Curating Your Creative Writing CV: A Guide for Nontraditional Applicants
- Nov 1, 2024
- 18 min read
Updated: Dec 29, 2024
What Does a CV for a Writer Even Look Like?
When I first started researching how to craft a CV for an MFA in Creative Writing, I found plenty of examples tailored to copyeditors, freelance writers, or journalists—fields that naturally align with writing. These CVs were polished portfolios showcasing professional experience directly tied to the craft. But what about those of us whose careers have unfolded in completely different spaces? How do we frame our backgrounds to feel relevant and meaningful to an MFA admissions committee when our professional paths don’t directly align with creative writing?
This question stopped me in my tracks. My professional life had revolved around other industries, not writing—at least not in the traditional sense. While I’ve always been writing—privately, passionately, and persistently—those efforts have lived in the margins of my life, woven around the demands of entirely different careers. So how could I reflect this in my CV? How could I show the discipline, growth, and creativity I’ve cultivated while honoring the unique perspective my unconventional background brings?
I realized that my CV didn’t need to mimic those of professional writers. Instead, it needed to tell my story in a way only I could. To bridge the gap, I leaned into my transferable skills, my nontraditional experiences, and the ways they enrich my perspective as a writer. My goal was to craft a CV that was as intentional as my writing portfolio—a document that showcased not only my accomplishments but also my potential as a writer and a contributor to an MFA program.
Through this process, I learned that a CV is more than just a list of jobs and degrees. It’s a piece of storytelling—a chance to highlight your voice, your values, and your vision as a creative.
To make this journey easier for others in similar positions, I’m sharing my approach. I’ll break it down section by section, with insights into what I included, why I framed my experiences the way I did, and how I tailored everything to align with my creative aspirations. Whether you’re transitioning from a different field, juggling multiple roles, or building your craft outside traditional academic structures, there’s always a way to tell your story authentically.
Recognizing and Highlighting Transferable Skills
My journey toward an MFA program in Creative Writing began with an educational background as diverse as my interests—ranging from Architecture and Interior Design to Kinesiology and Health Promotion. Along the way, I earned minors in English and Communications, but I quickly realized that applying for an MFA required more than just listing coursework. I needed to frame my transferable skills and creative versatility in a way that resonated with the admissions committee.
This meant emphasizing the teaching and research I’d done across fine arts fields like mixed media and ceramics while also highlighting advanced coursework in art theory and cultural studies. These experiences shaped my approach to storytelling, teaching me to think spatially and symbolically through art and to analyze narratives within broader cultural and historical frameworks.
Why does this matter? Because writing isn’t created in a vacuum. My diverse background enriches my perspective as a storyteller. The spatial awareness I gained through design translates into crafting immersive settings. My work in kinesiology informs how I write about movement and the human body. And my exploration of art theory gives me a deeper understanding of visual symbolism and metaphor.
This interdisciplinary foundation equips me to craft stories that are layered, resonant, and culturally aware. It also reflects my ability to navigate multiple fields, blending analytical rigor with creative exploration—skills that are increasingly valuable in today’s literary and academic landscapes.
By framing these experiences as assets, I can demonstrate not only my readiness for the MFA program but also the unique perspective I bring to its community.
Tips for Crafting Your CV
Creating a CV for an MFA program is a chance to tell your story in a way that’s true to you. Here are a few insights I learned along the way:
Focus on Transferable Skills: Even if your background isn’t in writing, think about the skills you’ve gained that inform your creative process—like problem-solving, collaboration, teaching, or research. Frame these experiences in a way that connects to storytelling or your creative journey.
Highlight Creative Growth: Include relevant coursework, projects, or personal initiatives that showcase your commitment to creative exploration and discipline.
Tailor Each Section Thoughtfully: Every element of your CV—whether it’s your education, work history, or extracurriculars—should reflect who you are as a writer and potential MFA candidate.
Use Your Voice: Your CV is an extension of your writing. Let it reflect your tone, creativity, and perspective, even within a professional format.
Think of It as Storytelling: This isn’t just about listing facts—it’s about curating a narrative that conveys your unique journey and aspirations.
Crafting a CV for an MFA isn’t about fitting into a mold; it’s about breaking one. It’s about showing the admissions committee who you are as a writer, thinker, and creator—and why your story is one they should want to be a part of. Let’s dive in.
