SEO Resume Example (Specialist, Manager, Analyst, Etc.)

SEO is a key component of helping a company improve its online presence and boost revenue. How can you make your skills as an SEO expert stand out?

By Donna Oct 28, 2024 3 minutes read

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SEO Resume Examples

Experts in search engine optimization (SEO) are becoming a hot commodity, especially as online advertising becomes the modus operandi for most advertising today. People who work with SEO add keywords to web pages so search engines, such as Google and Bing, can find them and place those websites higher in search results. This brings in more online traffic and thus, more business to companies. If you want to get the right job as an SEO expert, use these tips and SEO resume examples to create your resume.

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What to Highlight in an SEO Resume

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.

So, how to make a resume that truly shines? Let’s break it down.

Structure of an SEO Resume

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.

Contact information

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.

Resume summary

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.

Skills

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.

Work history

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.

Education

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.

Do’s and Don’ts for an 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.

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FAQ: SEO Resume Examples

Have questions? We’re here to help.

Do I need to include a cover letter for an SEO application?

Yes. A cover letter is always a good idea, no matter what you’re planning to apply for. Not only does it allow you to talk to the hiring manager directly, but it very specifically allows you to ask for a job interview. Additionally, it helps you explain portions of your resume that may look strange without any additional explanation. You can use the ResumeHelp cover letter builder if you’re not confident in your cover letter writing process.

How can I write an SEO resume without a lot of work experience?

People who work in SEO need experience. This experience can be gained in several SEO jobs, such as an SEO specialist, SEO analyst, or SEO manager. If you don’t have this experience, you can use your experience as an intern, as another marketing expert, or even as another computer science expert. Rely on your skills and your experience leading up to this point in your career.

How do I change my SEO resume to apply to different jobs?

The most important step to changing up your resume is to use resume keywords. This is the most effective way to apply to multiple jobs using the same basic resume. Just comb through the job description for keywords (e.g., particular skills or qualifications needed for the job), then address those keywords throughout your resume. It’ll tailor your resume to what the hiring manager is looking for.

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WRITTEN BY Donna

Donna is a career expert with extensive experience in the fields of Marketing, Publishing, Direct Mail and Communications. She’s witnessed firsthand the importance of a powerful resume and cover letter to a job search, so she takes great pride in helping change the lives of job seekers by sharing expert career advice and tips to help land the perfect job.