How to Write a Content Strategist Resume (with Example)

Updated 20 July 2023

If you're searching for a career as a content strategist, a well-written resume can help you secure a role. It highlights the skills, education and work experience that make you a desirable candidate. Learning how to write a well-structured, customised resume can improve your chances of succeeding with your application. In this article, we explain what a content strategist is, outline useful information to include in your resume and provide a template and example for guidance.

What is a content strategist?

Content strategists are important members of an organisation's creative team. Their role focuses on developing content for projects and clients and creating strategies for implementing it.

These creative professionals are responsible for:

selecting and using appropriate computer management software (CMS)
managing the content of a company's or client's website
creating online content
maintaining content guidelines.

Content strategists have strong writing and editing skills and knowledge of a variety of CMS, which they use to maintain a company's or client's online presence.

How to write a content strategist resume

If you're looking to apply for a role as a content strategist, a strong content strategist resume can improve your chances of progressing in the application process. Your resume is a professional document, typically a single page, that outlines who you are as a professional and why you're a suitable candidate for the role. Customising your resume to reflect the role you're applying for, allows you to highlight your most relevant skills and strengths. Follow the steps detailed below when you write your resume:

1. Search the job advertisement for keywords

Typically, a job advertisement uses keywords that reflect the specific skills, experience or qualifications the hiring manager is looking for in a candidate. These might include skills using a specific CMS or experience developing a marketing strategy with a proven record of increasing revenue. Read the advertisement and take note of these keywords so you can include them in your skills, work experience or professional summary sections.

2. Choose the correct format

There are a variety of formatting options you can choose for your resume. The option you select depends on your level of experience. Here are 3 formats you can choose from:

Functional: This formatting option is preferable for those with little or no experience as a content strategist, as it emphasises your skills over your work experience. You can use this style to focus on your soft skills, such as communication or teamwork.
Chronological: This type of resume is for those with experience as a content strategist, as it emphasises your work history. You can list your relevant previous roles with several key responsibilities that demonstrate your skills, such as working with clients to achieve completion of projects in a timely manner.
Hybrid: This is a combination of the functional and chronological formats. You can add your work experience and list any skills you believe might give you an advantage over another candidate, such as your ability to lead project teams.

3. Include your up-to-date contact details

Add your name in bold format or larger font size at the top of the document so the hiring manager immediately knows who you are. Then, add your phone number, email address and the city and state that you live in. Placing this information at the top of your resume allows the hiring manager to contact you easily.

4. Write a brief professional summary

Your professional summary is the first section a hiring manager reads on your resume. It's typically 1–3 sentences long and includes a brief mention of your skills, education and experience.

Use this section to reflect the keywords you noted from the job advertisement. For example, if the advertisement specifically requests a candidate with experience leading a team or proven success maintaining a brand's message, mention your abilities in these areas here. This section provides a summary of the detailed information on the rest of your resume.

5. List your work experience

Your work history section shows a hiring manager how and where you developed the skills that make you a desirable candidate. List your work history in reverse chronological order, with your current or most recent employment first. Include the title of the role you held, dates of employment, the name of the company you worked for and a list of responsibilities performed while working there.

This section is a chance for you to expand on the keywords you mentioned in your professional summary. For example, if you mentioned your work as a team leader, you can use the work history section to describe how you found solutions to conflicts, oversaw the creation of content or managed amicable relationships with clients.

6. Add your relevant skills

List the skills that highlight your candidacy for the position. These might include the ability to work with specific CMS or strong communication skills. List at least 5 skills on a single line and separate them with vertical slashes.

7. Add your education

Most content strategist roles require formal education and qualifications. Most companies require candidates to hold a bachelor degree in English, communications or journalism. In your education section, include the title of your degree, the institution you graduated from and the year you graduated if it was less than 5 years ago.

8. Proofread your resume

Your resume reflects your professionalism. A well-written resume demonstrates your attention to detail. Make sure to read your resume several times to spot any grammatical or spelling errors. There are also multiple free extensions you can download online that can help you spot mistakes. Consider asking friends and family to look over the document for youf.

Content strategist resume template

Here's a resume template you can use to help you write your own:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification, if applicable]

[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State]

Professional Summary

[Add 2–3 sentences to highlight your years of experience, relevant skills, education, certifications and professional achievements.]

Experience

[Job title] | [employment dates]
[Company name] | [City], [State]

(strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[job duty]
[job duty]
[job duty]
[job duty]

[Job title] | [employment dates]
[Company name] | [City], [State]

(strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[job duty]
[job duty]

Skills

Education

[Degree and major], [Name of school or university]

(Optional)

[Certification name], [Host organisation] - [year completed or expiration date]

Content strategist resume example

Here's an example resume you can follow as a guide when writing your own:

Victoria Laver | Bachelor of Journalism

08-9833-1122 |v.laver@email.com| Adelaide, SA