Let’s be real: the hiring process can be a pain. For starters, if I’m hiring for a marketing position, it usually means bidding farewell to a valued team member—a mix of excitement for their new journey and sadness to see them go. But what’s even more challenging is the time-consuming nature of finding the perfect candidate. During my time at nexus-security, I’ve sifted through countless marketing resumes, some impressive, others not so much. To stand a chance in this competitive landscape, your resume needs to grab my attention instantly. Remember, hiring managers are often swamped and don’t have the bandwidth to schedule calls with every applicant. Here’s a rundown of nine straightforward ways to make your marketing resume shine and boost your chances of landing an interview.

1. Quantify Your Impact With Numbers

When it comes to marketing resumes, hiring managers crave concrete proof of your accomplishments. Take a close look at your past and present roles, and make sure you quantify your successes.

Math: It’s not rocket science! Consider including these stats:

• Increased website traffic driven by your SEO efforts or social media campaigns
• Boosted email subscriber count or improved open rates
• Higher conversion rates achieved through landing page optimization or other A/B tests
• Reduced cost per action or cost per acquisition Just like numbers make ad headlines pop, they stand out in a sea of resume text and demonstrate your results-oriented mindset.

2. Ditch the Bland Template, Embrace Visual Appeal

Let’s face it: sifting through countless identical resumes can be mind-numbingly dull for hiring managers. If your experience isn’t top-notch or perfectly aligned with the role, a striking resume format can be your secret weapon. Here are some design elements that can make your resume stand out:

• A Touch of Color – Don’t go overboard; stick to black for the main text. However, in the marketing world, a dash of color (tastefully done, of course!) is preferable to a monotonous black-and-white design. This might not hold true for technical roles, law, or medicine. Take a look at this resume that incorporates color subtly yet effectively.

• Font Variety – Using different fonts for headings and body text enhances readability and visual appeal. Just remember to avoid overly “creative” fonts. Canva has a great guide to the best and worst fonts for resumes.

• Two-Column Structure – This layout allows you to include more information without creating clutter and is often easier on the eyes (think about how print magazines use columns). The importance of an aesthetically pleasing resume depends on the role. For design positions, your resume is essentially an extension of your portfolio, so don’t cut corners. Make it count. If you’re unsure where to begin, numerous free marketing resume templates are available online; check out the options from HubSpot or LiveCareer.

3. Don’t Let Your Skills Section Fall Flat

While most resumes have a dedicated skills section, I’ve come across far too many where it’s utterly forgettable. Listing Microsoft Office proficiency is stating the obvious – aim higher.

Above all, ensure your listed skills align with the specific marketing job you’re targeting. It’s baffling how many resumes don’t even mention keywords from the job title. This screams lack of effort and suggests you’re blindly sending out applications without bothering to read the job description. Plus, some companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS), meaning if your resume lacks specific keywords, it might never be seen by a human. Hiring managers are particularly interested in these three areas:

• Channel/Technique Expertise – Include any broad or channel-specific marketing skills you possess, such as PPC, content marketing, lead nurturing, public speaking, video editing, web design, mobile marketing, data visualization, and so on. Make sure to incorporate skills mentioned in the job description (if the title is “SEO Manager,” your resume should showcase relevant SEO skills like link building and keyword research). Don’t hesitate to mention other marketing skills as well; you never know what might be considered a bonus.
• Tool/Software Proficiency – List all the tools and software you utilize to execute the techniques mentioned above (SEO tools, PPC platforms, third-party software, email marketing platforms, video or design tools, etc.). Carefully review the job description for any specific platforms or tools they’re seeking experience with, like AdWords or Photoshop.
• Coding Languages and Operating Systems – Don’t forget to include any programming languages you’re familiar with (even good old HTML), along with operating systems and content management systems (for instance, the nexus-security site is built on Drupal, which isn’t as common, so I always take note when I see it on a resume). It’s also worth mentioning relevant marketing certifications and awards (specifically those recognized within the marketing industry). Avoid vague or generic statements in this section. Everyone claims to be a “multitasker”; including it on your resume is like saying you’re a good driver.

