15 Essential Tips on How to Write the Perfect Digital Marketing CV

Without question, digital marketing is currently one of the most in-demand career fields on the planet.

If you have skills and credentials, you can definitely earn a significant living and climb the ladder. However, the only way to climb this ladder is to get in the door with an interview.

Having a well-written, thoughtful digital marketing CV is all you need to apply to jobs and start getting interviews.

But what should go into this CV?

digital marketing CV

Let these tips guide you as you start putting together a CV that works.


1. Pick the Perfect Layout


As such, start by having a layout that makes people want to read it. You can do this by downloading an array of templates and figuring out what will work best for your needs.

You can also build your CV from scratch and use a design that you think fits your personality and industry.

The thing about CVs is that there is no one-size-fits-all way to create it. The only thing that matters is that it works and makes an impression on the reader.

Play around with a few layouts so that you are able to figure out which will get you the attention you need.


2. Lead With Your Intention and Make it Personal

You will be more likely to find the best digital marketing jobs when you are clear in your intentions.

Stating your "why" clearly, concisely and passionately in the very beginning sets the tone for how the reader perceives the rest of the CV. The key to this is to take an honest assessment into what you want out of your career and why you are applying for a particular position.

Put those thoughts into your opening statement, and make sure to grab the reader's attention from the very beginning.

As such, you may also need to alter your mission statement from time to time based on what position you are applying for, or what site you are posting your CV on.

While you are applying for this position in a professional capacity, keep in mind that every business is a "people" business.

Express why this job is part of your personal mission, what it will mean to you and what you intend to bring to it. That way, you'll strike a chord with the reader and will immediately help them imagine you in the role.


3. Acquire Some Dynamite References

When you want to have a long career in digital marketing, references are worth their weight in gold.

The old adage of "it's not what you know, but who you know", is only partially true.

Knowing people is not enough -- you need to know people that are willing to put their reputation on the line to speak highly about you. This will be a big part of your journey in any mission, as it takes personal relationships to get ahead.

Make sure that the references you include are people that you do have an authentic relationship with, as they will be more likely to g above and beyond to give you a reference that can get you hired.

Likewise, only include references from people that you know will have positive things to say. Too many people make the mistake of filling out the references section without thinking about it, or by treating it as a formality.

Simply put, you should always assume that every company checks references before making a hire. When you operate with this mindstate, you will take your time and do what is best for your CV when citing references.


4. Sell Yourself With Lively Language

The very act of marketing revolves around selling yourself through persuasion.

Don't wait until you get the job to prove that you have these skills. Instead, your CV should be filled with lively, intentional language that expresses yourself and creates an impression on the reader.

By the time someone finishes reading your CV, they shouldn't feel like you are capable to do the job -- they should feel like you are the best person for the job.

Make use of some glowing adjectives and put thought into word choices and how you craft each and every sentence.


5. Get the Help of a Writer and Editor

One of the best things you can do is get a little bit of help from writers and editors.

These professionals will choose expressions that really create a connection with the reader, and will also make sure that the work sounds professional.

Hiring an editor will help you make sure that your work is error-free.

You can easily hire a copyeditor for between about £25 per hour and £40 per hour. Since a resume or CV is a light read, this shouldn't be too much of a financial hit but is worth every dime.


6. Have a Portfolio to Link to Your Body of Work

If you are putting your CV out on the internet, there's a good chance that you can include links that people can click for themselves. Rather than wasting this opportunity, take this time to link to a body of work that shows people your prowess in the industry. 

Having a blog that shows off your digital marketing prowess is one of the best tools to have in your kit. If photos and video are your expertise, link your portfolio or YouTube channel to give people a clear glimpse of what you can do.

While the CV talks about your work, linking to your work actually shows hirers what you can do, and can make hiring you a no-brainer.


7. Describe Your Responsibilities With Clarity

Never assume that people understand what you did in your previous role simply because you listed it.

For instance, rather than just listing that you were a digital marketing manager, lay out your responsibilities and what they meant in relation to the company that you worked for. 