Insights, Strategies, and Tips for Every Section
Crafting a CV for an MFA in Creative Writing is its own kind of storytelling challenge—especially if your background doesn’t neatly align with traditional writing roles. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re navigating that exact scenario. The good news? A nontraditional path doesn’t have to be a disadvantage. In fact, it can be your greatest strength.
Like the creative career this CV will help you launch, it’s not just about listing jobs or accomplishments; it’s about crafting a narrative. Your CV should reflect your journey, highlight your commitment to writing, and show how your unique skills and experiences make you a compelling candidate for the program.
In this section, I’ll take you through the resume I submitted, breaking down each choice I made and why. From formatting details to how I framed my experiences (and what I intentionally left out), I’ll show you how I aligned my story with my creative goals while keeping the admissions committee in mind.
Whether you’re transitioning from a completely different field or reworking an existing resume to better fit your aspirations, this guide is designed to help you craft a document that doesn’t just meet the requirements—it leaves an impression. Let’s get started.
Identify Your Objective
Many resumes begin with a Summary or Objective section, but I’ve found it’s often unnecessary unless you’re making a significant career pivot or returning to work after an extended gap. Ideally, your resume should naturally tell your story without needing an introductory statement.
For writers applying to MFA programs, though, a single writing sample rarely captures the full spectrum of our creative interests. To bridge this gap, I added a Writing Interests section to my CV, alongside my objective, to showcase the breadth of my focus. This section highlighted two key areas: the genres I explore and the topics or themes that inspire me.
For example, my CV included:
Genres: Creative nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, and personal essays.
Topics/Themes: Vulnerability in storytelling, identity and belonging, and the intersection of personal experience with cultural narratives.
This approach allowed me to present a fuller picture of who I am as a writer and the diversity of my creative vision, helping the admissions committee see beyond the sample and into the heart of my work. In the end, my final objective was as follows:
Hands-on leadership and entrepreneurial ventures have shaped my voice as a creative writer. Passionate about creative nonfiction and the power of vulnerability to inspire and connect, I craft stories—narrative, brand, or editorial—guaranteed to leave an impact.
Genres and Themes
The genres section of your creative writing CV serves two important purposes. First, it highlights your primary focus—for instance, creative nonfiction and short stories in my case—helping admissions committees quickly identify your area of expertise and align your application with faculty who share or specialize in those genres. This clarity can make your application more memorable and demonstrate a thoughtful alignment with the program.
Second, it provides a chance to showcase your versatility by including genres you’re interested in exploring. If you primarily write nonfiction but have an interest in fiction, for example, mentioning this signals a willingness to grow, experiment, and expand your creative range. Even better? Show them how you have already been experimenting with genres outside of your niche. In my case, I did this by highlighting recent courses in fiction I had taken in the last year. This reflects an openness to career opportunities beyond your primary genre, a quality many programs value and encourage in their students.
For those with a singular focus, such as novels, listing only “novel” in your Writing Interests section will undoubtedly sell yourself short. I'm not going to sugar coat it for you. Instead, I encourage you to dive deeper into your passions and explore what truly excites you. Consider taking a course or enrolling in a workshop outside your usual comfort zone—you may discover your niche lies in an unexpected place. That’s exactly what happened to me in my first creative nonfiction course back in 2015, which opened a door to a genre I hadn’t fully considered before.
The key is being transparent about your aspirations, even if they push beyond the program’s traditional boundaries. This honesty allows admissions committees to better understand your goals and determine whether their resources and mentorship align with your vision, fostering a strong and rewarding fit for both sides.
Ultimately, the genres section isn’t just about cataloging your interests—it’s about presenting a clear and authentic picture of who you are as a writer while signaling your readiness to adapt, learn, and evolve within the creative process.
Topics and Themes
I also included the recurring topics and themes I’m drawn to in my work. These elements often don’t come through fully in a single writing sample or even a statement of purpose, so listing them offers admissions committees a deeper glimpse into my creative focus and intellectual curiosity.
This transparency, like the genre section, serves two important purposes. First, it demonstrates a clear understanding of my voice as a writer—what inspires me, what drives my storytelling, and what questions I seek to explore. Second, it helps establish potential connections with advisors whose expertise and interests align with mine, paving the way for more meaningful mentorship and collaboration.
