Struggling to articulate your diverse writing experience in a concise and impactful way is a common CV challenge you may face. By consulting our guide, you can learn how to streamline your achievements and make your CV stand out to employers.
Learn how to create your next writer CV by:
- Applying the simplest CV design, so that recruiters can easily understand your expertise, skills, and professional background;
- Ensuring you stand out with your header, summary or objective statement, and a designated skills section;
- Creating your CV experience section - no matter how much expertise you have;
- Using real life professional CV examples to enhance the structure and outline of your profile.
If you still have no muse to write your professional CV, find some more industry-leading examples.
Resume examples for writer
Explore additional writer cv samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Junior Writer
- Emphasizes career progression and industry consistency - Ruby Gibson demonstrates a clear career trajectory with roles of increasing responsibility in the publishing and media industries. Starting as a Marketing Intern and progressing to an Editorial Assistant, and then to her current role as a Junior Copywriter, her advancement within similar domains highlights both her commitment and her growing expertise in the field.
- Showcases adaptability through varied content roles - The CV reflects Ruby's adaptability across different facets of content creation and editorial support. From crafting persuasive magazine articles to developing digital marketing content and managing social media outputs, she showcases her ability to efficiently adapt to the requirements of varying formats and platforms, which is crucial for roles related to contemporary content and communication.
- Quantifies achievements to illustrate business impact - Ruby effectively uses numbers not just to quantify her work but to illustrate business impact. Achievements such as a 30% increase in social media engagement, a 15% rise in magazine readership, and significant enhancements in subscriber conversions are not just metrics; they reflect the strategic value she adds to her roles, demonstrating her capability to drive substantive outcomes in content-based initiatives.
Senior Writer
- Strong Career Development and Advancement - Poppy Griffiths' CV showcases a clear and progressive career trajectory within the medical writing industry. Beginning as an Associate Medical Writer, she has moved through pivotal roles to become a Senior Medical Writer. This progression reflects her ability to take on increasing responsibilities, manage larger teams, and contribute to strategic decisions in her field, indicating both ambition and competence.
- Impressive Achievements with Business Impact - The CV details significant achievements, such as enhancing publishing efficiency by 25% and reducing error rates in published materials by 30%. These accomplishments not only highlight her dedication to quality and efficiency but also underscore tangible business benefits, including improved client satisfaction and project delivery success. Her contributions have clearly made a broad impact on organizational operations at a strategic level.
- Comprehensive Skills in Strategic Communication - Poppy's diverse skill set is evident in both her professional experiences and her commitment to continued learning through specialized courses. Her expertise encompasses medical writing and strategic communication, indicating her ability to craft nuanced and precise messages that resonate with healthcare stakeholders. The inclusion of courses in Advanced Medical Writing and Strategic Publication Planning further exemplifies her dedication to professional growth and staying at the forefront of industry trends.
Lead Writer
- Well-Structured Content Presentation - The CV is meticulously organized, offering clarity through distinct sections such as summary, experience, education, and skills. Each section is succinct, avoiding unnecessary jargon, and efficiently communicates the candidate’s capabilities and achievements.
- Demonstrated Career Growth and Stability - Over the span of eight years, the candidate shows consistent career development within the content creation field, moving from content specialist roles to leading content marketing strategies. The steady progression showcases a strong commitment to the industry, with valuable experience gained across various reputable organizations.
- Proficiency in Using Cutting-Edge Tools - A standout feature of the candidate's profile is their adept use of AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance content efficiency. This indicates a forward-thinking approach and a willingness to leverage new technologies, which is crucial in today's fast-evolving digital marketing landscape.
Executive Writer
- Structure and Clarity in Content Presentation - The CV is meticulously structured, allowing for seamless navigation through the candidate's professional journey. Each section is clearly demarcated, presenting information concisely without sacrificing depth. This assures that readers can quickly understand the candidate's qualifications, experience, and skills.
- Demonstrates Significant Career Progression - George Johnson's career trajectory is highlighted by progressive roles at notable companies like LexisNexis and Thomson Reuters, showcasing steady advancement from a Junior Research Analyst to a Senior Research Analyst. This progression indicates his growth in expertise, leadership abilities, and his increasing value within the industry.
