Copywriter Resumes: Overview
As a copywriter, you’re the wordsmith behind compelling brand stories. You’re responsible for researching topics and keywords to create exciting and persuasive content that is straightforward and engaging.
Whether in agencies, in-house, or freelance, you shape narratives across various platforms, including:
- Advertising agencies
- Marketing firms
- Content creation companies
- Corporate marketing departments
- Publishing houses
Your role requires a mix of creativity, strategic thinking, and communication skills to captivate audiences and drive action.
Effective copywriters excel in crafting persuasive content, adapting tones to suit diverse brands, and meeting tight deadlines. Proficiency in writing, editing, and research is essential for success in this field.
Ready to craft a winning resume to land your next copywriting job?
Explore our resume examples and easy-to-use templates below to get started!
Copywriter Resume: Choose a Format
When crafting your copywriter resume, the first step is to choose a visually appealing template and format.
Choosing the right format is crucial to highlight your skills and experiences effectively. Each format offers distinct advantages depending on your experience level and career goals.
There are three formats to consider when writing a resume for a copywriting job: chronological, functional or combination.
Chronological Resumes for Copywriters
The most popular resume format is chronological. Chronological resumes organize your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job and working backward. This format is ideal for showcasing your career trajectory and steady growth in your copywriting roles.
In a chronological resume, a copywriter would, for example, list their previous employers and then detail their responsibilities and accomplishments in each role.
By providing a detailed work history, you can demonstrate your development as a copywriter and emphasize your relevant experience to potential employers.
A chronological resume is the way to go if you have a solid work history with no significant employment gaps and want to showcase your career progression effectively.
Functional Resumes for Copywriters
Functional resumes take a different approach, focusing on your skills, achievements, and qualifications rather than your chronological work history.
This format is perfect for copywriters who have gaps in their employment history, are changing careers, or who have diverse skills and abilities they want to highlight.
By emphasizing your transferable skills and accomplishments, you can effectively demonstrate your suitability for a copywriting role, even if your work history is not linear.
If you want to draw attention to your skills and abilities rather than your work history, a functional resume can help you stand out in the competitive job market.
However, it is essential to note that this format is incompatible with most applicant tracking systems (ATS), which could hurt your chances of getting your resume into the hands of hiring managers.
Combination Resumes for Copywriters
Combination resumes offer the best of both worlds by blending elements of chronological and functional formats. This format allows you to showcase both your relevant skills and your work experience, making it ideal for copywriters with a diverse skill set and a strong work history.
By highlighting your key qualifications and relevant skills above your work history section, you can present a comprehensive picture of your abilities to potential employers.
If you want to equally showcase your skills and experiences, a combination resume can help you create a well-rounded and compelling copywriter resume.
Choosing a Resume Format
Selecting the best resume format to highlight your qualifications is essential for crafting a standout copywriter resume. If you need help deciding which format to use, a chronological resume is always a good choice.
Experts recommend a chronological format because it is familiar to employers and very ATS-friendly. If you lack experience as a copywriting professional or have gaps in your resume, you can tailor a chronological resume to showcase your transferable skills and knowledge.
For example, you can highlight any past roles or projects where you’ve demonstrated writing, communication, or marketing skills, even if they weren’t in a copywriting capacity.
Showcase any accomplishments or results from previous positions that showcase your ability to produce quality content, engage audiences, or meet project deadlines.
By tailoring a chronological resume format to highlight your transferable skills and relevant experiences, you can create a compelling copywriter resume that effectively communicates your potential to prospective employers.
How to Write a Copywriter Resume
Once you have chosen a format, it is time to write your resume content! Knowing how to write a compelling resume is the first step to impressing potential employers with your copywriting skills!
There are five key sections for a copywriter’s resume outline:
- Contact Information
- Summary or Objective
- Work History
- Skills
- Education
This guide to writing a resume for a copywriter will walk you through how to make the most of each section and set yourself apart from the competition!
