Learning how to write a marketing manager resume is all about knowing what your target audience wants. Only this time, you’re selling your experience and skills to hiring managers.

Our expert tips, handy examples, and compelling templates will assist you in achieving precisely that. Whether you’re highlighting your ability to drive sales, lead successful campaigns, or manage a dynamic team, we've got you covered. So, let’s dive in and make your resume stand out, just like your most successful marketing strategies.

Marketing and Brand Manager Resume Example

Hired by:

Hired by: American Eagle Outfitters

Marketing Manager Resume Sample

Hired by:

Hired by: deVere Group

Marketing Director Resume Sample

Hired by:

Hired by: Hummingbird Wholesale

See more examples like these

Keep reading to discover how to:

• Explore handy marketing manager resume samples
• Format your marketing manager resume as a pro
• Craft a compelling resume summary or objective as a marketing manager
• Select your top soft and hard skills to include in your resume
• Describe your work experience as a marketing manager with relevant details
• Include powerful action words in your marketing manager resume
• Boost your resume with strong educational credentials
• Pick the best extra sections for your marketing manager resume
• Dodge common mistakes in a marketing manager resume
• Pair your resume with a matching marketing manager cover letter
• Explore the average salary and job outlook for marketing managers
• Find the best resources for job-seeking marketing managers

Product marketing manager resume sample

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Why does this resume example work? 

• Use of powerful action words: The resume effectively uses powerful action words such as "Coordinated," "Developed," "Spearheaded," and "Produced," which clearly convey the candidate's involvement and impact in previous roles. These verbs help to showcase proactive and results-oriented behavior.
• Quantifiable achievements: Highlighting specific achievements such as being recognized as Employee of the Year for surpassing sales goals by 120% is a standout feature. Quantifiable achievements give concrete evidence of the candidate's effectiveness and success in their role.
• Relevant certifications and volunteering: Including certifications like the Certified Product Marketing Manager from IPMMA and leadership roles in extracurricular activities, such as being the President of the University of Pennsylvania Marketing Society, adds extra depth to the candidate's qualifications.

What could be improved?

• More detailed work experience: While the work experience section includes strong verbs and achievements, it could benefit from additional specifics. For example, detailing the "various marketing cost-reduction initiatives" with exact figures or explaining how the developed plans impacted revenue growth can provide a clearer picture of the candidate's contributions.
• Skills section specificity: The skills section is quite general. Adding more detailed skills related to product marketing, such as "Market Research," "Competitive Analysis," "Product Launch Management," or "Customer Segmentation," can make the candidate's expertise more evident and relevant.

Digital marketing manager resume sample

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Why does this resume example work?

• Impactful achievements: The resume is effective in spotlighting significant accomplishments, such as increasing online sign-up conversion rates from 15% to 37% in 2018. These quantifiable achievements make the candidate’s contributions concrete and highlight their ability to drive measurable results.
• Strong educational background:The candidate has a solid educational foundation with a Master's degree in Marketing and a Bachelor's degree in Business & Management with Marketing. Additionally, the high GPAs and active participation in extracurricular activities underscore their commitment and well-roundedness.

What could be improved?

• Profile statement elaboration: The profile statement is solid but could be enhanced with more specifics about the candidate’s unique strengths. Mentioning key achievements or distinctive strategies they’ve developed could add depth and demonstrate unique value right from the start.
• Highlighting soft skills: The resume lists soft skills like communication skills, leadership skills, and teamwork. To enhance this, examples from work experience that demonstrate these skills in action could be included. For example, highlighting a successful team project or a scenario that required exceptional communication could make these skills more tangible.

Marketing manager CV example

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Why does this resume example work?

• Clear career progression: The resume shows a clear career trajectory from roles in customer service and real estate to managerial positions in marketing and accounting. This progression indicates a steady growth in responsibilities and skills, showcasing the candidate's adaptability and development over time.
• Proficiency in diverse skills: The resume highlights a variety of technical skills relevant to marketing, such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud, Google AdWords, and SEO. This diversity demonstrates the candidate's comprehensive understanding of essential marketing tools and platforms.

What could be improved?

• Profile missing: The resume lacks a profile or summary section at the top, which could provide a snapshot of the candidate's key strengths and career goals. Adding a brief profile can immediately capture the hiring manager's attention and set the tone for the rest of the resume.
• Detail on specific achievements: While the candidate lists numerous responsibilities, it would be great to include specific achievements with quantifiable metrics. For example, stating how much they improved customer satisfaction rates or increased social media engagement would provide clear evidence of their impact.

