10 tips for creating a compelling digital marketing CV

Creating a concise and targeted digital marketing CV is the crucial first step to securing your next role – but how do you make sure you’ve got all the essential information covered to make the biggest impact?

As digital marketing recruitment experts, we have plenty of insight into what makes a great CV for these types of roles. So to help you take that first step, follow our guidance below and you’ll soon have a CV ready to impress.

How to write a digital marketing CV

Recruiters can sift through hundreds of CVs for every available digital marketing role on their books, so you need to stand out from the crowd immediately.

Here are our 10 top tips for putting together a CV that will help convince them you’re worth inviting for interview…

Length and layout – if you’re fairly new to digital marketing, keep your CV to one page. If you have a lot of relevant experience due to a more established career, you can go to two pages, maximum. In regards to layout, a quick Google search will bring up lots of ideas, but make sure it’s laid out in clear sections that are easy to skim through. If you have any design skills, harness them – or bring in a designer friend to help. In this industry, you can afford to be a little braver and bolder.
Research roles – whatever digital marketing roles you have in mind, do a little research before you start writing. By looking at current job ads, you’ll soon get a good idea of the exact skills recruiters and employers are looking for, enabling you to weave the most relevant experience into your CV in the right way.
Account for algorithms – as a digital marketer, algorithms and keywords shouldn’t be a new concept to you, so use your knowledge to help you start your job search off on the right foot. Many recruiters use special software (Applicant Tracking Systems) to conduct their initial applicant sift – or to search existing databases for potential applicants to approach – so include specific keywords/phrases you found in your research to help tailor your CV according to the key skills and job titles you’re a good fit for. Once you’ve got your base CV written, you can adjust your keywords for each individual role you’re applying for.
Personal statement – promoting someone else’s business is usually much easier than marketing yourself, but this is your space to really sell yourself as an overall package. Treat it like a work project, with yourself as the commodity you’re selling. What is the audience looking for? How can you quickly substantiate your ability to meet their objectives? Keep this section to 100 words or less, say who you are (e.g. digital marketing strategist), how many years of experience you have, what roles you’re looking for and why you’re best placed for them. Add an impressive statistic from a successful project, and include a few of your most notable and relevant personality traits e.g. creative, driven, focused, flexible, fast-learner, collaborative etc.
Qualifications – if you’re already a fair way up the digital marketing career ladder, don’t worry too much about GCSEs/A Levels. Focus on higher-level marketing-centric qualifications (BTECs/Degrees/Masters etc.) and include any additional relevant training you’ve undertaken.
Digital marketing skills – this is one of the most important elements, so make sure you cover everything. Think about any technical skills you have, such as using software like Hootsuite, Mailchimp, Content Management Systems and CRM systems, plus marketing skills such as audience identification and targeting, e-commerce, campaign creation, SEO or whatever else you can confidently say you have a good level of knowledge in… if you can’t back it up, leave it out.
Achievements – because many digital marketing roles involve measurable results, this can be a great way of highlighting just how good you are. Gather key stats on any campaigns or projects you’ve worked on to evidence how your knowledge and input has brought tangible rewards to previous roles. You can include links to a portfolio or collateral if relevant too.
Previous roles – if you already have some digital marketing roles under your belt you need to list these, including details of the employer, your role, dates of employment and a bullet list of your main responsibilities/results during your time there.
Additional skills – if you can speak any other languages, have a driving licence or any other skills that may help in the roles you’re applying for, add them at the end.
Get a second opinion – once you’ve got your first draft together, get someone you trust to look over it in case they spot any mistakes you’ve overlooked, or can suggest something you may have missed. You can also speak to a digital recruitment specialist to look over your digital marketing CV for some professional insight and tailored advice.