Contact Information
First, you will provide your name and contact information. This section should be placed at the top of your resume so that it is easy to find and read. Make it easy for potential employers to reach out to you by including:
- Your first and last name
- The city and state where you live
- A professional email address (like jane.doe@example.com)
- A reliable phone number
- Your LinkedIn profile URL or online portfolio
You can format your contact information in various ways depending on your resume template, but it will most likely look something like this:
Jane Doe
Columbus, OH
jane.doe@example.com
(555) 123-4567
linkedin.com/in/janedoe
By providing clear and professional contact details, you’re paving the way for exciting opportunities in copywriting!
Summary or Objective
Next, you will write a brief introduction to your resume. This section will consist of 2-3 concise sentences that provide insight into your qualifications and career goals.
There are two options to consider for this section: a resume summary or an objective statement.
A resume summary is your chance to showcase your expertise and experience. It’s perfect for experienced copywriters who want to highlight their accomplishments and skills. Use a summary if you have significant experience in the field to grab the hiring manager’s attention immediately.
For example, a copywriter’s resume summary may say something like this:
“Results-oriented copywriter with 5+ years of experience crafting compelling content for diverse brands. Proficient in SEO optimization, content strategy, and brand storytelling. Proven track record of driving engagement and conversions through creative and strategic copywriting.”
An objective statement is ideal for entry-level copywriters or those transitioning into the field. It allows you to express your career goals and aspirations, making it clear to employers what you’re looking for in your next role.
Use an objective if you’re just starting out in your copywriting career and want to emphasize your enthusiasm and commitment.
For example, an objective statement for an aspiring copywriter’s resume might say:
“Energetic and adaptable copywriter seeking an opportunity to leverage my strong writing skills and creative mindset in a dynamic marketing environment. Passionate about crafting engaging content that resonates with audiences and drives results. Eager to contribute to innovative campaigns and collaborate with talented teams to achieve shared goals.”
Whether you opt for a summary or an objective, this section also allows you to tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for. Include keywords and phrases from the job description to show your alignment with the role and to help your resume get noticed by ATS and recruiters.
Work History
Now, it is time to detail your previous work experience. Your work history section will showcase your journey as a copywriter.
Here’s how to make each job entry shine:
- Clearly state your job title, such as “Copywriter,” “Content Writer,” or “Marketing Copy Specialist.”
- Include the name of the company you worked for and the city and state where they are located to provide context.
- Provide the start and end dates of your employment at each company to demonstrate your commitment and experience.
- Under each job entry, write at least three bulleted sentences detailing your responsibilities and accomplishments in each position.
Use strong action verbs to describe your duties and achievements to show off your ability to write compelling content that engages readers. Focus on tasks relevant to copywriting, such as content creation, editing, SEO optimization, and campaign development.
Pro Tip: Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments to add credibility and showcase your impact. For example, mention the number of articles written, the increase in website traffic due to your content, or the percentage improvement in click-through rates.
Here’s a great example of a job entry for a copywriter resume:
Copywriter
XYZ Marketing Agency, Philadelphia, PA January 2019 – Present
- Crafted compelling copy for various marketing materials, including website content, 4 blog posts per month, and weekly social media campaigns.
- Optimized content for SEO, resulting in a 30% increase in organic traffic within six months.
- Conducted thorough research on industry trends and competitor analysis to inform content strategy and messaging.
Customize your work history for each job application by mentioning any experience matching the requirements listed in the job posting.
Including industry terms and keywords from the job description will help your resume get noticed by potential employers and pass initial screenings by applicant tracking systems.
Skills
Once you have completed your work history section, create a dedicated skills section to showcase your most relevant knowledge and abilities.
Showcasing a combination of hard skills and soft skills on your resume will demonstrate your ability to excel in both the technical and interpersonal aspects of copywriting, making you a well-rounded and desirable candidate for potential employers.
For inspiration, here are the top hard and soft skills for a copywriter resume:
Top 5 Hard Skills for Copywriter Resumes
- SEO Optimization: Enhancing online visibility and driving traffic are vital in today’s digital landscape. Incorporating SEO skills into your copy ensures your content ranks well and reaches a broader audience.
- Content Strategy: Developing a cohesive brand narrative is essential for building brand identity and fostering customer engagement. A strong content strategy ensures your copy aligns with overarching marketing goals and resonates with your target audience.
