SEO CV

How to Write an SEO CV: Examples and Tips

Let’s face it: as businesses across every sector, from digital marketing and retail to IT and consulting, compete for online visibility, search engine optimisation (SEO) has become the sought-after gem in our digital-first world. With artificial intelligence (AI)-driven search algorithms, voice queries on the rise, and mobile-first indexing, companies, brands, and organisations are prioritising technical SEO expertise to stay ahead. 

Whether it’s optimising site architecture, improving mobile performance, or aligning content with semantic search, the demand for skilled professionals has never been greater. That’s why a modern CV with an applicant tracking system (ATS)-friendly CV template is essential to excel in this dynamic field and unlock SEO career opportunities across London, the UK, and internationally. 

In this article, we cover:

• How to write a good CV for different SEO roles

• Must-have skills for an SEO CV

• What to include if you lack direct SEO experience

• How to stay up to date with emerging AI skills.

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SEO CV Example

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Stephen has opted for the Erasmus template. This easy-to-digest layout segments his experience, skills, technical abilities and education for the hiring manager’s convenience. This modern design, with its clear yet friendly typeface, leaves the impression of an approachable and professional applicant.

What to include in an SEO CV?

Crafting an effective SEO CV for the UK job market requires a clear focus on both technical expertise and strategic achievements. Whether you're applying for a role as an SEO executive, analyst, strategist, manager, or consultant, your CV should highlight these core areas:

• Personal and contact details: Include your full name, phone number, email address and LinkedIn profile. Ensure your contact details are professional and up to date. Also, you can specify your title or area of expertise in SEO here, adding a concrete position next to your name.

• Personal profile: Write a concise summary highlighting your SEO expertise, career goals and what you bring to the role. Focus on your unique selling points and how your skills align with the job.

• Work experience: List your previous roles in reverse chronological order. Detail your responsibilities and achievements, emphasising SEO-specific tasks such as on-page optimisation or link-building strategies. If you have completed an SEO internship, detail this experience to show your foundational knowledge and practical skills.

• Skills: Highlight key SEO skills such as keyword research, data analysis, content strategy and proficiency with SEO tools like Google Analytics, SEMrush, Ahrefs, Search Console and Moz. Mention any additional skills that make you a versatile candidate, like HTML/CSS knowledge, experience with CMS platforms like WordPress or collaboration with a development team.

• Education: Include your educational background, focusing on degrees and certifications relevant to SEO. Mention any courses or training in digital marketing, analytics or related fields.

Given the diverse opportunities in SEO, it's essential to tailor your CV to each role. Start by writing a master CV that will become a complete record of all your skills, experiences, and achievements to help you easily create tailored job applications. From this document, you can customise job-specific CVs, focusing on the most relevant aspects of each position. Using our SEO CV template will ensure a professional and effective presentation.

For tips on how to do this, check out our article on writing an ATS-friendly CV.

How to add a specific header for an SEO CV

When crafting your CV, you usually don’t need to include your current job title or position among your personal details. However, when it comes to SEO, it can be a great way to be more specific and target the job description even better. We recommend doing it to distinguish yourself from other candidates, as it can effectively grab the recruiters' attention. 

If you are not sure how to write the header in your personal details, take a look at the following examples:

How to write an SEO CV personal profile

As with other roles that combine creativity, strategy, and analytical skills, such as writing, software development, or marketing, a professional personal profile on a CV is essential for setting the right tone. Think of it as your H1 headline: it makes a strong statement about your level of experience, highlights key soft skills like communication and adaptability, and outlines your career goals and specialist training.

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How to include key SEO skills and tools on a CV

Knowing how to list skills on your CV is essential, allowing recruiters to measure your suitability for various SEO roles quickly. We recommend creating a distinct section with a clear heading “Skills” for your hard skills (in a bullet point format) and weaving crucial soft skills into your personal profile and work experience sections. This way, you effectively highlight your strengths throughout your document and strategically showcase the in-demand soft skills of a modern professional in the field.

Recommended hard and soft skills for an SEO CV:

There are plenty of other jobs which require a precise mix of hard and soft skills. For further inspiration, take a look at how social media professionals approach this section.

How to highlight AI skills on an SEO CV

In addition to the core SEO skills, the rise of AI has made it increasingly important to showcase AI-related skills and tools. As proficiency in machine learning, prompt engineering, and understanding search algorithms becomes increasingly valuable, adding practical examples of your expertise with AI-driven SEO strategies to your work experience section and listing them among your hard skills will help you stand out from other candidates.

