Are you looking to write your perfect Campaigner CV?
A campaigner’s job involves advocating and mobilising support for a specific cause, issue, or organisation through strategic planning and outreach efforts.
In the dynamic field of campaigning, a well-structured CV is your passport to grabbing the attention of potential employers and making a compelling case for your candidacy.
This article provides step-by-step instructions, valuable tips and real examples to assist you in crafting a CV that stands out from the crowd. Let’s get started!
I am a highly enthusiastic, caring and ethical Campaigner with a great interest in the well-being of other individuals and the society at large. I am extremely motivated by the challenges associated with bringing together the people, organisations and resources required to promote and sustain progress in any field. I am a person of integrity with excellent communication, persuasion and negotiation skills.
Achievements
2:1 degree in BA Criminology from Birmingham City University
Full, Clean Driving License
Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Education
2012 – 2015
BA Criminology
Birmingham City University
Grade achieved: [2:1]
Relevant Modules:
Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice
Social Construction of ‘Deviance’ and Social Control
Crime Prevention
Murder: Dynamics, Pathologies and Investigation
Youth Justice
Policing and Society
2011 – 2012 Results: English: B Religious Studies: A History: B
A Levels
Summerfield College
2004 – 2011 Results: 8 GCSEs at Grades A*-C, including Maths (B) and English (B).
GCSEs
Kent Secondary School
Work experience
Aug 2016 – Present
Campaigner Mind
Main duties performed:
Engaging with members of the public in a courteous and professional manner to promote the organisation’s goals and objectives
Increasing awareness of ongoing projects and collecting data from donors
Posting leaflets and other promotional materials in the local area
Participating in online campaigning
Attending training sessions, meetings and fundraising events
Planning and organising future fundraising opportunities for the charity
Effectively managing customer expectations and business profitability
Working constructively within a large team to meet targets
Working effectively under pressure to meet deadlines
Promoting the campaign online on different social media platforms
Mar 2016 – Jul 2016
Community Campaigner Action Aid
Main duties performed:
Supporting tax justice and other social campaigns
Attending quarter-annual training sessions to develop campaigning skills
Promoting different causes locally within the community and further afield
Responding to campaign updates
Assisting with campaign development strategies by offering creative solutions which could, potentially, be implemented nationwide
Jul 2015
Charity Abroad Placement Sri Lanka
Main duties performed:
Assisting in a psychiatric facility and rehabilitation centre
Teaching English to teenagers, adults and vulnerable children
Running activities at the volunteer centre to help people with special needs
Acting as a role model for young adults
Working in a multicultural and dynamic team
Using initiative to solve challenges and difficult problems
Assisting with administrative tasks
Qualifications
Level 3 NVQ Employability Skills
St John’s Ambulance First Aid
Skills
Proficient in using many social media sites (Facebook, Twitter and YouTube) to run and promote successful campaigns and good causes
Excellent MS Office abilities: Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
Great telephone and personal manner
Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills
Hobbies and interests
During my spare time, I enjoy volunteering, photography, travelling and experiencing different cultures and climates. I am also working on launching a blog, where I am drawing awareness of the many issues and campaigns which I have worked on and been involved with over the past few years.
References
Mr Alex Flanders Manager, Mind Address: 1 Edmund Rd, Dorset, DK8 1ST Tel: 0744 5679 9805 Email:[email protected]
Mrs Julia Peacock Charity Supervisor, Action Aid Address: 7 Summer Ln, London, LK2 3PE Tel: 0744 8966 8992 Email:[email protected]
Utilise a clear structure: Organise your CV with clear sections such as contact information, personal statement, work experience, education and skills to enhance readability. A well-structured CV helps recruiters quickly locate essential information and creates a positive first impression. You can use one of these free CV templates as the foundation of your CV.
Tailor your CV to the role: Customise your CV for each application by aligning your skills and experiences with the specific requirements of the campaigning position. Tailoring your CV demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and increases your chances of being shortlisted.
Showcase versatility: Demonstrate versatility by including a range of skills, from grassroots organising to digital campaigning, reflecting the diverse aspects of advocacy work. Highlighting a breadth of skills showcases your adaptability and readiness to tackle various challenges in the campaigning arena.
Use consistent bullet points: Maintain uniformity in your bullet point style throughout your CV for a professional and polished appearance. Consistency in formatting contributes to the visual coherence of your CV, reflecting attention to detail and professionalism.
