SEO Resume Examples to Help You Build Yours

If you work with SEO, you need to be adept in many technical skills. However, just knowing SEO shouldn’t be where your resume stops. Highlight your overarching computer science knowledge, as well as your ability to understand marketing as a whole. SEO strategies span a wide array of skills, and you must highlight them in your resume to increase your chances of landing your next SEO job.

Your resume format will indicate the structure that your resume ends up taking. As most SEOs require some measure of experience, the chronological format, which focuses on work history, is usually the right option. However, the functional format and combination format, which devote more space to skills,  are two other options if it bests fits your skills and background. Regardless of which resume format you choose, here are the sections you should have in your SEO resume.

 

The header is at the very top of your resume and includes your contact information. Be sure to add your full name, correct phone number, and usually social media links, such as your LinkedIn profile.

 

The next section in the resume template is the resume summary, which is the best option for someone who works with SEO due to the amount of experience they usually have. This 2-3 sentence paragraph highlights your most important skills and achievements, making it easy for a recruiter to quickly get a snapshot of who you are. You can also use a resume objective, which states career goals and is best for those with little to no work experience.

 

If you work in an SEO-related job, you need a wide variety of skills to succeed in the job. Here are some bullet points to keep in mind:

• Search engine optimization strategy
• Keyword rankings
• Google Analytics, Google AdWords, Google Search Console
• Link building
• Microsoft certifications
• Keyword research
• Programming languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
• SEO tools (Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, Moz, SEMRush)
• Managing SEO audits
• Using multiple search sites, including Google and Bing
• Copywriting
• E-commerce
• Internet marketing
• Creating organic traffic and organic search
• Different types of ad payment, like PPC (Pay Per Click)
• Understanding of algorithms
• Project management
• Backlink programs
• Analytical skills
• Content strategy creation
• Page optimization and on-page SEO
• General SEO campaigns
• Time management
• Web development
• WordPress

You don’t need to use every single skill or even half of them. Prune down your list to a list of top 8-12 skills, including both soft skills and hard skills, based on what the job posting emphasizes. 

 

Your work experience section is where you put your years of experience in SEO and related areas. List jobs that are either in the SEO field or in other fields that use related skills, with a few bullet points for each job describing your top duties and achievements.

 

List all your education and certifications in the education section of your SEO resume. Most of the time, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree to work in the SEO field. Cite your degree, any honors you earned, and where you earned it. If you have any SEO-related certifications (e.g., from HubSpot Academy or Moz Academy), or you have completed courses in the Google Analytics Academy, be sure to list that information here.

Here are a few additional tips to help you write your SEO resume:

 

Do:

• Discuss how you’ve previously used skills you’re very good at. Including these skills in your job descriptions can help you make a better impact on a hiring manager.
• Use specific metrics to showcase the benefits that you’ve achieved for other companies. Using actual metrics makes it easier to see that your marketing strategies work.
• Mention specific skills that you enjoy using to help the hiring manager understand your specific niche. Every person who works with SEO needs their niche.

Don’t:

• Overuse jargon in your resume and cover letter. Just use as much technical wording as is necessary to discuss your expertise.
• Include skills that you’re not very good at on your skill list. If you’re just trying to pad your skill list, it will stand out.
• Include any identifying information about past clients you’ve worked for. You can discuss companies and organizations, but try to stay away from individuals.