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How to Make a Resume: Beginner's Writing Guide with Examples

30 min read · Updated on May 22, 2024

Your dream job is one resume away!

Your resume is arguably the most important financial document you'll ever own. And before you think, “Yeah – right” let's consider for a moment. Without a resume, you don't get the job, so you can't pay bills, support a family, go to the big game, have that weekend trip, or plan for retirement. Your resume is the doorway to your future, so let's make sure it's perfect.

Part of making it perfect is remembering that it's a targeted career marketing document – not a chronicle of your life. So, how do you write a resume? In this beginner's writing guide, we'll show you how to make a resume and provide examples of what each section should look like. 

Grab a cup of coffee and strap in, because you're about to learn everything you need to know about how to make a new resume!

Table of contents:

The purpose of a resume

Avoid rejection by the ATS

What is your career target?

Build your personal brand, what should your resume look like, how to make a resume – the layout.

How long does it take to put together a resume?

A major resume no-no: typos

How to make your resume more professional

Theory in practice – resume examples

The most basic purpose of a resume is to sell your skills , achievements , and qualifications to prospective employers. This one document can financially make or break you. Let's take a quick look at what being unemployed costs you per day (assuming a five-day workweek):

If you make $40,000 per year, you lose about $155 every day that you're out of work

If you make $50,000 per year, you lose about $190 every day that you're out of work

If you make $75,000 per year, you lose about $288 every day that you're out of work

If you make $100,000 per year, you lose about $385 every day that you're out of work

Clearly, finding out how to make a resume for a job is critical so that you can properly sell your skills, qualifications, experiences, and achievements to prospective employers. 

The job market is tough and highly competitive; you have to stand out in a sea of qualified candidates by creating a compelling narrative that tells a story of value, keeping in mind that your resume is supposed to do a few things for you:

Introduce you to a new company

Underscore how your experiences and education are relevant

Showcase how your skills and competencies will benefit the new company's team

Win interviews

Avoid rejection by the ATS 

What do you know about applicant tracking systems? Job seeking can be compared to throwing your resume into a black hole. You can go through 100 listings on any job search website and complete the online application with zero results. 

Ever had that happen? It's okay, it happens to everyone at some point or another! 

The problem is that you're probably not putting the correct keywords into your resume. When you hit “Submit” on an online application, it isn't magically emailed to the hiring manager. 

Oh, no! 

It goes through a computer system that scans your resume for specific keywords that can be found in the job description posted by the company. And, just so you know, approximately 90% of companies use ATS scans , including everything from mom-and-pop shops to Fortune 500 companies. 

The companies use these programs because they just don't have time for a human to go through all the resumes they receive. Depending on the job opening, a company can get between  250 and 500 applicants . Can you imagine being the person who has to sift through all those resumes? 

Here is where the ATS steps in. It's designed to weed through candidates to narrow the applicant pool, so that the human hiring manager has a more reasonable resume load to go through. It ranks the remaining candidates in order based on how much of a match they are for the position that's open. 

Being overlooked by the ATS is one of the number one reasons job seekers get ghosted by companies.

Once your resume makes it through the ATS and gets into the hands of a hiring manager, don't think they're going to sit down and read each one. Who has that kind of time? You should expect that the first round of resume sorting will consist of them flipping through the stack to pick the ones that stand out within about 6 seconds of glancing at them. 

PRO TIP: Put your resume on a table, stand up, and look at it from a little distance. Is it eye-catching? Can you tell the position you're seeking just by glancing at it? Set a timer if you have to, but no more than 10 seconds.

Speaking of eye-catching, don't make the same mistake as a lot of your rival job seekers by being too generic with your resume. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that being non-specific will open doors to more opportunities. The problem is that the hiring manager won't be able to tell exactly where you'll fit within their organization. 

The first step in winning an interview is being sure that your resume actually makes it into the hands of a human being at the company you apply to. Start by defining what you want to do.

So the first, and most important, step in crafting the perfect resume is to narrow down your target career path. The more specific you are with this first step, the more response you'll receive from hiring managers because they'll be able to tell exactly how you fit within their organization. There are four areas to focus on as you begin to chart your career path:

Industry: Do you want to work in private sector, nonprofit, government, or public roles?

Geography: This one is more in-depth than choosing rural vs urban. It also includes whether you want to work in a dynamic or static environment.

Company size: You may not think it, but having an idea about whether you want to work in a small company or one with thousands of employees is important. 

Role: Saving the best for last, you have to know what position you want.

On the surface, it may seem like these things are only important for the job search aspect of landing a new position, but you have to know what voice to write your resume in, too. Part of that is knowing your audience. When you understand your audience, you can build a personal brand that resonates with what they're looking for in a new staff member.

Now that you've gotten your target career path nailed down, the next step is to brand you. Think of yourself as a product and your resume is the packaging. Companies spend a lot of time on their branding and packaging - you have to do the same thing.

The best place to start is with a  career assessment . Taking one of these tests can help you to identify your strengths, what sets you apart from others, and key themes of your professional identity. Just like Nike and Coca-Cola have timeless taglines and catchphrases that succinctly define what they have to offer to consumers, your personal brand has to tell a concise, yet compelling, story. This is where your resume comes in.

Your resume isn't just a piece of paper you give to a hiring manager or upload to a website that says, “I'm interested in this job.” Your resume is a personal marketing tool. You shape that tool with words that describe your experiences and achievements, to impress and grab the attention of the hiring manager. 

Unlike Nike's “Just Do It” phrase, your personal brand isn't something you build and forget. It is fluid and should be revisited and refined as you gain new skills, experiences, and achievements. Weave the elements of your brand into every section of your resume.

There is a common misconception that entry-level resumes look different than executive resumes. The reality is that the only difference is how much content is available to write about. 

Obviously, someone who has little to no experience will have a  short resume  – generally one page. 

When you start to get up to 10 years of experience, then you've earned the second page, so go ahead and use it. 

It's not incremental though

Just because you have 20 years of experience doesn't mean you can have a three-page resume. As you work through how to make a resume, remember that a three-page resume should be avoided, unless you have a lot of career extras like publications, research, patents, publications, or public speaking engagements to talk about. 

Other than the number of pages, your resume should use the same format and layout no matter if you're applying to a job as someone fresh out of college or seeking to be the CEO of a company. 

Chronological resume 

The  reverse-chronological  is the most popular, traditional, and well-known resume format. Its focus is placed on achievements from your career history and is defined by listing your work history starting with your current or most recent job and working backward 10-15 years. 

Employers like this type of resume because it tells them what, when, and where you worked. It's best to use this if your work history is steady and shows growth and development. If you're looking to make a career change, have had frequent job changes, or if you're seeking your first job, this may not be the best format to use.

Pro Tip: You could also get lost in the ATS if your  resume is over-designed . Many resume writers will tell you that you need to stand out in the sea of sameness by adding some personality to your resume through design. While that's true, you need to avoid heavily formatted resumes which are often rejected by computer scanners as being illegible.

Functional resume 

This resume type focuses more on skills and experiences rather than on your work history. It's more of a “what you know and how you apply that knowledge” than a simple list of where you got the knowledge. It plays down gaps in work history and makes frequent job changes less noticeable. If it isn't done properly, though, it can be confusing for the hiring manager to read and understand. There's also a bit of a stigma behind it, because employers know that job seekers use this style to downplay job-hopping. So, the first thing they do when they get a functional resume is check employment dates. If you can avoid using this style, it's best to do so.

Combination resume 

There is another resume format that focuses on skills first and then experience last. It's the combination resume, which is sometimes called a hybrid resume. This is the most complex resume type and the best resume for mid-career professionals who are transitioning into another career or for people who have special skills and a strong track record of accomplishments. These types of resumes do take a long time to read and some hiring managers won't take the time unless they're looking to fill a hard-to-fill position.

Curriculum Vitae

Curriculum Vitae (CV) is Latin and means “course of life.” It's a little different from a resume, but some positions require a CV over a resume. The first thing you would notice is that a CV is significantly longer than a resume.  A resume is a self-branding document meant to portray your experience and achievements in a concise and easy-to-read format. A CV goes much further into the depth of your education and accomplishments (think publications, awards, and honors) and even has a section for you to include "Areas of Interest."

The best way to describe a CV is that it's a career biography. The biggest significant difference is that a CV is arranged chronologically in a way that gives a complete overview of your full working career. It also doesn't change based on the career or position for which you're applying.

Layout 

To make things easier for the hiring manager to digest the content of your resume, it should be laid out in a specific way to ensure that the right information is in the right place. 

Hiring managers don't  READ  resumes. They skim through until they find something that piques their interest and then they stop to read

Contact information

Title 

Professional summary , core competencies, experience , education and credentials , awards, certificates, and volunteer work .

Since the reverse-chronological resume is the one that the majority of people will use to apply for jobs, and because it's the format that hiring managers want to see, we'll focus this article on showing you how to make a resume using that style. 

Current contact information 

Location | Phone | Email | LinkedIn | Portfolio (if applicable)

You can be creative and use bold font in your  contact information  and even put a border under it to separate it from the body of your resume. 

• Name: Be sure to list your name the same across all professional documents (e.g., resume, cover letter, thank you note, LinkedIn profile). Don't get hung up with whether to use your legal name (i.e. the name on your birth certificate or driver's license). Write your name in the manner you want people to address you. Also, if you use any abbreviated credentials after your name (e.g. Jane Smith, MD), remember to include them on all professional documents.  You can also include any shortened versions of your name in quotations (e.g. Christopher "Chris" Smith). Just make sure to list it the same way everywhere you put your name.
• Address: It is no longer customary to include your full address on your resume. There have been instances of discrimination against job seekers based on their address. As far as your address is concerned, all you need is the City, State, and Zip Code. A lot of people leave off the Zip Code; however, hiring managers can query the ATS for all resumes within a radius of a Zip Code. If you exclude the Zip Code or put something like, "Greater New York Metro Area," your resume won't be included in the query.
• Phone and email: Put the telephone number and email address where you can easily be reached. Also, be sure that your email address is professional. Using something like [email protected] just won't cut it. The best idea is to use some form of your name. If you're paranoid about having your name in your email address, then you can use some form of the type of position you seek, like [email protected].
• LinkedIn URL: You don't have to spell out the entire URL on the contact line. You can put the words “LinkedIn URL” and hyperlink those words. Before you include your LinkedIn URL, be sure that your LinkedIn profile is optimized for the career you want - because you can bet if they have access to it, the hiring manager will look at it. 
• Portfolio: If you're applying for a position like Graphic Designer or Software Designer, you may have a portfolio of work that you want to make available to someone reviewing your application for employment. Include a hyperlink to the portfolio in your contact information. 
• Headshot / photo: There is no reason to include a  headshot on your resume . Actually, it's seen as taboo and could be the thing that gets your resume rejected, because the hiring manager might assume you think you can get the job based on your looks. However, there are some exceptions, like if you're applying to be a model or actor. 

Do you want a hiring manager to be able to tell immediately what type of candidate you are? Put a title at the top of your resume. Center the text on the line, put it in bold font, and put a blank space above and below. The white space and the small amount of words will help it to jump off the page and immediately be noticed. It will also be the first step in helping you stand out in the sea of sameness.

Also, be sure the title on your resume mirrors the title on the job description that you're applying to, but add a bit of panache to it so that it's not too boring. For example, instead of writing “Financial Services Associate,” write “Client-Centric Financial Services Associate Dedicated to Customer Engagement and Revenue Growth.” Just remember to keep it on one line. 

The very next thing on the page should always be your Professional Summary. But how do you write a summary for a resume?

It's a three to five-sentence statement about you. Where you've been in your career, where you're going, and how you'll use your experience to get there. 

While the professional summary is sometimes referred to as the resume objective , you must remember that the days of writing a  resume objective are dead . Never, ever include an objective on your resume. They are a waste of space and don't relay any information that markets you as the best candidate for an open position. 

Let's take a look at an example of each:

Sales Representative seeking a challenging position that will use my skills and provide opportunities for growth in a dynamic and rewarding company. 

As you can see, the objective is very inward-facing and only talks about what you want out of your career. It provides no value to the hiring manager and eliminates any possibility for them to be able to tell what you bring to the table for them. 

Professional Summary:

Ambitious sales professional offering 10+ years' experience in customer retention and aggressive revenue growth. Conquers goals and quotas through a keen awareness of the human buying motive that allows for quickly overcoming objections. Used historical data and consumer trends to reach new customers and grow territory by 24%. Innate ability to work independently or as a member of a cross-functional team.

The best use of resume space is to write a summary of your career. The effectiveness of this summary comes from the fusing of three things:

Relevant keywords – customer retention, revenue growth, and quotas 

Hard and soft skills – overcoming objections and working independently

An achievement – 24% territory growth

With this professional summary, the hiring manager will be able to tell in an instant what you have to offer their team. 

Even though the skills section of your resume is small, it packs a powerful punch! The skills you list in this section highlight your key abilities and show potential employers what you bring to the table. 

It should contain approximately 12 ATS-friendly keywords and phrases that align with the keywords in the job description. Meaning, this is a fluid section that will need to be  tailored to every job  that you apply to. Technically speaking, your entire resume should be customized to align with each job description. That's one thing that will help you get past the ATS. 

Be sure to include a good mix of  hard and soft skills  because prospective employers not only want to know that you can perform the tasks related to your job (hard skills), but they also want to gain a clear understanding of how you'll fit within the culture of the company (soft skills). 

Tips for building your Core Competencies section:

Include skills that are relevant to the job that you're applying to

Avoid creating a laundry list of everything you know how to do – be selective so that the section is more impactful

Group similar competencies together using categories – technical skills, soft skills, and languages

Prioritize your top skills based on their relevance to the job you want

Update frequently

Be consistent with the formatting

Here is a sample Core Competencies list that contains both hard and soft skills:

Core Competencies

Project Management | Data Analysis | Cross-Functional Collaboration | Digital Marketing Strategy | Python Programming | Customer Relationship Management (CRM) | Negotiation | Team Leadership | Business Development | Financial Modeling | Articulate Communication

This section is meant to show how your career history lends itself to the skills you have that make you the perfect candidate for a given job. There are some general rules of thumb on how to make a resume with a great professional experience section:

Don't go further back than 10 to 15 years

Use no more than 3 to 5 bullets per work listing

Incorporate at least 5 measurable achievements per 10 years of experience (the more the better)

Use stacking for companies where you held more than one role

10-15 Years

The 10-15 years of experience is the most relevant – you can list more than that, but avoid using bullet points for roles over 10 years old. Begin by listing your most recent position first and work your way backward to your oldest position, within that 10-15-year range. If you have 30 years of experience, you can use achievements or skills you learned during that time as talking points during the interview. Listing those older experiences on your resume will only dilute the content.

As you write out your bullet points, keep two words in mind: “so what?” The hiring manager is going to be thinking it, you might as well be thinking it, too. Every time you write something on your resume, think, “So what? Why am I writing this? What value will it bring to my new employer? Will this be THE THING that lands me an interview?"

Achievements

Remove “Responsible for…” from your resume-writing vocabulary. That's because it's crucial that you talk about what you achieved, instead of just what your responsibilities were. Let's face it, there are a lot of things that people are “responsible for” that never get done. So, be sure to talk about things you actually accomplished, as that will be the proof the hiring manager needs to take the next step and call you for an interview.

1. Use numbers whenever possible

The best way to call attention to your career accomplishments is to use numbers. Numbers add credibility to your claims and provide a clear picture of what you bring to the table. 

Don't write this:

• Conducted cold calls to expand client base

Write this instead:

• Increased sales by 15% by making approximately 20 cold calls per day to expand the client base

The latter makes an unmistakable assertion that you had a positive impact, not only in your role but on the company as a whole. You can take it a step further and talk about things like problem-solving skills and how you addressed challenges to lead to team success. These types of  soft skills are highly valued by employers  and could be the thing that lands you an interview.

PRO TIP: Use the  CAR method  for building achievement statements into your resume.

2. Use action words to convey accomplishment

A lot of people make the mistake of copying bullet points from the job descriptions of the roles they've held. This practice makes you sound detached from achievements and focuses more on responsibilities. Using passive language is too generic and doesn't allow a hiring manager to see what you'll be able to accomplish in the new role. 

It's better to use action language to show that you're an achiever rather than a doer. Here are some examples of action words you can use on your resume: 

Worked with others: Advised, Aided, Assisted, Chaired, Coached, Collaborated with, Consulted with, Helped, Instructed, Interacted with, Mentored, Motivated, Supported

Communicated: Addressed, Advertised, Answered, Briefed, Corresponded with, Debated, Explained, Facilitated, Informed, Interpreted, Interviewed, Persuaded, Responded to

Analyzed data: Assessed, Appraised, Audited, Calculated, Computed, Estimated, Evaluated, Forecast, Inspected, Measured, Researched, Surveyed, Tested

Operated equipment: Installed, Maintained, Programmed, Ran, Serviced, Used

Worked with money or contracts: Administered, Appropriated, Authorized, Balanced, Controlled, Directed, Enforced, Financed, Funded, Governed, Invested, Monitored, Oversaw, Purchased

Organized something: Arranged, Assembled, Catalogued, Compiled, Coordinated, Itemized, Routed, Scheduled, Stocked, Tracked

Created: Composed, Customized, Designed, Directed, Established, Founded, Illustrated, Originated, Shaped

Researched: Analyzed, Collected, Criticized, Detected, Diagnosed, Evaluated, Tested

How to make your professional experience section: The formula

There's a formula for writing your professional experience section in a way that focuses on achievements. You'll start by asking yourself these questions about every job you've had:

What was the name of the company?

What was the title of your role?

What dates were you employed? (*Hint: use the MM/YYYY format for your dates)

What did you do every day? (*Example: Leveraged management skills to direct operations of 5 separate but concurrent projects by delegating tasks to staff based on employee acumen and monitoring / controlling budgets)

What is one thing you did at the company that you're really proud of?

What is another thing you're really proud of?

What is one more thing you did that you're really proud of?

When you put all of that together, it should look like this:

Company Name | MM/YYYY to Present

Position Title

Balanced competing priorities on multiple and concurrent projects and program management initiatives using data-driven strategies in Agile environments. Managed key accounts, onboarded new accounts, and oversaw organizational process adoption for nursing facilities, emergency departments, and pharmacies.

Developed $2M Provider Incentive Program that increased community provider partnerships

Saved $800K by using Six Sigma skills to implement DMAIC approach

Coached and mentored 2 direct reports, creating an open environment of communication that facilitated future-facing decision-making

Many people will create separate sections for education history and certifications. That's not necessary. You can include all of it in one section. You can also include extras like  relevant coursework , projects, and achievements. These extras can be truly beneficial for your application if you have little to no work experience. 

There are some general rules of thumb for the education section: 

Spell out acronyms (BS, MS, PhD) and school abbreviations

It is no longer customary to include graduation dates unless you're still in school or graduated within the last year

Never include high school, unless you're still in high school - listing high school doesn't say “ I finished high school, ” it says, “ I didn't go to college .” 

List your degree first and then your school, unless you've obtained multiple degrees at the same institution. 

Here's what a regular education section looks like:

EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS

Master of Business Administration (MBA) | ABC University

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) | XYZ University

Six Sigma Black Belt | Council for Six Sigma Certification

If you don't have a lot of experience and need to include some relevant coursework or major projects to inject relevant keywords into your resume, then this is what that would look like:

Relevant coursework:  Marketing, Operations Management, Accounting, Corporate Finance

Capstone project:  Let a team of 4 to execute a market analysis project to expand the Brooms and Handles company into new regions. Used market and consumer analysis data to identify gaps and achieve a 15% projected revenue increase and a 20% increase in customer satisfaction within the pilot program. 

You can include educational information about a degree program even if it's still in progress. Here's what that would look like:

Expected completion:  05/2024

Capstone project:  Let a team of 4 to execute a market analysis project to expand the Brooms and Handles company into new regions. Used market and consumer analysis data to identify gaps and achieve a 15% projected revenue increase and a 20% increase in customer satisfaction within the pilot program.

It is important to list what you do outside of work and school. It helps to demonstrate that you're a well-rounded person. 

Were you the president of a fraternity or sorority? 

Did you get involved with showing new students around campus? 

Have you headed a sales team that produced top awards? 

Were you an employee of the month? 

Do you speak multiple languages?

Did you volunteer for an organization?

Did you perform some major research that ended up being published?

All of these extras allow prospective employers a sneak peek into your life outside of work. They can also go a long way to breaking the ice during an interview, especially if something you do outside work is important or interesting to the hiring manager. 

Keep in mind to list only those volunteer positions, projects, or affiliations that are related to your career goals. 

How long does it take to make a resume?

If you're going to use the resume wizard that MS Word has, you can slap your information together in a day or two. It will get to employers. The bad thing is that it probably won't get a whole lot of attention. 

The "just right resume" can take weeks, because of how much background work goes into it. You'll write it, rewrite it, and write it again, and may even have multiple versions. Ultimately, the exact amount of time that goes into putting your resume together depends on your level of experience, how complex your history is, and the specificity of the job you're applying to. 

Entry-level resumes take the least amount of time, simply because there's less information to include

Mid-level resumes take a few days because of the amount of detail in your work history

Executive resumes, or those for specialized positions, can take weeks - especially if you have to do some digging to come up with accomplishments from your previous positions

Updating an existing resume that's well-maintained can be done in just a few hours

While the time spent can seem like a lot, if you're truly marketing yourself for that “just right” position, do you want your resume to say “This was thrown together in a couple of hours using a template” OR do you want it to say “I know this document is important and a significant amount of time was spent on it to make it perfect?”

The first and foremost thing that will get your resume tossed in the garbage can are typos. The number of resumes with errors that are turned in every day to employers across the globe is so astounding that it bears discussing. 

You must proofread your resume!

The major problem with typos and grammatical boo-boos is that your eyes will read what you intended to type. So, after you've read through your resume a few times and think it's perfect, get a friend to read it. Make sure the friend is one of those brutally honest types. It's better to get it back marked all over with bright red ink so you can fix it before you send it out, than to send it out and then realize there's a mistake in it.

How to make your resume seem more professional

Lazy words: Do you see words like "etc" or “other duties as required” on your resume? Delete them immediately. If you take shortcuts in the language of your resume, hiring managers will wonder if you'll be taking shortcuts at work. 

Cookie cutter resumes: Your resume has to stand out. Because of that, you should avoid throwing something together that you find a sample of online. Make it yours, make it represent you. Many people rely on the resume wizard that comes loaded with MS Word and, while that is a good tool to use to help you remember the sections to include, it shouldn't be the end-all-and-be-all of your resume design. 

Specificity: You've had three jobs in the last 10 years and you've listed every detail of everything you've done during your tenure at those jobs. That makes you a Jack (or Jackie) of all trades, but a master of nothing. You have to be specific to the job for which you're applying. What value do you bring to that employer for that job? What achievements can you highlight?

Tailoring: Considering the rampant use of ATS by companies big and small, you have to take the time to customize your resume so that it gets past those scanners. Remember to use relevant keywords from the job descriptions throughout your resume. 

PRO TIP: You can check to see how to make your resume better! Have it checked against an ATS and get a free, personalized, and  professional resume review . 

Theory in practice – 10 resume examples

It's one thing to have someone tell you how to make a resume, it's another thing to see an example – proof that all of this information can come together in a practical way that makes sense. 

1. Software Engineer resume example

Click here for an example of a Software Engineer resume.

2. Data Scientist resume example

Click here for an example of a Data Scientist resume.

3. Cybersecurity resume example

Click here for an example of a cybersecurity resume.

4. Digital Marketing Manager resume example

Click here for an example of a Digital Marketing Manager resume.

5. Nurse Practitioner resume example

Click here for an example of a Nurse Practitioner resume. 

6. Finance Director resume example

Click here for an example of a Finance Director resume. 

7. Attorney resume example

Click here for an example of a Attorney resume.

8. Administrative Office Assistant resume example

Click here for an example of an Administrative Office Assistant resume. 

9. Information Technology Expert resume example

Click here for an example of an Information Technology Expert resume. 

10. Chief Executive Officer resume example

Click here for an example of a CEO resume. 

Now you know how to make a resume for your next job!

