Your CV summary — sometimes called a profile or summary — requires the same persuasive tones you’re used to using in your marketing career. You are the brand, and the “buyer” needs are those of the employer you seek to impress.
For marketing gurus, taking on the face, voice and personality of an organisation or brand should be a walk in the park. Additionally, this section of your CV has an important part to play. It’s where your personal and professional essence can shine through. It’s important to use language that’s clear, descriptive and fluid, but not too flowery. Express energy, confidence in a tone that’s earnest and real.
Professional and ambitious marketing consultant with a passion for driving results and value for groups, companies and clients. With extensive experience in SEO, marketing strategies, social media engagement and customer relationship management, skilled at bringing client goals to life and increasing customer satisfaction across different service lines.
If your career has been a series of roles in digital marketing, then the traditional CV structure is the best option for you. Your current and most recent job appears first, and your earliest job comes last, going back no more than four or five roles. If there are work history gaps or stints in unrelated work, relevant positions should take precedence. Generally, only relevant digital marketing work experience belongs on your CV.
Digital Marketing Manager at BrandBox, Auckland
2018 - 2021
Marketing Consultant at Goldilocks Group, Auckland
2017 - 2018
In scenarios where an employer requires you to have formal education, the typical educational requirement for digital marketers is a bachelor’s degree in marketing, comms or graphic design. Google AdWords or some other specialty certs may be needed too, and perhaps a master’s for manager or director roles.
Generally, you’ll want to list the relevant degrees earned from institutions in reverse chronological order, from highest to lowest qualification levels. If you have space left, be sure to mention scholastic awards or other special achievements and honours.
Any diplomas, certificates and internships relevant to your training and professional development also belong in this CV section. Don’t overlook anything that sets you apart as a continuous learner to keep pace in the ever-changing digital marketing space.
There are times when reversing the order of your CV work history and education sections might make sense. It could work if you are short on digital marketing experience (and are just entering this field), your background is particularly impressive or relevant, or you are a freelancer starting out or venturing into a side career.
Bachelor of Business at the Auckland University of Technology, Auckland
2017 - 2020
NCEA Level 3 at Cullinane College, Whanganui
2012 - 2016
This part of your CV is about marketing the talents you’ve nailed to meet expected employer demand. Staying ahead of learning curves is essential for digital marketers, along with being a great researcher. And because you also know a thing or two about marketing, the idea of marketing yourself in the skills and work history sections of your CV is a breeze. Go for it!