How to Write a Medical Writer Resume
Are you interested in learning how to write a medical writer’s resume? You’re in the right place.
You may already have exceptional writing skills and experience helping healthcare and pharmaceutical companies manage documentation. Now, as you apply for a new medical writing role, it’s time to create a convincing resume for your prospective employer. This guide will walk you through the process.
How to Write a Medical Writer Resume?
An excellent medical writer resume shows your prospective employer how you can add value to their organization. It demonstrates your knowledge of medical terminology and your ability to produce clinical study reports, regulatory documents, and other essential medical materials.
Your medical writer resume should highlight the most relevant skills, work experiences, qualifications, and certifications to boost your job prospects. Follow these four steps to write your medical writer resume:
- Research the recruiter and employer.
- Review the job description carefully.
- Prepare a complete and detailed resume.
- Write a tailored cover letter for the hiring manager.
Think like the hiring manager to better understand the company’s needs. This perspective will help you present yourself as the ideal candidate.
Differentiate yourself by answering these questions:
- How did you assign medical writing tasks to complete documentation?
- Have you handled high-pressure situations? What was your approach?
- What sets you apart from other candidates?
- Are you detail-oriented and a quick learner?
- Do you prefer working independently or in a team?
What is the Best Medical Writer Resume Format?
Your resume is your opportunity to showcase your abilities to recruiters and demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the role. Everyone brings unique skills, work experience, certifications, and academic achievements, which means no one-size-fits-all approach applies to resumes.
Whether you are a fresher, an experienced medical writer, or someone transitioning to a new career path, selecting the right resume format is essential. The format determines how you organize sections and what information appears first.
Here are three widely used resume formats:
- Reverse Chronological
- Functional
- Combination (Hybrid)
Reverse Chronological Resume Format
This is the most common format, and chances are, you’ve used it before. It lists your current position first, followed by previous work experience and education. This format emphasizes your most recent and relevant experience.
It works best if you want to highlight career progression in your field, have no employment gaps, and plan to stay in the same or a related industry.
However, this format may not suit you if you are switching careers, have noticeable employment gaps, or want to downplay your past roles.
Functional Resume Format
The functional format focuses on your skills, expertise, and qualifications rather than your work history. This format is ideal if you have specific skills to highlight, are transitioning to a new field, or need to address gaps in your employment history.
When using this format, tailor your resume with industry-specific keywords and skills from the medical writer job description. However, this format might not be the best choice if you lack advanced skills or are a recent graduate with limited experience.
Combination (Hybrid) Resume Format
As the name suggests, this format combines elements of the reverse chronological and functional formats. It offers flexibility by allowing you to highlight both your skills and your work history.
This format is ideal for professionals with a mix of education and experience, those transitioning into medical writing from a related field, or those with a strong skill set to showcase.
Why Formatting Matters
When applying for a medical writer role, proper formatting is critical. Ensure your resume is professional, clear, and optimized for Applicant Tracking Software (ATS). About 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS to filter resumes by scanning for relevant keywords.
To improve your chances, research the medical writer position, identify relevant keywords from the job description, and incorporate them into your resume effectively.
What Sections to Include in Your Medical Writer Resume?
Below are the key sections to include in your medical writer resume:
Header
The header contains a concise phrase summarizing your key professional strengths and essential information.
Hiring managers often review several resumes daily, so your resume header must be clear and concise. Also called a resume title, it communicates what you can bring to the company. Think of it as the headline of a news story—brief, impactful, and easy to read.
Focus on qualifications most relevant to the job. A strong resume title gives recruiters a clear idea of your suitability for the medical writer role.
Your resume header should include:
- Full name
- Title (e.g., Expert Medical Writer)
- Contact number
- Email address
- City and LinkedIn profile link
There’s no need to include your full address; city and state names work fine.
Work Experience
Your medical writing experience is one of the most critical sections of your resume. How you present this section directly influences your chances of impressing recruiters.
Before listing your experiences, keep these points in mind:
- Include only relevant work history specific to the job title.
- Be precise about your role, the impact of your work, your designation, and your tenure in medical writing.
- Start with your most recent and relevant experiences, followed by earlier roles.
- Ensure your resume is ATS-compliant.
- Emphasize what makes you the best fit for the job.
Associate Medical Writer
As an associate medical writer, you support companies in improving health outcomes and patient welfare. Below are some responsibilities to include in your resume:
- Collaborated with medical, editorial, and account management teams to meet project objectives.
- Assisted in creating quality medical communications, such as review articles, slide presentations, abstracts, and other materials.
- Conducted research to support project development.
- Actively participated in strategic discussions and implemented quality improvements.
- Contributed to new business development initiatives.
