills developed through honors-level coursework and an internship at a Big 4 accounting firm.” One of the best ways to build a strong summary is to know the top skills needed to be successful in a role you are seeking and mention them in a compelling way.

Detailing your work experience

Most people opt for the chronological style resume. Even if you use another format, include your work history in reverse chronological order. The order is reversed because employers like to see what you are currently doing. You must use action verbs to describe how you performed your duties. Each resume bullet point should begin with a strong verb, as opposed to “Duties included.”

The majority of what we do can be broken down into a handful of categories: technical, administrative, communication, managerial, financial, research, creative, and helping. Dig deeper into describing that skill beyond the broader “communication.” Drill down on communication and use words like write, edit, speak, listen, negotiate, influence, address, advise, interpret, translate, present, lecture, and more. Choose your verbs carefully because the nuances matter.

Being more specific in the skill demonstrates experience, and it’s best to use the keywords most likely found in the job description. Also, add quantifiable achievements as often as possible. This makes a resume go from good to great.

Finally, be sure to tailor your resume to the job you are applying to. This could be as simple as reordering information, such as listing technical skills first or revising some of the language used in your resume. Perhaps you swap “managed a team” for “supervised a team” or “led a team,” depending on the employer’s language.

Example: Building and curating content for Salesforce Philanthropy Cloud users increased donor engagement by 34%.

Some achievements are more difficult to quantify than others. Depending on the field you are in, this may be common, but you can still highlight your accomplishments without hard numbers.

Example: Assist the public policy team with logistical planning of a virtual advocacy training and Capitol Hill Day, scheduled for October 2024. Since the event has not occurred yet, you do not have data on registrations, learning outcomes, or other success measures. Yet you can show you are part of the planning process and detail other things, such as securing four speakers for a panel, “A Day in the Life of a Congressional Aide.” Go further by describing your method of outreach and how you secured them. 

Highlighting your education

If you have less than three to five years of experience, present your education at the top of the page. Those with more experience should put it toward the bottom. Your education section should include the name of the institution. You may also include location, but it is not necessary. Add the type of degree earned and graduation (or expected) date.

If you had a concentration in your major and also had a minor, include that as well (if relevant). Also include academic awards or honors, such as the dean’s list. Add relevant coursework, particularly if your work experience is light. You can incorporate more substance into a coursework section by going beyond a laundry list of classes. Include descriptions and learning outcomes. If you had a study abroad experience, add that as well.

Showcasing your skills

Demonstrate both “hard” (job-specific or technical) and “soft” (transferable, work style) skills on your resume. The skills you highlight should be aligned with the company and the job you are seeking. It’s important to do this because it is likely your resume will first be screened by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) in which the software reads your resume looking for matches based on the job description. Thus word choice is imperative. Also, the human reviewer can catch more nuanced information that may show how much of a fit you are for the team.

Adding extra sections

You may need additional sections to round out your experience and skills. Consider the following:

• Affiliations: You can include organizations in which you are a member, and if you hold a position or serve on a committee, feel free to include that information as well. Similar to the volunteer section, if you are using a combination or functional resume, this information may help you advance or pivot your career.
• Awards : These may be academic, but they can also be industry — or community-based. When considering information for your resume, the less relevant and older it is, the less necessary it is, especially if space is running low.
• Certifications : If you are licensed or certified to practice, include that here. If you completed a training course and earned a certificate, that is different from being a certified public accountant or Licensed Series 7 Stock Broker. If applicable, include the organization, date, and license number you earned.
• Languages : Include languages you are proficient in. If they are required for the job, you may want to highlight this skill at the top or in your summary: “Bi-lingual school social worker…”
• Presentations: If you have shared scholarly work or industry developments, strategies, or insights at a conference, training day, or related, you may highlight this achievement in its own category, Be sure to include the name of the function, where it was held, the date, and the topic.
• Publications : Should you be published in a scholarly or industry journal, or if you have written a book, add the title, publisher, and date.
• Training and professional development: If you have attended classes, completed LinkedIn learning, or participated in training through your employer, and feel it has value for your next potential employer, include it. You may note you earned a certificate, as that indicates you successfully completed a learning outcome.
• Volunteerism: You can include community service or volunteer work on a resume. Mention the organization, dates, and your role (other than volunteer, if applicable). For those using a combination or functional style, this experience may serve as a conduit to your next role.

