Brief Writer Resume Examples & Templates
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Brief Writer Resume Examples and Templates
Junior Brief Writer Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong introductory statement
The intro clearly highlights your enthusiasm and storytelling passion. It sets the tone for your role as a Junior Brief Writer, making you relatable and engaged, which is essential for the position.
Quantifiable achievements
Your work experience section demonstrates quantifiable results, like assisting in the creation of over 50 media briefs and improving engagement by 25%. This showcases your impact and effectiveness in previous roles, crucial for a Junior Brief Writer.
Relevant coursework
Your education includes coursework in media writing and public relations, which directly relates to the Junior Brief Writer role. This background strengthens your application by showing you have foundational knowledge in the field.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Lack of specific industry keywords
The resume could benefit from including more specific keywords related to brief writing, such as 'storytelling techniques' or 'audience analysis.' This will help improve ATS matching and showcase your expertise more effectively.
Limited skills section
The skills section lists valuable abilities but could expand to include more technical skills or tools relevant to brief writing, such as content management systems or analytics tools. This will make your skill set more appealing to potential employers.
Absence of a closing statement
The resume lacks a closing statement or call to action. Adding a brief conclusion that expresses your eagerness to contribute to a team would create a memorable final impression, reinforcing your interest in the role.
Brief Writer Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong quantifiable achievements
The resume showcases impressive metrics, like 'enhancing reader engagement by 25%' and 'leading to a 15% increase in article citations.' These quantifiable results highlight the candidate's effectiveness as a Brief Writer, making the impact of their work clear.
Relevant skills listed
Skills like 'Content Writing,' 'Research,' and 'SEO' align well with the requirements for a Brief Writer position. This demonstrates the candidate's expertise in areas crucial for creating concise and impactful written content.
Clear and engaging summary
The introduction effectively conveys the candidate's passion and experience, stating they have 'over 5 years of experience' and can 'distill complex information.' This immediately positions them as a strong fit for a Brief Writer role.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Enhance the summary with specific goals
The summary could be improved by adding specific goals or what the candidate aims to achieve in their next role. This would give potential employers a clearer idea of their aspirations as a Brief Writer.
Lack of industry-specific keywords
While the skills are relevant, incorporating more industry-specific keywords like 'briefing documents' or 'audience analysis' could enhance ATS compatibility. This would ensure the resume gets noticed more easily during the hiring process.
Senior Brief Writer Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong measurable impact
You quantify outcomes well, like the 28% increase in favorable court decisions and 22% reduction in drafting time. Those numbers show measurable value to partners and hiring managers and prove you drive results in appellate and commercial litigation work.
Relevant and specific experience
Your roles at BonelliErede, Gianni & Origoni and DLA Piper match the senior brief writer role. You list appellate filings, interlocutory motions, arbitration, and regulatory matters, showing direct experience with the tasks the job requires.
Clear skills and bilingual strength
You list targeted skills like appellate briefs, evidence synthesis, and legal translation. The English–Italian drafting diploma supports cross-border work and adds a practical advantage for firms handling international litigation.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Summary could be more concise and targeted
Your intro lists strong credentials but runs long. Tighten it to two short sentences that state your years, top strengths, and the outcome you deliver for commercial litigation and regulatory clients.
Add more ATS keywords and tools
You use solid skill labels but miss common ATS terms like 'brief management systems', 'Westlaw/LEXIS', or 'citation software'. Add those tools and synonyms to improve matching with senior brief writer listings.
Highlight select case outcomes and your role
You note favorable decisions and settlements, but you don’t detail a few representative matters. Add two brief examples naming your contribution, the legal issue, and the result to show the scope and seniority of your work.
Lead Brief Writer Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong experience in brief writing
Your role as a Lead Brief Writer at Bain & Company showcases your ability to develop over 100 executive briefing documents. This experience directly aligns with the requirements for a Brief Writer, highlighting your impact on client engagement.
Effective use of quantifiable results
You effectively use metrics in your experience, like a 30% increase in client engagement and a 40% improvement in client satisfaction scores. These quantifiable results strengthen your profile as a candidate for the Brief Writer role.
Relevant educational background
Your M.A. in Strategic Communication and B.A. in English Literature provide a solid foundation for writing and communication. This educational background supports your expertise in crafting compelling messages for executives.
