How SEO Marketing Candidates Can Illustrate Both On-Page and Off-Page SEO Skills With Their Experience

In the quest to find the perfect SEO Marketer who can do On-Page and Off-Page SEO Skills, we’ve gathered insights from industry experts, including Content Marketing Managers and SEO Specialists. They share their top tips, from presenting case studies of SEO success to explaining strategies with simple examples, offering twelve valuable pieces of advice for candidates to demonstrate their expertise in on-page and off-page SEO.

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Present Case Studies of SEO Success with On-Page and Off-Page SEO skills

Candidates should present case studies to illustrate their experience in both On-Page and Off-Page SEO skills. This approach allows them to demonstrate practical skills in a real-world context.

A well-documented case study showcases how candidates approach SEO challenges, implement strategies, and the impact of their work. It offers a comprehensive view of their expertise, covering aspects from keyword optimization to link-building. 

This tangible evidence of their abilities provides employers with a clear understanding of the candidate’s potential to drive real results in On-Page and Off-Page SEO skills.

Marco Genaro Palma, Content Marketing Manager, PRLab

Demonstrate Adaptability and Strategic Thinking

When considering candidates for SEO marketer positions, it is important to understand that SEO is a dynamic field that is constantly evolving with frequent updates from Google. An experienced SEO professional with On-Page and Off-Page SEO skills should be able to show the following key aspects:

– The candidate must actively follow the latest news and trends. This shows their commitment to staying up-to-date with the ever-changing SEO landscape, which is vital to implementing effective strategies.

– Clear information about past projects. They should be able to describe their specific contribution in detail.

– The most important aspect is how the candidate thinks about SEO. They should be able to explain what they think is important and what is not. This understanding reveals their ability to think strategically and prioritize tasks.

Essentially, a candidate who has these qualities is likely to be forward-thinking and adaptable—both of which are essential to navigating the complexities of SEO marketing.

Yevhen Koplyk, Head of Marketing, WiserBrand

Showcase a Personal SEO-Optimized Website

The best way for an SEO Marketer to on-page and off-page SEO expertise is to consider establishing a personal, professional, or niche-specific website and blog. Their website can serve as a showcase for their experiences and efforts in both On-Page and Off-Page SEO skills, providing visitors with real examples. 

While setting up a website has become more accessible and cost-effective, the key lies in the ongoing commitment to consistent SEO efforts for its growth. For an SEO Marketer looking to get hired, detailing the specifics of how they optimized their website and presenting real data on their results significantly improves their chances. 

This self-driven approach sets them apart from other SEOs who may lack a firsthand understanding of building and optimizing a website from the bottom up.

Lauren Galvez, SEO Consultant, laurengalvez.com

Highlight Proactive and Demonstrable Experience

The #1 thing I look for in a new SEO hire is proactive and demonstrable On-Page and Off-Page SEO skills experience. Show me what you’ve done.

One of the best ways to showcase this is to have your own website—a blog, a small e-commerce shop, whatever it is. Something where you can test and learn with freedom from consequence.

This shows that you’re able to build and run a site, the type of content you can produce, and examples of links you have built. Built a pure AI site, and it got penalized? Great, there’s a lesson in there. And that to me is far better than just stating “AI content is bad,” because it’s not.

Case studies from past clients are great too, but I feel your own personal case study gives that extra edge and will help you stand out. It shows me you’re comfortable editing pages too. Many businesses run on WordPress and Shopify, so any SEO with On-Page and Off-Page SEO skills needs to navigate the backend of those CMSs.

Ben Poulton, Founder, Intellar SEO Consultancy

Illustrate Practical SEO Application

The best thing a candidate can do is show an actual On-Page and Off-Page SEO skills example. Don’t fill the conversation with buzzwords and jargon; just explain simply what you did and why it was meaningful.

Expanding upon the time frames involved in each category (on- and off-page) would give bonus points.

What I am looking for is someone who can do what is asked of them. Lots of questions, ifs, ands, buts, with some ‘it depends’ thrown in, are red flags.

This is why I usually give someone a specific task that we actually need doing. That’s the acid test, and if that can be passed, then a candidate will usually be a good fit.

Trevor Stolber, Agency Owner, STOLBER Digital

Exhibit On-Page and Off-Page SEO Mastery

SEO candidates can illustrate their experience with both On-Page and Off-Page SEO skills in various ways to stand out during the hiring process. Here are some of the on-page and off-page methods I use to effectively showcase my SEO experience. 

On-Page SEO: 

1. Portfolio Website: Create a portfolio website showcasing your SEO skills. Include case studies of successful on-page optimization projects, highlighting the strategies implemented, the challenges overcome, and the results achieved (e.g., increased organic traffic, improved keyword ranking). 

2. Case Studies: Present detailed case studies of successful on-page SEO projects you’ve worked on. Include the initial situation, the steps taken, the challenges faced, and the positive outcomes achieved. This provides concrete evidence of your skills and experience. 

Off-Page SEO: 

1. Link-Building Strategies: Explain your experience with various link-building strategies, including guest blogging, broken link building, social media outreach, and influencer marketing. Provide examples of successful link-building campaigns you have implemented. 

2. Social Media Marketing: Showcase your understanding of social media’s role in SEO. Share examples of how you have used social media to promote content, drive traffic to websites, and build brand awareness.

Rahul Bohra, SEO Specialist, WrittenlyHub

Apply Value Experimentation to SEO

When evaluating an SEO marketer’s expertise, I look beyond tactical proficiencies to how they value experimentation. Rather than emphasizing specific On-Page and Off-Page SEO skills tactics, I want candidates to demonstrate how they actively challenge assumptions and test new areas to impact.

