How to Craft a Standout Resume for a Writing Job
Applying for a writing job? Your resume is not a simple enumeration of details; it’s also an opportunity to be inspirational, formal and literate. This means having a very targeted resume in terms of writing positions; one that will make your application pop. To know how to come up with a great writing resume, complete with examples, read on.
Basic Parts of Writing Resume
To grab the attention of hiring managers, your resume should include these critical sections:
1. Contact Information
Make sure your contact information provided is well stated and formal, which Include:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Professional email address
- A link to your LinkedIn account or webpage of your portfolio.
Example:
Name: Jane Peter
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (123) 456-7790
Portfolio: www.janepeterportfolio.com
2. Professional Summary
Begin your resume with a bang by creating a summary of your writing experience, major accomplishments, and contribution for the position.
Example:
Creative content writer with over 5 years of experience in producing written contents, SEO optimized articles, blog and social media post. Proven track record of enhancing website traffic level, to increase its individual value by 25 percent, by presenting captivating storytelling and determining a successful content strategy.
3. Writing Experience
This should focus on roles and projects that are directly related to writing, so this section would stand out. Also keep using action verbs and do not forget to quantify your achievements whenever possible.
Example:
Content Writer at ABC Marketing Agency (January 2020 - Present).
Authored more than 100 copywriting, keyword relevancy SEO articles that increased organic traffic by 30%.
Created a content strategy to enhance the audience’s engagement; recorded an increase of 15%.
Developed and released 5 exclusive email promoting campaigns with a conversion rate of 30% percent.
4. Key Skills
Be sure to emphasize both elements where you excel; technical skills that are necessary for the position, and the fact that you are a writer.
Examples of skills to include:
- SEO optimization writing and key words analysis.
- Content strategy and planning.
- Copyediting and proofreading
Tools: Grammarly, Google Analytics, WordPress, Hemingway Editor, and so on.
5. Portfolio Link
There must be a writing portfolio. Provide one or more URLs to your best samples, or make a Google Drive or other cloud share folder with the samples.
Example:
"Check out my portfolio: www.janepeterportfolio.com"
Guidelines for Writing Winning Resume for Writing
1. Write a Tailored Resume for Every Job
Every writing role is unique. Tweak it for the job, no matter whether you’re sending it under the title of a content writer, technical writer, or copywriter.
For Example: If the job requires creation of specific content for social networks, mention the ability to develop interesting posts, or experience managing social networks content.
2. Use Powerful Action Verbs
Always ensure that you employ a call to action when developing your resume, this will make the resume active and interesting. Examples include:
It is recognized as ‘Authored’, ‘Crafted’, ‘Optimized’
"Increased," "Developed," "Collaborated"
3. Quantify Achievements
Figure it out for employers. Why say, “Wrote articles” when you can say, “Produced more than 50 blog post entries that resulted in page views increase of 25%”.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Generic Resumes
This resume format will not be relevant for writing positions, to say the least. Make your application tailored with respect to different job offers, indicating all that matches the competence required in a certain position.
2. Typos and Grammar Errors
As much as some people like to joke about spelling and grammar, it is important as a writer to always get it right. Proofread your resumes carefully or get someone else to review it for you.
3. Missing Portfolio Links
If there is no portfolio, employers cannot assess your work, and this plays an essential role behind the need for a portfolio. Make sure that your sample is easy to reach, gender and racially diverse, and appropriate for the position in question.
Sample Resume Template
Here’s a simple structure you can follow:
[Your Full Name]
[Contact Info] || [LinkedIn Profile/Portfolio site]
Professional Summary
Compose a summary of your experience identifying with the type of writing you can do and accomplishments that quantify your work.
Writing Experience
[Job Title] – [Company Name]
(Dates)
[Action verb followed by an achievement and its quantifiable outcome]
[Action verb followed by achievement plus a tangible outcome]
Key Skills
[Skill 1]
[Skill 2]
[Skill 3]
Portfolio
[Add a clickable link which leads directly to your portfolio that contains examples of your best work.]
If you want a downloadable version of this resume you can create one using tools such as Canva, CV maker app, or Zety.
Conclusion
Your resume opens the door for you to get your ideal writing job. By showcasing your creativity, your skills and your achievements, you will be able to provide the hiring managers with the information they need to want to hire you.
Remember to tailor the resume for a particular position, ensure to add a well formatted portfolio and proofread for mistakes. Start today, your dream writing position is out there! Wishing you success on your job hunting, dear writer!