- Copyediting: Accuracy and consistency are paramount in copywriting. Strong copyediting skills ensure your content is error-free, grammatically correct, and adheres to brand guidelines.
- Social Media Management: Engaging audiences across platforms is a key aspect of modern copywriting. Proficiency in social media management allows you to leverage various channels to amplify your message and connect with your audience effectively.
- Graphic Design: Visual content plays a significant role in digital marketing. Basic graphic design and other computer skills enable you to create visually appealing content that enhances the overall impact of your copy.
Top 5 Soft Skills for Copywriter Resumes
- Creativity: Generating fresh ideas and concepts is fundamental to effective copywriting. Creativity allows you to think outside the box, develop innovative campaigns, and capture your audience’s attention.
- Adaptability: The ability to adjust tone and style to fit diverse audiences is crucial in copywriting. Being adaptable allows you to pivot quickly in response to changing market trends and audience preferences.
- Collaboration: Copywriting often involves working in cross-functional teams, such as with designers, marketers, and clients. Strong collaboration skills enable you to communicate effectively, share ideas, and work seamlessly with others to achieve common goals.
- Time Management: Meeting tight deadlines without compromising quality is essential in the fast-paced world of copywriting. Effective time management skills help you prioritize tasks, stay organized, and deliver high-quality work on time.
- Communication: Effectively conveying messaging objectives is critical in copywriting. Strong communication skills allow you to articulate ideas, provide feedback, and ensure alignment with stakeholders throughout the creative process.
A skills section for a copywriter’s resume might look something like this:
SKILLS
- SEO Optimization
- Content Strategy
- Copyediting
- Social Media Management
- Graphic Design
- Creativity
- Adaptability
- Time Management
However, if there is space on your resume, you might choose to provide more detail in your skills section to highlight your unique qualifications:
SKILLS
- SEO Optimization: Proficient in optimizing content for search engines to improve online visibility and drive organic traffic.
- Content Strategy: Skilled in developing comprehensive content strategies to align with brand goals and engage target audiences effectively.
- Copyediting: Experienced in reviewing and editing copy for accuracy, clarity, and consistency to maintain brand voice and quality standards.
- Social Media Management: Knowledgeable in managing social media platforms to enhance brand presence and foster community engagement.
- Graphic Design: Familiar with basic graphic design principles to create visually appealing content and enhance overall messaging impact.
Education
Next, you will provide your educational background to demonstrate you meet the employer’s requirements and showcase a commitment to learning and perfecting your craft.
Your education section should list the highest degree you have earned and may include details like relevant coursework or certifications.
However, you may choose to create an additional section to highlight that information. But more about that later!
For each entry in your education section, you should include the degree earned along with the name and location of the institution you attended. It is not necessary to provide a graduation date, unless it is in the future.
Here’s an example of an education section for a copywriter’s resume:
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in English Literature
University of XYZ, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Additional Sections
Once you have crafted the first five most essential sections of your resume, if you still have available space, you can enhance your resume by featuring some additional sections!
Some additional sections to consider are:
- Portfolio: Let your work speak for itself by including a link to an online portfolio with writing samples highlighting your skills and creativity.
- Awards and Honors: Shine a spotlight on any recognition you’ve received for your contributions to the field.
- Professional Affiliations: Show that you’re plugged into the industry by listing any groups or associations you’re involved with, demonstrating your commitment to growth and networking.
- Training and Certifications: Pursuing professional development opportunities like special training courses or certifications demonstrates your commitment to lifelong learning and validates your expertise.
Top Certifications For Copywriters
Certifications can enhance your credibility and skill set as a copywriter. Here are some of the top certifications for a copywriter resume:
- Digital Marketing Certificate: Earning a digital marketing certification demonstrates your knowledge of creating compelling online content optimized for search engines and driving conversions.
- HubSpot Content Marketing Certification: Confirms knowledge of inbound marketing principles and developing content marketing strategies that resonate with your audience
- American Writers & Artists Inc. (AWAI) Copywriting Certification: This certification lets employers know that you have completed an advanced copywriting training program requiring a challenging exam and writing assignments
- Content Marketing Institute (CMI) Certification: This credential validates expertise in content marketing strategy and execution, such as creating content calendars, handling social media conflicts, and creating marketing personas.
