Entry-Level Content Writer Resume
This resume example effectively demonstrates a strong mix of creativity and measurable achievements, making it an ideal choice for career changers aiming to enter the content writer field.
Why this resume works:
It showcases essential skills, highlighting competencies can effectively demonstrate value to potential employers.
Mid-Career Content Writer Resume
This resume example is perfect for content writers with established experience who are eager to improve their skills and specialize further in SEO-driven strategies.
Why this resume works:
It highlights quantifiable achievements like boosting site traffic by 45% or generating 10K monthly visits from a newly launched blog series.
Experienced Content Writer Resume
This content writer resume example is perfect for experienced professionals looking to elevate their careers and take on more strategic roles in content development.
Why this resume works:
Leadership roles and advanced certifications underscore the ability to manage complex scenarios.
Looking for something else?
Create Your Standout Resume Today
Use our resume examples for inspiration on organization, color, and design—and learn how to effectively summarize your content writer skills and experience with confidence.
How to Write a Content Writer Resume
Learning how to write a resume is important for content writers, as it allows you to highlight your unique voice and skills rather than just listing job titles. By effectively showcasing your creativity and experience, you can make a lasting impression on potential employers.
In the upcoming sections, we’ll walk you through resume tips step-by-step, including formatting advice, presenting your portfolio, and emphasizing your writing achievements to create a compelling application.
Start with your contact info
The header section contains all your contact information, prominently displayed at the top of your resume. Begin with your name in a bold and larger font to draw immediate attention. A clean design, perhaps with a subtle color accent, can improve visibility while maintaining professionalism.
Next, include essential contact details such as your email address, phone number, and location; city and state are sufficient. This information is vital for potential employers to reach you easily and ensures that applicant tracking systems can process your application effectively.
Lastly, consider adding links to relevant online portfolios or blogs showcasing your writing samples. If you have certifications related to content writing or digital marketing, including those links can further demonstrate your qualifications and commitment to the craft, helping you stand out among other applicants.
Write a strong professional summary
A professional summary serves as a snapshot of your qualifications and skills, positioned right after your contact details on your resume. It’s the first impression you give to potential employers, making it important for capturing their attention.
This section should highlight your key achievements and relevant experiences tailored specifically to the job you're applying for. Customizing this summary shows hiring managers that you understand their needs and are genuinely interested in the role.
Referencing resume summary examples can provide inspiration and guidance on how to structure yours effectively. These samples can help you ensure that your summary stands out while clearly articulating your value.
Strong vs weak content writer summary
Strong
"Creative content writer with over four years of experience in crafting engaging articles, blog posts, and marketing copy. Proven ability to increase website traffic by 30% through optimized content strategies and compelling storytelling. Skilled in SEO best practices and social media marketing, holding a certification in Digital Content Strategy. Recognized for collaboration with diverse teams to deliver high-quality content on time."
Why this example works: This summary effectively highlights the applicant’s relevant experience, quantifies achievements like increased website traffic, showcases essential skills such as SEO and content strategy, and incorporates key industry-related terminology.
Weak
"Content writer seeking opportunities to use writing skills and contribute to projects. Experienced in creating written content, enjoys collaborating with teams."
Why this example doesn't work: This professional summary is vague, lacking specifics about the writer's expertise, achievements, or unique contributions in content creation.
Highlight interpersonal skills such as collaboration and empathy on your content writer resume. Use specific examples to illustrate how these skills have improved teamwork or client relationships, showing employers your ability to connect and communicate effectively in a creative environment.
Share your work history
Your work history is a vital aspect of your resume. Listing your experiences in reverse-chronological order allows hiring managers to see your most relevant positions first. This approach also emphasizes your career growth and the skills you've developed over time.
When detailing your work history, focus on:
- Job title and company name
- Employment dates (month and year)
- Daily tasks (What were your responsibilities?)
- Key achievements (What did you accomplish? Did you improve content engagement or increase traffic?)
- Quantifiable results (Use metrics when applicable, such as "boosted website traffic by 30%.")
Finally, use dynamic action verbs to effectively convey your contributions.
Strong vs weak content writer work history
Strong
Content Writer, Creative Agency Inc.
2019–Present
- Developed and published over 150 blog articles, increasing website traffic by 40% within one year.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to create SEO-optimized content that improved search engine rankings for key terms by 25%.
- Mentored junior writers, improving their skills and helping to reduce project turnaround time by 20%.
Why this example works: A strong work history showcases the impact of your contributions through specific accomplishments and quantifiable results. It highlights your expertise in content creation while demonstrating leadership abilities that can drive team success.
Weak
Content Writer
Global Media Inc.
- Wrote articles and edited content.