1. Format your marketing manager resume for max impact

Formatting your marketing manager resume is like setting the stage for a compelling brand campaign. The way you present your experience and skills can make all the difference in grabbing a hiring manager’s attention. Let’s dive into the three main types of resume formats and help you choose the one that fits you best.

1. Chronological format: It's the tried-and-true method. The chronological format lists your work experience in reverse order, starting with your most recent position. It’s the most commonly used format and is perfect for showcasing a solid career trajectory.

When to choose this format?

• If you have a steady work history with clear career progression.
• When you want to highlight your latest achievements and roles.
• Ideal for experienced marketing managers with a continuous career path.

2. Functional format: The functional format focuses on your skills and qualifications rather than your chronological work history. It’s great for emphasizing what you bring to the table, especially if your work experience isn’t straightforward.

When to choose this format?

• If you have gaps in your employment history.
• When you’re transitioning to a marketing manager role from another field.
• Ideal for highlighting specific marketing skills and achievements over job titles.

3. Combination (hybrid) format: Being the best of both worlds, the combination format blends the chronological and functional formats, giving you the flexibility to highlight both your skills and your career progression.

When to choose it?

• If you have a diverse skill set and a steady work history.
• When you want to showcase significant achievements alongside your employment timeline.
• Ideal for seasoned marketing managers who want to present a comprehensive view of their expertise.

Remember, looks matter — especially when it comes to your resume. If the recruiter finds it difficult to navigate or unclear, it may go straight to the reject pile. Make sure it’s visually appealing and easy to read to keep your application in the game.

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2. Craft an eye-catching resume summary or objective for your resume

Crafting a strong resume summary or objective can be the key to catching a hiring manager’s eye right from the start. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, this introductory section sets the tone for your entire resume. Let's dive into the components and examples of both summaries and objectives to help you make a lasting impression.

Writing a resume summary

A resume summary is a brief statement that highlights your professional background, skills, and key achievements. It’s best suited for those with some experience in their field. The goal is to provide a quick overview that makes the hiring manager want to read more.

Components of a strong summary:

• Professional title: Clearly state your current or most relevant job title.
• Years of experience: Mention how many years you've been in the field.
• Key skills: Highlight the skills most relevant to the job you're applying for.
• Notable achievements: Include one or two significant accomplishments to showcase your expertise.

Why is it so bad? This summary is way too vague and doesn’t give the recruiter any concrete information. It sounds generic and doesn’t highlight any specific skills or achievements. Plus, it lacks keywords that hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS) look for. It’s mostly about what you want, not what you offer.

Why is this better? Now, this summary really pops. It’s specific and showcases significant achievements and skills right away. It uses strong action words like "developing," "executing," and "increasing," which makes it clear what the candidate has accomplished. Plus, it’s tailored to what employers are looking for, making the candidate stand out.

Writing a resume objective

A resume objective is a short statement of your career goals and how they align with the job you’re applying for. It’s ideal for entry-level candidates or those making a significant career change. The objective aims to show your professional aspirations and how you can contribute to the company.

Components of a strong objective:

• Career goals: Clearly state your professional aspirations.
• Relevant skills: Highlight the skills pertinent to the job.
• Value to employer: Explain how you can add value to the company.

Why is it weak? It’s simply too self-centered and generic. It doesn’t tell the employer how you will benefit the company or what unique skills you bring to the table. There’s no mention of any qualifications or achievements, making it bland and forgettable.

Why does it hit the mark? This objective is effective because it’s specific, forward-looking, and focuses on what the candidate can offer the company. It lists relevant skills and hints at past successes, making it clear why the candidate is a good fit. It strikes a balance between the candidate's career goals and the value they bring to the employer.

Remember to include keywords and phrases from the job description to align your summary or objective with the specific needs of the role. It's your chance to shine and show why you are the ideal candidate for the marketing manager position. So, make it compelling, concise, and tailored to leave a lasting impression.

3. Include top marketing manager skills in your resume

Choosing the right skills to feature on your marketing manager resume is crucial. It’s like picking the perfect mix of ingredients for a winning campaign. You want to show off both hard and soft skills, but it’s important to understand the difference between the two and which ones will make you stand out in the marketing field.

Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities or knowledge sets that you can easily quantify. They include things like SEO, data analysis, and proficiency in marketing software. Hard skills are essential because they show that you have the technical expertise needed for the role.

Soft skills, on the other hand, are your personal attributes or traits that impact how you work and interact with others. They include skills like communication, creativity, and leadership. Soft skills are just as important because they show your ability to fit into the company's culture and work effectively with your team. So, never underestimate them!

Why prioritize job-ad skills? It’s smart to lead with the skills mentioned in the job ad. Why? Because companies often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. The ATS looks for specific keywords from the job description. By incorporating these keywords into your resume, you boost the chances of getting noticed.

Selecting the best skills for your marketing manager resume is all about balance. Highlight hard skills to show you’ve got the technical chops and soft skills to demonstrate you’re a great team player, and it'll surely set you apart from the competition.

4. Quantify your marketing manager work experience

The best way to show hiring managers that you’re the top marketing manager they can hire, is to show them what value you can bring to the company.

How to do that? When talking about your work experience and achievements, incorporate the numbers and data as they show the true value of your work.

For instance, don’t say you “significantly increased email open rate”. Say how much exactly!

Here are a few examples of what you can quantify:

• New leads
• Improved ROI
• Improved ad performance
• Exceeded targets
• Email open rate
• Increase in organic search
• Increased brand awareness
• Conversions
• Budgets and reduced costs

Now, let's take a look at two contrasting examples:

Why does it fall short? This example is too vague and doesn’t offer any specific details. Phrases like “improved email marketing” and “increased website traffic” don’t tell the hiring manager how significant these improvements were or what methods you used to achieve them. The lack of quantified results and specifics makes it difficult for the employer to gauge the actual impact and value you brought to your previous role.

Why is it effective? This example excels because it provides specific data and quantifiable achievements. By stating exact figures like “increased email open rate by 35%,” the candidate clearly demonstrates their impact. It tells the hiring manager not just what was done, but the positive results of those actions.

Tips for fresh graduates

If you’re a recent graduate, you might not have a lot of professional experience to quantify. Don’t worry! You can still showcase your value by using numbers and specifics from internships, academic projects, or volunteer work.

• Highlight internships: Emphasize any internships that are relevant to the marketing field. Use specific metrics to show your impact.
• Quantify class projects: Include projects from your coursework where you applied your marketing skills. Mention measurable outcomes.
• Showcase volunteer work: If you've done any volunteer marketing work, such as promoting events or fundraising, include these and quantify your achievements.
• Mention campus involvement: Highlight any leadership roles in clubs or organizations where you demonstrated your marketing abilities.
• Include relevant courses: List any marketing-related courses you've completed that are pertinent to the job.
• Use strong action verbs: Start bullet points with action verbs to convey your accomplishments clearly and dynamically.

Remember, by quantifying your achievements, you can create a strong impact and show potential employers that you have what it takes to succeed in a marketing manager role. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, numbers are your friend when it comes to crafting a compelling resume.

5. Include powerful action words in your marketing manager resume

Using powerful action words in your marketing manager resume is like adding the perfect spice to a dish — it makes your achievements and responsibilities come to life. Action words not only help demonstrate your skills and experiences more vividly, but they also grab the attention of hiring managers, making your resume stand out from the competition.

Why are action words important?

• Clarity: Action words make your sentences clear and direct, ensuring your accomplishments are easy to understand.
• Impact: They create stronger impressions than passive phrases, making your contributions more memorable.
• Engagement: Hiring managers are more likely to continue reading your resume if it includes compelling verbs.
• Professionalism: Using specific, dynamic verbs illustrates that you understand the language of your field and can effectively articulate your experiences.

Including action words in your marketing manager resume can transform it from mundane to memorable. These verbs not only enhance the readability and impact of your resume but also effectively convey your accomplishments and professional prowess to hiring managers. So, spice up your resume with these dynamic action words and watch it come to life!

Marketing Manager CV Example

Hired by:

Hired by: Cignature realty

Marketing Manager Resume Example

Hired by:

Hired by: RS Express

Marketing Operations Manager Resume Example

Hired by:

Hired by: Uberflip

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6. Boost your marketing manager resume with a proper education section

When listing your education on a marketing manager resume, it's essential to present this information in a clear and organized manner.

Start by including your highest level of education, such as a Bachelor's or Master's degree, along with the name of the institution and its location. Include your graduation date or anticipated graduation date.

