A good search engine optimization (SEO) resume focuses on your relevant skills like A/B testing, content creation and marketing, or keyword optimization. Give examples of your past success as an SEO professional or in similar roles, and show your knowledge base by citing any technology training or certificate programs you’ve done. This guide provides expert tips to help you create a results-driven resume showing your best SEO qualifications.
Search Engine Optimization Resume Templates and Examples (Download in App)
SEO Professional Resume Example
Why this search engine optimization resume example is strong:
The applicant created an eye-catching document using bullet points to highlight important information under each recent job.
SEO Manager Resume Example
Why this search engine optimization resume example is strong:
This resume's experience section contains impressive performance data, showing how the candidate positively impacted their current role.
Entry-Level SEO Resume Example
Why this search engine optimization resume example is strong:
This resume uses dynamic verbs like "devised" and "improve" to help express how the applicant has generated powerful results at each organization.
SEO Analyst Resume Example
Why this search engine optimization resume example is strong:
This resume follows a consistent structure and format to ensure hiring managers can read it easily. The job seeker arranges basic details in a consistent order (title, organization, location, and dates where applicable), letting the reader quickly scan their career progress so far.
SEO Specialist Resume Example
Why this resume is strong:
This resume has a prominent skills section showing how the job seeker can add value to an organization.
Social Media Manager Resume Example
Why this resume example is strong:
Hideo has written a unique resume that focuses on specific improvements made at each employer. To achieve similar detail in your job descriptions, consider the following: What new systems or solutions did you introduce? And what benefit did those new things have in the broader organization? Your answers to these questions will make some of the most compelling points on your resume.
Digital Marketing Resume Example
Why this resume is strong:
In this digital marketing resume example, the candidate quantifies their experience in various ways. Mentioning the company’s annual revenue establishes a sense of scope for the hiring manager, while the CTR percentages demonstrate their contributions. As you build your resume, be tactical in incorporating numbers and metrics to maximize the impact of your bullet points.
Search Engine Optimization Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
How To Write a Search Engine Optimization Resume
1. Write a standout profile to feature your search engine optimization background
In a brief paragraph at the top of your resume, catch hiring managers’ attention by giving the three to five main reasons you’ll excel in your next SEO job. (Note: most job seekers find it easier to write their profile last.)
Example
Seasoned SEO professional with a vital marketing and information technology (IT) education from prestigious institutions such as the University of California, Harvard Business School, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Demonstrated success conducting comprehensive keyword research, developing effective SEO strategies, and providing insightful SEO reporting at Procter & Gamble and Unilever. Proficient in using SEO tools and analytics to increase website traffic and improve search engine rankings.
2. Write a search engine optimization experience section that highlights your achievements
Use your resume’s experience section to give examples of your background and success in your target role. For each job in your recent work history, brainstorm your duties and achievements on a separate document or sheet of paper. Then, choose the most relevant ones to include as bullet points on your resume. With this approach, you can write a detailed and SEO-focused experience section.
Example
SEO Manager, Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati, OH | June 2017 to present
- Set and implement SEO strategies that raised the company’s search engine rankings by 35% within the first year
- Coordinated with content, design, social media, and pay-per-click (PPC) marketing teams to optimize the company’s online presence, increasing organic traffic by 25%
- Tracked and reported website analytics and PPC initiatives, providing actionable insights that improved campaign performance by 20%
3. List education and certifications relevant to your search engine optimization position
Give the basics on any bachelor’s degree(s) you’ve completed or worked toward. Then, flesh out this section with any certifications or other details that help show your SEO knowledge.
Below are templates and examples to help you format your education and certification details. Note optional template areas appear in [brackets].
Education
Template
- [Candidate:] Degree Name — [Major, Minor], School Name, City, ST or online | [Year]
- [Relevant honors, activities, or coursework]
Example
- Bachelor of Science — Marketing, University of California, Berkeley, CA
Certifications
Template
- Certification Name or Title, [Awarding Organization] | [Year]
- [Description]
Example
- Google Analytics Individual Qualification (GAIQ), Google
4. Add key skills that demonstrate your search engine optimization expertise
Add a key skills section to show how you can contribute to your target job. Below are some common skills and keywords for SEO resumes:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| A/B testing | Content creation and marketing |
| Keyword optimization | Keyword research and analysis |
| Link-building campaigns | On-page optimization |
| Project management | Reporting and documentation |
| SEO | SEO performance monitoring |
| SEO reporting | SEO strategy development |
| SEO tools and analytics | Web design and development |
How To Pick the Best Search Engine Optimization Resume Template
As with most vocations, SEO professionals should use a straightforward resume template. Opt for a layout that lets the hiring manager quickly review your best career details. Select a traditional resume font, and avoid any template with a colorful or elaborate design. Also, ensure the template complies with applicant tracking systems (ATS) employers use to screen resumes.
Frequently Asked Questions: Search Engine Optimization Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for search engine optimization resumes?-
It's easy to get stuck when writing the experience section of a resume. You might need action verbs to describe your work. To help you with this challenge, we compiled the common action verbs below that describe SEO roles.
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Clarified | Created |
| Decreased | Defined |
| Enhanced | Fostered |
| Generated | Grew |
| Improved | Increased |
| Introduced | Placed |
| Ranked | Reduced |
| Streamlined | Won |
How do you align your resume with a search engine optimization job posting?-
One great way to customize your resume is by adding brief descriptions of the places you've worked in [brackets] right next to or below the company name. Company descriptions let you show any similarities between your past employers and the one who posted the job. For example, maybe you've worked for companies of a similar size or industry. Or perhaps you've worked at organizations with a similar mission or leadership philosophy. By adding these details, you can make your resume more relevant to the job opening.
What is the best search engine optimization resume format?-
Most SEO job seekers should use the combination (or hybrid) format. True to its name, this format combines two essential features of other resume formats: the chronological format's experience section and the functional format's profile section. (The resume examples on this page all use combination format.)
A combination resume offers the best of both worlds by fusing these two features. The experience section lets you outline your recent work history – essential information for most employers. At the same time, the profile section enables you to display your career highlights at the top, regardless of whether they're from that work history or another part of your background. As a result, you can present yourself both clearly and strategically. With this format, you give hiring managers the best view of your experience and relevant strengths so they can decide to call you for an interview.
Write and submit a strong cover letter to increase your chances of an interview. The key to a good cover letter is tailoring it to each job opening. Read our cover letter guide to learn how. For more tips and examples, see our marketing cover letter guide.
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