How to write the perfect Marketing CV

Marketing CV FAQs

Creating a strong Marketing CV is about more than listing your experience. It’s about tailoring your skills to the role, making your CV searchable, and understanding what hiring managers are looking for. Here are some of the most common questions to help you build a CV that gets noticed.

How should I tailor my Marketing CV for a specific job?

Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job you are applying for.  Consider who will review your CV and tailor it to their expectations. Just like in marketing, understanding your audience is crucial.

How can I make my Marketing CV appear in searches ?

To ensure your CV is found on job boards and databases, include relevant keywords that describe your experience, skill set, and interests. This helps algorithms match your CV with keyword searches headhunters, hiring managers and recruiters run to find top talent on databases.

What are the essential components of a good Marketing CV?

Key components include:
• Contact Information
• Personal Statement
• Education
• Key Skills and Achievements
• Employment History
• Hobbies and Interests
• References (optional)

What are “anonymised CVs” and how does it affect the info included on my Marketing CV?

Anonymised CV’s hide personal information such as name, ethnicity, gender, and educational institution to promote diversity and inclusion. This helps eliminate unconscious bias in the recruitment process.

What contact information should I include on my Marketing CV?

Include your current phone number and email address. It’s not necessary to include your date of birth, nationality, or postal address unless specifically asked.

How do I write an effective Marketing personal statement?

Keep it short and to the point. Make it memorable and impactful by summarising your experience and focusing on the job requirements. Show a bit of your personality but keep it professional.

What should I include in the  education section on my Marketing CV?

You can place the education section either underneath the personal statement or at the end of the CV. It depends on how relevant your qualifications are to the job you are applying for.

It’s a matter of personal preference and also depends on how important and relevant specific qualifications are in the context of the particular role you are looking for.

Things to include:

• Names of school/college/other educational organisation.
• Name of course and relevant modules taken.
• Your grades. Bundle your GSCE’s (or equivalent) into one sentence and state how many of each grade you got if you think it reads better, particularly if you are a more experienced candidate.

What should I include in the key skills and achievements section?

Include specific skills and achievements relevant to the job, such as strategic experience, project management skills, industry sector experience, and proficiency with relevant tools and software.

How should I present my Marketing employment history?

Detail your job title, employer’s company name, employment dates, and any promotions. Describe your role and responsibilities, highlighting achievements that are transferable to the job you are applying for.

What should I include in the hobbies and interests section?

Share hobbies and interests that showcase your personality and cultural fit. Be authentic and ensure you can discuss these interests if asked during an interview.

How should I handle references on my Marketing CV?

It’s advisable to write “references available on request” to control the process and prevent unexpected calls to your referees.

What is the best order for sections on a Marketing CV?

Based on our experience, the following order tends to flow best:

1. Contact details
2. Personal statement
3. Education (if particularly relevant)
4. Achievements/key skills
5. Employment history (starting with the most recent)
6. Hobbies/interests
7. References (optional)

How should I format my Marketing CV?

To format your CV effectively:

• Use bullet points to break up large paragraphs and ensure consistency (either with full stops or none)
• Highlight areas that you’d like to stand out, using bold text and potentially colour.
• Spell check and review spacing and grammar.
• Choose a professional font like Times New Roman or Arial and use it throughout.
• Present your CV as a PDF for a more professional finish.

Should I include a photo on my Marketing CV?

Including a photo is subjective. Our recommendation is to avoid photos to prevent unconscious bias. If you choose to include a photo, ensure it is professional and relevant to the job.

Should I include links to my social media accounts on my Marketing CV?

It depends on the job description. If you include social media links, vet your posts and archive anything that may introduce bias. Ensure your LinkedIn profile matches your employment history.

Why are keywords important in a Marketing CV?

Keywords help your CV appear in searches on job board databases. Use relevant keywords that match the job descriptions you are applying for. Include generic and popular job titles and sector-specific terms.

How long should my Marketing CV be?

Aim for 2 pages, but CVs up to 4 pages are acceptable if all information is relevant. Do not cut out valuable information to fit a shorter length. More experienced candidates can include only dates, job title, and company name for less relevant roles.