If you have any relevant certifications or specialized training in marketing, such as Google Ads or HubSpot certifications, mention them as well. Focus on highlighting educational experiences that are directly applicable to the marketing field, such as coursework in marketing strategy, consumer behavior, or digital marketing.

If you have received any academic honors or awards, such as Dean's List or scholarships, be sure to include them too. Remember to keep this section concise and relevant to showcase your educational background and qualifications as a marketing professional.

But what if your education isn't in a related field?

Don't worry, you can still build a compelling resume! Here’s how:

• Emphasize related skills and courses: Even if your major wasn't marketing, you might have taken elective courses or participated in projects relevant to the field. Highlight any relevant courses, projects, or assignments that can demonstrate your marketing knowledge and skills. For example, mention any coursework in communications, business, psychology (understanding consumer behavior), or technology (learning new tools).
• Showcase relevant certifications and training: If your degree isn’t in marketing, it's even more important to include any relevant certifications or specialized training you've acquired. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or industry-specific certifications (e.g., Google Ads, HubSpot Inbound) can significantly bolster your credentials.
• Highlight transferable skills: Skills such as project management, analytical thinking, creativity, and communication are highly valuable in marketing. List experiences from your education that demonstrate these abilities. For instance, if you managed a significant project or led a study group, mention it

Here’s an example to illustrate how this might be presented:

Final tip for fresh graduates

If you’re a recent graduate, make sure to position your education section before your work experience. This highlights your educational achievements and relevant coursework upfront, making it clear to hiring managers that you have the foundational knowledge and skills for the job. This approach ensures your qualifications stand out, even if your professional experience is limited.

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7. Add custom marketing manager resume sections

Your marketing manager resume should include all standard resume sections such as professional summary, relevant work experience, skills and education.

However, if you want to differentiate yourself from the competition, add at least one custom marketing section to your resume. Just get creative!

Here are some ideas for custom marketing manager resume sections:

• Publications
• Industry blog
• Industry awards
• Marketing courses and certifications
• Design portfolio
• Presentations
• Social media accounts (if you’re an influencer or provide relevant high-quality content)

Adding custom sections to your marketing manager resume is a game-changer. These unique additions — like publications, awards, or a popular industry blog — highlight your expertise and passion for marketing. By tailoring these sections to showcase your most impressive accomplishments, you'll surely make your resume pop.

8. Avoid common mistakes in a marketing manager resume

Creating a standout marketing manager resume involves more than just listing your experience and skills. It’s essential to avoid certain pitfalls that can easily turn hiring managers away. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for, along with tips on how to sidestep them.

1. Overloading with buzzwords: Marketing jargon and buzzwords might seem impressive, but overloading your resume with them can make it look fluff. Terms like "synergy," "innovative," or "out-of-the-box thinker" are often overused and can lose their impact. Instead, focus on concrete examples and achievements that demonstrate these qualities in action.
2. Lack of quantifiable achievements: Saying you managed successful campaigns is one thing; quantifying your achievements is another. Numbers, percentages, and specific data give context to your successes and highlight your impact. For example, instead of writing "improved social media engagement," say "boosted social media engagement by 35% within six months through targeted content strategies."
3. Ignoring the job description: One-size-fits-all resumes won’t cut it. Ignoring the specific requirements and keywords in the job description can make your application seem irrelevant. Tailor your resume for each job you apply for by emphasizing the skills and experiences that match the job listing. Use the same keywords to pass ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) screenings and show hiring managers that you’ve done your homework.
4. Poor formatting and typos: Even the most qualified candidate can get overlooked if their resume is hard to read or full of typos. Ensure your resume is clean, well-organized, and free of errors. Use a professional font, consistent bullet points, and adequate spacing to improve readability. Always proofread your resume multiple times, and consider asking someone else to review it for you.
5. Leaving out soft skills: While hard skills are crucial, neglecting to mention your soft skills can be a big miss. Skills like communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving are highly valued in the marketing world. Make sure to include these in your resume and ideally back them up with examples. For instance, instead of just listing "leadership," describe a project where you led a team to successfully meet campaign goals.

By avoiding this mistakes, you'll show prospective employers that you not only have the skills and experience they need but also the professionalism and attention to detail that are essential in marketing.

9. Pair your resume with a matching marketing manager cover letter

Although your resume outlines your skills, experiences, and achievements in a structured format, your cover letter adds a personal touch by explaining why you’re the perfect fit for the role. It bridges the gap between your qualifications and the specific requirements of the job.

