VP Marketing Resume Example
Working as a VP marketing can provide a rewarding career, involving developing marketing strategies and overseeing brand management. A strong resume for VP marketing applications showcases your skills, experience and achievements and helps you stand out from other candidates. In this article, we'll highlight tips and examples for creating a Vice President of Marketing resume that makes a winning impression on recruiters and hiring managers.
In the article, you'll find guidance on creating a VP marketing resume that showcases desirable qualities for senior management and director-level appointments. The guide will show real examples of how to highlight the skills and achievements decision makers are looking for, such as leadership for success, long-term vision, and strategic mindset. Continue reading to discover everything you'll need to create an impressive and impactful VP marketing resume.
Main elements of a VP marketing resume
Although the content of a VP marketing resume may differ according to your experience and seniority, the main sections will remain the same.
The order you present these sections can vary according to your career stage, but it's still essential to include each of the following:
Resume Header with Contact Details
Your VP marketing resume header should contain your name and contact details. These include your email address and phone number. If you have a LinkedIn profile, you can also add that, to give employers the chance to learn more about your skills and experience. It's not necessary to include a photo or any other personal information. Make your resume header clear, concise and as brief and compact as possible. Consider different layouts that spread the information horizontally across the page rather than using a different line for each piece of information.
Only include professional, name-based email addresses in your resume header. If you have an old email address that uses nicknames, puns, references to your personal interests or anything else that could appear unprofessional, set up a new email just for your job applications. Finally, always double-check your contact details are correct and up-to-date before sending your resume.
Allison Cooper
allison.cooper@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
124 Conch Street, Bikini Bottom, CA
linkedin․com/in/allison–cooper123
Resume Summary
The next section is the resume summary. The section might also be called 'resume objective' or 'personal profile'. This is a brief introduction to you, your key skills and your career achievements and ambitions. While a resume summary focuses on your career achievements and experience, a resume objective typically focuses on your ambitions for the future. Additionally, make sure your resume summary reflects the job description and focuses on qualities that are relevant to working as a VP marketing.
Alternatively, use this section to emphasize your career objectives and explain how and why this role is a suitable step for you at this stage of your career.
The best resume summaries reflect the job description and focus on qualities that are relevant to working as a VP marketing, while highlighting elements of your personality that make you an ideal candidate. They also quantify the information provided with evidence. See below for some great examples of what to include in your VP marketing resume summary.
Good example:
Dynamic and results-driven VP of Marketing with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and extensive experience as a Chief Marketing Officer. Proven track record in developing and implementing innovative marketing strategies, driving brand growth, and leading high-performing teams. Strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of market trends to enhance competitive positioning and achieve business objectives
Bad example:
Marketing professional with a background in business and some experience in leading marketing efforts. Worked in roles where I developed plans to grow brands and managed teams. Have some skills in analyzing market trends and understanding competition. Focused on helping businesses reach their goals through marketing strategies
On the other hand, an unsuccessful resume summary is one that mentions irrelevant skills, qualities and achievements and fails to differentiate you from other candidates. The graphic above shows some of the pitfalls to avoid when creating your resume summary.
Work History
Under your work experience section, add any jobs you've had in the past that are relevant to the position of a VP marketing. List each relevant role in reverse-chronological order starting with your current or most recent role. Add your job title, the organization name, its location and the dates you worked there.
In addition, include a few bullet points under each job, highlighting your key achievements so the hiring manager can see how they led to successful outcomes. Back up each point with evidence to show how you meet the job description.
If you're writing a VP marketing resume resume, you can afford to make your work experience section a little longer and more detailed than a traditional resume. Roles at this level require plenty of experience and examples of your achievements, so an extended work experience may be necessary. Most experts advise to go back no further than 10 to 15 years in your resume work experience section. However, for VP marketing applications, where extensive experience is required, you may wish to go back further or list a greater number of previous roles. This can enable you to showcase your varied experience and expertise.
Offering quantifiable evidence in a Vice President of Marketing resume proves you're a strong candidate for the job, such as client feedback, project outcomes, KPIs or financial results. Review some strong examples of resume work experience sections in the graphic below.
