How to Write a Content Writer Resume [2026 Complete Guide + Examples]

Properly Format Your Content Writer Resume

For a content writer, your resume is your first and most critical writing sample. It must demonstrate not only your skills and experience but also your understanding of clarity, structure, and audience—in this case, both human recruiters and automated systems. Proper formatting is essential to make a strong, professional first impression.

Resume Length: Keep It Concise

The standard rule is a one-page resume for less than 10 years of experience. Even seasoned writers should aim for two pages maximum. Every line must earn its place. Be ruthless in editing; your ability to convey value succinctly is a core writing skill.

Choose the Right Resume Format

For most content writers, a reverse-chronological or combination format is ideal.

Reverse-Chronological: Lists your work history starting with the most recent job. This is the most common and ATS-friendly format, perfect for showing clear career progression.

Combination/Hybrid: Starts with a skills and summary section, followed by chronological work history. This is excellent for showcasing a specific skill set (e.g., SEO, technical writing) right away, even if your job titles don't explicitly reflect it.

Functional: Focuses on skills and themes rather than timeline. Generally not recommended as it can raise red flags for recruiters and often struggles with ATS parsing.

Font, Margins, and Spacing Standards

Your goal is effortless readability. Use a clean, professional serif or sans-serif font. Ensure consistency in size and style for headings and body text. White space is your friend—it creates visual breathing room and guides the reader's eye.

File Format: Always Submit a PDF

Unless the job posting specifically requests a Word document, always submit your resume as a PDF. A PDF preserves your formatting across all devices and operating systems, ensuring it looks exactly as you designed it. Before sending, ensure the PDF text is selectable (not just an image) for ATS compatibility.

ATS Optimization Basics

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a human sees them. To pass this digital gatekeeper:

1. Use standard section headings (e.g., "Work Experience," "Skills," "Education").
2. Incorporate keywords from the job description naturally into your content.
3. Avoid headers, footers, text boxes, columns, or graphics that can scramble the ATS parsing.
4. Spell out acronyms in parentheses at least once (e.g., Search Engine Optimization (SEO)).

Example of a Properly Formatted Header

Common Formatting Mistakes to Avoid

Write a Strong Content Writer Resume Summary or Objective

The opening statement of your resume is your digital handshake. For content writers, it's a critical opportunity to demonstrate your command of language and value in a few powerful lines. This section, typically called a Summary or Objective, sits at the top of your resume and sets the tone for everything that follows.

Summary vs. Objective: Knowing the Difference

A Resume Summary is a brief showcase of your professional achievements, skills, and experience. It's best for writers with a track record. An Resume Objective states your career goals and highlights your relevant skills and education. It's ideal for those new to the field, such as recent graduates or career changers.

When to Use a Summary or an Objective

Use a summary if you have more than 2-3 years of professional content writing experience. Use an objective if you are entering the workforce, have limited direct experience, or are making a significant career pivot into content writing. The objective should focus on your transferable skills and enthusiasm.

Key Elements to Include

Whether summary or objective, your statement should be packed with value. Include: 1) Years of experience (for summaries), 2) Core competencies (e.g., SEO, blog writing, technical writing), 3) Industry specializations if applicable (e.g., SaaS, healthcare), and 4) A value proposition that hints at results (e.g., driving traffic, increasing engagement).

Optimal Length and Conciseness

Aim for 2 to 4 concise, impactful sentences. This is not your autobiography; it's a headline. Every word must serve a purpose. Use strong action verbs and avoid filler phrases like "hard worker" or "team player." Show, don't just tell.

How to Tailor It to the Job Posting

Always customize this section. Identify keywords from the job description (e.g., "SEO optimization," "content strategy," "email marketing campaigns") and mirror that language. If the role emphasizes video scripts, highlight your scripting experience. This shows you've read the posting and are a precise fit.

Good Examples to Follow

For Experienced Professionals (Resume Summary): Results-driven Content Writer with 5+ years of experience specializing in B2B SaaS. Proven ability to craft whitepapers, case studies, and blog content that drives lead generation and improves organic search visibility by an average of 40%. Skilled in translating complex technical concepts into compelling narratives for target audiences.

For Entry-Level or Career Changers (Resume Objective): Recent graduate with a B.A. in English and a certified foundation in SEO and content marketing. Seeking to apply strong research, writing, and editorial skills to a junior content writer role. Eager to contribute to [Company Name]'s content strategy and grow expertise in creating engaging digital media.

