How to Write an Effective Social Media Manager CV: Examples and Tips
Let’s start with a fact: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is completely rewriting the rules of business across industries, especially in marketing and social media. Companies are looking for professionals who can multitask, and now more than ever, being efficient, adaptable and results-orientated are essential qualities for jobseekers. Social media, once seen as the domain of Gen Z, online retail, or the creative industries, has evolved far beyond that. It’s now a powerful tool for building brand identity, supporting small businesses, attracting top talent, and even shifting corporate narratives. Whether you work in advertising, journalism, content creation, finance, construction, hospitality, or other sectors, now is the time to improve your CV for the social media manager role, highlighting new skills, certifications and up-to-date experience that reflect this changing landscape.
This competitive job market requires proficiency in managing social media channels, engaging audiences, and creating compelling content. So, if you want to excel, understanding exactly what recruiters value will distinguish you in the applicant pool. And that starts with a modern CV optimised for application tracking systems (ATS). Let us guide you through that process.
Here’s what we cover in this article:
Key sections to include in your CV
Top social media skills you might want to add to get noticed
Keywords that will make your CV stand out
How to format an ATS-friendly CV
Social media manager CV example
In this social media manager CV sample, Lizzy Gilbert showcases her expertise in driving engagement and brand awareness using the California CV template for a polished and professional presentation. Her experience is well-documented with her educational background and certificate sections. She highlights essential hard skills in strategy development, marketing, community management, and data analysis.
What to include in a social media manager CV for the UK?
When crafting a CV for a position such as social media manager, it's essential to highlight your proficiency in managing digital content and engaging online communities. Based on that, these are our must-have recommendations to get ahead in the game:
Summarise your key achievements and your soft skills with a compelling personal profile.
Add detailed information on your work experience section, like successful campaigns and business goals.
Emphasise your skills in marketing, media, communication and AI.
Mention your proficiency with tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, and Google Analytics.
Include relevant education and certifications, particularly if you have a degree in Marketing, IT, Media, Communications, or a related field.
For the best results, write a cover letter and send your CV via email with links to an online portfolio to showcase your work to employers. And also consider developing a master CV detailing your entire professional background and customising it for specific job applications.
Don't hesitate to explore similar CV examples to further inspire you:
1. Personal details and profile for a social media manager CV
Contact information: Include your full name, phone number, professional email, and links to your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio.
Personal profile: Showcase your professional character and expertise.
Personal profile tips
Create a brief statement that highlights your experience.
Emphasise transferable skills that showcase interpersonal abilities and relevant experience from previous roles or academic projects.
Incorporate soft skills and use keywords from the job description to align with the employer’s expectations.
If you are just starting out, take a look at the graduate CV example for the best tips for your CV introduction.
Social media CV personal profile examples
Social media manager CV personal profile example
Results-orientated Social Media Manager with over 5 years of experience in digital marketing. Skilled in strategic planning, communication, and brand management. Proven track record of developing innovative campaigns that increase engagement and brand awareness. Adept at leveraging analytics to optimise performance and align social media strategies with business goals. Proficient in using Hootsuite, Sprout Social, and Adobe Creative Suite.
Social media assistant CV personal profile example
Social Media Assistant with 2 years of experience supporting digital marketing teams. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a knack for creating engaging content. Familiar with scheduling tools like Buffer and Hootsuite, and experienced in managing social media calendars. Quick learner with a passion for digital trends and graphic design.
Social media marketing CV personal profile example
Creative and strategic Social Media Marketing Specialist with 3 years of experience driving online engagement and brand visibility. Skilled in content creation, community management, and digital advertising. Adept at using data analytics to inform campaign strategies and achieve measurable outcomes. Strong problem-solving skills, with a history of improving engagement metrics through innovative marketing techniques.
Social media strategist CV personal profile example
Analytical Social Media Strategist with over 4 years of experience crafting data-driven online branding. Skilled in trend analysis, strategic planning, and influencer marketing. Proven ability to increase brand recognition and foster community engagement through targeted social media campaigns. Proficient in using analytics tools and platforms like Google Analytics, Hootsuite, and BuzzSumo.
Social media influencer CV personal profile example
Social Media Influencer with over 3 years of experience in growing online communities and promoting brands. Skilled in content creation, video production, and audience engagement. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with brands and create impactful campaigns that resonate with followers. Strong communication skills and adept at leveraging social media platforms to drive consumer engagement.
For more tips and examples, read how to format your how to write a personal profile on a CV.
Pro Tip
Trust your creativity and insights, but remember to back them up with data to strike a balance between what you know and what the results show.
