Ensure your CV format is structured to best highlight your unique experience and life situation.
Writer's CV Template (Text Format)
SUMMARY
Creative Writer with 6 years of experience in developing compelling narratives across various mediums, including short stories, poetry, and digital content. Proven expertise in storytelling, editing, and ideation, with a track record of enhancing audience engagement and contributing to best-selling publications. Adept at collaborating with teams and managing multiple projects while maintaining high editorial standards.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Creative Writer | Freelance | Aberdeen | March 20XX – Present
- Develop original short stories, poetry, and scripts for various clients and publications, enhancing narrative structure and emotional impact
- Collaborate with other writers and editors on creative projects, improving content through editing and proofreading
- Conceptualise and execute creative ideation sessions, generating unique ideas for upcoming publications and multimedia projects
- Write engaging content for blogs, websites, and social media, increasing audience engagement by 25% on average
- Conduct in-depth research to ensure accuracy and enrich story development, from historical fiction to contemporary narratives
Content Writer | Granite City Media | Aberdeen | January 20XX – February 20XX
- Produced high-quality content, including articles, blogs, and creative pieces, for clients across various industries
- Edited and proofread all content to ensure clarity, style consistency, and grammatical accuracy, reducing revisions by 16%
- Worked closely with the creative team to brainstorm and develop compelling stories and campaigns, enhancing brand narratives
- Managed multiple writing projects with tight deadlines, demonstrating strong time management and organisational skills
- Utilised SEO writing techniques to optimise web content, contributing to a 15% increase in organic search traffic
Junior Writer | Northern Lights Publishing | Aberdeen | June 20XX – December 20XX
- Assisted senior writers in drafting and refining content for fiction and non-fiction publications
- Supported the editorial team in proofreading manuscripts and ensuring content met high editorial standards
- Conducted research to support the development of accurate and engaging content, contributing to several best-selling titles
- Participated in creative workshops, enhancing skills in storytelling and content creation
- Collaborated with authors and editors to bring creative visions to life, contributing to the successful launch of 5 major projects
EDUCATION
BA (Hons) English Literature | University of Edinburgh | September 20XX – July 20XX
- Graduated with First Class Honours
- Relevant modules: Modern Fiction, Poetry Analysis, and Playwriting
- Active member of the university’s literary society, contributing to and editing the student literary journal
Diploma in Proofreading and Copy-Editing | Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading | Completed: May 20XX
- Trained in proofreading techniques, grammar, punctuation, and style consistency
- Applied knowledge in editing manuscripts, articles, and digital content for clarity and accuracy
Scottish Highers | Aberdeen Grammar School | Completed: July 20XX
- Higher English (A), History (B), Modern Studies (B)
- Active member of the school’s creative writing club, participating in competitions and publishing short stories
KEY SKILLS
- Storytelling
- Editing and proofreading
- Creative ideation
- Content development
- Research and fact-checking
- Time management
- SEO writing
How to create a writer's CV
Before you begin writing, make sure you know how to write a CV in a way that best emphasises your strengths.
Ready to begin working on your writer’s CV? Here’s how to create one in four steps:
1. Showcase your writing skills in your personal statement
Your CV personal statement should reflect your creativity and writing expertise, providing a glimpse into your style and capabilities.
Mention your experience in specific writing fields (e.g., journalism, content creation, and fiction) and any notable achievements, such as published works or awards.
Conclude with a motivation statement that aligns your goals with the role to help the employer see that you’re not just qualified but also passionate about the opportunity.
Example personal statement for a writer’s CV
Creative content writer with 5 years of experience in copywriting and editorial work for online publications. My work has been featured in The Guardian and several high-traffic blogs, consistently driving reader engagement. Passionate about crafting compelling narratives and eager to bring my skills to The Daily Scotsman to enhance their content strategy.
2. Highlight your career successes in your work experience entries
Your work experience section should showcase your versatility and writing impact.
Detail your role, the types of writing you’ve done (e.g., technical, creative, and blog posts), and any measurable results, such as increased web traffic or improved engagement rates.
Tailor your experience to the job, focusing on relevant projects, to ensure that the most relevant writing-related information stands out to the employer.
Example content writer work experience entry
Freelance Writer
Eastleigh | January 20XX – Present
- Wrote SEO-optimised articles and blog posts, increasing web traffic by 30% for key clients
- Developed editorial content for corporate websites, improving reader engagement by 25%
- Collaborated with marketing teams to create email campaigns, achieving an average open rate of 45%
3. Demonstrate high-value writing skills
The skills on your CV should highlight your technical writing abilities and creativity.
List tools and platforms (e.g., WordPress, Google Analytics), writing techniques (e.g., SEO, content strategy), and any industry-relevant skills (e.g., proofreading, copy-editing).
Organise your skills with the most relevant to the job first so the hiring manager can quickly see if you’re right for the role.
Best skills for writers
- SEO writing
- Copy-editing and proofreading
- Content management systems (CMS) like WordPress
- Research skills
- Social media content creation
- Storytelling and creative writing
- AP and Chicago style guidelines
4. Detail your writing-relevant education & qualifications
In your education section, list your most advanced qualification first, followed by any relevant writing or language certifications.
A degree in English, Journalism, or Creative Writing will make you stand out to employers. If you’ve taken any short courses or modules in content marketing or creative writing — or gained certifications in specific writing software — be sure to highlight them prominently. These qualifications tell the employer that you have the right technical skills for the job,
Example of writer’s CV education section
MA in Creative Writing
University of Manchester, Graduated: 20XXBA (Hons) English Literature
University of Bristol, Graduated: 20XXCertificate in Content Marketing
Google Digital Garage, Completed: 20XX
By following these tips, you’ll create a well-rounded CV that showcases both your technical expertise and creative flair, tailored to the specific writing role you’re aiming for.
Writer job outlook in 2024 — things to know
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), writers in the UK earn an average annual salary of £32,410.
You can find information about the gender pay gap for writers on the ONS’ website.