How to Write a CV for Content Writing
A CV, or curriculum vitae, is your professional resume that you use when applying for content writing jobs and internships. Having a strong CV is crucial for landing opportunities in this competitive industry. This guide will walk you through how to create an effective CV tailored specifically for content writing roles.
Section 1: Contact Information
This section should be at the top and include your name, email address, phone number, website/LinkedIn URL, and location. Make sure all contact details are up-to-date and professional. Opt for a professional email like yourname@gmail.com rather than something fun or casual.
Section 2: Profile/Summary
The profile is a 2-3 sentence overview of your background and value proposition. Highlight your core skills and strongest suitability for content writing roles. For example:
“Experienced content writer with 3+ years developing blog posts, articles, reports and web content across multiple industries including technology, healthcare and finance. Passionate about research and crafting engaging copy that educates and inspires audiences.”
Section 3: Experience/Writing Samples
List your most relevant work experience first, starting with paid roles then freelance/volunteer work. Include:
Employer/client name
Job title
Dates of employment/engagement
3-5 bullet points describing responsibilities, achievements and skills developed
Rather than vague claims, back up achievements with concrete metrics like “Increased website traffic by 20% through optimized blog posts” or “Developed 20+ product emails that averaged a 30% open rate.”
Include 2-3 writing samples as attachments or hosted on your website. Focus on samples that highlight different styles and industries to showcase versatility. Redact any private client details.
Section 4: Skills
List technical/hard skills as well as soft interpersonal skills. Technical skills may include content management systems, analytics tools, style guides, keyword research etc. Soft skills include communication, research, editing, deadline-meeting etc.
Prioritize skills that are most relevant to content writing roles. Consider including proficiency levels by using action words like “expert,” “proficient,” or “familiar.”
Section 5: Education
List degree subject, university name and location, and dates attended/graduated. For ongoing education include courses/certifications in areas like SEO, social media, analytics etc. This section is often brief unless education is very relevant.
Section 6: Additional Information
Tailor this section based on strengths or areas needing explanation. Examples include:
Languages: List languages with proficiency levels if applicable
Awards/Achievements: Recognition and scholarships earned
Conferences/Events: Industry talks or panels participated in
Associations: Member of professional writing organizations
Hobbies: Side interests adding dimension outside of work
Make sure all info enhances your candidacy rather than feeling extraneous. Keep it brief.
Formatting Tips
Use a simple, easy-to-read font like Arial or Times New Roman at 10-12pt size
Keep formatting and sections consistent with bold section headers
Tailor length to 1-2 pages maximum for early career, 2 pages for experienced writers
Save as a PDF to preserve formatting when emailed
Have it proofread by others for errors before submitting
Getting attention with a well-crafted CV is critical for content writing roles where competition can be fierce. Highlight your experience, skills and strengths tailored to each opportunity for the best chances of landing interviews and offers. Continually refine your CV based on feedback, and be prepared to discuss examples from it in depth during interviews. With practice and revisions, your CV can be a powerful marketing tool for your writing career.