Starting your career as a content writer? This article provides strong resume examples and strategic advice for entry-level positions. Learn how to highlight your skills, tailor your experience, and make your resume stand out. We cover the key elements hiring managers look for in the content writing industry.
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Here's what we see in the best resumes for entry-level content writers.
Show Impact Using Numbers: Use metrics to show your impact. Some common ones are
Include Relevant Skills From Job Descriptions: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are
Highlight Writing And Editing: Entry-level writers should focus on
Want to know if your resume stands out for entry-level content writing jobs? Our resume scoring tool gives you a clear picture of your application's strength. It checks for key elements that hiring managers in the content creation field look for.
Upload your resume now. You'll get instant feedback on how to improve your application, making it more likely to catch a recruiter's eye. This unbiased assessment will help you create a resume that showcases your writing skills effectively.
If you're starting as a content writer and have recently graduated or are currently studying, your education should be listed to the top of your resume. This shows employers your most relevant credentials upfront. Highlight your degree, relevant courses, and any projects that show your writing ability and content creation skills.
When your education is more recent than your work experience, it's essential to give it prominence. If you've taken specialized courses in writing, editing, or communication, make sure these are easy to find on your resume. These details can set you apart from other candidates and show employers you have a strong foundation in content writing.
As an aspiring content writer, your ability to adapt to different writing styles and topics is valuable. Employers are interested in writers who can switch between various forms and subjects efficiently. Show this adaptability in your resume with these tips:
Your writing needs to engage readers. Companies look for writers who understand how to tell a story. Employers value this skill because it helps capture reader interest, which can lead to greater impact for their brand or message.
As someone looking to secure an entry-level job in content writing, you want to present your information concisely. You should aim for a resume that is one page long. This length forces you to showcase your most relevant experiences and skills. Prioritize any writing or communication roles you have held, even if they were part of volunteer work or school projects.
Remember, good writing is about getting to the point. For your resume, this means focusing on strong examples of your written work, any software or platforms you're familiar with, and relevant skills such as SEO or social media efficiency. Keep your content compact and ensure every word on the page works hard to sell your abilities as a prospective content creator.
Mention your understanding of SEO and keyword usage in your resume. These skills are important for a content writer role.
Search engines drive a lot of traffic. Employers look for writers who can make content that ranks well. It helps the company's visibility and success.
When you apply for a job as an entry-level content writer, your resume might first be read by software called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). It's important to make it easy for this system to find the right information.
Here are some tips:
By following these steps, you show that your resume matches the job. This can help you get past the ATS and into the hands of a hiring manager.
Always add a link to your online portfolio. Writing samples are very important for a content writer job. Pick your best work to showcase your skills.
Your portfolio helps you stand out. It shows employers your writing ability directly. Make sure it is up-to-date and has a mix of content types, like blogs and articles.
When you're applying for a job as an entry-level content writer, it is easy to make the mistake of not showing enough of your writing skills and relevant experiences. Make sure to include projects or works that show your writing ability. You can also list your involvement in school publications, internships, or blogs. These give a clear picture of your skills.
Another common mistake is not tailoring the resume to the job you’re applying for. You need to focus on the specific job description and use it to guide what details to include. For example, if a job mentions a need for strong research skills, make sure to highlight experiences where you have done research and written about your findings. If you have experience in creating content for social media or websites, even if it was not part of a job, include it to show your practical skills.
To get hired as an entry-level content writer, you need to show that your skills match what the job is looking for. This means choosing the right words and examples for your resume. It can help you stand out.
When you list your past roles, avoid a simple task list. Instead, show your results. As an entry-level content writer, it's vital to highlight growth and impact. Employers look for your ability to turn tasks into success stories.
Instead of saying you managed a blog, you might say:
Show numbers and specifics. These tell a clearer story about what you did and how well you did it. This approach sets you apart from others who only list duties. See the difference? The impact is clear.
When you apply for a job as a content writer, the verbs you choose for your resume can make a big difference. You want to show that you can bring energy and action to your writing. Start your sentences with verbs that make your accomplishments stand out.
Below is a list of verbs that are especially good for a content writer's resume. They show that you can create engaging and effective content.
Want inspiration for other action verbs you can use? Check out synonyms to commonly used action verbs like Oversaw, Worked with, Participate, Leading, Analyze.
If you've taken on leadership tasks or received a promotion, even in non-writing roles, it's essential to showcase these on your resume. Employers value candidates who have demonstrated growth and the ability to lead, as these are good signs of potential in an entry-level content writer. Think about any projects where you guided others or were responsible for a key outcome.
Even if your leadership experiences don't seem directly related to writing, they show that you have the skills to manage tasks and motivate a team. You might have been a club president at university, leading meetings and organizing events, or perhaps you were promoted to a supervisor role at a retail job, overseeing other staff and making quick decisions. These experiences can demonstrate leadership qualities that are valuable in content creation roles.
As an entry-level content writer, you should focus on showcasing specific technical abilities on your resume. These skills help you stand out and show employers that you have the right tools to excel in the role. Here are some key skills to include:
You do not need to be an expert in all these areas, but you should be familiar with them. If you are stronger in some skills, highlight those. Place these skills in a dedicated section on your resume to make sure they are seen by hiring managers who use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to find suitable candidates. Remember, ATS often scans for specific keywords related to the job.
Think about the type of writing you want to do. If you aim for technical writing, emphasize skills like