Customizing your resume

With the amount of competition for each job posted, it is crucial to customize rather than use one general resume for all jobs.

Using keywords

Review the job description, identify the keywords, and check your resume for those same words. Resources such as Jobscan help you run your resume and the job description to assess how close of a match you are.

Highlighting achievements over duties

Describing what you have done on a job is important for context, but focus on your accomplishments over duties. This will help you stand out and likely get through ATS.

Proofreading and editing

Always proofread your resume and have someone else also do so. Spellcheck is not sufficient to identify all errors. After you have worked on your resume, step away for a while. Return and slowly read it aloud to help spot any errors.

• Entry-level resume example
• Mid-career professional resume example
• Senior-level resume example

Meera Patel (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio San Francisco, CA 12345

A passionate UX designer with three years of professional experience specializing in developing accessible technologies to promote empathy and understanding. Adept at collaborating with diverse teams to incorporate different viewpoints and ensure technological solutions meet the needs of all users.

Professional Experience

UX Designer, Black Cat Apps, San Francisco, CA November 2021 – present

• Oversaw UX design for the development of three mobile apps with over 10 million downloads to date, resulting in coverage of applications from Mashable and Techcrunch
• Collaborate with designers, developers, research managers, and producers to develop creative solutions accessible to users with diverse needs
• Conduct front-end programming using HTML 5, CSS, and JavaScript to develop and build web-based prototypes

Junior UX Designer, Excelsior Design Solutions Inc., San Francisco, CA May 2020 – November 2021

• Performed user research to identify opportunities for improving client’s web presence, which included intuitive site navigation to decrease bounce rates by 27%
• Supported with usability testing for landing pages in preparation for website redesign
• Produced wireframes that contributed to user-centered design efforts for the development of four new mobile applications
• User-centered design principles
• Wireframing
• Agile development

Certifications

• Google UX Design Professional Certificate, 2020

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Computer Science University of San Francisco, California, CA September 2016 – May 2020

This IT resume example effectively captures the candidate’s comprehensive understanding of UX design principles. The content also tells a story, emphasizing a commitment to developing accessible technologies. These unique details can sometimes make all the difference in grabbing the hiring manager’s attention during the job search.

Detailed descriptions of coursework and how you applied your learning can also be helpful if you lack experience in your field. Any work experience is good; do not discount your summer job as a lifeguard or your part-time role during the school year at the bookstore. However, you need to be strategic with where you place it and how you discuss those positions.

Roberta Alexander (987) 654-3210 [email protected] LinkedIn San Diego, CA 12345

Dedicated High School Teacher with seven years of experience teaching science and technology. Use varied education methods to optimize learning experiences and outcomes for every student. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish. Master’s Degree in Education.

• Cross-Functional Coordination
• Curriculum Development
• Differentiated Learning
• Process Streamlining
• Student Counseling & Mentoring
• Test Preparation & Delivery

High School Science Teacher, The STEM School, San Diego, CA | August 2020 to Present

• Adapt lesson plans and teaching methods to students with different learning styles
• Introduced new ways to prepare students for standardized tests, resulting in higher average scores
• Organized annual tennis fundraiser that generated $5K for the math department
• Designed and implemented a new science curriculum

Technology Teacher, Lincoln School, San Diego, CA | August 2016 to July 2020

[High school with 400 students and an award-winning math and science program]

• Educated classes of up to 28 students in grades 9 and 10
• Served as student adviser, offering social, academic, and emotional support to 9th graders
• Promoted a positive, interactive learning environment at all points
• Created and delivered tests to gauge students’ progress and grasp of complex topics

University of California San Diego

• Master of Science (MS) — Education | 2016
• Bachelor of Science (BS) — Education Studies | 2014

Certification

California Professional Educator, State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing | 2022

Fluency in Spanish | Proficiency in Italian

A mid-career professional will likely use a chronological format, but you may consider a combination one depending on your background and where you envision your next role. Generally speaking, mid-career professionals will list their work experience first, and education is toward the bottom of the page. You can also list additional skills, languages, certifications, and affiliations before education.

Robert Chen (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Your Street, Philadelphia, PA

A Senior System Administrator with 10+ years of professional experience, specializing in Azure, Agile methodology, technical project management, and IT services. A strong background in building and leading high-performance technical teams to execute IT initiatives and technology transformations for enterprise clients.

