A good writer resume focuses on your main strengths like writing, editing, or research. Give examples of your success in similar writing roles, and show your knowledge base by citing any degree or certificate programs you’ve done. This guide provides expert tips to help you create a persuasive resume showing your best writing skills.
Key takeaways:
- Brainstorm details about your work history on a separate document or sheet of paper. Then, identify the most relevant ones to feature in your experience section – this helps give your resume the right focus.
- Spell out the positive impact of your work as a writer. Describe how your writing has informed, persuaded, or entertained readers.
- Follow the combination resume format to provide all required information while positioning yourself for writer jobs that interest you.
Most Popular Writer Resumes
AI Resume Writer Resume Example

Why this AI resume writer resume is strong:
This resume showcases expertise in leveraging AI tools and achieving measurable outcomes, such as increased interview rates. Learn more: Resume Keywords.
Resume Writer Service Resume Example

Why this resume writer service resume is strong:
This resume highlights expertise in career transformation and measurable client success. Learn more: What to Put on a Resume.
Executive Resume Writer Resume Example

Why this executive resume writer resume is strong:
This resume shows an ability to serve high-level clients with exceptional results. Learn more: How to List Degree on Resume.
ChatGPT Resume Writer Resume Example

Why this ChatGPT resume writer resume is strong:
This resume highlights cutting-edge AI expertise and its impact on career outcomes. Learn more: How to Write a Resume Summary.
Technical Writer Resume Example

Why this technical writer resume is strong:
This resume combines technical expertise with quantifiable achievements, such as reducing customer inquiries. Learn more: How to Make a Resume.
Freelance Resume Writer Resume Example

Why this freelance resume writer resume is strong:
This resume emphasizes independent success, measurable results, and client satisfaction. Learn more: How to Tailor Resume to Job Description.
Grant Writer Resume Example

Why this grant writer resume is strong:
This resume highlights the applicant’s funding achievements and nonprofit expertise. Learn more: Resume Action Words.
Content Writer Resume Example

Why this content writer resume is strong:
This resume pairs creativity with measurable marketing achievements. Learn more: Skills to Put on Resume.
Federal Resume Writer Resume Example

Why this federal resume writer resume is strong:
This resume focuses on government-specific expertise and compliance with hiring standards. Learn more: What Is a Good Headline for Resume.
Film Writer Resume Example

Why this film writer resume is strong:
This resume combines storytelling skills with accolades and experience in production. Learn more: How to List Publications on Resume.
Technical Proposal Writer Resume Example

Why this technical proposal writer resume is strong:
This resume emphasizes high-value achievements and expertise in technical writing. Learn more: Resume Action Words.
Creative Writer Resume Example

Why this creative writer resume is strong:
This resume highlights creativity and accomplishments in literary publications. Learn more: How to List Publications on Resume.
Copywriter Resume Example

Why this copywriter resume is strong:
This resume demonstrates measurable marketing results and branding expertise. Learn more: Best Resume Formats.
Academic Writer Resume Example

Why this academic writer resume is strong:
This resume highlights academic rigor and publication accomplishments. Learn more: How to Write a Resume Summary.
Marketing Writer Resume Example

Why this marketing writer resume is strong:
This resume showcases strategic thinking and quantifiable success in content marketing. Learn more: How to Use Bullet Points on a Resume.
Screenwriter Resume Example

Why this screenwriter resume is strong:
This resume combines creative skills with measurable success in the entertainment industry. Learn more: How to List Publications on Resume.
SEO Content Writer Resume Example

Why this SEO content writer resume is strong:
This resume highlights measurable SEO results and expertise in driving traffic. Learn more: How to Write a Resume Summary.
Medical Writer Resume Example

Why this medical writer resume is strong:
This resume highlights technical expertise and measurable impact in health communications. Learn more: Core Competencies Resume.
Senior Technical Writer Resume Example

Why this senior technical writer resume is strong:
This resume demonstrates mastery in simplifying technical details for end users. Learn more: How to Tailor Resume to Job Description.
Speech Writer Resume Example

