How to make your marketing CV stand out

Are you passionate about brand management, communication, content, or public digital marketing? If so, CVMaker can help you achieve your career goals. CV writing might seem simple; however, many marketing specialists still need help marketing themselves despite years of professional experience. Do you need expert advice on how to write a good CV? Then you’re at the right place. At CVMaker, we provide all the tools and resources you need to create your career documents, including CV and cover letter examples. CVMaker is a career platform which has progressed from a simple CV generator to a multinational company with all the tools and functionalities you need to land your dream job.

Are you familiar with ATS? Well, it is an applicant tracking system, a job application management tool. In addition, this software has the functionality of scanning CVs to sort by most suitable applicants. The type of information recruiters or ATS systems refers to years of experience, skills, and qualifications. That’s why CVMaker experts ensure ATS-friendly career documents that will make you stand out from the crowd and help you land more interviews!

CVMakes provides cutting-edge tools and resources to create a well-designed and industry-standard CV. Additionally, our CV Builder has a built-in job finder allowing you to manage and send job applications all in one place. See our basic guide with examples and tips on how to land more job interviews! 

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The CV writing process: Where to start?

Suppose you're changing industries or are unfamiliar with the technicalities of CV creation, specifically for someone just starting their marketing career or even an experienced C-level marketing executive. The key to writing a good CV is to target your career goals by understanding the job or chosen industry path, including qualifications and skills. Leverage your marketing knowledge and research skills to ensure you understand the requirements and strategically incorporate this into your professional career documents or LinkedIn profile. Did you know that recruiters scan your CV in less than 9 seconds? Knowing this, think of a way to compose and structure your CV to catch their attention with a well-written, keyword-strong CV.

Master CV for a marketing professional

A master CV serves as a basis for gathering and writing down all your experiences, qualifications, activities, and accomplishments in one document. It works as a reference tool with which you can copy and paste all the relevant specific information when tailoring your CV. 

Having all your experiences in one place is of utmost importance, saving you time and energy. You won't need to write everything from scratch all the time for each job application. Instead, you can always copy the most necessary information from your master CV and edit a few phrases for your job-specific CV. 

Job-specific CV for a marketing professional 

Your job-specific CV needs to be a maximum of two pages long while keeping in mind that a one-page CV is used for someone with little to no experience. Start your writing process by researching the company culture and vision. Review and gather the key information from the job post and incorporate the requirements and skills throughout your CV, if relevant. 

Marketing CV example

Download this CV example - Marketing CV.

This marketing CV example is a digital marketing professional with over ten years of experience. She is a leader with a dedicated and innovative mindset who knows how to drive sales growth and effectively communicate with diverse customers and stakeholders. Holder of master's degree in marketing with training in content marketing, digital marketing, and SEO. If you’re looking for marketing graduate CV examples, we have a closely related article with a graduate CV example.

What to include in a student CV? Tips and examples

Writing a marketing CV that stands out can take time and effort due to the competitive nature of the field. Therefore, planning your time wisely and selecting a specific job you would be interested in before you start writing is crucial. By making your CV job-specific, you will be able to showcase that you took the time and effort to carefully research the role, making you rank higher than the average candidate who submits a generic CV. 

To be the perfect candidate, your CV, alongside the cover letter, needs to do the following:

• List your most relevant background, both educational and professional.

• List your key soft and hard skills.

• Demonstrate that you fit the company and specific job.

This section covers all the information you need to create your job-specific CV. It includes but is not limited to your personal profile, skills, occupation, diplomas, areas of expertise, and so on. The purpose is to briefly present your 'life course' as concisely and clearly as possible. Your CV summarises your experience, qualities, achievements, and career ambitions.

For more details, see how to improve your CV.

How to write a personal profile on a marketing CV 

First, write down the foundation of your summary in a master CV and then modify it for every similar position you come across in your job search. Take the time to write a clear, concise, and relevant summary.  

Marketing profile summary examples

For more information, see how to write a CV personal profile.

Work experience on a marketing CV: How to include it with tips and examples 

Work experience, similar to skills, is another core element of what makes a good CV. Regardless of whether you are an expert with years of experience or just starting your career, We expand on approaching this section on our blog on how to include work experience. You may also write a skills-based CV if you need more experience.

If you already have an entry job or internship, list all your relevant experiences in reverse chronological order. Back up your duties and achievements with quantifiable data and be as concise as possible. You can leave some of what you did during your occupation. Instead, pick a few which would match your desired position the most. The goal is to convince a recruiter that you're the right fit for the role, so it doesn't matter what side responsibilities or projects you have. Instead, consider adjusting these parts according to the job description, ensuring you use the proper terminology and action verbs. 

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How to list education on a marketing CV 

The education section is vital in marketing because it helps employers better understand your qualifications and competencies for a specific job. You can briefly mention your high school, higher education, professional courses, and apprenticeships. Your education is a good addition but only sometimes a requirement for hiring you as an employee. Since marketing is a competitive career, writing down professional development courses or academic accomplishments can make you stand out. Besides, those extra courses and certifications show drive and commitment to long-term success.

Examples of education on a CV

• University degree:  Include the duration of your degree with dates of completion or in progress, the name of the institution, and your official degree title. Additionally, honours or GPA (only if it is 3.0 or higher) can also be mentioned if it is 2:1 or a first. 