Senior System Administrator, Pennsylvania Tech Solutions Inc, Philadelphia, PA May 2016 – Present

• Lead the implementation, design, and deployment of cloud solutions for medium-sized business and enterprise customer accounts generating $500K-$3M in annual revenue
• Manage a cross-functional team of system administrators, network engineers, and technical personnel to execute 30+ technical projects
• Oversee project budgets valued at up to $2M and coordinate with vendors to secure network equipment, software, and hardware
• Spearhead initiatives to enhance project delivery cycles by integrating a hybrid Agile-Waterfall approach to reduce delays and roadblocks

System Administrator, North Philadelphia Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA May 2011 – May 2016

• Delivered technical support to 150+ end users for a high-volume hospital, which included installing printers, desktops, laptops, and mobile devices
• Monitored system performance with the IT team and maintained a 99.99% server uptime
• Resolved 10-15 tier III trouble tickets for users related to hardware and software issues and achieved recognition for resolution times

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Information Technology Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA September 2007 – May 2011

• Technical Project Management
• Microsoft Azure
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Agile Methodology
• Process Improvement
• Project Management Professional (PMP), 2017
• Certified Project Management Associate (CAPM), 2015
• CompTIA A+, 2011

Senior-level professionals have similar resumes as mid-career professionals. However, they may have board experience or involvement in professional associations and may have a longer (two-page) resume. It is common for senior-level candidates to also have additional credentials and possible publications or presentations.

If I am still fairly early in my career, do I need to include my variety of experiences? -

It depends on the length of each position, how long ago they were, their relevance to the field you wish to pursue, and the skills used in each. For example, say you were a server for multiple restaurants that were similar level or type and you only stayed at each place for a few months (unless it was strictly a summer job). You might not want to list all, as not only will it show how often you “job hop,” but it will likely read repetitively.

I recently graduated. Should I include my GPA on my resume? -

If your GPA was 3.5 or higher, most sources agree to include it. When a job description states a GPA as a requirement or preference, and you meet or exceed it, definitely add it. If you graduated more than three years ago, despite having a high GPA, it is not necessary. 

What if I have employment gaps? -

If the gaps are short and you have been steadily employed or in school, there is nothing to do. Address any gaps longer than a year by showing what you did with your time. Keep it concise. If you have been looking for a job since you graduated six months ago, for example, you do not need to clarify this.

Example: Traveled throughout Europe, 2021-2022. Illness and recovery, 2022. Family caretaker 2019-2024.

Craft your perfect resume in minutes

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Carolyn Kleiman

Professional Resume Writer

For the last 20 years, Carolyn Kleiman has helped individuals identify and achieve their career goals. Carolyn has held positions in recruiting and training and has helped countless numbers of job seekers craft high-quality resumes and cover letters, prepare for interviews, and eventually land their dream jobs! Carolyn is a Nationally Certified Counselor and a Certified Professional Resume Writer and is a member of the National Career Development Association and Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

Music Therapist Resume: Job Description, Sample & Guide

Create a standout music therapist resume with our online platform. browse professional templates for all levels and specialties. land your dream role today.

As a music therapist, you play a crucial role in helping individuals overcome physical, emotional, and mental challenges through the power of music. Your expertise in designing and implementing music-based therapy programs can make a significant impact on the well-being of your clients. In this article, we will provide a Music Therapist Resume Example that highlights the key skills and experiences necessary to excel in this rewarding profession.

We will cover:

• How to write a resume , no matter your industry or job title.
• What to put on a resume to stand out.
• The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
• How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder .
• Why you should use a resume template

What does a Music Therapist do?

• Assess the emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills of a client
• Develop a treatment plan using music therapy interventions
• Facilitate music experiences to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, enhance memory, improve communication, and promote physical rehabilitation
• Engage clients in active music-making or receptive music listening
• Evaluate the progress of clients and adapt treatment as needed
• Work with other healthcare professionals to integrate music therapy into overall treatment plans
• Conduct research in the field of music therapy
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What are some responsibilities of a Music Therapist?

• Assessment of clients' emotional, physical, and cognitive needs
• Development of individualized treatment plans
• Leading group or individual music therapy sessions
• Teaching clients relaxation or stress-reduction techniques through music
• Evaluating and documenting clients' progress
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals
• Continuing education and professional development

Sample Music Therapist Resume for Inspiration

Personal Details:

• Name: John Smith
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 123-456-7890
• Address: 123 Music St, City, State, Zip

John is a passionate and dedicated music therapist with 5 years of experience working with diverse populations. He is skilled in creating personalized music therapy sessions to address individual client needs and has a strong commitment to promoting emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being through music.