- Incorporates Specialized Data Analysis Skills and Tools - The CV emphasizes the candidate's proficiency with industry-specific tools such as SQL, Python, SPSS, and PowerBI. This technical depth is particularly noteworthy in the context of researching and deriving legal insights, underscoring his ability to leverage advanced methodologies for impactful data analysis.
Chief Writer
- Effective Content Presentation - Evie Perry's CV is structured with clarity and precision, detailing skills and experiences concisely and effectively. Each section flows logically, with bullet points highlighting key achievements and roles that ensure easy reading and comprehension. The content presentation is a testament to her ability to convey essential information succinctly, which is a critical skill in journalism.
- Progressive Career Development - Evie’s career trajectory showcases a clear path of growth and specialisation. From starting as an Editorial Assistant at The Independent to becoming the Chief Obituaries Writer at The Times, her progression highlights her increasing responsibility and expertise in obituary writing. This upward movement within reputable publications illustrates her dedication and commitment to mastering her craft.
- Significant Industry Impact - The CV emphasizes achievements that reflect Evie’s influence on her field, such as a 30% increase in readership engagement. Her contributions, particularly in leading emergency coverage and refining editorial processes, highlight her role in adapting to and shaping current journalism practices. These accomplishments underscore her strategic impact within the industry, beyond mere numerical success.
By Role
Content Writer
- Clarity and Structure in Presentation - The CV is clearly structured with well-defined sections such as experience, education, and skills that follow a logical order, making it easy to navigate. Each bullet point within the experience section is concise, providing specific outcomes and contributions, ensuring that the reader can quickly grasp the key points without wading through unnecessary detail.
- Strategic Career Growth - Sophia's career progression from Content Writer to Senior Content Writer highlights significant growth within the industry, demonstrating how she has developed her skills over time. Each role shows an increase in responsibility and complexity, indicating her adaptability and continuous professional development within diverse marketing environments.
- Leadership and Cross-functional Collaboration - The CV emphasizes Sophia’s leadership skills, such as leading a cross-functional team at TechSource, which points to her capability in managing and unifying teams towards a common goal. This, combined with her ability to work alongside different departments like design and marketing, underscores her effectiveness in collaborative environments.
Technical Writer
- Clear Structure and Conciseness - The CV is structured in a way that clearly outlines the candidate's qualifications. Each section, from experience to education, is concise yet informative, making it easy for potential employers to quickly grasp key details. Information is organized logically, showcasing different facets of the applicant's professional life without overwhelming the reader.
- Noteworthy Career Trajectory - Thomas Walker demonstrates a strong career growth path, moving from a Technical Writer to a Documentation Specialist across top fintech companies. This progression highlights both upward mobility and the increasing complexity of roles he has taken on, which indicates a strong track record of success and professional development within the fintech industry.
- Impactful Achievements and Relevance - The accomplishments included in the CV are not just quantitative but tie back to business goals that emphasize impact, such as enhancing user manuals for increased satisfaction and reducing developer on-boarding time. These achievements show a direct contribution to improving organizational efficiencies and customer experiences, which are crucial for a technical writer in the fintech sector.
Grant Writer
- Structured and Tailored Content Presentation - The CV features a well-organized layout that effectively divides sections by relevance, ensuring clarity. The concise summary and bullet points under each experience provide clear insights into the candidate's qualifications. This format directly aligns with roles requiring acute attention to detail and structured methodologies, key for roles like an Innovation Funding Specialist.
- Progressive Career Path with Strategic Growth - The career trajectory outlined in the CV demonstrates significant professional advancement, from a Financial Analyst to a specialist role in innovation funding and grant writing. The journey reflects a strategic focus on financial development and mastery of funding processes, indicative of the candidate's commitment to career-specialized growth in financial assessment and innovation funding.
- Demonstrated Impact on Economic and Business Development - Notable achievements involving amounts like securing over £2 million and £5 million for innovative projects emphasize the candidate’s success in bolstering economic growth. These results are presented not just in numerical terms, but with their broader implications, such as boosting regional economic development and increasing SME loan success rates, underscoring their significant impact within their industry.
Screenplay Writer
- A cohesive narrative in content presentation - This CV impressively balances clarity and structure, presenting Amelia Murphy's qualifications and experience concisely. Each section follows logically, allowing for an easy read and a clear understanding of her career progression and expertise in true crime storytelling.