Diverse skill set
Your skills include Strategic Communication, Research and Analysis, and Mentorship, which are all relevant for a Brief Writer. This diverse skill set enhances your profile and shows your capability to adapt to different writing needs.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Summary could be more tailored
Your summary effectively outlines your experience but could more explicitly state your passion for brief writing. Personalizing it further to reflect your enthusiasm for the role will make it more compelling to employers.
Skills section lacks specific tools
The skills section lists important abilities but doesn’t mention specific tools or software commonly used in brief writing. Including tools like Microsoft Office Suite or Adobe Creative Cloud can enhance your resume's appeal.
Work experience could highlight collaboration
Your experience mentions collaboration with cross-functional teams, but it could expand on how this collaboration influenced the outcomes of your projects. Adding specifics will show your ability to work effectively with others.
Formatting could improve readability
The resume utilizes bullet points, which is great, but consider using consistent formatting for all sections. Ensuring uniformity in font size and spacing will enhance overall readability and presentation.
1. How to write a Brief Writer resume
Finding Brief Writer roles feels frustrating when firms expect quick turnarounds, strict attention to detail, and rapid responsiveness each day. How do you show real drafting impact on a one-page resume to busy readers and hiring teams often and quickly? Hiring managers care about concrete examples of briefs and outcomes you influenced, not vague task lists under pressure. Many applicants instead focus on long skill lists, buzzword-packed summaries, and decorative formatting that bury clear impact and irrelevant roles.
This guide will help you turn resume lines into clear brief-writing achievements and measurable outcomes. Rewrite vague bullets into specifics, for example: 'Drafted 30 appellate briefs and cut revision time by 25%.' Whether you need to trim language or add metrics, you don't need to rewrite everything. You'll have a focused Summary, stronger Work Experience bullets, and measurable skills you'll use in interviews.
Use the right format for a Brief Writer resume
There are three common resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination. Chronological lists jobs from newest to oldest. Functional focuses on skills and projects. Combination blends both formats. Use chronological if you have steady writing work or legal drafting roles. Use combination if you have varied writing gigs or some gaps in employment. Use functional if you pivot from another field and need to foreground transferrable skills.
Keep your layout ATS-friendly. Use clear section headings, simple fonts, and bullet lists. Avoid columns, images, and complex tables.
- Chronological: best for steady legal or communications careers.
- Combination: best when you have strong projects and varied roles.
- Functional: best for career changers or big gaps.
Craft an impactful Brief Writer resume summary
The summary sits at the top. It tells a hiring manager who you are in two or three lines. A resume summary works for experienced Brief Writers. An objective fits entry-level writers or career changers.
Use this formula for a strong summary: '[Years of experience] + [Specialization] + [Key skills] + [Top achievement]'. Tailor the words to match job keywords. Mention brief types you write, like legal briefs, policy memos, or appellate briefs.
Use an objective if you lack direct brief-writing experience. Focus on transferrable skills, training, and what you aim to deliver for the employer.
Good resume summary example
Experienced - Summary: "8 years drafting appellate briefs and agency submissions for mid-size firms. Skilled in legal research, persuasive writing, and citation formatting. Reduced court rejection rates by 35% through precise issue framing and streamlined citations."
Why this works: It shows years, specialization, core skills, and a clear metric. It matches likely ATS keywords.
Entry-level - Objective: "Recent paralegal with internship experience drafting motions and client memos. Trained in Bluebook citation and Westlaw research. Seeking to apply precise writing and issue-spotting skills to support litigators at a busy firm."
Why this works: It frames relevant training and shows a clear goal. It signals readiness to learn and contributes to team needs.
Bad resume summary example
"Detail-oriented writer seeking a Brief Writer role. I write well and meet deadlines. Looking for a chance to grow and contribute to a law firm."
Why this fails:
This example sounds vague. It lacks years, types of briefs, and concrete impact. It misses keywords like "legal research," "appellate," or tools like "Westlaw." It reads like a generalist objective rather than a tailored summary.
Highlight your Brief Writer work experience
List jobs in reverse-chronological order. Show Job Title, Company, City, and Dates. Use bullet points for achievements and duties. Start each bullet with a strong action verb.
Quantify impact wherever you can. Show numbers, percentages, or counts. Use phrases like "reduced drafting time by 25%" or "prepared 40+ appellate briefs." Use the STAR method to craft bullets when a task has clear results.
Action verbs for a Brief Writer include "drafted," "edited," "argued," and "streamlined." Align skills and keywords to the job ad. That helps ATS find a match.