10 Tips For Writing A Copywriter Resume
Tailor your resume: Customize your resume for each job application by emphasizing relevant skills and experiences that align with the specific requirements of the position. Highlight your copywriting expertise and any related achievements demonstrating your suitability for the role.
Showcase your creativity: Use concise and engaging language to captivate the reader and highlight your creative abilities. Craft compelling narratives and persuasive messaging that demonstrate your storytelling skills and ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Quantify achievements: Demonstrate the impact of your work by quantifying your achievements whenever possible. Include metrics, such as increased website traffic, engagement rates, or conversion rates, to illustrate the effectiveness of your copywriting efforts.
Use industry-specific keywords: Optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS) by incorporating industry-specific keywords relevant to copywriting. Use terms commonly used in the field to ensure your resume gets noticed by hiring managers and recruiters.
Keep your resume design clean and professional: Choose a clean and professional resume template that enhances readability and effectively showcases your content. Avoid cluttered designs or excessive use of graphics that may distract from your qualifications.
Proofread carefully: As a copywriter, employers expect you to provide error-free content. Review your resume carefully for grammar and spelling errors to ensure it reflects your professionalism and attention to detail. Consider seeking feedback from peers or mentors to catch any mistakes you may have missed.
Include a link to your online portfolio: Provide a link to your online portfolio to give hiring managers a comprehensive view of your work. Showcase your best writing samples, campaigns, or projects to demonstrate your skills and capabilities as a copywriter.
Highlight your ability to work under pressure: Emphasize your ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and meet tight deadlines without compromising quality. Provide examples of times when you successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously and delivered exceptional results under pressure.
Emphasize brand voice and tone: Showcase your understanding of brand identity and tone by tailoring your writing style to match the voices of different brands. Highlight your versatility in adapting tone and style to fit the unique needs and preferences of various clients or projects.
Stay updated on industry trends: Demonstrate your commitment to professional development by staying informed about industry trends and technologies relevant to copywriting. Indicate your knowledge of emerging tools, techniques, and best practices to remain competitive in the ever-evolving field of copywriting.
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Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right resume format will highlight your strengths and career trajectory.
- Using keywords from the job description will help your resume get past initial screenings by applicant tracking systems.
- Including hard and soft skills on your copywriting resume will demonstrate that you are a well-rounded professional with technical knowledge and interpersonal skills.
- Including certifications on your resume enhances your credibility and skill set as a copywriter.
- Proofreading is an essential step in creating a resume for a copywriter.
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FAQ
Infuse your resume with creative language and incorporate design elements to showcase your unique flair. Use engaging narratives and captivating language to demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and craft compelling copy that resonates with audiences.
Absolutely! Including an online portfolio allows you to showcase your best work and provide tangible examples of your writing prowess. Select samples that highlight your diverse skills and demonstrate your ability to create engaging content across various platforms and mediums.
Tailoring your resume involves customizing it for each job by emphasizing relevant skills and experiences that align with the specific requirements of the position. Carefully review the job description and incorporate keywords and phrases that mirror the language used in the job posting to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Tailor your resume to highlight specific experiences in different copywriting niches by organizing your work history and achievements accordingly. Use targeted language and examples that showcase your expertise in areas such as web content, advertising copy, social media, or technical writing, depending on the job requirements.
First, choose a professional and well-designed resume template to catch the eye of potential employers. Then, make your resume stand out by focusing on your unique strengths and accomplishments as a copywriter. Highlight your most impressive projects, achievements, and skills that demonstrate your value to potential employers. Use engaging language and storytelling techniques to capture the reader’s attention and leave a lasting impression.
If you have limited experience, focus on highlighting relevant skills, coursework, internships, or freelance projects that demonstrate your potential as a copywriter. Emphasize your passion for writing, creativity, and willingness to learn and grow in the field. Tailor your resume to showcase transferable skills and experiences that are relevant to copywriting, such as strong communication abilities, attention to detail, and a knack for storytelling.
Citations
- Bennett, S. The Elements of Resume Style: Essential Rules for Writing Resumes and Cover Letters That Work. United States: AMACOM. 2014.