Good example:
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), January 2022 - Present
Veridian Dynamics, Tampa
- Increased annual revenue by 35% through targeted digital marketing strategies and optimized customer acquisition funnels
- Launched a global rebranding campaign resulting in a 50% increase in brand recognition and 20% rise in customer engagement
- Spearheaded partnership with top industry influencers, driving a 40% boost in social media following and a 25% sales uplift
Bad example:
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), January 2022 - Present
Veridian Dynamics, Tampa
- Improved company performance through various marketing initiatives
- Led successful projects to enhance brand visibility
- Developed strategies to increase customer engagement and sales
In the graphic above, you'll see some examples of less effective resume work experience sections. A poor resume work experience section would typically use vague descriptions of activities in previous jobs, while focusing too much on responsibilities rather than achievements. Failing to focus on the skills and experience that match the job description is likely to harm your chances of success.
Education
In your education section, include details of your most relevant VP marketing qualifications and educational achievements.
It's not usually necessary to have a degree for jobs as a VP marketing. Nevertheless, it's still crucial to list your highest or most relevant educational achievements. These might include Google Analytics Certification, and other certifications or courses that highlight your data analytics proficiency or CRM systems management.
Include any qualifications relevant to the role. For each, add the name and level of the award, the institution name, its location and your dates of study. If you have space, include some bullet points outlining any specialist areas of study, awards or high grades, so the employer can learn more about your unique skill set and knowledge.
If you were a member of any clubs or societies, or volunteered for any causes while studying, you could also mention these in your education section.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing, 2017 - 2020
University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Hard and Soft Skills
The skills section is one of the main ways to show employers you've got the skills required for VP marketing roles. Whether your skills include SEO/SEM expertise, communication skills or any other useful skills for the role, you'll want to list them here. Again, refer to the job description and make sure you include skills that the employer has listed as essential or desirable for employment as a VP marketing.
Listing hard skills on your VP marketing resume
Under hard skills, add any specialist skills you possess that are specifically required for VP marketing jobs. These tend to be technical skills and industry knowledge essential to the position. Furthermore, your list of hard skills provides a strong indication to the reader of your expertise in VP marketing roles, and how well you'll fit into the position. Aim to include four or five key hard skills. If you have space, explain how and where you've used that skill to create successful outcomes in your career. These skills will demonstrate your credentials and show how you meet the job description.
You'll make more impact with your resume hard skills list if you focus on technical skills that reflect your unique expertise and specialism, and that match the key requirements in the job description. See the graphic below for some tips on hard skills for a VP marketing resume.
- Digital marketing strategy
- SEO/SEM expertise
- Data analytics proficiency
Showcasing your best soft skills
In your soft skills list, include any personal characteristics that make you a good fit for a VP marketing job. Soft skills tend to be more universal than hard skills, but they're no less important. In fact, you can develop soft skills throughout your career, and they tend to be suitable for various roles and professions.
Think of your best soft skills and add up to five that match the requirements of the job description. For your VP marketing resume, add soft skills that reinforce your reputation and standing in your industry, including leadership skills.
A good soft skills section would include skills that match the job description, and also reflect your key strengths and qualities. See the graphic below for an indication of what to include in a strong soft skills section for a VP marketing resume.
- Strategic thinking
- Leadership abilities
- Communication skills
Hear from experts:
Highlight your leadership accomplishments by quantifying results, such as "increased revenue by 30%" or "led a team of 50 to successfully implement a new global strategy." (1) Tailor your resume to the specific executive role by showcasing achievements that align with the company’s goals. (2)
Certifications
In your certifications section, list any professional certifications or licenses that are relevant to working as a VP marketing. These could be official licenses required for the job or certifications that improve your employability. Therefore, make sure you list the dates of your certifications and licenses so employers can see they're up-to-date and valid.
See below for some suggestions of relevant certifications for a VP marketing resume:
- Digital Marketing Certification, 2022
- Google Analytics Certification, 2022
- HubSpot Inbound Marketing, 2022
Optional Information
If you need to provide further evidence of your suitability for the job, optional sections can be useful for a Vice President of Marketing resume. Take a look at the sections below and add any that help you show how and why you're right for the job.