It may seem like it takes a lot of work to make a good resume, but if you've followed along this far there are a few things that should be ingrained in you that will help you write a professional resume:

Know what you want to do – be specific

Make your resume with the right format 

Use a standard layout, whether you are writing your first resume or 50th

Use action words to make your resume stand out

Quantify your achievements to prove that you have what it takes to succeed in a new role

Tailor your new resume to each job

Double and triple-check for errors, typos, and grammar mistakes

If you're still unsure how to make a perfect resume, TopResume has you covered. Our team of  professional resume writers  has the know-how and experience to write a resume for you that will win interviews.

Recommended reading: 

Resume Tricks That Don't Work

What Does Your Resume Really Say About You?

Bad Resume Advice You Should Completely Ignore

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

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Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Resume (With Examples!)

Your resume is arguably the most valuable piece of paper for your career. But this document can be daunting for many. Maybe you’re not sure how to fit in all your information onto one page. Maybe you’re not sure about the right way to format and write your resume. Maybe you don’t even know what the heck a resume is!

Whatever your concern, we’ll break down everything you need to know about making the perfect resume, from scratch.

What Is a Resume?

What are employers looking for in a resume.

• Pick Your Format
• Start With Your Basic Information
• Add in Your Work Experience
• Consider Including Volunteer Work or Other Experience
• Don’t Forget Your Education
• Top It Off With Some Skills and Interests
• Write a Resume Summary Statement (if Relevant)
• Tailor It to the Job (and the ATS)
• Edit and Refine It

What Are Some Examples of a Good Resume?

A resume is a summary of your career, whether yours is just getting started or has been going on for years. Coming in at around one page in length (two only under specific circumstances), it showcases the jobs you’ve held and currently hold, the responsibilities you’ve taken on, the skills you’ve developed, and the qualities you bring to the table as an employee. Together, those things make it super easy for any hiring manager to see your qualifications and fit for a role.

For all the work you may put into writing one, hiring managers actually spend very little time—mere seconds in many cases—looking at your resume. But despite this sad fact, it’s safe to say that creating a great resume (rather than hastily throwing one together) still matters.

“If you miss the mark, your resume may never be read. Even worse, you might be removed from the applicant pool by a computer before a human even knows you exist,” says Muse career coach Heather Yurovsky , founder of Shatter & Shine. So you want to get it right because, as she explains, isn’t the goal to “spend less time looking for a job and more time in a role you love?”

You might be wondering if you can lean on your LinkedIn profile instead of writing a resume. The answer, sadly, is no. Most hiring managers still expect you to submit a resume, even if they also look at your LinkedIn. Even if you don’t need a resume for a job you’re applying for now, you’re going to need one at some point in your career—they’re not anywhere close to going out of style. So it’s best to always have one at the ready should an opportunity pop up.

And although LinkedIn has plenty of benefits, a resume has one clear advantage: While your LinkedIn is usually a broader picture of your career trajectory, your resume gives you the opportunity to tailor your career story to a specific role or company (more on that later).

Oh, and you’ve probably heard of something called a CV? It’s slightly different from a resume , and usually more common with academics and job seekers outside the U.S.

Hiring managers look for three things on your resume, “What did you do? Why did you do it? And what was the result?” says Muse career coach Martin McGovern , owner of Career Therapy. “If you can answer all three of these questions in...your resume bullet points, you’re going to be on the right track.”

Clear, easy-to-understand language is key. “The truth is that most resumes make no sense. They are stuffed with jargon, they are too technical, and they are filled with redundancies. Try to read a resume that isn’t yours and you will quickly realize that it feels like an alien wrote it,” McGovern adds. Put yourself in the shoes of a recruiter who has no idea how your role works—how can you make your resume accessible to them?

The hiring manager also cares about more than just you and you alone—they care about you in relation to them. “Hiring managers want to see if a candidate matches the requirements” of the role they’re hiring for, Yurovsky explains. “Your resume should paint this picture so the hiring manager not only knows what day-to-day responsibilities you can handle, but why you, above other[s], bring value to their organization.”

How Do You Write a Resume?

Whether you’re someone who’s never written a resume in your life, or you need a nice, thorough refresher on the process of creating one, follow these steps to go from a blank page to a complete—and dare I say beautiful—document.

Related: This Free Worksheet Makes It Easy to Create (or Update) Your Resume

1. Pick Your Format

Before you start typing one single thing, you have to decide what you want the overall resume to look like.

Resume builders can be helpful for this step—they’ll take all your basic information and organize it for you, eliminating some of the legwork. You can also use a pre-made outline, such as one of these free Google Docs templates .

But it’s often safest to start with a clean slate all on your own and eventually upgrade to a more advanced layout. (If you'd still like a place to write all the relevant information before you get started, check out our resume outline .) This allows you to course correct, edit and re-edit, and choose a resume format that best fits your particular situation (after all, not everyone has a career trajectory that’s easy to compartmentalize).

In general, you’re most likely to cover and/or include sections on the following:

• Your work experience
• Your non-work experience, including professional organizations, community involvement, or side projects
• Your education and certifications
• Your skills (specifically hard skills) and interests

So how do you format and organize all of that information?

By far the most common (and safest, if you’re not sure which route to take) option is reverse chronological order . This means you organize your experiences from most recent to least recent. So your work experiences would go above your education, and your current role would go above previous roles you’ve held. This of course has its exceptions—maybe you went back to grad school between jobs, or your most recent role is irrelevant to the job you’re applying for. So the whole page may not be exactly in reverse chronological order depending on your situation. It’s just a guideline.

There’s also something called a functional or skills-based resume . This is used pretty rarely, mainly with career changers and those with limited or complicated work histories. It gets its name because it’s primarily about listing your skills rather than experiences, and showcases them above your work history and education.

You can also opt for a combination resume , which is a mix between a reverse chronological resume and skills-based resume. It highlights your skills at the top, but allows just as much room below to cover your job and school experience.

Use caution when choosing these two formats: “Combo and skills-based [resumes] can be hard to follow, because [they force] the reader to hunt for connections between your skills and experience, and [don’t] provide the full context of your work,” says Muse Career Coach Angela Smith , founder of Loft Consulting. “I’ve also heard a lot of recruiters say that they automatically discount skill-based resumes because they feel the candidate is trying to hide something. I don’t necessarily believe that, but I think it’s important for job-seekers to know that perception is out there.”

2. Start With Your Basic Information

Your contact information should always go at the top of your resume. In this header you’ll want to include anything that could be helpful for a recruiter to get in touch with you. Usually, this means adding in:

• Your full name (preferably the name you use across the web)
• Your phone number
• Your personal email address

You might also choose to include other basic information, such as your LinkedIn or personal website URL, your GitHub (for technical roles), your social media profiles (if relevant to the job), or your address. If you’re looking to move for a job, you may choose to leave out your address or write “open to relocating” to better your chances of getting an interview.

The key is to make this part as clear as possible. If a hiring manager can’t reach you, there’s no point in perfecting the rest of your resume.

3. Add in Your Work Experience

This section will most likely be the bulk of your resume. Even if you’re changing careers, employers still want to see where you’ve worked, what you’ve done, and the impact of that work to get a sense of your background and expertise.

Your “Work Experience” might be one entire category, or you might choose to break it up into “Relevant Experience” and “Additional Experience” to highlight the jobs that are most important for hiring managers to focus on. Either way, you’ll almost always want to have your most recent experience at the top and your older experience down below.

Within your work experience, you’ll want to include each official job title, the company (and possibly its location), and the years you worked there. Below that, you’ll add in two to four bullet points explaining what you did in that job, the skills you built and exercised, the tools you used, and the results of what you did. If you accomplished a lot during your time there, focus on the responsibilities that made the most impact or you’re the most proud of, as well as the ones that best align you with the job you’re applying for (more on that in the following sections). It’s key here to list, if relevant, quantitative as well as qualitative accomplishments.

For example, you might write:

Associate Accountant, Finances and Co., Ann Arbor, MI September 2017 – Present

• Manage billing and invoicing for more than 50 clients, ensuring the deadlines and needs of our enterprise partners, including Big Company and Super Star Org, are met
• Collaborate closely with sales, account management, and project management teams on project setup, maintenance, and invoice management
• Assist in the streamlining of invoicing guidelines and procedures through documentation and the implementation of new software, resulting in an average two-week decrease in total time spent per client

Your resume bullets should be in past tense if you’re referring to past jobs and present tense if you’re talking about your current roles. In addition, your bullets should always start with a strong action verb that best describes what you did. And if you have examples of your work, consider hyperlinking them here as well.

If you have a ton of experience and this category is starting to run long (read: over one page), consider kicking out your oldest jobs unless they’re super relevant to the job you’re applying for, or extra impressive for your field.

Not sure where to start? “It’s helpful to do a brain dump and create a document that has everything and anything you consider as experience or an achievement,” says Yurovsky. From there, she explains, you can start to whittle down what is and isn’t important. And you can refer to this document later if you ever decide to update your resume for a specific role.

Need more specific advice on listing your work experience on your resume? Check out these additional resources:

• When you’ve held multiple jobs at the same company: 2 Jobs, 1 Company: How to Show Multiple Positions on Your Resume
• When you’re not sure what your accomplishments are or how to explain them: Resume Revamp: How to Turn Your Duties Into Accomplishments
• When you want to spruce up a boring or insignificant job: How to Make Your Most Boring Jobs Sound More Interesting on Your Resume
• When you’re considering fudging a job title: The Answer to “Can I Change My Job Title on My Resume to Make It More Accurate?”
• When you’ve had a bunch of short-term gigs: How to List Temporary Jobs on Your Resume

4. Consider Including Volunteer Work or Other Experience

Anything you’ve done that’s not work experience—your side gig, volunteer work, special projects—can be hosted under clearly-labeled sections (“Volunteer Experience” or “Activities,” for example). Depending on how robust your work experience is, these things may be worth including, particularly if they’ve helped you level up your skill set or better align you with your dream job. Plus, they make you look that much more well-rounded, passionate, and hardworking.

If you’re a recent grad, you might also build out a section for on-campus activities, such as clubs, organizations, or leadership experience. This can be a great supplement if you’re lacking in the jobs department. You can frame these just as you would professional jobs—including your title, the organization’s name, and bullets describing what your role was and what you accomplished.

Read More: This Is Exactly How to List Volunteer Work on Your Resume

5. Don’t Forget Your Education

If you’re still in school or just graduated, your education can go at the top of your resume, but for pretty much everyone else, this goes near the bottom. Most people include their school, graduation year (for folks less up to about a decade out of school), major, and degree. Brand-new grads might also write in their GPA, honors and awards, study abroad, thesis, or other notable achievements. But keep this section super simple, as you don’t want it to take up too much space over your work experience.

It’s possible you have unique education experience, such as taking an online course or certification. If you did this specifically as a way to boost yourself within your industry, definitely include it. Again, list everything more or less reverse chronologically—so a grad school degree would go above an undergrad degree, and a more recent relevant online course would go above that.

Learn more about the ins and outs of listing your education on your resume:

• How to (and How Not to) List Education on Your Resume
• How to List Online Courses on Your Resume the Right Way (Because Yes, There Is a Wrong Way)

6. Top It Off With Some Skills and Interests

The skills section of a resume gets a bad rap, but it’s just as important as the rest of the stuff you include. It’s a quick list a recruiter can scan to see if your skill set aligns with what they’re hiring for. And it’s super ATS-friendly (ATS stands for “applicant tracking system,” the robot that in some cases reads your resume before a human does) because it allows you to add in keywords the machine is scanning for.

Usually this section goes at the bottom of your resume, but in special cases—such as a skills-based resume or when someone’s switching fields—you may place it further up.

What exactly do you throw in here? You’ll want to list any hard skills and applications you’re familiar with (Photoshop, SEO, JavaScript, to name a few examples), and, if relevant, your level of expertise. Avoid including soft skills here, like time management or public speaking—save those for your bullet points instead.

Be strategic when filling in your skills. Don’t list things you actually couldn’t do at a high competence level (I’m looking at those of you who say you’re “great” at Excel), and maybe nix skills that are completely irrelevant to the job you want. For example, you may not even need to include Excel if you’re applying for say, a design position, unless it’s listed as a job requirement.

Maybe you’re thinking, I’m a really good volleyball player, but that’s not a “skill,” right? No, it’s not, but it is a hobby. Adding in a hobby section at the bottom of your resume is underrated, and frequently a smart choice. It can be a great conversation starter with a hiring manager, and it can show that you’re a good culture fit—or a culture add—for the company. Also, it’s just a nice way to add in some of your personality. So tack on a bullet point listing out some of your interests, such as hiking, rowing, or crafting (no more than five to seven work-appropriate verbs), and you’re all set here.

7. Write a Resume Summary Statement (if Relevant)

You may have heard of a resume summary statement . They’re not super common, but they can be useful to include near the top of your resume if you’re looking to add clarity or context to your resume. If you’re a career changer, you might find a summary statement helpful in explaining your leap and tying your experience to your new path. Or if you’re a more experienced professional, you can use a summary statement to highlight a theme that brings your career trajectory together.

Overall, you probably won’t need a summary statement if your career is pretty linear and your bullet points do a great job of emphasizing what you have to offer in terms of skills and experience. But if you think it makes sense to include one, “Take the time to think about what the person reading your summary wants to know before you write it,” says McGovern. “Good summaries explain why you do what you do and how it can help. For instance: Merging a background in ABC, I help companies improve XYZ through 123. Summaries shouldn’t be any more complicated than that.”

So, taking McGovern’s example, you might say:

Merging a background in social media marketing and PR with seven years in the consumer tech space, I help companies improve their internal and external communication and brand awareness through data-driven, quality content and strategies that align with the modern trends of the space.

Yurovsky adds that “you don’t want your summary statement to be a dense paragraph with too much information. You want it to be easy to read, concise, and memorable. Almost like a tagline.”

Read More: 3 Resume Summary Examples That’ll Make Writing Your Own Easier

8. Tailor It to the Job (and the ATS)

Once you have your resume written out—you’ve broken down your work experience, tagged on some activities and additional experiences, and listed out your skills—it’s important to go back to the job description (or multiple job descriptions, if you’re applying to several similar jobs) and make sure that what your resume says matches up with the kind of candidate the employers are looking for. In other words, tailor it .

Let’s explain further. You’ll want to begin by tackling the ATS . This means combing the job description to see if individual words and phrases line up. What skills are they asking for, and have you listed them (so long as you actually have them)? What words are they using to describe their ideal hire, and do you use similar language in your resume?

Next, take a bird’s-eye view. If you were the hiring manager for the role, where on your resume would your eyes be drawn to? And what would you be looking for? Whatever you think will be most important for the recruiter, make sure it’s near the top of your resume, or otherwise emphasized.

Finally, dig into the role and responsibilities of the job. Does your resume reflect similar experience? If not, is there a way you can spin it so that it’s clear you’re capable of doing the job (and doing it well)?

These articles can help you if the word “tailoring” makes you start to sweat:

• What It Really Means to “Tailor Your Resume”
• Your Guide to Making Unrelated Experience Look Relevant on Your Resume
• A Cool Trick: How to Spin 1 Resume Bullet 5 Different Ways

9. Edit and Refine It

Please, please don’t just write your resume and shoot it out without giving it a second glance. Hiring managers may not spend hours browsing it, but if there’s one thing that sticks out more than anything else it’s a glaring typo.

The best approach? Write a rough draft, then leave and come back to it later with fresh eyes to give it an edit.

Cover the basics: Is your contact information correct and updated? Are you using the right verb tenses? Does everything look consistent and accurate in terms of spelling and grammar?

Then do some cutting if your resume’s quite long. It’s no longer a hard-and-fast rule that all resumes must be only one page—but consider it a smart guideline for most applicants, especially if you've got less than 10 years work experience. The exception is if you’re very senior or very established in your career; in this scenario, a two-page resume isn’t completely out of the question. Everyone else, read this article for advice on how to cut your resume down.

Formatting-wise, it’s key to consider a couple things. First, what font are you using , and is it legible (for a human and a robot)? When in doubt, go with one of these simple, but sleek, options: Arial, Arial Narrow, Calibri, Cambria, Garamond, or Helvetica.

Second, are you going to save it as a Word document or PDF ? Neither option is wrong, although a PDF helps ensure that your formatting is maintained, no matter what type of computer the hiring manager uses to open the document.

Third, is your resume formatted in a way that it’s skimmable? If it’s feeling crowded or overrun with words, read this: 12 Tiny Changes That Make Your Resume Easy for Recruiters to Skim .

Once you’ve given it a few good looks, it may be worth sending it to a friend or colleague (or even a career coach ) to get a second opinion. Don’t just have them edit it for spelling and grammar—they should dig into your bullets and offer feedback on whether or not your resume is showing you in the best possible light (it’s smart to also send them the job description for something to compare it to).

Here’s the thing: Your resume won’t ever look exactly like someone else’s, nor should it. How you choose to format it, organize your information, and talk about specific experiences depends not just on your career path, but on your field, the job you’re applying for, the company that job is at, and more.

So there isn’t a universal way to do a resume. But there are common themes. To give you some context as to how yours might turn out, here are three examples of different kinds of resumes.

The Most Popular: A Reverse Chronological Resume

As previously mentioned, a reverse chronological resume is preferred by many coaches and HR experts, mainly because it’s super readable. When everything’s in a clear order, it’s easy to skim and even easier to draw lines between experiences.

Who it’s good for: Just about everyone—from students applying to internships all the way up to senior-level executives (with an optional resume summary statement)

Download an Example Chronological Resume for a Software Engineer

The Unorthodox Route: A Functional or Skills-Based Resume

Rather than listing out your experience in reverse chronological order, a functional or skills-based resume has bullet points that reflect how each of your skills is demonstrated by the work you’ve done over the course of your career. At the bottom, you’ll include everything else, such as your education, job history, professional achievements, community involvement, and other technical skills. This is a good option if you have a somewhat all-over-the-place work history and want to tie everything together neatly.

Who it’s good for: Career changers whose work experiences may not appear to be relevant and people with an abundance of temporary jobs or gaps in their work histories.

Download an Example Functional Resume for a Project Manager

The Creative Angle: An Infographic Resume or Resume Website

This resume type is characterized by how it’s formatted visually. You may choose a reverse chronological order or skills-based style to organize your information, but also use graphics, colors, unique fonts, and even multimedia elements to help that information pop. Keep in mind that any creative resume is still likely subject to an ATS—and certain elements may be unreadable by a robot. So consider going this route only if you know a human will be reading your resume (and that said human might enjoy it).

Who it’s good for: People applying to creative roles (designers, editors, writers, marketers, video producers, for example), startups, or fun companies, or to jobs where a creative resume is encouraged, if not required.

Download an Example Infographic Resume for a Designer

Not a designer but want your resume to look just as pretty as this example? Check out these articles:

• 5 Sites to Create an Awesome Infographic Resume (Even if You’re the Least Creative Person Ever)
• How to Build a Resume Website That Will Impress Every Hiring Manager Who Sees It
• 5 Digital Tools That Will Make Your Resume Infinitely More Beautiful

Your resume is a living, breathing document. So while you won’t go through this whole process every time you apply for a job, you should be thinking about all these things as you go to update your resume for your next career step. You might decide later on to switch up the order, or remove or add things, or even get creative and try out a whole new format. If you’re not getting the calls back you expect, you may decide to scrap it and start over —and that’s totally OK.

Regardless of where this piece of paper goes and how it grows, when you give it the care and attention it deserves, you set yourself up for success. And you’ll make it that much more likely that you’ll land an interview and get the chance to prove to the hiring manager—over the phone or in person—what you’ve got to offer.

How to Write a Great Resume for a Job in 2024

In This Guide:

What makes a job-winning resume, before you start writing your resume, you need a tool to craft it, how to make a perfect resume - step-by-step guide:, the best resume formats and when to use them, resume formatting tips: the anatomy of a job-winning resume, 7 fundamental sections you must have in your resume, proofread your resume, save it, and hit send, make a resume that beats ats and wins interviews today.

Your resume is more than just a document on your computer.

And its true value goes way beyond that of a white piece of paper.

Looking at it profoundly:

You’ll realize that your resume is the portal through which you jumpstart the career of your dreams. After all, the CV is what headhunters rely on to form their first judgment about you before they change your life forever.

Now, believe it or not...

The main cause why 95% of resumes get rejected isn’t because of the candidate’s lack of experience. Think about it — there’s no shortage of overqualified job hunters who still struggle to get noticed.

The real reason is that they look like this:

Recruiters are only humans. They get bored with monotony quickly, which is why they find uncreative resume templates tedious to look at.

But are jobseekers to blame for this?

Not at all!

When you’re bombarded with misinformation about how to make a resume for the first time, the best you can do is get rejected a lot.

For instance:

If you’ve been on the job hunt recently, you may have heard the following:

• You can easily make a resume in ten minutes
• A resume shouldn’t showcase any details besides contact information, paid experience, skills, and education
• You only need to make a resume once in your life
• Following specific rules for writing your resume is the only way to get hired

Let’s be honest — these myths are enticing to hear as they break down the resume writing process to an elementary task. But they couldn’t be more harmful when you’re building your resume.

We will debunk all of them throughout this guide and show you how it’s really done.

Let’s get started.

Upload & Check Your Resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

Creating a great resume is an art that requires practice and patience.

It takes a sharp eye to know which details to include in your CV and where they go on the page. More importantly, you need to have an objective right from the start on what you want to achieve with your resume.

Before we get into the practical knowledge, let us first ask:

What exactly is a resume?

“A résumé is essentially a document that enables you to sell yourself to an employer in the best possible way.” ~ Bing

In simpler terms:

A resume is a tool through which you’ll market yourself and the benefits of hiring you to a potential employer.

But where do you even get started? What should you keep in mind while crafting your resume? And how do you sell yourself best with a resume?

Let’s get to the secret sauce…

A good resume is performance-based

“..focus on the specific results you’ve driven and provide tangible evidence of your skills and accomplishments.” ~ Laszlo Bock, VP of People Operations at Google

The best way to market yourself to your dream company is by actually showing what you’re capable of. Feature measurable accomplishments and skills within a context throughout your resume to differentiate yourself from the pretenders.

A good resume is human-centric

“How I Hire: Focus On Personality” ~ Richard Branson

Showing personality takes your resume to a whole new level where recruiters can see your worth more clearly. It enables you to emphasize your strengths and paint a clear picture of what it’s like to work with you.

A good resume is short & concise

“If you cannot sell yourself in 2 pages, you won’t be able to do so in 5 — either.”

This is a rule that 100% of hiring managers agree on when it comes to resume making — which makes it non-negotiable.

Do we even have to ask why?

Hiring committees have to quickly review and shortlist hundreds of the resumes they receive each week. So, one way to make their job easier and get yourself ignored is by making your resume unnecessarily long.

A good resume is job-specific

“We don’t believe in the “spray and pray” tactic – choose 2-3 companies and apply for them” ~ Enhancv

Does that seem counterintuitive?

Well, it really isn’t…

Applying to dozens of companies with a generic resume makes your application look weak and uninteresting.

On the contrary:

A job-specific resume focused on only a few companies portrays you authentically. This is a modern approach that all successful candidates have followed to jumpstart their dream careers.

A good resume is a natural heatmap

“Make it easier for recruiters to spot the best match for the position without spending hours interviewing the wrong applicants.”

Recruiters go over tens of thousands of similar applications throughout their careers. Thus, it’s only natural for them not to be excited about reading every single word on every resume they see.

A well-designed resume prioritizes a nice layout with clearly divided headings and sections that maximize readability. That’s the best and only possible way to beat the 7 seconds rule and keep headhunters engaged.

There are hundreds of resume builders out there claiming to be the best option in the market. But what 99% of them are is just a slightly advanced version of Microsoft word.

Enhancv, on the other hand, is the first performance-based, human-centric resume builder to help you tell your resume story with confidence.

We’ve organized our sections to portray your expertise best and show what you’re truly capable of. And we collaborated with HR specialists and design experts to help you establish the perfect balance between personal and professional.

Our resume builder allows you to spotlight your achievements — not just through words, but also by highlighting your character, personality, and professional expertise.

Ready to hear the best part?