Proofread thoroughly: Ensure your CV is free from errors by proofreading it multiple times or seeking feedback from peers, presenting a polished and professional document. Thorough proofreading enhances the overall quality of your CV and ensures it leaves a lasting positive impression on recruiters.
The personal information section of a CV, also known as the “personal details,” provides essential details about you, including your full name and contact information.
It should not contain sensitive details such as your date of birth, marital status, or other information that could potentially lead to discrimination, as these are typically considered unnecessary for assessing your professional qualifications.
The personal profile section of your CV is like the opening chapter of a book, providing a snapshot of who you are professionally. It’s crucial because it gives potential employers an immediate insight into your skills, experiences and what you can offer.
Use this section to concisely highlight your key achievements, skills and career aspirations, creating a compelling narrative that encourages employers to read further into your CV.
A passionate and results-driven campaigner with a proven track record of orchestrating successful advocacy initiatives. Led a grassroots campaign that garnered a 20% increase in public engagement, demonstrating effective communication and mobilisation skills. Adept at leveraging digital platforms, such as implementing targeted social media campaigns, to amplify the impact of causes. Committed to driving positive change through strategic campaigning.
Accomplishments
In the accomplishments section of your CV, you get to shine a spotlight on your standout moments and contributions. This is where you outline, in concise bullet points, key accomplishments that showcase your skills and successes.
It’s your chance to demonstrate the real impact you’ve had in your roles and why you’re an asset to potential employers.
Include anything from awards, promotions, and successful projects to academic achievements and tangible outcomes of your efforts.
Example:
Successfully orchestrated and led a grassroots campaign that resulted in a 30% increase in public awareness and support.
Secured a “Campaigner of the Year” award for innovative strategies in a national advocacy competition.
Organised and executed a charity event, raising £10,000 for a local community initiative.
Received a Distinction in a Campaign Management course, demonstrating academic excellence in advocacy strategies.
Work experience
In the employment section of your CV, you showcase your professional journey and demonstrate how your experiences make you the ideal candidate.
You can include a variety of roles in the employment section, encompassing full-time, part-time and voluntary positions, as well as internships and freelance work.
Start with your most recent role and work backwards, highlighting key responsibilities and achievements.
June 2020 – Present
Campaign Manager Green Advocacy UK
Main duties and responsibilities performed:
Devised and executed strategic campaigns on environmental sustainability, resulting in a 25% increase in public engagement.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement effective advocacy initiatives, including lobbying for eco-friendly policies.
Organised and led community workshops to raise awareness about sustainable practices, reaching over 500 participants.
Achievements: Successfully spearheaded a petition that led to the adoption of greener policies by three local businesses.
Strategic campaign planning: Develop and implement strategic advocacy campaigns, identifying key objectives, target audiences, and effective communication channels.
Community engagement: Engage with diverse communities to understand their concerns, build relationships, and mobilise support for campaigns.
Policy advocacy: Lobby for policy changes at local, national, or international levels, advocating for social and environmental issues.
Digital campaign management: Utilise digital platforms to execute impactful campaigns, including social media initiatives and online petitions.
Grassroots organising: Lead grassroots initiatives, organising events, workshops, and community outreach activities to promote campaign goals.
Stakeholder collaboration: Collaborate with various stakeholders, including NGOs, government bodies, and community leaders, to enhance campaign effectiveness.
Volunteer coordination: Manage and coordinate volunteers, delegating tasks and ensuring effective teamwork to achieve campaign objectives.
Data analysis: Analyse campaign data to measure success, identify areas for improvement, and refine strategies for optimal impact.
Media Relations: Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, securing coverage and interviews to amplify the reach of campaigns.
Public speaking: Effectively communicate campaign messages through public speaking engagements, presentations, and media interviews.
Educational background
The educational background section of your CV provides information about your past education and qualifications.
This typically includes details about the educational institutions you attended, the qualifications you obtained, and the dates of completion.
The section is often presented in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent or highest level of education.
Common items included in this section are your degrees, diplomas, certificates, A-Levels, GCSEs, or any other relevant educational achievements.
Example:
September 2016 – June 2019
Degree in Political Science
University of London
Degree Classification: 2:1.
Subjects Studied:
Political Theory
International Relations
Environmental Policy
September 2015 – June 2017 Results: A in Government & Politics, B in Sociology, B in English Literature.