Bad Examples to Avoid

Example 1: "I am a hard-working writer looking for a job where I can use my skills. I write good content and learn fast." This is vague, uses weak language ("good"), and is all about what you want, not the value you offer.

Example 2: "Content writer with experience in writing blogs, articles, social media posts, emails, newsletters, and website copy. Familiar with SEO." This is just a list of duties without any context of achievement, scale, or impact. It reads like a job description.

Example 3: "To obtain a challenging position as a Content Writer at a progressive company that will allow me to utilize my abilities and advance my career." This generic objective statement could apply to anyone and any company. It provides no specific skills or direction.

Example 4: "Seasoned wordsmith and guru with a passion for the written word who pens captivating copy that resonates with readers and maximizes ROI." This is overly fluffed with clichés ("wordsmith," "guru," "passion") and makes an unsubstantiated claim ("maximizes ROI") without proof.

Include Your Best Hard and Soft Skills as a Content Writer

Your skills section is a critical component of your resume or portfolio, acting as a quick-reference guide for hiring managers. It should clearly demonstrate your technical proficiency (hard skills) and your professional attributes (soft skills). Hard skills are the teachable, measurable abilities specific to the job, while soft skills are the interpersonal and cognitive traits that determine how you work. A well-crafted skills section bridges the gap between your experience and the employer's needs.

Essential Hard Skills for a Content Writer

These are the tangible, technical abilities you must possess to research, create, and optimize content effectively. Be specific with tools and methodologies to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and impress human readers.

• SEO & Keyword Research: Proficiency with tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz to optimize content for search engines.
• Content Management Systems (CMS): Hands-on experience with WordPress, Webflow, or HubSpot.
• Editing & Proofreading: Mastery of grammar, style guides (AP, Chicago), and tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor.
• Content Strategy & Planning: Ability to develop editorial calendars, content audits, and pillar-cluster models.
• Data & Analytics: Using Google Analytics 4 and Google Search Console to measure content performance.
• Basic HTML/CSS: Understanding how to format content, add links, and troubleshoot in a CMS.
• Research & Fact-Checking: Sourcing credible information from academic journals, industry reports, and expert interviews.
• Multimedia Content Basics: Basic skills in graphic design (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) or audio/video editing for content enhancement.
• Copywriting & Conversion Optimization: Writing persuasive copy for landing pages, emails, and ads that drive action.
• Technical Writing/Simplification: Ability to explain complex topics clearly for various audience levels.

Key Soft Skills for a Content Writer

These skills reflect your work ethic, adaptability, and how you collaborate. They are often what differentiate a good writer from a great team member.

• Adaptability & Continuous Learning: Willingness to learn new tools, adjust to shifting SEO algorithms, and explore emerging content formats.
• Communication & Collaboration: Effectively communicating with editors, designers, marketers, and stakeholders.
• Time Management & Organization: Juggling multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and managing an editorial calendar.
• Creativity & Problem-Solving: Generating fresh angles for common topics and finding innovative ways to present information.
• Attention to Detail: Catching subtle errors and ensuring consistency across all content pieces.
• Receptiveness to Feedback: Actively incorporating edits and constructive criticism to improve work.

How to Organize Your Skills Section

A categorized format is vastly superior to a simple list. It improves scannability and helps hiring managers immediately find what they're looking for. Always lead with the skills most relevant to the job you're applying for.

Matching Skills with Job Description Keywords

Carefully review the job description and mirror its language. If they ask for "proficiency in Asana," list "Asana" instead of just "project management tools." If they emphasize "data-driven storytelling," ensure that phrase or its components ("data analysis," "storytelling") appear in your skills or summary. This strategic matching is crucial for both ATS filters and the hiring manager's quick review.

Describe Your Work Experience and Key Projects as a Content Writer

This section should detail your professional journey, emphasizing the impact of your work. Structure each role clearly, use strong action verbs, and quantify your achievements to demonstrate value. Highlighting specific projects within your roles shows initiative and specialized skills.

Good Examples of Work Experience

Senior Content Strategist | TechFlow Solutions | San Francisco, CA | Jan 2021 – Present

• Spearheaded the development and execution of a new content marketing strategy for the SaaS platform, targeting the B2B fintech sector.
• Authored and managed a pillar-cluster blog series that increased organic traffic by 65% year-over-year and generated 350+ qualified leads.
• Led a cross-functional team of 3 writers and a designer to produce the annual "Fintech Trends" report, downloaded 15,000+ times and cited by 5 industry publications.
• Optimized existing product documentation, reducing customer support tickets related to onboarding by 30%.

