Resume Examples for Writers

A writer’s resume or CV varies significantly based on experience level. Explore what to highlight at each stage, and use our Resume Builder to craft a document that reflects your unique skills and background.

Entry-Level Writer Resume

Ideal for recent graduates creating a resume with no experience, this template is also useful for career changers exploring writing roles across different industries.

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Why this resume works:

This example highlights a robust educational background with a master’s in creative writing and a bachelor’s in English literature. Leveraging their academic achievements and practical experience allows entry-level applicants to demonstrate their qualifications while showcasing creativity and effective communication skills valued by employers.

Mid-Career Writer Resume

A good fit for writers with a few years of experience, this template highlights recent projects and supports advancement into specialized or leadership roles in the creative field.

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Why this resume works:

The resume highlights strong action verbs such as “authored,” “edited,” and “developed,” showcasing capabilities in content creation, quality improvement, and strategic planning. Metrics like “boosted site traffic by 35%” and “increased organic traffic by 50%” are presented in concise bullet points for easy scanning.

Experienced Writer Resume

An ideal choice for seasoned professionals with over 10 years of experience, this template is designed for writers pursuing senior-level roles or leadership opportunities in the publishing industry.

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Why this resume works:

This resume reflects a robust career trajectory in writing, showcasing skills in content creation and strategic thinking that have significantly improved user engagement. Leadership experience as a team lead and certifications (e.g., Certified Content Strategist) highlight the applicant’s readiness for advanced roles within the publishing industry.

Writer Resume Template (Text)

Use this customizable text format of a writer resume to copy, edit, and tailor directly in your document.

Michael Kim

Crestwood, KY 40019

Professional Summary

Accomplished writer with 5 years of experience in content creation, SEO optimization, and digital media. Proficient in enhancing reader engagement and leading content strategies, delivering measurable results.

Work Experience

January 2024 – June 2026

Creative Minds Publishing – Crestwood, KY

Writer

  • Wrote and edited 100+ articles on a variety of topics
  • Increased online reader engagement by 25%
  • Coordinated with marketing team for content strategy

January 2022 – December 2023

Innovative Media – Crestwood, KY

Content Creator

  • Created multimedia content for social platforms
  • Boosted website traffic by 40% through SEO content
  • Managed a team of 5 junior writers

January 2021 – December 2021

Bright Star Media – Louisville, KY

Editorial Assistant

  • Assisted in editing articles for weekly publication
  • Coordinated with authors for manuscript revisions
  • Managed database of 200+ articles

Education

June 2020
New York University New York, NY
Master of Arts English Literature

June 2018
University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA
Bachelor of Arts Journalism

Certifications

  • Certified Content Marketing Specialist – Content Marketing Institute
  • SEO Expert Certification – Moz Academy

Skills

  • Creative Writing
  • SEO Optimization
  • Content Development
  • Copywriting
  • Proofreading
  • Project Management
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Research

How to Write a Writer Resume

As a writer, knowing how to write a resume means showcasing your creativity and experience in a format that clearly presents your qualifications. Use the guidance below to emphasize your unique strengths and tailor your resume for the specific positions you’re interested in.

1. Contact Info

Your contact information should be clear, professional, and easy to find at the top of your resume.

Make sure to include:

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Professional email address
  • City and state (ZIP code is optional)
  • LinkedIn profile or personal portfolio (if relevant)
TipPRO TIP

Skip including sensitive personal details such as your Social Security number, birthdate, or photographs unless an employer specifically requests this information.

2. Resume Profile

A resume profile is a brief introductory paragraph containing two to four sentences that highlight your key qualifications and strengths. It serves as a compelling pitch to hiring managers, designed to grab their attention and encourage them to explore your resume further.

Typically located at the top of your resume, this profile can either take the form of a summary or an objective. Each option has its unique focus and intent. Understanding these differences is important:

  • A resume summary highlights your key experiences, skills, and achievements concisely. This format works well for individuals with established work histories or transferable skills aiming to demonstrate their professional impact as writers.
  • A resume objective highlights your career aspirations and outlines what you aim to accomplish in your next role. It’s particularly beneficial for recent graduates, individuals pivoting careers, or those with limited experience.

Let’s take a look at an example of each to see how a resume summary and a resume objective differ:

Writer resume summary example:

Dedicated writer with over 6 years of experience creating engaging content across various platforms, including blogs, social media, and marketing materials. Proficient in SEO optimization, audience engagement strategies, and content management systems. Acknowledged for improving brand visibility and fostering strong reader connections through compelling storytelling.

Writer resume objective example:

Recent English literature graduate eager to launch a writing career in a dynamic publishing environment. Committed to storytelling that resonates with readers and looking to contribute creativity and strong analytical skills to a literary agency or editorial team.

3. Work Experience

The work experience on your resume is an important asset in showcasing your writing expertise. Employers evaluate your job history to discern not only where you’ve written but also the influence and engagement of your content.

Your background illustrates how your previous roles have honed your skills in crafting compelling narratives and meeting diverse client needs.