Good work experience example
"Drafted 60+ appellate briefs and petitions over five years, achieving a 40% success rate on cited motions. Collaborated with partners to refine issue statements and legal theories, cutting revision cycles by 30%."
Why this works:
This bullet uses a clear action verb, shows volume, and gives a quantifiable result. It highlights collaboration and process improvement. It uses keywords like "appellate briefs" and "issue statements" for ATS.
Bad work experience example
"Wrote briefs and memos for attorneys. Worked with partners to prepare documents and file in court. Helped with research and edits."
Why this fails:
The bullet lists duties but lacks numbers and concrete impact. It reads like a job description instead of an achievement. It misses chances to show efficiency or outcomes.
Present relevant education for a Brief Writer
Include School Name, Degree, and Graduation Year. Add honors or GPA only if recent and strong. Recent grads should place education near the top. Experienced professionals can move it lower.
List relevant certifications here or in a separate Certifications section. Include specialized training like legal writing courses or citation workshops. Keep entries brief and exact.
Good education example
J.D., State University College of Law, 2016. Moot Court Board, Note Editor for Law Review.
Why this works:
This entry shows degree, date, and relevant activities that demonstrate legal writing skills. It signals practical experience in advocacy and editing.
Bad education example
B.A. in English, Regional University, 2010. Took several writing classes.
Why this fails:
This entry is factual but vague. It misses specifics like honors, editorial roles, or coursework that relate to drafting briefs. It doesn't highlight legal training or internships.
Add essential skills for a Brief Writer resume
Technical skills for a Brief Writer resume
Soft skills for a Brief Writer resume
Include these powerful action words on your Brief Writer resume
Use these impactful action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities:
Add additional resume sections for a Brief Writer
You can add Projects, Certifications, Publications, Awards, Volunteer work, and Languages. Choose sections that boost credibility and match the job needs. Put published notes, law review pieces, or writing projects here.
Certifications like legal writing workshops or e-filing training help. Keep entries short and outcome-focused.
Good example
Selected Publication: "Standardizing Issue Statements," Law Review Note, 2015. Summarized case patterns across 50 cases and proposed a concise framework now used in clinic memos.
Why this works:
This entry shows research and writing impact. It names the publication and gives a clear contribution.
Bad example
Volunteer: Assisted pro bono clinic with document preparation. Helped edit memos.
Why this fails:
This example shows community work but lacks specifics. It misses numbers, concrete duties, and results. Add scope or impact to improve it.
2. ATS-optimized resume examples for a Brief Writer
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools that scan resumes for keywords and structure. They rank and filter applicants before a human ever reads your application. For a Brief Writer, ATS look for legal writing terms, research tools, and citations.
Use clear section titles like "Work Experience", "Education", and "Skills". Keep layout simple. Avoid tables, text boxes, headers, footers, and images.
- Include role-specific keywords: "brief drafting", "motion drafting", "legal research", "Bluebook", "citation check", "proofreading", "Westlaw", "LexisNexis", "trial briefs", "appellate briefs", "legal editing".
- List certifications and methodologies: "legal writing certificate", "citation training", "style guide adherence".
- File types: prefer .docx or text-searchable PDF. Don't use heavily designed files.
Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Keep font sizes readable. Use simple bullet points for achievements and duties.
Don't rely on fancy synonyms instead of exact keywords. If the job asks for "Bluebook", write "Bluebook". Don't hide critical skills in images or headers. ATS may skip them.
Match your wording to the job description naturally. Use short, active sentences. Quantify results when you can, like "reduced draft revision time by 30%". That helps both ATS and hiring managers.
ATS-compatible example
Skills
Legal Research; Brief Drafting; Motion Drafting; Bluebook Citation; Proofreading; Westlaw; LexisNexis; Legal Editing; Appellate Briefs
Work Experience
Brief Writer, Schuster and Sons — Lauryn DuBuque
Drafted appellate briefs and motions for civil litigation. Performed Bluebook citation checks and legal research using Westlaw and LexisNexis. Edited final briefs to reduce errors and shorten review cycles by 25%.
Why this works: This example uses standard section titles and exact keywords for a Brief Writer. It names tools and results. ATS reads the plain text easily and finds the role-specific terms it needs.
ATS-incompatible example
What I Do
Creative legal communicator who crafts persuasive argument summaries and citation systems.
