Copywriter CV

How to Write an Impressive Copywriter CV: Expert Tips, Templates & Examples

Crafting a standout copywriter CV is key to landing interviews in today’s competitive job market. While AI tools and prompt engineers make text generation easier, businesses operating in marketing still need human talent to bring fresh ideas and be heard through the noise.

Copywriter is the perfect job for those with a command of marketing practices, strong written skills and an ability to connect through language. It can also be a source of income for those who enjoy hybrid and remote working or want to develop a side hustle. Successful copywriters are adaptable, happy to work to tight deadlines, accept feedback and possess a passion for words. If you want to start your journey as a copywriter in the UK, we show you how to write an applicant tracking system (ATS)-friendly CV that reaches employers.

In this article, we cover:

• What to include in a modern CV for copywriting roles

• How to list qualifications and skills on a copywriter CV for the UK

• How to write a copywriter CV with no experience

• Role-specific CV samples for different levels.

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Copywriter CV example

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What to include in a copywriter CV in the UK?

Whether you’re entering the workforce after graduating or pursuing new opportunities, it’s important to present your copywriting skills and experience clearly and creatively. As you may apply for various roles, similar to writers, graphic designers, or digital marketers, begin with a master CV that includes your full work history and personal details, then tailor it for each application to make the strongest impact.

We recommend including the following CV sections:

• Contact details: Include your full name, phone number, email address, link to the portfolio and LinkedIn profile at the top of your CV.

• Personal profile: Write a short, engaging summary that reflects your creativity, communication style, and experience in producing compelling copy. Highlight your ability to adapt your tone and messaging for different audiences and brands.

• Work experience: List your roles in reverse chronological order. Focus on achievements that demonstrate your impact, such as improving engagement rates, increasing conversions, or strengthening brand identity, rather than just describing daily duties.

• Skills: Include both hard and soft skills. Hard skills may cover SEO, content creation, editing, and software proficiency. Soft skills, such as adaptability, creativity, and collaboration, can be woven throughout your personal statement and work experience sections.

• Education: Detail your academic background, even if it’s not directly related to copywriting. Degrees in English, Marketing, Communications, or Journalism are particularly relevant.

• Courses and certificates: Mention any relevant professional development, such as Creative Copywriting Essentials, SEO for Writers, or Content Marketing Certification.

Must-have CV sections

• Personal profile

• Skills section

• Work experience

• Education

Learn more about how to write a good CV.

How to write a personal profile for a copywriter CV

Your CV personal profile is a short and punchy text that serves as a concise introduction, setting the tone for the rest of the document and showcasing your core strengths. It's an opportunity to demonstrate your writing abilities, creativity and understanding of the industry.

Personal profile on a CV

Whether you are a student, a graduate, or a seasoned professional, a personal profile is essential for your CV when targeting the UK job market. This statement should grab the attention of employers and set you apart from other applicants.

Include soft skills and keywords from the job description

• Example 1: “Creative Copywriter with 5+ years of experience creating persuasive content for digital campaigns, websites, and social media. Skilled in SEO, storytelling, and brand voice development, with a proven ability to deliver engaging copy that drives conversions and strengthens audience engagement.”

• Example 2: “Versatile and detail-orientated Copywriter with strong communication skills and a passion for producing clear, impactful content. Experienced in writing for diverse audiences across industries, maintaining brand consistency, and collaborating with designers and marketers to meet project goals.”

Mention how you’ve applied your skills in relevant contexts

• Example 1: “Developed SEO-optimised blog articles and landing pages that increased organic traffic by 30%. Collaborated with design and marketing teams to create cohesive campaigns that aligned with brand messaging and tone.”

• Example 2: “Produced social media copy and email campaigns that boosted engagement rates by 25%. Adapted writing style to suit multiple brands, demonstrating creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to meet tight deadlines.”