A resume provides a structured, bullet-point overview of your professional history, focusing on your qualifications. In contrast, a cover letter offers a narrative format, allowing you to dive deeper into your motivations, elaborate on your most relevant experiences, and explain how your skills align with the job.

When to include a cover letter? It’s especially important to include a cover letter when the job listing specifically requests it. Even when not explicitly required, submitting a cover letter can give you an edge by showcasing your proactive approach.

Matching design

Maintaining a consistent design between your resume and cover letter is vital. Using the same fonts, headers, and color schemes creates a cohesive and professional look. This consistency not only enhances the visual appeal but also reflects your attention to detail — a crucial trait for any marketing manager.

Why is matching design important?

• Professionalism: A consistent design shows that you’ve put thought and effort into your application, presenting yourself as organized and meticulous.
• Branding: Just like in marketing, consistent branding helps create a memorable impression. Your resume and cover letter should work together to establish your personal brand.
• Readability: A matching design helps hiring managers make connections between both documents, making your application easier to navigate and more memorable.

Pairing your resume with a matching cover letter showcases your qualifications but also your dedication and enthusiasm for the role. So, don’t skip the cover letter — let it amplify your resume and propel you towards that marketing manager position!

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10. Average salary and job outlook for marketing managers

Curious about what you can expect in terms of salary and job prospects as a marketing manager? Let’s break it down with some fresh data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

As of May 2023, the average yearly salary for marketing managers was a whopping $156,580. Not bad, right? And here’s even better news: the job market for marketing managers is looking pretty rosy. The BLS projects that employment for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers will grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

So, what does this mean for you? Well, it means you’ve got good job security and plenty of opportunities ahead. The BLS estimates about 36,600 openings in the U.S. for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers each year, on average, over the next decade. These openings are due to a mix of people retiring, moving to other roles, and the overall growth of the industry.

All in all, whether you’re just starting out or looking to climb the ladder, the future looks bright for marketing managers. With good pay and growing opportunities, now’s a great time to be in the marketing field. Spruce up that resume and cover letter, and get ready to explore exciting new possibilities!

11. Top resources for job-seeking marketing managers

Navigating the job market as a marketing manager can be challenging, but with the right resources, you can find the perfect role. From job boards specializing in marketing positions to networking platforms, here are some top resources to get you started:

1. Job boards: Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor list a plethora of marketing manager opportunities ranging from entry-level positions to senior roles. LinkedIn and Indeed also allow you to set up job alerts for new postings that match your criteria. For those interested in startup environments, AngelList provides listings of marketing roles in emerging companies.
2. Networking platforms: LinkedIn is an incredibly powerful platform for expanding your professional network, discovering job opportunities, and showcasing your personal brand. Connect with industry professionals, join marketing groups, and participate in relevant discussions to increase your visibility and stay updated on the latest job posts.
3. Industry-specific job boards: For more specialized roles, websites like MarketingHire, CMO.com by Adobe, and the American Marketing Association (AMA) Job Board are invaluable. These platforms are dedicated to marketing professionals and often feature high-quality job postings, career resources, and industry news tailored specifically to marketing executives and managers.
4. Professional associations: Joining professional associations like the American Marketing Association (AMA), Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), or the Digital Marketing Association can provide you with access to exclusive job listings, career advice, conferences, and networking events. Membership can also offer credentials that enhance your resume.
5. Company career pages: Don’t overlook the career pages of companies you admire. Many organizations list job openings on their websites before posting them elsewhere. This can give you an edge by showing your genuine interest in the company and getting your application in earlier.
6. Marketing-specific communities and forums: Engage with online marketing communities and forums such as GrowthHackers, and Reddit’s r/marketing. These platforms offer networking opportunities, industry insights, and job boards that may not be widely advertised. Participating in these communities can keep you updated on job openings and industry trends.
7. Career development centers: Many universities have career development centers that offer services like resume review, interview training, and job search strategies. If you’re a recent graduate or alumni, take advantage of these resources. They might have connections with local companies and marketing agencies that could provide internship or job opportunities.

Leveraging these top job search resources can streamline your journey to landing a marketing manager role. From general job boards to industry-specific listings, networking platforms, professional associations, and career development centers, using these resources will make you visible and connect you with the right opportunities. Happy job hunting!