As an aspiring writer, a well-crafted resume can open doors to new opportunities and take your career to the next level. However, creating a resume that showcases your writing skills and creativity can be challenging. Here, we provide step-by-step guidance, tips, and best practices to help you create a compelling creative writing resume that stands out from the competition.
Key Takeaways
- A creative writing resume should showcase relevant experience, writing samples, education and credentials, recognition or awards, and other achievements.
- Writing samples should highlight your writing style, genre, and voice, and should be tailored to the job you’re applying for.
- Including a writing portfolio can provide additional evidence of your writing ability.
- Highlighting specialized skills like storytelling or content creation can help set you apart from other applicants.
Crafting a Creative Writing Resume
When crafting your creative writing resume, keep in mind that the primary goal is to demonstrate your writing skills and creativity. To achieve this, consider the following elements:
Relevant Experience
Include any relevant writing experience you have, such as writing for a school publication, contributing to a blog, or freelance writing. If you don’t have much writing experience, consider taking on volunteer writing projects or attending writing workshops to build up your portfolio.
Writing Samples
Writing samples are a crucial part of your creative writing resume, as they provide tangible evidence of your writing ability. Choose writing samples that showcase your writing style, genre, and voice, and tailor them to the job you are applying for. If possible, include published work or work that has been selected for a writing competition.
Education and Credentials
Include any relevant education or writing-related credentials you have, such as a degree in English or creative writing, a writing certificate, or membership in a writing organization.
Recognition or Awards
Highlight any recognition or awards you have received for your writing, such as being published in a literary magazine or winning a writing competition.
Other Achievements
Include any other achievements that demonstrate your writing ability or creativity, such as creating an online writing course, starting a writing group or blog, or organizing a writing event.
Writing Portfolio
If you have a writing portfolio, include it in your resume. A writing portfolio provides additional evidence of your writing ability and showcases the breadth of your work. Be sure to organize your portfolio with clear titles and descriptions, and include a variety of writing samples that demonstrate your range as a writer.
Specialized Skills
Highlight any specialized writing skills you have, such as storytelling, content creation, or technical writing. These skills can help set you apart from other applicants and demonstrate your versatility as a writer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in my writing samples?
Choose writing samples that showcase your writing style, genre, and voice, and tailor them to the job you are applying for. If possible, include published work or work that has been selected for a writing competition.
Should I include every writing job I’ve ever had on my creative writing resume?
Include only relevant writing experience, and focus on the writing jobs that showcase your writing ability and creativity. If you have limited writing experience, consider taking on volunteer writing projects or attending writing workshops to build up your portfolio.
Should I include a cover letter with my creative writing resume?
Yes, include a cover letter that highlights your writing skills and qualifications, and tailor it to the job you are applying for. Your cover letter can also provide additional context for your writing samples and showcase your writing ability.
Conclusion
Crafting a standout creative writing resume can be challenging, but with these tips and best practices, you can showcase your writing skills and creativity to prospective employers. Remember to tailor your writing samples and portfolio to the job you are applying for, highlight specialized skills, and include any relevant writing experience or recognition. Good luck on your writing journey!