- Collaborated with team members.
Why this example doesn't work: This entry is weak because it doesn't specify the type of content or target audience, lacks employment dates, and lists generic tasks applicable to many writing roles.
Highlight your leadership skills as a content writer by using specific examples like "Managed a team of 3 writers to produce engaging blog posts" or "Developed editorial guidelines that improved content quality." These points show how you can lead projects and improve team collaboration effectively.
Highlight your key skills
The skills section of your resume is essential for demonstrating your strengths as a content writer. Here's a rundown of various skill types and their significance in improving your candidacy:
- Soft skills are personal attributes that illustrate how you collaborate with others—such as creativity, adaptability, and communication. For content writers, skills like attention to detail and research are important as they ensure high-quality, engaging content that resonates with audiences and meets client objectives.
- Hard skills for a content writer include abilities learned through training or experience. Examples are SEO optimization, blog writing, copy editing, and keyword research.
- When developing technical skills as a content writer, it's important to have expertise with content management systems like WordPress. You should also be familiar with SEO tools such as Moz or SEMrush and have experience using graphic design software like Adobe Creative Suite. Mastering these technologies boosts your ability to create engaging and optimized content.
For content writers just starting out, it’s best to position your skills section near the top of your resume to highlight your abilities despite limited experience. More seasoned writers should place their skills section after their work history, allowing their experience to showcase their competencies effectively.
Top 15 skills for your content writer resume
When creating your resume as a content writer, it's essential to showcase skills that align with industry demands. Highlight a mix of soft skills like creativity and time management, along with hard skills such as SEO and copywriting. Including transferable skills can further demonstrate your ability to adapt in different writing environments.
Here’s a list of the 15 most popular skills for content writers, based on insights from JobHero users. These skills not only reflect what employers are looking for but also emphasize the versatility you can bring to various writing roles.
Build your education section
The education section of your resume should reflect your experience level and industry standards. For seasoned professionals, the focus should be on work history rather than educational credentials. If you have extensive experience, consider placing your education section at the end or omitting it altogether unless a specific degree is required for the role.
Conversely, recent graduates or individuals entering specialized fields should highlight their educational achievements prominently. Position this section near the top of your resume to showcase relevant degrees, certifications, and coursework that demonstrate your qualifications.
Ultimately, tailoring your education section to fit your career stage can significantly improve your resume's effectiveness. Ensure clarity in presenting this information to make a strong impression on hiring managers looking for the right job seekers.
20 action verbs to add to your resume
Using action verbs in your resume strengthens it by effectively communicating your experience and accomplishments. These powerful words create a dynamic tone that captures the attention of hiring managers.
When crafting your resume, prioritize action verbs that are relevant to content writing and align with essential skills highlighted in job postings. This targeted approach demonstrates your suitability for the role.
- Created
- Crafted
- Edited
- Produced
- Researched
- Developed
- Wrote
- Published
- Collaborated
- Analyzed
- Optimized
- Improved
- Engaged
- Summarized
- Presented
- Formatted
- Integrated
- Curated
- Promoted
- Documented
Consider additional resume sections
While your core resume provides the most critical information, adding targeted sections can showcase your unique qualifications. These sections help hiring managers quickly identify your skills, experiences, and achievements beyond standard resume sections.
Here are optional sections we tend to see on content writer resumes:
- Writing samples: Include links or attachments of published articles, blog posts, or other written content that showcase your writing style.
- Specializations: List specific industries or niches you have experience in (e.g., technology, health, finance) to highlight your expertise.
- Certifications: Detail any relevant writing or marketing certifications you hold that demonstrate professional development.
- Client testimonials: Share positive feedback from previous clients to establish credibility and show the impact of your work.
- Professional memberships: Mention membership in organizations like the American Society of Journalists and Authors to demonstrate commitment to your craft.
5 Tips for Formatting Your Resume
Proper resume formatting is essential for job seekers as it captures the attention of recruiters and ensures your application is easily readable. Using ATS-friendly resume templates can significantly improve your chances of passing automated screenings while maintaining a polished appearance that engages hiring managers.
1. Watch your line spacing and margins
Proper spacing helps your resume look clean and organized, making it easier for hiring managers to read. A well-spaced resume conveys professionalism and attention to detail. Here's what works best:
- Keep margins between 0.5″ to 1.0″ for a balanced layout.
- Use single spacing between paragraphs and bullet points for clarity.
- Increase the space to 1.5″ or double-space between sections to distinguish them clearly.
2. Use a professional font
Selecting the right resume font is important as it affects readability and first impressions. Stick to these professional options:
- Helvetica
- Garamond
- Verdana
- Trebuchet MS
- Book Antiqua
- Courier New
Consider using a slightly bolder or larger font for your name at the top to make it stand out and add a personal touch.