With each step forward, we made sure to keep Enhancv resume builder adherent to industry guidelines while ensuring 100% ATS-friendliness.

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word would be top of our list if this was 2006 and you were applying for an office job in a small city.

But today, a lot of things have changed.

The employment landscape has gradually shifted towards a modern hiring culture. Headhunters have different expectations and demands — so they expect more creativity in the resume.

But with Microsoft Word being far from the human-centric approach, you’ll be setting yourself up for failure before you even start.

In many fields, the hiring company would love to go beyond work experience and learn more about you. Personality, projects, and personal interests make up a big part of resumes in creative fields. All of which are almost impossible to show using Microsoft word.

Let’s summarize all these disadvantages in that 95% of rejected resumes are created using Microsoft Word.

Resume building platforms like Europass

Hiring companies may sometimes require applicants to use certain resume-building platforms specifically. For example, many businesses in Europe prefer a standard resume format, so they ask their applicants to use Europass.

If your target company is asking you to use a precise resume-building tool, go for it. Because that’s the only way your application is getting screened and shortlisted.

Thankfully:

That’s not the case in the US, Canada, and most other countries in the world. You can use any resume builder you want as long as your resume is neat and scannable.

Photoshop and Illustrator

Photoshop and Illustrator offer you unlimited design options to create any resume template you want. Therefore, they should be the best option for making your resume.

Well… Only if the following two conditions apply:

• You have months of free time to study graphic design from scratch
• You’re motivated to learn everything about resume making rules and industry guidelines

Even if you do have time and motivation, there’s actually a worse part:

You’re only going to use this knowledge once and never look at it again once you get hired.

So, yes… That sounds unreasonable!

The biggest advantage of using our resume builder is in sparing yourself weeks of work while maximizing your chances of landing the job you deserve. You’ll focus your time on finding better opportunities for work and improving your interviewing skills.

With the right tools and knowledge at hand, it’s time to jump into action and create a resume you can feel proud about.

Based on our long years of experience, we developed a thorough process to help job seekers create their resumes with ease. We relied on research studies to identify key resume characteristics that can help you land more interviews and improve the success rate.

In the rest of this guide…

We’ll map out all the actionable steps you must follow to take your resume from “Okay” to “Great.” You’ll learn expert-based tips and HR-approved techniques to bring your CV to life and beat luck.

Here’s how to write a resume for a job:

• Decide on a suitable resume format
• Add a captivating resume header
• Write a professional resume summary
• Feature your work history through relevant accomplishments
• Showcase your job-specific skills and talents
• Highlight your education, certificates, and courses in separate sections
• Inject personality into your resume through additional sections
• Update your resume to match the job offer
• Proofread, save, then hit “Send”

Other additional resume writing guides you might find useful:

• How To Write Your First Job Resume
• Resume with No Experience
• Career Change Resume
• College Resume
• Resume Examples for 500+ different jobs

The resume format is the structure through which you organize the information on your resume. There are many formatting options such as the modern and basic , which you can choose depending on the job role and industry.

Here are the most popular resume formats:

Reverse chronological resume

The reverse chronological resume format features your work experience, starting from your most recent job going backward. It’s an all tmes favorite for many as it makes the recruiter’s job a whole lot easier.

• Emphasizes successful career progression
• Fit for many job positions and industries
• Easy to skim , which makes it preferred by recruiters
• Employment gaps are more apparent
• May force the candidate to feature unrelated work
• Draws less attention to skills , projects, awards, and certificates

This format is excellent for traditional fields such as finance and accounting — where work experience is the most vital factor.

Not sure whether this is a right fit for your resume? We have a detailed guide about the reverse chronological format to help you decide.

Functional resume

The functional resume format focuses on skills and talents instead of job experience. It’s a widely popular formatting option among recruiters because it highlights the synergy between the candidate’s skills and expertise.

• Promotes your job-specific skills as extremely valuable assets
• Makes up for any lack of experience in the field
• Stands out with a lasting impression among traditional resumes
• Doesn’t portray your skills in action
• Too creative and hard to assess for some old school recruiters
• Lacks essential elements of who you are you are as a candidate

A functional resume is great for entry-level applicants or recent graduates with no experience in the real world. It also works for anyone making a career transition as they can highlight their transferable skills within a context.

Hybrid resume

Based on the name, can you guess what a hybrid resume is?

It’s a cross between the reverse-chronological format and the functional format. Put together, you’ll have the hybrid resume format that combines work history with skillset on the same page.

You don’t even have to be a recruiter to see how awesome this format is. Imagine a resume that isn’t only focused on measurable expertise but also showcases any sought-after skills.

• All-inclusive as it compensates inexperience with skills and vice versa
• Portrays the ability to occupy various positions within the company
• Not always a good format for senior-level applicants since experience is their strength
• Some headhunters just prefer the chronological format

The hybrid resume format is your go-to option if you’re looking to change your career path or get back to work after a long break. It enables you to keep your resume captivating despite any irrelevant experience or long employment gaps.

Now that you fully understand what makes a good resume, it’s time to learn the essentials of resume formatting.

There are a million ways to create your resume based on your job field, work experience, and design preferences. On our platform alone, we have more than 40 ready-made resume templates that you can use.

What do all stellar resume templates have in common?

Resume Formatting Checklist:

• Length — keep your resume length to one or two pages at most
• Bullet points — write 3 to 5 bullet points under each job title featuring your achievements or relevant job duties
• Font — Use one or two modern, professional fonts to establish a clear hierarchy and maximize readability. Be sure to use a consistent size of 10-12pt for body text and 14-16pt for headings
• Color — add some color to your resume to make it visually appealing
• Bold and italics — Use different text formatting options to draw the recruiter’s attention towards important terms and metrics
• White space — leave white space on the margins and around various sections to ensure an optimal reading experience

For your resume to reflect an intriguing narrative, it has to be broken down into smaller sections… Each one tells a tiny part of your story until the full picture is revealed.

After that, you must create heading titles to keep headhunters focused and orient them towards the information they need.    

What sections do headhunters expect to see on your resume?

• Section 1 - Header
• Section 2 - Summary
• Section 3 - Experience
• Section 4 - Skills
• Section 5 - Education
• Section 6 - Certifications
• Additional sections (volunteering, projects, awards, languages, etc)

We’ll now go through each one of them in more depth:

How to write a resume header

Your resume must feature an eye-catching header at the top of the page. That will bring attention to your personal details and help you stand out quickly.

What are the key details to feature on a resume header?

Below your full name, your header must include the following personal details:

• Add a short phrase, a quote, or a creative value proposition as your resume headline
• Pick a professional job title that describes your job role and expertise
• Aim to match the job offer in the title you choose to meet the recruiter's viewpoint
• Stick to a well-known email provider such as Gmail, iCloud, or Outlook
• Use a professional email format such as “[email protected]” or “[email protected]”
• Avoid using your current work email as that reflects disrespect and unprofessionalism
• If you’re a student or a recent graduate, you can use your university email
• Add your cellphone number instead of your home number so you can respond to important calls instantly
• Use a standard phone number format like (123) 4567-8910
• Always include a phone code to your number if you’re applying to jobs abroad
• Use a standard “City, State” address format
• Exclude your complete home address as that’s no longer required by hiring companies
• If you're yet to move to a new state or country, include an “Open to relocate” sign next to your current address
• Only include links if they're essential to showcasing your accomplished projects or work history
• Include links to your website, blog, or portfolio on GitHub
• Feature links to recent projects and activities on Behance or Twitter to stand out as a creative professional

As for the resume photo , there is no universal rule for whether you should add one. The norms around this trend vary based on the industry and the country you’ll work in.

Let’s look at a couple of real examples for resume headers:

Read our detailed guide on how to perfect your resume header to learn more about the best practices in this section.

How to write a resume summary

The resume profile is your elevator pitch.

It’s your chance to spark the recruiter’s interest by showing them why you’re fit for the job. This section is crucial for you to stand out from the competition and prove your worth in a few sentences.

Your resume profile can either be a summary or an objective.

“What’s the difference between the two?” You may wonder…

It’s quite simple!

A resume summary works better if you already have work experience in your field. You’ll use it to bring attention to your top career highlights and job-specific skills in a nutshell.

Other impactful selling points you can mention here are:

• Relevant challenges you’re qualified to solve
• Certificates and educational background
• Ways you can help the hiring company improve
• Industry-related topics you’re passionate about

Let’s look at a couple of examples for resume summaries:

On the other hand:

A resume objective is a better alternative for entry-level candidates or recent grads looking to make their way into a new job position. It also works if you’re looking to make a career transition with limited work experience.

How to write your resume experience

The experience section is the heart of the resume for job seekers in many fields. That explains why it’s often hard to write despite the unlimited amount of free information available online.

If that’s the case for you, no worries! Because we’ve got you covered on this part.

Let’s start with a simple definition of what experience is:

Job experience refers to any work position you held in the past that is related to your dream job.

Here’s how to show it on a resume:

• Professional job title to describe each position
• Company name (with a short description if the company isn’t famous)
• Location using the “City, State” format (just the country if you worked abroad)
• Work duration from starting date to finish date

Notice that — so far — we haven’t mentioned anything about adding your past job responsibilities.

Can you guess why?

Because the headhunters already know them by heart, and they don’t care. Instead of unoriginal duties, they’d rather see your influence in a similar work atmosphere.

To make a lasting impression, you must match the job description by:

• Demonstrating your touch and all the significant changes you were responsible for
• Focusing on highly-related career wins and highlights instead of dull job responsibilities
• Quantifying your impact through exact metrics and measurable outcomes
• Using action verbs and keywords to convey a strong message
• Writing your sentences in the past tense to emphasize expertise and availability

Keep in mind:

If you have decades of experience, you’re not going to feature every single job you held in the past. That applies even if you’re seeking a high-level position in a competitive job field.

Recruiters expect to only see jobs from the past 10 to 15 years at most. Anything before that period might come off as irrelevant and unnecessary.

Promotions are the most powerful advantage when featuring your work history. Simply because advancing in position under the same company shows how reliable, skilled, and dedicated you are.

So make it a priority to highlight work progression and promotions whenever possible.

Two good/bad examples for the experience section:

Now get this:

There are strong empirical data suggesting that internships will improve your chances of landing an interview. For instance, applicants with internship experience had a 14% higher interview rate when compared to those without no internships at all.

So whether it’s paid or unpaid, always include your internships to compensate for your inexperience.

Does your work experience fall under a specific job field or position? Include that in your section title to make it more interesting. For example, your section heading can be — Management Experience, IT Experience, Accounting Experience, etc.

How to add your accomplishments:

Hiring managers love resume accomplishments because they help them separate the talkers from the real achievers. After all, what would be better proof of your competence than your past successes?

Aside from that:

The accomplishments section is an excellent way to bring your resume to life with examples of tangible career wins. Bolster that with concrete numbers and unique facts, and you’ll have a resume that represents the full scope of your impact.

What are you most proud of in your personal, educational, social, and professional life? How did such triumphs affect you and your surroundings?

Take your time with these questions because your answer will reflect your personality and how you define success.

Check out our complete guide to discover more ways to show highlights on your resume .

How to add skill to your resume

As the name suggests:

The skills section is the part of your resume where you highlight your talents and abilities. It helps you edge out most of the competition with a few magical words describing your competence.

There are two types of skills you can put on your resume:

• Soft skills — transferrable talents and personality traits that are hard to measure
• Hard skills — industry-specific skills that are easily quantifiable and can be acquired through practice and education

We’ll get into specific examples of these two types of skills in a moment.

You need to understand how to choose attractive skills to add to your resume.  

Here’s the secret:

Read the job offer attentively to comprehend what the hiring company expects from you in terms of skillset. Then make a list of all the required skills that the headhunter will want to see.

As a final step…

Reduce your list to 5-10 soft skills and hard skills , and put them in a separate “Skills” section.

Here are the best soft skills by 2025 according to the Future of Jobs Report (2020) :

• Leadership — is the ability to influence others to achieve common goals through motivation and decision-making .
• Interpersonal skills — include a myriad of social skills and communication skills.
• Detail-oriented — shows recruiters that you have strong analytical thinking skills .
• Multitasking — refers to the ability to work under pressure and thrive despite all constraints.
• Team management — is critical for managerial roles where strategic thinking and organizational skills are most required.
• Problem-solving skills — prove your ability to succeed in tough environments that demand critical thinking and creativity .
• Transferable skills — encompass many portable skills, including fast learning and adaptability .

We recommend that you scatter these skills across all resume sections. This way, you can better demonstrate their real use and show they helped you handle difficult tasks.

And another thing…

Even if the job posting doesn’t specify any skill requirements, you can convey your knowledge of the position by only featuring relevant talents. That will leave you more room to tailor your resume and appeal to recruiters.

Ready to find out more about this? Read our blog on how to write a stunning skills section that leaves a mark.

How to write your resume education

Education is still required in most job fields during the hiring process.

Because having a strong academic record shows that you’ve invested long years into your career. It’s also direct proof of your deep industry knowledge and promising potential for the future.

Here’s what recruiters want to know in this section:

• Degree name — i.e. “Master’s Degree in Computer Science ”
• Education institution — i.e. “Columbia University”
• Graduation date or years attended
• GPA (only if it’s above 3.5 or if you’re in a technical field)
• Honors and scholar programs (optional)
• Major & Minor (only when relevant)

Where should all of that be on your resume?

Remember that you’re trying to market yourself best by telling a compelling story to the hiring manager. Thus, the order in which you place various parts on your resume matters.

If you already have enough experience to land the job, it’s okay to put the education section at the bottom. However, your academic record might be your best selling point if you’re a recent graduate, which is why education should come at the top.

Here are some rules to keep in mind when creating an education section:

• You can include an incomplete college degree by simply adding the school name and its’ location
• Add an expected graduation date to list any degrees that you’re currently pursuing
• Including relevant coursework is an excellent way to make up for your lack of experience
• A high school degree can be a plus when applying to entry-level jobs you’re qualified for
• You may add Dean’s list if you were featured on it repeatedly

For more details about this section, read our guide on how to highlight education on your resume .

Courses, certifications, and awards on resume

A hiring manager with two hundred applications in their inbox will need more than work experience to choose a candidate. They have to look deeper into what you can offer based on further qualifications.

That’s where courses, certificates , and awards come into play.

Unsurprisingly:

The 2021 workplace learning report by LinkedIn put a huge emphasis on the importance of talent development. It showed that job seekers have spent +50% more time consuming informational content in 2020 compared to 2019.

Do we even have to ask why? Companies that did the best during COVID focused on upskilling and reskilling to survive economic uncertainty. The rapid shifts throughout all industries are now pushing employers to prioritize fast learning and adaptability in the workplace.

The importance of showing your skills set as well as your ability and willingness to learn.

Now, as you may have noticed, these sections fall under different categories. So it doesn’t make sense to put them all under the same heading.

For example:

Let’s say that you have a project management certificate that you want to feature in your resume. You’ll create a new header, name it “Certifications,” then put your certificate with its official name.

You’re not going to randomly list all the courses and licenses from the past because that only shows desperation. Instead, you should only choose the most recognized and valuable ones to add to your resume.

Other sections in your resume

Up to this point, you’ve learned the ins and outs of how to make your resume outstanding . You created and perfected the most important parts of your CV to make a solid impression.

In the rest of this guide, you’ll discover how to put the final touches to your resume in a way that makes a difference.

Let’s start with the best additional sections you can add to your resume:

Showcasing strengths on a resume is a unique way to leap over your competition.

One thing most candidates struggle with when creating the strengths section is self-image. In other words, job seekers find it hard to identify strengths in relation to their work history.

If that sounds like you, don't worry…

We’ve got a few solutions to help you get going:

One thing you should never do is copy uninspired strengths from online resumes and expect them to be appreciated. You must avoid industry jargon and buzzwords at all costs as that might get your resume ignored.

Reflect on your past accomplishments and look for any big projects you were part of. What was it about you that made you successful? And how can these strengths help the hiring company grow?

Another way to go about this is to ask a friend or a former coworker to tell you a little bit about yourself. Nudge them towards giving you a precise answer by asking for a good description of your points of strength.

Can you speak more than a few languages?

This is the perfect place to show off your language skills .

Add the primary language you’ll be using at work along with your mother tongue and any other languages you’re good with.

You can break down your proficiency into these five levels:

• Intermediate

Be careful:

Lying about your language proficiency could get you in trouble in later stages of the hiring process. Most other candidates won’t even have a language section, so stating your language level is already enough.

Volunteering

Community service paints a positive image inside the recruiter’s mind about your good intentions and high values. So even though it doesn’t reflect experience or qualification, volunteer work is a good indicator of your personality and what it’s like to work with you.

In addition to that:

A volunteer section can make up for any employment gaps on your resume — especially if volunteering helped you gain job-relevant skills.

If you were responsible for managing budgets for a charity, you can turn that into an intriguing story that shows your expertise and morals.

When adding volunteering experience:

• Name your position at the voluntary association
• Name of the association
• Description of your role as a member
• Years of community service
• Bullet points summarizing your quantifiable contributions while concentrating on applicable skills

Projects and publications

This section could include personal projects, work-related projects, hackathons, academic publications , freelance work, etc.

Featuring projects on your resume is the ultimate proof of concept every headhunter needs before hiring you. It’s a straightforward way to emphasize technical skills and show personality attributes.

Now — here's the deal:

Projects need to portray your industry-relevant skills and experience positively. So make sure that each project you include is actually understood by recruiters so that it becomes beneficial for your application.

Be sure to include lots of measurable successes using ATS keywords to improve your chances. And don’t worry if you have to leave out some details because you can always address them later in the interview.

Personality - shown through passions, interests, hobbies, or quotes.

Here’s a golden tip to double your chances of getting hired:

Give recruiters a glimpse of what you are like even before they hire you. Not only will that get you noticed quickly, but it also sheds a light on all the positive attributes you can bring to the workplace.

A recent psychological study about resume evaluation has proven the effects of applicant personality on job success. Researchers have found that there are specific resume cues that recruiters often look for in a resume.

In the following section, we’ll break down these cues into the simplest explanation possible.

• Conscientiousness — refers to a candidate’s diligence, reliability, and ability to perform tasks effectively within the deadline
• Agreeableness — suggests that the applicant is easy-going, trustworthy, and fun to work with. It also indicates high morals and sympathy towards their coworkers
• Openness — is the creative sense and the ability to come up with solutions quickly.

Now, to show all of that, you must add new sections — such as “Passions,” “Interests,” “Hobbies,” and “Quotes” to make your application more interesting.

You could also focus on showing each trait individually. Here’s are some ideas to help you get going:

Conscientiousness:

• Create a “Day In My Life” section
• Focus on your “Years of experience”
• Demonstrate acquired skills and talents
• Feature projects and achievements

Agreeableness:

• Showcase teamwork & empathy skills
• Include project collaborations
• Focus on group awards and company achievements
• Highlight your volunteering experience
• Add creative projects with direct links for a personal website, Behance, Github, etc
• Illustrate your artistic achievements
• Specify your passions with hobbies and interests
• Use a modern resume design

Aside from that, you can help headhunters understand your character just by sharing more about yourself. For instance, you can include a quote that you find inspiring, even though that wouldn’t always reflect your true self.

Tailoring your resume

Now with to the most critical step in the resume-making process:

Tailoring your resume to the job offer.

You must create a job-specific resume that captures hiring managers’ interest at first sight. Once they’re hooked, your resume has to outshine the competition by showing your relevant experience and skills.

Think of it this way:

Marketing professionals have to set objectives for their campaigns and identify their target audience before they launch. And since your resume is a marketing tool, you have to follow the same steps and create a targeted resume .

Here’s how you’ll do that:

• Read through the job description to identify the key requirements
• Create a list of essential job duties and relevant keywords
• Update various parts of your resume to match these hiring demands

Let’s look at a quick example of job requirements:

• College degree in Accounting , Finance , or other relevant fields
• 2-5 years of work experience in finance/accounting
• Outstanding time management and decision-making skills
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills
• Highly energetic with a positive attitude
• Solid Excel and QuickBooks skills

The focus keywords you can pick here are accounting, finance, time management, decision-making, QuickBooks, etc. All you have to do now is use them repeatedly in your resume to make it appealing.

Congratulations!

You’ve made it to the final part of our HR-approved resume-making process. Getting to this point shows just how motivated you are to land your dream job and live a new experience.

We have a few final resume tips you can apply before you start sending out your CV…

Throughout the years, we came to identify the most common resume mistakes job seekers make in their journey. Avoiding these errors at an early stage will save you weeks of frustration and help you get hired quickly.

Here’s our final resume-making checklist:

Proofread your resume —

Grammatical errors on a resume are unattractive and can come off as mediocre. Be sure to read the whole thing from start to finish out loud so you can catch any typos or spelling errors.

You may also ask someone to double-check after you to minimize errors.

Name your file the right way —

The hiring manager is probably too busy rejecting other resumes when they decide to shortlist you. So they’ll appreciate it if you used your first and last name as a filename to help find your application quickly.

You can take this one step further by adding the company name to capture their attention. Your resume filename will look something like this:

Jeremy Turner Resume — Google.pdf

Choose a proper resume format —

PDF is the best format according to recruiters because it preserves your resume design and layout. It can be opened using any file reader and on different devices without any errors.

Test print your resume on paper —

Does your resume look good on physical paper ? Print a physical copy of your final CV to test the formatting and color looks.

If you ever decide to send a physical copy of your resume, use high-quality white paper with a smooth texture.

Apply to jobs via email —

Here’s a crucial tip to increase your application success rate:

Send your resume directly to the hiring manager via email to stick out from the crowd. But you shouldn’t do that if the hiring company asks you specifically to use their email address in the job posting.

How do you find the hiring manager’s email?

Here are a few quick ways:

• Find their profile on LinkedIn
• Look them up on various social media platforms
• Check the company’s website, specifically the “Our Team” section
• Do a quick Google Search
• Use a browser extension such as “Rapportive” or “ContactOut”

You may also send your CV to an insider to introduce you to HR and help you put a foot in the door.

Include a references section only when necessary —

“ References ” was a popular section a few decades ago — yet it continues to lose its appeal today as fewer recruiters see the need for it. Save up space on your resume by leaving out references and only include them if required.

Follow our thorough guide to learn how to create a perfect resume that makes you the center of attention. Also, be sure to try our resume builder to save yourself time, energy, and a lot of heartbreak in the process.

Let’s be honest…

You’ll only get so far with written tips and theoretical knowledge. You can read dozens of books on writing a resume — but without actual samples and templates, you’ll always lack the magical touch.

That’s why we created +500 resume examples for different job titles to inspire you to build a resume you can hand with a smile. We also have +40 ready-made resume templates fitting various professions and industries to write your resume without much hassle.

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How to Make a Resume: 11 Easy Steps for 2024

Step 1: Choose Your Resume Format

Step 2: choose a simple resume template, step 3: decide your resume length.

• Step 4: Include Your Contact Information

Step 5: Describe Your Work Experience

When looking for your dream job, chances are others are, too. That’s why you want to make sure your AI cover letter and resume get noticed.

Starting from scratch is time-consuming and can result in improper formatting that won’t pass the initial ATS, which means your document may never reach a human.

Avoid frustration and know your resume will pass the ATS and grab the eye of a recruiter by using our  AI resume builder . By filling in your information, you’ll have a great resume to showcase your talents in a way that’s appealing to recruiters.

You’ll also save yourself time, potentially up to three hours, over using resume templates for Word or Google Docs . Because relevancy is key to employers when skimming these documents, you’ll need a separate resume for each job you apply for. Our resume maker lets you create multiple resumes quickly. 

While a resume should be a marketing tool to land an interview, it’s hard to know where to start. We’ve boiled it down to 11 steps to make it easier and faster to create the perfect resume for the role you want.

Real Estate Agent Resume

Get started customizing your own resume by clicking on this real estate agent resume below:

Resume format  refers to the way you display pertinent information in your document. You’ll want to include contact information, a job title, work history, skills, education and any other information that will show the potential employer not only how your previous employment qualifies you for the job, but how you will be an asset to their company.

The way you set up this information can make it easier or more difficult for the recruiter. There are multiple ways you can format your resume, but there are three styles that are most common among job seekers.

