Popular Writer Resume Examples
Entry-level writer resume
An entry-level resume for a writer should focus on relevant coursework, writing samples, internships, and key skills like creativity, attention to detail, and adaptability to demonstrate potential.
Emphasizes soft skills: This resume highlights the job seeker's strong soft skills in teamwork and creative writing abilities, which effectively compensate for limited work experience.
Prioritizes readability: Opting for a clean, straightforward simple resume template helps make your qualifications easily identifiable. This clarity allows recruiters to quickly assess your skills and experience without unnecessary distractions.
Mid-career writer resume
A mid-career writer's resume should emphasize a robust portfolio, relevant experience, and a diverse skill set that reflects continuous growth and adaptability in the evolving landscape of writing.
Begins with a powerful summary: This resume's professional summary highlights the writer's extensive experience and specialized skills in content creation. This allows recruiters and ATS to quickly recognize relevant qualifications that align with their needs.
Encourages quick scanning: A well-structured resume highlights key qualifications, making it easy for prospective employers to quickly identify a job seeker's strengths and achievements.
Experienced writer resume
An experienced writer's resume should prioritize highlighting notable publications and project outcomes to clearly demonstrate their expertise and growth in the field.
Optimized for ATS: This ATS-friendly resume uses a clean and professional template that merges an elegant header with a design compliant with applicant tracking systems, facilitating easy navigation for both recruiters and automated systems.
Quantifies achievements: Quantifiable achievements, such as increasing audience engagement by 30% or managing over 500 articles annually, provide clear evidence of the writer's impact. These metrics help recruiters quickly grasp the extent of a job seeker's contributions and successes.
No experience writer resume
A resume for an applicant with no experience should highlight transferable skills, relevant coursework, and volunteer work to showcase their potential and enthusiasm for the desired position.
Leads with education: Prominently featuring the candidate's degrees in creative writing and literature demonstrates a solid foundation in essential writing skills, improving the job seeker's readiness for professional writing roles even with limited formal experience.
Overcomes lack of work history: By emphasizing creative writing and content creation skills, the job seeker demonstrates readiness for a writing role despite limited professional experience.
Writer Resume Template
Looking to create a standout application? Use this professional writer resume template as your base — just personalize it with your own details and experiences.
John Johnson
San Francisco, CA 94104
(555)555-5555
John.Johnson@example.com
Professional Summary
Innovative writer with 5 years' experience boosting digital presence through engaging content. Proven expertise in creative writing, SEO-focused strategies, and content planning, driving 40%+ traffic growth for multiple campaigns. Skilled in collaborating with teams to deliver impactful marketing solutions.
Work History
Writer
Creative Compass Media - San Francisco, CA
January 2023 - September 2025
- Authored 50+ high-impact articles per year, increasing traffic by 35%
- Spearheaded copywriting for ad campaigns, boosting CTR by 18%
- Collaborated with 5 clients monthly to craft unique brand voices
Content Strategist
Inkspire Digital Agency - Lakeside, CA
June 2020 - December 2022
- Developed content calendars that improved delivery cadence by 20%
- Supervised a team of 8 writers, achieving an 85% client satisfaction rate
- Conducted keyword research, increasing organic page views by 40%
Junior Copywriter
Bright Horizon Media Co. - Los Angeles, CA
September 2018 - May 2020
- Wrote 200+ product descriptions, raising sales conversion rates by 25%
- Proofread and edited 30+ marketing materials monthly for timely delivery
- Collaborated on A/B testing campaigns, enhancing campaign ROI by 15%
Skills
- Creative Writing
- SEO Optimization
- Copywriting
- Content Strategy
- Proofreading
- Editing
- Keyword Research
- Campaign Development
Education
Master's Degree Creative Writing
Columbia University New York, NY
May 2018
Bachelor's Degree English Literature
University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI
May 2016
Certifications
- SEO Content Writing Certification - HubSpot Academy
- Advanced Copywriting Masterclass - The Copywriter Club
Languages
- Spanish - Beginner (A1)
- French - Intermediate (B1)
- German - Beginner (A1)
Must-Have Skills on a Writer Resume
A strong skills section is vital for making your resume stand out and showcasing your qualifications effectively.
Professionals in content creation and media production shape messages that connect and inspire. The skills you highlight should reflect your ability to deliver compelling work that meets evolving demands. Your resume is an opportunity to show how your efforts influence audiences and contribute to brand success.
The following data showcases the most frequently requested hard and soft skills across various roles, drawing from Resume Now’s internal data.
When you’re ready to improve your resume, explore our AI Resume Skills Generator. It offers personalized suggestions for both hard and soft skills based on your job title, helping you build a well-rounded skill set.