For admissions committees, this insight is crucial. It not only paints a fuller picture of who I am as a writer but also signals how well my creative direction complements the program’s strengths, ensuring a more tailored and impactful fit.
What If You’re Unsure About Your Writing Identity?
If you’re still discovering your creative interests or plan to use the MFA experience to explore new directions, that’s absolutely fine. However, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re actively engaging in the process of figuring out your creative identity. Admissions committees and mentors value intellectual curiosity and are eager to support your growth and evolution during the program.
If you’re unsure how to define your focus, here are a few strategies to approach this section:
Choose a Broad Program Fit: Apply to programs with diverse faculty or flexible curricula, giving you the freedom to pivot as your interests evolve.
Highlight Possibilities: If you have a general sense of where your writing might go, list those interests boldly. MFA programs often welcome fresh ideas and new directions. If you’re hesitant to commit, focus on identifying recurring themes in your existing work—even in unfinished drafts—that can serve as a foundation.
Combine Current and Future Interests: If space allows, divide your interests into "current" and "anticipated" sections.
Including a Writing Interests section on your CV not only highlights your versatility but also frames your ambitions. By offering a more comprehensive view of your creative identity, this section allows the admissions committee to better understand your perspective as a writer and where you aspire to go.
Continued Education Courses
For those transitioning from other professions, documenting the writing courses you’ve taken is essential for demonstrating your interest and commitment to the craft. If you’ve taken multiple courses at the same institution as I have in my case, consider grouping them by category for clarity and brevity. For example:
University of Washington, Pullman, WA Fiction: Fiction Essentials, Crafting Compelling Characters Nonfiction: Exploratory Writing, Writing with Brevity, Discover Your Voice Translation: Translating Literature, Translating Korean
When using this approach, omitting dates is perfectly acceptable, as the focus is on showcasing the breadth of your learning. However, in my case, including dates was important to highlight my consistent commitment. Despite the limitations of a full-time job, I’ve steadily taken courses over the past four years, reflecting a gradual evolution from hobbyist to serious second-career writer. This timeline helped communicate my dedication to admissions committees.
If you’ve taken a high volume of courses, the extent of your engagement will already be evident, making dates less critical. Instead, focus on presenting your learning journey in a way that aligns with your story—whether it highlights steady growth, a recent period of intensive focus, or a combination of both. The goal is to frame your coursework as an integral part of your unique path into the writing world.
Writing Workshops
Documenting the workshops you’ve participated in, much like writing courses, is a valuable way to demonstrate your interest and commitment to writing. Bonus points if you’ve been part of a long-term workshop—this signals not only dedication but also your ability to collaborate and engage effectively with others in a creative environment.
For workshops without formal names, I generally describe who was involved. For example, if you are attending the upcoming Tin House Writer's Workshop, you might mention Danez Smith, author of Bluff, or Zara Chowdhary, author of The Lucky Ones. This not only demonstrates that you were attentive and engaged but also underscores your active participation in the literary community and your awareness of influential voices shaping the field—including the names mentioned above, who, yes, will truly be part of the Fall 2025 Tin House Workshop. Similarly, if you’ve participated in invite-only workshops or those with a screening process, be sure to mention that—this highlights that you stood out among the competition.
It is also important to include how frequently the workshops met, as this provides context for the time and energy invested in collaborative writing. Additionally, take the time. to note the duration of your involvement. For ongoing workshops and similar activities, I marked my participation as “to present,” while for past workshops, I included an end date. Extended participation in a workshop reflects positively on your ability to commit and collaborate effectively over time, underscoring qualities that admissions committees value.
By clearly documenting your workshop experience, you can provide a fuller picture of your dedication to writing and your readiness to engage in a collaborative, creative community.
Limited Workshop Experience?