Work Experience:

Music Therapist, Harmony Health & Wellness, City, State, 2016-present

• Develop and implement music therapy sessions for clients with neurological disorders, developmental disabilities, and mental health challenges
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to assess client progress and adjust treatment plans as needed
• Facilitate group music therapy sessions and provide individualized support to clients in residential and outpatient settings
• Bachelor of Music Therapy, XYZ University, City, State, Year
• Master of Arts in Music Therapy, ABC College, City, State, Year
• Proficient in playing various musical instruments
• Knowledgeable in music theory and therapeutic techniques
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to adapt therapeutic interventions to meet individual client needs

Certifications:

• Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC)
• Certified Neurologic Music Therapist (NMT)
• English (fluent)

Resume tips for Music Therapist

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need Music Therapist resume tips. We collected the best tips from seasoned Music Therapist - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

• Highlight your qualifications and credentials.
• Showcase your experience working with a diverse range of clients.
• Demonstrate your proficiency in various music therapy techniques and interventions.
• Include any additional skills or certifications that are relevant to the field of music therapy.
• Showcase your passion for helping others through the power of music.

Music Therapist Resume Summary Examples

A Music Therapist Resume Summary or Objective can help to quickly grab the attention of potential employers and provide a snapshot of your skills, experience, and career goals. A well-written summary or objective can showcase your expertise and passion for music therapy, setting you apart from other candidates and increasing your chances of landing an interview. For Example:

• Experienced music therapist with a passion for using music to improve the lives of clients with a variety of emotional, mental, and physical challenges.
• Skilled in creating and implementing individualized music therapy plans to address specific needs and goals of clients.
• Proficient in various musical instruments and techniques to engage clients in therapeutic music activities.
• Strong understanding of the clinical applications of music therapy and its benefits for individuals of all ages and abilities.
• Proven track record of effectively assessing client progress and adjusting therapy plans to optimize outcomes.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Music Therapist Resume

Building a strong experience section for a music therapist resume is important because it demonstrates to potential employers the depth and breadth of your experience in the field. It showcases your ability to work effectively with diverse client populations, your understanding of various therapeutic techniques, and your ability to facilitate meaningful and impactful interventions. A strong experience section will help to set you apart from other candidates and make a compelling case for why you are the right fit for the job. For Example:

• Provided individual and group music therapy sessions for clients with various cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities
• Designed and implemented treatment plans tailored to the unique needs and goals of each client
• Utilized a variety of music interventions, such as songwriting, improvisation, and lyric analysis, to help clients achieve therapeutic outcomes
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to coordinate care and ensure a holistic approach to treatment
• Documented client progress and maintained accurate and thorough clinical records
• Participated in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in music therapy
• Provided education and training to caregivers and family members to support the continuity of therapy goals outside of sessions
• Participated in the assessment and evaluation of potential clients to determine appropriateness for music therapy services
• Facilitated therapeutic music activities in hospital, school, and community settings
• Collaborated with other music therapists to develop and implement new programs and services

Music Therapist resume education example

To become a music therapist, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in music therapy, which includes coursework in psychology, music theory, and clinical skills. Many music therapists also pursue a master's degree or higher in music therapy or a related field. In addition to formal education, aspiring music therapists also need to complete supervised clinical training and pass the board certification exam to become a certified music therapist. Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Music Therapist resume:

• Master of Music Therapy, New York University
• Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy, Berklee College of Music
• Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) by the Certification Board for Music Therapists

Music Therapist Skills for a Resume

Adding skills to a music therapist resume is important because it demonstrates the specific abilities and competencies that are essential for success in the role. These skills can include musical proficiency, communication and interpersonal skills, creativity, empathy, and an understanding of therapeutic techniques. By highlighting these skills, a music therapist can stand out as a strong candidate for potential employers and showcase their ability to effectively work with individuals through music. Soft Skills:

• Active listening
• Communication skills
• Adaptability
• Creative expression
• Interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving
• Emotional intelligence
• Music Therapy Techniques
• Clinical Assessment Skills
• Psychotherapeutic Interventions
• Group Facilitation Skills
• Music Notation
• Instrument Proficiency
• Adaptive Music Education
• Record Keeping Software
• Research Methodology
• Ethical Decision Making

