Copywriter resume examples & templates

As a copywriter, you know just how powerful words can be. Whether you’re writing to inform, entertain or sell, you make the most of every line to express your message to the fullest. The same should be true of your copywriter resume.

Luckily, you’re not alone in this endeavor. Whether you’re writing your first copywriter resume or your 100th update, Resume.io has tips, tools and 350+ resume examples to give you the edge you need.

This guide, along with our copywriter resume example, will show you how to:

• Choose the right format for a copywriter resume sample depending on your experience
• Format each of the essential resume sections
• Create a summary that sells yourself instantly
• Design a layout that exudes professionalism and expertise

What does a copywriter do?

A copywriter creates text for various online and printed media, advertisements, businesses and more. Copywriters are often employed by companies to help sell products or services by creating articles, blogs, social media posts, graphics and other materials, often for websites.

Copywriters are closely related to many other writing professions including journalists and authors. Many copywriters work as freelancers and are hired for short-term projects.

How to write a copywriter resume

A great structure will help you create a copywriter resume that keeps the hiring manager engaged from start to finish. Your resume sample should contain the following sections:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

Since copywriters are tasked with writing copy that matches the needs and tone of the client, it’s important that your resume contains the same attention to detail and customization. Aim to show why you’re the right fit for the particular business or agency whether it be through related experience, your own personal passions or specialized knowledge.

Choosing the best resume format for copywriters

Unlike other professions, copywriters have options when it comes to choosing the best resume format for their needs. 

Standard resume writing advice usually recommends the reverse chronological resume format which starts with your most recent position and works backwards until you’ve placed all relevant experience into your employment history section. This is generally the best format for copywriters who have plenty of traditional employment to show or who are looking to land a fulltime job.

If you’re just starting out in your career or are a freelance writer you may consider a functional resume format. This structure features a “Skills” or “Experience” section at the top of your resume and lists your attributes without having to attribute them to a specific employer or date.

Resume summary example

The resume summary is your opening pitch: these 3-5 sentences give you a chance to round up your experience, skills and expertise as well as speak directly to the hiring manager using your own tone of voice. 

You should aim to highlight your biggest achievements and most relevant abilities in the summary without giving too many details. The summary should leave the client or hiring manager interested and ready to read further to find out more. 

Check out the summary from our copywriter resume example below.

Employment history sample

The employment history section will usually account for the bulk of your resume, especially when using the reverse chronological format. Here, you’ll want to list each position you’ve held, along with the employer name, location and dates worked. Underneath, create 4-5 bullet points that describe your main duties and achievements, taking care to tailor these tasks to the role you’re applying to. Use action verbs, concrete numbers and facts wherever possible to illustrate your effectiveness.

Here’s the employment history section from our resume example.

Resume skills example

Your skills are particularly important as a copywriter which gives this CV section particular importance. If you’ve already listed your abilities elsewhere on your CV, it can be difficult to create a fresh skills section. Because this section is often bullet-pointed, you’ll want to choose skills that can be summarized in a word or two. Reread the job description to find the characteristics most sought after by the employer. This is also a great place to include related technical skills that the client may see as a bonus (like graphic design or content management systems.)

Use the skills section from our copywriter resume example as a model for your own.

Copywriter resume education example

While you may not be required to have formal education as a copywriter, a degree in journalism, marketing, communications or English can go a long way in helping you prove your expertise. In the education section, list the degree name, school, location and dates attended. You can also mention your GPA if it was a 3.0 or above. If you are still a student, make sure to include your expected graduation date. 

Resume layout and design

As a copywriter, we don’t have to tell you just how much of a difference well-crafted writing can make. The same is true for your layout and design. By creating a strong visual presentation that conveys professionalism, you can be sure a hiring manager or client will be impressed from the second they lay eyes on the page.

Copywriter text-only resume example

Key takeaways for a copywriter resume

1. Think of your copywriter resume as the first sample of your work – it should convey your tone and must be error-free.
2. Copywriters can choose between multiple resume formats and may even need to create different versions based on the application requirements
3. Your summary is a key resume component which allows you to speak directly to the employer
4. A resume template can help you create a great design in just a few clicks.