You're applying for a writing job. What are the most important things to consider when writing your resume?

Bylines and examples work wonders. All being equal, if two similar candidates with comparable experience apply for a writing role, the one with a compelling portfolio approach to showing their work will always stand out more.

When writing your resume for a writing job, consider highlighting relevant experience, showcasing your writing skills with concise and clear language, tailoring your resume to the specific job description, and including any relevant education or certifications.

Always tailor your resume to the job you are applying for. Look into the company/organization, research them extensively and determine how your own values line up with theirs. Find out if there are specific articles or topics they have written that you are passionate about. If so, mention these things in your cover letter (which should always match your resume). Make sure to include key skills you have attained that they have mentioned they are looking for.

Craft a compelling summary for a writing job application by showcasing your unique writing style, relevant experience, and key skills. Start with a strong opening that highlights your expertise and versatility in various writing styles. Mention notable achievements, publications, or projects to demonstrate your writing prowess. Emphasize your ability to meet deadlines, collaborate with teams, and adapt to different tasks. Conclude with a statement that showcases your passion for writing and eagerness to contribute. A concise and impactful summary will capture the attention of recruiters and make them eager to learn more about your qualifications.

I usually love to flaunt my writing style by including a diverse range of writing samples. These samples serve as a testament to my ability to adapt my writing to various genres, audiences, and formats. You'll find a mix of articles, blog posts, copywriting, technical writing, creative writing, and more among my samples. By doing so, I provide the hiring manager with a clear window into my qualifications and skills.

When applying for a writing job, your resume is a part of your portfolio. Get creative and find a way to highlight your writing skills and style not only in the content of the resume but in the style as well. Could you get playful, fun or otherwise creative? If the writing job in question requires an ability to condense complex topics into short texts, show the reader you can do the same with your CV! Or if there is a place for being a bit funny or playful, add a funny remark like "Super skill: Expressing complex topics in concise language while maintaining an authentic voice - like in this resume!"

Use Professor Patrick Barry's 6-60-6 framework to make your resume stand out. The 6-60-6 refers to: 1. What stands out in your resume if someone stares at it for 6 seconds? 2. If they look at it for 60 seconds, what skills can they spot? 3. If they stare at your resume for 6 hours, could they spot any errors in it? Ask others to answer these questions based on your resume. You're good to go if their answers align with yours.