Open with a compelling summary

Your resume summary is your chance to hook the reader and make them want to learn more. Instead of a generic objective statement, write a concise and engaging summary that highlights your key strengths and accomplishments as a scriptwriter.

Versatile scriptwriter with 5+ years of experience creating compelling stories for TV and film. Collaborated with Emmy-winning producers on hit Netflix series, pitched and developed original concepts that were greenlit for production. Brings strong work ethic and passion for crafting impactful, character-driven narratives.

Notice how this summary is specific, includes notable achievements, and conveys the writer's unique voice and point of view.

   Quantify your achievements

When describing your scriptwriting experience, use numbers and metrics to quantify your impact and give a sense of the scale of your work.

• Wrote scripts for popular TV drama series
• Created story arcs and developed characters

While these bullet points describe relevant activities, they don't convey the significance of your contributions. Instead, try something like:

• Wrote 10+ episodes for top-rated TV drama with 5M weekly viewers
• Developed 3 new recurring characters who became fan favorites and were featured in show's marketing campaign

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   Showcase your range and versatility

Scriptwriters often work across various genres, formats and mediums. Use your resume to highlight your adaptability and breadth of experience.

• Wrote 100+ comedy sketches for weekly late night show, consistently delivering topical content under tight deadlines
• Adapted feature-length thriller screenplay into 8-episode limited series for streaming platform
• Created interactive storylines and character dialogue for narrative-driven video game with 500K+ downloads

These examples demonstrate the writer's ability to succeed in different contexts and appeal to diverse audiences.

   Highlight industry recognition

If your writing has been recognized with awards, fellowships, or other accolades, make sure to include that prominently on your resume. This helps you stand out from other qualified candidates.

Winner of Writers Guild Award for Best Comedic Screenplay (2020)
Finalist for Humanitas Prize in Children's Animation (2018)
Selected for Sundance Screenwriters Lab (2017)

Even if you haven't won major awards, consider including:

• Scripts that placed in well-known competitions or festivals
• Screenwriting fellowships or workshops you were accepted to
• Positive quotes or reviews from respected industry figures

   Mention relevant training and affiliations

Your education and professional development show your commitment to honing your craft. Include relevant degrees, courses, workshops or certifications.

• MFA in Screenwriting, USC School of Cinematic Arts
• Completed TV Writing Certificate Program at UCLA Extension
• Active member of Writers Guild of America West

If you don't have a formal screenwriting degree, you can still list other writing-related education or training, such as:

• BA in Film Studies with concentration in Scriptwriting
• Online courses in character development and story structure
• Improv classes to strengthen comedic writing skills

   Tailor your credits and tone

Scriptwriters may work on projects that vary widely in style, content and target audience. When deciding which credits to include on your resume, consider their relevance to the job you're applying for.

If you're pursuing a staff writing job on a sitcom, highlight your TV comedy credits and use a more casual, humorous tone in your descriptions. If you're targeting a position at a dramatic film studio, focus on your cinematic work and adopt a more serious, intense voice.

The goal is to show that you understand the company's brand, content and audience, and can adapt your writing accordingly. Read the job posting carefully and research the company's existing projects to get a sense of what they're looking for.