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Music Therapist Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

• Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
• Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
• Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
• Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
• Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
• Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
• Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a Music Therapist resume

• Education and certification in music therapy
• Experience working with a variety of populations and age groups
• Proficient in various musical instruments and techniques
• Ability to create and implement personalized music therapy programs
• Understanding of psychological and physiological effects of music on individuals
• Ability to assess and document progress in clients
• Knowledge of ethical and professional standards in music therapy

How to Create a Resume For Freshers with No Experience

Quick Summary

• The hiring manager focuses 88% on the skills mentioned in the resume.
• For cyber security roles, a resume should highlight proficiency in ethical hacking, Python, SQL, and the latest technologies. Marketing newcomers should be knowledgeable in SEO, SEM, Social Media Management, Google Analytics, and Google Ads.
• Chronological resumes list work history in order of most recent to least recent, whereas functional resumes highlight specific talents above work history. 

Table of Contents

Your resume is not just an initial step of a professional journey. It can be a game-changer when looking for jobs. Impressive work experience mentioned on a resume is a plus point when applying for a job. It is an effective way to tell your employer, “I have done it, and I can do it.” It demonstrates the candidate’s skills, reliability, and accomplishments. But what about the resume for freshers with no experience? It is challenging for freshers to create a strong resume that proves one’s potential, relevance to the position, and expertise in the area. 

Moreover, competing against candidates with experience can make it harder to stand out. Though experience is significant, a resume isn’t solely shortlisted based on experience. Other sections, like education, skills, certifications, and achievements, highlight your knowledge and potential. 

A survey by Resume Genius concluded that experience grabs 67% of the attention of hiring executives, while the same for the skill section is 88%. Hence, you can create a strong resume even without prior experience. This blog will enlighten you on the tips to create a compelling resume for freshers with no experience. So, let’s delve into the guide to create impressive resumes for various profiles, including the role of cyber security fresher.

Essential Sections of a Fresher’s Resume

Several sections and the right format make a fresher resume impressive and impactful. Below are the essential sections of the resume format for freshers with no experience .

Contact Information

Your resume should first provide basic details about you. Information like the candidate’s name, address, contact number, email ID, and LinkedIn profile should be mentioned at the beginning of the resume. This will make hiring executives familiar with the person who applied for the position.

Objective/Summary

After contact information, an objective or summary is a noteworthy part of the resume format for freshers with no experience. Highlighting the career goals and your expertise in just two or three lines makes up an impressive summary or objective.

Next, the hiring manager will be interested in knowing your educational background. This section should comprise your college or university name, degree obtained, graduation date, certifications, and academic achievements.

Whether you have experience or not, your skills can attract your dream job. After education, add separate skills sections for both technical and soft skills. Technical skills include hard skills or expertise related to a job like programming languages, MS Office etc. Soft skills highlight general merits like communication, teamwork, etc.

If you worked on any relevant academic or personal projects, you should add a project section to enhance the overall resume.

Internships and Volunteer Work

Your internship during college or any volunteer work can count as your experience. As a fresher, you should mention your internship or voluntary work and describe your accomplishments.

Extra-Curricular Activities

If you have an extracurricular activities record, mention it for the desired influence on companies. You can mention the leadership roles like faculty head girl/boy, NCC cadet, NSS projects, etc., in this section. If you have achievements in college or university competitions, add them as well.

Hobbies and Interests

Add this section if you have hobbies that align with the job or interests that demonstrate valuable qualities. You can add 3 to 5 hobbies or interests, such as writing, public speaking, photography, painting, etc.

Writing an Effective Summary for Freshers with No Experience

An impactful resume summary is essential, especially when you lack work experience. Here are some insights on the importance of a summary, along with tips and examples.

Importance of a summary or objective statement.

It appears right after your contact information and provides a brief overview of your qualifications, accomplishments, or suitability for the role. It is the “first impression” of your personality and merits, so it must be unique and impressive.

Tips for writing a compelling summary

An impressive resume summary for those without experience should highlight the following:

• Academic Accomplishments and Leadership Roles
• Passions for specific and relevant areas
• Relevant Skills and strength
• Phrases that instantly grab the employer’s attention

Make sure you highlight the above-mentioned factors in only 2-3 sentences.

Examples of summary statements for different fields.