- Diverse career trajectory with a focus on true crime - Amelia Murphy's career showcases a targeted growth path from general journalism to a more niche area in true crime writing. Her professional journey is marked by significant roles at renowned organizations like BBC and The Guardian, indicating not just promotions but a strategically refined focus that highlights steady career development.
- Ambitious achievements backed by data - The CV effectively uses quantitative data to bolster Amelia's achievements. For instance, a 30% increase in readership and a 40% spike in traffic underscore not only her storytelling prowess but also her significant impact on audience engagement and business outcomes.
Speech Writer
- Clear and Engaging Content Presentation - Scarlett Murphy's CV is meticulously structured, offering a clear and concise overview of her career. The use of bullet points ensures each aspect of her experience is easily digestible, while the flow from summary, through experience, to education and skills, creates a seamless narrative for readers to follow. This clarity helps in quickly understanding her qualifications and achievements.
- Illustrative Career Progression - The CV highlights Scarlett's steady upward trajectory moving from a Communications Officer to a Senior Policy Specialist. Her promotions reflect significant career growth in the telecom policy sector, showing an increasing depth of responsibility and influence over time. This trajectory illustrates her capability to advance within the industry, taking on more complex roles and challenges.
- Impactful Achievements with Business Relevance - Scarlett Murphy’s accomplishments are presented with quantifiable metrics, clearly demonstrating her impact. For example, increasing policy engagement by 30% and readership by 40% aren't just numbers; they reflect her ability to drive meaningful engagement with key stakeholders, benefiting the broader business objectives of the organizations she's been a part of.
Ghost Writer
- Exceptional Content Presentation - The CV exemplifies clarity and conciseness, with each section well-structured to provide an easy navigation experience. Bullet points clearly outline key duties and achievements, making it simple to understand the candidate’s impact and skills at a glance.
- Diverse and Progressive Career Trajectory - Rosie Gray’s career shows a logical progression from content development to research analysis, and finally to grant writing. This trajectory highlights a growth in responsibilities and expertise, underscoring her adaptability and ability to leverage previous experiences to advance in her field.
- Effective Utilization of Research and Grant Writing Methodologies - The CV showcases unique industry skills, such as designing streamlined grant application processes and developing grant strategies aligned with organizational objectives. These highlight specialized methodologies that ensure high efficiency and success rates in her writing and project management efforts.
Resume Writer
- Effective Content Presentation - The CV is presented in a structured and concise manner, which makes it easy to read and understand. The header succinctly provides all necessary contact information and sets a professional tone. The summary clearly outlines the candidate's strengths, setting an immediate impression of her capabilities.
- Diverse Industry Experience - Sophia's career trajectory shows significant growth and adaptation across different companies within the energy sector. Her roles have progressed from Marketing Content Developer to her current position as a Content Marketing Specialist at Schneider Electric. This trajectory indicates her ability to adapt and excel in varying responsibilities, showcasing her growth potential and commitment to enhancing her expertise.
- Market-Relevant Accomplishments - The achievements section effectively underscores business-relevant impacts such as increased client engagement, brand awareness, and organic web traffic. Instead of merely listing responsibilities, the CV emphasizes outcomes, such as a 30% increase in engagement and a 15% revenue growth, providing tangible evidence of her contributions to each company’s business objectives.
Copy Writer
- Structured career progression - Thomas Walker's CV clearly outlines a steady career trajectory, showcasing upward mobility in his profession. Starting from a Copywriter at Selfridges, progressing to a Digital Content Specialist at Harrods, and culminating in a Senior Copywriter role at Burberry. This path reflects a strong dedication to growth and expertise within the luxury branding sector.
- Diverse skill set with specialized tools - The CV not only lists essential skills such as SEO optimization and content creation but also highlights Thomas's proficiency with advanced tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Google Analytics. This technical depth sets him apart as an expert capable of leveraging industry-specific methodologies to enhance digital marketing effectiveness.
- Emphasis on adaptability and cross-collaboration - Throughout his experience, Thomas has engaged in cross-functional collaboration with design and product teams, demonstrating adaptability and a team-oriented approach. His ability to seamlessly integrate various elements from different departments has contributed to cohesive and successful marketing campaigns.