2. Skills and tools for a social media manager CV
Hiring managers are searching for creative social media managers who can leverage data-driven strategies to monitor post performance across various channels and stay updated on current trends. To grab their attention, consider incorporating a clear section with hard skills, making the information easy to find, while adding your soft skills to the personal profile and work experience sections.
For more insights, check out our article on how to effectively list skills on your CV.
| Soft skills | Hard skills |
|---|---|
| Written and verbal communication with strong brand voice alignment | Video production and editing |
| Strategic thinking and planning | Data analysis and reporting |
| Adaptability to platform and trend changes | Paid social advertising |
| Creativity in short-form content ideation | Social listening |
| Collaboration across different teams | SEO |
| Leadership in managing content calendars and mentoring team members | Content management systems |
| Organisation and time management | Email marketing integration |
| Emotional intelligence and audience empathy | Platform management |
| Crisis communication and problem-solving | Proficiency in using AI for content creation and planning |
Social media tools
If you have no experience, part-time work or freelance projects can help you build an online portfolio and develop transferable skills. We recommend using a skills-based CV format to showcase your capabilities effectively in this scenario.
3. Work experience for a social media manager CV
When writing work experience on a CV for a social media manager, keep the following in mind to make a lasting impact:
List your previous roles in reverse chronological order, adding your most recent job at the top of this section.
Describe your responsibilities and achievements in bullet point format.
Quantify your achievements using metrics or percentages to illustrate the impact of your work.
Use action verbs on your CV that align with the job description and highlight your strengths to help hiring managers see your capabilities.
Social media CV work experience examples
Social Media Intern, Function1, London, 2021 - Present
Supported a marketing team in executing social media campaigns for various brands. Assisted in developing and implementing digital strategies. Analysed platform metrics to improve campaign performance. Aligned content with brand messaging.
Boosted brand visibility by 23% through targeted social media campaigns.
Improved engagement rates by 34% through creative content ideas.
Refer to the internship CV example for more inspiration.
Freelance Content Creator, Self-Employed, Remote, 2020 - Present
Developed engaging content for various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Collaborated with small businesses to enhance their online presence by creating tailored content strategies. Utilised analytics tools such as Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, and Sprout Social to assess the impact of content. Managed social media accounts for multiple clients, ensuring consistent brand messaging and tone.
Increased client social media following by 25% through tailored content.
Boosted audience engagement by 30% using targeted content strategies.
Social Media Coordinator, GroundWork Construction, Manchester, 2019 - 2021
Managed the organisation's social media accounts and developed effective engagement strategies. Managed daily operations and content scheduling. Engaged with followers and responded to inquiries on time. Conducted research on industry trends to keep content fresh and relevant.
Achieved a 35% increase in follower engagement through interactive posts.
Successfully executed a fundraising campaign that exceeded its goal by 15%.
Social Media Coordinator Executive, Sports World, London, 2018 - 2020
Drove brand growth and customer satisfaction by leading the social media team in creating and executing innovative marketing campaigns. Utilised Hootsuite and Buffer for efficient post scheduling and analysed performance metrics to refine strategies.
Increased brand awareness by 40% through innovative social media campaigns.
Enhanced customer satisfaction ratings by 25% through improved social media engagement.
What to write in a social media manager CV if you have no experience?
The scope of social media work is constantly changing and is not limited to one sector. If you are a student or are considering a career change, use these tips to effectively write a CV for this role, even if you have little to no experience:
Highlight transferable skills or other relevant achievements in the work experience section.
Add online courses and certificates relevant to the industry trends.
If you have a background in hospitality, retail, or sales, mention skills that you’ve developed, like the ability to sell products and services or to create a connection with your audience.
Add volunteer experience where you managed a charity’s or non-profit organisation’s social media channels.
Example:
Social Media Volunteer, Vision Life Charity, Remote, 2019 - 2020
Assisted a non-profit organisation in enhancing its online presence through strategic social media activities. Produced high-quality visual content, including images, graphics, and videos, to increase brand visibility and follower engagement.
Collaborated with the events team to develop social media campaigns for fundraising drives.
Increased brand visibility and follower engagement for a non-profit organisation, leading to more fundraisers.
Refer to the volunteer CV example for more inspiration or discover more tips on how to write a CV with no experience.
Pro Tip
You can also take your own social media platforms as an example and try to track your progress, demonstrating how you can grow an online audience.
4. Education and certificates for a social media manager CV
Even though the work experience or the skills sections are the most important ones for a social media manager CV, your education and qualifications can help employers get the complete picture of your professional background. Suppose you are a school leaver, to enter this field. In that case, you might need to complete an undergraduate degree or gain hands-on experience through apprenticeships in digital community management or marketing.
Recommended qualifications to include:
University Degree: in Marketing, Communications, Media, Journalism, PR, Business or similar disciplines.