Experience
| Brief Writer | Ritchie — Angila Stanton |
| Wrote briefs and checked citations inside a custom layout. | Used several research platforms. |
Why this fails: The heading "What I Do" is nonstandard. The table can break ATS parsing. The text avoids exact keywords like "Bluebook", "Westlaw", and "motion drafting" which the ATS might expect.
3. How to format and design a Brief Writer resume
Choose a clean, professional template for a Brief Writer. Use a reverse-chronological layout so your writing samples and cases appear first.
Keep the format simple to help recruiters and applicant tracking systems read your file. Columns, graphics, and nonstandard fonts often break parsing.
Limit length to one page for early-career Brief Writers. Go to two pages only if you have extensive case work and publications directly relevant.
Pick ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Use 10–12pt for body text and 14–16pt for headings.
Keep whitespace and consistent spacing around headings, dates, and role lines. Short blocks of text make dense legal or policy summaries easier to scan.
Use clear, standard headings: Contact, Summary, Experience, Selected Briefs, Education, Skills. Name your sample files clearly and attach them when asked.
Avoid using overly creative designs. Too much color or icons distracts and harms scanability.
Watch these common mistakes: long paragraphs that hide key points, unclear dates, and inconsistent bullet styles. Also avoid PDFs with layers or text in images.
Structure bullets to show action, scope, and result. Lead with verbs like "drafted," "argued," "edited," and include metrics when possible.
Well formatted example
HTML snippet:
Contact | Pres. Luanne King | (555) 555-5555 | you@example.com
Summary
Drafted appellate briefs and motions for federal and state matters. Focused on clear rule statements and tight fact sections.
Experience
Goyette-Hilll — Brief Writer, 2021–Present
- Drafted 25 appellate briefs and 40 trial motions.
- Reduced research time by creating standardized issue briefs.
Why this works: This layout uses clear headings and short bullets. It highlights output and process that hiring managers seek.
Poorly formatted example
HTML snippet:
Header with logo, two-column layout and colored side bar
Experience
Crona Group — Legal Writer, 2018–2022
- Wrote lots of memos, briefs, and edits across projects large and small.
- Handled various tasks including proofreading, research, and drafting.
Why this fails: The two-column layout and sidebar can confuse ATS. The bullets stay vague and they hide impact and scope.
4. Cover letter for a Brief Writer
Tailoring your cover letter matters for a Brief Writer role. It shows your fit beyond the resume and proves you understand the job.
Start with a clear structure. Use short paragraphs and direct language. Aim for focused examples that match the posting.
Key sections breakdown:
- Header: Put your contact details, the company name or hiring manager if you know it, and the date.
- Opening Paragraph: Name the Brief Writer role you want. Show real enthusiasm for the company. Lead with your top relevant strength or where you found the listing.
- Body Paragraphs (1-3): Connect your work to the job needs. Describe projects that show concise writing, legal or policy summarization, or research synthesis. Mention specific skills like legal research, citation, editing, or document management. Add soft skills such as clarity, meeting tight deadlines, and teamwork. Use numbers where you can, like reduction in review time or counts of briefs produced. Mirror keywords from the job description to pass screening.
- Closing Paragraph: Restate your interest in the specific role and company. State confidence in your ability to add value. Ask for an interview or a meeting. Thank the reader for their time.
Tone and tailoring matter. Keep a professional and confident voice. Be friendly and direct like you would to a helpful colleague. Customize each letter. Avoid generic language and templated sentences.
Write simply. Use active verbs and short sentences. Cut filler words. Read the job posting then match examples to its key duties. That will make your cover letter feel like it was written for that role and that company.
Sample a Brief Writer cover letter
Dear Hiring Team,
I am writing to apply for the Brief Writer position at your company. I have five years of experience drafting concise summaries, memos, and legal briefs for busy teams.
In my current role, I streamline complex information into clear briefs. I produced over 120 briefs last year and cut average review time by 30 percent. I use legal research tools and strong editing to keep language precise and actionable.
I work well with attorneys, policy staff, and subject experts. I meet tight deadlines and manage multiple requests without losing quality. I also led a cross-team process that standardized brief templates and improved consistency across projects.
I am excited about the opportunity to bring focus and clarity to your team. I welcome the chance to discuss how my skills can support your priorities. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Please provide one applicant name and one company name from your list so I can replace this placeholder and tailor the letter precisely.]