A-Levels
City High School
Qualifications
In this section of your CV, you can highlight your professional training and vocational qualifications, offering a comprehensive view of your skills and expertise.
List relevant certifications, workshops and any specialised training you’ve undertaken, complementing the educational section.
For a Campaigner, include certifications in campaign management, community organising workshops and any relevant vocational qualifications such as public relations or social media marketing courses.
Example:
Level 5 Certificate in Public Relations – Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)
Advanced Diploma in Campaign Strategy – Campaign Bootcamp
Level 4 NVQ in Leadership and Management – Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM)
Certificate in Grassroots Organizing – National Democratic Institute (NDI)
Professional Certificate in Advocacy and Lobbying – The Advocacy Academy
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Social Media for Campaigning – Open College Network (OCN)
Core competencies
In this section, you should highlight the specific skills and abilities that set you apart as an effective campaigner.
This section provides a quick snapshot of your key strengths, making it easier for prospective employers to identify your suitability for the role.
Include skills such as strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, grassroots organising and proficiency in campaign tools and technologies.
Strategic planning: Developed and executed comprehensive campaign strategies for the “Community Empowerment Initiative,” resulting in a 20% increase in engagement.
Grassroots organising: Led a team of volunteers in door-to-door outreach for the “Vote for Change” campaign, achieving a 15% increase in voter turnout.
Digital campaigning: Implemented innovative online campaigns, leveraging social media platforms and email marketing for the “Digital Advocacy Drive,” resulting in a 25% growth in online supporters.
Communication skills: Demonstrates articulate and persuasive communication, both written and verbal, fostering effective interaction with diverse audiences.
Team collaboration: Excels in collaborative environments, promoting teamwork and contributing positively to group dynamics.
Public speaking: Proficient in delivering engaging and impactful speeches, conveying ideas with confidence and clarity.
Networking: Builds and maintains valuable professional relationships, leveraging connections for campaign success.
Time management: Efficiently organises and prioritises tasks, meeting deadlines and ensuring smooth campaign execution.
Data analysis: Utilises data-driven insights to inform decision-making, enhancing the overall effectiveness of campaigns.
Creativity: Demonstrates innovative thinking, bringing fresh and imaginative ideas to campaign development and execution.
Organisational skills: Maintains meticulous organisation in campaign logistics, ensuring seamless coordination of activities.
Advocacy: Effectively represents campaign goals and values, championing causes with passion and conviction.
In the hobbies and interests section of your CV, you can provide a glimpse into your personality and interests beyond the professional realm.
Include hobbies that reflect positively on your character and demonstrate qualities such as teamwork, creativity or leadership. For instance, mentioning your involvement in community activism, public speaking clubs, or creative pursuits like writing or photography can offer a more holistic view of who you are beyond your campaign skills.
Example:
In my spare time, I am passionate about community engagement and social justice. Actively involved in local grassroots campaigns, I leverage my skills to drive positive change. My commitment extends to environmental causes, reflecting my belief in a sustainable future. Additionally, I enjoy public speaking, honing my communication skills to effectively advocate for impactful campaigns.
Referees
The referees section of your CV is where you provide contact details for individuals who can vouch for your professional abilities.
Ideally, these referees should be people you’ve worked closely with, such as former employers, managers or colleagues.
Include their full names, job titles, company names, email addresses and telephone numbers, ensuring they are reachable and willing to support your application.
Quantify achievements: Use quantifiable metrics to highlight the impact of your campaigns. Instead of stating “Increased community engagement,” specify “Boosted community participation by 30% through innovative outreach strategies.”
Highlight collaboration skills: Emphasise your ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders. Mention instances where you successfully worked with local communities, NGOs, and policymakers to achieve campaign goals.
Incorporate keywords: Integrate relevant keywords from the job description to ensure your CV passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and reaches the hands of recruiters.
Highlight media coverage: If your campaigns received media coverage, mention it to showcase the broader reach and influence of your advocacy work.
Mention public speaking engagements: If you’ve spoken at conferences, events, or community gatherings, emphasise your public speaking skills, demonstrating your ability to articulate your campaign message effectively.
Written by Sobhan Mohmand Sobhan is a qualified Careers Advisor and Professional CV Writer with over 10 years of experience in helping job seekers get a job. He is a Member of the Careers Development Institute (CDI) and is listed on the official UK Register of Career Development Professionals. He holds a Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development (QCF).