For example, do they seek to lead ongoing research projects to settle in-house debates between technical factors versus content? Are they running well-designed growth experiments across channels, measuring multiple variables—not just SEO in isolation? Are they diving into the data to surface macro trends shaping audience interests and economic headwinds to get ahead of changes?

I believe outstanding SEO marketers have an intrinsic curiosity, spurring continual testing and learning about On-Page and Off-Page SEO skills. They don’t settle for apparent one-size-fits-all best practices, but recognize that contexts and priorities differ. I care most about their critical thinking abilities over any single tool expertise.

In interviews, I want to hear how their projects advanced understanding of customer journeys holistically—not just moving specific SEO dials in a vacuum. Quantify how testing across the ecosystem versus individual tactics accelerated growth overall.

Sharp problem-solving skills that perpetually question the status quo matter most in progressing as an impact-driven SEO leader over listed credentials. Does their mindset drive ongoing experimentation and have the results to show for it?

Renee Shaw, Growth Consultant, Wrivu

Utilize a Blog as Proof of Expertise

As an SEO freelancer, I think every SEO expert should have a blog or website to show their On-Page and Off-Page SEO skills and experience. It doesn’t have to be related to the SEO sector; it can be about animals, sports, or even an affiliate site. 

But in this way, it’s easy to show how they acquired backlinks, the quality of the articles produced, and the strategies used to grow their blog. Clients always want tangible proof of what an SEO can do, and I think this is the best way to show off their abilities.

Giovanni Della Ventura, Head of Content, giodella.com

Bridge SEO Strategy With Business Objectives

As we have shipped over 20,000,000 packages, I’ve learned that an SEO Marketer needs in-depth knowledge of both On-Page and Off-Page SEO skills. When candidates tell me what they’ve done, I seek results. Whether it’s organic traffic, keyword rankings, or link-building campaigns, metrics matter.

My top tip for candidates is to exhibit how you can bridge the gap between your On-Page and Off-Page SEO skills and your broader business objectives. Communication is key here; as an SEO Marketer, you should be able to explain how your on-page optimization efforts directly impact the overall user experience (UX) and conversions. Highlighting your off-page efforts (i.e., building authoritative backlinks) shows you have a comprehensive approach to SEO.

It’s important to remember that “words mean nothing if you don’t have results to back them up.” A proven track record and strategic approach make the best SEO candidates stand out in today’s ever-changing market.

Diana Zheng, Head of Marketing, Stallion Express

Showcase Tangible SEO Achievements

When hiring for an SEO marketer, candidates can effectively illustrate their experience with both On-Page and Off-Page SEO skills by showcasing specific achievements and providing evidence of their skills. Candidates should focus on demonstrating the tangible results and impact of their on-page and off-page SEO efforts. 

Instead of simply listing tasks or responsibilities, they should provide concrete examples of how their work contributed to improved search engine rankings, increased organic traffic, and overall business goals. Here are a few tips: Candidates should discuss their approach to keyword research and illustrate how they have developed and executed content strategies that align with their SEO goals. 

They should showcase their proficiency in technical SEO aspects, such as addressing and solving specific technical website issues. Candidates should discuss experiences in developing and executing effective link-building strategies. Candidates should emphasize their ability to use analytics tools to measure the success of both On-Page and Off-Page SEO skills efforts and discuss key performance indicators (KPIs). 

Whether it’s Google Analytics, Google Search Console, SEMrush, Ahrefs, or others, candidates should highlight their ability to use these tools to gather insights, track performance, and make data-driven decisions for both On-Page and Off-Page SEO skills. Candidates should show a willingness to learn and adapt to algorithm changes and emerging trends that signal their long-term value to the organization. 

Candidates should showcase their ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with different stakeholders to implement comprehensive SEO strategies. By providing specific examples, quantifiable achievements, and a narrative of their impact, candidates can make a compelling case for their expertise in both On-Page and Off-Page SEO skills. 

This approach helps hiring managers understand candidates’ experience and also how their contributions have positively influenced the performance of websites and businesses.

Smilja Pjesivac, SEO Specialist, Swot Digital

Share Impactful SEO Results

When talking about your On-Page and Off-Page SEO skills experience, focus on explaining how your work helped. Instead of just saying what you did, share numbers or facts that prove your impact. For example, talk about how you boosted website visits or made it easier for people to find the site on Google. 

If you improved keywords, mention the increase in clicks or visits you achieved, even if you don’t have proof with you. Employers want to know not just what you know, but how your efforts added value. When you share measurable impacts, you’re proving that your skills and strategies aren’t just theoretical—they’ve produced positive, concrete results in the past. 

It’s like saying, “I don’t just understand SEO; I’ve used it to make a real, measurable impact on businesses before, and I can do the same for you.”

Charming Geba, Digital Marketing Manager, LoanTube

Explain Strategies With Simple Examples

Clear communication is essential, so candidates should be able to explain their strategies in simple terms. For on-page SEO, candidates should talk about tweaking content, using relevant keywords, and improving website structure. Giving examples, such as how they made pages load faster or enhanced meta tags, adds credibility.

In terms of off-page SEO, candidates should highlight their ability to build quality backlinks and manage outreach efforts. Sharing specifics, such as boosting domain authority or successful link-building stories, provides concrete proof of their skills.

They can also mention their experience with SEO tools and analytics, demonstrating how they use data to fine-tune both On-Page and Off-Page SEO skills aspects. Lastly, expressing a commitment to keeping up with SEO trends and search engine changes is key, showing they’re eager to stay updated in this ever-changing field.

Vivek Tank, Senior SEO Specialist, Verz Design

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