• GCSEs or A levels (or equivalent): If you don't have a higher education, consider adding your high school or other international diplomas to your CV. Only include relevant courses that you have passed. For instance, if you are an experienced marketer with a completed MA or MSc, then you can leave this section out.

• Certificates:  Some people without training or relevant experience tend to receive training on the job. You may be provided resources to complete a certificate during this time. With this certificate, you will obtain the knowledge and skills needed for support worker positions in social and health care. Though this is a form of education, we recommend putting this in a 'Certifications” or ‘Professional Training’ section rather than combined with your education. 

How to include skills in a marketing CV 

Skills are a core part of your CV, they best describe your natural capabilities and personal qualities. In contrast to ideas, theories, or thoughts, they prove that you have an ability or mastery over something. Two main types of skills are personal (soft) and professional (hard) skills. 

Examples of hard skills 

Hard skills refer to concrete and commonly technical skills. Unlike soft skills, hard skills are abilities that are more often developed through training, courses, and practical experience. A diploma, certificate, or test results are the typical indicators of your possession of a hard skill. For certain hard skills such as programming, software expertise, and design programs, you may also consider creating an additional technical proficiencies section. In this section, you can elaborate more on your knowledge of specific software or applications.

• CMS tools

• Copywriting

• Design or web design

• Email automation

• Video production

• Social Media marketing

• Business organisation

Examples of soft skills

Soft skills apply to all professions due to their abilities and social nature. It is a combination of character traits, interpersonal skills, and professional attributes that are developed and sharpened in your daily life. Think of how you work and interact with others or deal with conflict. While some people may be born with these skills, others learn them through their life journeys. 

• Interpersonal skills

• Written and verbal communication

• Problem-solving

• Creative

• Organised 

• Leadership

• Analytical

• Agile

• Pragmatic

• Detail-oriented

To learn more, read the article on what skills to put on a CV.

Key takeaways

Now that you have some tips on writing a marketing CV, don't be afraid to make mistakes and always tailor your CV if you want to land more job interviews.

Additional tips on how to write the perfect marketing CV:

• Use clear, professional, and brief language.

• Be clear and concise.  

• Use keywords based on the job description and the company's page.

• Use a master CV as a source document for all your future CVs.

• Propose your value by showing off your unique skills and qualities.

• Back up your duties and responsibilities with quantitative data.

• Separate your experience into job duties and achievements.

• List your academic and work experience in chronological order.

Next steps?

Now that you have mastered your writing skills, you’re finally ready to start your application process and choose a position that best suits you. After reading this article, you will be better equipped with the knowledge to make an outstanding, well-created and sound CV.

Marketing CV example

Download this CV example - Marketing CV.

This marketing CV example is a digital marketing professional with over ten years of experience. She is a leader with a dedicated and innovative mindset who knows how to drive sales growth and effectively communicate with diverse customers and stakeholders. Holder of master's degree in marketing with training in content marketing, digital marketing, and SEO. If you’re looking for marketing graduate CV examples, we have a closely related article with a graduate CV example.

FAQ

How to write a marketing CV? 

Create a master CV, research the company culture, and wisely plan your CV content and structure. Once you have done this, move on to writing a job-specific CV for each company you apply for. Proofread and edit your CV along the way and at the end before submitting your application. Use action verbs and be clear, avoiding any ambiguities in your text. Don’t forget to include the keywords and list specific job requirements confirmations based on the company’s website and job description.

How to write a good marketing CV?

To craft a good marketing CV, research company culture and values, and know what skills you need to put down based on a job description. Consider adding professional courses and technical (hard) skills to further boost your chances of landing a job. Use a master CV as a cheat sheet for all your future job-specific applications. 

How to write a marketing CV with little to no work experience?

If you have little marketing work experience or no experience, consider adding or applying for placements and apprenticeships. For instance, you can do a placement between different terms during college. Note that apprenticeships or placements do not have to take place during your studies. Instead, you can do them during the winter or spring break before your next term begins. Adding them could show your employer that you're ambitious, dedicated, and hardworking. Demonstrate that you're not afraid of a challenge or gaining extra work experience alongside your studies or in your free time. Remember that all your previous job positions you want to add need to match the needs of the company you're applying for. If it is irrelevant or somewhat relevant, don't include it in your CV.

What is the salary for a marketing job in the UK?

Here is the list of common marketing jobs with the corresponding average salaries according to the UK talent page: 

1. Marketing Specialist (£32,500 per year): creating promotional campaigns and conducting market research to support business growth. 

2. Social Media Manager (£35,000 per year): building a company’s brand awareness via social media and digital marketing campaigns. 

3. SEO Specialist (£32,500 per year): a search engine optimisation expert ensures the company’s website is visible, ranking high in search engines to generate steady traffic

4. Content Specialist (£32,967): writing blog posts, sales and email copies, and newsletters for their company’s website to boost search engine visibility. 

5. Product Manager (£50,284 per year): uses buyer’s knowledge to develop products that satisfy consumer’s needs while increasing the company’s profitability. 

6. Marketing Analyst (£35,000 per year): using data collection and data analysis to create better digital marketing plans that will increase the company's bottom line.

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