This article is part of the “Resume tips” series.
Let’s face it – writing a resume is HARD.
It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, figuring out how to catch the eye of a hiring manager is no easy task. In fact, that’s why companies like Resume Writing Services exist in the first place – to offer professional help to those who find the resume writing process a tad too difficult.
For those in marketing, it may seem unnatural to turn the focus inward to make yourself look good, instead of the product or service you’re used to selling. Luckily though, this means you already have the skills to create the perfect marketing resume.
To get you started, here are some tips to help you along the way:
- Identify Your Target Audience
Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out in your career, marketing professionals all know one thing: the importance of determining who your target audience is. It is the same when it comes to writing your resume!
Think of your resume as a place to sell your skills and to show that you have what the company is looking for. It may sound intimidating but try crafting your resume specifically for each job posting. Do research on the company to get a better idea of who it is you’re pitching to. This will help you customize your resume, even if you’re only changing a few things each time you submit one for a new job.
- Include Relevant Links
The space you have set aside for contact information is a great place to add a few external links and resources that can showcase your skillset. If you have a personal website, it is not a bad idea to have a link to it on your resume, especially if you have your whole portfolio available for viewing on your site.
Also consider adding your LinkedIn profile here as well. A study from ResumeGo recently revealed that including your LinkedIn in your resume gives you a 71% higher callback rate as long as it is a full, comprehensive profile. A well-written summary, professional headshot, and thorough descriptions for previous jobs go a long way. That being said, profiles with very little information provided contributed to a 9% decrease in companies reaching out. Not listing a profile at all resulted in only a slightly higher percentage than those bare-boned accounts, so with that in mind, be sure to not half-ass creating your profile.
Author pages on reputable sites and any relevant social media may be appropriate to include at the top of your resume here as well.
- Use Keywords
Chances are, if you’re creating a marketing resume you already know some of the major keywords necessary for landing a job, whether it’s your first time applying or you’re a seasoned pro. Including keywords in your resume that are mentioned in the job posting will show an attention to detail that many recruiters are looking for in a new hire. This also helps when it comes to any computer systems used to scan resumes before they even end up in the hands of a human. Nailing these keywords will help ensure that you pass the test and assist you in moving on to the next round.
- Edit. Edit.
It may seem obvious to check for spelling errors, but marketing is often such a writing-heavy job that you can be sure that recruiters are keeping an eye out as they are reading through resumes. Check for grammar, run-on sentences, and overall flow. Does your resume sound natural? While throwing keywords into the mix, make sure that they fit into the rest of the resume.
- Sell your brand.
As marketers, this is something you know how to do – only this time you get to focus on yourself. What is it you’re passionate about? Do you have a take-charge attitude? You should know what your strengths and weaknesses are, and being able to market yourself in a way that stand outs in a sea of resumes is key.
- Consider Formatting
If there is one thing that professional resume writers and hiring managers can agree on, it is that a simple layout is always better. Easy to read fonts are always recommended and, depending on the role you are pursuing, a pop of color can help you stand out in the marketing world as well. If you are interested in incorporating a different tone, be sure to keep the body of the resume black.
- Show Your Personality
You are a human! Maybe stay away from making a joke on your resume but listing some of your hobbies is a great way to stand out and make yourself a bit more memorable. Hiring managers want people on their team, not robots, and it helps if they like you as a person too.
- Add a Cover Letter
Resumes and cover letters go hand in hand, especially in the world of marketing. Keep it short, but make sure to show personality. Use this opportunity to talk about why you are excited about this particular role, along with related experiences to support that you are the best fit for the position. Cover letters also allow you the space to explain things that don’t necessarily fit into a resume, such as reasons for gaps in employment.
Conclusion
Marketing professionals may seem like they have the upper hand when it comes to writing a polished resume, but that doesn’t mean that it’s easy. You may know how to sell a product to your target audience but it’s much more difficult when it comes to selling yourself. Following these tips will help you shine above the rest and assist you in landing your next dream job!