Below is the sample summary for resume for freshers with no experience:

Summary for creative roles like Graphic Designer

As a creative graphic artist with meticulous attention to detail, I have extensive knowledge of multiple graphic design tools. Seeking to use specialised in developing graphic elements that contribute to the company goals. Praiseworthy time management abilities to best results within the deadline.

Summary for academic roles like a School teacher

A goal-oriented B.ed graduate with expertise in commerce subjects and excellent communication skills. Aiming to utilize my skills and qualifications for the objectives of the institution, while continuing to grow as a professional. Frequently proved my abilities as a student, I can be relied upon to help your institution achieve its goals.

Summary for tech roles like software developer

A dedicated and innovative software developer with a Master’s degree in Computer Science Engineering. Seeking an entry-level position where I can apply my strong coding skills and technological expertise to help your firm reach its objectives.               

Resume Format For Freshers with No Experience

Follow the right format for resume sections to leave the desired impression. The format is determined by the significance of each section in decision-making.

Choosing the right format

Below are the three best resume formats for freshers;

• Chronological Resume : As the name suggests, this format highlights academic and professional history in chronological order, beginning with the most recent.
• Functional Resume : Since a functional resume emphasises skills over experience, it is a favourable format when you lack work experience.
• Combination Resume : A mix of both, highlighting skills and relevant experience

Layout tips

The following layout tips are essential to create a visually appealing and easy-to-read resume;

• Font : Stick to clean and simple fonts instead of fancy fonts that make resume reading complex. Professional fonts for resumes are Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Helvetic, with 10-12 font sizes.
• Headings : The font size for a resume heading fonts should be larger than the rest of the content. For headlines, choose 14-16 point font and make them bold.
• Bullet Points : To improve readability and make the resume scannable, choose bullet points over paragraphs. Write a summary as a paragraph and other information in bullet points.
• Spacing : Maintain consistent spacing throughout the resume. It should be 1.5 to make the resume ATS-friendly.

Ensuring clarity and readability.

To enhance clarity and readability, keep your resume concise. A one-page resume for freshers with no experience is apt. Avoid decorative fonts and too small or large font sizes.

Sample Resume Examples for Freshers with No Work Experience

Here are some resume examples for freshers with no work experience;

Example 1: General resume for a fresher

[Your Name]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Phone Number]

[Email Address]

[LinkedIn Profile]

A passionate technology enthusiast and B.tech (CSE) graduate with an 8.5 CGPA who has consistently contributed to campus events as a student council member for three semesters running. I seek to apply my abilities and love for technology in a dynamic entry-level position. Frequently proved my abilities as a student, I can be relied upon to help your company achieve its goals.

Bachelor of Technology in CSE

[University/college name]

[Month, Year] – [Month, Year]  

Technical Skills

• Well-versed MS-Office
• C, C++, Java, PHP, MySQL, HTML, CSS, JavaScript,
• Proficient in Photoshop, Corel Draw

Soft Skills

• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability
• Web application development using CSS [Project title or organisation]
• Report Analysis Tool [Project title or organisation]

Internships and Volunteer Experience

• Data operation intern

[Company Name]

– Assisted with CRM System 

– Gained hands-on experience in complex data requests and predictive data modelling.

– Collaborated with technical experts and data manager for reporting solutions.

– Participated in the NGO’s educational event

– Developed leadership and teamwork skills

– Contributed to children’s tech-education

Extracurricular Activities

• Students IT club

[College Name]  

Participated in Hackathon, a coding contest, and achieved second rank

• Student council members

Helped streamline college events

• Reading                      
• Instrumental music     

This resume highlights exceptional skills and internship experience that can increase the probability of selection. The volunteer experience and student club members demonstrate personality and ethics.

Key Takeaways

• Craft a summary highlighting academic accomplishments and career goals.
• Highlight your educational background along with the relevant coursework
• List 4-5 technical and soft skills relevant to the work profile
• Consider adding extracurricular activities, projects, and hobbies to strengthen the resume

Example 2: Resume for a cyber security fresher.

A highly motivated and detail-oriented cybersecurity graduate with hands-on experience in network security and ethical hacking. Seeking an entry-level position where I can use my strong analytical abilities and technology knowledge to protect and maintain organisational assets.   

Bachelor of Technology in Cyber Security

[College Name], [City, State]  

Relevant Coursework: Network Security, Ethical Hacking, Information Security Management, and Cyber Law

Certifications

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

[Institute Name], [City, State]  

• Firewalls and Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
• Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessment
• Python, Bash, SQL
• Wireshark, Metasploit, Nessus
• Attention to detail
• Time-management
• Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign

Developed educational materials on phishing, password security, and safe internet practices.

