As a Contributing Writer, your CV is a testament to your writing prowess, creativity, and ability to engage readers. It should not only highlight your writing skills but also your ability to research, adapt to different writing styles, and meet deadlines. Your CV should demonstrate your versatility and ability to create compelling content that resonates with diverse audiences.
Whether you're targeting roles in journalism, content creation, or copywriting, these guidelines will help you craft a CV that captures the attention of potential employers.
Showcase Your Writing Expertise: Highlight your proficiency in various writing styles such as AP, Chicago, or MLA. Mention any specialized areas of writing you excel in, like tech, health, or finance.
Highlight Published Works: Include links to your published articles, blogs, or other content. If possible, choose pieces that have garnered significant engagement or positive feedback.
Customize Your CV for the Role: Tailor your CV to the job description, emphasizing relevant experiences and skills. If the role requires SEO knowledge, for instance, highlight your SEO writing skills and achievements.
Detail Your Research Skills: Demonstrate your ability to conduct thorough research, fact-check, and produce accurate, well-informed content. This is especially important for roles in journalism or technical writing.
Illustrate Your Creativity and Adaptability: Provide examples of how you've adapted your writing style to different audiences or platforms. Mention any creative campaigns or unique content strategies you've developed.
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Dedicated Contributing Writer with a proven track record of driving audience engagement and boosting digital subscriptions through insightful, investigative content. My strategic approach to SEO and content strategy has consistently improved search engine rankings and increased organic traffic by 25%. With a knack for creating compelling narratives and a history of producing top-ranking columns, I am eager to leverage my skills to generate captivating content and further enhance reader engagement.
CAREER Experience
Contributing Writer• 01/2024 – Present
New Pharmaceuticals
Authored a series of investigative articles on climate change, resulting in a 30% increase in website traffic and a 20% increase in digital subscriptions for the publication.
Collaborated with the editorial team to develop a new content strategy, leading to a 15% increase in reader engagement and a 10% increase in social media shares.
Implemented SEO strategies in content creation, contributing to a 25% improvement in search engine rankings and a 20% increase in organic traffic.
Technology Columnist• 03/2023 – 12/2023
ContentCraft Solutions
Developed and maintained a weekly column on technology trends, which consistently ranked as one of the top 5 most-read sections on the website.
Conducted in-depth interviews with industry leaders, resulting in exclusive content that boosted the publication's credibility and readership.
Worked closely with the marketing team to create compelling ad copy, contributing to a 15% increase in ad revenue.
Junior Writer• 11/2021 – 03/2023
Kinetic Solutions LLC
Contributed to a monthly lifestyle magazine, with articles consistently receiving positive feedback for their creativity and depth of research.
Assisted in the editing and proofreading process, improving the overall quality of the publication and reducing errors by 20%.
Managed the publication's blog, increasing its monthly views by 30% through the use of engaging content and effective SEO practices.
SKILLS
Exceptional writing and editing skills
Strong research abilities
Proficiency in SEO strategies
Ability to increase reader engagement
Experience in conducting in-depth interviews
Expertise in content strategy development
Ability to create compelling ad copy
Experience in managing blogs and digital content
Proven track record in boosting website traffic and digital subscriptions
Ability to collaborate effectively with editorial and marketing teams
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in English Literature
Bowdoin College
2016-2020
Brunswick, ME
CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC)
04/2024
Society for Technical Communication (STC)
Certified Content Marketer
04/2023
Copyblogger Media LLC
Certified Grant Writer (CGW)
04/2023
American Grant Writers' Association (AGWA)
Contributing Writer CV Template
1.) Contact Information
Full Name
[email protected] • (XXX) XXX-XXXX • linkedin.com/in/your-name • City, State
2.) Personal Statement
Passionate Contributing Writer with [number of years] years of experience in [specific writing genres or platforms, e.g., digital content, magazine features]. Seeking to leverage my expertise in [specific writing skills, e.g., storytelling, research, SEO optimization] to produce compelling content for [Company Name]. Committed to delivering [specific outcomes, e.g., engaging narratives, increased web traffic, strong brand voice] that resonate with diverse audiences.
3.) CV Experience
Current or Most Recent Title
Job Title • State Date • End Date
Company Name
Collaborated with [teams/departments] to produce [type of content, e.g., feature articles, blog posts], demonstrating strong [soft skill, e.g., teamwork, communication].
Contributed to [publication or platform, e.g., online magazine, corporate blog], generating [quantifiable result, e.g., increased web traffic, reader engagement] through compelling [type of content, e.g., articles, blog posts].
Implemented [strategy or process, e.g., SEO techniques, editorial calendar], resulting in [measurable outcome, e.g., improved search rankings, consistent content delivery].
Previous Job Title
Job Title • State Date • End Date
Company Name
Played a pivotal role in [project or initiative, e.g., content marketing campaign, website launch], which led to [measurable impact, e.g., increased brand awareness, customer acquisition].
Conducted [type of research, e.g., market trends, audience preferences], utilizing [research tools/methods] to inform [type of content, e.g., articles, blog posts].
