SEO CV

How to Write an SEO CV: Examples and Tips

With the rise of AI-driven search algorithms, voice search and mobile-first indexing, SEO professionals are needed more than ever across digital marketing, retail, IT and consulting sectors.

If you’re ready to excel in the dynamic field of SEO and unlock career opportunities across the UK and beyond, you can find a tailored SEO CV example, expert tips on writing a modern CV for an SEO format plus ready-to-use examples for multiple SEO roles.

In this article, we cover:

• How to write a good CV for SEO step-by-step

• SEO CV layout samples and templates

• Must-have skills for an SEO CV

• Next steps in your SEO application.

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SEO CV Example

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?

Regardless of the industry or post you’re applying for - be that SEO analyst, strategist, manager or content expert - your CV should cover these fundamental 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.

• 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 keyword research, on-page optimisation and 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 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 including all your skills, experiences and achievements. 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.

Remember, just like optimising pages for search engines, your CV needs to pass through application tracking systems (ATS) to reach human recruiters. For tips on how to do this, check out our article on writing an ATS-friendly CV.

How to write a CV for an SEO job in 5 steps

1. How to write an SEO CV personal profile

Similar to other jobs combining a creative flare with analytical skills such as writing, developer or marketing expert, a well-crafted personal profile on a CV is a crucial tool for setting the tone. These are your H1 headlines making a bold statement about your experience level, core soft skills such as communication and adaptability, plus career goals and specialist training.

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2. How to include key SEO skills on a CV

Knowing how to list skills on your CV is essential, allowing recruiters to gauge your suitability for various SEO roles quickly. We recommend creating a headed section for your hard skills and weaving crucial soft skills like attention to detail and flexibility into your personal profile and work experience sections. This way you effectively highlight your strengths across your SEO CV and strategically showcase the in-demand soft skills of a modern professional in the field.

When formatting your skills on your SEO CV:

• Use bullet points for clarity.

• Group related skills under relevant headings (e.g., On-page SEO, Off-page SEO, Hard skills, Technical skills).

• Highlight proficiency with SEO tools like Google Search Console, Semrush, Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, Moz Pro and Google Analytics 4.

Must have technical skills for an SEO CV

On-page SEO: Focuses on optimising individual web pages to rank higher and earn more relevant traffic in search engines.

• Keyword research and optimisation: Identifying and targeting relevant search terms.

• Content creation: Crafting high-quality, engaging content.

• HTML tag optimisation: Using meta tags, headers, and alt text effectively.

• URL structure: Creating SEO-friendly URLs.

• User experience (UX) and site navigation: Enhancing the user journey on the website.

Off-page SEO: Involves activities outside the website to improve its ranking.

• Link building: Acquiring high-quality backlinks.

• Social media marketing: Leveraging social platforms to boost SEO.

• Influencer outreach: Collaborating with influencers for broader reach.

• Brand building: Enhancing brand reputation online.

• Content marketing: Promoting content to drive traffic and engagement.

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 and software development professionals approach this section.

How AI is changing SEO skills

AI is revolutionising SEO by automating routine tasks, providing deeper insights through data analysis and personalising user experiences. Skills in machine learning, prompt engineering and understanding algorithms are becoming increasingly valuable. Incorporating technical SEO examples and a solid SEO strategy example is an excellent way to set your CV apart.

3. How to include relevant work experience

Adding work experience to a CV as an SEO professional is crucial to building trust and showing a tangible testament to your professional journey.

• Start each work experience entry with a short paragraph outlining your daily duties and responsibilities.

• Be sure to scan the job advert you are applying for and address the skills and attributes they seek. For example, employers may ask for experience in codebases or bugfixing as well as more traditional SEO skills like content management and keyword research.

Follow each paragraph with two or three concise bullet points detailing quantifiable results you have had in that role underscoring your impact in different situations.

Examples of job descriptions on an SEO CV

Senior SEO Strategist | Traffic Junkies Digital Marketing Agency, Bristol, UK | 2018-Present

Spearhead the SEO department, developing and executing advanced SEO strategies 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 | 2016-2021

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 | 2014-2016

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 | 2012-2013

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.

Work experience example for entry level 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, being data-driven 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%.

3. 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.

5. Consider adding optional sections to your SEO CV

Including additional information such as hobbies and interests or achievements on your CV adds extra colour to your application and shows you’re not all about the job. However, it is important to keep things relevant to the industry you’re applying in.

Professional certifications:

• 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

SEO professionals are always looking for opportunities to self-develop and show they are keeping ahead of the industry. A great way to highlight this on your CV is to clearly present any additional certifications you may have. Learn more about how to add courses and certificates to your CV.z`

Hobbies and interests aligned with roles in this field:

• Blogging or content creation

• Analytics and data analysis

• Tech meetups or conferences

• Website development.

Awards and recognitions:

• Industry awards

• Certification achievements

• Speaking engagements.

Volunteer work or community involvement:

• SEO training or mentorship

• Community website management.

Professional memberships:

• Memberships in SEO associations or groups.

Key takeaways

Writing a CV in an industry as competitive as SEO can be a daunting task. Let’s zoom out and recap the key takeaways.

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

2. Showcase relevant skills: Clearly list essential SEO skills, including on-page, off-page, and technical SEO, emphasising your proficiency.

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: Incorporate additional information like relevant hobbies, awards, and professional memberships to provide a well-rounded picture.

Next steps?

Give your CV the introduction it deserves. 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.

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.

What is the best format for an SEO CV?

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.

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.