Writing Your Writer Resume
Having explored these effective resume examples, you are now prepared to dive into the detailed process of creating your own. We'll guide you step by step through how to write a resume, focusing on each section in turn.
List your most relevant skills
An effective skills section on your writer resume should highlight both technical abilities, like content creation and editing, as well as soft skills such as creativity and attention to detail. By tailoring this section to reflect the specific requirements in the job listing, you improve your chances of catching the eye of recruiters.
Using keywords from the job listing allows you to connect directly with what employers are seeking. Not only does it demonstrate that you possess the necessary qualifications, but it also helps applicant tracking systems identify you as a strong match.
Example of skills on a writer resume
- Proficient in creating engaging content across various platforms
- Adept at researching topics to ensure accuracy and relevance
- Collaborative team player with strong communication skills
- Organized and efficient, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously
A well-crafted skills section is essential for showcasing your readiness for the job. It should highlight both the technical skills mentioned in the job description and relevant soft skills. This combination illustrates to employers that you are not only qualified but also fully equipped to succeed in the role.
Highlight your work history
Your work experience section should emphasize your achievements and illustrate how you've applied your writing skills effectively. Focus on showcasing specific accomplishments that highlight your creativity, versatility, and ability to meet deadlines. Remember to use strong action verbs and keywords relevant to the writing industry to capture attention.
When detailing each job entry, ensure you include essential information such as your title, the employer's name, and the dates of employment. This clarity helps employers quickly assess your background and credibility as a professional writer.
Example of a writer work experience entry
- Writer
Creative Solutions Inc. - New York, NY
January 2021 - Present - Develop engaging content for blogs, social media, and marketing materials, resulting in a 30% increase in audience engagement
- Conduct thorough research to ensure accuracy and depth in topics covered, maintaining high standards of quality and credibility
- Collaborate with designers and marketers to create cohesive campaigns that elevate brand messaging and drive conversions
- Edit and proofread all written materials to uphold clarity, consistency, and grammatical correctness across platforms
- Mentor junior writers by providing feedback on drafts, fostering skill development that improved overall team performance
Highlighting outcomes and achievements in your experience section is essential because it showcases the direct impact you've made in previous roles. Rather than merely listing responsibilities, this approach demonstrates your ability to deliver results, solve problems, and contribute meaningfully to a team. Employers are more likely to be drawn to applicants who can prove their effectiveness through tangible successes.
Add portfolio work to your resume
For writers, showcasing your diverse skills on your resume while encouraging hiring managers to explore your portfolio can be challenging. Highlighting your best pieces and demonstrating versatility is key to attracting interest without overwhelming the reader.
Place a link to your portfolio prominently at the top of your resume, ideally near your contact information. Consider adding a section titled "Selected Works" where you briefly describe 3-4 standout pieces that illustrate different styles or formats, making sure each description highlights the impact of your work.
Example of a portfolio highlights section
- Content Strategy for Tech Innovations – Developed a targeted content plan that boosted web traffic by 45%
- Social Media Campaign for Eco-Friendly Living – Created engaging posts that increased follower count by 60%
- Ghostwriting Project for Bestselling Author – Produced a manuscript recognized for its compelling narrative and detailed research
- "Voices of the Community" Blog Series – Featured in local publications, highlighting diverse perspectives and stories
Include your education
The education section of your writer resume should display your academic qualifications in reverse-chronological order, starting with the most recent degree. Include any relevant degrees and diplomas, while you can exclude high school diplomas if you hold a higher qualification. Highlight any awards or recognitions that may add value to this section.
If your education is ongoing or incomplete, it is important to list your highest completed level along with an expected graduation date. Including a few bullet points about relevant coursework or notable projects can be beneficial for current students or recent graduates.
Common certifications for a writer resume
- Certified Professional Writer (CPW) – Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP)
- Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) – American Marketing Association (AMA)
- Content Marketing Certification – HubSpot Academy
- SEO Content Specialist – SEMrush Academy
Sum up your resume with an introduction
Your resume profile is your chance to make a strong first impression. This section gives hiring managers a glimpse of your professional identity and helps them understand what you bring to the table right from the start.
If you have substantial experience, opening with a professional summary is an excellent choice. It allows you to showcase key accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications upfront. By focusing on relevant experiences and skills, you help recruiters see how your background aligns with their needs without digging through the entire document. When your work experience is limited, use a resume objective to show your career path and continuing growth.
Professional summary example
Creative writer with over 5 years of experience in crafting compelling content across various platforms. Demonstrated ability to engage audiences through storytelling, improving brand voice, and driving website traffic. Proficient in SEO strategies, content strategy development, and editing for clarity and impact.