- Met company expectations related to budgeted hours, deadlines, and objectives.
Senior Medical Writer
A senior medical writer, with over five years of experience, handles various tasks, including creating educational materials and regulatory submission documents. They also supervise junior medical writers. Responsibilities may include:
- Prepared and edited regulatory guidelines, patient narratives, investigational plans, and clinical trial reports.
- Developed templates and style guides for the writing team.
- Updated processes, templates, and reference materials.
- Facilitated documentation review and approval meetings.
- Ensured projects met specifications and communicated effectively with clients to manage changes.
- Contributed ideas for business proposals and new writing projects.
- Mentored and advised junior medical writers.
Principal Medical Writer
Principal medical writers use their expertise to develop educational content and business proposals. They play a leadership role in creating complex materials. Responsibilities may include:
- Wrote and managed the delivery of scientific content for medical communication activities, ensuring alignment with client requirements, timelines, and quality standards.
- Collaborated with senior team members to improve efficiency and quality.
- Acted as the lead scientific contact for medical professionals and pharmaceutical clients.
- Built and maintained relationships with key opinion leaders and healthcare professionals.
- Represented the company at meetings and conferences, providing writing and project management services on-site.
Lead Medical Writer
With over a decade of experience, lead medical writers oversee teams and manage high-level projects in top companies. Responsibilities may include:
- Worked with project teams to address issues related to document development and regulatory compliance.
- Conducted literature searches and summarized medical literature.
- Managed medical writing activities for assigned regulatory submissions or projects.
- Kept management updated on documentation progress and performed administrative tasks as needed.
- Contributed to department SOPs and other writing standards.
- Supervised and guided experienced medical writers in writing, editing, and quality control.
- Delegated tasks and intervened when needed to maintain productivity.
Clinical Research Medical Writer
Clinical research medical writers support clinical research companies by managing communications and creating documents for ongoing clinical trials.
Here are some key responsibilities to include in your clinical research medical writer resume:
- Collaborated with researchers and staff to create research plans and reviewed grant applications to secure additional funding opportunities.
- Worked with principal investigators, statisticians, clinicians, and department staff to coordinate the design and development of clinical studies.
- Created project-related documents to respond to opportunities and support awarded projects.
- Assisted in preparing and submitting periodic financial and progress reports to various agencies.
Skills
As a medical writer, your ability to create accurate and high-quality content on healthcare topics is critical. The skills section of your resume should align with the specific requirements of the job.
Here are some skills to include in your resume:
- Strong writing abilities and effective presentation skills.
- Exceptional verbal communication skills.
- Thorough understanding of project management, including problem-solving, budgeting, and resource allocation.
- Ability to interpret and analyze data independently.
- Problem assessment and solution development skills.
- Capacity to work autonomously and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
- Proficiency in translating complex scientific information into various formats.
- Adaptability to change and fostering an innovative environment.
Education
The education section is typically brief, providing only the details necessary to meet job requirements.
For recent graduates, education will be a focal point of the resume and should appear in a prominent position. For experienced professionals, place education after the work experience section.
If you have advanced degrees, such as a Ph.D. or a Master’s degree, list the highest degree first, followed by Bachelor’s and Associate’s degrees.
Include the following details in your education section:
- Name and location of your institution.
- Degree obtained.
- Field of study.
- Year of graduation.
- GPA (if noteworthy).
- Any academic recognition, activities, or relevant achievements.
Certifications
Certifications can set you apart in the competitive field of medical writing. They demonstrate your commitment to mastering skills and medical terminology. Employers often prioritize candidates with relevant certifications or courses, increasing your chances of landing a job.
Here are some prominent medical writing certifications to include:
- Medical writing course from Henry Harvin
- Advanced PG Diploma in Clinical Research & Medical Writing from James Lind Institute
- Medical writing course for healthcare professionals from Udemy
- Medical writing online course from Coursera
Achievements
Achievements distinguish you from other candidates. Highlight metrics that showcase the impact of your work in previous roles. Recruiters value accomplishments with measurable results.
Poor examples:
- Created clinical regulatory documents.
- Worked on clinical study reports with researchers and team leads.
These statements lack specificity and fail to demonstrate the impact of your work. Instead, use quantifiable achievements like these:
- Developed textbooks, slide decks, e-learning modules, and patient education content for over 10,000 students and patients.
- Edited medical abstracts and journal reviews for 20+ non-English authors.
Use actual numbers to justify your achievements and prove their impact.
Interests
The hobbies and interests section is optional. For entry-level candidates, listing a few interests can add personality to your resume. However, for experienced professionals, it’s best to omit this section, as it rarely influences hiring decisions.