Copywriter CV personal profile examples

How to highlight copywriter skills on a CV

Your copywriter CV must strike the right balance between creative abilities, technical expertise and soft skills. Take a look at the top sought-after skills by employers for inspiration on how to highlight your core competencies effectively. Don’t hesitate to include any relevant technical skills or tools (such as CMS or Google Analytics) that reflect your versatility as a copywriter.

Essential copywriter skills:

• SEO writing: The ability to write content that is both user-friendly and optimised for search engines, increasing visibility and driving traffic.

• Content strategy: Creating and planning content to meet business goals, audience needs and SEO requirements.

• Editing and proofreading: Ensuring text is error-free and polished, improving readability, flow and consistency.

• Brand voice development: Crafting and maintaining a consistent, distinctive voice that aligns with the brand's values and resonates with the target audience.

• Concept ideation: Generating creative ideas, campaign concepts, and storylines that capture attention and communicate key messages effectively.

• Pitching and presenting: Confidently presenting creative ideas and concepts to clients or stakeholders, clearly articulating strategic thinking and creative rationale.

How to list work experience on a copywriter CV

To include your work experience on a CV, begin with the most recent role and work backwards. For each position, provide a brief description of your responsibilities. Focus on achievements by starting each bullet point with strong action verbs, highlighting your contributions and creating a more dynamic CV.

What should each work experience entry include?

• Job title of current or previous role

• Organisation name and location

• Dates of employment (month/year)

• A concise paragraph detailing your duties

• Followed by 2–3 bullet points that highlight your key achievements or measurable impact.

Learn more about the work experience section in a CV.

Examples of strong vs. weak copywriter achievements in a work experience section

Copywriter CV work experience examples

Creative content copywriter, Ogilvy, London, 2021 - Present

Responsible for crafting compelling, brand-aligned copy across various platforms, including websites, blogs and social media. Collaborate closely with design and marketing teams to produce content that engages audiences and drives brand awareness. Ensure tone, voice, and messaging are consistent with brand guidelines and resonate with target demographics.

• Developed a content strategy that led to a 25% increase in social media engagement and a 15% boost in website traffic within six months.

• Wrote and optimised SEO-driven content, improving organic search rankings by 20% for key client pages.

Marketing copywriter, Leo Burnett, Manchester, 2023 - 2025

Tasked with creating high-converting marketing copy for email campaigns, landing pages, advertisements and product descriptions. Work closely with the marketing team to develop campaigns that meet brand goals and drive customer acquisition and retention. Ensure all copy is tailored to the needs of various customer segments and follows best practices for digital marketing.

• Created email campaigns that resulted in a 30% open rate and a 12% click-through rate, surpassing industry averages.

• Developed sales copy for new product launches that contributed to a 20% increase in conversions during the first quarter.

Technical copywriter, Copy That!, Leeds, 2022 - 2024

Specialised in translating complex technical information into clear, engaging copy for non-technical audiences. Wrote user manuals, product documentation, website content and technical blogs. Collaborated with product developers and engineers to ensure accurate representation of technical features and functionalities.

• Produced technical documentation that improved user satisfaction scores by 15% and reduced customer support queries by 25%.

• Streamlined product descriptions and technical specifications, improving customer understanding and boosting product sales by 10%.

Senior copywriter, Words At Hand, Edinburgh, 2022 - 2025

Led a team of junior copywriters in producing high-quality content for advertising campaigns, websites, blogs and print materials. Worked directly with clients to understand their objectives and develop content strategies that drive engagement and deliver results. Oversaw content quality and consistency across all platforms and ensured deadlines were met.

• Directed a content revamp project that increased client website traffic by 35% and engagement on social media by 20%.

• Mentored and trained a team of five junior copywriters, improving team efficiency and output quality by 30%.

How to include relevant qualifications on a copywriter CV

When listing formal education in your CV, understand that a degree isn't mandatory for becoming a copywriter in the UK, but it can certainly give you an advantage. In copywriting, a strong portfolio always holds more weight than formal qualifications. That said, if you possess qualifications in relevant fields like copywriting, language, or communications, including them in your CV can significantly enhance your professional profile.