Resume objective example
Enthusiastic writer eager to use creative storytelling and strong communication skills to support an innovative content team. Committed to producing engaging narratives that resonate with audiences while improving brand visibility and driving engagement.
In your resume profile, seize the chance to use relevant keywords that align with your target job description. This section is important for making a strong first impression and ensuring your resume stands out in ATS screenings. By weaving in key qualifications, you increase your chances of catching a hiring manager's eye.
Add unique sections to set you apart
Improve your writer resume with optional sections to highlight your unique qualifications. These sections allow you to demonstrate the breadth of your experience beyond traditional roles.
By including hobbies like blogging or creative writing, and volunteer work such as leading a community newsletter, you show potential employers your commitment to expanding your craft. Such activities not only showcase your skills but also reflect personal values that align with a writer’s dedication to communication and storytelling.
Three sections perfect for a writer resume
- Work Samples: A portfolio section on your resume is essential for writers, offering a glimpse into your unique voice and style. Showcase 3-5 significant pieces that illustrate your range and creativity, along with the themes or topics you tackled.
- Client Testimonials: Client testimonials can improve your resume by showcasing your skills and achievements. Select a few powerful quotes that reflect your creativity, reliability, or success in projects to create a compelling narrative for potential employers.
- Awards and Recognition: Incorporating awards to your resume highlights your achievements. Include any relevant accolades, certifications, or honors along with the issuing organization and the date to improve your credibility as an applicant.
5 Resume Formatting Tips
- Choose a format that matches your career stage.
Selecting the right resume format hinges on your career level. If you're seasoned, a chronological format showcases your experience effectively. For those just starting out, consider a functional resume to highlight skills. A combination format can work well for applicants with both relevant experience and transferable skills.
- Pick a smart resume template.
Using a professional resume template improves readability and simplifies formatting. An effective template allows your achievements to stand out, making it easier for hiring managers to skim through. If you prefer to create your own layout, ensure it remains clean and uses ATS-friendly fonts for better compatibility with applicant tracking systems.
- Select an appropriate font.
Opt for clear, professional font choices to improve your resume's readability. Fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Verdana are visually appealing and work well with applicant tracking systems.
- Use consistent formatting.
Ensure your resume has uniform left alignment and evenly spaced margins to create a polished and professional look that stands out to employers.
- Keep your resume to one or two pages.
When crafting your resume, remember that resumes should be one page long. A second page is acceptable only if you have extensive experience. Focus on clear and relevant content to make sure your strengths stand out.
Tools for Your Job Search
Are you excited to apply for that writing position you've been dreaming about? Before you hit send on your application, consider using our ATS Resume Checker. This essential tool can provide you with insights into how well your resume will perform against the automated systems that many employers use for initial applicant screening.
If you're looking to elevate your resume even more, our AI Resume Builder is perfect for you. It offers personalized content recommendations tailored to your writing experience, along with professionally designed templates that showcase your creativity and skills effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: October 3, 2025
Absolutely. A cover letter is important because it adds depth to your resume and creates valuable communication opportunities with employers. It's your chance to articulate what draws you to the role and how your unique experiences make you a strong applicant. Don’t overlook this important step—write a cover letter that improves your application.
For a quick and effective solution, check out our AI Cover Letter Generator. It allows you to create tailored cover letters in just minutes! Plus, you can choose from various cover letter template options that align perfectly with your resume, making your application stand out effortlessly.
A resume is a concise document, typically spanning one to two pages, focusing on your work experience and skills. In contrast, a CV (curriculum vitae) can be several pages long, providing comprehensive details about your academic background, research contributions, publications, and professional experiences.
You’ll often need a CV for specialized roles in academia, science, law, or medicine. If you find yourself in this situation, our online CV Maker is here to help. It allows you to create a tailored CV quickly using various CV templates designed for different industries and career levels—making the process efficient and straightforward.
When addressing gaps on your resume, be upfront about the reasons behind them. Whether you took time off for personal reasons or other pursuits, explain how you stayed productive during that period. Highlight any skills you developed or experiences gained that are relevant to the position. Once you've clarified the gap, shift the focus back to your qualifications and why you're a great fit for the job.
A vibrant LinkedIn profile is important for writers seeking jobs. It not only improves your professional network but also effectively showcases your unique skills and portfolio to potential employers.
Many writers begin their careers as content creators or copywriters. With experience and further training in specialized writing fields, they can advance to senior writer roles or become editors and published authors.
As a writer, showcasing your commitment to continuous development is essential. You can do this by earning relevant certifications and listing any courses you’ve completed. Attending seminars, engaging with professional reading material, listening to industry podcasts, and maintaining memberships in writing associations all serve as tangible evidence of your dedication to staying informed and improving your craft.
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Leisha is a career industry editor dedicated to helping job seekers excel in their careers.
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