Held workshops and seminars to encourage best practices in cybersecurity.

Internships Experience

• Cyber Security Intern

[Company Name], [City, State]  

– Examined network traffic for potential security threats.

– Supported the implementation of security protocols and procedures.

• Inter-college hacking contest

Participated in Inter-college hacking contest twice and achieved second and first position, respectively

• Reading    
• Photography
• Illustration

A cyber security graduate must be familiar with the latest technology and most significant tools. This resume for a cyber security fresher with no experience emphasizes this aspect, following a scannable resume format.

Key Takeaways:

• Add practical experience with security risk assessments, vulnerability scans, and hacking.
• Demonstrate proficiency in researching security solutions and risk assessments.
• Mention certifications and internship experience that prove your expertise in the area.

Example 3: Resume for a Marketing Fresher

A passionate business administration graduate with a specialisation in marketing. With considerable knowledge of digital marketing, market research, and content creation, I’d like to use my skills to contribute to effective marketing campaigns.

Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing  

– Relevant Coursework: Digital Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Social Media Marketing, Brand Management

• Google Analytics Certified
• HubSpot Content Marketing Certified
• SEO, SEM, Email Marketing, Social Media Management
• Copywriting, Blogging, Video Production
• Tools: Google Analytics, Google Ads, Hootsuite, Canva
• Social Media Marketing Campaign

– Analyzed campaign performance using Google Analytics

– Provided actionable insights to improve campaign performance

• Social media marketing intern

– Assisted in planning marketing campaigns for Instagram and Facebook.

– Conducted market research and created content for social media platforms.

• Debate and Literary Club

Participated in various oratory contests at college and inter-college level

• Story Writing and painting     
• Anchoring and public speaking

This sample resume for freshers with no experience exhibits the candidate’s creativity and communication efficiency in various ways. Certifications, abilities, projects, internships, activities, and interests all demonstrate these two characteristics. 

• Highlight a strong foundation in digital marketing strategies.
• Showcase SEO optimisation, social media management, and email marketing skills.
• Mention hobbies and interests that align with marketing goals.

Build a strong resume to strengthen your professional journey 

A solid resume is essential for freshers with no experience because it showcases their abilities, dependability, and successes. A fresher CV should have sections for education, skills, projects, internships and voluntary work, extracurricular activities, and hobbies and interests.

Furthermore, an impacting summary is a vital component of a resume for freshers with no experience, providing a concise review of eligibility for the position. Writing a compelling summary that reflects your passion for the role and adding your achievements or strengths can help you stand out. Click here to create a strong resume for freshers or update your resume to the best standards.

What should I include in my resume if I have no work experience?

Besides basic contact and qualification information, add the following sections in resumes for freshers; A brief yet impactful resume summary highlighting your suitability Relevant certifications, technical specialisation, and soft skills Internship and volunteering experience Specific relevant projects and extracurriculars Impressive hobbies and interests

How can I make my resume stand out as a fresher?

Tips to make your resume stand out as a fresher; Tailor it to the job you’re applying for and avoid too common phrases Create a compelling intro as a resume summary Highlight skills, certifications, and achievements Follow the right format and layout to ensure high readability

What format is best for a fresher’s resume?

The chronological format is undoubtedly the best format for a resume since it boasts the most preferred order for resume sections. The chronological format follows the given order; Personal information Summary Education Certifications Skills Experience Project Achievements Interests

Should I include hobbies and interests in my resume?

As a fresher with no experience, you should add a hobbies and interests section. It eliminates the lack of content issues when you don’t have the experience to mention them. Make sure you choose an interest related to your job or skills and keep it brief.

How do I write a summary for a cyber security fresher resume?

Keep your summary brief, concluding it in 3-4 lines. Start with mentioning qualifications and professional qualities. The second line may demonstrate specialisation. The last sentence should focus on what makes you a right fit or why you want to join.

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The Ultimate Guide to Writing Your Digital Marketing Resume

Wondering how to write a digital marketing resume that will help you stand out from the competition?  

Your digital marketing resume will determine if you make it to the next step in the hiring process, whether that’s a phone screening or a more formal virtual or in-person interview. It is your first opportunity to make the case for why you are the right person for the job. As such, it’s important to devote time and energy to crafting, editing, and tailoring your digital marketing resume so you make the best impression possible.

