Create an Interview-Winning Graduate Copywriter CV Template Example
Starting your career as a graduate copywriter is an exciting step into the creative and fast-paced world of advertising, marketing, and digital communications. A Graduate Copywriter is responsible for crafting compelling copy for various platforms, including social media, websites, email campaigns, advertisements, and more. They turn ideas into persuasive content that engages audiences and drives business goals. The role demands creativity, attention to detail, strong written communication skills, and the ability to understand brand tone and audience needs. In the UK, a graduate copywriter can expect to earn between £22,000 and £28,000 per year, with salaries rising significantly as experience grows.
Securing a copywriting role often begins with a strong CV that immediately captures the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. Your CV is more than a list of qualifications; it is your personal marketing document. For a graduate copywriter, it must reflect creativity, versatility, and professional polish, ensuring you stand out in a competitive market.
Understanding the Graduate Copywriter Role
Graduate copywriters are typically entry-level professionals who support senior copywriters, creative directors, or marketing teams. Responsibilities often include:
Writing clear, engaging copy for digital and print campaigns.
Researching and understanding the target audience.
Assisting in brainstorming sessions for creative campaigns.
Editing and proofreading content for grammar, style, and brand consistency.
Adapting tone and style across multiple channels.
Employers seek candidates with strong writing skills, creativity, adaptability, and basic marketing knowledge. A CV that demonstrates your practical experience, even through internships, freelance work, or university projects, will give you a competitive advantage.
Why a Graduate Copywriter CV Matters
A CV is your first impression. It is often the deciding factor between getting an interview or being passed over. As a graduate, you might not have years of professional experience, but you can showcase transferable skills, creativity, and academic achievements. A well-crafted CV demonstrates that you understand the role of a copywriter and have the potential to grow into it.
How to Structure Your Graduate Copywriter CV
Your CV should be concise, visually clean, and tailored for the copywriting and creative industries. A standard structure includes:
Personal Details: Name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile. Avoid unnecessary information like marital status or a photo unless specifically requested.
Personal Statement: A short, compelling paragraph summarising who you are, your skills, and career aspirations. This should reflect your creativity and enthusiasm for copywriting.
Education: Include degrees, diplomas, and relevant coursework. Highlight modules related to writing, media, or marketing.
Experience: Even if you are a graduate, include internships, freelance work, university projects, or volunteer work relevant to copywriting. Focus on outcomes, responsibilities, and creativity.
Skills: List your technical skills (SEO, CMS, social media tools, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite) and soft skills (communication, collaboration, time management).
Portfolio Link: Always include a link to your online portfolio showcasing your best writing samples.
Creating an Interview-Winning CV: Key Tips for Graduates
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV for each application. Highlight skills and experiences that match the job description.
Use Action Verbs: Words like “created,” “developed,” “edited,” and “conceptualised” demonstrate active contribution.
Quantify Achievements: Where possible, show measurable results, e.g., “Increased engagement by 25% through targeted blog content.”
Showcase Creativity: Use your personal statement and work examples to demonstrate innovative thinking and versatility.
Keep it Concise: One to two pages is ideal. Be clear, focused, and avoid filler text.
Proofread: Spelling or grammar mistakes in a copywriting CV can be a dealbreaker. Use tools like Grammarly, but always manually review.
Graduate Copywriter CV Example
Here’s an example structure that can guide you:
John Smith
Email: john.smith@email.com
| Phone: 07700 900123 | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnsmith | Portfolio: johnsmithwrites.com
Personal Statement:
An enthusiastic graduate copywriter with a passion for creating compelling content that drives engagement and brand growth. Skilled in digital and print media, SEO, and storytelling, with practical experience gained through internships and freelance projects. Eager to contribute creativity and precision to a dynamic marketing team.
Education:
BA (Hons) English Literature, University of London, 2024
Modules: Creative Writing, Media Studies, Digital Marketing
Dissertation: “The Evolution of Persuasive Copy in Digital Campaigns”
Experience:
Copywriting Intern, Bright Ideas Marketing, London (Jun 2023 – Sep 2023)
Crafted social media content that increased engagement by 20%.
Assisted senior copywriters in developing campaign slogans for local clients.
Edited and proofread web content to align with brand tone.
Freelance Copywriter, Self-Employed (Jan 2023 – Present)
Produced blog posts, newsletters, and product descriptions for small businesses.
Collaborated with clients to develop brand voice and messaging strategies.
Skills:
SEO & Keyword Research
CMS Management (WordPress)
Social Media Copywriting
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator)
Strong Editing and Proofreading Skills
Time Management & Collaboration
Portfolio: johnsmithwrites.com
Advice for Mid-Level and Senior Copywriters
For those with more experience, your CV should focus on strategic achievements, leadership, and campaign results. Highlight team management, budget responsibility, and successful campaigns with measurable outcomes. Include high-level skills like content strategy, brand development, and cross-channel marketing. Your portfolio should showcase award-winning or highly successful campaigns, not just examples of everyday work.
Do’s and Don’ts for a Graduate Copywriter CV
Do’s:
Tailor your CV for each application.
Include a portfolio link.
Use professional, clear formatting.
Highlight transferable skills from internships, projects, or volunteer work.
Quantify achievements wherever possible.
Keep language positive and confident.
Don’ts:
Use generic statements or clichés.
Submit a CV with spelling or grammar errors.
Exceed two pages for a graduate CV.
Include irrelevant personal details.
Neglect to showcase your creativity.
Additional General Tips
Make your CV skimmable: Recruiters often spend just seconds per CV. Use bullet points, bold headings, and concise sentences.
Be results-focused: Employers want to know what impact your work has made.
Include soft skills: Copywriting is collaborative, so communication and teamwork matter.
Use a professional email address: Avoid informal or quirky addresses.
Keep updating your CV and portfolio: Even small freelance projects or blog posts can enhance your profile.
Conclusion
Creating a CV that wins interviews as a graduate copywriter requires a balance of creativity, professionalism, and strategic presentation. Focus on your strengths, tailor your CV to each application, and always include a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to deliver compelling content. Whether you are just starting out, moving into mid-level roles, or aiming for senior positions, a well-structured CV can significantly boost your career prospects.
If you want expert guidance on improving your CV and LinkedIn profile to increase interview success, book an appointment today with Jerry Frempong at CV London: https://www.cvlondon.net/book-an-appointment/
