SEO CV examples with CV writing tips

If you work as an SEO, you need to be adept in a variety of skills including technical SEO. However, just knowing SEO shouldn’t be where your CV 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 what you specialise in within your CV to increase your chances of landing your next SEO job.

Your CV format will indicate the structure that your CV 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 skills-based or functional format, which devotes more space to skills, is another standard options if it bests fits your skills and background. Regardless of which CV format you choose, here are the sections you should have in your SEO CV.

 

Contact information

The header is at the very top of your CV 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.

 

Personal statement or CV summary

The next section in the CV template is the personal statement. This is also referred to as the professional statement or CV summary. This in-depth paragraph highlights your most important skills and achievements, making it easy for a recruiter to quickly get a snapshot of who you are.

 

Skills

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

• Search engine optimisation strategy
• Keyword rankings
• Google Analytics, Google AdWords, Google Search Console
• Link building
• On-page optimisation
• Keyword research
• Programming languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
• SEO tools (Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, DeepCrawl, SEMRush)
• SEO site audits
• Using multiple search sites, including Google and Bing
• Copywriting
• E-commerce
• Internet marketing
• Creating inbound 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
• 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 the top 8-12 skills, including both soft skills and hard skills, based on what the job posting emphasises.

 

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 accomplishments.

 

Education

List all your education and certifications in the education section of your SEO CV. 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 Grow with Google). If you have completed courses in the Google Analytics Academy or training on GA4, be sure to list that information here.

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

 

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 Internet marketing strategies work.
• Mention specific skills that you enjoy using to help the hiring manager understand your SEO specialty. Every person who works with SEO needs their niche.

Don’t:

• Overuse jargon in your CV 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 organisations, but try to stay away from individuals.