What makes this resume great
This resume stands out for a Cultural Critic role due to its prestigious educational background, relevant advanced degrees, and a clear progression through top-tier media organizations. The candidate demonstrates a strong mix of analytical, writing, and public engagement skills, supported by experience at The Atlantic, NPR, and The New Yorker. The skills section is tailored to the demands of cultural criticism, including media literacy and cross-disciplinary research. The resume also highlights both traditional and new media expertise, such as podcast production and social media engagement. The combination of editorial research and public speaking further showcases versatility and authority in the field.
Resume summary examples for Cultural Critic
Example #1
Strong Summary
Accomplished Cultural Critic with over 8 years of experience analyzing contemporary culture for leading publications including The Atlantic, NPR, and The New Yorker. Expert in critical writing, editorial research, and public engagement, with a proven track record of shaping public discourse through insightful commentary and multimedia storytelling.
Weak Summary
I have worked in media and have experience writing about culture. I am good at research and like to talk about current events.
Example #2
Strong Summary
Award-winning commentator and cultural analyst with a Master’s in Cultural Studies from Columbia University, specializing in cross-disciplinary research and media literacy. Adept at producing compelling content across print, digital, and audio platforms.
Weak Summary
I have a degree in cultural studies and have written for some magazines. I know about media and research.
Example #3
Strong Summary
Dynamic public speaker and published critic recognized for engaging audiences through podcasts, live events, and social media. Skilled at moderating discussions and fostering dialogue on pressing cultural issues.
Weak Summary
I have spoken at events and posted on social media about culture. I can talk to people about different topics.
Resume achievement examples for Cultural Critic
Example #1
Strong Achievement
Authored over 50 feature articles for The Atlantic, with several pieces generating over 100,000 online reads and sparking national conversations on cultural trends.
Weak Achievement
Wrote articles for The Atlantic about culture.
Example #2
Strong Achievement
Produced and hosted a weekly NPR podcast segment that increased listener engagement by 30% over two years, earning recognition from industry peers.
Weak Achievement
Worked on a podcast at NPR and talked about culture.
Example #3
Strong Achievement
Moderated 10+ high-profile panel discussions at major cultural festivals, consistently receiving positive feedback from audiences and organizers for insightful commentary.
Weak Achievement
Spoke at events and moderated some panels about culture.
Essential skills for a Cultural Critic
- Cultural analysis
- Critical writing
- Editorial research
- Public speaking
- Media literacy
- Interviewing
- Podcast production
- Social media engagement
- Cross-disciplinary research
- Event moderation
Resume best practices
Tailor Your Resume for a Cultural Critic
Customize your resume for the specific position you're applying for. Use keywords from the job description and highlight the most relevant experience.
Keep It Concise and Focused
Ideally, your resume should be one page (two if you have extensive experience). Focus on achievements and essential information and avoid fluff.
Use a Clean, Professional Format
Stick to a simple layout with consistent font, spacing, and section headings. Use bullet points for readability. Avoid overly decorative fonts or colors.
Start with a Strong Summary
Write a compelling summary or objective at the top that briefly outlines your background, key skills, and what you bring to being a Cultural Critic.
Emphasize Achievements Over Duties
Use bullet points to describe what you accomplished as a Cultural Critic, not just what you were responsible for. Include measurable results when possible (e.g., "Increased sales by 25% in six months").
Use Action Verbs
Start bullet points with strong action verbs like "Led," "Developed," "Improved," "Streamlined," to convey impact and ownership.
Highlight Skills and Tools
Create a dedicated skills section that includes technical tools, software, or soft skills relevant to being a Cultural Critic (e.g., Excel, Python, CRM systems, leadership, communication).
Include Education and Certifications
List your educational background and any relevant certifications or ongoing courses. Mention GPA if it’s strong (generally above 3.5) and you're early in your career.
Proofread Carefully
Avoid spelling or grammatical errors since they can be deal-breakers. Ask someone else to review your resume or use tools like Grammarly.