Why this speech writer resume is strong:
This resume shows versatility in high-profile communication and persuasive writing. Learn more: Resume Personal Statement Examples.
Writer Text-Only Resume Examples and Templates
How To Create a Writer Resume
Your writer resume should usually have these sections:
- Contact information
- Profile
- Key skills
- Professional experience
- Education and certifications
Before starting work on your resume, jot down any preferences you have for your target job duties, industry, company size, or work culture. These notes will help you determine and emphasize your best career details as you develop each section.
1. Share your contact information
Give your full name, phone number, email address, location, and links to any online professional profiles. When applying to jobs, always double-check your contact info for accuracy – it’s as important as anything else on your resume.
Example
Your Name
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | City, ST 09876 | LinkedIn
2. Craft an outstanding profile with a summary of your writer qualifications
Impress employers at the top of your resume by giving the three to five main reasons you’d excel as their next writer. Consider what sets you apart from other candidates, such as your:
- Years of related writing experience
- Main strengths or specialties
- Work style or approach (efficient, inventive, collaborative…)
- Advanced degree(s) or certifications in your field
(Note: Most job seekers find it easier to write their profile last.)
Senior-Level Profile Example:
Senior content writer with over 10 years of experience in crafting engaging web content, technical documents, and marketing copy. Skilled in SEO strategy, audience analysis, and delivering impactful messaging to drive engagement and conversions.
Entry-Level Profile Example:
Content writer with two years of experience focused on blog writing, social media content, and search engine optimization (SEO). Skilled at creating compelling copy for diverse audiences to increase brand visibility.
3. Showcase your writer experience
View the experience section as a chance to give examples of your work and success in roles similar to the one you’re pursuing. 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 details to feature as bullet points in this section.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example:
Senior Content Strategist, Bright Ideas Agency, New York, NY | June 2015 – Present
- Increased website traffic 70% through targeted content strategies and keyword optimization
- Led a five-person team to create content for high-profile clients, ensuring brand consistency across platforms
- Developed a thought leadership blog series that resulted in 50% higher engagement rates on LinkedIn
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example:
Junior Copywriter, Fresh Start Marketing, Austin, TX | May 2021 – Present
- Created over 200 social media posts for diverse clients, achieving an average engagement rate of 15%
- Wrote product descriptions that boosted online sales by 25% in six months
- Co-developed email marketing campaigns with a 35% open rate
Resume writer’s tip: Quantify your experience
When possible, cite relevant performance data and metrics to show the results you’ve achieved as a writer. Hard numbers and percentages put your work in context and give recruiters a better sense of your impact.
Resume writer’s tip: Tailor your resume to each application
Before sending your resume, review it carefully against the job posting. Delete any details that don’t speak to the requirements, and consider using that space for more information about your relevant experience. This process takes extra time, obviously. But it can shorten your overall job search by giving you an edge over the many applicants who send a more general, less convincing resume.
What if you have no work experience?
Focus on your other credentials. Omit the “Professional Experience” section, and instead fill the page with details on relevant skills you’ve gained or projects you’ve worked on as an intern, volunteer, or student.
Regardless of your background, know that resumes are flexible. They can and should take whatever shape and structure they need to present your qualifications for the job, whether that means a lengthy work experience section or one that highlights volunteer and internship experience.
4. Outline your education and writer-related certifications
With the education and certifications sections, you can show you have a strong knowledge base. Cite any credentials that speak to your abilities as a writer, or your expertise in the subject(s) about which you’ll be writing. Below are templates and examples to help you organize this information on your resume (note, years are optional).
Education
Template:
[Degree Name], [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
[Relevant honors, coursework, or activities]
Example:
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, University of California, Los Angeles, CA | 2015
Certifications
Template:
[Certification Name], [Awarding Organization] | [Completion Year]
[Description if the credential is lesser-known but relevant]
Examples:
HubSpot Content Marketing Certification, HubSpot | 2020
SEO Writing Certificate, Yoast Academy | 2018
5. Outline your most useful writer skills and proficiencies
A skills section lets you quickly show the different ways you can contribute and excel in your target position. It also helps your resume perform well on applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by employers to screen candidates. Below, you’ll find some key terms and skills to consider for this section:
Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
---|---|
Content management systems (CMS) | Copywriting |
Cross-functional collaboration | Editing |
Expert interviews | Grant writing |
Independent research | Microsoft Word |
Persuasive writing | Proofreading |
Search engine optimization (SEO) | Story development |
Technical writing | Time management |
Writing |
Resume writer’s tip: Use descriptive action verbs
The following list can help you find a good mix of action verbs for your writer resume:
Action Verbs | |
---|---|
Authored | Brainstormed |
Clarified | Created |
Cross-referenced | Decreased |
Developed | Drafted |
Edited | Educated |
Enhanced | Fostered |
Generated | Grew |
Improved | Increased |
Informed | Interviewed |
Introduced | Lowered |
Managed | Produced |
Profiled | Promoted |
Proofread | Published |
Ranked | Recommended |
Reduced | Researched |
Simplified | Streamlined |
Updated | Won |
How To Pick the Best Writer Resume Template
The best resume templates are simple and easy to edit. Choose one that lets you quickly add, delete, flesh out, rearrange, and reorder sections. With a flexible design, you can tailor and optimize your resume for each job application.
Frequently Asked Questions: Writer Resume Examples and Advice
First, look closely at the job post text and note any words that are repeated or emphasized. Compare these phrases with the language in your resume, particularly the profile and key skills sections. Then, seek ways to align your resume language with the job posting while not copying phrases or misstating your background.
For example, if the organization seeks someone collaborative, call out that aspect of your experience in your profile. Or say the company has many non-English speaking customers. Cite your foreign language skills both in your profile and as a separate section farther down the document. With adjustments like these, you can make your resume more relevant to each opportunity.
The combination or hybrid format, which merges a functional resume's profile section with a chronological resume's experience section. Most modern resumes (including the ones on this page) follow the combination format because it gives hiring managers the clearest view of an applicant's strengths and work history.
Include a cover letter with your resume
A good cover letter sharpens your job application by answering the question, Why are you interested in this job? As with starting your resume, brainstorm your thoughts on a separate document or paper and then choose the most compelling ones as your foundation. When possible, quote or paraphrase text from the job posting and explain why it caught your attention.
Check Out Related Examples
Resume Templates offers free, HR approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes. Choose from several template options and even pre-populate a resume from your profile.