This will put the reader in your shoes and let them know what your day to day work was like.

In a field like digital marketing, this is particularly important, because skills overlap and the field is so vast. Missing an opportunity to explain your contributions is a missed opportunity to sell yourself, so always break down each role with clarity and precision whenever it is mentioned. 


8. Use Numbers and Stats Whenever Possible

Explaining your role is one thing, but don't forget to include the "brag" as well.

If you were responsible for creating a certain amount of profits for a company, don't hesitate to list that. Likewise, if you were in charge of a large group of people, list the exact number.

Using stats and metrics adds maths and science to the art that is your CV, and allows you to speak with clarity. It's not only more impressive -- it's also a more totalistic, realistic account of the work that you did in your prior roles.

It also lets the company know that you are equipped to handle the challenges that they have in store for you since the numbers don't lie.


9. Avoid Clutter as Much as Possible

Even if your CV is filled with great information, people won't read it if it is cluttered.

You have to remember that hirers sometimes read hundreds of resumes and CVs every day. Anything that makes yours difficult to read or comprehend will likely be used to eliminate you.

Tighten up your sentences, get rid of fluff, and make sure that you are breaking your sections down into easy to read chunks. This way, you will better get your point across and won't bog down the reader with too much information.


10. Include an Effective Cover Letter

You will also need to set the tone for your CV with a cover letter that grabs people's attention.

The cover letter is separate from the CV, and serves as an opening remark for the hiring manager you are reaching out to. Rather than just including a few sentences and attaching your CV, really put some thought into what kind of impression you want to leave.

The easiest way to do this is by thoroughly reading through the listing and really getting a sense of what they are looking for. When you know that you check every box, and that all of your past experiences led you up to this moment, express this in detail in your cover letter.

With that said, your cover letter should be brief and actionable. If you can win them over with the cover letter, your CV will more than likely end up at the top of the pile.


11. Make Sure You are Expressing Your Ability to Use the Tools of the Trade

Since the field of digital marketing is rapidly changing, you always need to show that you are up to date with the current tools of the trade.

For instance, you should be adept at things like search engine optimisation (SEO), Google Analytics, Hootsuite, video editing software and more. Put these in the skills section, and make sure to include all skills that are relevant to the job that you are applying for.


12. Bullet Points Are Your Friend

Your CV will always be more difficult to read when you have long sentences and paragraphs. The best thing you can do is break this up with bullet points.

Since you only get a limited amount of space, be sure that every bullet point counts. Read through your CV with a fine-toothed comb to ensure that you aren't being repetitive and that every point offers some sort of value.

This will break your CV up and make it a lot easier to read, which also helps people to figure out who you are and what you offer much quicker.


13. Let Your Personality Shine Through

Simply put, you need to always be able to sell yourself with your CV.

While a CV is a professional tool, you need to make sure that your personality is shining through with every sentence and word choice. Don't be afraid to express yourself and show different sides to your personality.

Not only should people be excited about what you can bring to the position, but they will also need to get excited about the energy you will bring to the company's culture.

You'll be spending long hours together, so make sure they know you are a positive and exciting person to be around.


14. Get Creative With Your Sections—But Keep Them Relevant

Don't get tied to the same approach that everyone uses. Your CV can be crafted however you'd like, so play around with different section options whenever possible.

For instance, you might want to create an entire section related to volunteer work and charitable organisations. This shows your compassionate side, which is an asset to any company.


15. Brief is Always Best

Finally, it should never take you several words to express a single point on your CV.

Brief is always best, so cut out fluff and superfluous information. Be discerning when editing your CV and get rid of any content that doesn't absolutely have to be included.


Create an Amazing Digital Marketing CV

When you're trying to land a great digital marketing job, these are the tips that you will need when putting together your CV.

However, having an amazing digital marketing CV is just the beginning -- you need to post it around the web and start getting some bites. This way, you can apply for jobs and build a successful career in marketing.

Use these tips and take some time to browse our listings for digital marketing jobs.