• Reverse-chronological format  is the preferred style for recruiters as it highlights your most recent relevant employment and accomplishments that relate to the new position. It’s also the best format to pass through ATS.
• Functional format  is good if you have little work experience or employment gaps. It’s great for emphasizing skills for an entry-level position, but it can highlight a lack of actual work experience.
• Hybrid format  is a way to show how your transferable skills relate to the new position, which can be beneficial if you’ve switched fields a time or two over the years.

You may be tempted to choose a resume format based on your experience and the type of job you’re applying for. Just remember that recruiters will only spend about seven seconds skimming your resume before deciding if you deserve additional consideration or if you’ll be passed over without reading further to see if you’re a good fit for the position.

While each format has its pros and cons, nearly anyone can benefit from choosing the reverse-chronological format because it’s well known, and recruiters know exactly where to look for specific information, making their job much easier. When potential employers can see that you’re possibly a good fit in a quick skim, they’re more likely to read further.

Understandably, there are times when you might feel that it’s in your best interest to use one of the other popular resume formats. The other two styles may not pass through ATS, they can be confusing for recruiters who are searching for something in particular, and they definitely raise red flags regarding your work history. If your document passes through ATS and the recruiter can’t find what they’re looking for quickly, you can expect that your resume won’t get a second glance as it makes its way to the circular file. That’s why it’s always a good choice to put yourself in the shoes of the recruiter when formatting your resume.

You don’t want all of your hard work creating the perfect resume to go to waste. Even if you have little or no actual job experience, gaps in your career or various fields of work, the reverse-chronological resume format can be made to work to your advantage. Using a resume builder makes it easier to utilize applicable skills from other areas, such as volunteering, internships, military experience, and even hobbies you pursue on a regular basis.

While format is how you present your information, a resume template is a pre-made guide you can use to input your information in the format you choose. It can be tempting to select a template that uses pictures, diagrams, or complex patterns to portray your unique style, but these features just get in the way and won’t make it past the ATS. It’s best to choose a simple resume template as the words you choose will be what sets you apart from other applicants.

Simple doesn’t mean that your resume will look bland and devoid of character. On the contrary, a resume that’s formatted in a simple layout will pass through ATS with ease and will draw the recruiter’s attention to specific areas of focus for enhanced readability.

Our simple  free resume templates  make it easy for you to add or remove information and manipulate sections for personalization without affecting the overall layout of your resume. If you choose to work with a resume template through a word-processing program, like the creative  Google Docs templates  we just designed, making changes can throw everything off kilter, often causing you to have to start from scratch to correct the problem.

While it’s tempting to include as much of your work-related experience and skills in your resume, keep this information to one page [1] . Knowing this from the start helps you consider only relevant information and decide on ways to keep the information short and sweet. Recruiters have a limited amount of time they can spend reading resumes from quite possibly hundreds of candidates, so a one-page resume is generally the best choice.

A one-page resume

However, if you’ve worked in the same field for more than 10 years, you might find you need to use two pages to show a progression in duties and responsibilities in your field. Additionally, if you’re a high-level executive, scientist or professor, you may need additional room to provide enough information for a potential employer to gain a full understanding of how you’re the best candidate for the position. If you must use two pages, be sure that the second page is full for consistency.

You might notice that some employers ask specifically for a resume, a CV or they use resume and CV interchangeably. Whereas a resume is meant to be short and to the point, a curriculum vitae, or CV, is designed to provide more in-depth information. There are a few  differences between a resume and a CV :

Step 4: Include Your Contact Information in a Header

The contact information section is the easiest part to complete, so its importance is often overlooked.

This is the meat of your resume and the part that’s the most important to potential employers. If you’re wondering what type of information to include in your work history section, a good way to get some ideas is to check out some  resume examples  for your field of expertise and years of experience.

When crafting your document, be sure to include specific information from the job ad but only if you actually have that experience. Because the ATS will automatically search for appropriate keywords and phrases, you can readily find what employers are searching for in other resumes and the ad for the job you’re applying for. Also, look at other ads for similar positions to find industry-specific keyword information to include.

What details should I include about my job?

While recruiters may not take time to read every aspect of your previous work history, there’s some information that’s expected to be included in your resume. As with every other section of your document, make sure the spelling is correct and that there are no errors as this can ruin your chances of getting hired.

What do I write in my job description bullet points?

This is the area in your resume where you can get creative to help you stand apart from other applicants. If you simply list your job duties, your resume will look just like those of everyone else. Additionally, if you’re applying for a position with a similar title, the recruiter already knows the job duties for that position. You want to show the potential employer why you should be chosen for the position. You’ll need to provide specific examples that show a measurable impact.

5 ways to quantify your impact

Numbers represent facts that can’t be denied. When you put numbers on what you’ve accomplished, this stands out in the eyes of recruiters and builds your credibility.

What if I don’t have work experience?

If you don’t have any work experience or have just a little under your belt, don’t worry. You’re not alone. There are many cases where you may not have actual paid work experience. If you’re a student or recent graduate, it’s understood that you’ve likely spent your time and focus on completing your studies rather than dividing your time between school and employment. In the same manner, you may be a homemaker or military personnel who is trying to enter or re-enter the job market, or you may be changing fields.

Volunteer work, freelancing, and odd jobs can be set up just like a paid position in reverse-chronological order along with any work history. Include the company name or use self-employed, the job title, dates of service and location.

Other activities or projects are a little trickier to add to the work experience section, so it’s important to include the appropriate information. Start with the project name, the company or who the activity was completed for and the date of the project. Use the list of bullets to describe the project and the role you played. As with other paid employment, quantifiable information stands out more than generalized statements.

Here are some examples: If you completed a successful project using software such as Java, SQL, or Python, you’ll want to describe this when applying for a technical position. Leadership skills are highly desirable and transferrable, so you’ll want to include any team projects that you spearheaded. If you excelled in a public speaking course, this could be relevant for a position where you’ll have a lot of face-to-face interactions with the public.

Begin by making a master list of your activities and projects. Now choose those that fit in with the job you’re applying for. You’ll go back to the master list to make it easier to find what you need when applying to other positions. Get inspired with more ideas by looking at  resume samples  like the one below that focus on projects and other types of experience.

Projects-based Resume Example

Step 6: Add Your Skills

The skills section lets you showcase the abilities that make you a perfect match for the job. When considering  skills for your resume , only include those hard and soft skills that are relevant to the job position you’re applying for. The posted ad will most likely let you know at least some of the skills that the company is seeking in an applicant, so you can start with those. If there’s not enough information, look at similar job ads from other companies to fill in the gaps. Better yet, call the company and ask directly. Who knows? You may speak with the job recruiter, making a solid first impression through your initiative to do a little sleuth work.

Hard skills include your know-how and experience that are specific and quantifiable. Soft skills, on the other hand, are those you develop yourself through life experiences. Some hard skills you might want to include involve any software or technical skills you may have, such as bookkeeping, scheduling, content management systems, UX/UI design, foreign languages, data analysis, or even your typing speed. Soft skills employers find desirable consist of time management, leadership, active listening, communication, responsibility, and problem-solving.

Only include skills you actually have. For example, if the job ad states you must be proficient in Jira, don’t include this if you’ve only dabbled in it. You may have to complete a skills test as a part of the interview process, or you could be fired if you’re found out.

Rather than stretch the truth, consider taking online courses or refreshers to stay current with the latest trends. If you don’t have enough of the skills the company is seeking in the job posting, it’s probably wise to look for a position requiring more of the talents you possess.

Step 7: Include Your Education and Certifications

Your education and degrees should be listed in reverse-chronological order just like your work history. If you’ve completed higher education, there’s no need to add high school. Begin with the program name or degree obtained, followed by the name of the institution, the city and state where the institution is located, and the dates you attended. Alternatively, you can just use the year you graduated.

You can include your education even if you’re still in school. Follow the graduation date with “expected” or “anticipated” in parentheses. If you didn’t finish your education, whether high school or college, simply list “years attended” followed by the dates. College coursework you’ve completed that’s related to the position can be listed as well if you’re a recent grad.

Optionally, if you’ve recently graduated, you may wish to add a minor, your GPA if it’s 3.2 or higher, honors, achievements, projects, publications, or extracurricular activities if any of this information is relevant to the position or if you don’t have much in the way of work experience. This extra information gives recruiters more information on why they should choose you over other candidates.

Any certifications or licenses you hold should go in this section if they’re relevant to the job. This is a good opportunity to make sure your certifications and licenses are up to date. Because they vary from state to state and even between different companies within the same field, make sure you don’t disqualify yourself from the position by letting your certifications or licenses lapse.

Step 8: Decide Whether to Include an Objective or Summary

The resume objective or summary can either make the recruiter want to continue reading or pass you over for another applicant, so it’s important to capture employers’ eyes quickly with this section.

It’s best to save the objective or summary until after you’ve written your job bullet points, skills, and education sections, so you can draw information from these. Be sure to select appropriate keywords and phrases to use in the introduction to tie everything together into the position you want. Use the job description to decide on the specific wording combined with your expertise to make it easier for recruiters to make a match. Take a look at some  resume objective examples  or  resume summary examples  to inspire you.

Step 9: Decide Whether to Add Other Resume Sections

Now that you’ve completed the bulk of your resume, it’s time to really stand out. There are some additional resume sections you can add to emphasize your qualifications for the position.

You’ll want to include additional sections if you have limited work experience, are currently in school or recently graduated, are applying in a highly competitive field, or need to provide more information to show how you’re qualified for the job. Additionally, other sections can be used as a way to fill up excessive white space for a more balanced appearance for your resume.

While it can be tempting to include as much additional information as possible, you don’t want to stuff your resume with unnecessary information. Not only does this crowd your document and make it look messy, but it also makes it difficult for recruiters to sift through. Carefully work through any additional sections you’re considering when  outlining your resume , so you can be sure you’ll strengthen what you’ve already included in as further proof that you deserve the position.

Step 10: Tailor Your Resume for the Job

It can’t be stated enough: You must tailor your resume to the specific position that you’re applying for. Don’t forget to search the job description for keywords that you can use in your previous employment bullet points, skills section, and resume objective or summary. You may even need to change your wording in the education and additional sections so they fit.

It’s important to write your resume for the position you want as listed in the job posting to make sure you pass through ATS and then draw the recruiter’s attention once the document reaches human eyes. Even if you’re applying for a single position across the board, you’ll need to create a new resume for each different company because they may all have different requirements and keywords. While this may seem like a lot of work, you don’t want it to look like you’re sending out mass-produced documents to just anyone and everyone.

At this point, you’ll also want to consider the type of field you’re in. If you’re applying to a highly professional position, you’ll want to keep your wording in line and focus on your expertise. Choose a traditional layout for your resume. However, if the position is with a casual startup in its early stages of operation, you can likely include more creativity because the recruiter may be looking for someone innovative and imaginative. In this case, choosing a more modern layout can help you stand out above other applicants.

Make sure your resume fits the bill by using our  free resume checker . You’ll get valuable information and tips on how to improve your document to help you stand out.

Takeaway : Create multiple resumes. Since you’ll need a document that’s specifically tailored to get noticed, you’ll want a separate one for each position you’re applying for.

Step 11: Triple-Check for Spelling and Grammar

Your resume is a snapshot of you and your abilities. Make sure there are no errors. Proofread your document; then, do it again. Set it aside for a while or overnight, and come back to it to check for errors a final time. It’s wise to have a friend, coworker, or family member go through it as well. It’s hard to catch your own mistakes, especially after you’ve spent so much time writing and rewriting your document.

If there are errors, recruiters may assume you’ll make even more mistakes on the job. It’s imperative to put yourself in the shoes of hiring personnel. They have to look through potentially hundreds of resumes for each position, perhaps reading the same information over and over again. They’re looking for any reason to say no rather than yes just to reduce their workload. Don’t let spelling or grammatical errors give them that reason.

As an added benefit, you can choose one of our resume templates or use our resume builder to take the guesswork out of the format and layout for your document. You can easily make changes without messing up the appearance of your entire document. Once again, take advantage of our AI-powered  resume tool  to help you make the most of active voice, verb choice, quantifying your impact, and consistency, so you can quickly proofread your material.

How to Write a Resume in 2024

Writing a resume in 2024 is much different than in years past. Instead of creating a single document that you personalize with a cover letter, recruiters want to see that you have what they’re looking for with a quick skim. Additionally, ATS will search for relevant keywords, so it’s vital to tailor your resume to each specific position by looking at the job posting, similar positions, and completed resumes within your field.

Take a look at how to write each section of your resume, and be sure to include all of the necessary information. If anything is lacking, your resume could end up in the recycle bin before it’s even fully read by a recruiter. In the same manner, don’t add irrelevant information because it detracts from what’s important. Keep your resume to a single page.

Do your research. Specific keywords and phrases can determine if you get past the initial scan or not. The actual job posting contains valuable information that you should use to your advantage. Consider your experience that’s not related to paid employment for additional emphasis or if your work history is sparse. Always be honest with your abilities and what you’ve done because recruiters will check.

Find ways to stand out over other applicants with a simple resume design. You can use a premade template, but choose one that’s easy to personalize. To avoid layout blunders when making changes or passing through ATS, our resume builder will keep everything in its place. Finally, proofread your document. Get help from a third party, and use a  resume checker .

[1] The Muse. (2016, August 10). 20 Basic Resume Writing Rules That’ll Put You Ahead of the Competition.  Forbes .

[2] Caine, A., Gal, S. & Akhtar, A. (2020 November 19). We asked a career expert to build the perfect resume. Here’s a template you can use to update your CV and land a dream job.  Business Insider .

[3] Gallo, A. (2014, December 19). How to Write a Resume that Stands Out.  Harvard Business Review .

[4] Sweetwood, M. (2016 April 19). 13 Social Media Power Tips for Getting the Job You Want.  Entrepreneur .

[5] Jackson, A. E. (2018 October 22). 21 Words to Never Include in Your Resume.  Glassdoor .

How To Start a Resume in 10 Easy Steps [Beginner’s Guide]

Sometimes, there’s nothing scarier than a blank page waiting to be filled - especially when it comes to figuring out how to start a resume. 

For every position that you apply for, you will need to stand out in a pile of applications through your professional experience, achievements, and education, to impress recruiters. 

Just thinking about all this may make starting your resume seem like a Herculean task. 

This is exactly why we’ve compiled this article.

• #1. Create Your Resume Outline
• #2. Fix Up The Formatting
• #3. Pick The Right Resume Format
• #4. Start Your Resume Contents With a Contact Information Section
• #5. Pick Between Resume Objective or Summary
• #6. List Your Past Work Experience
• #7. Move On To The Education Section
• #8. Spice Up Your Resume With Your Skills
• #9. Add These Optional Sections 
• #10. Start Applying 

Step #1. Create Your Resume Outline

So, how to start a resume? 

Deciding what to include and what to leave out when you start to write a resume can be tough, whether you’re a professional or a beginner. 

As a professional, you might struggle to choose among achievements and skills to include in your resume. Whereas as a beginner you might have issues filling up the gaps due to lack of work experience. 

Either way, figuring out what exactly to include when you start your resume isn’t easy.

That’s why we recommend starting your resume by creating a job-winning resume outline . A resume outline will help you by providing a clearly defined structure you can follow when you start to write your resume. 

The resume outline makes the process a lot easier by helping you decide on: 

• What resume format to use
• Which resume sections to include
• What information to select

Each of these elements will help you start your resume exactly according to your profile. For example, a professional with years of work experience would go for the reverse-chronological format, while a recent college graduate could opt for the skills-based resume format. 

Once you have decided on the format, knowing which sections to use and what information to select becomes considerably easier. 

A typical resume’s sections include:

• A contact information section 
• A resume summary or objective 
• Work, and relevant experience 
• Skill and certifications
• And additional sections - if you have space.

We will be going through all the main resume formats, sections, and other relevant information in detail below but first, rejoice - your resume skeleton is ready and you can now start writing your resume! 

Step #2. Fix Up The Formatting 

Before we jump into the technicalities, let’s talk style and appearance! 

Yes, it’s what’s on the inside that counts, but when it comes to resumes, sloppy-looking formatting can put you into a make-it-or-break-it kind of situation. The recruiter won’t be too at fault to think you won’t be suitable for the job if you haven’t taken the effort to adjust the margins or choose the best font for your resume. 

Not gonna lie - using a basic text editor to format your resume can be a hassle. One minor slip-up can make all the hours of hard work you invested in perfectly formatting your resume disappear in the blink of an eye.  

Well, there’s a solution for that too - using resume builders, such as Novorésumé. An online resume builder will completely take care of formatting your resume, thus making the process of starting a resume crazy fast. 

Step #3: Pick The Right Resume Format

There are three types of resume formats to choose from, and your choice will heavily depend on your level of experience and the type of industry you are applying for. 

That’s exactly why this step is particularly important when you start writing the resume. 

The three resume formats are: 

• Reverse Chronological resume format ; this is the most popular format among recruiters and the best fit for those who have a great deal of work experience - especially when it fits the job description you are applying for.
• Functional/skill-based resume format ; you should start writing your resume following this format if you are a student or recent graduate lacking any work experience , or if you are going through a career change and your previous working experiences are not relevant to the position.
• Combination resume format ; Do you have diverse skills or are you applying for a job that requires multi-expertise? The combination resume format is your chance to show that! A position as a Communications Expert, for example, might require you to be skilled in writing, social media, and public relations.

Out of the three, we suggest you choose the reverse-chronological resume format as the most common one among recruiters and HR managers. Nonetheless, what format you choose will eventually come down to your profile and experience. 

Due to its popularity, this article focuses on the reverse-chronological resume format. If you wish to go more in-depth into all three resume formats , follow the link! 

Step #4. Start Your Resume Contents With a Contact Information Section

This section may sound like a no-brainer, but you must get it right. Imagine being one of the HR manager’s top choices and missing out on your chance due to a spelling mistake in your email. 

For this reason, you must double-check that all the contact information you provide is correct and up-to-date. 

Now, the contact information section contains mandatory elements and optional ones. Here’s a snapshot: 

• First name/Last name
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Professional Title (it can be either your current or desired professional title/position)
• Date of birth (unless it is specifically required)
• Unprofessional email address (you know what we mean...any nicknames, wordplay, or variants that don’t include your first and last name are considered unprofessional and will cost you points in the eyes of the recruiter) 
• Headshot (in USA, UK & Ireland)

Optional elements:  

• LinkedIn Link/ Social Media (if these are up-to-date and add value to your application, there is no harm in including them in your contact information) 

Step #5. Pick Between Resume Objective or Summary

It’s science-backed: your CV has about 7 seconds to get a recruiter’s attention. This means that you better make a good first impression, and you better make it fast. 

This is where the resume summary, or objective, comes in handy. Placed at the top of your resume, close to the contact information section, a well-crafted resume objective/summary can work miracles in grabbing the HR agent’s attention for more than 7 seconds. 

The picture below is a good example:

But where does a resume summary differ from an objective, and when to use each? 

A resume summary is a short (2-3 sentences) overview of your career so far. The summary is used in 90% of resumes, except for students, recent graduates, or those switching careers. Here’s what you would need to mention: 

• Job and years of experience.
• One or two achievements. 
• Goal or passion for choosing this specific position.

And here’s an example of what this would look like on your resume: 

• Sports journalist with +10 years of experience in covering international tournaments. Successfully covered the 2004 Athens Olympics and the UEFA Euro 2016. Looking to expand my knowledge as a sports correspondent by reporting on a wider range of athletic activities.  

A resume objective , on the other hand, represents the goal of your resume. Through the objective, you can explain what motivates you to get into the field, as well as what you can offer. As mentioned above, the resume objective is perfect for those with little work experience or those who are changing careers. To compile it, we suggest using the following formula when you start writing your resume:

• Skill, education, or certification that is relevant to the position.
• Years/months of relevant experience for the position at the company.
• Types of responsibilities you will be able to help with.  

Here’s a concrete example for a recent graduate’s resume: 

• Motivated graduate with a B.A. in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Greenwich seeking an opportunity to engage in academic political research. 1-year internship at the UK Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Public Diplomacy Department. Looking to expand my knowledge of international relations and practically assist with research, at the Centre for Defense and International Security Studies think-tank.

Step #6. List Your Past Work Experience

Listing your work experience is practically the most important part of a resume and mastering this section means you will be able to ‘sell’ yourself - your experiences, responsibilities, and achievements - in the most HR-friendly manner. 

Not sure how to do that? Several practices will help your resume stand out, but first, let’s go over the basics of the work experience section. 

The typical work experience section format goes like this:

• Job Title/Position - it serves the purpose of showing the recruiter evaluating your resume that you have previous experience.
• Company/Location/Description - give information about your previous/current employer, the place where you worked, and potentially a brief description of the company (if it is not well-known).  
• Achievements and Responsibilities - this is your chance to shine by showcasing your strengths and skills. As a rule of thumb, it is better to list achievements over responsibilities.
• Dates Employed - this is the time you spent working for each company. The Applicant Tracking System recognizes the mm/yyyy format, so we advise that you follow it.  

And here’s how that would look like in your resume: 

And remember: work experiences should always be listed in reverse-chronological order; start with the most recent one and go all the way back to the past - well, depending on your level of experience. 

Now that you know the basics, here are some tips on how to take your work experience to the next level in the eyes of the HR manager. 

List Achievements Over Responsibilities

Focus on showing the recruiter your achievements over your responsibilities, whenever you can. Here’s what that means. 

HR managers will probably have a general idea of the responsibilities you had in your past positions. If you were a sales manager, for example, some of your responsibilities probably were: 

• Reach out to potential clients and maintain relations with existing ones
• Track and report on leads on Customer Relationship Manager. 

Thing is, you don’t want your work experience section to look like any other ex-sale manager’s resume, but the fact is the majority of work responsibilities are similar, if not the same. 

So, instead, what you do to impress is list your achievements, which in this case would be to show how you helped the company grow, among others. 

• Generated $25,000 in sales for the company during my first month. 
• Exceeded company sales KPIs by 40% for six consecutive months. 
• Reached out to potential clients by email
• Tracked leads on CRM 

Of course, some jobs don’t provide many ways to distinguish yourself, and so there might not be that many achievements for you to mention. If, say, you worked in a supermarket, your day to day responsibilities probably involved: 

• Categorizing and packing products into shelves 
• Helping customers find products 
• Attaching price tags and description tags 

In cases like this, sticking to your responsibilities is fine. 

Tailor Your Resume to the Job 

So, there’s another thing standing between you and the recruiter - the Applicant Tracking System. The ATS helps companies scan through all the resumes they receive daily. So this is another thing to consider getting out of the way right as you start writing your resume. 

If you’re now thinking there’s no point in perfecting your resume if a software is going to evaluate it, we do have some good news: there are ways to pass the ATS if you tailor your work experience section to the job requirements. 

Let’s cover an example from a job ad as an Operations Assistant at the UN Women Organization, with the following requirements: 

• At least 3 years of experience in administration, finance, procurement, etc. 
• Experience in (MS Word, Excel, etc.)
• Fluency in English 
• Strong IT and web management skills 

If you have the required skills and experience, mention them in your resume and consider your resume tailored for the job. 

How Much Work Experience is Necessary? 

We mentioned this before - knowing what information to keep and what to leave out might be tricky. And considering the work experience section is the most important, getting this right matters. 

Well, the amount of information you mention will go hand in hand with your level of experience. So: 

Entry-level candidates should list all the work experiences up to the point of application. 

Mid-level professionals should only list work experience relevant to the position. 

Senior professionals should list a MAXIMUM of 15 years of relevant work experience. 

Step #7. Move On to the Education Section

Your resume's education section comes second per its importance. 

As with the other steps, let’s go over the basics of formatting and then some tips on how to make the best out of your academic skills. 

• Program Name: E.g. “B.A. in Computer Science”
• University Name: E.g. “University of Colorado”
• Period Attended: E.g. “08/1212 - 05/2016”
• (Optional) GPA: E.g. “3.8 GPA”
• (Optional) Honors: E.g. “Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude
• (Optional) Academic Achievements: E.g. Any publications you may have, or courses you have excelled in. 
• (Optional) Minor: E.g. “Minor in Information Systems” 

Here is an example: 

Step #8. Spice Up Your Resume With Your Skills

The ‘skills’ section is your chance to spice things up by showing the HR manager any additional advantage you may have that makes you perfect for the job. 