Content Marketing Specialist | GreenLeaf Wellness | Austin, TX | Mar 2019 – Dec 2020

• Managed the company blog and social media calendar, increasing blog subscribers from 500 to 5,000 in 18 months.
• Researched and implemented an SEO keyword strategy that improved ranking for 15+ target keywords to the first page of Google.
• Produced a series of 10 email nurture campaigns that achieved a 28% average open rate and contributed to a 15% increase in online course sales.
• Collaborated with product teams to write and A/B test landing page copy, improving conversion rates by an average of 12%.

How to Highlight Key Projects Within Work Experience

Integrate key projects as specific bullet points within a role to showcase depth and ownership.

Content Writer | DeltaMetrics Inc. | Boston, MA | Jun 2018 – Feb 2019

• Executed a comprehensive website content refresh, rewriting service pages and adding 5 new case studies, which decreased bounce rate by 18%.
• Key Project: Led the content creation for the "Data-Driven Decisions" webinar series. Developed all promotional materials, slide decks, and follow-up content, resulting in an average of 500 live attendees per session and a 22% lead-to-customer conversion rate from attendees.
• Pitched and wrote monthly guest articles for 3 industry blogs, earning high-quality backlinks that improved domain authority by 12 points.

Bad Examples of Work Experience Descriptions

Avoid vague language, generic duties, and missing metrics. These examples lack impact and specificity.

Content Writer | A Generic Company | Anytown, USA | 2020 – 2021

• Responsible for writing blog posts and articles.
• Did some SEO for the website.
• Helped with social media.
• Worked on various projects as assigned.

Blogger | My Old Job | City, State | 2018 – 2019

• Wrote a lot of content that was pretty good.
• Made the website traffic go up.
• Used keywords to get more views.
• Did whatever my boss told me to do.

Writer | Another Firm | Chicago, IL | 2017 – 2018

• Duties included writing, editing, and publishing.
• Increased reader engagement significantly.
• Managed the company blog successfully.
• Participated in team meetings and brainstorming.

Content Creator | Digital Agency | Remote | 2021

• Created content for clients in different niches.
• Sometimes the content did well, sometimes it didn't.
• I was in charge of making sure deadlines were met.
• My work was used on websites and social media.

Include Action Words to Make Your Content Writer Resume Pop

In a competitive field like content writing, your resume needs to instantly communicate your value and expertise. Strategic use of action verbs is critical for two key reasons: first, they help your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) which scan for relevant keywords; and second, they capture a recruiter's attention by painting a vivid picture of your accomplishments and proactivity, rather than just listing duties.

Why Action Verbs Are Non-Negotiable

Generic phrases like "responsible for" or "duties included" are resume killers. They are passive and focus on job descriptions, not achievements. Powerful action verbs, however, shift the focus to your direct impact. They imply ownership, initiative, and results, transforming a bland task list into a compelling narrative of how you improved processes, grew metrics, and solved problems.

Categories of Action Verbs for Content Writers

Organizing your verbs by function helps you tailor your resume for specific roles. Here are key categories with examples:

Leadership & Management: Spearheaded, Orchestrated, Directed, Mentored, Supervised, Championed

Technical Implementation: Optimized (for SEO), Migrated, Implemented, Structured, Coded, Automated

Problem-Solving: Diagnosed, Resolved, Streamlined, Remedied, Overhauled, Troubleshot

Collaboration: Liaised, Partnered, Coordinated, Aligned, Synthesized, Facilitated

Achievement & Impact: Amplified, Boosted, Accelerated, Maximized, Expanded, Secured

Analysis & Research: Analyzed, Audited, Evaluated, Identified, Assessed, Validated

Innovation: Pioneered, Engineered, Devised, Conceptualized, Revamped, Innovated

Strategy: Avoid Repetition and Weak Language

Using the same verb (like "wrote") repeatedly makes your resume monotonous and fails to showcase the breadth of your skills. Scan your resume for overused verbs and replace them with stronger, more specific alternatives from the categories above. The goal is to demonstrate a diverse skill set through varied, impactful language.

Before and After: Transforming Your Bullet Points

Weak: Was responsible for writing blog posts.

