When writing an SEO resume, it’s essential to tailor the document to match the specific skills and experience required by the company. This is done by strategically including keywords from the job description in your document.
Hiring managers typically spend just six seconds scanning a resume, so it’s important to get their attention right away. To do this, begin with a strong profile/summary that catches their eye and explains why you are the ideal candidate for the job.
Keyword research
Whether you’re looking for your first SEO job or are an experienced SEO professional, it’s important to put your skills on a resume that highlights your strengths. Using the right words in your resume can help you stand out from the crowd and get you an interview.
To create a great resume for an SEO position (a sample I took from Ihor Lavrenenko), you need to conduct keyword research and highlight your key SEO skills. This includes keyword research, on-page optimization, link building and analytics knowledge.
When you’re conducting keyword research, identify keywords that are relevant to the specific job description. These are the ones that hiring managers use to find applicants with the required skills and qualifications.
For example, if you’re applying for an SEO Manager role, it might be useful to include keywords such as “data-driven,” “content strategy” and “technical SEO.” These are all skills that show employers that you’re a strong candidate who can help them reach their business goals.
Also, include any relevant certifications or training you’ve received that are applicable to the job description. These are a great way to demonstrate that you’re dedicated to the field and willing to invest in your professional development.
Finally, include any relevant projects you’ve worked on in your career. These can be especially helpful if you’ve been able to improve an organization’s search performance, increase traffic or boost sales.
You can also include any relevant hobbies or interests that are related to your work, such as blogging or social media marketing. These can demonstrate that you’re a person who enjoys working in the industry and are committed to helping companies grow online.
Lastly, you need to choose the right format for your SEO resume. The reverse-chronological format is typically the best choice as it shows your most recent experience, education and skills first.
On-page optimization
When putting SEO skills on your resume, it is important to be clear-headed and to take into account what the employer is looking for. This means reading through the job description thoroughly, identifying any keywords or key phrases and then tailoring your resume to meet those expectations.
The best way to do this is to create a list of keywords that are important to the job and then narrow down that list to specific skills, such as keyword research, on-page optimization and link building. This will help you to create a resume that will stand out in the crowd and give you an edge over the other candidates.
On-page optimization is the process of changing a web page to improve its search engine ranking. This can include optimizing the content, page layout and site architecture, as well as making changes to the meta data and image optimisation. It may also involve improving the website’s usability for the end user and improving the website’s conversion rate. The best way to perform on-page optimization is by analyzing existing search data, such as what keywords users typed in and which pages were clicked on most frequently. There are several tools that can help you perform this task, including Google Analytics, SEMrush and Ahrefs.
Link building
The primary goal of link building is to improve a site’s search engine rankings and increase its online visibility. This is achieved through the process of acquiring new backlinks from high-authority domains. It can also include developing relationships with influencers and online writers who can help to promote a brand or business.
The most important thing when putting SEO skills on a resume is to make sure that you include relevant experience, which is one of the biggest factors recruiters will take into account when deciding whether to progress your application or throw it in the bin. A good work experience section will allow you to demonstrate your skills in a clear and concise way that is relevant to the job role and can really get you ahead of other candidates.
Another important point when putting SEO skills on your resume is to ensure that you have a good understanding of SEO terminology. This is critical if you are applying for an SEO specialist role as you will need to communicate effectively with your team and clients about the different aspects of your role.
It is also a good idea to use keywords throughout your document, which will make it easier for recruiters to find you when they are searching for someone with your specific skills. This will ensure that you do not miss out on any opportunities.
Finally, make sure that you have a strong work experience section and include any qualifications or awards that will support your application. This will help to get your CV through ATS (Applicant Tracking Software) and into the hands of the hiring manager.
Lastly, make sure that you are well-versed in SEO and the various ways that you can perform link building. This is vital for your success in this career and will help to boost your chances of securing a job with a reputable company.
A good link building specialist resume can be difficult to create, especially if you don’t have any formal training in the field. However, this doesn’t have to be the case as there are plenty of free resources available to help you build a good one.
Website analytics
SEO is a discipline that requires an ability to analyze data and make decisions based on that information. As such, it is important to highlight your analytics skills when putting SEO on your resume. This can include your experience with Google Analytics, SEMrush, or Ahrefs. You should also showcase your content strategy skills, including keyword research, content creation, and content optimization.
Writing and language are crucial skills for an SEO specialist because they are essential for matching user intent, via searches, to the content you produce. Valuable candidates can demonstrate how they conduct keyword research, interpret their findings, and directly apply the findings to writing content that drives traffic and engagement.
Another critical skill is the ability to understand marketing strategies as a whole. This requires a background in computer science as well as marketing, which you can demonstrate by including relevant coursework and certificates.
To be successful in this career, you must have a strong track record of delivering results through innovative SEO strategies that increase organic search traffic and revenue. Highlight your abilities to develop and implement strategies, conduct in-depth competitor analysis, and work with cross-functional teams to optimize website content.
Your resume should start with a punchy resume summary that grabs the hiring manager’s attention and explains how your experience and expertise make you the best candidate for the role. This will help you get past applicant tracking systems (ATS) that many companies use to screen applicants.
Next, highlight your experience in SEO by listing your top achievements. This includes keywords, websites you have worked on, content you have written and other data that shows your success as an SEO professional.
Depending on your level of experience, place this section at the top of your resume or under contact information. If you’re a recent graduate, place it under education or work experience.
When putting SEO on your resume, it’s important to list all your skills, experience, and certifications in the Core Qualifications section of your resume. This will ensure that hiring managers see that you’re qualified for the role and can perform all the tasks associated with it.