If your workshop experience is limited, don’t worry—everyone starts somewhere. Consider this your sign to seek out more collaborative writing environments as you prepare your application. In the meantime, you can still present your existing experience effectively by integrating it with your writing courses. For example:
Option 1: Modify Your Writing Courses Section
Crafting Compelling Characters with Workshop — University of Washington, Fall 2021
Writing with Brevity — University of Washington, Spring 2022
Translating Korean with Workshop — University of Washington, Fall 2022
Option 2: Group Courses with Workshop Components
Writing Courses
Fiction: Fiction Essentials, Crafting Compelling Characters with Workshop
Translation: Translating Literature with Workshop, Translating Korean
By clearly framing your experience and emphasizing workshop components, even limited exposure to workshops can demonstrate your willingness to engage in collaborative writing environments. This approach signals your commitment to growth, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively alongside peers—all qualities highly valued in MFA programs. Additionally, mentioning workshop elements shows you’ve taken steps to immerse yourself in critique-based settings, a key aspect of creative writing education.
If you’re still seeking more experience, consider joining local or online workshops, community writing groups, or even informal peer critique circles. These opportunities not only enrich your craft but also add valuable experience to future applications.
Publications
Including a publications section on your resume highlights your active engagement in the process of writing, revising, and submitting your work—a skillset invaluable for any writer. It also signals that your work has been deemed publishable, even if it appears in smaller or less prestigious journals. Each publication serves as a testament to your commitment to the craft and your ability to navigate the professional side of writing.
To ensure the admissions committee can easily locate your work, include the following details for each publication:
Title
Publication/Journal Name
Publication Date
Awards/Nominations (If Any)
Beyond listing titles, consider including loglines—one- or two-line descriptions of each piece. Loglines provide a snapshot of your portfolio, offering insight into the themes, tones, and conflicts you explore. This complements other sections, like Writing Interests and Workshops, by demonstrating the kinds of stories you tell.
Tips for Writing Loglines
A logline should intrigue the reader without giving too much away. Aim to convey:
Subject: What the piece is about (e.g., a birthday party, mother-daughter dynamics).
Tone: The emotional or stylistic quality (e.g., dark, humorous, unsettling).
Conflict: The central challenge or tension (e.g., trying to have fun despite signs of domestic abuse).
EXAMPLE:
“The Warehouse” — Ploughshares (January 2023).
The Warehouse explores the aftermath of a dream turned to ashes, as the author navigates betrayal, loss, and the enduring fragments of hope within the ruins of her life’s work. Tone: Reflective, poignant, and evocative.
Including Self-Published Work
Self-published pieces are just as valid as traditionally published works. For example, my writing sample, which earned me acceptance into six MFA programs (five with funding), was initially rejected by three literary magazines before I decided to self-publish. Self-publishing demonstrates initiative, resilience, and belief in the value of your work—qualities highly respected in the writing community.
What If You Don’t Have Publications Yet?
If you don’t have publications, don’t worry—many writers start MFA programs without any publishing credits. Simply focus on highlighting other strengths, such as your writing sample, workshops, and courses. Your publishing journey doesn’t define your potential as a writer; it’s merely one way to showcase your dedication and craft.
Admissions committees are more interested in your growth, ambition, and creative voice than in the length of your publication list. Let the strength of your application reflect your unique path as a writer.
Professional Experience
At first glance, this section might seem less relevant to your MFA application—but with the right approach, it can become a powerful asset. Almost any skill can be made transferable with thoughtful framing. Whether you’re a meteorologist, data scientist, or ceramic artist, your unique experiences can connect to creative writing when you identify the right angle.
The key is to consider how these skills demonstrate qualities or perspectives that enrich your writing, creativity, or collaboration. Highlighting them strategically not only shows the admissions committee how you bring a distinctive voice to the program but also underscores your adaptability and depth as a writer.
Ability to Work in Teams
MFA programs place a high value on collaboration, particularly in the context of workshop settings where writers exchange ideas, provide feedback, and grow together. Admissions committees often use interviews to assess a candidate’s potential to contribute positively to group dynamics, as fostering a supportive and engaging workshop culture is essential to the program’s success.
Highlighting teamwork experience on your CV signals your ability to thrive in collaborative environments and adapt to the give-and-take nature of workshops. Whether through past roles in creative projects, teaching, or professional settings, showcasing these experiences demonstrates that you not only understand the importance of collaboration but also excel in it. This makes you a strong candidate who can enrich the program, not just through your writing but also through your willingness to engage meaningfully with others. Moreover, it reinforces that you’re prepared to contribute constructively to the collective growth of the cohort—a trait highly valued by admissions committees.
Writing Skills
Whether you’ve written technical reports, marketing copy, or social media content, it shows:
You can adapt to different writing styles.