How to include relevant work experience for an SEO CV

Adding work experience to a CV as an SEO professional is crucial to building trust and providing a concrete demonstration of your professional journey as an SEO specialist. How to do so? Follow these tips:

• Start each work experience entry with a short paragraph outlining your daily duties and responsibilities, and focusing on SEO-related tasks and achievements. This helps potential employers quickly understand your role and impact. 

• Be sure to scan the job description you are applying for and address the skills and attributes they seek. For instance, some positions may require technical SEO expertise, such as experience with HTML or CSS, as well as traditional SEO skills like content optimisation, keyword research, and backlink strategy.

• Follow each work experience paragraph with two concise bullet points detailing your quantifiable results in that role, underscoring your impact in different situations.

Examples of work experience descriptions on an SEO CV

Senior SEO Strategist | Traffic Junkies Digital Marketing Agency, Bristol, UK | 2019-Present

Spearhead the SEO department, developing and executing advanced SEO strategies, including AI-driven optimisation techniques, across a diverse client portfolio. Oversee a team of SEO professionals, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning. Collaborate closely with other departments to integrate SEO with overall digital marketing efforts, ensuring a holistic approach to client campaigns.

• Achieved a 40% increase in organic traffic for major clients within the first year, utilising a blend of sophisticated keyword optimisation, content strategy and technical SEO enhancements.

• Successfully mentored and led a team of 5 SEO specialists, which led to a 30% increase in campaign efficiency and a marked improvement in client satisfaction scores.

SEO Manager | Damn Fine Copy, Manchester, UK | 2018-2024

Managed the company's comprehensive SEO strategy, encompassing on-page, off-page and technical SEO. Coordinated with content, social media and PPC teams to ensure a unified approach to digital marketing. Conducted regular analysis and reporting to track performance and identify areas for improvement.

• Directed a link-building and content optimisation project that increased client website traffic by 25% and improved keyword rankings significantly.

• Implemented process optimisations that resulted in a 20% faster execution of SEO campaigns, contributing to enhanced team productivity and client turnaround times.

SEO Executive | Clement & Attlee Marketing, Putney, UK | 2019-2023

Responsible for implementing and monitoring SEO tactics to improve website visibility and search rankings. Conducted in-depth keyword research, competitor analysis and website audits, translating findings into actionable strategies. Collaborated with the content team to optimise web content for search engines and users.

• Instrumental in increasing website traffic by 15% through strategic on-page optimisation and content strategy refinement.

• Contributed to improving the domain authority of the company website by 5 points within a year, through focused off-page SEO efforts.

Junior SEO Specialist | Fiture Agency, Birmingham, UK | 2023-2024

Assisted in various SEO activities, supporting the senior SEO team in keyword research, competitor analysis, optimising meta tags and meta descriptions, and performance reporting. Participated in client meetings to understand SEO requirements and contributed to developing tailored SEO solutions.

• Supported a 10% increase in client website rankings through diligent competitor analysis, keyword research and effective reporting.

• Played a key role in an SEO campaign that led to a 12% improvement in client lead generation over six months.

Examples of work experience sections for entry-level SEO roles

When preparing your work history with little to no work experience, or if you’re entering SEO as a graduate or after a career change, focus on soft and transferable picked up from volunteering, during your studies or from other industries. Relevant top skills employers look for could include communication, data-drivenness, and an eye for detail.

Marketing intern | Melted Records, Sheffield, UK | 2022

Engaged in a dynamic marketing role at a niche record label, gaining hands-on experience in content creation, content performance, market research and basic digital marketing principles. Demonstrated a strong ability to learn quickly, adapt to new challenges and effectively collaborate with diverse teams. Leveraged skills in analytics and problem-solving to contribute to various digital campaigns.

• Spearheaded a digital marketing project aimed at increasing artist awareness, resulting in a 20% uplift in check-out page traffic through content strategies.

• Played a key role in a cross-functional team that conducted market research, leading to the implementation of new marketing strategies that improved fan engagement by 15%.

SEO Specialist Intern | BrightClicks Agency, Manchester, UK | 2024

Worked in a fast-paced SEO internship, assisting the team with keyword research, on-page optimisation, and performance tracking. Gained hands-on experience using SEO tools like Google Search Console and SEMrush while developing strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Collaborated closely with content and web development teams to support SEO initiatives and improve website visibility.