How to format educational qualifications

Tips for graduates or first-time copywriter jobseekers:

• Add uni projects, blogs, social posts, or even personal writing projects to show your writing style.

• Include any freelance gigs, an internship, or volunteer writing, even if unpaid.

• Mention student magazines or marketing clubs.

• Part-time jobs show transferable skills like communication and time management.

Learn more about how to write a CV for your first job.

How to list courses and certificates in your copywriter CV

Courses and certifications are an excellent way to strengthen your copywriter CV, especially if you’re a recent graduate or transitioning into a creative or marketing role. Employers appreciate candidates who continually refine their craft and stay updated with industry trends.

How to write a CV for a copywriter with no experience

For those aiming to get a first job as a copywriter, especially recent school leavers creating a CV with little to no experience, focus on the following:

1. Highlight transferable skills (e.g., writing, creativity, research).

2. Showcase volunteer work or personal projects (e.g., blog, freelance).

3. Include relevant coursework or certifications (e.g., SEO, copywriting).

4. Emphasise soft skills (e.g., communication, attention to detail).

5. Create a strong portfolio with sample copy or writing samples.

Copywriter CV sample with no experience

Download this free copywriter CV with no experience in PDF.

How to add references to a copywriter CV

References on a CV can be a big part of building your reputation as a copywriter. Having recommendations or testimonials from past clients and employers helps build trust and land job opportunities in the future.

If space is limited and you’re sending your CV out via email, consider linking to your Google My Business page or the past work experience section of your website.

Keywords to make your copywriter CV ATS-friendly

As a copywriter, it’s crucial not to overlook the importance of keywords in your CV. Many employers use automated systems to sort through applications, and these systems are designed to look for specific terms that match the job description.

Essentials for a copywriter CV

• Emphasise your writing skills, content specialisms (such as SEO, social media, or email marketing), and your ability to adapt tone and style for different audiences.

• Highlight continuous learning by listing courses, certifications, or workshops that demonstrate your commitment to developing your copywriting skills.

• Tailor each CV to the specific job description to show relevance and attention to detail.

• Include portfolio samples or links to showcase your writing style, creativity, and range of work across different formats.

• Customise your application to increase your chances of landing interviews, whether you’re applying to an agency, brand, or working as a freelancer.

Next steps?

Need help choosing a template? Discover our creative CV templates to boost your job search. To accompany your CV, discover our cover letter templates. If you're ready with your application after following this step-by-step guide, read our tips to help you organise and track your job search. For more insights and expert advice, explore our blog articles on why you're not getting interviews, good questions to ask the employer, or the most influential industries in the UK.

FAQs

Are UK copywriters paid well?

Yes, salaries are competitive, especially for experienced copywriters. Entry-level pay may vary, but skilled writers can earn a strong income, particularly in the digital and marketing sectors. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a copywriter in the UK is around £30k, typically ranging from £24k to £37k.

Are copywriters in demand in the UK?

Yes, copywriters are among the most in-demand jobs in the UK, particularly in digital marketing, SEO, and content creation. With the rise of online businesses, content-driven marketing has become increasingly essential. However, competition is really strong, and with AI transforming the industry, a good portfolio remains key to standing out.

Can I work freelance as a copywriter?

Yes, freelance copywriting is a popular career choice. Many businesses and agencies hire freelance copywriters for short-term or ongoing projects.

For more inspiration, check out our article on flexible jobs in the UK for students.

How do I become a copywriter in the UK?

To become a copywriter, build a portfolio showcasing your writing skills. Gain experience through internships, freelance work or personal projects. Learn SEO, digital marketing and copywriting techniques.

Where can I find copywriting jobs in the UK?

Copywriting jobs can be found on job boards (e.g., Indeed, LinkedIn), freelance platforms (e.g., Upwork, Fiverr), or directly through creative agencies and marketing companies. Having a solid networking strategy is also key.