Resume for Writing Job
In this post, we'll guide you through the process of creating a resume that highlights your writing chops, from choosing the right format to tailoring your experience to the job you want.
Key Takeaways:
- Tailor your resume to the specific writing job you're applying for by highlighting relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments. Customize your objective statement, summary, and keywords to match the job description.
- Emphasize your writing skills and experience by including a portfolio or samples of your work, and highlighting any relevant certifications, training, or education in writing or a related field.
- Use action verbs and quantifiable results to describe your writing accomplishments, such as "Wrote and published 10 articles per month" or "Increased website traffic by 25% through targeted content creation." This will help demonstrate your value as a writer and make your resume more effective.
Crafting Your Writing Resume
With respect to landing a writing job, your resume is often the first impression you make on potential employers. A well-crafted writing resume can help you stand out from the competition and showcase your skills and experience.
For many writers, the thought of creating a resume can be daunting. But don't worry, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can create a writing resume that will help you get noticed.
Highlighting Your Writing Experience
For every writing job you've held, be sure to highlight your achievements and the skills you used to get the job done. Instead of just listing your job responsibilities, focus on the specific projects you worked on and the results you achieved.
Emphasizing Your Skills and Training
Your writing skills and training are imperative to getting hired for a writing job. Make sure to emphasize any relevant coursework, certifications, or training programs you've completed.
Experience has shown that employers want to see specific examples of your writing skills in action. So, be sure to include any relevant writing samples or clips that demonstrate your expertise. This could be a link to your portfolio, a few paragraphs from a published article, or even a brief writing exercise that showcases your style and tone.
Tailoring Your Resume to the Job
Even the most well-crafted resume can fall flat if it's not tailored to the specific job you're applying for. To increase your chances of getting noticed, you need to show the hiring manager how your skills and experience align with the job requirements.
Researching the Employer and Job Description
Employer websites, job postings, and social media can provide valuable insights into the company culture and job expectations. Study the job description carefully and make a list of the key qualifications and responsibilities. This will help you identify the most important skills and experiences to highlight in your resume.
Customizing Your Objective and Summary
To make a strong first impression, your objective and summary statements should be tailored to the job and employer. Use keywords from the job posting to describe your career goals and highlight your most relevant skills and experiences.
Researching the job description and requirements will help you craft an objective and summary that speaks directly to the hiring manager's needs. For example, if the job posting emphasizes the importance of content marketing, you can tailor your objective to highlight your experience in this area. By doing so, you'll show the hiring manager that you have the skills and expertise they're looking for, and that you've taken the time to understand their specific needs.
Showcasing Your Writing Samples
Now that you've crafted a compelling resume, it's time to showcase your writing skills with impressive samples that demonstrate your expertise.
Choosing Relevant and Impressive Pieces
For your writing portfolio, select pieces that are most relevant to the job you're applying for. This will help you stand out from other applicants and show the hiring manager that you have the skills they're looking for. Choose samples that highlight your best work, whether it's a published article, a blog post, or a piece you've written specifically for the application.
Formatting and Presenting Your Samples
Relevant formatting and presentation can make a significant difference in how your writing samples are received. Make sure your samples are easy to read, with clear headings, concise paragraphs, and proper grammar and punctuation.
Formatting your writing samples correctly is crucial. Use a clean and simple layout, with ample white space to make your text easy on the eyes. Avoid clutter and keep your fonts consistent throughout the sample. You want the hiring manager to focus on your writing, not be distracted by poor formatting. By presenting your samples in a professional and polished manner, you'll show that you're detail-oriented and care about the quality of your work.
Quantifying Your Achievements
Once again, the key to making your resume stand out is to show, not tell. Instead of simply stating that you're a skilled writer, use specific numbers and metrics to demonstrate the impact you've had in your previous roles.
Using Numbers to Demonstrate Impact
One effective way to do this is by using concrete numbers to illustrate your achievements. For example, instead of saying "increased website traffic," say "boosted website traffic by 25% through targeted content strategy." This gives the hiring manager a clear idea of what you're capable of.
Highlighting Awards and Recognition
Impact is not just about numbers; it's also about the recognition you've received from others. Make sure to highlight any awards, accolades, or recognition you've received for your writing, whether it's from a publication, a contest, or a client.
Your awards and recognition section should be more than just a list of accolades. Use it as an opportunity to tell a story about what you achieved and how you achieved it. For example, instead of simply listing "Winner of the XYZ Writing Award," you could say "Received the XYZ Writing Award for my investigative piece on [topic], which was recognized for its in-depth reporting and compelling storytelling." This gives the hiring manager a sense of what you're capable of and why you're worth hiring.
Effective Use of Keywords
Your resume for a writing job should showcase your mastery of keywords relevant to the industry. This will help your application pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catch the eye of hiring managers.
Identifying Relevant Industry Terms
To get started, research the job description and requirements to identify the most important keywords and phrases. Look for terms related to writing styles, software, and tools, as well as industry-specific terminology.
Incorporating Keywords Naturally
Keywords should be woven throughout your resume, particularly in your summary, skills section, and work experience.
Plus, remember that the goal is to showcase your skills and experience, not to stuff your resume with keywords. Use them strategically to demonstrate your expertise and relevance for the job, but avoid repetition and overuse. A natural, conversational tone will make your resume more engaging and effective.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many aspiring writers overlook simple yet crucial details that can make or break their chances of landing a writing job. To increase your chances of success, it's imperative to be aware of these common mistakes and take steps to avoid them.
Typos and Grammatical Errors
Any mistake in spelling, punctuation, or grammar can raise red flags about your attention to detail and professionalism. Make sure to proofread your resume multiple times to catch any errors that could cost you the job.
Lack of Clarity and Conciseness
Errors in clarity and conciseness can lead to a resume that's confusing, wordy, or overwhelming. You want to make it easy for the hiring manager to quickly scan your resume and see your qualifications.
With a clear and concise resume, you'll be able to effectively communicate your skills and experience. This means using simple language, breaking up long paragraphs into shorter ones, and eliminating any unnecessary words or phrases. By doing so, you'll increase the chances of your resume standing out from the competition.
To wrap up
To wrap up, you've got this. You've crafted a resume that showcases your writing chops, highlights your strengths, and tells a story that'll make hiring managers take notice. Recall, your resume is a sales pitch, and you're the product. So, be bold, be concise, and be clear. Make every word count, and don't be afraid to toot your own horn. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to landing that writing job and starting a new chapter in your career