Travel Writer
- Structured Career Growth - Arthur Davies’s CV showcases a clear progression from Content Specialist to Senior Copywriter within a few years, reflecting his upward trajectory in the travel and content writing industry. This structured navigation through roles demonstrates ambition and a commitment to professional development, making him a potentially valuable asset to any company looking for growth-oriented candidates.
- Cross-Functional Experience - The CV illustrates Davies’s ability to adapt to varying responsibilities across different companies. From collaborating with designers to manage junior writers, he exhibits versatility and flexibility, critical traits for a dynamic field like copywriting. This adaptability highlights his capability to thrive in different environments and work harmoniously across departments.
- Industry-Specific Expertise - With a focus on travel writing, SEO optimization, and creative storytelling, the CV underscores Arthur's niche expertise that sets him apart from generic copywriters. His involvement in tailoring destination guides and revamping web content displays a depth of knowledge specific to travel copywriting, appealing directly to industry-specific roles.
Science Writer
- Clear and Structured Presentation - The CV is organized logically, beginning with contact information and summarizing key skills and accomplishments, providing a comprehensive yet succinct view of the candidate's background. This clarity enhances readability and creates a professional impression for the reader.
- Consistent Career Growth - James Lewis' career trajectory reveals a consistent climb in responsibilities and impact, moving from a Specialist to a Writer and then into a leadership editorial role. Each position builds upon the last, showcasing steady professional development and commitment to scientific communication.
- Technical Proficiency in Science Communication - The CV highlights unique industry-specific elements such as the implementation of Content Management Systems (CMS), improvement of archival processes, and the creation of science communication content. These elements underscore his technical proficiency and innovative approach in the field.
Sports Writer
- Exemplifies Career Growth and Specialization - Ethan Palmer's career trajectory illustrates a focused and progressive path in the content creation and digital marketing space. Starting as a Content Writer at The Athletic, he rapidly advanced to more strategic roles at significant organizations like Sky Sports and BBC Sport, showcasing consistent professional growth and specialization in the sports content domain.
- Highlights Versatile Industry-Specific Skills - The CV effectively showcases Ethan’s technical proficiency and industry-specific skills, such as his experience with Adobe Creative Suite and SEO strategies. His ability to produce SEO-optimized content and visually compelling videos is evident, which is critical for driving engagement in the sports media industry.
- Showcases Leadership and Mentoring Abilities - In his current role at BBC Sport, Ethan has demonstrated leadership by training junior content writers, which underscores his soft skills in mentorship and team development. This capacity to lead and enhance a team's performance is crucial for maintaining high-quality content production and fostering a cohesive brand voice.
Fashion Writer
- Clear Career Progression - Isla King's CV showcases a well-defined career trajectory within the fashion industry, illustrating growth from a Junior Copywriter at Next to a Senior Fashion Copywriter at ASOS. This progression demonstrates her capability to take on increased responsibilities and leadership roles over time, highlighting her dedication and skill development in the copywriting realm.
- Industry-Specific Tools and Methodologies - The CV effectively highlights Isla's expertise in leveraging SEO strategies and brand storytelling specifically tailored to the fashion industry. Her ability to optimi ze product visibility and engagement through these specialized methodologies underscores her depth of knowledge and technical proficiency in crafting compelling content that resonates with the target audience.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration - Isla's experience in working closely with buying, design, and marketing teams to enhance product and brand messaging reveals her adaptability and cross-functional capabilities. This collaborative approach not only ensures accurate and consistent branding but also facilitates innovative ideas that align with dynamic fashion trends, contributing to successful campaign outcomes.
Comedy Writer
- Structured Career Growth - Freya Richardson's CV clearly demonstrates a progressive career, moving from an Assistant Producer at BBC Radio 2 to a more strategic role as a Content Producer at Global Media Group. This trajectory showcases her ability to assume greater responsibilities and lead larger teams, indicative of her expertise and adaptability in the content production industry.
- Impactful Achievements with Business Relevance - The CV highlights significant achievements such as a 40% increase in listener engagement and a 65% rise in podcast downloads. These accomplishments underscore Freya's effectiveness in creating content that not only captivates audiences but also contributes to business objectives, enhancing brand reach and consumer interactions.
- Technical Proficiency and Innovation - Freya's experience in implementing innovative broadcasting techniques and enhancing editing processes reveals her technical aptitude and willingness to embrace new methodologies. Her proficiency in advanced video editing for social media and the successful coordination of cross-platform content further emphasize her expertise in modern content production strategies.