You’re comfortable meeting deadlines.
You have experience with long-form writing (e.g., lengthy reports or publications).
Teaching or Training Experience
Any experience training or teaching others signals your potential as a teaching assistant (TA), a role highly valued in MFA programs for its emphasis on mentorship, communication, and leadership. In my case, all of my teaching experience was within the fine arts—outside of creative writing—but it was still crucial to include. Highlighting these roles demonstrated my ability to guide others, foster creativity, and communicate complex ideas effectively, skills that translate seamlessly into the responsibilities of a TA. Including this experience underscored my readiness to contribute to the program’s academic community while continuing to grow as both a writer and an educator.
Presentation Skills
Presentation skills are invaluable for MFA candidates, whether in the classroom, workshop settings, or professional environments. The ability to present ideas clearly and confidently is critical when sharing your work with peers or discussing feedback in a workshop. Strong presentation skills foster productive dialogue, helping you articulate the nuances of your creative process and engage meaningfully with others’ perspectives.
These skills also translate directly into teaching opportunities, such as leading undergraduate courses or conducting writing workshops, which are common roles for MFA students. Admissions committees often look for candidates who can communicate effectively and inspire others, as these abilities are key to fostering a dynamic learning environment.
Even for solitary writers, presentation skills are essential. They enable you to pitch projects to publishers, speak at conferences, or participate in public readings—moments that are often pivotal in building a career as a professional writer. By demonstrating your ability to articulate ideas thoughtfully and confidently, you signal to admissions committees that you are not only prepared for the collaborative aspects of the MFA experience but also equipped to succeed beyond the program.
Diligence and Employability
Demonstrating a history of steady employment signals maturity, reliability, and a strong work ethic—qualities that are essential for success in any MFA program. Even if your professional experience isn’t directly tied to writing, it reflects your ability to commit to long-term goals, manage responsibilities, and persevere through challenges. These attributes are invaluable in the demanding and often self-directed environment of an MFA program.
Admissions committees value applicants who can balance creative ambitions with practical obligations, as it shows the resilience and focus needed to complete rigorous coursework, manage deadlines, and contribute meaningfully to the program. Highlighting roles that required consistency and dedication—even outside of creative fields—can strengthen your application by demonstrating that you bring a solid foundation of professionalism and perseverance to your work.
Length of employment, in particular, underscores your ability to sustain effort and stay committed, qualities that translate seamlessly into the demands of the writing life. Whether revising a manuscript for years, navigating rejections, or meeting deadlines, the diligence you’ve shown in other areas of your life reflects your readiness to take on the challenges of an MFA program and a career in writing. By framing your employment history strategically, you show the committee not just who you are, but also the discipline and determination that will carry you forward as a writer.
Unconventional or Interesting Background
While not a skill in itself, an unusual or unique career path can make you stand out to the admissions committee. Writers are inherently curious about people’s stories, so showcasing an unconventional background—whether as a data scientist or puppeteer—can make you memorable. Admissions committees may think, “I’d like to hear what the puppeteer has to say in workshop.”
Tips for Framing Your Experience
Use bullet points to describe specific tasks and skills that translate to creative writing or the MFA experience.
If you’ve worked in non-profits, academia, or unconventional fields, provide a brief explanation of how these roles contributed to your development as a writer.
Highlight any writing, storytelling, or creative problem-solving components of your previous jobs.
This section isn’t just about listing jobs—it’s about crafting a narrative that connects your professional background to your creative aspirations. Even unrelated roles can provide valuable insights, transferable skills, or simply a compelling story to share. Be strategic and intentional in how you frame your experience, and you’ll demonstrate not only your capabilities but also your unique perspective as a writer.
Research and Teaching Experience
If you’ve held a research assistant (RA), teaching assistant (TA), apprenticeship, or similar position, be sure to include it here! In my previous graduate program, RA and TA positions were required but still competitive, so listing them highlights both your qualifications and your ability to succeed in a professional academic setting.
Similar to the Professional Experience section, this can signal employability and attributes like maturity and work ethic (noting the caveats mentioned earlier).