Key contributor to [task or responsibility, e.g., editorial meetings, content strategy], ensuring [quality or standard, e.g., consistency, brand voice] across all written content.
4.) CV Skills
Exceptional writing and editing skills
Strong research abilities
Proficiency in SEO strategies
Ability to increase reader engagement
Experience in conducting in-depth interviews
Expertise in content strategy development
Ability to create compelling ad copy
Experience in managing blogs and digital content
Proven track record in boosting website traffic and digital subscriptions
Ability to collaborate effectively with editorial and marketing teams
5.) Education
Official Degree Name
University Name
City, State • State Date • End Date
Major: Name of Major
Minor: Name of Minor
6.) Certifications
Official Certification Name
Certification Provider • State Date • End Date
Official Certification Name
Certification Provider • State Date • End Date
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In the realm of writing, a well-formatted CV can significantly enhance your chances of landing that coveted Contributing Writer role. The right formatting not only reflects your professionalism and attention to detail, but it also makes your CV more digestible and appealing to potential employers. A well-structured CV can be a game-changer in securing an interview.
Start with a Compelling Profile
Begin your CV with a compelling profile that encapsulates your writing style, areas of expertise, and career objectives. This should succinctly state your writing goals and how you plan to contribute to the prospective publication. Highlighting your passion for writing and your commitment to crafting engaging content sets a positive tone for the rest of your CV.
Highlight Published Works and Platforms
As a Contributing Writer, your published works are your most significant qualifications. Format this section to list your most impactful pieces, the platforms they were published on, and any notable feedback or recognition they received. This layout helps hiring managers quickly gauge your writing style, versatility, and audience engagement.
Detail Relevant Experience and Specializations
Detail any writing-related roles, freelance work, or areas of specialization you have. Use bullet points to describe responsibilities and achievements, focusing on tasks that demonstrate your research skills, proficiency with content management systems, and any experience with SEO or social media promotion.
Emphasize Soft Skills and Technical Proficiencies
Soft skills like creativity, adaptability, and collaboration are as crucial as technical writing skills. Include a section that balances both, highlighting your proficiency in writing tools (e.g., Google Docs, WordPress) and your ability to work well in a team. This shows you’re not only capable of crafting compelling content but also of contributing positively to the publication's culture.
Personal Statements for Contributing Writers
Contributing Writer Personal Statement Examples
Strong Statement
"Accomplished Contributing Writer with over 5 years of experience in crafting compelling content across various genres. Proven ability to engage readers, drive website traffic, and support SEO initiatives. Passionate about storytelling and committed to delivering high-quality, well-researched, and insightful articles. Seeking to leverage my writing skills and creativity to enhance a publication's reach and impact."
Weak Statement
"Versatile and creative Contributing Writer specializing in digital content creation, with a knack for transforming complex ideas into engaging narratives. With a strong background in journalism and content marketing, I excel at producing content that resonates with diverse audiences and drives brand engagement. Eager to bring my storytelling prowess and audience-centric approach to a dynamic editorial team."
Strong Statement
"Versatile and creative Contributing Writer specializing in digital content creation, with a knack for transforming complex ideas into engaging narratives. With a strong background in journalism and content marketing, I excel at producing content that resonates with diverse audiences and drives brand engagement. Eager to bring my storytelling prowess and audience-centric approach to a dynamic editorial team."
Weak Statement
"Experienced in writing and researching for various platforms. Familiar with digital content creation and content marketing. Looking for a role where I can use my writing skills and learn more about the industry."
What Makes a Strong Personal Statement?
A strong personal statement for a Contributing Writer CV effectively combines professional accomplishments with specific writing skills, showcasing the candidate's ability to create engaging content that resonates with readers. It stands out by being highly tailored to the writing profession, highlighting expertise in areas like SEO, digital content creation, and audience engagement, directly addressing how these skills meet the needs of the prospective employer.
Compare Your CV to a Job Description
Use Matching Mode to analyze and compare your CV content to a specific job, before you apply.
The ideal length for a Contributing Writer's CV is 1-2 pages. This allows enough room to showcase your writing skills, experience, and notable publications without overwhelming the reader. Prioritize clarity and relevance, emphasizing your most impactful writing contributions and experiences that align with the role you're pursuing. Remember, your CV is a sample of your writing, so make every word count.
What's the best format for an Contributing Writer CV?
The best format for a Contributing Writer CV is a combination format. This layout emphasizes both your writing skills and experience. Start with a strong summary or profile, followed by a detailed portfolio section showcasing your best work. Then, list your work experience in reverse-chronological order, highlighting writing-specific responsibilities and achievements. This format allows employers to see your writing prowess and how your career has evolved, making it easier to assess your fit for the role.
How does a Contributing Writer CV differ from a resume?
To make your Contributing Writer CV stand out, highlight your unique writing style, niche expertise, and notable publications where your work has been featured. Include specific examples of your impactful writing, such as articles that drove significant traffic or engagement. Showcase any awards or recognitions received for your work. Tailor your CV to each job, reflecting the language used in the job description, and emphasize any additional skills like SEO knowledge or proficiency in content management systems.
