As a copywriter, you know just how powerful words can be. Whether you’re writing to inform, entertain or sell, you make the most of every line to express your message to the fullest. The same should be true of your copywriter resume.
Luckily, you’re not alone in this endeavor. Whether you’re writing your first copywriter resume or your 100th update, Resume.io has tips, tools and 350+ resume examples to give you the edge you need.
This guide, along with our copywriter resume example, will show you how to:
- Choose the right format for a copywriter resume sample depending on your experience
- Format each of the essential resume sections
- Create a summary that sells yourself instantly
- Design a layout that exudes professionalism and expertise
What does a copywriter do?
A copywriter creates text for various online and printed media, advertisements, businesses and more. Copywriters are often employed by companies to help sell products or services by creating articles, blogs, social media posts, graphics and other materials, often for websites.
Copywriters are closely related to many other writing professions including journalists and authors. Many copywriters work as freelancers and are hired for short-term projects.
It pays to pick a niche... literally!
When you are starting out as a copywriter, you should pick a niche — i.e. a topic in which you specialize. Which you choose may dictate how much cash you take home. According to writing expert, Elna Cain, the best-paying copywriting niches include:
- Finance
- Cryptocurrency
- Travel
- Digital marketing
- Education
- Alternative health
- Book writing (ghostwriting)
- Video script writing
- White paper writing
- Food and wine
How to write a copywriter resume
A great structure will help you create a copywriter resume that keeps the hiring manager engaged from start to finish. Your resume sample should contain the following sections:
- The resume header
- The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
- The employment history section
- The resume skills section
- The education section
Since copywriters are tasked with writing copy that matches the needs and tone of the client, it’s important that your resume contains the same attention to detail and customization. Aim to show why you’re the right fit for the particular business or agency whether it be through related experience, your own personal passions or specialized knowledge.
Choosing the best resume format for copywriters
Unlike other professions, copywriters have options when it comes to choosing the best resume format for their needs.
Standard resume writing advice usually recommends the reverse chronological resume format which starts with your most recent position and works backwards until you’ve placed all relevant experience into your employment history section. This is generally the best format for copywriters who have plenty of traditional employment to show or who are looking to land a fulltime job.
If you’re just starting out in your career or are a freelance writer you may consider a functional resume format. This structure features a “Skills” or “Experience” section at the top of your resume and lists your attributes without having to attribute them to a specific employer or date.
Resume summary example
The resume summary is your opening pitch: these 3-5 sentences give you a chance to round up your experience, skills and expertise as well as speak directly to the hiring manager using your own tone of voice.
You should aim to highlight your biggest achievements and most relevant abilities in the summary without giving too many details. The summary should leave the client or hiring manager interested and ready to read further to find out more.
Check out the summary from our copywriter resume example below.
Highly skilled Copywriter bringing forth exceptional talent for developing content and taking projects from original conception through completion. Adept in developing and implementing copy that supports clients’ objectives.
Employment history sample
The employment history section will usually account for the bulk of your resume, especially when using the reverse chronological format. Here, you’ll want to list each position you’ve held, along with the employer name, location and dates worked. Underneath, create 4-5 bullet points that describe your main duties and achievements, taking care to tailor these tasks to the role you’re applying to. Use action verbs, concrete numbers and facts wherever possible to illustrate your effectiveness.
Here’s the employment history section from our resume example.
Copywriter, Adventure Marketing, San Francisco
May 2018 - August 2021
- Created written communications that effectively communicated and sold developed marketing concepts.
- Managed and organized multiple projects on a daily basis.
- Brought forth an in-depth understanding of marketing initiatives and consumer mindsets.
- Consistently wrote clear, concise, and grammatically correct copy.
- Edited copy to ensure message clarity, flow, grammar, and tone.
- Handled extra take writing and/or editing assignments as needed.
Digital Content Strategist, Fierce Falcon, Los Angeles
April 2014 - April 2018
- Developed content marketing strategy plans and content calendars.
- Planned and executed a wide range of digital content.
- Crafted content ideas based on target audiences and insights.
- Effectively communicated strategy to creative teams and account management.
- Presented product ideas, strategies, and designs to internal and external stakeholders.
- Led cross-functional teams in the planning and delivery of content and digital strategy.
- Helped to orchestrate plans that fostered business growth for our clients.
CV skills example
Your skills are particularly important as a copywriter which gives this CV section particular importance. If you’ve already listed your abilities elsewhere on your CV, it can be difficult to create a fresh skills section. Because this section is often bullet-pointed, you’ll want to choose skills that can be summarized in a word or two. Reread the job description to find the characteristics most sought after by the employer. This is also a great place to include related technical skills that the client may see as a bonus (like graphic design or content management systems.)
Use the skills section from our copywriter resume example as a model for your own.
- Creative Problem Solving Skills
- Project Management Skills
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Digital Marketing
- Content Writing
- Creative Writing
- Copywriting
Copywriter resume education example
While you may not be required to have formal education as a copywriter, a degree in journalism, marketing, communications or English can go a long way in helping you prove your expertise. In the education section, list the degree name, school, location and dates attended. You can also mention your GPA if it was a 3.0 or above. If you are still a student, make sure to include your expected graduation date.
Bachelor of Science in Marketing, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
September 2009 - May 2013
High School Diploma, Los Angeles High School, Los Angeles
September 2005 - May 2009
Resume layout and design
As a copywriter, we don’t have to tell you just how much of a difference well-crafted writing can make. The same is true for your layout and design. By creating a strong visual presentation that conveys professionalism, you can be sure a hiring manager or client will be impressed from the second they lay eyes on the page.
- Keep your resume to a maximum of one page
- Create a visually attractive header
- Maintain a balance of white space to text to avoid visual fatigue for the reader
- Use more than 1-2 font styles on your resume
- Go overboard with eccentric colors or design elements
- Forget to proofread your resume sample for typos or grammatical mistakes
Key takeaways for a copywriter resume
- Think of your copywriter resume as the first sample of your work – it should convey your tone and must be error-free.
- Copywriters can choose between multiple resume formats and may even need to create different versions based on the application requirements
- Your summary is a key resume component which allows you to speak directly to the employer
- A resume template can help you create a great design in just a few clicks.