Formatting Examples
SINGLE PLATFORM EXAMPLE
If all positions were held within one graduate program, structure it like this:
Research and Teaching Assistantships
Completed at Culinary Arts University during M.Sc. Program
RA — Prof. Julia Child: Conducted research on sustainable gastronomy and contributed to publications on farm-to-table practices.
TA — Introduction to Culinary Techniques (Undergraduate): Developed lab demonstrations, provided feedback on assignments, and led practical cooking sessions.
MULTIPLE INSTITUTION EXAMPLE
If you held assistantship roles across different programs, use this format:
Research and Teaching Assistantships
Culinary Arts University
RA — Prof. Gordon Ramsay: Assisted with research on cross-cultural influences in modern cuisine and contributed to peer-reviewed journal articles.
TA — Global Flavors 101: Designed interactive cooking workshops, graded assignments, and supported classroom learning.
Institute of Food Innovation
RA — Prof. Alice Waters: Conducted research on urban agriculture and its impact on community food systems.
TA — Advanced Food Systems Management: Facilitated group projects, provided strategic guidance to students, and co-developed course content.
Final Tips
Highlight Transferable Skills: Emphasize responsibilities that demonstrate abilities valuable across contexts, such as leadership, project management, problem-solving, and effective communication.
Be Quantitative Where Possible: Include measurable outcomes or specific achievements to strengthen your statements. For instance, mention the number of students taught, research papers co-authored, or innovative methods implemented.
Tailor to Your Audience: Ensure your descriptions align with the values and goals of the MFA program, showcasing how your experiences directly contribute to their community and objectives.
Focus on Impact: Go beyond listing tasks; explain the significance of your contributions. For example, highlight how you improved a process, enhanced learning outcomes, or influenced research directions.
Use Action-Oriented Language: Start each bullet point with strong action verbs (e.g., "designed," "facilitated," "conducted") to convey a proactive and engaged approach.
Maintain Professional Formatting: Ensure clarity and consistency in your layout, using bold headings and concise bullet points to make your roles and accomplishments easily readable.
Showcase Collaborative Skills: Highlight experiences that involved teamwork or interdisciplinary collaboration, reflecting your ability to work effectively with others in both academic and creative settings.
Adapt for Program-Specific Needs: Tailor your responsibilities to highlight how your experience prepares you for the dual demands of creative practice and academic rigor inherent in an MFA program.
And Back to Education, Once More
List your degrees, where you earned them, and when you graduated. Be specific about the type of degree (e.g., B.A. in English, M.S. in Data Science, Certificate in Puppeteering). If applicable, include key scholarships, honor societies, or notable achievements. Don’t worry if you don’t have any—it’s not a requirement, but it can help your application stand out.
If your GPA is at least 3.5, consider listing it. While GPA doesn’t define your value as a person—or even as a writer—it provides a measurable data point for admissions committees. Quantitative factors like GPAs and GRE scores (if still accepted) may influence rankings for funding decisions.
Additional Tips
Be Concise but Specific: Avoid overloading this section with unnecessary details. Focus on key achievements that reinforce your commitment and capabilities.
No GPA? No Problem: If your GPA isn’t a highlight, focus on other elements like academic projects, study abroad experiences, research, or relevant coursework.
Highlight Relevance: Tailor this section to emphasize education that supports your writing goals or signals your ability to succeed in a rigorous academic environment.
By presenting your education clearly and strategically, you can underscore your academic foundation while reinforcing your readiness for the challenges of an MFA program.
The Bottom Line
For those of us transitioning from completely different fields, reworking a resume for creative writing can feel like staring into a void. What do you keep? What do you cut? What even counts? My approach was simple: keep what worked on my old resume but layer in the pieces that matter most to an admissions committee. I wanted them to see—right from the start—that I wasn’t just exploring writing as a passing interest but fully committed to it as both a craft and a career.
For me, that meant crafting a resume that told my story—not just a list of jobs, but a narrative that connected where I’ve been, what I’ve done, and how it’s shaped me into the writer I am today. It was about weaving together the dots, even when they didn’t seem to align at first glance, and showing how my unique path enriches my perspective as a writer.
So, if you’re feeling stuck, take a breath. This process may feel overwhelming, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to own your journey and tell your story in a way only you can. And if you have questions or suggestions, drop them in the comments—I’d love to continue this conversation. After all, we’re all figuring this out together, one story (or bullet point) at a time.
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