Words That Work: Craft a Writing Resume That Sings

Key Takeaways

• Tailor your resume to each specific job application, highlighting relevant skills and experience.
• Showcase your writing abilities through compelling descriptions and quantifiable achievements.
• Use keywords strategically to get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• Include a portfolio link to demonstrate your writing prowess.

Intro paragraph

Landing your dream writing job requires more than just excellent writing skills—it demands a resume that showcases those skills effectively. A well-crafted writing resume acts as your personal marketing document, demonstrating your value to potential employers. This article provides practical advice and actionable steps to help you build a resume that gets noticed and lands you interviews.

Target Your Resume

Generic resumes rarely make the cut. Take the time to tailor your resume for each job application. Carefully review the job description, noting the specific skills, experience, and keywords mentioned. Then, adjust your resume to mirror those requirements. This demonstrates you've taken the time to understand the role and possess the necessary qualifications.

Showcase Your Skills

Go beyond simply listing writing skills. Use action verbs and compelling descriptions to showcase your abilities. Instead of writing "Excellent writer," try "Crafted engaging website copy that increased conversion rates by 15%." Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your writing.

Structure and Format

Choose a clean and professional resume format that is easy to read. Consider these popular options:

• Chronological: This traditional format lists your work history in reverse chronological order, highlighting career progression. It's suitable for most writing roles.
• Functional: This format emphasizes skills and accomplishments over work history. It can be useful if you have gaps in your employment or are changing careers.
• Combination: This format blends elements of chronological and functional formats, highlighting both skills and work history.

Keywords are Key

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for relevant keywords before they reach a human recruiter. Identify keywords from the job description, such as specific writing types (blog posts, press releases, technical documentation), software proficiency, and industry terms. Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your resume.

Power Up with a Portfolio

A strong writing portfolio is essential. Create a website or online portfolio showcasing your best writing samples. Tailor the samples you include to the types of writing required for the jobs you're applying for. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible and include a link prominently on your resume, preferably near the top.

Experience Section: Show, Don't Just Tell

When describing your previous writing roles, focus on achievements rather than just listing responsibilities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide context and demonstrate the positive impact of your writing. For example:

• Situation: Website traffic was stagnant despite high-quality content.
• Task: Tasked with revamping the website copy to improve SEO and user engagement.
• Action: Conducted keyword research, rewrote key landing pages, and implemented a content calendar.
• Result: Increased organic traffic by 20% within three months and boosted conversion rates by 10%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long should my writing resume be?

Ideally, keep your resume to one page, especially if you have less than ten years of experience. If you have extensive experience directly relevant to the target role, two pages may be acceptable, but always prioritize conciseness.

Q: What if I don't have a lot of paid writing experience?

Highlight any relevant writing experience, even if it's unpaid. This could include volunteer work, personal blog posts, or contributions to online publications. Focus on the skills and accomplishments you gained from these experiences.

Q: Should I include references on my writing resume?

Generally, it's not necessary to include references directly on your resume. Simply state "References available upon request." Prepare a separate list of references with their contact information to provide when asked.

Q: What's the best file format to use for my resume?

PDF is generally the preferred file format for resumes. It preserves the formatting of your document across different devices and operating systems.