Personal Interests
Hobbies and interests can be a useful way of showing your skills and experience beyond your work and education. Consider listing hobbies and interests to help your resume stand out, or to provide the employer with some insight into your personality and wider interests. They're perfect for candidates who might lack genuine work experience as a VP marketing. If you're thinking about adding hobbies and interests, just make sure they add something unique to your application, and showcase your personality and interests in unique and interesting ways.
Voluntary Work
Listing volunteer work is another useful way to prove your relevant experience for VP marketing roles. Include the title of your volunteer role, who you volunteered for, as well as the dates you carried out the work. Provide brief details of your responsibilities and the impact you made.
References
It's relatively unusual to include references in a standard VP marketing resume, but they are required occasionally. Check the job advert to see if you'll need to add references to your resume. Include a maximum of three professional references, being sure to check with your referees before including them in your resume.
References will be available upon request.
Best action words for your VP marketing resume
Using strong action words to make your resume resonate with the employer. Add strong verbs from the list below to create a greater impact with your work experience section.
- Developed
- Led
- Strategized
- Executed
- Managed
- Optimized
- Analyzed
- Spearheaded
- Collaborated
- Innovated
The ideal resume length can vary depending on your experience and seniority. For an experienced VP marketing, the ideal resume length can be two pages or longer, allowing you to adequately showcase your credentials. For help creating an eye-catching resume design to catch the attention of hiring managers, see Jobseeker's professional resume layouts. You can also use our clear, effective cover letter templates to complete your application.
Example of a VP marketing resume
The VP marketing resume example below includes all the sections above, so you can see how a completed resume looks:
124 Conch Street, Bikini Bottom, CA
•
allison.cooper@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/allison–cooper123
Dynamic and results-driven VP Marketing with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing and extensive experience as a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Proven track record in developing and executing innovative marketing strategies, enhancing brand visibility, and driving revenue growth. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, managing large-scale campaigns, and leveraging data-driven insights to optimize marketing performance. Skilled in digital marketing, market analysis, and strategic planning, with a strong focus on achieving business objectives and fostering long-term customer relationships.
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
2020
-2022
LuminaDynamics Inc (Nashville)
- Increased annual revenue by 35% through innovative digital marketing strategies and customer acquisition campaigns
- Led a rebranding initiative that boosted brand awareness by 50% and improved customer loyalty metrics
- Developed and executed a global marketing plan that expanded market share by 20% in key international markets
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing
2017
-2020
College of William & Mary (Williamsburg, VA)
Digital marketing strategy
SEO/SEM expertise
Data analytics proficiency
Strategic thinking
Leadership abilities
Communication skills
Digital Marketing Certification
Google Analytics Certification
English - Fluent
Spanish - B2
Quick tips for a Vice President of Marketing resume
Advice to help you craft a winning resume
- Aim for a brief, concise VP marketing resume. One page is ideal for junior roles, while two pages are more suitable for senior positions.
- Quantify the impact you've made in different roles by offering evidence of your key abilities and your contribution.
- Create a positive impression with a well-written resume summary or objective that highlights your key strengths for VP marketing roles.
- Use a clear, professional resume format to make your document as accessible as possible, including a readable font and appropriate headings, margins and line spacing. This will make your resume easier for recruiters and hiring managers to read.
- Showcase your key skills throughout your resume, as well as in your dedicated skills list, with each skill reflecting the job description.
Pitfalls to avoid with your resume writing
- Don't use passive language - avoid phrases like 'I was tasked with' and use strong action verbs instead.
- Don't list personal details such as your age, gender or a photo, unless these are necessary for the role. They can lead to hiring bias.
- Don't lie or exaggerate any information on your VP marketing resume, as this can cause you problems further down the line.
- Don't use jargon or acronyms when you can use simple, straightforward language to say the same thing.
- Don't include irrelevant work experience in your resume because it takes up valuable space and is unlikely to improve your chances of success.