Video Game Writer
- Structured Progression and Leadership - Chloe Bell's career trajectory exemplifies consistent growth, advancing from a Games Journalist to an Editorial Director. This progression reflects her capability to not only adapt to higher responsibilities but also lead a team of 12 at Eurogamer, showcasing her development as a leader in the gaming journalism field. Her journey underscores her ability to handle increased complexity and strategic roles, including managing budgets and devising innovative content strategies.
- Industry-Specific Expertise and Tools - The CV highlights Chloe's deep understanding of the gaming industry, backed by tools and methodologies relevant to her field. Her involvement in advanced SEO practices, social media strategies, and multilingual content delivery points to a technical depth catered to enhancing content visibility and engagement. This proficiency is crucial in gaming journalism, where staying ahead of digital trends is essential for influencing and expanding readership.
- Impactful Achievements and Cross-Functional Skills - Throughout her career, Chloe has demonstrated a strong focus on making measurable impacts, such as boosting page views by 35% and increasing engagement by 40% through innovative strategies. Her achievements are not only quantifiable but also signify a broader business relevance, enhancing brand recognition and audience reach. Additionally, her engagement in creating multilingual content and coordinating global teams speak to her cross-functional capabilities and adaptability in diverse settings.
How to ensure your profile stands out with your writer CV format
It's sort of a Catch 22. You want your writer CV to stand out amongst a pile of candidate profiles, yet you don't want it to be too over the top that it's unreadable. Where is the perfect balance between your CV format simple, while using it to shift the focus to what matters most. That is - your expertise. When creating your writer CV:
- list your experience in the reverse chronological order - starting with your latest roles;
- include a header with your professional contact information and - optionally - your photograph;
- organise vital and relevant CV sections - e.g. your experience, skills, summary/ objective, education - closer to the top;
- use no more than two pages to illustrate your professional expertise;
- format your information using plenty of white space and standard (2.54 cm) margins, with colours to accent key information.
Once you've completed your information, export your writer CV in PDF, as this format is more likely to stay intact when read by the Applicant Tracker System or the ATS. A few words of advice about the ATS - or the software used to assess your profile:
- Generic fonts, e.g. Arial and Times New Roman, are ATS-compliant, yet many candidates stick with these safe choices. Ensure your CV stands out by using a more modern, and simple, fonts like Lato, Exo 2, Volkhov;
- All serif and sans-serif fonts are ATS-friendly. Avoid the likes of fancy decorative or script typography, as this may render your information to be illegible;
- Both single- and double-column formatted CVs could be assessed by the ATS;
- Integrating simple infographics, icons, and charts across your CV won't hurt your chances during the ATS assessment.
PRO TIP
Be mindful of white space; too much can make the CV look sparse, too little can make it look cluttered. Strive for a balance that makes the document easy on the eyes.
The top sections on a writer CV
- Writing Experience showcases published work and expertise.
- Portfolio of Works demonstrates versatility and writing style.
- Education & Qualifications highlight relevant academic achievements.
- Writing Awards & Honours signify recognition and excellence.
- Editorial Skills reflect proficiency in content editing and review.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your portfolio by linking to your published work or attaching samples that showcase your writing versatility and style, ensuring that the genres or formats match the prospective employer's needs.
- Demonstrate mastery over language with a flawless CV, free of typographical and grammatical errors, reflecting your attention to detail—a crucial skill for any writer.
- Include any writing-specific qualifications or courses, such as a Degree in Creative Writing or Journalism, that lend credibility to your skills and show your dedication to the craft.
- Detail your experience with different writing tools and platforms, such as content management systems, SEO principles, and social media, highlighting how you've used them to enhance your work's reach and engagement.
- Reflect your ability to meet deadlines and manage projects by providing examples of your workflow, your history with long-term projects, or tight turnaround pieces, which reassure employers of your time management skills.