College Diploma: Practical, job-focused qualifications could also be relevant.
GCSEs/A Levels: highlight subjects that align with social media skills, such as English, Media Studies, or IT.
Online certificates: Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate, Google Analytics Certification, HubSpot Social Media Certification, TikTok Academy, Hootsuite Social Marketing Certification.
Examples of education for a social media CV
University Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in Marketing, University of Manchester, UK, 2021.
College Diploma:
Diploma in Digital Marketing (e.g., from CIM or IDM). For example: Digital Marketing Diploma, Digital Marketing Institute, UK, 2021.
GCSEs/A Levels:
Hove Park School, Brighton, UK, 2018: GCSEs (9-1 grading), including Media Studies (9), Digital Technology (8) and English (9).
Brighton Sixth Form College, Brighton, UK, 2023, A-Level Qualifications (total UCAS points: 128). Media Studies (A), Business Studies (B), English Literature (A).
Online certificates:
Advanced Social Media Strategy Course, Hootsuite Academy, 2021.
Learn more about entry requirements and what to expect in a social media manager role.
Keywords to add to your social media manager CV
Crafting an effective CV isn’t just about writing well. It’s about choosing the right words and placing them strategically. Hiring managers should be able to find the most important information at a glance. That’s why thoughtfully distributed keywords are crucial. They help your CV stand out, show that you’ve paid close attention to the job description, and highlight exactly why you're a strong fit for the role.
Recommended keywords
How to format your social media CV to get more interviews?
While creativity is encouraged for this type of job, sticking to best practices for CV formatting is also important to help recruiters and ATS find all the relevant information quickly. Go for both a personal touch and proper formatting to ensure your CV makes a strong impression.
Consider these tips:
Keep your CV length between 1-2 pages. For those with no work experience, aim for one page.
Opt for a subtle and professional CV colour for visual appeal.
Choose a clear, readable font for your CV, such as Arial, Calibri, Verdana or Helvetica.
Use a font size of 10-12 points for the body text and slightly larger for headings.
Use consistent formatting for headings and text.
Use adequate spacing to make your CV easy to read.
Key takeaways
Use creative and technical insights. A good social media CV has balanced sections with data-orientated information and original projects.
Stay updated with digital trends and technologies. AI can greatly increase your productivity in your day-to-day tasks.
Be concise and clear. Choose keywords that reflect your skills and knowledge and, most importantly, what recruiters seek.
Quantify your achievements. It adds value and gives a glimpse of what you can bring to the table.
Showcase transferable skills: If you don’t have work experience, try to make the most out of the other sections, showing skills or tools from studying, or consider volunteering to increase your chances of securing a job interview.
Next steps?
Check out our range of CV templates featuring diverse styles and layouts to fit your needs. Our CVBuilder is highly customisable, saving you time and effort. Changing careers or new to social media? Our CV Writing Service offers expert guidance to help you make a strong impression. And if you're looking to stay organised, don’t miss our top tips for tracking your job applications.
FAQs
How to improve my social media skills?
Always try to learn new things. Focus on mastering key platforms (TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn), taking free or paid online courses (Meta Blueprint or Google Digital Garage), and regularly creating content using tools like Canva, CapCut or Adobe Creative Suite. Learn to track performance with analytics tools (Google Analytics and Meta Business Suite), stay updated on trends, join UK-based marketing communities or events like BrightonSEO, and build a portfolio to showcase your work and results.
Will social media managers be replaced by AI?
No, but the role is evolving fast. While AI roles such as prompt engineers are emerging and automating specific tasks, social media managers bring creativity and human insight that technology can't fully replicate. Understanding cultural context or humour, strategically aligning social media with business goals or handling real-time crisis are essential social media skills that AI cannot replace. For more info, check out our blog article on how AI can impact your job.
How much do social media managers make in the UK?
Salaries vary based on experience and job responsibilities but range from £27,000 to £40,000, depending on the company's size and industry. For entry-level positions, such as a social media assistant, salaries typically start at around £19,000 to £25,000.
Which social media is used most in the UK?
Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn are widely used, with TikTok gaining traction. Highlighting proficiency or permanence metrics in these platforms is beneficial and will attract employers.
How do I get my first job in social media?
Focus on building a strong social media CV profile is key. Emphasise transferable skills, such as communication and creativity, gained from studying or part-time work. Gain practical experience through internships, freelancing, or volunteering. Explore seasonal work opportunities by checking brand websites and reaching out to businesses.
For more insights, check out this article on how to write a CV for your first job.
Are social media managers still in demand in the UK?
Yes, social media managers are in demand and emerging in the UK. In today's digital age, businesses across various industries, including finance, construction, retail, media, healthcare, and government, rely heavily on social media for marketing, customer engagement, and brand building.