One of the first things to do before you start writing your digital marketing resume is to familiarize yourself with the specific job description. This includes the skills required and desired, and any other pertinent information listed in the job posting. In today’s hiring world, many organizations use software to sort through resumes looking for specific keywords to determine which ones make it to the hiring manager for review. Failing to incorporate those critical words or phrases could result in your resume being filtered out before an actual human gets a chance to review it.  

So, let’s get started. 

Begin With an Eye-Catching Summary

Starting your digital marketing resume with a few sentences or bullet points that tightly capture your top professional qualifications, experience, certifications, and accolades is a great way to immediately convey the value you could add to an organization.  

One way to approach your resume summary is to think of five reasons you would make a perfect fit for the digital marketing job you’re seeking. This summary is your opportunity to showcase your most relevant and impressive credentials, giving hiring managers – who are likely reviewing dozens upon dozens of resumes – a reason to pause and put yours at the top of the interview pile. 

Some ideas of what you can include here are:

• Your core strengths and abilities most relevant to the role
• Past related experience and pertinent transferrable skills
• Notable accomplishments and metrics

Highlight Your Top Skills

After your name, contact information, and summary you should devote a section on your resume to your digital marketing skills. The skills and abilities you spotlight should reflect those listed as required and desired in the job you are applying for. This is a great place to add any specific keywords from the job listing.

Some of the top digital marketing skills you might want to include relate to search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM), content curation, customer relationship management (CRM), basic design skills, social media, A/B testing, developing and deploying email campaigns, and marketing automation tools. In terms of key soft skills, employers typically look for digital marketers with strong analytical and communications abilities, adaptability, attention to detail, and creativity to name just a few.  

Keep Professional Experience Tight and Relevant

Keep your job responsibilities short and to the point. Focus on impact over tasks performed. Your employment history should  not  be used as a laundry list of all your various duties and responsibilities. The experience and information that you include should all closely connect to the case that you are making that you are the best fit for the job.

This is another great place to play up those job description keywords. For example, if you’re applying to a job where you will need to oversee a marketing budget and you’ve done that in previous roles, include that as one of your responsibilities.

You can also use the experience section to highlight any success stories involving key performance indicators (KPIs) or other metrics. Some options to consider could center around how you helped increase organic search, conversion rates, web leads, or email open rates. 

Ensure Your Education Section Makes the Grade

How you position your education section will likely depend on how much related professional experience you have. For example, recent graduates will likely have more details in this section, and it will probably be higher up. But as one progresses in their marketing career, the education section can be scaled back. (Including an impressive grade-point average, for instance, might be fine when seeking a first professional job but not once that individual has some experience.)

The education section can typically be kept to the university, college, or technical school attended, year of completion or graduation, and the degree received. (Beyond formal education, it is wise to include any digital marketing certifications in this section as well.)  

Some Final Tips

As mentioned, your digital marketing resume is your chance to make a potentially long-lasting positive impression. But if you include a typo, that could be the extent of any impression you’ll make. With that said, it is critical that you proofread your resume. Use spell-check, ask a friend or family member to look over your resume, and consider using a voice-over automation tool so you can hear your words read back to you. 

While not always required, it can be helpful to include a cover letter with your digital marketing resume to allow you an opportunity to expand upon your capabilities. Traditional wisdom suggests candidates keep their resume to one page. But depending on your experience, it could be difficult to capture everything you’ve done in just one page. A cover letter can give you extra space to make the case for why you would be the right fit for that specific digital marketing position with that specific employer.

And depending on the type of digital marketing job you’re pursuing, consider including a link to your  digital portfolio  if you have one. 

Work With a Specialized Digital Marketing Recruiter

While having a stellar digital marketing resume will only help you, working with a specialized recruitment agency can further advance your chances of landing your dream digital marketing job.

The specialized recruiters at 24 Sevens are experts in helping professionals in the creative, marketing, digital, fashion, beauty, and retail industries propel their careers.

Our recruiters handle the job search legwork for you, at no cost! We can help you better understand how to tailor your digital marketing resume for the job you want and prepare you for upcoming interviews, and once you’ve received an offer we can even communicate on your behalf and be an advocate for you.

From big-name brands to emerging startups, our team is tapped into a vast network of organizations looking for full-time and freelance digital marketing professionals today.

Browse our open jobs  and contact a recruiter today.

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