Recommended reads:
Tips and tricks on writing a job-winning writer CV header
The CV header is the space which most recruiters would be referring most often to, in the beginning and end of your application. That is as the CV header includes your contact details, but also a headline and a professional photo. When writing your CV header:
- Double-check your contact details for spelling errors or if you've missed any digits. Also, ensure you've provided your personal details, and not your current work email or telephone number;
- Include your location in the form of the city and country you live in. If you want to be more detailed, you can list your full address to show proximity to your potential work place;
- Don't include your CV photo, if you're applying for roles in the UK or US, as this may bias initial recruiters' assessments;
- Write a professional headline that either integrates the job title, some relevant industry keywords, or your most noteworthy achievement.
In the next part of our guide, we'll provide you with professional CVs that showcase some of the best practices when it comes to writing your headline.
Examples of good CV headlines for writer:
- "Senior Content Strategist | SEO Specialist | Certified Copywriter | 12 Years in Digital Marketing"
- "Technical Writer | IT & Software Documentation Expert | Clear & Concise Manuals | 10+ Years Experience"
- "Creative Scriptwriter | Film & TV Industry | BAFTA Nominee | Engaging Storytelling | 8 Years' Experience"
- "Travel Journalist | Published Author | Bilingual Spanish-English | Exotic Destinations Expert | 15+ Years Writing"
- "Junior Medical Writer | MSc Biochemistry | Clinical Trial Reports | Ethical Research Advocacy | 3 Years"
- "Freelance Blogger | Social Media Influencer | Engaging Content Creation | Fashion & Lifestyle | 5 Years"
Your writer CV introduction: selecting between a summary and an objective
writer candidates often wonder how to start writing their resumes. More specifically, how exactly can they use their opening statements to build a connection with recruiters, showcase their relevant skills, and spotlight job alignment. A tricky situation, we know. When crafting you writer CV select between:
- A summary - to show an overview of your career so far, including your most significant achievements.
- An objective - to show a conscise overview of your career dreams and aspirations.
Find out more examples and ultimately, decide which type of opening statement will fit your profile in the next section of our guide:
CV summaries for a writer job:
- With over 10 years' experience as a professional writer, I possess a proven track record of producing captivating content for a leading lifestyle magazine. I am adept at SEO strategies, have a robust command of the English language, and my article on sustainable living won the National Feature Writing Award.
- As a seasoned journalist with 15 years of experience crafting compelling stories for a globally recognised news outlet, my expertise spans in-depth research and multimedia storytelling. I am skilled in AP style and my coverage of international political events has been nominated for the prestigious Journalism Excellence Award.
- Transitioning from a career as a corporate lawyer to a dedicated writer, I bring an extensive background in legal documentation and a passion for persuasive writing. Although new to professional writing, I have a deep understanding of narrative structure and an ability to present complex information clearly.
- A former IT consultant making the leap into professional writing, I bring a unique perspective on technology and digital trends. My experience includes 5 years of contributing technical insights to a popular online tech forum. I am eager to leverage my analytical skills and technical knowledge in a creative writing capacity.
- Intending to pursue a career in writing, my objective is to utilise my keen interest in world cultures and languages, which is supported by a Bachelor's degree in International Relations. Despite lacking formal writing experience, I am committed to mastering the craft and contributing perspectives shaped by diverse global experiences.
- Seeking to immerse myself in the world of professional writing, my aim is to bring my enthusiasm for storytelling and my academic background in English literature to the forefront. I am driven to develop my writing skills and contribute fresh, innovative narratives that resonate with a modern audience.
Best practices for writing your writer CV experience section
If your profile matches the job requirements, the CV experience is the section which recruiters will spend the most time studying. Within your experience bullets, include not merely your career history, but, rather, your skills and outcomes from each individual role. Your best experience section should promote your profile by:
- including specific details and hard numbers as proof of your past success;
- listing your experience in the functional-based or hybrid format (by focusing on the skills), if you happen to have less professional, relevant expertise;
- showcasing your growth by organising your roles, starting with the latest and (hopefully) most senior one;
- staring off each experience bullet with a verb, following up with skills that match the job description, and the outcomes of your responsibility.
Add keywords from the job advert in your experience section, like the professional CV examples:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Detail your ability to craft engaging narratives by highlighting published works, including the titles and dates, to demonstrate a track record of successful writing.
- Explain your experience with research and how it has enabled you to write with authority on a diverse range of topics, thus showcasing your versatility as a writer.
- Include experiences that demonstrate your ability to adhere to strict deadlines, underscoring your time management skills and reliability.
- Mention any experience you have collaborating with editors and other writers, which shows your capability to work well within a team setting.