There are two types of skills you can list on your resume: 

Hard skills , or measurable abilities. These can range from coding in C++ to being an excellent Italian cuisine chef. 

Soft skills , or personal skills. These can be personality traits and social traits, career attributes, or communication skills. 

How to List Skills in Your Resume 

These are the top three steps to follow when listing skills in your resume : 

Step #1: Hard skills are measured with experience levels, meaning you want to mention your proficiency level for every hard skill you list. They are usually categorized into Beginner , Intermediate , Advanced and Expert levels . 

Step #2: Tailor your skills to your job. As with the work experience, try to tailor your skills in relevance to the position. A way to do this is by checking some of the must-have skills listed in the job ad and make sure to mention each and every skill for which you are qualified, with its relevant proficiency level. 

Step #3: Don’t forget to include some “universal” skills - namely, skills relevant to any kind of job out there. These can include both soft skills (leadership, teamwork, attention to detail) and hard skills (MS Office, Adobe Pack, etc). 

Take a look at how hard and soft skills are listed through the Novoresume online resume builder: 

Step #9. Add These Optional Sections

So far, we have basically covered all resume must-haves. 

The following optional sections won’t be a priority when you start to write your resume, however, they can turn out to be the cherry on top if you have them and if you have the space to list them. 

Here are some of them: 

Languages: The more, the merrier. If you speak two or more languages, don’t fail to put that in your resume. To list them, simply categorize your proficiency level into native , fluent , proficient , intermediate , or basic . 

Hobbies & Interests: Although more personal than the rest of the sections, it doesn’t hurt to show a bit of your personality if you have the additional space in your resume. With a bit of luck, you and the recruiter may even share a hobby .

Volunteering Experience: Studies show that volunteering experience actually raises your chances of getting hired . In addition to showing that you are an individual motivated by more than just money, volunteering experience can be particularly great if you have recently graduated and have otherwise little work experience, or if you have an employment gap. 

Certification & Awards: If you have awards that make you stand out in your field or certifications from experts and if they are relevant to your position, don’t hesitate to show them off! For example, if you’re an architect prized with the Global Award for Development Architecture - well, that’s definitely something you want to include in your resume. 

Step #10. Start Applying!

And just like that, we can officially congratulate you for successfully starting - and finishing - your resume.

Chances are, if you got these tips right, you will land any job you go for. So go ahead and start applying!  

Key Takeaways 

That’s a wrap! Here’s the brief version of what we covered in this article:

• Before starting your resume, create an outline. It will provide you a skeleton to make the process of filling up each section much easier! 
• A typical resume’s sections include a contact information section , a resume summary or objective , work and relevant experience , education , skills , and additional sections - if you have space.
• If possible, use the reverse-chronological order resume format. That is unless you’re a recent graduate or an entry-level professional - in that case, the functional or skill-based formats might be a better fit for you. 
• Your past work experience should also start with your latest job, while the education section with the latest education entry. As a rule of thumb, start with your latest relevant experiences and go back as far as it’s relevant to the recruiter and the position you are applying for! 

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How to Build a Resume in 7 Easy Steps

Tips for Creating an Interview-Winning Resume

Creating a  resume  can be challenging when you start thinking about all the information you need to share with prospective employers.

Your employment history, educational background, skills, and qualifications need to be presented in a way that will help you get selected for a job interview. Rather than a simple list of the jobs you have held, it’s important to include information specific to the positions for which you're applying.

What’s the easiest way to write a resume? If you look at resume building as a step-by-step process, it will be easier to do and much less overwhelming.

Once you’ve created your first resume or refreshed your old one, you can simply  tweak it to match it up with a job  when you’re applying for an open position.

Read on for how to build a resume, the components required in an interview-winning resume, examples of what to include in each section, how to format your resume, options for saving your document, and tips for writing a resume that will catch the attention of hiring managers.

Before You Begin Creating Your Resume

Choose a word processor.

Before you start to work on your resume, you’ll need a word processor. If you don’t have word processing software installed on your computer, here are free online word processors, like Google Docs, you can use. One of the benefits of working online is that you can update, send, and share your resume from any computer or device you’re using. That makes the  application process  much simpler because you’ll be able to easily apply for jobs from anywhere that may be convenient for you.

Plan the Framework of Your Resume

Next, consider the basic framework of your resume. More isn’t necessarily better, so aim for conciseness over length. Employers are looking for a synopsis of your credentials; not everything you have done in your career. In many cases, a  one-page resume is sufficient . If you have extensive experience, longer may be necessary .

In general, shorter is better, with a few bullet points for each job, brief sentences, descriptions that are action and accomplishment oriented, and plenty of white space on the page.

Your goal is to wow the hiring manager and present a document that promotes you as an ideal candidate for the position. Review these tips for building a resume that will help you get job interviews.

Compile Your Personal and Employment Information

awayge / iStock

Collect all the information you need to include before you start writing your resume. It’s much easier to write, edit, and format a document when you have all the details you need in front of you.

Before you get started, make a list of the contact information you want to use, all your jobs, your education, training, certifications, skills, and other credentials. 

Write Your Resume

When you have compiled all the information you need, it should be listed in the following order. Don’t worry about fonts and formatting your document yet. Just get everything you want to include on the page. It will be easier to edit when you can see the full picture of your candidacy.

Once you have everything down on paper, you will be able to adjust the font size and type, spacing, and add formatting options to your resume.

What to List in Each Section

Resume Heading Full Name  (Jane M. Applicant or Jane Applicant) Street Address ( options for listing your address ) City, State, Zip Email Address  (don’t use your work email) Telephone Number  (make sure you have a professional voicemail message for missed calls)

Profile Adding a  profile or an objective to your resume  gives the employer a brief overview of your qualifications. This is an optional component of a resume. If you include it, focus on what prospective employers are seeking rather than what you want in your next job. Hiring managers want to know what you have to offer.

Summary of Qualifications A  summary of qualifications  is another optional section of a resume. It’s a statement that includes your skills, abilities, experience, and what qualifies you for the position.

Experience Your  work history   is the most important component of your resume. Employers will want to know where you have worked, when you worked there, and what responsibilities you held in each role that you had. They will be looking to see how your experience lines up with what they are looking for in prospective employees.

• List the jobs and internships you have held in reverse chronological order, with the most recent positions first.
• For each position, include: job title, company, location, dates of employment, and a bulleted list of the strongest accomplishments for each job.
• Verb tense should be present tense for your current job if you are employed, and past tense for prior employment.

If you’re not sure of employment dates, here’s  how to recreate your employment history . It’s important to be accurate because employers do  conduct background checks .

Volunteer Work If you have volunteer experience that’s related to the jobs you’re applying for, or if you have volunteered to avoid an employment gap, list volunteering as you would the jobs you have held. Review these tips for including  volunteer work on your resume .

Education The education section generally comes next. You need only to list degrees earned, with the highest first, if you have been out of school for a few years.

If you’re a student or recent graduate, the  education section  of your resume can be listed above your employment history. If you have work experience, list it below that section. Education should be listed in reverse chronological order, with the most recent and advanced education first. Include the name of the school, the degree earned, and the date you graduated.

Whether you include your GPA on your resume depends on how long ago you graduated and how high your GPA is. Here’s information on  when to list your GPA on your resume .

Certifications The next section of your resume includes any certifications you have.

Awards and Accomplishments Don’t be shy about mentioning awards and achievements you have earned. They show the employer that you are a well-credentialed candidate who has been recognized for your accomplishments.

Skills This  section of a resume  includes the skills you have that are directly related to the job for which you’re applying. Employers typically list required or preferred skills in the job listings when itemizing the qualifications for the position. List your most closely related abilities here, using a bulleted list format.

Personal Interests If you have personal interests that are strongly related to the position you’re applying for, list them here. This can be helpful if you’re applying for jobs where you don’t have a lot of related work experience, but you do have expertise achieved in other ways.

Choose a Resume Layout

 Andrey Popov / iStock

There are three  basic types of resume formats  you can use. The format you select will depend on your employment history and credentials.

• Chronological : This is the most frequently used and presents your work history starting with the most recent job first.
• Functional : If you have a spotty work history, you may want to use a functional resume that focuses on your skills and experience.
• Combination : This resume layout includes both your skills and your chronological work history.

The chronological format is the most common one.

If you choose a functional or combination resume, tailor the information you include accordingly. With a functional resume, you’ll highlight your job qualifications. With a combination resume, your skills will be listed first, followed by your employment history.

Format Your Resume Text

When you’re choosing fonts for your resume, simple works best. The exception to that rule will be if you’re applying for a design-related position where your resume can showcase your design skills.

Choose a Font: A basic font like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Verdana is a good choice because your resume needs to be easy for a hiring manager to read. Consistency is also important. Use the same font throughout your resume and in your cover letter.

Font Size and Type: The  font style and size  can vary. For example, you can use a larger font for your name and section headings. Use bold and italics to highlight the details of your education and employment history.

Lists vs. Paragraphs: A job description that includes a bulleted list of achievements is easier to read than a paragraph. Each sentence should provide a brief synopsis of your strongest accomplishments in the position.

Tip:   How to Write Job Descriptions for Your Resume

Review an Example of Resume Formatting

In the following example, the applicant’s name and the heading of each component of the resume are a larger font and bold. The job responsibilities are listed, and italics are used to highlight details of employment and education, and differentiate the candidate’s computer skills.

Jane M. Applicant

31 Main Street Anytown, US 11213 janeapplicant@gmail.com | 555-321-4444

Ambleside International, Database Manager January 20XX - Present

Oversee the design, development, maintenance, and management of Ambleside proprietary databases.

• Design and manage corporate financial, networking, and operations databases.
• Test databases and software programs, correct errors, and make modifications and updates.
• Perform regular database and software life-cycle maintenance to ensure the highest level of system performance and compliance with business requirements.
• Implement major database and software upgrades with 0 percent downtime.
• Ensure integrity, security, and availability compliance and scalability.
• Organize, format, and manage data for efficient query and storage processes.

XYZ Institute of Technology, City, State Bachelor of Science , Information Technology

Certifications

• Microsoft Certified Database Administrator
• Oracle Certified Professional

Technical Skills

Languages:  SQL, Java, .Net, C++ Operating Systems:  Windows, Unix, Linux, iOS Database Systems:  MS SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, Ingres

Tip: Review Resume Example and Get Templates

Save the Document

Select a file name for your resume that includes your own name when saving your resume: janeapplicantresume.doc, for example. It will be easier for the hiring manager to track your application materials.

Be prepared to save it in a variety of formats, like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or PDF, for example, so that you can respond to employer requests for a specific type of document.

Tip:  How to Select a File Format for Your Resume

Proofread and Print the Final Version

 Before your resume is finalized, it’s important to carefully proofread it. Then print a copy to make sure what’s on the printed page lines up with what’s on your computer.

Once it’s set, print extra copies to bring to interviews with you. If you don’t have a printer you can use, check with your local library or an office supply store to see if you can access a printer there.

Target Your Resume for Each Job You Apply For

Even though your resume is done, there’s one more quick step that will help your resume get selected by the  applicant tracking systems  that companies use to screen resumes and the hiring managers who read the applications that are selected.

Incorporate the qualifications from the job listing into your resume job descriptions, skills, summary, and objective or profile. It only takes a few minutes, but using the  same words and terms  the employer uses will help ensure you’re a strong match for the job.

Keep Your Resume Current

Once you've got your resume finished, plan to update it regularly. It will be easier to keep it current if you keep track of your accomplishments, rather than having to make a major update all at once.

Related: Best Resume Writing Services

• Resume Builder
• Resume Experts
• Search Jobs
• Search for Talent
• Employer Branding
• Outplacement
• Resume Samples
• Job Descriptions
• Cover Letters

Resume Examples & Samples

How to make a resume [the visual guide].

Adi Gaskell

Create a Resume in Minutes & Get More Job Interviews

Table of Contents

How do you build a resume, designer vs traditional resume layout, what is the right page count for a resume, choosing the right font for your resume, choosing the right resume format, what is ats and how to beat it, contact information, summary and objective, work experience, accomplishments and numbers, resume tailoring, how to create a student resume, mentioning education, showing your skills, ats tailoring, hobbies on a resume.

Knowing how to make a resume is essential if you'd like to build a solid career, but the process can seem quite complicated.

There are so many rules, best-practices and tips you need to follow - and worst of all, everyone and their favorite blog offers different advice on how to make a resume that gets you hired. This is why we're here to help and guide you through the confusion.

In this guide, we’re going to go through every single step of the process and show you real examples. If you don't have a resume to work with yet, have a look at these resume templates .

How to Use This Guide

There are two ways to use this guide. One is to build your resume section-by-section as you go through the guide. If you already have a resume, you can use this guide as a reference to improve the sections that need work.

You will learn:

• Resume Basics - How to build your resume and what tools to use
• Resume Content - How to turn your resume from a boring document to a killer sales pitch
• Sending the Resume - How to make sure the recruiter actually reads your resume

How to Make a Resume - the Basics

Before we get to the resume content, we’ll need to go through the basics. While the content is important, the technical stuff is what gets your foot in the door.

If your resume is not the right format , for example, it might be sent straight to the shredder.

in this section, we’re going to teach you

• Which tools to use to create your resume
• In which cases you can use a visual resume
• How long should your resume be
• Which fonts to use
• Which formats to go for
• How the Applicant Tracking Systems work, and how to make sure your resume doesn’t get thrown out

# how-do-you-build-a-resume

Today, there are many different ways to build a resume. Traditionally, a resume used to be a piece of paper containing you work experience and written in a very basic manner.

Since technology evolved, however, methods changed accordingly. Now, there are three main ways to create a resume:

Microsoft Word

Word template.

• Online Resume Builder

Let's have a look at the pros and cons of each.

Microsoft Word is one of the most popular resume builders to-date . Let's tak a look at its pros and cons.

• Customization . If you’re good at it, you can customize the resume as much as you want in order to stand out
• Hard to Use . If you want anything other than a basic column-resume , you’ll have to do extensive research on formatting
• It's time-consuming . Creating a resume from scratch using Word might take a while, especially if you’re handling the formatting.

While Word is known for being hard to deal with, the right template can make your job a lot easier.

Some templates are free, while others cost up to $100 . There’s a wide variety in terms of templates, and there are a lot of different designs and formats you could opt for.

Word Template Pros:

• Easy to use . As opposed to building a resume completely from scratch, a template allows you to just fill in the blanks.
• Wide variety of options . There are many templates to choose from.

Word Template Cons:

• Formatting Issues . If your experience section is longer than what the template allows, for example, it will mess up the formatting completely.
• Possibly Expensive . While a lot of templates are free, the good ones can cost quite a lot.

Resume builders

While Word is the most popularway of creating a resume, it wasn't created with that goal in mind. In fact, the most efficient way to create a resume is by using a builder.

Resume builders are created specifically with the purpose if creating a pristine document that gets you hired. They tend to make formatting much easier, as all you have to do is fill in existing forms with your information.

Resume Builder Pros:

• Easy to use with its simple layout
• Structured formatting
• Pre-written Bullet Points
• Changing the design with 1 click
• Inexpensive
• Created with Applicant Tracking Systems in mind

Resume Builder Cons:

• Some resume builders don’t work with applicant tracking systems, but that's only a few

Make the process easier. Give our resume builder a try!

# designer-vs-traditional-resume-layout

Traditionally, the resume is defined by:

• A single column
• Black & White
• Simple format

Lately, however, “designer resumes” have gotten quite popular. Those are either custom-made with Illustrator (or any other relevant tool), or with a resume builder.

While the designer resume looks amazing, you need to know in which case you can use it and when it might end up backfiring on you. Go for a designer resume if you're applying to:

• Small-to-medium sized company or a startup . Bigger companies and corporations tend to use an ATS system (more on that later), which scans the resume for certain keywords. If the resume is not formatted traditionally, the system simply discards it.
• A “trendy” company . Traditional industries have their standards they tend to uphold. That means that if you’re applying to a bank, you should show discretion and professionalism, and stand out with your skills and experience as opposed to how good-looking your resume is.

# what-is-the-right-page-count-for-a-resume

One of the most-debated topics in terms of resumes is how long it should be. While there’s no strict guideline, the rule of thumb is that your resume should be just as long as the recruiter's attention span.

If you can keep their attention for 5 hours, go for it, write a novel!

The best practice, however, is

• Student - 2 years of experience. 1 page maximum.
• 2-5 years of experience - 1 - 2 pages , depending on how much experience you have.
• 5+ years of experience - Maximum of 2 pages .

Want to know why the one-page is the best practice? Check out our guide:

How Long Should a Resume Be: Everything You Need to Know

# choosing-the-right-font-for-your-resume

This one’s pretty straightforward - the font should ensure that the resume is clear, putting emphasis on the content, and doesn't distract. You should never use a font that attracts any attention. Think, anything unusual: Comic Sans, anything that makes your resume look like a medieval scripture, Comic Sans, did we already mention Comic Sans?

Real-life depiction of our HR, reading a resume written in Comic Sans..

Instead, here are thes 22 best resume fonts:

Which is the perfect font for you? Find out in Top 22 Fonts For Your Resume

# choosing-the-right-resume-format

There are 3 typical types of resume formats.

Reverse Chronological

Reverse-chronological is the most common resume format, and it’s also what you’re probably most used to. It details your work experience in a, well, reverse-chronological order, starting from the latest to the oldest.

When to Use It: At Velvetjobs , we tend to recommend the reverse-chronological format, as it’s the most common one. The recruiters know it, you know, and it’s a lot easier to bring to perfection.

Functional , on the other hand, is centered around your skills. Instead of listing out your work history, you write down different “themes.” i.e , you write down “sale,” and under it, mention the type of skills you have with it.

When to Use It: Functional resumes aren’t all that common, so just by using it, you might be taking a risk - it’s possible that the recruiter has never seen this type. You can, however, use a functional resume if you don’t have a lot of experience or if you have a gap in your career that you don’t want to show.

Combination

Combination is the mix of the two formats, including your experience, as well as the skills. It takes the best out of the other two, allowing you to showcase more than your average candidate.

When to Use It: As with the Functional resume, the format isn’t too common. It can be useful, however, if you’re changing industries. It shows that you have a lot of experience in some field, as well as the type of skills you can take with you to your new job.

If you want to save time and find out how to write a good resume for a specific profession, take a look at our guides and examples of resumes here .

Want to experiment with different resume formats, but don't know where to start? Check out The Best Resume Format: Chronological, Functional, & Combo

# what-is-ats-and-how-to-beat-it

Some companies tend to receive hundreds of applications per open position. Obviously, they don’t have an army of HR professionals to go through a giant stack of resumes.

Instead, bigger companies tend to use an Applicant Tracking System to filter through them.

In a nutshell, what ATS does is scan through the resume to detect if you have the right keywords for the job mentioned.

We’ll explain how the keyword work in the ATS Tailoring section . As for the formatting, make sure to:

• Use the company’s preferred resume format . If the company asks for one specific resume format ( PDF , .doc, etc.), it might mean that that’s the only one their ATS reads.
• Use simple formatting . - don't use headings and footers. Keep it simple and well-organized
• Use single-column - no tables or text boxes
• Use a standard font - Arial , Georgia, Tahoma , and Calibri are all great choices

ATS can be pretty sensitive - even the format you save you resume can be important. Learn more about PDF Resume Format vs Word Resume [Which One Wins?] .

How to Make a Resume - the Content

Now that we've got all the basics covered, let's go in depth to see how each section should look.

# contact-information

The contact information is one of the simplest sections on your resume - but it’s also one of the most crucial ones. If you mess something up, the recruiter can end up calling someone else’s number, instantly losing you the job.

On a typical resume, you’ll need to mention:

*Name / Last name

*Phone Number

If you have a portfolio online or relevant social media channels, go ahead and mention them. Here are some popular channels you can use to showcase your skills and experience:

Linkedin - think of LinkedIn as your online resume. Polish it by adding thorough information and a professional photo.

Behance - If you’re a designer, this is the best place to showcase your portfolio.

Github - If you’re a programmer and have contributions to Github , you might want to mention that. Recruiters tend to love candidates who code for fun in their own free time.

Use a professional Email. While “ Casanova6969 ” might be hilarious to your buddies, the recruiter won't be impressed. For work-related matters, create a professional email such as: [First Name] . [Last Name] @ emailprovider . com

It's essential to get your contact information right. Learn more with our How to Include Contact Information on Your Resume guide.

# summary-and-objective

First impressions matter. Give the recruiter a good idea of who you are, where you’re coming from, and why they should be impressed by you by creating a killer resume summary and objective .

Resume Summary

Think of the summary as your elevator pitch. It acts as an introduction to the rest of the resume, letting the recruiter know whether you’re relevant for the job or not. It has to be short, clear and tailored to the job. Otherwise, your resume will end up in the trash.

A good resume summary should mention:

• Years of Experience
• Specific Industry
• Achievements
• Relevant Education
• Managerial Experience

Check out this example:

• Accomplished digital marketer with 10+ years of experience . Track record of success within the tech industry, having created marketing strategies from scratch in 3 SaaS companies . Some managerial experience, having led a team of 6+ marketers, designers, and writers, driving over $ 100 ,000 revenue within the year. Ms. in Digital Marketing

Resume Objective

In most cases, it’s better to just stick to a resume summary . You'll use the objective in these 3 cases:

• If you’re changing industries , and want to showcase how transferable your experience is
• In case you’re targeting a very specific job
• If you just graduated college , and don’t have any experience

If you’re a professional , your resume objective should include:

• Specialization
• Application.
• Operations management consultant with over 5 years of experience. Looking to leverage years of consulting excellence as a full-time Chief Operations Office. MBA with honors from Wharton.

If you’re a student , you probably don't have a lot of experience. Instead, your objective could include:

• University Degree
• Extracurricular Experience
• Application

Let's compare these two examples:

• Recent Business Administration graduate from Boston University. Having managed 10+ people as VP marketing of the Business Club, looking to gain some practical experience in the field of marketing, growing both as a professional and as an individual.
• Recently university graduate looking for his first internship. No pay is fine as long as you just hire me

The right objective shows your dedication to the company you're applying for. Learn more about How to Write a Resume Objective: Guide and 30+ Examples

# work-experience

If you don’t have any work experience, skip to how to create a student resume .

The substance of your work experience is really important, as is the way you list it. This section should be in a reverse-chronological order, starting from your most recent job:

Role + Dates

Company Name

Company Description

• Responsibility or Achievement
• Show progression . What differentiates a high-achiever from your average Joe is their career progression pace. Show how you've developed over the years, and how you managed to get more responsibilities within the company.
• Keep your experience section to the most recent 3 or 4 jobs. Rememeber that your resume is not a biography.
• Under the company name (if not well-known), include a short description. The recruiter would want to know what the company is all about.
• Responsibility: “Oversaw 5+ servers.”
• Accomplishments: “Rated 4.5/5 in customer feedback 2 years in a row.
• Whenever possible, quantify your responsibilities or achievements. It's a lot more impressive to say, “drove 10,000 in monthly traffic” than “worked on driving traffic to the website.”

Restaurant Manager, September 2012 - December 2014

Mark’s Fine Dining.

• Oversaw and coordinated staff of 6 servers and 4 bussers
• Managed the hiring process for client-sided employees
• Interviewed and Evaluated 100+ potential employees over 2 years
• Maintained a 5-star rating for customer service on Yelp

Your work experience is the bulk of your resume. Check out our Step-By-Step Guide to Listing Your Resume Work Experience Section .

# accomplishments-and-numbers

As we’ve mentioned before, the best way to show your experience is through accomplishments or numbers . While responsibilities are important, accomplishments show your “ highlights .”

Compare the following examples:

Increased customer support satisfaction index by 50%

Was in charge of managing the customer support department

Here, the candidate's position is that of a customer support manager. If he or she mentions it again in the responsibilities section, it becomes redundant - we already knew he was a manager.

Saying that they increased the customer support satisfaction index, however, shows how they excel at their job.