Strong: Authored 50+ SEO-optimized blog posts, increasing organic traffic by 40%.

Weak: Helped with social media content.

Strong: Conceptualized and executed a social media content calendar that boosted engagement by 25%.

Weak: In charge of editing articles.

Strong: Edited and optimized all contributor content, ensuring brand voice consistency and editorial standards.

Weak: Did keyword research.

Strong: Conducted comprehensive keyword research and integrated findings to guide content strategy.

Weak: Made improvements to the website content.

Strong: Audited existing website copy and revamped key service pages, improving conversion rates by 15%.

Examples of Strong Action Verb Usage in Context

1. Leadership: "Spearheaded the transition to a data-driven content strategy, aligning editorial output with quarterly business goals."

2. Technical & Impact: "Optimized 200+ legacy blog posts for SEO, recapturing 5,000 monthly organic visits."

3. Collaboration & Innovation: "Partnered with the design team to pioneer an interactive content format, increasing average session duration by 2 minutes."

4. Analysis & Problem-Solving: "Analyzed user engagement metrics and streamlined content categories, reducing bounce rate by 18%."

Make Your Education Section Count

Your education section is more than a formality; it's a chance to build credibility and showcase foundational knowledge. Tailoring this section to your career stage is key to making it work for you.

Essential Information to Include

At a minimum, list your degree (e.g., B.A., B.S., M.F.A.), your major or field of study, the university name, and your graduation date (month and year). For recent graduates, placing this section near the top of your resume is strategic. For professionals with over five years of relevant experience, move it to the bottom to prioritize your work history.

Enhancing Your Entry-Level Education Section

If you're new to the field, bolster your education with details that demonstrate applicable skills. Listing relevant coursework, a significant thesis, or academic projects can bridge the gap between academia and professional requirements.

Guidelines for GPA, Honors, and Awards

Include your GPA if it is strong—typically 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Otherwise, it's best omitted. Always include notable academic honors, scholarships, or awards, as they provide third-party validation of your abilities and work ethic.

Formatting for Experienced Professionals

With a solid work history, your education section should be concise. Focus on the degrees and any recent, high-level certifications that are directly relevant to your career advancement.

Common Education Section Mistakes to Avoid

Steer clear of these formatting and content errors that can weaken your resume's impact.

Select the Perfect Extra Sections for Your Content Writer Resume

While the core sections of your resume (experience, skills, education) are essential, strategically chosen extra sections can be the key differentiator. They allow you to showcase unique qualifications, fill gaps for early-career writers, and demonstrate a well-rounded professional profile. The goal is to include only sections that add concrete value and reinforce your narrative as the ideal candidate.

Recommended Extra Sections to Elevate Your Application

Consider these optional sections based on your career level and the specific job you're targeting. Always tailor your choices to the role.

1. Technical Projects

This section is invaluable for entry-level candidates, career changers, or writers in technical niches. It allows you to demonstrate practical application of your skills. Include personal blogs, content-heavy websites you built, successful social media campaigns for a passion project, or a detailed portfolio website. Briefly describe the project, your role, the tools used (e.g., WordPress, SEO plugins, analytics), and a key result (e.g., "Grew organic traffic by 200% in 6 months").

2. Publications & Speaking Engagements

This is a powerful section for senior writers, subject matter experts, and thought leaders. List articles published in reputable industry magazines, journals, or major online platforms (beyond your own blog). Also include any guest lecturing, conference presentations, or panel participations. This establishes credibility and authority, showing you are a recognized voice in your field.

3. Languages

Include this section if you are proficient in more than one language, especially if the role involves multilingual content, translation, or a global audience. Clearly state your proficiency level (e.g., Native, Fluent, Professional Working Proficiency, Limited Working Proficiency). This is a highly sought-after skill in many content marketing teams.

4. Professional Affiliations

Listing memberships in organizations like the American Marketing Association (AMA), Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC), or other industry-specific groups shows commitment to professional development and networking. If you hold a leadership position (e.g., "Chapter Secretary"), be sure to mention it. This section is most impactful for mid-to-senior level professionals.

5. Volunteer Experience

Include volunteer work only if it is relevant to content creation, marketing, or your target industry. For example, writing grant proposals for a non-profit, managing social media for a community event, or creating newsletter content for a charity. This section can effectively showcase transferable skills and personal values, especially if you have limited paid experience.