5. Mistakes to avoid when writing a Brief Writer resume
Writing clear, persuasive briefs is the core of the Brief Writer role. Your resume must show that skill immediately.
Small mistakes can make hiring managers doubt your clarity and judgment. Fixing those errors boosts your chances quickly.
Avoid vague duty lists
Mistake Example: "Prepared briefs for clients and stakeholders."
Correction: Be specific about scope, audience, and outcome. Instead write: "Drafted 20+ executive briefs for senior partners, summarizing research and recommended actions for product launches."
Don't omit measurable impact
Mistake Example: "Improved communication between teams."
Correction: Show results with numbers or clear outcomes. Instead write: "Reduced review cycles by 30% by standardizing brief templates and clarifying goals with stakeholders."
Fix poor structure that hides writing skill
Mistake Example: A dense paragraph under Experience that buries key achievements.
Correction: Use short bullet points and strong verbs. Example: "Led brief strategy; wrote executive summary; streamlined approvals." Each bullet should read like a concise brief sentence.
Remove irrelevant or long personal details
Mistake Example: A long hobbies section listing unrelated activities and family history.
Correction: Keep only items that show writing, editing, or research skills. Example: "Volunteer editor, community newsletter; managed content calendar and copy."
Eliminate typos and inconsistent style
Mistake Example: "Created Briefs, edited copy, and managed stakeholders" with mixed capitalization and a typo.
Correction: Proofread carefully and use one style. Example: "Created briefs, edited copy, and managed stakeholders." Run a final read aloud or use a second pair of eyes.
6. FAQs about Brief Writer resumes
If you write briefs or craft messaging, your resume must show clarity, structure, and persuasive wording. These FAQs and tips help you highlight writing craft, legal or commercial knowledge, and project impact. Use them to tighten your resume and land more interviews.
What skills should I list on a Brief Writer resume?
What skills should I list on a Brief Writer resume?
Mention writing skills like legal drafting, executive summaries, and persuasive argumentation.
- Research and fact-checking.
- Editing and concise language.
- Familiarity with citation or format styles.
Which resume format works best for a Brief Writer?
Which resume format works best for a Brief Writer?
Use a reverse-chronological or hybrid format.
Start with a short summary, then list experience and select samples or publications.
How long should my Brief Writer resume be?
How long should my Brief Writer resume be?
Keep it to one page if you have under 10 years experience.
Use two pages only for extensive case work, publications, or leadership roles.
How do I show writing samples or a portfolio?
How do I show writing samples or a portfolio?
Link to a portfolio or attach redacted samples when allowed.
- Include a short line describing each sample and its impact.
- Note permissions if you redact client info.
How should I explain employment gaps on a Brief Writer resume?
How should I explain employment gaps on a Brief Writer resume?
Be brief and honest. Say you cared for family, upskilled, or freelanced.
If you did writing or research, list relevant projects or training under a "Projects" section.
Pro Tips
Quantify Your Impact
Show outcomes like reduced hearing time, won motions, or improved client approvals by percent or number. Numbers help readers judge your impact fast.
Lead with a One-Line Summary
Start with a one-line summary that states your role and strength. Keep it tight so hiring managers grasp your value in seconds.
Curate Samples Carefully
Pick 3–5 samples that show range: briefs, summaries, and persuasive memos. Redact sensitive details and add a one-sentence context line for each.
Use Action Verbs and Short Sentences
Begin bullets with verbs like drafted, argued, or revised. Keep bullets short and focused on results, not duties.
7. Key takeaways for an outstanding Brief Writer resume
You're almost done—here are the key takeaways for your Brief Writer resume.
- Use a clean, professional, ATS-friendly format with clear headings and simple fonts.
- Lead with a short summary that highlights legal writing, case synthesis, and fast research skills tailored to Brief Writer roles.
- Show relevant experience and skills in each role, like drafting briefs, citing authorities, and meeting tight deadlines.
- Use strong action verbs such as drafted, argued, synthesized, and reduced. Quantify impact when you can, for example pages drafted or cases supported.
- Optimize for ATS by adding job-relevant keywords naturally, like "appellate brief," "legal research," "cite-checking," and relevant jurisdiction names.
- Include links to writing samples or redacted excerpts and proofread carefully for grammar and citation errors.
Ready to polish it? Try a tailored template or resume builder, then send your resume to a mentor or peer for quick feedback.
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