If you’re not sure about what your accomplishments are, you can always drop a line to your previous supervisor or manager.

The best way to show your accomplishments is through numbers. If you say that you “did a great job,” that doesn’t really mean anything. The recruiter doesn’t really care whether you worked at the company - they care about how you excelled.

Take the following examples:

Increased monthly website traffic from 1,000 to 10,000 , CR from 2% to 5%

Marketed the company website, resulting in a lot of traffic and conversions

The first shows the exact numbers, which prove how good you are. The second, on the other hand, is vague and says pretty much nothing.

VelvetJobs Expert Tip

If you're currently working, make sure to write down your achievement numbers. If not, you might have to get back to your former boss about that - it's going to be worth the effort.

Not sure what your accomplishments are, or why you're supposed to mention them? Learn about How to Mention Accomplishments on Your Resume (10+ Examples) .

# resume-tailoring

The secret to cracking the recruiter code tends to lie in the job description - all you have to do is learn how to read between the lines.

Let’s take this job ad for example:

MadeUpCompanyInc , your one-stop-shop for everything tech, is looking for its new rockstar sales rep. The successful candidate will be charged with dealing with both new and old clients, ensuring their complete satisfaction.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Identifying and qualifying leads
• Carrying out 100+ calls to warm leads on a daily basis, establishing rapport and driving new business
• Upselling new products and services to existing company clients
• Working with MadeUpCRM , keeping track of the position of each client in the sales cycle

Skills & Qualifications:

• BA in Business Administration
• At least 3+ years of experience in phone sales
• Communicative, with a passion for human interaction
• Listening skills - the best salesman listens, then talks.
• Willing to walk the extra mile. Sales is hard - objections should motivate you, not discourage you.

From here, you've got 2 ways of going about applying:

Disregard the job description & send the same resume you've sent in the past

Customize your resume to the job description, mentioning the skills they're looking for

The right answer is obviously the second. By tailoring your resume to the job description, you’re practically doubling the chances of getting the job. To make this easier, we’ve highlighted all the parts you should pay attention to.

This is what a resume tailored to this ad would look like:

• Charged with identifying & qualifying leads, calling prospective clients and gauging their interest.
• Made over 100 cold calls daily, generating monthly sales of $20,000 and upwards for the company
• Worked with MadeUpCRM , ensuring that no client data would get lost
• Became every client’s best friend - identifying, understanding & catering to their needs, thus establishing long, mutually-beneficial relationships.

Tailoring Your Resume to the Company

While tailoring your resume takes to a job description takes you a long way, there's yet another part of the equation you have to consider.

Even if your resume is the most impressive piece of paper the recruiter has ever seen, you still don't have a shot at the job if you don’t fit into the company culture .

About 89% of hiring failures happen because of a bad culture fit. If you don’t understand or appreciate the values of the company you’re applying to, you’re not getting the job.

This is why it's essential that you show in your resume how you will fit in. Le t’s say, for example, you’re trying to get a job in a trendy startup .

You’d find this in their “About Us” page:

• We’re All Friends Here - MadeUpStartup was founded in the garage of two best friends and went a long way from there. We appreciate and value each employee as a member of our family!
• Innovation - Out with the old, in with the new. We always look for innovative solutions to old problems.
• Be Positive - We try to avoid criticism, complaining and pessimism in every way possible. Feedback is the new criticism!

See the pattern here? Everything yells out “ we’re a modern , breaking-the-rules kind of company.”

Your old-fashioned , 100% work experience banking resume simply won't cut it here. Instead, you’d want to have a section or two specifically tailored to show how you’d fit into the company. Let's take these two examples:

Finance Manager with 10+ years of experience in the banking industry turning a new leaf, finally leaving the corporate life behind for something much warmer and friendlier. Looking to leverage years of excellence in managing company financials to take MadeUpStartup to the new level and beyond.

Or, you could go with the same old:

Highly-recognized and accomplished financial officer, with 10+ years of experience in the banking industry, looking for new opportunities. Known for strong leadership capabilities, having managed teams of 10+ people in a highly efficient manner

The difference between the two here is obvious - the first is directly speaking to the interests of the company. It says, “this is what I have , and this is how it would work with you .”

The second, on the other hand, is your average, conservative professional who's not very likely to be willing to adapt to a new environment.

Mastering resume tailoring is what takes your resume from good to amazing. Learn How and Why To Tailor Your Resume to the Job (10+ Examples) with our complete guide!

# how-to-create-a-student-resume

Work experience can be tricky if you’re a student, since there’s a good chance that you don’t have any professional experience yet .

Even if you do have some experience, seeing how it would fit with the job is not always obvious. How can a part-time job as a server help your career in sales , for example? Is that even something you mention in a resume?

When assessing a university student or graduate, the first thing a recruiter looks for is transferable skills .

You actually don’t need ANY work experience to get an entry-level job. You might even beat someone who has some if you show your skills and experiences well enough.

When it comes to creating a student resume, you want to nail 2 sections: Work Experience and Extracurricular Activities.

As a student, there’s a good chance you have some work experience. A summer job as a server, or a part-time clerk gig during university time still counts.

While that might seem very irrelevant to your career, it doesn't have to be. Employers tend to prefer candidates with at least some work experience, rather than none .

Plus, these jobs have most likely given you some transferable skills. If you’ve worked at a restaurant, for example, you know how to handle a high-pressure environment. If you’re applying for a job in logistics, that skill is very relevant.

• Worked in customer service. Dealt with 100+ different clients per day. Maintained a client-satisfaction score of 4.5+/5 . Promoted to supervisor 5 months into the role

Working in sales requires people skills , something you get from working in customer support. If you deal with hundreds of people on a daily basis, you probably can handle yourself with words.

But again, the key here is relevancy.

If you’re working as a financial analyst, you need math skills, critical thinking skills, etc. If you've worked as a cashier, for example, you don't mention that, as the job doesn't involve any relevant skills.

Still in school & looking for your very first internship? We've got you covered - here's how to write an Internship Resume - Land the Job in 5 Steps .

Extracurricular Activities

If college were a real-life simulation , extracurricular activities would be your simulated career . Taking part in clubs, for example, shows that you’re proactive . A higher-up position in a club, on the other hand, can mean that you’re very achievement-oriented .

You can mention your extracurricular activities as a substitution for the lack of work experience. As with work experience, you want to clearly define your responsibilities and achievements, and quantify whenever possible. Let's look at these two examples:

• Promoted from Team Member to Department VP in university AIESEC chapter, 1 months into being a member of the club
• I’ve heard that extracurricular activities are good for the soul. I was part of the business club, the musical, acting club, and 20 other clubs. Can I get my straight-out-of-college managerial position yet?

If you're a student trying to learn how to make a resume, we've even got a completely separate guide just for you! Learn the ins and outs in our Complete Guide to Writing a Student Resume (10+ Examples)

# mentioning-education

In many cases, having the right education is the baseline requirement for the job.

That's why it’s important to get this right. Begin by writing down your education history in a reverse-chronological order.

Then, the formatting should be as follows:

Type of degree + Field of study

University name + Duration

here's what a right listing would look like:

BA. Business Administration

Boston State University, 2010 September - 2014 May

GPA: 3.79 / 4.00

*Any award or distinction

Other than that, keep in mind that the best practice is to mention your GPA only it if it’s above 3.5 . If your university is highly competitive (think, Ivy League ). Otherwise, strive for above 3.0

You don't have to mention every single one of your degrees, just the most recent or relevant ones.

If you have an MBA , no one cares about your high school diploma , for example. A golden rule here is to mention the past 2 degrees. Think, Ph.D ., MA. Or, Ms, BA.

Have some questions about listing your education? Maybe you didn't graduate from school, and are wondering whether or not you should mention it in your resume?Find out How to List Education on a Resume (10+ Examples and Tips) .

# showing-your-skills

One of the most commonly misused resume sections is "skills." Positioning yourself the right way through skills shows the employer that you’re qualified for the job . Doing it the wrong way, however, makes you seem incompetent .

Take the following example:

Skills: Business Administration. Leadership. Critical Thinking.

“So, what’s wrong with all that,” you might think.

Imagine you saw the keywords we mentioned before on a resume. What exactly did you understand about the writer’s skills? Nothing.

There are 2 types of skills you’ll mention in your resume: technical and soft.

Technical Skills

Tech skills tend to be very important . If the employer is looking for a designer skilled in Photoshop , and you don’t have it mentioned in your resume, you’re going to get skipped .

Even worse, if they’re using an ATS system , then your resume just gets deleted if it doesn’t mention the right words.

Mentioning technical skills is pretty straightforward:

• Beginner - Just starting out, <1 year of experience
• Intermediate - 1 - 3 years of experience.
• Expert - 3+ years of experience, less if you have achievements to back up the claim
• If you’ve worked with Photoshop , for example, you can mention what, exactly, you’ve worked on: “ Banners, Facebook Ads, Article Images .”
• Back it up with experience (if you can) - In the same Photoshop example - if you can direct them to the images you’ve worked on, this will give the recruiter a real idea of your expertise.

DON’T lie about your skill levels. Even if you get the job, you’re going to get asked to do something way out of your league. That’s going to make it pretty awkward for everyone

Soft Skills

Soft skills are a bit tricky While technical skills are easy to measure , that's not the case with soft skills. Take “leadership” or “critical Thinking” for example. They are both very abstract concepts. Soft skills are usually used by recent graduates when they don’t have a lot to mention in their resume, hoping to fill it up.

The only way to make your soft skills count is to back them up with facts. Take these two examples:

• Managed 3 successful software projects teams during my time in university. 2 out of the 3 were completed ahead of schedule.
• My mom says I’m a good leader , and my professors really liked me

Not sure what skills you want to mention on your resume? Check out 50+ Skills to Put on a Resume [Key to Get a Job] .

# ats-tailoring

If you’re applying to any high-demand company, chances are, you’re one out of a thousand applying for the same position. As we’ve mentioned before, those companies tend to use Applicant Tracking Software .

Unless your resume matches the job description, it won’t even get a glance from the recruiter. Instead, the system checks if your resume mentions the skills that the company is looking for. If it does, it greenlights the resume.

You’ll have to mention the exact keywords that you see in the job description. Even if your keywords are slightly different than what the job description mentions(MS Word vs Word), the ATS might not catch that.

Let's say that the position requires:

There are two ways you can list your skills:

• Skills: MS Word, Excel, Photoshop
• Skills: Word, Office 2012, Adobe Photoshop Professional

In both cases, the applicant has the same skillset . The first, however, is more likely to be " liked " by the applicant tracking system because it mentions the skills exactly as stated in the description.

See how well your resume matches the job description using Jobscan.co .

# hobbies-on-a-resume

Some experts tend to recommend creating a hobbies section on your resume. This works for 3 reasons :

• Hobbies make you stand out from the standard resumes
• You offer a bigger picture of you, other than your career
• Hobbies make you more relatable to the recruiter

While the reasons might seem accurate , at the end of the day, it’s all situational . While you might be able to bond with the recruiter over a mutual love of underwater basket-weaving , it sure won’t get you hired.

The hobbies section can still be useful in some cases. If the job is low-skill , a hobbies section will make you stand out.

If the recruiter has 5 equally qualified candidates, they’re going to pick the one they relate to on a spiritual level (over the mutual love for underwater basket-weaving ).

In some cases, your hobbies and aspirations might be what puts you ahead of the competition. Learn How and Why Put Hobbies on a Resume (20+ Real Examples) .

Sending in your Resume - so the Recruiter Loves It

Once you're done with all the resume contents, there are couple of things you might want to take care of before sending in your resume.

Proof-Reading the Resume

You want the recruiter to know that you REALLY care about their job and your career. The best way to forever destroy your chances of getting hired is to send a page riddled with spelling and grammar mistakes.

Before sending your resume in, check it with Grammarly . If you can get a second pair of eyes, then that’s even better - you might be a minor edit away from your dream job.

Creating a Killer Cover Letter

Before you earn the rite of passage for your resume, you’ll have to impress the recruiter with a cover letter.

Think of a cover letter as a resume of your resume - a short document highlighting the resumes best qualities so that it’s invited for a review.

One way to do that is by creating having it summarize the best points of your resume.

To make it easier, use the following as a guideline:

• Introduction [My name is [name], I have X years of experience in [field], and am emailing you about the position in [field]. I know your company from [source].]
• Any specific information about your career
• Big Achievement #1 [Managed a budget with size of X]
• Big Achievement #2 [Led teams of X+ people]
• Why they should care [I can do X and Y for your company]

Tracking Your Job-Search

Looking for a job is a stressful process. You pour your soul into your resume and send out hundreds of emails and applications, but that's just about everything you've got in your power.

While some recruiters are nice enough to let you know that you’re being rejected , most don't have the time. You can’t even know if they received your email - let alone opened the resume.

Here’s some good news: this used to be a big deal years ago. Today, you can track every single step of your job search. Download Bananatag .

The tool sends you an email whenever someone opens your emails. So, if the recruiter doesn’t even take a look at the resume, you’ll know when to send a follow-up . Or, if the resume is what you’re worried about, give DocSend a try.

You get a personalized link for your resume and get data whenever someone opens that link. You’ll know how long the recruiter looked at the resume, and gauge whether they’re interested or not based on that.

Keep in mind that these tools work specifically if you’re reaching out to small and medium businesses , as corporations tend to have their own application forms.

Congratulations!

You’re halfway there to landing your new favorite job, and you didn’t even need to sell your house for it!

Why halfway? Well, you still need to learn how to ace your upcoming interview, of course!

Stay tuned for our all-in-one guide on the interview process and have a look at these resume templates for some extra inspiration.

Now that you know how to make a resume, it's time to get started! Head over to our resume builder & apply everything you just learned.

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• How to Make a Resume in 13 Simple Steps - 2024 Guide With Examples
• Resume writing /

Are you looking for the job of your dreams? Do you need some help with how to make a resume? Consider a few resume examples and how job seekers can use them to create the best resume out there.

Keep reading to learn how to make a great resume.

What Is the Purpose of a Resume?

The importance of a resume is to give an overview of your professional experience. Your potential employer can look at your resume and learn where you've worked and what you've achieved in your career, so they can decide if you're a good fit for the position.

Knowing how to make a resume that stands out can help you land your next job. Without a great resume, you will have to search a lot harder to find work.

What You Should or Shouldn't Include on a Resume

When writing a resume, it's sometimes difficult to determine what you should or shouldn't include. You want to highlight your features, but you also want the resume to be short, sweet, and to the point.

For some helpful hints on the do's and don'ts of what to include in a resume, check out the following snippet:

Examples of what to put on a resume include:

• Do include your name and updated contact information
• Do include your prior job experience relative to the job you're applying for
• Do include any honors, awards, or relevant skills to the position
• Do offer a list of references upon request

While your resume should include important details, you don't need to include everything. Leave out the following:

• Don't include irrelevant social media profiles
• Don't include grammar and spelling errors
• Don't include outdated or irrelevant experience
• Don't include income or pay-related information

How to Make a Resume in 13 Simple Steps - 2023 Guide

A good resume guide should include how to write a resume for a job. Whether you want to use a resume creator, resume writing service, or do it yourself, knowing how to do a resume is crucial to success in your job search.

1. Organize Your Information

Before you start to make your own resume, organize your relevant information. Write down everything you want to include, from your contact information to your work experience and awards.

Right Way: Don't worry about the formatting, just list out your information as you think about it.

Wrong Way: Don't format the resume before you know what details you have and how you plan to include them.

Your resume doesn't have to look good right now, but you should get started. Knowing what you can include on your work resume can help you with the next step.

2. Decide on a Format

Next, you need to decide which format you want to use for your resume. Think about the job you're applying for and your experience.

Right Way: Look at your experience and decide if a chronological or functional resume would work better.

Wrong Way: Don't choose a template and just go with it.

Consider the differences between the most popular ways for how to set up a resume.

Chronological

A chronological resume focuses on your experience based on when it occurred. You'll typically list your job experience, education, and other details in order starting with the most recent job or degree.

Using this format shows employers what you've been up to recently, and it allows you to leave out jobs you had years ago. It's a great option for people who are looking to move up in the same industry or recent college graduates who have educational experience.

A functional resume focuses on your skills, rather than when you used them. You can list your experience and education, but you will focus on the most relevant jobs or degrees. Then, you can make sure the employer focuses on relevant experience.

Writing a functional resume is great when you want to make a career change. You don't have to worry about sharing your irrelevant experience, so you may improve your chances of landing the job.

Combination

If you have both skills and experience, a combination resume may be the way to go. You can show off your relevant job experience, and you can include your skills. That can be a great option for landing a more technical job where skills and experience matter equally.

When creating a resume using this format, be sure to include the most important details. That way, you can keep the resume from getting too long.

Expert Tip:

Depending on the job you're applying for, the resume format you choose should be focused on that position. What format should you use?

• Chronological formats are great for people who are looking to advance in a specific career field where they've had plenty of past experience
• Functional formats help you highlight skills that could land you a position in a different field.
• Combination formats are helpful when you're looking to showcase both your experience and your skills. This could be beneficial for a new position, or advancing on your current career path.

By arranging your format to cater to the job you're applying for, you can include all the necessary details without distracting content.

3. Outline the Sections

Once you decide on the perfect resume format, you should create an outline. Here, you don't have to write the resume or use an online resume maker. Instead, you'll create a list of the overall categories for your resume.

Right Way: List the sections you want to include, at least your contact information, training, and experience.

Wrong Way: Don't write out everything you've ever done, especially if something like a job description isn't relevant.

If you want to include more sections, you can. Either way, list the sections so that you can determine how to type up a resume.

Contact Information

Your contact information will go at the top of your resume. This section should include your name, a professional email, and a phone number. That way, employers can contact you if they want to schedule an interview.

You don't need to include your mailing address or all of your phone numbers and email addresses. Be sure to omit any email addresses that aren't professional. If you don't have a professional one, you can create one for free.

Training and Education

The next thing you should cover is your training or education section, which can include traditional degrees or professional certificates. You should list where you received the training, the subject, and when you completed the program.

If you received any honors or a distinction, like cum laude, you can also include that. You may also want to include any relevant minors or secondary certificates.

Work Experience

Relevant work experience can help you land your next job, so your resume needs it, no matter the format. Be sure to include your employer, job title, and where you worked. You'll also want to list a few points from the job description.

If you're new to the field or just out of college, you may not have relevant experience. However, you can include your most recent jobs, and you can include duties that are somewhat relevant to the job you want.

If you have space on your resume, you may want to include a relevant skills section. This can be a great option if you don't have industry job experience. List your skills and start with the most relevant ones so that they can stand out.

Consider including information on where you learned your skills, such as in a class or an extracurricular program. Then, your employer can see you as a more well-rounded candidate.

Awards and Achievements

If you've earned awards or have other relevant achievements, you can use those to make a good resume. List the award or achievement and when and where you earned it. You can also include a description on how it relates to the job you want.

Creating a resume without much industry experience is difficult. Luckily, achievements can help you stand out without having had a relevant job.

If you still have space on your resume, consider including references or other information. You should make sure whatever you add is relevant to the job you want to apply for. However, adding extra details, like your LinkedIn profile, can help you stand out.

When you have a full resume, you don't need to add more. You don't want to make it harder for a potential employer to read through a long work resume.

4. Choose Where to Build a Resume

Next, you should determine how to make a professional resume, specifically where. Using an online resume tool can provide you with the freedom and expertise to make your candidacy stand out amongst the rest.

Word and photoshop may be challenging to work with when trying to enhance a template. Online resume makers like CVmaker simplify this process by providing you with professional templates that you can easily fill in and customize.

Right Way: Consider how you want to format the resume and write it so that you can choose the best option.

Wrong Way: Don't choose the first template or resume builder and hope it works because it may not be right for you.

Writing a resume yourself can be a great option, but it does take time. So compare your options to get the best results.

Resume Creator

You can find an online resume creator that will design and format everything for you. On CVmaker all you need to provide is the information, and the resume generator will do the rest. It can create a file that you can download and use for job applications.

You can choose from an array of templates to generate your own resume, or you can use a resume writing service that helps create a tailor-made resume which will stand out. These resumes include keyword optimization, professional content, and a quick 4 day turnaround time. If you aren't satisfied with your resume, the service includes 3 revisions to perfect your image.

Microsoft Word

If you would prefer resume writing yourself, Microsoft Word is a great option. You can choose from tons of resume templates, or you can build a resume from scratch. That way, the job resume will look exactly how you want it.

While you'll write the resume in a document, you can then export it in a variety of file types. That can come in handy if employers require different file formats for applicant resumes.

Google Docs

Google Docs is an excellent alternative to Microsoft Word because it has similar features. However, it's free to use, and you can access different templates. You'll be able to write the document and then export it as a Word Document or PDF.

Using Google Docs is great for people who don't have Word or don't want to use it. You can still create a personal resume that you can use for many job applications.

Adobe InDesign

Adobe InDesign is a great option for graphic designers and other artists. You can use it to create a unique resume that will stand out from the competition. You'll be able to design the resume from scratch so that you can avoid copying others.

If you want to apply for a more creative position, Adobe InDesign is great. You don't have to settle for a resume template, and you can use a design that will attract your ideal employer.

Though Microsoft, Google, and Adobe resume makers offer great opportunities for resume building, they can be complex and difficult to manage. In addition, you may not be creating content for employers, but focusing more on what you'd like to see.

Resume creators like CVmaker pinpoint exactly what employers are looking for, limiting the risks of creating an irrelevant or undesirable resume.

So, what makes a great resume and what do you really need in order to create one? CVmaker has all the features that will help you stand out from the crowd including:

• Sleek and professional template choices
• Unique presentation of information
• Inputs for relevant and job specific personal information

You may think you know what an employer is looking for when creating a resume on your own, but with the assistance of a resume creator like CVmaker you can be confident that your resume will make a lasting impression

5. Design the Header

Take a look at your name and contact information so that you can input it into the header. Once you choose a template or resume generator, you only need to type this out.

Right Way: Fill out the contact information in place of the example contact that the template gives.

Wrong Way: Don't create an extravagant header that's hard to read or takes up too much space.

Your header should be easy to read, and it should take up just enough space to grab someone's attention. Then, it should lead right into the next section.

6. Write Your Objective

You don't always need to write an objective, but it can be a great addition to your resume. The objective allows you to describe the job you want and why.

Right Way: Include the job title you want and why you're a good fit.

Wrong Way: Don't share your life story here; keep it short.

If you don't have much space, you can leave out the objective, but having one can help give you direction when writing a resume.

7. List Your Job Experience

Your next section can focus on your job experience, and you can list jobs based on the format you choose.

Right Way: Start with your most recent job for a chronological resume or most relevant for a functional resume.

Wrong Way: Don't list every job you've ever had, especially if it was a high school job and not relevant.

Your job experience can show recruiters and managers what you've done and make sure you're a good employee.

8. Outline Your Education

If you have relevant education or training, you can also include that below or above the experience section.

Right Way: Include the degree or certificate, the field of study, where, and when you received it.

Wrong Way: Feel free to exclude any education or training that doesn't help you get the job.

Sharing your education is great if you don't have much professional experience. And it can show you're willing to learn.

9. Include Your Activities

If you have relevant activities, such as clubs or organizations, you may want to add those to your resume.

Right Way: Focus on activities that relate to the job you're applying for and where and when you did them.

Wrong Way: Don't list every activity you've ever done.

Including your activities is a great way to show you have more experience, even if you haven't worked that much.

10. Add Your Awards

Along with activities, you may want to include any awards or achievements as they relate to your job.

Right Way: Share the award title and who gave it to you.

Wrong Way: Don't include irrelevant awards or awards that don't add anything to your resume.

Including awards can be a great way to stand out, but make sure they don't distract from your other experiences.

11. List Your Personal Interests

You may have other interests that you've never received an award for or been in a club with that focus. But you can still incorporate them to make a good resume.

Right Way: Consider interests or hobbies that add to your application like learning languages or knowing about personal finance.

Wrong Way: You don't need to include every hobby you have because some might not help you in the job.

Sharing your personal interests can help humanize you, and it can show there's more to you than your work.

12. Include Your References

If your resume is already a page or longer, you don't need to include references. However, they can be a great option for how to fill out a resume.