- Illustrate your proficiency in different writing styles, such as creative, technical, or academic, to show your adaptability to various writing assignments.
- Quantify your achievements when possible, like mentioning the readership numbers or sales figures your writing has contributed to, providing concrete evidence of your impact.
- List any awards or recognitions you've received for your writing, as they serve as external validation of your skills and success as a writer.
- Highlight your familiarity with various content management systems and digital tools, if applicable, as these skills are increasingly important in online publishing environments.
- Explain any experience you may have in SEO and social media content creation, as these competencies can be particularly appealing to employers looking for digital content savvy writers.
Work Experience
Senior Content Writer
TechCrunch
01/2019-Ongoing
- Developed and maintained a successful blog with over 100k monthly visitors, through well-researched, SEO-optimized articles on technology trends.
- Contributed to a 30% increase in digital subscriptions by writing compelling copy for marketing campaigns and email newsletters.
- Authored a series of feature articles which were syndicated across multiple platforms, resulting in a 40% rise in web traffic.
Work Experience
Content Strategist and Writer
Wired
06/2016-12/2018
- Ghostwrote articles for several C-level executives, enhancing the company’s thought leadership and brand authority in the tech industry.
- Curated and managed the editorial calendar, coordinating with cross-functional teams to align content with business objectives and product launches.
- Led a team of junior writers, editing their work to ensure consistency and quality, contributing to a 20% increase in content engagement rates.
Work Experience
Technical Writer
CNET
02/2013-05/2016
- Implemented a content marketing strategy that boosted organic search traffic by 50% within a year.
- Delivered high-quality white papers and technical guides that generated over 10,000 downloads and nurtured leads through the sales funnel.
- Regular contributor to the 'Tech Innovations' column, which became one of the most popular sections with a readership loyalty rate of 60%.
Work Experience
Digital Content Writer
Mashable
07/2011-01/2013
- Created and executed a content refresh plan that revitalized an outdated blog platform, tripling reader engagement metrics.
- Collaborated closely with graphic designers to produce multimedia content, resulting in a 25% uptick in social media shares.
- Organized and led writing workshops to improve the team's storytelling abilities, significantly enhancing content quality and reader satisfaction.
Work Experience
Staff Writer
Engadget
09/2009-06/2011
- Pioneered an investigative technology series, shedding light on issues like data privacy, which increased readership by 15%.
- Played a pivotal role in establishing the company's style guide, ensuring brand voice consistency across all written materials.
- Assisted in the launch of a mobile app by writing app store descriptions and promotional content, resulting in 50,000 downloads in the first month.
Work Experience
Contributing Writer
The Verge
03/2012-10/2015
- Wrote and edited over 200+ product reviews and round-up articles which attracted over 500,000 unique visitors per month.
- Collaborated with the video production team to script and produce tech review videos that garnered over 1 million views on YouTube.
- Developed content partnerships with influential tech brands, providing exclusive content that secured a 35% annual growth in partnership revenue.
Work Experience
Freelance Technology Writer
Various Tech Publications
11/2013-08/2016
- Authored a monthly newsletter reaching 20,000 subscribers with a consistently high open rate of 25%, exceeding the industry average.
- Directed the content strategy for new product launches, which included writing press releases, blog posts, and social media copy that increased engagement by 45%.
- Edited and curated an anthology of essays on technological advancements that was published and sold 5,000 copies within the first six months.
Work Experience
Tech Columnist and Writer
PCMag
05/2017-02/2020
- Conceptualized a viral marketing campaign using storytelling techniques that led to a 60% increase in user-generated content submissions.
- Established a network of subject-matter experts to provide credible insights for a bi-weekly column focused on emerging tech, attracting sponsorship deals worth over $100k annually.
- Crafted detailed user guides and FAQs for new software releases, which reduced customer support inquiries by 40%.
Work Experience
Lead Technical Content Creator
TechRepublic
10/2015-03/2019
- Successfully pitched and developed a weekly podcast script, which consistently ranked in the top 100 tech podcasts on iTunes.
- Substantially grew the online community through engaging webinars and live Q&A sessions, leading to a 20% increase in membership.
- Recruited and managed a panel of five industry experts to provide insights for a monthly roundtable discussion, which became a key feature for premium subscribers.