How to make your resume ATS compliant
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are increasingly taking responsibility for the management and processing of job applications, helping hiring practices to become more efficient. This can include screening resumes by scanning and ranking each application according to how closely it matches the job description. When you're writing your VP marketing resume, there are several things you can do to make sure your resume stands the best chance of passing the ATS stage.
Create an ATS-optimized resume by following these quick tips:
- Choose a resume structure that matches the traditional, reverse-chronological layout or alternatively, the functional resume structure. This should make your resume more readable for ATS applications.
- Add keywords that match the job description throughout your resume, as ATS applications scan for these and well-placed, considered use can help your resume rank more highly.
- Using clear, simple headings makes it easier for an ATS application to scan your resume, as it can easily identify what's in each section of your document.
- Utilize a clean, clear resume design that helps make your content more readable. Use simple fonts and subtle color accents and design elements that don't detract from the written content.
- Adopt simple, professional language to keep your resume as concise as possible. This tends to make your document more readable, and easier for ATS software to scan.
For tips and ideas to help you draft a professional resume to get noticed by employers, read our expert career articles and check out our detailed resume examples.
Frequently Asked Questions about a Vice President of Marketing resume
As well as writing a professional VP marketing resume, you'll need a cover letter to introduce yourself and emphasize your credentials.
Check the job description to see whether a full, formal cover letter is necessary. In some situations, it might be more suitable to simply send a brief email to introduce yourself and accompany your resume.
If you choose to write a full cover letter, follow traditional letter-writing conventions surrounding greetings, sign-offs and use of professional language. The body of the cover letter tends to be three paragraphs. The first introduces yourself and the role you're applying for, giving reasons for your application. The second briefly covers your key skills and achievements that are most relevant to VP marketing roles. Finally, the third paragraph re-emphasizes your interest in the role and leaves a call to action, encouraging the employer to reach out to you.
If you want to impress employers with a professional cover letter, use Jobseeker's simple and beautiful cover letter templates.
The question of how far back a resume should go is dependent upon a few factors, including the level of the role and the industry sector. For senior positions such as VP marketing roles, a longer resume that goes further back in your career timeline is often acceptable. While 10 to 15 years is generally accepted as the furthest back your resume career timeline should go, for a VP marketing resume, you may wish to go back further.
If you want to create a strong first impression in your VP marketing application, a resume headline can help. Resume headlines are also helpful for the ATS stage of the recruitment process, as they can help you reference the job title and one or two keywords for the role. Write a short, concise resume headline incorporating the job title, one or two key skills that match the job description and a reference to your reputation or track record.
You can use this example resume headline as a template for creating your own:
- Aspiring Marketing Leader Seeking Opportunities
- Driving Growth Through Strategic Marketing
- Strategic Marketing Executive Driving Growth
The most appropriate format for a Vice President of Marketing resume is one that gives you the best chance to demonstrate your expertise and achievements in the industry. A traditional or reverse-chronological resume format is typically the most appropriate for senior positions, including VP marketing applications. This structure allows your work experience and career achievements to shine through. Use your work experience section to demonstrate the achievements and impact you've made in your career to date. This resume format also allows you to add extra sections to prove your standing and reputation, such as professional memberships, awards, certifications, publications and keynote speeches.
Key takeaways for your VP marketing resume
Writing a strong, impactful resume is about using your experience to demonstrate your relevant skills and achievements. You can do this through your work history or other resume sections. Choose a resume structure that makes the most of your relevant experience, whether through work or other activities, and be sure to tailor your resume to match the job description.
Remember, Jobseeker resume templates and other tools make it easy to create a resume and cover letter that leaves a positive impression on hiring managers. Sign up now to start building your perfect resume. Whatever job you're applying for, a professional cover letter can make all the difference to your chances. Use Jobseeker's HR-approved tools and cover letter examples to inspire your applications.
Sources:
(1) Overcoming the Most Common Challenges in the Executive Job Search, MIT Career Development Office: https://cdo.mit.edu/blog/2024/10/15/overcoming-the-most-common-challenges-in-the-executive-job-search/
(2) How to Impress an Executive Recruiter and Break Into the C-Suite, Harvard Division of Continuing Education: https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-impress-an-executive-recruiter-and-break-into-the-c-suite/
