Copywriting Q&A: The Best Copywriter Resumes

Many new copywriters want to know what the best copywriter resumes look like. And I’ll certainly answer that question, but there’s actually and even bigger consideration that entirely outweighs the resume. Intrigued? Read on…

Today’s question comes from Andrea G., who asks, “What are the best copywriter resumes? What do they look like? Are there any elements that are special for copywriters?”

One of the biggest elements that will set your resume apart from other copywriter resumes is the first thing you put on on there. Most people make the mistake of listing an “objective” as in, “My goal is to get a copywriting job that lets me exercise my skills while learning…” Yada yada yada.

Here’s the thing: Nobody cares what you want. What they care about is what you can bring to the company! So turn this first part around and make it all about what you bring to the table that no one else can. Your resume is your ad for yourself! So sell yourself effectively. What’s your benefit to consumer? Here’s some more information about how to write that well.

Second, if you’re newer to copywriting, your resume is probably full of work experience that has little do to with copywriting. Sure, it shows that you’re employable, but it says nothing at all about your copywriting skill. So, instead of using a standard resume, use a “selected credits resume” that lists just your copywriting credits. You can find more details about putting together a selected credits resume here.

But here’s the thing about a copywriter’s resume: It’s significantly less important than your portfolio. Your portfolio is what proves that you know how to do what you say you do. It shows that you’ve got copywriting skills, that you know how to work with a designer, and that you know what constitutes a great piece of creative work.

Before anyone even meets you, your portfolio helps sell you as professional. Yes, you should polish your resume and make it professional and well-written. But you need to put much more energy into your portfolio and make sure that it absolutely shines with your copywriting brilliance.

Your turn! How have you polished up your resume? Let us know in the comments below!