Writer Resume Examples & Templates

The resume format of a resume for a writer can vary depending on experience and goals. 

If you have a few years of experience, choose the combination resume format, which highlights your work history and extensive copywriting skills. 

If you’re just breaking into the industry, use the functional resume format, which focuses on your industry-related skills and training. 

If you have more than five years of experience, try the chronological resume format, which emphasizes your past work achievements.

There are no specific educational requirements for a job as a writer, as writing is a skill that can be developed through practice and experience. 

However, having a degree or training in a related field can be helpful in developing the skills and knowledge needed for a career in writing. Here are some educational paths that can be beneficial for writers:

• Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism or communications.
• Master’s degree in creative writing.
• Certificate programs, such as technical writing, grant writing or copywriting.
• Writing workshops and courses.

Ultimately, what matters most in a writing career is the quality of the writing itself, as demonstrated through writing samples and experience. While education can be helpful in developing writing skills, it is not a requirement for a successful writing career.

A professional writer resume will vary from person to person, but pay attention to these important guidelines:

• Ensure your resume is formatted correctly, meaning margins should be one inch on all sides and line space should be single or 1.5 inches. 
• Only use a professional font, like Times New Roman, Arial or Helvetica, in 11-12 points on the body and 14-16 points on headers.
• Include measurable accomplishments in your resume to demonstrate your impact and show that you have achieved tangible results in your previous roles. For example, you can include metrics such as increased website traffic, improved engagement rates or increased social media followers.
• Proofread your resume more than once before sending it to potential employers. As a writer, it’s important to demonstrate your attention to detail and your ability to catch errors.
• Keep your resume concise and to the point. Focus on the most important details and keep it to no more than two pages. Typically, a one-page resume is sufficient. 

Explore our guide on how to write a resume for more tips and examples. 

When including writing skills on a resume, you can follow these tips:

• Be specific: Instead of using generic terms like “strong writing skills,” provide specific examples of the types of writing you excel in. For instance, mention skills such as content writing, copywriting, technical writing, creative writing, editing, proofreading or research.
• Show proficiency in different writing styles: If you have experience writing in different styles or for different mediums (such as web content, blog articles, social media or print publications), mention these skills to demonstrate versatility.
• Mention any specialized writing knowledge: If you have expertise in a specific subject matter or industry, such as healthcare, technology, finance or travel, highlight that knowledge as it can be valuable to certain employers.

Remember, the goal is to showcase your writing skills concisely and effectively. Be honest about your abilities and ensure that the skills you list align with your actual experience.

When putting freelance writing on a resume, be clear and concise and provide evidence of your skills and accomplishments as a freelance writer. Here are some steps that you can follow:

• Create a dedicated section: Include a separate section in your resume specifically for your freelance writing experience. This can be titled “Freelance Writing Experience” or “Freelance Work.”
• List your clients or publications: Include a list of clients or publications you have worked with as a freelance writer. If you have worked with well-known or reputable organizations, mention them to add credibility to your work.
• Highlight specific projects: For each client or publication, mention the specific projects or assignments you completed. Provide a brief description of the type of content you created, such as blog posts, articles, website copy or social media content.
• Specify the time frame: Include the time frame during which you worked as a freelance writer for each client or publication. This can give potential employers an idea of your availability and commitment to freelance work.

Remember to tailor your freelance writing experience to the job you are applying for and focus on the most relevant and impressive aspects of your work.