3 Factors of a Standout SEO Resume + 1 Bonus Off-page Factor

Your resume is the first thing a hiring manager is going to see when you apply for a job — is your SEO resume optimized to make a good first impression? Our SEO Manager Mindy Weinstein shared three factors that make for a standout SEO resume:

  • Experience
  • Training
  • Results

And beyond the SEO resume itself, she emphasized an off-page factor she considers when hiring a potential SEO analyst: attitude.

seo resume

SEO Resume Factor 1: Experience

When it comes to experience, an SEO analyst should have at least one to two years of experience. A senior SEO analyst should have three or more, with experience interfacing with clients and managing projects. For those without SEO experience, however, there are internships, apprenticeships, and associate SEO positions where aspiring analysts can get valuable experience.

“If someone is coming with no experience, I focus mainly on communication and time management abilities. SEO can be taught, but great communication is harder to learn. I try to relate his or her past work experience with what I know applies to an SEO’s job,” Weinstein said.

SEO Resume Factor 2: Training

Because Internet marketing is a relatively new industry, ways in which SEOs have been trained vary widely (read more in Learning SEO and the Future of SEO Education). Weinstein said she weighs experience more heavily than training. That being said, if a prospective analysts lists a reputable course or certification program on his or her SEO resume, it stands out.

SEO Resume Factor 3: Results

“One of the first things I look for on an SEO resume are results. It’s one thing to say you have experience optimizing web pages and increasing keyword rankings,” said Weinstein. “Backing those statements up with specifics, such as ‘moved primary keyword rankings to the first position in search results and doubled organic traffic,’ is a whole lot more powerful.”

Off-page Factor: Attitude

A standout SEO resume can get you an interview, but your personality and ability to articulate yourself is going to seal the deal. While experience, training, and results are key factors, so is your attitude.

“I pay close attention to how a prospective analyst is able to articulate thoughts,” Weinstein said. “I also watch for signs of a positive attitude. For example, if the candidate is very negative when talking about past work experience, it is usually a red flag.”

Put Your SEO Resume to the Ultimate Test

Do you have what it takes to catch Bruce Clay and Weinstein’s attention? Bruce Clay, Inc. is looking for talented SEO analysts to join our team. We have two open positions right now, in fact. Find out more and apply here.

Kristi Kellogg is a journalist, news hound, professional copywriter, and social (media) butterfly. Currently, she is a senior SEO content writer for Conde Nast. Her articles appear in newspapers, magazines, across the Internet and in books such as "Content Marketing Strategies for Professionals" and "The Media Relations Guidebook." Formerly, she was the social media editor at Bruce Clay Inc.

See Kristi's author page for links to connect on social media.

Comments (7)
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7 Replies to “3 Factors of a Standout SEO Resume + 1 Bonus Off-page Factor”

The SEO checklist is a must-have for any website owner who wants to ensure that their site is always up-to-date with the latest SEO techniques. It helps to keep track of all the changes made to your website, and it helps to ensure that it is always up-to-date with the latest changes.

Bruce Clay’s Pubcon Vegas one day training, is one of the best i’ve ever attended.

Yes, every SEO resume must have Experience, Training & Results.

Great post, another great thing to maybe add to a resume could be what you can do for a company seo wise. How you can bring their business more exposure as well as a good marketing plan.

Person having enough experience but not able to communicate in an interview is probably not considered by the hiring firm. But on the other hand a person who is able to communicate efficiently and is a quick learner even with less experience he gets considered.

“Backing those statements up with specifics, such as ‘moved primary keyword rankings to the first position in search results and doubled organic traffic,’ is a whole lot more powerful.”

Powerful but must also ask him to explain how he did that, just to make sure he isn’t involved in some shady methods.

I personally think SEO is more attractive for creative people rather then people who enjoys repeating same tasks every day.

Best article for SEO beginners & learners. Useful tips for those prepares for SEO resume

Here’s another tip. If a past employer or client changes their Website or goes out of business, HR managers won’t think to search Archive.Org to see the sites as they were when you were active with those companies. HR managers don’t always realize that the Internet is constantly changing and that the world you are describing may no longer exist. It may be necessary to help them out on your resume.

Thanks Kristi,
From my personal experience Factor 2 is very important.
If you ask potential team member if he is willing to learn and take a test related to his position, based on the answer you know what kind of person in front of you.
Thanks again.

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