Resume Writing Tips for Senior Feature Writer

Introduction

For senior feature writers, a strong resume is more than a summary of job history; it is your personal brand narrative. It reflects your ability to craft engaging stories, manage editorial projects, and influence readers across various platforms. Employers seek candidates who demonstrate creativity, analytical thinking, leadership, and measurable impact in their writing careers. This blog offers comprehensive guidance on structuring your resume strategically to highlight those qualities and successfully advance your career.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary is your elevator pitch. It should succinctly highlight your experience, key strengths, and what sets you apart as a senior feature writer. Avoid generic statements; instead, use powerful language to communicate your unique value, editorial philosophy, and leadership skills.

Example: Award-winning senior feature writer with 10+ years of experience crafting compelling long-form journalism and lifestyle features. Proven track record in leading editorial teams, increasing reader engagement by over 40%, and driving story concepts that win industry accolades.

2. Key Skills

Including a robust key skills section allows both hiring managers and ATS software to quickly identify your areas of expertise. Focus on skills that are critical for senior feature writers and those that align with the target job description.

• Long-form storytelling
• Editorial leadership
• Investigative research
• Content strategy development
• Interviewing techniques
• SEO for content
• Multimedia content integration
• Fact-checking and accuracy
• Project management
• Audience analytics interpretation

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

Rather than simply listing job duties, focus on achievements that demonstrate your impact. Quantify successes when possible to provide concrete evidence of your contributions, such as boosting readership, increasing digital engagement, or leading successful campaigns.

Example Achievement: Spearheaded a monthly investigative series that increased the magazine’s subscription renewal rate by 25%, attracting a new demographic of readers aged 25-35.

4. Tailor to Job

Each job application deserves a customized resume. Analyze the job description closely to identify keywords and required skills, then incorporate those naturally into your summary, skills, and experience sections. Tailoring improves compatibility with ATS scans and boosts relevance to recruiters.

5. Tools

• Adobe InDesign
• WordPress CMS
• Google Analytics
• SEMrush
• Hemingway Editor
• Trello
• Slack
• AP Stylebook
• Hootsuite
• Microsoft Office Suite

6. Metrics

• Increased article readership by 40%
• Boosted social media engagement rates by 35%
• Reduced editorial cycle time by 20%
• Led a team that delivered 50+ feature stories annually
• Raised subscriber retention rate by 25%

7. Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Journalism – University of Missouri, 2012
• Certified Content Marketing Specialist – Content Marketing Institute, 2020

8. Format

• Use clean, professional fonts such as Arial or Calibri in 10-12 pt size
• Employ clear section headings and bullet points for easy navigation and scanning

9. Concise

Keep your resume concise without sacrificing important information. Aim for two pages max, using impactful language and prioritizing content relevant to senior feature writing roles. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences.

10. Bonus

• Include links to an online portfolio or published work samples to demonstrate writing quality
• Showcase leadership roles in editorial projects or mentorship of junior writers

Examples

• Developed a quarterly investigative report series that led to a 30% increase in web traffic and a 15% rise in advertiser interest.
• Mentored 5 junior writers, resulting in 3 promotions within the editorial team over two years.

Conclusion

For senior feature writers, a standout resume is a powerful tool to showcase your impact in delivering high-quality storytelling, leadership in editorial environments, and analytical skills that drive audience growth. By emphasizing achievements over responsibilities, incorporating relevant keywords, and highlighting your expertise in tools and content strategies, you position yourself as an invaluable asset to prospective employers. Remember that a sharp, tailored resume not only opens doors but also tells the story of your professional journey with clarity and purpose.