Work Experience
Consumer Electronics Writer
Gizmodo
08/2010-09/2014
- Significantly improved the readability of instructional material by restructuring technical documentation for user manuals and help guides.
- Generated in-depth reviews and comparison features for consumer electronics that enhanced the decision-making process for readers.
- Worked in collaboration with the social media team to craft targeted ad copy, doubling conversion rates for advertised tech products.
What to add in your writer CV experience section with no professional experience
If you don't have the standard nine-to-five professional experience, yet are still keen on applying for the job, here's what you can do:
- List any internships, part-time roles, volunteer experience, or basically any work you've done that meets the job requirements and is in the same industry;
- Showcase any project you've done in your free time (even if you completed them with family and friends) that will hint at your experience and skill set;
- Replace the standard, CV experience section with a strengths or achievements one. This will help you spotlight your transferrable skills that apply to the role.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Include examples of how you adapted to new tools, environments, or work cultures, showing your flexibility.
Hard skills and soft skills to showcase your unique skill set on your writer CV
Did you know that your CV will mostly likely be assessed by recruiters based on skill alignment? And that means that the way you feature your key skills across different CV sections will play a crucial role in landing you that first interview. We recommend you add your:
- technical capabilities or hard skills in your CV experience, certificates, projects, etc. Use your past accomplishments to prove your technical capabilities. List up to a dozen different software or hardware in your dedicated skills section to match the job keywords;
- personal and communication skills or soft skills in your CV strengths, achievements, summary/ objective, etc. Soft skills are a bit more difficult to prove. How do you define your aptitude in active listening? So, instead of just listing the skill name, include a tangible metric to show your success.
On a final note, when you're in a hurry to create your profile, you may misspell a particular technology or soft skill. That's why we suggest you copy and paste the particular skill name (or keyword), directly from the job advert. This would also help you to pass any initial Applicant Tracker System (ATS) tests.
Top skills for your writer CV:
HARD SKILLS
Creative Writing
Copywriting
Technical Writing
SEO Knowledge
Research Skills
Content Management Systems
Proofreading
Editing
Scriptwriting
Grant Writing
SOFT SKILLS
Creativity
Time Management
Attention to Detail
Collaboration
Adaptability
Critical Thinking
Communication
Self-Motivation
Patience
Empathy
PRO TIP
If there's a noticeable gap in your skillset for the role you're applying for, mention any steps you're taking to acquire these skills, such as online courses or self-study.
CV education and certificates: your academic background as proof of your skill set
A common misconception about your writer CV education is that you only need it, if you have less professional experience. That is completely false. The CV education section serves to back up your technical (and sometimes personal) capabilities, fill in gaps in your work history, and show you have the initial industry background and know-how. When creating your education section:
- List your degrees in the reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent (and relevant) ones first;
- Include your degree and university names, start and graduation dates. It's optional to also denote you received a "First-Class Honours" for diplomas that are more relevant to the role;
- Curate your relevant university coursework, projects, or thesis work if you happen to have less professional expertise and need to integrate more job keywords and skills.
Your professional qualifications don't need to stop at your academic background. It's advisable to also select up to three of your most noteworthy (and relevant) industry certificates and feature them in a dedicated section. Once more, include the certificate name, the institution that issued it out, and the date you obtained it on. You could feature both hard skills and soft skills certificates, as in the examples below:
PRO TIP
If there's a noticeable gap in your skillset for the role you're applying for, mention any steps you're taking to acquire these skills, such as online courses or self-study.
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Key takeaways
What matters most in your writer CV-writing process is for you to create a personalised application. One that matches the role and also showcases your unique qualities and talents.
- Use the format to supplement the actual content, to stand out, and to ensure your CV experience is easy to comprehend and follows a logic;
- Invest time in building a succinct CV top one third. One that includes a header (with your contact details and headline), a summary or an objective statement (select the one that best fits your experience), and - potentially - a dedicated skills section or achievements (to fit both hard skills and soft skills requirements);
- Prioritise your most relevant (and senior) experience closer to the top of your CV. Always ensure you're following the "power verb, skill, and achievement" format for your bullets;
- Integrate both your technical and communication background across different sections of your CV to meet the job requirements;
- List your relevant education and certificates to fill in gaps in your CV history and prove to recrutiers you have relevant technical know-how.
