Resume Writing Tips for Feature Writer

Introduction

Feature writing demands not only creative storytelling skills but also the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and engagingly. Because feature writers often juggle various topics, audiences, and publication styles, a strong resume must highlight adaptability, creativity, and tangible achievements. Whether you’re applying to a major magazine or pitching to online platforms, your resume is the first impression editors will have of your professional capabilities. Optimizing your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS) while ensuring it appeals to human readers is key to landing interviews and advancing your writing career.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary is your elevator pitch. It should concisely convey who you are as a feature writer, your specialties, and what value you bring to editors or clients. Focus on your unique angle—whether that’s investigative depth, human-interest storytelling, or niche subject expertise.

Example: “Award-winning feature writer with 7+ years covering lifestyle, culture, and technology. Proven ability to craft compelling narratives that increase readership engagement by over 30%. Skilled in in-depth research and creating nuanced, audience-centric stories.”

2. Key Skills

A strong list of key skills balances hard skills with soft skills relevant to feature writing. Incorporate keywords from the job description to pass ATS scans and highlight your qualifications.

• Exceptional storytelling and narrative crafting
• In-depth research and fact-checking
• Interview techniques and source development
• SEO and keyword optimization for digital content
• Content management systems (CMS) proficiency
• Adobe Creative Suite basics (Photoshop, InDesign)
• Strong command of AP Style and editorial guidelines
• Time management and deadline adherence
• Audience analysis and engagement strategies
• Multimedia storytelling (podcasts, video scripts)

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

While listing duties shows your job role, focusing on achievements demonstrates impact. Use metrics wherever possible to quantify success. For example, instead of “Wrote articles,” say “Produced 15+ monthly feature articles driving a 25% increase in site traffic.” This approach illustrates your contribution to the publication’s goals and sets you apart.

Example Achievement Bullet: “Increased feature story engagement by 40% through innovative narrative techniques and reader-focused topics.”

4. Tailor to Job

Modify your resume to mirror the language, skills, and priorities found in each job description. If the job prioritizes experience in environmental journalism, emphasize related stories and expertise. Tailoring ensures both ATS and hiring managers recognize your fit for the position, increasing your chances of progressing to interviews.

5. Tools

• WordPress (CMS)
• Google Analytics
• Yoast SEO
• Google Docs/Sheets
• Adobe InDesign
• Grammarly
• Trello (project management)
• Slack (team communication)
• AP Stylebook (guidelines)
• Hemingway Editor (readability checking)

6. Metrics

• Increased article readership by 30% in six months
• Generated 15% growth in social media shares through feature stories
• Completed 20+ in-depth interviews per quarter
• Boosted newsletter open rates by 25% with exclusive features
• Enhanced SEO rankings leading to a 40% rise in organic search traffic

7. Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, University of Southern California, 2016
• Certificate in Digital Content Strategy, Northwestern University, 2019

8. Format

• Use clear headings and consistent fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri, 11-12pt)
• Incorporate bullet points for easy scanning
• Use white space strategically to avoid clutter
• Keep length to two pages maximum for experience-packed resumes
• Save and submit in PDF format to preserve formatting

9. Concise

Keep your descriptions succinct but informative. Avoid jargon and overly technical terms unless specifically relevant to the publication. Each bullet should clearly communicate your contribution and outcome. Brevity combined with substance makes your resume reader-friendly for editors who often review many applications quickly.

10. Bonus

• Include links to an online portfolio or publications to showcase your writing samples.
• Add endorsements or short testimonials from editors or clients if space permits.

Examples

• “Authored a 5-part investigative series on urban renewal, resulting in a 50% increase in monthly subscribers and community engagement.”
• “Led editorial coordination for the annual travel features, collaborating with photographers and designers to meet tight deadlines and deliver a best-selling issue.”

Conclusion

Crafting a feature writer resume that highlights your impact, leadership, and analytical prowess is essential in gaining attention from editors and hiring managers. By showcasing tangible achievements, tailoring content to job descriptions, and employing ATS-friendly formatting, you not only demonstrate your storytelling abilities but prove your professionalism and strategic thinking. A well-written resume thus becomes a powerful tool in launching or advancing a successful feature writing career.