3. Organize your resume sections
A resume for a content writer should be clear and visually appealing. Use bullet points to list your previous responsibilities and achievements in a succinct manner. Begin each bullet with a strong action verb, such as "Created engaging blog posts that increased website traffic by 40%," to highlight what you've accomplished in your role.
Focusing on measurable outcomes can significantly improve your appeal to potential employers. For example, "Developed social media content strategies that boosted follower engagement by 25%" illustrates your direct impact on the company's online presence.
To ensure your resume meets ATS requirements, consider using an ATS resume checker. This tool will help you identify any necessary keywords or formatting adjustments, ensuring your application stands out in a competitive job market.
4. Use colors and design
Using color and design elements effectively in your resume can elevate its impact and showcase your creative flair as a content writer. A visually appealing resume draws attention and helps highlight your essential skills and experiences.
Begin by selecting a resume template that resonates with your style while maintaining a professional tone. The combination resume format is especially effective, as it combines work history with a dedicated section for skills, often featuring a colored sidebar to emphasize your strengths.
When choosing a color scheme, opt for hues that reflect professionalism and creativity. Soft blues or muted greens can convey trustworthiness, while deeper colors like maroon may add sophistication when used judiciously in headings or section breaks.
Avoid overly bright colors or combinations that could detract from readability. It’s also wise to steer clear of colors associated with competitors or those that compromise the visual clarity of your resume. Focus on presenting an organized and polished representation of your qualifications through thoughtful design choices.
As a content writer, your resume is an opportunity to showcase your creativity and writing style. Consider using distinct typography and engaging layout designs that reflect your personality while maintaining professionalism. A well-structured format can highlight your skills effectively without overwhelming the reader.
For instance, if you're applying for a role in a dynamic startup, feel free to use vibrant colors and playful fonts. Conversely, when targeting established companies or publishing houses, opt for more subdued tones and classic styles. This thoughtful approach ensures that your resume not only stands out but also aligns with the company’s brand identity.
5. Keep your resume length to 1-2 pages
Resumes should typically be one page long. This length allows you to present your qualifications clearly and effectively, as hiring managers usually spend only a few seconds reviewing each resume. Focus on including the most relevant work experience and skills that align with the job you're targeting.
While one page is ideal for most applicants, there are exceptions. If you have extensive experience or are applying for senior roles, such as director or executive positions, a two-page resume may be necessary to comprehensively showcase your accomplishments. Additionally, in academia, a CV is often more suitable due to the detailed nature of academic achievements and publications.
Prioritizing clarity and relevance will help ensure that your resume stands out in a competitive job market.
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my resume?
Writing a cover letter can significantly improve your job application, even if it’s not mandatory. It allows you to showcase your personality and provide context for your qualifications. This extra layer of detail can set you apart from other applicants.
To help you get started, explore our collection of cover letter examples that cater to various industries and positions. These samples can spark ideas for your own letter. Once you're ready to craft yours, use our Cover Letter Builder for easy, step-by-step assistance in creating a powerful document.
What is the best resume format?
Choosing the right resume format hinges on your career stage and job-seeking goals. The three main formats are chronological, functional, and combination, each designed to highlight different strengths.
The chronological format is ideal for seasoned professionals as it emphasizes work history. In contrast, the functional format focuses on skills and education, making it suitable for newcomers or those with gaps in employment. Lastly, the combination format strikes a balance between experience and skills, catering well to mid-level applicants or those transitioning between fields.
How long should my content writer resume be?
For content writers, a one-page resume is usually ideal, especially if you have fewer than 10 years of experience. Hiring managers often skim through numerous resumes quickly, so keeping your document concise and focused helps highlight your most relevant skills and projects.
Emphasize your key writing samples, relevant employment history, and any specific niches or industries you've worked in. Remove any outdated skills or experiences that do not align with the type of writing job you're applying for.
Consider using a two-page format only if you have extensive experience or specialize in multiple areas like technical writing and copywriting. In these cases, additional length may be warranted to fully showcase your qualifications and achievements.
Should I use the same resume for every job?
Job seekers should never use the same resume for every application. Customizing your resume is important because it allows you to align your skills and experiences with the specific requirements of each job. Start by carefully reading the job description and identifying keywords that are essential for the role. Incorporate these keywords into your resume, particularly in the summary and skills sections.
Highlight relevant experience that matches the job's focus, and consider adjusting your accomplishments to reflect what the employer values most. Remember, many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) that filter resumes based on these keywords before they reach hiring managers. Personalizing your resume increases your chances of passing through those filters and landing an interview.
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