Let's face it: The bar is set higher for copywriters when it comes to writing a resume, cover letter and other application materials. After all, it's your job to write compelling copy with proper grammar and impeccable attention to detail. So why wouldn't a hiring manager expect the same when the product you're selling is yourself?
Here are six tips to help copywriters rise to the challenge.
Conventional wisdom says not to stray from the standard guidelines when it comes to your resume, cover letter or portfolio, but copywriters can deviate a bit. Seize the opportunity to let your writing skills shine in your resume's professional summary and in your copywriter cover letter. Tailor your writing to the job you're applying for to demonstrate your ability to target your audience and sell your personal brand through the written word. If you want to be really extra, include a short portfolio link or an embedded QR code that leads directly to a tailored project sample relevant to the application.
Although every resume, cover letter and portfolio should be free of typos and grammatical errors, copywriters are held to a higher standard. Make sure to write tight copy, use active verbs and vary your word choice. Read and re-read your application materials — including the file names — every time you make a change. Utilize proofreading programs like Grammarly to help catch errors. Then, have someone else read them. Then, read them one more time.
Don’t let your resume get filtered out before an employer even reads it – read our 5 tips for writing an ATS-friendly resume.
Showing off your strong copywriting skills is just one part of the equation for proving you're the best candidate for the job. Demonstrate that your work garners results by including measurable outcomes from your projects. Whenever possible, cite specific metrics to highlight the impact of your work, such as increased page views, higher response rates for direct mail, improved open and click-through rates for e-newsletters or boosted sales numbers for product descriptions you wrote. For example, you might say, “Increased landing page conversions by 35% through persuasive copy” or “Boosted email open rates by 20% A/B testing engaging subject lines.”
If you don’t already track metrics, consider sourcing this information from tools like Google Analytics, email campaign platforms such as Mailchimp, or client testimonials that mention the effectiveness of your work. Quantifiable results validate your skills and give hiring managers a clearer picture of the value you bring to the table.
Copywriters spend a lot of time collaborating with clients and other team members, so soft skills are important. You'll want to prove you're an active listener, a team player and a good verbal communicator in your resume and cover letter. Explain how you've used your interpersonal skills to understand client and company goals and how you've implemented feedback to improve your work.
For instance, your job descriptions could say something like, “Led brainstorming sessions across teams to bring fresh ideas to life and keep projects on track,” or “Worked closely with clients and team members to fine-tune messaging that nailed the campaign’s goals.” Show that you’re not just skilled at writing but also a great collaborator who’s organized, adaptable, and knows how to keep things running smoothly—even when challenges pop up.
If you submit work samples along with your resume, cover letter and job application, be sure to tailor them to the role you're vying for. Choose samples that:
Correlate with the company's industries or those of its clients
Represent the type of work required in the role
Reflect the same tone or point of view as the company's communications
For each sample, include a brief caption or description that outlines the project’s objective, the target audience, and the results your work achieved to give hiring managers context and demonstrate the impact of your skills.
The demand for SEO-optimized copy and user experience (UX) writing continues to grow. Highlight projects where your copy improved site usability, increased engagement or boosted search rankings. For example, you might include a statement like, “Developed SEO-driven product descriptions that increased organic traffic by 25%” or “Crafted UX copy for a mobile app, streamlining the user onboarding process and improving retention rates.” These examples demonstrate not only your writing skills but also your ability to create content that drives results and enhances the user journey.
Additionally, showcase your familiarity with AI tools and how you’ve used them to enhance your writing process or deliver better results. For instance, you could mention using AI-driven platforms for keyword research and predictive analytics. Highlighting your adaptability to emerging technologies shows hiring managers that you’re forward-thinking and prepared to meet evolving industry needs.
Crafting a killer resume, cover letter and portfolio package may take significant time, but it can pay off not only in scoring an interview but also in navigating the interview process and, ultimately, landing the job.
