Writer Resume Examples and Templates for 2023

How To Write a Writer Resume

As a professional writer, recruiters and hiring managers will scrutinize your resume more heavily during the job search. Although you’ll be assessed based on your portfolio of work, you’ll also need to submit an accomplishment-driven resume that demonstrates your writing capabilities. Resumes follow a unique language structure, but there’s a number of strategies you can use to craft compelling content within that framework. Throughout this guide, we’ll provide expert tips to help you translate your writing experience into a powerful marketing document.

1. Write a compelling profile summarizing your qualifications

To grab the hiring manager’s attention, you’ll want to craft a professional profile that captures your personal brand. In the opening sentence, list your title, years of experience, and three to four specializations that align with the job description.

In the subsequent sentences, you should highlight key achievements or mention something specific about your writing approach. By providing a compelling snapshot of your career, you’ll greatly increase your odds of landing the interview and securing your next big job opportunity.

2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section

To craft an accomplishment-driven professional experience section, you’ll want to provide unique insights to showcase your writing style and career achievements. You should also leverage hard numbers and data to bolster the impact of your bullet points.

For example, mentioning the number of articles or blog posts you’ve written may help establish the scope of your professional experience. If you were focused on writing copy for web pages, you might want to include metrics that showcase the impact your efforts had on SEO. Using numbers to your advantage can go a long way in differentiating yourself from the competition.

3. Include relevant education and certifications

In addition to your education, you should also consider pursuing certifications to help your resume stand out from the applicant pool. For instance, if you were pursuing a job as a technical writer, you’d want to complete courses from an accredited organization such as Technical Writer HQ. If you’re a marketing professional, you may want to consider obtaining a professional content writer certification.

4. List relevant key skills and proficiencies

Companies rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to identify candidates who meet their organizational needs. Although you’ll be evaluated based on your writing portfolio, you’ll still need to pass the initial ATS scan for the opportunity to showcase your work. Incorporating specific key skills and action verbs from the job description is a crucial element of the resume writing process. Below, you’ll find a list of keywords that you may encounter during your job search:

5. Provide a link to your writing portfolio

You should feature a link to your writing portfolio in the profile or header. Your writing samples will heavily impact whether or not prospective employers bring you in for an interview, so you’ll want to make it as easy as possible for them to access your portfolio. You should also consider providing a link to your writing samples in the featured section or about section of your LinkedIn profile.

How To Pick the Best Writer Resume Template

If you find yourself struggling to select the ideal resume template, you’re not alone. With such a wide variety of options available, finding a template that fits your personal brand can be challenging. Limited use of color is acceptable, but try to avoid incorporating large graphics. These elements can negatively impact your formatting and draw the reader’s eye away from your career accomplishments. Ultimately, the quality of your writing will always be the deciding factor in whether or not a company chooses to hire you, so prioritize organization and structure over aesthetics.

Writer Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Years of Experience

Frequently Asked Questions: Writer Resume Examples and Advice

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).