How to Write an SEO CV: Examples and Tips

Are you ready to get started in the exciting world of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and open doors to exciting career opportunities across the UK and beyond? This guide is your key to understanding the essentials of creating a memorable and impactful SEO CV.

In this guide, you will find a comprehensive CV template tailored for SEO roles, expert tips on how to write a good CV and insights into crafting a modern CV recruiters are searching for.

The field of SEO is vast and versatile, making its professionals valuable assets in diverse sectors. Whether it’s digital marketing, e-commerce, content creation or advertising, an SEO expert's role is pivotal in driving online visibility and bottom-line success.

This dynamic and creative career path is a perfect fit for those who thrive in fast-paced environments, love data-driven strategies and have a knack for understanding digital trends.

SEO CV Example

Download this SEO CV example in the UK

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.

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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 - there will always be a few fundamental areas all CVs should cover. These include:

• Personal and contact details

• Personal profile

• Work experience

• Skills

• Education.

Given the diverse opportunities in this field, it's important to start your CV writing process by reflecting on your motivations and career goals:

• What type of role are you interested in? For example, a specialist position or agency work spanning different industries.

• What are your long-term career aspirations? Consider how the role you're applying for aligns with your future career path.

• What specific skills and experiences do you possess? Skills like research, analysis, being results-driven and creativity are crucial.

• What industries or sectors are you passionate about? Your passion for specific sectors can be a unique selling point.

When thinking about how to write a good SEO CV, consider starting with a master CV. This comprehensive document should include all your skills, experiences and achievements. From this, you can tailor job-specific CVs, focusing on the aspects most relevant to each role.

Remember to showcase skills and experiences to reflect a dynamic and evolving understanding of the industry.

• Stay current: Emphasise your ability to keep up with trends, new platforms, content forms, Google updates and new technologies.

• Research and creativity: Show an aptitude for research and a creative approach.

• Specialist vs. agency work: Highlight niche areas or cross-industry agency work to show versatility.

How to write a personal profile 

Similar to a writer, developer or business analyst, a personal profile on an SEO CV is a crucial component, especially in the competitive UK job market.

This concise section - generally no longer than 70 words - is your opportunity to make a strong first impression. Here you can summarise your professional background, align your career goals with the job and highlight your unique skills.

Knowing how to write a personal profile will set the tone for the rest of your document.

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How to describe SEO skills on a CV 

In the dynamic world of Search Engine Optimisation, knowing how to list skills on your CV is not just beneficial - it's essential - allowing recruiters to quickly gauge your suitability for a role.

By listing specific must-have skills, you demonstrate your practical knowledge and experience, aligning your capabilities with the needs of the position. It's a strategic way to stand out in a competitive field, providing tangible proof of your ability to drive results and adapt to the ever-evolving demands of SEO.

Below are a few must-have skills for a complete SEO CV:

On-page SEO:

• Keyword research and optimisation

• Content creation

• HTML tag optimisation

• URL structure

• User experience (UX) and site navigation.

Off-page SEO:

• Link building

• Social media marketing

• Influencer outreach

• Brand building

• Content marketing.

Familiarity with SEO tools such as Google Search Console, Semrush, Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, Moz Pro and Google Analytics

How to include relevant work experience 

Work experience is a pivotal section of your SEO CV, acting as a tangible testament to your professional journey. It provides recruiters with a clear picture of your past roles and accomplishments, enabling them to gauge your suitability for the position at hand.

Armed with the ability to correctly write work experience on your CV, you can use a bullet point format to recount your responsibilities whilst showcasing your contributions in measurable terms.

Examples of work experience 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 | 2012-2014

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.

Including work experience with little to no work experience

When preparing your work history with little to no work experience, or if you’re entering SEO after a career change, focus on soft and transferable skills from other industries.

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%.

How to include education on an SEO CV 

Properly showcasing your education on a CV or courses and certifications underscores your foundational knowledge and commitment to continual learning, a vital aspect in a field driven by constant digital evolution. Remember to include your most recent qualification first with the name of the crediting institution as well as the year of completion.

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.

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

Additional sections to include on 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. Some examples include:

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 expertise and aligns with the specific job role.

2. Showcase relevant skills: Clearly list essential 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 roles to demonstrate impact.

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

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

Next steps?

Iron out any creases using our intuitive CV builder with 20+ templates and professional designs to choose from. To accompany your CV, discover our cover letter templates. If you don’t want to leave anything to chance, connect with our professional CV Writing Service. Draw inspiration from our blog for tips on how to save time, emphasise important sections and make it easier for hiring managers to grasp your unique professional offer.

FAQs 

What is an example of an SEO objective on a CV? 

An SEO objective could be increased time on site, click-throughs or higher ranking in Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs).

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.

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.

How long should an SEO CV be? 

Your CV should be no longer than two pages, providing a concise yet comprehensive overview of your qualifications and experience.

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.