• Contributed to an SEO audit project, identifying key technical issues and helping improve site health scores by 25%.

• Supported the optimisation of blog content, leading to a 15% increase in organic traffic within three months.

How to include education on an SEO CV

Properly showcasing your education on a CV highlights your foundational knowledge and commitment to continuous learning, crucial in the ever-evolving digital field.

• List your most recent qualification first.

• Include the institution's name.

• Add the year of completion or expected date.

Optional sections that can add value to an SEO CV

Including additional sections, such as hobbies and interests, achievements, certifications, and memberships, can add colour to your CV and provide a well-rounded picture of who you are as a professional. However, it is important to keep things relevant to the industry you’re applying to. 

Here, you have some examples of CV sections you can consider adding if you’re looking for an SEO role.

Professional certifications on an SEO CV: 

Highlighting recognised certifications demonstrates that you're continuously learning and staying updated with the latest SEO practices.

• Ahrefs Certification Course - Ahrefs

• Google SEO Fundamentals by UC Davis - Coursera

• SEO Certification Course by HubSpot - HubSpot Academy

• All-Around SEO Training by Yoast - Yoast

• SEO Foundations on LinkedIn Learning - LinkedIn Learning

• Google Analytics - Analytics Academy

Awards and recognitions:

Including this section on your CV provides social proof of your capabilities and reinforces your credibility in the field.

• Industry awards

• Certification achievements

• Speaking engagements.

Volunteer work or community involvement:

Demonstrating your involvement in SEO-related community projects highlights your dedication to giving back to the industry and your willingness to contribute beyond your professional work.

• SEO training or mentorship

• Community website management.

Professional memberships:

Being a member of professional SEO organisations or groups demonstrates your active involvement and commitment to networking and staying informed about industry changes.

• Memberships in SEO associations or groups.

Key takeaways

1. Tailor your personal profile: Start with a compelling personal summary that highlights your SEO expertise and aligns with the specific job role.

2. Showcase relevant skills: Clearly list essential technical SEO skills and tools, emphasising areas where you excel.

3. Highlight work achievements: Detail your work experience with a focus on quantifiable achievements in previous SEO roles to demonstrate impact.

4. Include education and certifications: Mention formal education and add relevant SEO certifications to show continuous learning and up-to-date knowledge.

5. Add extra sections: Enrich your CV by including additional information like relevant hobbies, awards, and professional memberships to provide a fuller picture.

Next steps?

Now that you’ve crafted the perfect SEO CV, it’s time to focus on what comes next. Explore our cover letter templates and get step-by-step guidance on how to make the best first impression, especially if you’re sending your CV via email. Leave nothing to chance and connect with our professional CV Writing Service for an expert seal of approval. Then check out our top tips for tracking your job applications to stay organised and maximise your chances of success.

FAQs

What is an SEO CV job description?

Generally, a job description outlines your role in optimising website content for search engines, including keyword research, link-building strategies, and improving site rankings.

How do I format my resume for SEO Specialist?

A reverse-chronological format is effective, listing your most recent job first. Include clear sections for work experience, education, skills, and additional certifications or awards. If you are just starting out, you might consider using a skills-based CV format to prioritise skills over experience. The ideal length of a CV should be no longer than two pages, providing a concise yet comprehensive overview of your qualifications and experience.

How do I tailor my SEO CV for different job applications?

Customise your CV for each application by highlighting relevant skills and experiences that align with the specific job requirements. Use keywords from the job description.

What are good questions to ask in an SEO interview?

Good questions to ask in an interview would be how the company stays updated on SEO trends and its commitment to industry changes. Inquire about the SEO tools they use to discover the software you'll be working with. Learn how they measure SEO success to understand their performance metrics and KPIs.

How will generative AI change SEO as a profession?

Generative AI is likely to change SEO by automating content creation, improving data analysis for SEO strategies, and potentially shifting focus towards AI-optimised content and new search algorithms.

Will generative AI replace SEO experts?

Generative AI is unlikely to replace SEO experts. While it can automate certain tasks, the strategic insight, creativity and adaptability required in SEO are uniquely human skills that AI cannot fully replicate.For more information, learn about how AI can transform your job.

Is SEO a remote or hybrid job?

Yes, SEO can be a remote or hybrid job. Many tasks like keyword research, content creation and data analysis can be done from anywhere with an internet connection. Remote SEO roles are increasingly common, offering flexibility and virtual collaboration.