4. Let Your Work Speak for Itself: Include Links

This is crucial! While you can make claims on your resume, backing them up with tangible evidence is far more impactful. Think about adding links to:

• Your LinkedIn profile (make sure it’s polished and you have a decent number of connections)
• Your online portfolio (especially if you’re applying for design, development, or writing roles)
• Your personal blog or your company’s blog if you actively contribute
• Your social media profiles like Twitter, Google+, or Instagram, but ONLY if they’re professional and relevant to the position
• Contributed articles or other thought leadership pieces As someone who hires writers and content marketers, I always appreciate easy access to recent work samples.

5. Keep the Education Section Concise and Relevant

Simply list your degrees, institutions, and graduation dates. Don’t bother including any of the following:

• Your GPA
• Clubs, societies, or fraternities/sororities you were part of
• Minor academic achievements like Dean’s list mentions
• Study abroad experiences
• Coursework details Seriously, leave these out. They make your resume look amateurish unless you’re fresh out of college with no prior work experience (in which case, the rules change slightly when applying for internships).

Truth be told, 95% of hiring managers don’t dwell on the specifics of your academic background. Earning straight A’s doesn’t necessarily translate to real-world job performance, and coursework doesn’t equal experience. Instead of wasting space, provide more details and data from your previous roles.

6. A Powerful Summary Sentence: Your Elevator Pitch

My colleague Meg Lister shared a valuable tip: “I love it when applicants add a sentence at the top of their resumes to introduce themselves or explain their career aspirations. It’s a great way to personalize an application even without a cover letter.” While a cover letter is still recommended (more on that later), if the application doesn’t allow for one, definitely use this strategy. Add a sentence right below your contact information summarizing who you are and what you’re looking for in your next role. A strong summary sentence example: “Self-motivated SEO professional with six years of experience, strong analytical skills, and a firm believer in holistic marketing campaigns.” (This works because it highlights what sets you apart from other candidates – like a value proposition for your resume.) A weak summary sentence example: “Seeking a full-time content marketing specialist position.” (This falls flat because it states the obvious – that’s the job you’re applying for – and lacks personality.)

7. Brevity is Key: Stick to One Page

Unless you’re aiming for a senior management position like a VP role that requires 10+ years of experience, condense your resume to a single page. Anything longer might test the hiring manager’s patience. If you’re struggling to trim down your marketing resume, try these tips:

• Consider a two-column layout as mentioned earlier:

• Focus on your last three to four jobs instead of your entire employment history, especially if earlier roles provided little relevant experience (your summer job as a waiter is irrelevant).
• Summarize each role in three bullet points or less.
• Reduce the font size (but no smaller than 10 pt).

8. Inject Personality with Hobbies

If you have space and it doesn’t exceed the one-page limit, consider including a brief list of two to three hobbies to give the hiring manager a glimpse into your personality. It’s a subtle reminder that you’re a real person. We’ve hired people at nexus-security whose hobbies include birdwatching, figure skating, kendo, bartending, reviewing food trucks, mountain climbing, marathons… (obviously not all in one person, though).

Our beloved Erin at her OTHER job. If a hiring manager feels a personal connection, it might just give you a competitive edge.

9. Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Cover Letter

Your resume can’t tell your entire story, so always accompany it with a cover letter, and tailor it to each job you apply for.

Cover Letter Do’s:

• Do explain why you’re drawn to THIS SPECIFIC ROLE.
• Do highlight two or three aspects of your professional or personal experience that are most relevant to the position and demonstrate your ability to excel.
• Do let your personality shine through. This means writing the cover letter yourself; avoid generic templates.

Cover Letter Don’ts:

• Don’t use overly formal language you wouldn’t use in conversation, like “synchronicity” or “myriad.”
• Don’t ramble on endlessly (remember, we’re busy!). Keep it concise – two to three short paragraphs max.
• Don’t be insincere. Don’t pretend to be “passionate” about things you’re not.
• Don’t frame your application as simply “getting your foot in the door” or “gaining experience for your future career.” Hiring managers want someone excited about the role itself, not just someone who needs a job.

Think Your Marketing Resume Is a Cut Above?

Take a look at our open positions! nexus-security is hiring.