Right Way: Get relevant references, such as employers or professors, then add their name, phone, and email.

Wrong Way: Ask all references before you include them, and avoid including relatives as references.

Adding references can be a great way to build a resume, but be sure you ask first.

13. Use Relevant Keywords

As you go through your resume, check to see if you can add any relevant keywords.

Right Way: Think like an employer and use words or terms they might want to look for.

Wrong Way: Don't stuff keywords just anywhere; make sure they do serve a purpose.

Adding keywords to your resume is a great way to catch a recruiter's eye, and it can help make your resume stand out.

What Are the Next Steps After Writing a Resume?

After you finish writing a quick resume, you aren't quite done. You need to make sure you follow a few steps after the writing process. That way, employers will want to read your resume and contact you for an interview.

Format the Resume

If you didn't start with a template, now's the time to proofread and format everything. Make sure your header is slightly bigger than the body text. You can use bullet points when listing job duties or activities to make them easier to read.

Consider bolding the job titles as well so that they're easy to find. If your resume is more than a page or two, you should cut out some things, like activities or personal interests. That way, you can focus on the most important details.

Export as a PDF

Most employers will want to receive a PDF resume when you submit it electronically. Even if you use a word processor, you should export a PDF version so that employers can open it anywhere.

The PDF is also great for printing in case you need to submit a resume by mail or in person. And it will help your potential manager print the resume if they want to.

Use a Unique Save Name

If you will need to email your resume or submit it online, make sure to choose a unique name for the file. While it may be the only resume on your computer, companies can receive dozens or hundreds of them.

Instead of naming the file "Resume" or something similar, include your name. You can also include the job title or date of the file. That way, it will be easier for a hiring manager to find once they download it to their computer.

View the Resume

After you save the file and export it, you should view it to make sure it looks good. Then, you can see if it cuts anything off or if there's an odd page break. If there are any issues, you can correct them and save the new version.

Be sure to check how the resume looks on your computer and after printing it out. That way, you can cover all of your bases.

Some Final Advice:

Before sending off your resume, you'll want to make sure you do the following:

• Read over your content carefully and make sure it is free of any spelling or grammatical errors. These could result in an immediate denial of your application.
• Make sure you are highlighting skills and experience that is relevant to the job you are applying for. Generally, employers will spend less than a minute reviewing a resume, so it's important to quickly hit all of the necessary points.
• Have a close friend or previous employer read over your resume to see what they think. Getting a second opinion could offer a new perspective on your resume and provide an outlook you may not have previously considered.

Key Takeaways on How to Create a Resume

Knowing how to write a good resume is crucial for finding a job in any industry and with any level of experience. Whether you use a resume generator or write it yourself, making a resume that stands out can mean the difference between landing your dream job or not.

If you know how to make a good resume, you won't have to struggle to find a job. Instead, someone may see your resume and know you're the perfect fit.

FAQs on How to Make a Resume for a Job

While you should know how to create a resume step-by-step, you may still have questions about the process. Here are a few common questions job seekers have and their answers.

What Makes a Strong Resume?

A strong resume is one that includes an honest look at your soft and hard skills and experience. It should also grab someone's attention and be easy to scan and read quickly because recruiters don't have much time to go through each one.

Your resume should cover your professional experience, education, and any other relevant details. You may also want to create a unique resume for each job to pair with a unique cover letter so that you can talk about that specific position.

Which Are Red Flags on a Resume?

Even if you know how to type a resume, you may still have to deal with red flags, like gaps in your employment or frequent job changes. Having to leave a job suddenly can also be a red flag for employers, but you can overcome these.

If you can fill the gaps with education or other activities, you may be able to explain the issue. And you can find cover letter templates to help explain.

What's the Best Template for a Resume?

The best resume template depends on you and your goals. If you're new to the workforce, you may want to use a functional resume so that you can focus on education or awards. On the other hand, someone with experience can list their jobs in reverse-chronological order.

Combining the two formats can be an excellent compromise. The top of your resume can stay the same, but you can customize the body to fit each job you apply to.

How Do I Get My Resume Noticed?

Using relevant keywords is a great way to get your resume noticed by companies that use an applicant tracking system. But you should also focus on relevant accomplishments and use action verbs to attract people who read the resume.

Cover your work history or GPA and review any soft skills that you can emphasize, then send it to career experts to get their opinions. That way, you can make sure you don't miss anything.

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• Resume Guide
• Ross Plotkin
• 31st Mar '21
• 14 Min Read

How to Write a Resume, A Step by Step Guide

Job Nexus has created this resume writing guide to help you through all the essential steps of building a perfect resume which resonates with your career goals and recruiters’ requirements. That way, you're handed the tools to create a resume worthy of representing you.

How to Write a Resume

• Choose the Right Resume Format
• Add Your Name and Contact Information
• Add Professional Summary
• Mention your Work Experience and Achievements
• Feature Educational Background and Certifications
• Mention Hard and Soft Skills
• Mention Additional Information
• Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems
• Edit and Proofread Your Resume
• Choose a Free Resume Template

Have you ever struggled to make a resume or feel you can improve on what you have? Perhaps you want to know how to stand out from the competition. Whether you’re a fresher or a seasoned professional, a good resume is the key to qualify for a job interview. That said, writing a great resume can be intimidating for some. What information should you include in your resume? What should be the ideal length of the resume? What layout will work best for you? Should you include a picture? What resume template should you use? These are some of the questions that make the whole resume writing process a daunting task.

If you’ve found yourself in this position, asking all these questions, don’t worry. Job Nexus has created this resume writing guide to help you through all the essential steps of building a perfect resume which resonates with your career goals and recruiters’ requirements. That way, you’re handed the tools to create a resume worthy of representing you.

1. Choose the Right Resume Format

You cannot simply put all the information haphazardly and forward it to the hiring managers. A resume should be well-structured and look well-organized to grab the immediate attention of the reader. Choosing the right format can be your first and foremost step to building your ideal resume. There are three types of formats that you can follow: chronological, functional, and hybrid.

• Chronological: A chronological resume format helps give more importance to your work experience. This is one of the most common and widely accepted formats, which helps put your recent work experience above other information. You can list all the job roles in reverse chronological order. Keep the most recent ones at the top and the oldest ones at the bottom. It helps the recruiters gauge the relevance of your application to the open job role at the very beginning.
• Functional: A functional resume format, on the other hand, gives more importance to your skills and professional summary. It also puts emphasis on the relevance of your past work experience with the applied job role. To create a functional resume, keep these sections at the beginning of the resume: professional resume summary , skills and abilities, and past work experience laid out as per the relevance to the applied role. This format is best for entry-level job seekers or those who want the recruiters to notice their skills over work experience.

2. Add Your Name and Contact Information

At the top of the resume, ensure you include a header that says your name and contact information. Make sure to include:

• Phone Number
• Location: City and state/Mail Address
• Email Adress
• Website/LinkedIn Profile

As most recruiters prefer to contact via email or phone number, you can avoid mentioning your mailing address. Simply leave that off, or mention your current city and state to give them an idea of your current location. A website address is optional as well. If you are adding one, make sure it is a professional website that is relevant to the open job role or position. If you do not want to include a website address, consider placing your LinkedIn profile to give more information about your professional skills and career journey. It also helps the hiring managers to know you as an individual. Feel free to include a professional picture of yourself to the resume as it will help in grabbing immediate attention of the recruiter.

3. Add Professional Summary

A professional summary can succinctly summarize what you do and how you may suit the role. Previously, resumes used to have a “career objective” statement in the beginning to describe the ideal career opportunity you seek. However, nowadays professional summary has taken over that. A well-written professional summary helps tell the recruiters about what value you bring to the company. In just two to three sentences, you inform the recruiter how you can be a great fit for the job role. Make sure your resume summary statement is quick and gives a high-level overview of your expertise.

4. Mention your Work Experience and Achievements

It is advised to mention your past work experience in a strategic and well-structured manner. The work experience section should include:

• Name of the company
• Start and end dates
• Designation/Job title
• Job location

Additionally, mention your job duties and responsibilities for each job title concisely. Mention professional achievements during your tenure in a specific job role . Talk about the noteworthy milestones you achieved and recognitions you bagged, leaving a good impression on your potential recruiter. It is always advised to use short and crisp sentences that use action verbs to make it an engaging read. Also, the use of bullet points helps a lot in improving readability. With numerous resumes stacked on recruiters’ desks, it is imperative for job seekers to be creative while mentioning their past work experience to stand out from the competition.

5. Feature Educational Background and Certifications

As a lot of jobs require the candidate to have a certain level of education, it is important to include your educational background and qualification. That said, ensure it doesn’t take up too much space. Simply list the degree/s you attained along with the name of the institution. Include all the special programs, training, and certifications that are relevant to the role you are applying for. It can help you gain an edge over the competition.

While mentioning the educational background, place your highest level of education at the top and move in reverse chronological order.

6. Mention Hard and Soft Skills

The skills section is becoming more and more important for recruiters these days. They want to know about your skill sets to understand how you can add value to the company. Mentioning relevant skills can also help in adding the keywords that match the job descriptions posted by the recruiters. This will immediately grab recruiters’ attention and also pass the screening done by applicant tracking systems (ATS).

While mentioning the skills, ensure you add both; hard skills (practical or technical ) as well as soft skills (intangible skills). Look at the job description properly and pinpoint the skills that match your abilities and can be featured in your resume. Also, be specific about what you are mentioning, for instance, Instead of writing: Basic computer knowledge. Write: proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

You can also mention the proficiency level by using a creative design element. For example,

7. Mention Additional Information

Try to add additional information that can be helpful in increasing your chances of scheduling an interview. Talk about the languages you know or even some professional highlights that are worth mentioning. It can be about career advancement, outstanding performance recognition, or any professional milestone worthy of attention.

You can also mention the details of the reference/s working in the company to get preference over others. A good reference can help a lot in increasing your chances of getting the job.

8. Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems

For recruiters who handle numerous clarifications, to pick the ideal candidate, they prefer to take the help of applicant tracking systems. (ATS.) These systems take the burden off the recruiters and hiring managers by cherry-picking the best candidates for a specific job role. An ATS looks for specific job-relevant keywords in the resume and filters out the best candidates for the open position. It also passes the most relevant resume to the recruiters to save their time and efforts.

To ensure you pass the ATS screening phase, make sure you do keyword research by going through the job description carefully. Subsequently, mention the relevant keywords in your resume. Also, ensure that the resume uses simple formatting and does not include unnecessary images or graphics. Avoid fancy or unrecognizable fonts and use the same font throughout the resume.

9. Edit and Proofread Your Resume

Once you are done drafting the resume, make sure you proofread it carefully before submitting it. Check for all grammatical and spelling errors in every section of the resume. Take some time out after drafting your resume and start proofreading later with a fresh mind. You can also ask someone to proofread to have fresh eyes on your resume. They might spot errors that you were not aware of or missed by mistake. Carefully check the name of the companies you have mentioned and the dates against them. Look at the contact information carefully and check the format of the dates you have added. You can also run free online language tools to proofread your resume.

10. Choose a Free Resume Template

Writing a resume can seem like a tall order to fill. Writing, formatting, choosing the right layout, and making it relevant to the current hiring trends is a time-consuming process. That’s when you can opt for free cv templates provided by Job Nexus. You can choose from a wide range of resume templates designed to meet the unique needs and requirements of the recruiters. Different industry types prefer different resume styles. For instance, if you want to apply at a forward-thinking and creative workplace, you might want to opt for modern resume templates . Similarly, if you are looking for a job in a more conventional workplace, you might want to go for a traditional resume template . On the other hand, if you are a seasoned professional looking for professional aesthetics, a professional resume template might be the ideal choice for you. A resume template can save time, avoiding the hassle of inserting creative design elements and picking relevant layouts.

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How to Write a Resume Choose the Right Resume Format Add Your Name and Contact...

How To Make A Resume Step-bye-Step

A resume is one of the most important documents that you will ever write in your professional life. It is a document that showcases your skills, experience, and qualifications to potential employers. A well-written resume can help you stand out from the crowd and get the job that you want. In this guide, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to write a resume that will impress employers.

The perfect resume is basic and well-summarized. The perfection lies in its simplicity and attention to detail.

We try to make this resume guide simple and to the point.

Be accurate, be fair.

Step 1: Choose the Right Format

The first step in writing a great resume is to choose the right format. There are three main types of resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination. Each of these formats has its own advantages and disadvantages, and you should choose the one that best suits your experience and career goals.

Chronological Format:

A chronological resume format is the most common and traditional type of resume. It lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job and working backwards. This format is ideal for job seekers who have a steady work history and are looking for a job in a similar field.

Pros:  Traditional resume style, familiar to potential employers.

Cons:  Very common, not the most creative resume design format.

Functional Format:

A functional resume format is ideal for jobseekers who have gaps in their employment history or are looking to switch careers. Instead of listing your work experience in chronological order, this format focuses on your skills and accomplishments. It is divided into sections such as skills, accomplishments, and qualifications.

Pros:  Entry-level job hunters can emphasize skills over lack of experience.

Cons:  HR managers may think you're hiding something.

Combination Format:

A combination resume format combines elements of the chronological and functional formats. It lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, but also includes sections for skills and accomplishments. This format is ideal for job seekers who have a strong work history and want to highlight their skills and accomplishments.

Pros:  Great for experienced pros and career changers for highlighting transferable skills.

Cons:  Uncommon type, not as familiar, not recommended for entry-level jobseekers.

Step 2: Choose the Right Font and Formatting

Once you have chosen the right resume format, it is important to choose the right font and formatting. Your resume should be easy to read and visually appealing. The font should be easy to read and not too small. Arial, Times New Roman, and Calibri are all good options. The font size should be between 10 and 12 points .

Formatting is also important. Your resume should be well-organized and easy to scan. Use bullet points to highlight your skills and accomplishments. Use bold and italic fonts to draw attention to important information. Use plenty of white space to make your resume easy to read.

Step 3: Include the Right Sections

Your resume should include the following sections:

Table of Contents:

1. Contact information 2. Profile Summary 3. Employment History 4. Education section 5. Extracurricular activities 6. Courses & Training 7. Skills 8. Languages 9. Hobbies and Interests (optional)

Contact Information

The first section of your resume should be your contact information. This includes your full name, address, phone number, and email address. It's important to make sure that your contact information is accurate and up-to-date so that potential employers can easily get in touch with you.

• Name & Surname
• Telephone number
• Links to online profiles (optional)
• Driver's license (optional)
• Nationality(optional)

John Doe 123 Main Street Anytown, USA 12345 (555) 555-5555 [email protected]

Profile summary

The profile summary is a brief statement that highlights your skills, experience, and qualifications. It's typically placed at the beginning of the resume and should be tailored to the job that you are applying for. Your profile summary should be a snapshot of your career and showcase your unique selling points.

Your profile summary should include the following information:

• Your current job title or area of expertise
• The number of years of experience you have in your field
• Your top skills and achievements
• Any relevant certifications or awards

Highly motivated and skilled sales professional with over 5 years of experience in the retail industry. Proven track record of exceeding sales targets and providing exceptional customer service. Possesses strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital marketing, SEO, and social media. Strong analytical skills with a proven track record of increasing website traffic and driving sales. Certified in Google Analytics and AdWords.

Employment history

The employment history section of your resume should detail your work experience. This includes your job title, the name of the company you worked for, the dates you worked there, and your key responsibilities and achievements. It's important to include relevant work experience that demonstrates your skills and qualifications for the job that you are applying for.

For each job, include the following information:

• The name of the company and your job title
• The dates you were employed
• A brief description of your responsibilities and accomplishments
• Any notable achievements or awards

Use bullet points to make this section easy to read and scan. Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb to showcase your accomplishments.

Here are examples of employment history:

Marketing Manager ABC Company, Anytown USA June 2018 – Present

• Developed and executed marketing campaigns that increased website traffic by 30% and generated over $500,000 in revenue
• Managed a team of three marketing specialists, providing training and guidance to help them achieve their goals
• Analyzed data from Google Analytics and AdWords to optimize campaigns and improve ROI
• Awarded “Marketing Campaign of the Year” at the 2020 Marketing Excellence Awards

Sales Associate ABC Retail Store June 2018 – Present

• Achieved sales targets of $500,000 per quarter
• Provided exceptional customer service, resulting in a 98% customer satisfaction rating
• Trained new employees on product knowledge and sales techniques
• Conducted daily inventory and restocked merchandise as necessary

Education Section

The education section of your resume should detail your academic qualifications in reverse chronological order. This means starting with your most recent degree or certification and working backward. It's important to include relevant academic achievements that demonstrate your skills and qualifications for the job that you are applying for.

For each degree or certification, include the following information:

• The name of the institution
• The degree or certification you earned
• The dates you attended
• Any academic honors or awards

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration XYZ University September 2014 – June 2018

• Graduated with honors (Cum Laude)
• Majored in Marketing
• Completed courses in Consumer Behavior, Marketing Research, and Advertising

Bachelor of Science in Marketing University of Anytown, Anytown USA August 2014 – May 2018 GPA: 3.8/4.0 Dean's List (all semesters)

Extracurricular Activities

The extracurricular activities section of your resume should detail any relevant activities or volunteer work that you have participated in. This includes clubs, organizations, or volunteer work that demonstrate your skills and qualifications for the job that you are applying for. It's important to highlight your leadership and teamwork skills in this section.

Volunteer Local Food Bank June 2022 – Present

• Coordinated and organized food drives
• Managed a team of 10 volunteers
• Participated in fundraising events
• Contributed to selecting and sorting of incoming food & donations

Courses & Training

Including courses and training on your resume can demonstrate your dedication to improving your skills and knowledge. This section should include any relevant courses or certifications you have completed, as well as any professional development activities you have undertaken.

When listing courses and training, make sure to include the name of the course or program, the institution where you completed it, the date of completion, and any relevant certifications or degrees earned. If the course or program is ongoing, indicate this by including the phrase “in progress” after the date.

For example:

• Certificate in Project Management, University of XYZ, May 2022
• Advanced Excel Training, Online Course, in progress

Make sure to only include courses and training that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Including irrelevant courses or training can take up valuable space on your resume and may not be of interest to potential employers.

The skills section of your resume is where you can showcase your abilities and strengths. This section should include both hard skills (such as proficiency in a particular software program) and soft skills (such as communication or leadership skills).

When listing skills, make sure to use specific examples to demonstrate your abilities. For example, instead of simply listing “communication skills,” provide an example in the job interview of a time when you effectively communicated with a team or a client.

Make sure to tailor your skills section to the job you are applying for. Look at the job description and identify the key skills required for the position . Make sure to include those skills in your resume, using specific examples to demonstrate your abilities.

If you are fluent in a language other than your native language, it can be beneficial to include this on your resume. This section should include the languages you are proficient in, as well as your level of proficiency (such as “fluent,” “proficient,” or “basic”).

If you have taken any language courses or have any relevant certifications, make sure to include this information as well.

Hobbies and Interests (optional)

Including a section on hobbies and interests is optional, but it can provide potential employers with a glimpse into your personality and interests outside of work.

When listing hobbies and interests, make sure to choose activities that are relevant to the job or demonstrate skills that could be useful in the workplace. For example, if you are applying for a job in marketing, including activities such as blogging or social media management could be beneficial.

Make sure to keep your hobbies and interests brief and to the point. Only include activities that are relevant and showcase your strengths or abilities.

Overall, writing a great resume requires attention to detail and a strong understanding of what potential employers are looking for. By following these steps and tailoring your resume to the job you are applying for, you can create a compelling and effective resume that showcases your strengths and experience.

Step 4: Tailor Your Resume to the Job

One of the most important things you can do when writing a resume is to tailor it to the job that you are applying for. This means that you should carefully read the job description and make sure that your resume reflects the skills and experience that the employer is looking for.

Use the language from the job description in your resume. If the job description uses specific keywords, make sure to include them in your resume. This will help your resume get past automated screening systems and into the hands of a real human being.

Step 5: Proofread and Edit Your Resume

Before you send your resume to potential employers, it is important to proofread and edit it carefully. Typos and grammatical errors can make you look unprofessional and careless. Here are some tips for proofreading and editing your resume:

• Read your resume backwards. This will help you catch any errors that you might have missed when reading it forwards.
• Use spell check and grammar check. However, don't rely solely on these tools as they may miss some errors.
• Print out your resume and read it on paper. This will help you catch errors that you might have missed on a computer screen.
• Ask a friend or family member to review your resume. They can provide feedback and catch errors that you might have missed.

Step 6: Customize Your Resume for Different Jobs

Finally, it's important to customize your resume for each job that you apply for. This means that you should create a new resume for each job, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to that position.

Here are some tips for customizing your resume:

• Use the job description as a guide. Highlight the skills and experience that the employer is looking for.
• Include keywords from the job description in your resume.
• Tailor your objective or summary statement to the job that you are applying for.
• Highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job.
• Remove any information that is not relevant to the job.

In conclusion, writing a great resume is essential to landing your dream job. By following these steps and tailoring your resume to each job that you apply for, you can increase your chances of getting hired. Remember to choose the right format, use the right font and formatting, include the right sections, tailor your resume to the job, proofread and edit your resume, and customize your resume for different jobs. Good luck with your job search!

Example Resume & CV's

Nutrition consultant resume.

Vet Tech Resume Example

Architect CV

Web Developer Resume

DevOps Manager Resume

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How to write a Resume

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Resume in 2024

About the writers:    Resumaker.ai   is a leading platform for writing personalized resumes. Many satisfied users have successfully taken a significant step forward in their careers by creating a professional resume that clearly showcases their skills through our innovative platform. Job search is not easy, but Resumaker can make it easier for you!

A well-written resume gives you a significant advantage in your job search. We have broken down the steps to perfecting your resume so that you can write a professional, effective and impressive resume, easily and quickly.

Resume writing - 7 important steps:

• Major principles
• Where to create a resume
• General looks and design templates
• Resume structure
• Personal details
• Introduction
• Professional experience
• Recruiters and recruitment systems
• Resume for relocation positions

Major principles Many candidates send resumes to a variety of positions but do not get a response, while others receive a response each time they apply – so why does this happen? Sometimes it can be a result of a well-connected network, other times it can be just pure luck. Regardless of the reason, having a strong resume will make a positive impression on hiring managers and recruiters and set you apart from other candidates.

A resume is a self-marketing tool that is essential in any job search. Not only does it showcase your skills and achievement, but also with the right template and guidance, can help you stand out from other candidates and get you through the first screening stage. Research shows that in the job market, most resumes do not pass the initial screening stage.

Recruiting agencies receive hundreds of resumes daily for each open position, and this number heightened following the Covid-19 pandemic. These resumes undergo an initial screening from the agency, and then passed along to in-house recruiters to screen for their internal positions. However, the screening process does not end there. Recruiters use additional screening methods, such as interviews and assessment tests, to ensure they are finding the right fit for their open positions. Given this lengthy process and the large amount of resumes received for each role, an experienced recruiters take only 5-10 seconds to screen a resume. If a resume is not impressive and professional, the likelihood of the resume moving past the initial screening stage is slim.

To help make sure your resume stands out and moves past the initial screening stage, we have outlined the three major parts in a resume- - look, structure, and content - and we will discuss them in detail.

Where to create the resume? The first step to landing your next career opportunity is to create the resume – but where should you create it?  It is not recommended to send a resume in a Word format, text or image, as it looks unprofessional and may also lead to:

·       Problems in receipt of the resume format by recruiting systems of recruiting agencies. ·       Recruiting agencies can edit the file without your knowledge. ·       The file can be viewed differently on a phone, tablet or computer. ·       Such formats store personal information, including the name of the last person who saved the file, date and time of creation, and location of file. These details are unnecessary and make the file look unprofessional. So what should you do? You should submit your resume in PDF format. This is also the format we use in our platform, for a number of reasons: ·       The design is final and looks the same in any system. ·       There are professional designs that save you valuable time. ·       The file cannot be edited. ·       No personal information is stored in the file properties.

General look and design templates A resume should be neat, grammatically correct, clear, and concise. Sloppy writing will leave a negative impression on the recruiter, as they may think you are not professional enough, and therefore reduce your chances of continuing to the next stage in the recruiting process.

