Best Writer Resume Examples For 2024 (Template & Guide)

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Writer Resume: Choose a Format

The first step in creating a winning resume for a writer is to choose a format. Choosing the right format for your writer’s resume is essential to put your skills and experience in the best possible light.

There are three formats to consider for your writer’s resume: chronological, functional, or combination. Each format works a little differently, so let’s break it down.

Chronological Resumes for Writers

A chronological resume format lists your work experience in a chronological timeline. This format is ideal if you have a solid work history in writing and want to showcase your career progression. It highlights your career growth and is easy for hiring managers to follow.

A chronological resume lists your previous jobs chronologically, starting with your most recent job and working backward. It also details your responsibilities and achievements in each role, creating a clear picture of your abilities for employers.

A chronological format is also compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS) that screen resumes before they are reviewed by hiring managers. However, if you have gaps in your employment history or are changing careers, there may be better options for showcasing your qualifications.

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Functional Resumes for Writers

A functional resume format focuses on your skills and qualifications rather than your work history. This format is ideal if you’re transitioning into a writing career or have gaps in your employment history. It allows you to highlight your writing skills, projects, and relevant experience, presenting a clear picture of what you can do. This way, you can showcase your strongest abilities, even if your work history isn’t perfectly linear.

Functional resumes can be particularly beneficial if you’ve gained valuable skills from volunteer work, freelance projects, or courses but haven’t had traditional employment in writing. However, it’s important to note that some employers might view functional resumes with skepticism. This is because they can sometimes obscure the details of your work history.

Because most employers like detailed work history, this format is incompatible with most ATS, which might hurt your chances of getting noticed. Therefore, when using this format, clearly present your skills and accomplishments to offset any concerns.

Combination Resumes for Writers

A combination resume format blends elements of chronological and functional formats. This hybrid approach allows you to highlight your skills and qualifications while also providing a detailed work history. This format is especially beneficial for writers with a robust skill set and relevant experience.

In a combination resume, you can start with a skills section that showcases your key competencies, such as SEO writing, content creation, and editing. Then, beneath the skills section, you can list your work history in reverse chronological order.

This balanced approach helps employers see both your abilities and your career progression. The combination format is perfect for demonstrating how your skills have been applied in various roles, making it an excellent choice for well-rounded candidates.

However, combination resumes can be tricky to organize and may cause your resume to be lengthy. So, stay focused on the most relevant information when using this format.

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Choosing a Resume Format

When it comes to choosing a resume format, the chronological format is often your best bet, especially if you’re unsure. This format is straightforward, easy to follow, and preferred by many employers.

It showcases your work history in reverse chronological order, which makes it simple for hiring managers to see your career progression at a glance. Plus, chronological resumes are highly compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS), increasing the chances that a human will see your resume.

But what if you don’t have previous experience as a writer? If you’re just starting out or if your writing experience is limited, don’t worry. You can still make a chronological resume work for you by highlighting your transferable skills and relevant experiences.

If your previous jobs were in different fields, focus on the skills that are relevant to writing. For example, if you worked in marketing, emphasize your content creation and copywriting skills. If you were in customer service, highlight your communication skills and ability to handle feedback.

By focusing on transferable skills and experience, you can create a chronological resume that effectively showcases your writing potential, even if your work history doesn’t follow a traditional path.

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How to Write a Writer Resume

Once you’ve chosen a resume format and template, it’s time to create an outline and write your content! Think of it like crafting a compelling story—every section plays a crucial role.

There are five essential sections of a writer’s resume:

• • • • • Contact Information
        • Summary or Objective Statement
        • Work History
        • Skills
        • Education

You can also include additional sections such as certifications or publications if they help showcase your qualifications further. Understanding the purpose of each section will help you make a lasting impression on hiring managers and land that interview.

Keep reading this step-by-step guide to learn how to make the most of each section. Let’s break it down!

Contact Information

Start by placing your contact information at the top of the page, making it easy for employers to reach out to you. Your contact information should include your name, city and state where you live, a reliable phone number, and professional email address.

You can also include your LinkedIn profile URL or a link to a portfolio if you have one. If you include a social media profile, ensure your picture and profile information are current and professional to make the best impression.

For example, the contact section on a writer’s resume might look like this:

Timothy Smith
San Francisco, CA
tim.smith@fake.example.com
(555) 123-4567
fake.linkedin.com/in/timothysmith

Be sure to double-check for typos and use a clear, readable font to ensure employers can contact you without any hassle!

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Summary or Objective

Next, you will craft a captivating summary or objective statement to introduce yourself and pique the reader’s interest.

A resume summary briefly overviews your background, skills, and qualifications. It works best for experienced writers because it highlights your work history and achievements.

For example, a resume summary for a writer’s resume might look like this:

“Creative and detail-oriented writer with over 5 years of experience in content creation, editing, and publishing. Proven track record of producing high-quality articles and marketing materials for diverse audiences.”

An objective statement might be the best choice if you’re a recent graduate or transitioning careers. It focuses on your career goals, passion for writing, and personal qualities that make you a great candidate.