The work experience section should contain:

  • Job title
  • Employer name and location
  • Dates of employment (month/year)
  • 3–5 bullet points describing your relevant responsibilities and achievements

Tailor your content to reflect the specific writing role you’re pursuing. Start each bullet point with an action verb (like “Authored,” “Edited,” “Researched”) to create a strong impact and emphasize your contributions.

Incorporate quantifiable information whenever possible. Specific metrics, such as word count or audience growth, showcase your achievements and illustrate your value, helping you stand out in a competitive field.

In general, consider following the format of:

[action verb] + [responsibility] = [result/achievement]

For example:

Wrote and edited over 100 articles monthly for various publications, achieving an average engagement rate of 75% across different platforms.

Note that you can also flip the result/achievement with the responsibility:

Increased readership by 50% within six months through targeted content strategies and social media promotion.

Explore more work experience examples for writers further down the page.

4. Skills

The skills section provides a brief overview of a writer’s professional abilities. This allows hiring managers to quickly evaluate qualifications for the role.

Skills can be categorized into three distinct groups:

  • Soft skills are personal qualities that influence how well writers collaborate with clients and colleagues. Essential traits such as creativity, communication, adaptability, and attention to detail foster strong professional relationships and contribute to a writer’s overall success in delivering compelling content.
  • Hard skills are specific, quantifiable abilities gained through education, training, or experience. For a writer, examples include researching topics, editing content for clarity and coherence, and mastering various writing styles.
  • Technical skills involve the practical capabilities to operate particular tools and platforms. For a writer, this includes familiarity with content management systems, skill in word processing software, and expertise in digital publishing platforms.

In general, aim to include a diverse set of relevant skills that align with the job requirements to showcase your full range of capabilities. See below for more skills examples for a writer resume.

TipPRO TIP

If you’re a newer writer, consider positioning your skills section near the top of your resume, right after your summary. For those with more experience, it’s best to place this section lower down and weave your skills into the descriptions of your work history.

5. Education

Understanding how to list education on your resume is important for showcasing your qualifications. Begin with your most recent or relevant degree, clearly stating the degree type and institution name.

For those who have recently graduated, consider including your graduation year, GPA (if it’s 3.5 or above), honors received, or relevant coursework to improve your profile.

Writer resume education section example:

Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing
University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Graduated: 2023 | Cum Laude

TipPRO TIP

If you’re advancing from an Associate in English to a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, or have earned another relevant degree, list both in reverse-chronological order.

6. Certifications

Listing certifications on your resume can significantly improve your profile, especially when you have limited hands-on experience. While this section may not be typical for every resume, it holds great value for many professionals in their respective fields. Employers often seek specific credentials for specialized positions, such as teaching licenses in education.

Be sure to include only relevant certifications and credentials that bolster your application. It’s essential to keep these certifications updated and formatted clearly to make a strong impression on potential employers.

Writer certification examples:

  • Certified Professional Technical Writer (CPTW) | Society for Technical Communication | Expires: 04/2028
  • Content Marketing Certification | HubSpot Academy | Expires: 11/2027
  • Copywriting Masterclass Certification | Udemy | Expires: 01/2028
  • SEO Content Writing Certification | Market Motive | Expires: 09/2027

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Tailor Your Work History to Beat the ATS

Your work experience is more than a list of job titles. It’s a chance to demonstrate the measurable impact you’ve made through your writing, whether it be in campaigns, articles, or storytelling. This approach also contributes to creating an ATS-friendly resume that applicant tracking systems (ATS) can easily scan.

To create an effective work history, tailor it to the specific writing position you’re targeting by incorporating relevant keywords and phrases from the job description. Start with a detailed analysis of the posting. Identify frequently mentioned skills, writing styles, or genres and aim to reflect those elements in your experience descriptions whenever possible.

These examples are pulled from our most-used entries in the resume builder—based on what hiring managers respond to most.

  • Developed engaging content for 15+ blog posts per month, increasing website traffic by 40%.
  • Collaborated with editors and designers to produce high-quality publications, improving reader engagement scores by 25%.
  • Mentored aspiring writers in content creation techniques, fostering skill development and confidence.
  • Used SEO tools to optimize articles, resulting in a 20% improvement in search engine rankings.
  • Conducted research and interviews for feature articles, ensuring factual accuracy and compelling storytelling.

Example of Skills for Writers

Including the right skills for your resume signals to employers and ATS that you possess the abilities essential for success in your field. Since hiring managers often scan resumes quickly, ensure your skills are focused, relevant, and aligned with the job description.

The skills for your resume listed below reflect what is currently valued in the writing industry. These capabilities often appear in strong resumes and resonate well with hiring managers looking for qualified job seekers.

5 Soft Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Strong research skills
  • Effective communication
  • Time management skill
  • Attention to detail
  • Critical thinking abilities

5 Hard Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Content management systems (WordPress, Joomla)
  • SEO optimization techniques
  • Creative writing and editing
  • Social media strategy development
  • Research and analysis methodologies

What’s a Fair Writer Salary?