It is important to invest in your resume’s format, as a professional format will greatly increase recruiters’ interest in your resume. Although an impressive resume does not automatically get your foot in the door, it does give you a competitive advantage that will set you apart from competing candidates.

The good news is that you don’t need to have fancy graphic design skills to achieve the impressive resume you are looking for. With our platform, you can easily choose from several templates that were designed by recruiting experts to emphasize your strongest skills. These designs are available on our website, so you can focus your time and energy on your job search.

Resume structure Now let’s discuss how your resume should be structured. This is an important element to creating your resume as it will help recruiters get straight to the details that matter. Specifically, a logical order will give recruiters an accurate picture of the various stages of your career, regardless of content at this point.

The most common structure worldwide, which is the foundation of our resume writing platform, is to list your personal details, introduction, work experience, courses, education, hobbies and references.

You should write your resume in reverse chronological order - Each category should start with your most relevant experience (job, degrees, courses), while your first job, degrees or courses should appear last. This order is particularly useful as it presents your most relevant skills at the very beginning, therefore allowing recruiters to use their 5-10 seconds of screening into good use. It will help them understand your experience without having to go through other roles that may not be relevant to the position you are applying for.

This structure is incredibly dynamic, and you can make some changes in ways you see fit. For example, if you are a recent college graduate with no professional experience, and the main skill you possess is the degree you have successfully completed, you may want to move the education section under the introduction and before your work experience (if there is any).

Content The content of your resume helps recruiters decide whether or not you are suitable for the position. Here are some of the fundamental elements that should be included, followed by some ‘nice to have’s.

Mandatory parts :

·       Personal information (phone number, email etc.) ·       Introduction (not required but recommended) ·       Experience ·       Skills ·       Education

Optional parts: ·       Additional personal details ·       Volunteering work ·       Certificates of excellence and participation in research ·       Hobbies

A resume should not include all the positions you have held since the start of your career, but it should spark the interest of recruiters and help them understand your experience. In an interview (telephone or frontal), you will be able to further elaborate on your experience that was briefly discussed in your resume.

A useful tip is to create several versions of your resume to tailor the requirements of each role you are applying for. You want to be sure that you are not sending out a generic resume to roles that differ in their scope of responsibility, rather highlight the content that is relevant for each role. For example, you may be just the right candidate for the position of ‘sales manager’, as well as ‘sales representative’, but you should present a different toolbox for each position.

Another tip to strengthen the content of your resume is to remove pronouns entirely - you don't need to use 'I', 'he' or 'she' because its use is implied. After all, you're writing a CV about your skills and experience.

Personal and contact details It is recommended to include contact and personal details that are relevant to either the country where it is located or the position you are applying for. There are different practices in each country (a resume with or without a photo, including country prefix, etc.). Certain positions require you to specify the type of driving license you hold, while other places may find this information irrelevant.

For most positions, the following details are mandatory: full name, telephone number and email. You may also include a city or country, foreign citizenship, and year of birth, but this information is optional and you should add it if you believe it can increase your chances to be considered for the position.

Summary Based on reviews of numerous resumes, a resume summary is beneficial to the overall impression on recruiters. Since recruiters go through many resumes and may feel overwhelmed as a result, a resume summary helps provide clarity to the chaos. A summary that sums up your professional experience can help recruiters regain their focus and understand quickly who you are and what type of job you are looking for.

Also, a summary adds a personal touch to a resume. It is the place to write about your particular accomplishments or any statistics you want the recruiter to pay attention to. For example: "Proficient Administrative Assistant with over 9 years of office experience, specializing in administrative work, problem solving, planning and optimal assistance. Proven efficiency with an ability to quickly learn and navigate any computer software program, or office filing system" .

You should include the position in the introduction (for example - "Sales Manager" or "Charismatic Manager"), significant achievements ("Outstanding Graduate", "PhD in Physics"), your most important skills ("Human Relations Specialist", "Specialized in Web Development ") and a focus on your search ("Full Time", "Manhattan, NY").

It is recommended to add one line to convey your motivation, energy and desire to be accepted for the position. Do not write long introduction because it can do more harm than good. Be short, clear and to the point and remember that the introduction should give the recruiter a sense of who you are as a candidate.

If you are not sure that you need to include an introduction, do not add it at all. An irrelevant introduction can give recruiters the wrong impression.

Professional experience Your professional experience tells the recruiters whether you are suitable for the job. Be meticulous in writing this part.

It is unnecessary to include your entire professional past, but only of the last 10 years and only the relevant positions, for example, if you worked for a while during high school as a waiter, then studied accounting and now you are looking for a job as an accountant, do not mention it. This is not about writing an autobiography, rather about giving the recruiter the relevant information to decide if you are suitable for the job. Keep your resume short, clear and concise.

As stated before, you should write in reverse chronological order, with your last or current position appearing first on the list, as it most likely will be the one to elaborate on later in an interview.

You should bear in mind that recruiters prefer bullet point writing style and not a descriptive paragraph. Each bullet point should be different and provide details about the different aspects of your role.

Examples: ·       Leading a global sales team of 10 employees in NYC and abroad. ·       Developing complex web systems using Python, Java, and Node.JS technologies. ·       Store shift supervisor, in charge of employees' shifts and inventory work. ·       In charge of cross-organization projects, meeting objectives and managing an annual budget of 25 million dollars.

It is important to include all the main aspects of the job; do not undersell yourself, but do not overstate areas you have no experience in. You may be asked about the specifics during an interview and you should feel comfortable to elaborate on what you wrote.

This is where you should state your expertise, projects you have worked on, special achievements, productivity, saving time and money for a company, professional leadership, improving a particular process, and all other points that enrich your experience.

alternative source of reference or brief your recruiter regarding the complexity of your relationship.

The contact details of the references can be stated in the resume as the last category, however, in most cases, it is not customary to specify names or contact details. Instead, you may say "References will be provided upon request".

Recruitment systems - ATS The current technology used nowadays to scan and filter resumes is an applicant tracking system (ATS). This system is designed to assist recruiters in the complex process of reviewing and sorting resumes, and ultimately help them manage the process efficiently.

When you send a resume to the company's Jobs e-mail, or submit it through a company's website, your resume reaches a recruitment system that automatically analyzes, filters and processes it, as well as extracts information from it in order to decide if it should be passed to the hiring manager – all without human contact.

This is the reason why you should only work with official resume makers, such as our platform, which has the ability to go through the initial screening stage of such systems. You can also "beat the algorithm" by including keywords in your resume (if you have the relevant experience). Do not include keywords if you do not have the right experience just to "beat the system".

Resume for relocation positions There are specific job search practices in each country, including how to write a resume. There can be different requirements in different fields of occupation. You should conduct preliminary research and understand how the process is conducted in a specific country before you submit your resume to a company that is located in that country, look at examples of resumes, talk to people who live in that country and learn the practices.

The US and Europe have different requirements, at times even within the countries themselves. For instance, some view a photo of a candidate as mandatory and some do not. Some require a cover letter and even an indication of your marital status it needs to estimate the cost of your move.

Conclusion: We have provided you with important information needed to build a professional resume that will grab any employer attention in seconds. Check out our top-notch Resume Examples and try resumaker.ai amazing resume builder which will save you time and land you an interview for your dream job!

Jobscan > Cover Letter Writing Guide

How To Write A Cover Letter in 2024 (Expert Tips and Examples)

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to write a cover letter that will get you noticed by recruiters.

Trusted by:

A survey revealed that 77% of recruiters prefer candidates who send in a cover letter, even if submitting it is optional. Additionally, 90% of executives consider cover letters invaluable when assessing job candidates.

So, if you think cover letters are no longer important and necessary in 2024, think again.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you write a cover letter that effectively sells your skills and professional experience, increases your chances of getting interviews, and gets your foot in the door.

Table of Contents

What is a cover letter and do you still need one in 2024?

A cover letter is a letter of introduction accompanying your resume that paints why you are the best person for the job, what you bring to the table, and how you can help move the company forward.

Is the cover letter dead? No! In fact, a recent study by ResumeLab revealed that 64% of job vacancies still require that you include a cover letter in your application and 83% of HR pros said that cover letters are important for their hiring decision.

The bottom line is that a cover letter is still a valuable piece of your job search collateral. Nail your cover letter and you could end up getting that dream job.

So what exactly do you need to accomplish in your cover letter?

What is the purpose of a cover letter?

According to 49% of HR managers , your cover letter is the second best way to call attention to your resume and distinguish yourself from other applicants.

So the main purpose of your cover letter is to compel the recruiter to read more about you on your resume and move you to the next part of the hiring process.

Further, according to award-winning resume expert Melanie Denny , your cover letter is your value proposition letter. It proves why you are the best candidate to address the company’s needs with the professional skills and qualifications to succeed in the job.

Here’s an example of a great cover letter:

Now let’s get into the details of what your cover letter needs to include.

Cover Letter Structure Checklist

Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to include in your cover letter.

• Contact Details Name Address (or City, State with zip code) Phone number Email address
• Greeting Whenever possible, address the hiring manager by name.
• Opening Who are you? What are your relevant skills and accomplishments?
• Body (1-2 paragraphs) What do you know about the company? Why are you applying for this job? What value can you bring to the company? Include measurable results when possible.
• Closing Reiterate your interest. Add a Call to Action. Mention any attachments. Use a professional sign-off like “Best” or “Sincerely” before your full name.

Here’s an example for the visual learners out there:

Now that you know the basics of what to include in your cover letter, let’s go through the process from start to finish to see how you can write a cover letter that will make you stand out from the rest of the candidates.

How to write a cover letter in 9 steps

It can be intimidating to try to parse down all your best qualities into a few quick paragraphs for your cover letter.

Here are 9 steps you can take to make sure you’re headed in the right direction:

Step 1. Do your research

Before writing your cover letter, thoroughly read the job description and the requirements for the job.

Melanie Denny , award-winning resume expert, likens the job description to your cover letter cheat sheet. And when checking the job description, she says you need to consider the following:

• What are the company’s priorities?
• What are their goals for the role?
• What outcomes and accomplishments in your previous roles match the goals?
• What are the key phrases and verbiage the company uses?

This will help you customize your cover letter, angle yourself and your narrative to fit the role better, and impress the hiring manager.

Try reaching out to the recruiter, hiring manager, or someone working in the company if you want more in-depth information about the company and the position you are applying for.

Step 2. Customize your cover letter for every job

Make sure your cover letter matches the job you are applying for. Writing a generic cover letter is a missed opportunity as this will not appeal to the recruiter or hiring manager. According to research from ResumeGo , 81% of HR professionals value job-specific cover letters over generic ones. Jobseekers who had tailored cover letters received a 53% higher callback rate compared to those who had no cover letter.

Remember, your cover letter is your chance to prove that you are passionate about working for a given company, so take the time to write a tailored cover letter for each position . You can do this by mentioning your skills and experience that are directly related to what’s mentioned in the job description. If you’re applying for a data analyst role that requires expertise in Microsoft Power BI, cite an example of a Power BI dashboard you built and how it helped the company.

Read our full guide: How to Optimize Your Cover Letter

Step 3. Include all of your contact info

You should make it easy for the hiring manager to reach you. In your cover letter, list these three things:

• Address (including zip code– for ATS purposes )
• Phone number with area code
• Email address
• Name of the Hiring Manager
• Name of the Company
• Address of the Company

Traditionally, your contact information is included in the upper left corner of your cover letter if you’re writing in a document. If you’re writing an email, this can be included beneath your signature at the end of the message.

Cover Letter Header Example:

Jane Jobscan Seattle, WA 98101 (555) 555-5555 • [email protected] linkedin.com/in/jane-jobscan

February 25, 2024

Lavinia Smith Hiring Manager Media Raven, Inc. Plantersville, MS 38862

Step 4. Address your cover letter to a real person

According to Melanie Denny, resume expert and President of Resume-Evolution, addressing your cover letter to a real person and addressing them by their name feels more personal and shows recruiters and hiring managers that you took time and did the research.

You can usually find the hiring manager’s name by searching the company website or LinkedIn profile, or by calling the company and asking which hiring manager is assigned to the particular position.

Once you learn the name, a simple greeting of “John” or “Hello John” is all you need.

If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, you can use any of the following:

• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear (Department) Team
• To whom it may concern

Read our full guide: How to Address a Cover Letter

Step 5. Write a strong opening statement

Melanie Denny suggests that you start your cover letter with a bang. This will hook the hiring manager’s interest and show them how you can be a valuable addition to the team.

Here are things you can do:

• Open with a thought-provoking question
• Make a big claim about what you can do for the company
• Say something relevant and specific to the company

For example,

“I want to bring the marketing department of Media Raven Inc. to the next level and help the company exceed goals and reach more customers as Marketing Manager.”

Step 6. Prove how your professional background and skills help the company in the body of your cover letter

Take advantage of this real estate and prove to the prospective employer how your background, values, and professional experiences position you as the best fit for what the role requires.

This is especially important if you are switching careers. Highlight your relevant accomplishments in your cover letter, showcase your transferable skills, and explain how you can help the company address its challenges and succeed.

For example:

“As the Director of Marketing at ABC Company since 2018, I directed all phases of both the creative and technical elements of marketing initiatives, including data mining, brand creation, print/web collateral development, lead generation, channel partner cultivation, customer segmentation/profiling, as well as CRM and acquisition strategies.

Perhaps most importantly, I offer a history of proven results, as evidenced by the following marketing accomplishments for my current employer:

• Captured a 28% expansion in customer base since 2018, achieved during a period of overall decline in the retail industry.
• Led national marketing campaign (comprised of trade shows, media, and PR initiatives) for my company’s newly launched technology services division
• Developed and executed SEO strategy that achieved and sustained top 3 rankings on Google (organic, nonpaid results) for key product search terms.
• Oversaw the creation of a new company logo and rebranded 100+ products to cement a cohesive corporate identity and support new company direction.”

Just like when writing a resume, your cover letter should only include the most relevant and positive information about you. To home in on the right skills and qualifications to mention, try scanning your cover letter .

Read our full guide: What Do You Put in a Cover Letter?

Step 7. Write a strong closing statement and a call to action

Use the closing of your cover letter to:

• Thank the hiring manager for their time
• Mention any attachments (resume, portfolio, samples)
• Invite to schedule an interview
• Let the hiring manager know that you will follow up

Keep the closing professional and try not to sound too eager since that can come off as desperate. You must also keep in mind the tone and personality of the company you’re communicating with.

“Given the opportunity, I’m confident I can achieve similar groundbreaking marketing results for Media Raven, Inc.

Ms. Smith, I would welcome the chance to discuss your marketing objectives and how I can help you attain them. Feel free to call me at (555) 555-5555 or email me at [email protected] to arrange a meeting. I look forward to speaking with you.”

Read our full guide: How to End a Cover Letter With a Call to Action

Step 8. End with a professional closing salutation

To finish out the closing , use a formal signature. You can use “Sincerely,” “Best,” “Regards,” “Yours,” or any other professional signoff.

Use your first and last name as your signature. If you’re sending your cover letter in the body of an email, make sure it’s your personal email account that does not list your current work signature beneath the email. Your other option is to write the cover letter in a word document, save it as a PDF, and attach it to your email.

Step 9. Optimize your cover letter for the ATS

The Applicant Tracking System or the ATS is a software that companies use to screen applications and shrink their pool of applicants. Through the ATS database, a recruiter or hiring manager can just search for specific skills and keywords and the ATS will return a list of the top candidates who match the search criteria.

To optimize your cover letter for ATS, you need to:

• Carefully read the job description
• Take note of skills and resume keywords frequently mentioned
• Incorporate these keywords into your cover letter

Read our full guide: How to Optimize Your Cover Letter to Beat the ATS

Does your cover letter pass the test?

Scan your cover letter to see how well it matches the job you're applying for. Optimize your cover letter and resume with Jobscan to get more interviews.

How to Format Your Cover Letter

A cover letter is a letter, but that doesn’t mean you should just plop everything onto the page in a stream-of-consciousness flow. After all, cover letter formats determine the order in which the hiring manager learns about you, which can significantly influence their first impression. Use the format order below as a guideline for building the structure of your cover letter.

Notice how the topics flow like a conversation? When you first meet someone, you introduce yourself, tell them your name and a little about yourself, and then leave the conversation open for future meetings.

Your cover letter is just a like having a conversation with someone for the first time. Keeping that in mind will help you to keep things simple and focus on the right information.

Below are some examples of how to format your cover letter for different types of applications.

How to format your cover letter for a job

• State your name
• Explain your work history
• Tell them what you can do for their company
• Say goodbye

How to format your cover letter for an internship

• Explain your coursework history and education
• Explain what you can gain professionally

How to format your cover letter with no experience

• Explain your skillset and character qualities that make you well-suited for the role
• Outline entry-level achievements

You can also check out our cover letter templates to help you as you write your own cover letter.

Do you want to save time and receive instant feedback on your cover letter? Check out Jobscan’s cover letter tool .

Read more : How to Write a Resume for Today’s Job Market

Cover Letter Examples

Here are some examples to help you create a cover letter that will make you stand out and give a strong first impression.

1. Internship Cover Letter Example

2. Career Change Cover Letter Example

3. Operations Manager Cover Letter Example

4. Communications Professional Cover Letter Example

5. Software Engineer Cover Letter Example

Cover Letter Do’s and Don’ts

Aside from the basic steps of how to write a cover letter, there are some things you definitely need to make sure you avoid – and things you can’t skip! Follow these do’s and don’ts for writing a cover letter, and you’ll end up with a much better result.

• Use a cover letter unless one was requested.
• Attach a cover letter directly to your resume unless requested to do so.
• Use the same boilerplate cover letter for multiple job applications.
• Over-explain your work history, employment gaps, or qualifications – save it for the interview.
• Badmouth any of your past employers.
• Use the cover letter to complain or tell about your job search journey.
• Use non-standard formatting like tables, columns, or graphics. (ATS can’t read those and your cover letter copy might not be scannable by the system.)
• Use long paragraphs.
• Customize a cover letter for every job application that asks for one.
• Incorporate the top skills or keywords from the job description in your cover letter.
• Include the company name and address, the job title, and point of contact’s name on your cover letter.
• Incorporate relevant and compelling measurable results in your cover letter.
• Explain, briefly, any dramatic shifts in a career (i.e. you are changing industries or job titles).
• Use company information to relate your interest in the job.
• Keep your cover letter concise.
• Convey WHY you are right for the position.

More Cover Letter Tips

• When emailing your cover letter, be strategic with your subject line. Never leave the subject line blank, and double-check for specific instructions in the job posting. If possible, use the email subject line to sell yourself. For example: “Experienced Software Engineer Seeks Senior Level Mobile Position.”
• Keep your cover letter brief and to the point. The hiring manager will be reading many cover letters. By carefully selecting your words and experiences to include, you can stand out from the crowd of applicants.
• Be confident. Let the hiring manager know the reasons why you deserve this position, and make yourself believe them too!
• Your cover letter should not be simply a rephrasing of your resume. Let your personality show and go into further detail about your most valuable skills and experiences.
• Do your research on the company and position before writing the cover letter. It should be customized to that specific company’s values and needs. Hiring managers can spot a generic resume from a mile away.
• Use the job posting as your guide for what topics, skills, and experience to focus on.
• The best cover letters include keywords from the job posting. Applicant tracking systems may scan your cover letter along with your resume and will be using these keywords to sort through the applicants.
• Check for spelling and grammar errors.
• Send your cover letter as a PDF to avoid readability issues and to present the most professional application package.
• Scan Your Cover Letter with Jobscan to make sure you’re checking all the boxes.

Optimize Your Cover Letter with Jobscan’s Cover Letter Scanner

In addition to resume scans, Jobscan Premium users can also scan their cover letters against a job description.

This generates a report of the top hard skills and soft skills found in the job description that should be included in your cover letter, plus additional checks for optimal length, contact information, measurable results, and more.

Here’s how it works:

Key Takeaways

Your cover letter gives recruiters, hiring managers, and prospective employers an overview of your professional qualifications and relevant accomplishments that position you as the best candidate for the job.

So you have to make your cover letter powerful and interesting enough to make the recruiter or hiring manager read your resume and move you to the next step of the hiring process.

Here are key pointers when writing your cover letter.

• Make sure you’ve read the job description and done your research about the company.
• Get to know the name of the recruiter or hiring manager so you can address your cover letter properly.
• Include relevant and measurable accomplishments in the body of your cover letter to prove to the hiring manager that you have what it takes to succeed in the job.
• Keep your cover letter short and concise.
• Your cover letter is not a substitute for your resume so don’t just copy and paste whatever is in your resume into your cover letter.

One last important reminder!

Having a strong cover letter is not enough. You also need to create a killer resume to make sure you stand out and land job interviews.

Learn more about writing a cover letter

How to Address a Cover Letter

10 Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

The Career Change Cover Letter: How to Get it Right

What Do You Put in a Cover Letter?

Is Your Cover Letter Robot-Approved?

How to End a Cover Letter with a Call to Action

Frequently asked questions, what are the different types of cover letters.

There are four types of cover letters.

• Application cover letter An application cover letter is what you send to the recruiter or hiring manager along with your resume.
• Prospecting cover letter You send this when you want to inquire prospective employers about open positions in their company or put yourself top-of-mind when they do decide to hire.
• Networking cover letter You will send this to professionals in your network in hopes of getting referrals, introductions, job search advice, and job opportunities.
• Career change cover letter This is what you send when you are switching careers or industries.

What tense should I use when writing a cover letter?

It can be appropriate to change tenses throughout your cover letter.

For example, you can explain who you are in the present tense and explain important aspects of your work history in the past tense. You can switch to future perfect tense when discussing the ways you would perform if given the position.

Think of it like this, “I am ABC, I did XYZ previously, and I look forward to doing EFG in this position.”

What to include in a cover letter

Our cover letter guidelines above explain how to write a cover letter more deeply, but in summary, you should always include your name, relevant work experience, and reasons why you are right for the job in your cover letter.

When not to include a cover letter

• When the job posting clearly states not to include a cover letter
• When you don’t have the time and energy to customize your cover letter. It’s better not to send a cover letter than to send a half-baked and mediocre one.
• When you are applying online and there is no field to upload your cover letter.
• When your cover letter has a lot of typos and errors.

What should you send first: a cover letter or a resume?

Typically, your cover letter and resume will be sent as a pair, but your cover letter is meant to be an introduction to your resume. If it is an email, use the cover letter in the body and attach your resume, otherwise, attach both.

Pro Tip: Be sure to review all instructions in the job description to follow the hiring manager’s requests.

How long should a cover letter be?

According to 70% of recruiters, a cover letter should not exceed 250 to 300 words.

Although there is no hard and fast rule about this, the ideal cover letter length should be around half a page to one full page in length to keep your message concise, clear, and easy to digest.

Should a cover letter be sent as a file attachment?

If it is not specified in the job posting, a cover letter can be sent either as an attachment (PDF is best) or in the body of an application email with your resume attached.

How to share a cover letter with a potential employer

There are several methods of sharing a cover letter with potential employers, depending on their application process.

Cover letters can be written on a document and turned into a PDF to be uploaded to a job application website or attached to an email along with your resume.

In other cases, your cover letter can simply be written in the email message to a hiring manager, with your resume attached.

How to title and save your cover letter

The key in every aspect of job applications is to make yourself an easy “yes” for your potential employer. That means making it easy for the hiring manager to keep track of your application materials for later review. With this in mind, make sure your full name and the phrase “cover letter” are included in the file label. Other helpful details might include the job title you’re applying for or the year of your application.

Here are a few examples:

• Your Name_Cover Letter_Job Title.pdf
• Cover Letter_Your Name_Job Title.pdf
• Job Title_Your Name_Cover Letter.pdf
• Your Name_Cover Letter_2024.pdf
• Cover Letter_Your Name_2024.pdf

Explore more cover letter resources

Cover Letter Formats

ATS-Optimized Cover Letter

Cover Letter Templates

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Say goodbye to the stress of writing a cover letter from scratch. Our AI-powered cover letter generator uses GPT-4 technology to create a personalized and ATS-friendly cover letter in one click. Stand out from the competition and land more job interviews.

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