For example, an objective statement for a writer’s resume might say something like:

“Aspiring writer with a strong passion for storytelling and content creation. Eager to leverage my communication skills in a dynamic writing role.”

Whether you choose a summary or an objective, tailor this section to each job you apply for. Use keywords from the job description to help your resume stand out to the ATS and increase your chances of getting noticed.

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Work History

The work history section is where you showcase your professional journey and highlight your experience as a writer. This section should tell a compelling story of your career, emphasizing your responsibilities and achievements.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a standout work history section for your writer’s resume.

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. List Your Jobs in Reverse Chronological Order: Start with your most recent job and work your way backward. This format helps employers see your career progression at a glance.
            2. Include Key Details: For each job, list the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. These details provide context and help hiring managers understand your career path.
            3. Describe Your Responsibilities and Achievements: Under each job, include a brief description of your primary responsibilities and notable achievements. Use bullet points for clarity and conciseness.
            4. Use Action Verbs: Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb to make your responsibilities and achievements more dynamic and engaging. Words like “developed,” “created,” “managed,” and “led” are great examples.
            5. Quantify Your Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to quantify your achievements. This adds credibility and shows the impact of your work. For example, “Increased website traffic by 20%” is more impressive than “Increased website traffic.”

Following these guidelines and using detailed examples, you can create a work history section that effectively showcases your writing experience and achievements. This will help you stand out to potential employers and demonstrate your value as a writer.

Here’s an example of a job entry on a writer’s resume:

Content Writer
ABC Media, New York, NY
June 2019 – Present

• • • • • Developed and published over 100 articles on various topics, resulting in a 20% increase in website traffic.

• • • • • Created content for social media platforms, increasing engagement by 15%.

• • • • • Managed the editorial calendar, ensuring timely publication of content.

• • • • • Conducted in-depth research to produce accurate and informative articles.

• • • • • Edited and proofread content to maintain high quality and consistency.

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Skills

Creating a dedicated skills section on your writer’s resume is crucial. This section highlights your key abilities, making it easy for potential employers to see what you bring to the table.

Including a mix of hard and soft skills shows that you’re a well-rounded candidate with the technical know-how and the personal attributes needed for success in a writing role.

Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that can be defined and measured, like computer skills, SEO writing or technical documentation. These skills demonstrate your expertise and proficiency in areas directly relevant to the job.

On the other hand, soft skills are interpersonal attributes and personal traits that determine how you perform your job, such as creativity or time management.

Including both types of skills ensures employers see you as a competent and adaptable writer who can handle various tasks and work well with others.

For inspiration, here are the top hard and soft skills for a writer’s resume:

Top 5 Hard Skills for Writer Resumes

• • • • • SEO Writing: This skill enhances content visibility and improves search engine rankings, making your articles more discoverable and driving more traffic to the website.

• • • • • Technical Writing: Producing clear and concise technical documentation is essential for writing manuals, guides, and other technical content that must be easily understood by readers.

• • • • • Copywriting: The ability to create persuasive and engaging marketing materials is crucial for driving sales and engagement through advertisements, brochures, and online content.

• • • • • Editing and Proofreading: Ensuring content accuracy and readability by meticulously reviewing and correcting text is vital for maintaining high-quality standards in all written materials.

• • • • • Content Management Systems (CMS): Proficiency in managing and publishing content efficiently using various CMS platforms is important for streamlining the content creation process and maintaining a consistent workflow.

Top 5 Soft Skills for Writer Resumes

• • • • • Creativity: Generating unique and compelling ideas keeps your content fresh and engaging, attracting and retaining readers.

• • • • • Time Management: Meeting deadlines consistently is essential in the fast-paced world of content creation, ensuring timely delivery of articles and projects.

• • • • • Attention to Detail: Producing error-free content is critical for maintaining professionalism and credibility, making sure every piece is polished and accurate.

• • • • • Communication: Collaborating effectively with team members and clients ensures that the content aligns with the desired message and goals, fostering a productive work environment.

• • • • • Adaptability: Writing for various formats and audiences demonstrates your flexibility and ability to tailor your writing style to different needs and preferences.

For example, a skills section for a writer’s resume might look like this:

Skills

• • • • • SEO Writing
        • Technical Writing
        • Copywriting
        • Editing and Proofreading
        • CMS Proficiency
        • Creativity
        • Time Management
        • Attention to Detail
        • Communication
        • Adaptability

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Education

The education section of your resume provides an opportunity to showcase your academic achievements and relevant coursework that supports your qualifications as a writer.

Start with your most recent degree and work backward. For each entry, include the degree obtained, the name of the institution, and the location.

Here’s an example of how to format your education section:

Education

Bachelor of Arts in English
University of XYZ, New York, NY

Associate Degree in Journalism
Community College of ABC, Los Angeles, CA

When listing your education, you can also include any relevant coursework, honors, or special projects that highlight your skills and experiences as a writer.

