When you’re a professional writer, your resume is going to look a bit different. It’s not enough to share your history and qualifications if you want to stand out from the competition – and, with over 44,000 writers in the U.S. alone, you definitely want to stand out.
Whether you’re a freelancer, academic writer, journalist, or creative writer, having a perfect resume is key. It can help you convince a client to work with you or land you a job that will flourish into a long-term career.
Even if you have an existing resume, it might be time to change it up or update it, especially if you’re planning a career change. For example, if you’ve been a creative writer who wants to become an English teacher, you’ll need to update your credentials and certifications. But, even if you’re producing a resume for the first time, making sure it’s as up-to-date as possible is still key.
Those traditional resume inclusions are important, but you should also focus on showcasing your writing skills. That often means including a portfolio.
Not sure how to get started or how to revamp your resume? Let’s start with a simple guide that can give you the information you need to get a step ahead.
Make Your Resume as Professional as Your Writing
Most potential employers only look at a resume for 6-7 seconds. As a writer, that’s how long you have to show them who you are and what you can do. Grammatical errors and misspelled words are big red flags in any resume. But, if you’re applying to be a writer, they’re even bigger problems.
Simply put? The grammar on your resume, from top to bottom, should be perfect.
You might be so used to writing a certain way that you overlook some common grammatical errors. It’s important to remind yourself of what they are and how they can impact your image. Some of the most cringe-worthy resume grammatical errors include:
- Misuse of apostrophes
- Mismatched verb tenses
- Incorrect homonyms
- Using too much of the passive voice
If you’re changing careers, such as to an English teacher, as mentioned previously, proving you can lead by example is tantamount. A well-prepared English teacher who’s responsible for educating students on grammar and writing, advanced or otherwise, should have a thoroughly edited resume to present to the administration during the interview process.
Think of your resume as your first impression. Many people make the mistake of throwing them together too quickly or sticking to a template without checking things over. By avoiding grammatical errors, you’ll prove from the start that you’re talented in your field, and an employer or client can count on you for quality work.
The Importance of a Portfolio
Showing off your professionalism and poise in a resume is only half the battle. You’re not applying to be a cog in the machine of a big company. There is only one you who can write the way you do, and you must be able to show that when handing someone your resume.
That requires a portfolio.
While many industries like resumes that are only one page and easy to read (and your basic resume should be), the writing world is different. It’s one thing to have experience and accolades. But, if your writing doesn’t match up to what a client or company is looking for, you’re not going to get hired.
The purpose of a writing portfolio is to have all of your best pieces in one organized location. It should be in an attractive format that makes it easy and enjoyable for someone to read, so it shows off your skills and flexibility to show what your writing looks like.
If you want your portfolio to stand out, one of the cleanest ways to offer it to potential employers is to set it up online. Sites like Clippings.me and Pressfolios make it easy to upload any pieces you’ve written in an organized, easy-to-navigate way.
Even if you’re newer to the writing world and don’t have a lot of experience, you can still build up a portfolio by writing for things like:
- A school/church newsletter
- Writing contests
- Blogs and magazine submissions
Even if your work isn’t professionally published, you can still include it in your portfolio to give a potential client or employer an idea of your style.
The perfect resume and portfolio are equally important when it comes to landing a writing gig or full-time job. Keep these suggestions in mind as you work on your resume, and you’ll be more likely to dig into a long, successful writing career.
Amanda Winstead is a writer from the Portland area with a background in communications and a passion for dynamic content. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.
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