Understanding writer salaries across the United States helps you evaluate job offers, negotiate fair compensation, and make informed career choices. The data below comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and reflects the most recent nationwide averages for writers.

Factors such as location, years of experience, specialization, and the type of writing can significantly influence your actual earnings. Technical writers often earn higher salaries than those in creative or freelance roles, while writers employed by major publishing companies or digital marketing firms typically receive better pay packages compared to independent contractors.

Alabama$84,970
Alaska$75,610
Arizona$83,640
Arkansas$71,420
California$107,260
Connecticut$107,000
Delaware$78,770
District of Columbia$122,310
Florida$89,710
Georgia$89,520
Hawaii$81,690
Idaho$85,660
Illinois$97,210
Indiana$80,190
Iowa$86,410
Kansas$98,130
Kentucky$87,470
Louisiana$80,590
Maine$97,810
Maryland$108,860
Massachusetts$106,090
Michigan$83,830
Minnesota$90,650
Mississippi$65,940
Missouri$80,330
Montana$70,720
Nebraska$77,620
Nevada$93,300
New Hampshire$99,830
New Jersey$98,600
New Mexico$99,610
New York$98,190
North Carolina$95,740
North Dakota$76,550
Ohio$87,240
Oklahoma$72,570
Oregon$95,430
Pennsylvania$89,340
Rhode Island$93,500
South Carolina$83,710
South Dakota$103,880
Tennessee$84,210
Texas$85,950
Utah$80,380
Vermont$102,300
Virginia$91,130
Washington$106,810
West Virginia$68,520
Wisconsin$87,420
Guam$45,450
Puerto Rico$45,460

Key Takeaways

  • Tailor your resume to the job description. Use the hiring manager’s language when detailing your skills and experiences—it improves visibility for both ATS and human readers.
  • Highlight quantifiable achievements to demonstrate impact. Go beyond tasks, illustrate your work (e.g., word counts, readership growth, project completions) to differentiate yourself.
  • Select the right format based on your experience level. New writers may benefit from a functional or hybrid layout, while seasoned professionals often choose reverse-chronological resumes.

More Resume & CV Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Update:

What resume format should I use for my writer resume?

There are three primary resume formats to choose from when applying for a position. Your choice will depend on your experience level and the elements you wish to highlight in your application:

  • Chronological: The most popular format, a chronological resume highlights your work experience by detailing responsibilities and achievements in reverse order. This format is particularly suited for applicants with a consistent job history that reinforces their qualifications and demonstrates their growth as a writer.
  • Functional: Also known as a skills-based resume, the functional format emphasizes a summary of qualifications and an expanded skills section to showcase your writing abilities. By minimizing focus on work history, it becomes beneficial for applicants lacking relevant experience or those transitioning into writing from different fields.
  • Combination: A combination resume integrates both chronological and functional elements, showcasing a skills section alongside work experience. This format benefits writers by letting them emphasize their creative abilities while also illustrating their career development and notable projects in the industry.
Should I include a cover letter with my resume?

Yes, you should include a cover letter with your writing job application. A well-crafted cover letter not only complements your resume but also provides an opportunity to express your passion for writing and the specific position. It allows you to highlight unique skills or experiences that may not be immediately visible in your resume, giving you a chance to stand out among other applicants.

If you’re feeling uncertain about how to write a cover letter, don’t worry. There are many resources available, including detailed guides on writing effective cover letters and numerous examples tailored for different writing roles. You can also explore various formats to determine which one best suits your style and background.

To simplify the process further, consider using tools like a cover letter generator that can help you create a personalized letter quickly by offering templates and suggestions based on your job application specifics.

How long should a writer resume be?

For professionals with less than 10 years of experience, a one-page resume is usually the best choice. This concise format allows you to showcase your skills, relevant work history, and education without unnecessary detail. Focus on the most compelling achievements and qualifications that align with your career goals.

In contrast, job seekers in senior or specialized roles may extend their resumes to two pages. Ensure that every section remains targeted and relevant, emphasizing leadership experiences, advanced certifications, and unique skills that highlight your expertise within the field.

What keywords should I include to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS)?

To make your resume stand out in ATS, focus on incorporating keywords and phrases from the job description. Use terms that describe specific skills and experiences relevant to the role. For instance, if the posting mentions “project management” or “content strategy,” be sure to include these exact phrases in your resume.

Additionally, list any relevant certifications, such as Certified Professional Writer or Digital Marketing Certification, along with tools you’re familiar with, like WordPress or Adobe Creative Suite. This not only showcases your qualifications but also helps align your application with what employers are seeking.

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Vicki Salemi Career Advice Expert

Vicki Salemi is a nationally recognized career expert who helps professionals navigate the hiring landscape and find the right fit on Monster. With over 15 years of experience in corporate recruiting and HR, she offers expert guidance on job search strategies, interview preparation, and career development to help candidates land their next role.

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