Languages
For most medical writing positions in the United States, proficiency in English is essential. If your communication skills in English meet the job requirements, listing additional languages is unnecessary unless the role specifically demands them.
If fluency in another language is relevant to the position, include it based on your proficiency level.
Medical Writer’s Resume Dos and Don’ts
Your resume is a reflection of your professionalism and serves as your opportunity to showcase your skills and qualifications. A well-structured resume can leave a lasting impression and convince recruiters to invite you for an interview.
Dos
Here are key tips to follow when writing your medical writer resume:
Write a personalized cover letter
A strong cover letter is essential in the competitive field of medical writing. Avoid sending brief or generic cover letters. Instead, customize your letter to reflect the specific job role. Address the hiring manager respectfully and professionally, demonstrating your interpersonal skills and how you can contribute to the organization.
Choose appropriate margins
Use one-inch margins on all sides of your resume with single spacing between lines. If you need to fill more space, adjust line spacing to 1.15 or 1.5, but keep margins below two inches for a professional appearance.
Provide a link to your medical content portfolio
A personal website or portfolio featuring your medical technical writing work is a valuable asset. Candidates who include links to their portfolio stand out in a competitive job market. A well-organized portfolio increases your chances of securing the right role.
Update your resume for each role
Medical writing roles vary across companies, so tailoring your resume to each specific job is essential. Recruiters value candidates who customize their resumes and cover letters to align with the job description.
Highlight key achievements
Call attention to accomplishments in your education, career, or other experiences that reflect your capabilities. Use metrics to quantify your achievements, such as KPIs or measurable outcomes, to demonstrate the value you brought to previous roles.
Proofread your resume
Accuracy is critical for medical writers. Spelling or grammatical errors in your resume can lead to rejection, as they reflect poorly on your attention to detail. Proofread your resume carefully to ensure it is error-free, just as you would with medical publications, clinical documents, or investigator brochures.
Don’ts
Here are common mistakes to avoid when crafting your medical writer resume:
Avoid mentioning old work experience
Including work experience from a decade ago is unnecessary unless it is directly relevant to the role. Hiring managers focus on your recent experience and current skills. Highlight what you bring to the table today and avoid listing irrelevant or outdated roles.
No resume objective and summary
There’s no need to include a resume objective or summary. Your relevant work history, skills, and education already communicate your qualifications effectively. Let your accomplishments and expertise speak for themselves.
Key Takeaways
This guide has explored how to craft an effective medical writer resume. Medical writing is a fulfilling career with significant opportunities for growth. While the process of creating a standout resume can feel challenging, it is also immensely rewarding. Considering the competitive nature of the field, avoid relying on generic templates. Personalization is the key to success—tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job requirements. Now is the time to create a professional medical writer resume that showcases your unique qualifications.
FAQs
Here are answers to common questions about medical writing resumes:
How should a medical writer highlight experience with regulatory documents on their resume?
To emphasize experience with regulatory documents, detail your involvement with specific submissions such as INDs, NDAs, or briefing books. Specify your role—whether you were responsible for drafting, reviewing, or revising these documents. Highlight relevant achievements, such as improving submission efficiency or meeting tight deadlines, to showcase your technical abilities and your capacity to handle complex, high-stakes tasks.
What is an effective medical writer resume summary?
An effective summary concisely communicates your experience, expertise, and accomplishments. Begin with a strong introductory statement, such as:
“Experienced medical writer with over 10 years of expertise in drafting clinical trial protocols and regulatory submissions.”
Highlight skills like simplifying complex medical information for varied audiences and your proficiency in producing a range of document types, including patient education materials.
How can a medical writer demonstrate expertise in creating patient education materials on their resume?
To showcase expertise in patient education materials, provide examples of the types of materials you’ve developed, such as treatment guides, FAQs, or brochures, and the patient groups they were designed for. Emphasize your ability to translate complex medical information into accessible language. If possible, include feedback from patients or healthcare providers that demonstrates the clarity and impact of your work. Quantify the reach or outcomes of your materials to further illustrate their effectiveness.
What details should a medical writer include about their experience writing clinical trial protocols?
When writing about clinical trial protocol experience, specify your role in the process, whether drafting, editing, or revising. Mention the therapeutic areas and trial phases you worked on to demonstrate the breadth of your expertise. Highlight collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, such as clinical researchers, statisticians, and regulatory experts, to illustrate your teamwork skills. If applicable, describe any efficiencies or innovations you introduced during protocol development.
If you are new to medical writing and are looking to break in, we recommend taking our Medical Writing Certification Course, where you will learn the fundamentals of being a medical writer, how to dominate medical writer interviews, and how to stand out as a medical writing candidate.