How to Format Additional Sections Professionally

Maintain the same clean, scannable format as the rest of your resume. Use clear, consistent headings. For each entry, include the title, organization/platform, dates, and 1-2 bullet points highlighting achievements or responsibilities, just as you would for a work experience entry. Place these sections after your core "Work Experience" and "Skills" but before "Education" to prioritize professional evidence.

Sections to AVOID on Your Content Writer Resume

Avoid cluttering your resume with irrelevant information. Do not include: "Hobbies" (unless directly related to writing or the company's niche), "References Available Upon Request" (it's assumed), an "Objective" statement (use a professional summary instead), or a full street address. Also avoid overly personal details or a long list of basic software everyone uses. Every line should serve a purpose in marketing you as a writer.

How to Tailor Your Content Writer Resume for a Specific Job Description

In a competitive field like content writing, a generic resume is a fast track to the rejection pile. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who demonstrate a clear fit for their specific needs. Tailoring your resume for each application is not just recommended; it's essential. This process shows you've done your homework and positions you as the solution to their content challenges.

Reading and Analyzing Job Descriptions Effectively

Don't just skim the job description. Read it like a detective. Your goal is to uncover the company's primary pain points and desired outcomes. Look beyond the list of duties to understand the "why" behind the role. Are they looking to boost SEO traffic, establish thought leadership, improve user engagement, or support a new product launch? Highlighting phrases that indicate goals, such as "increase conversion," "grow our audience," or "improve brand awareness," will guide how you frame your experience.

Identifying Key Requirements and Qualifications

Break the description into clear categories: Must-Have Skills (e.g., SEO writing, WordPress, AP Style), Preferred/Nice-to-Have Skills (e.g., basic HTML, experience with a specific tool like SurferSEO), Industry or Content-Type Experience (e.g., B2B SaaS, long-form blog posts, email sequences), and Soft Skills & Attributes (e.g., "collaborative," "meets tight deadlines," "data-driven"). This categorization becomes your checklist for customization.

Matching Your Experience to Job Requirements

This is the core of tailoring. For each key requirement you identified, find a corresponding achievement in your background. Use the same language from the job description. If they ask for "experience growing organic traffic," your bullet point shouldn't just say "wrote blog posts." It should say, "Authored SEO-optimized blog posts that increased organic traffic by 45% in 6 months." This creates an instant, recognizable connection for the reader.

Customizing Resume Summary and Keywords

Your professional summary is prime real estate. Rewrite it for each application to mirror the job's primary focus. Integrate key titles (e.g., "Content Writer," "SEO Content Specialist"), core skills, and industry keywords. Similarly, ensure your "Skills" section is a curated list that matches the job's must-haves and preferred qualifications, prioritizing the most relevant terms at the top.

Avoiding Over-Tailoring or Misrepresenting Skills

Tailoring is about framing your genuine experience to highlight relevance, not fabricating it. Never claim proficiency in a tool or skill you don't have. Over-tailoring can also backfire if your resume becomes so specific it seems irrelevant to other roles or if you lose your authentic voice. Maintain a master resume with all your experiences, then create a targeted version for each application.

Step-by-Step Tailoring Process

1. Analyze the Job Description: Print it out. Highlight all action verbs, technical skills, software, and measurable outcomes. Note the company's tone and values.

2. Map Your Experience: Go through your master resume. For each highlighted item from the job description, write down a specific example, project, or metric from your past that proves you have that skill or have achieved that result.

3. Customize Key Sections: Using your map, rewrite your Summary, Work Experience bullet points, and Skills section. Lead with the most relevant information. Quantify achievements using the same metrics the employer values (traffic, engagement, leads, etc.).

Example: Generic vs. Tailored Resume Bullet

Generic: Wrote blog articles for company website.

Tailored (for a job seeking SEO growth): Researched and authored 50+ SEO-driven blog posts targeting commercial intent keywords, contributing to a 60% increase in organic search traffic and generating an average of 150 MQLs per month.

Common Tailoring Mistakes to Avoid

Keyword Stuffing: Naturally integrating keywords is good; making sentences unreadable is bad.
Submitting the Same Resume Everywhere: This signals a lack of genuine interest.
Ignoring the Company's Voice: If the job description is quirky and creative, let some personality show. If it's formal and corporate, match that tone.
Forgetting to Proofread: After heavy editing, typos can creep in. Always review your tailored resume carefully before sending.

Content Writer Resume Examples (Complete Samples)

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Guide: Build a Content Writer resume