For instance, if you completed a significant research project or wrote for the college newspaper, mention these achievements. This adds depth to your educational background and shows how your academic experiences have prepared you for a writing career.

Including details of your education in this way helps potential employers see the foundation of your writing expertise and how your academic background complements your professional skills. Remember, it’s not just about listing your degrees – it’s about painting a picture of your journey and growth as a writer.

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Additional Sections

If you have the page space, consider including additional sections on your resume to significantly enhance your application. Showcase your unique skills and experiences to stand out from the competition.

Think of these sections as the extra ingredients that make your resume stand out.

Some optional sections to consider for your resume are:

• • • • • Certifications: Including certifications on your resume demonstrates your commitment to professional development and staying current with industry trends. Certifications can provide a competitive edge by validating your expertise in specific areas.

• • • • • Publications: Listing your publications highlights your writing experience and establishes your credibility. Whether you’ve contributed to magazines, blogs, or academic journals, this section can impress hiring managers by showing the reach and impact of your work.

• • • • • Volunteer Experience: Volunteer work showcases your community involvement and willingness to use your skills for a good cause. This section can also highlight transferable skills such as teamwork, project management, and communication.

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Top Certifications For Writers

Including certifications on your resume can provide a more rounded view of your capabilities and dedication to the writing profession. Each certification signals employers that you are serious about your craft and continuously improving your skills.

Some of the most popular certifications for a writer are:

• • • • • SEO Content Writing Certification: An SEO certification validates your expertise in search engine optimization, showing that you can create content that ranks well on search engines. This is crucial for driving organic traffic and making your writing more discoverable.

• • • • • Content Marketing Certification: This certification demonstrates your ability to create and manage content strategically to engage audiences and drive marketing goals. It’s valuable for writers involved in digital marketing, blogging, or social media.

• • • • • Technical Writing Certification: This certification proves your capability to produce clear and concise technical documentation. It is essential for writers who create user manuals, guides, and other technical materials.

• • • • • Copywriting Certification: A copywriting certification shows your proficiency in writing persuasive and compelling copy for advertisements, brochures, and other marketing materials. It’s a must-have for writers in advertising and marketing.

• • • • • Editing & Proofreading Certification: This certification confirms your skills in editing and proofreading, ensuring content accuracy and readability. It’s beneficial for writers who need to maintain high standards of quality in their work.

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9 Tips For Writing A Writer Resume

Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application: Every writing job is unique, so your resume should be too. Customize your resume for each application by emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to the job.

For instance, if the job focuses on SEO writing, highlight your SEO projects and related achievements. This tailored approach shows employers that you’re specifically interested in their role and have taken the time to align your qualifications with their needs.

Use Keywords from the Job Description: Keywords are crucial for getting past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catching the eye of hiring managers. Carefully read the job description and incorporate relevant keywords into your resume.

If the job description mentions skills like “content creation” or “technical writing,” make sure these terms appear in your resume. This helps with ATS and shows that you have the specific skills the employer is looking for.

Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience: Focus on the skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the writing job.

For example, if you’re applying for a content writer position, emphasize your experience in creating engaging blog posts, articles, or social media content. Detail the types of writing you’ve done and the topics you’ve covered to create a clear picture of your expertise.

Quantify Your Achievements: Numbers speak louder than words, especially in a resume. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements to show the impact of your work.

For example, instead of saying, “Improved website traffic,” you could say, “Increased website traffic by 20% through targeted content creation.” This gives a tangible measure of your success and helps potential employers see your value.

Keep Your Resume Concise and Focused: A resume should be a concise snapshot of your professional life, not a detailed autobiography. Keep it to one page if possible, focusing on the most relevant and recent experiences.

Be selective about the information you include, and avoid filler content that doesn’t add value. Clear and focused content makes it easier for hiring managers to quickly see why you’re a great fit for the job.

Use Action Verbs to Describe Your Responsibilities: Action verbs make your resume more dynamic and engaging. Instead of saying, “Responsible for writing articles,” say, “Wrote and published over 100 articles on diverse topics.”

Action verbs like “developed,” “created,” “managed,” and “led” can effectively convey your contributions and achievements.

Proofread for Grammar and Spelling Errors: As a writer, your resume must be error-free. Grammar and spelling mistakes can make a poor impression and question your attention to detail.

Take the time to proofread your resume thoroughly, and consider asking a friend or using a professional service to review it as well. A polished resume reflects your professionalism and dedication to quality.

Include a Link to Your Professional Portfolio: Your portfolio showcases your best work and gives employers a deeper understanding of your writing style and capabilities.

Include a link to your online portfolio or a dedicated section on your LinkedIn profile. Make sure your portfolio is well-organized and includes a variety of writing samples that demonstrate your versatility and expertise.

Format Your Resume for Readability and ATS Compatibility: Your resume should be easy for both humans and ATS to read. Use a clean, professional format with clear headings, bullet points, and consistent font choices.

Avoid using graphics or complex layouts that can confuse ATS. Simple, straightforward formatting ensures your resume is readable and professional-looking, increasing your chances of getting noticed.