do resumes help you get a job

How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide

For most job-seekers, a good resume is what stands between a dream job and Choice D. Get your resume right, and you’ll be getting replies from every other company you apply to.

If your resume game is weak, though, you’ll end up sitting around for weeks, maybe even months, before you even get a single response.

So you’re probably wondering how you can write a resume that gets you an interview straight up.

Well, you’ve come to the right place!

In this guide, we’re going to teach you everything you need to know about how to make a resume, including:

• The 8 Essential Steps to Writing a Resume
• 11+ Exclusive Resume Tips to Up Your Resume Game
• 27+ Real-Life Resume Examples for Different Professions

….and more!

So, let’s dive right in.

How to Make a Resume (The Right Way!)

Before we go into detail about how you should make a resume, here’s a summary of the most important steps and tips to keep in mind:

• Choose a resume format carefully. In 99% of cases, we recommend the reverse-chronological format .
• Add the right contact details. Leave your headshot out and make sure to include your job title , a professional email address, and any relevant links. (E.g.: your LinkedIn profile , online portfolio, personal website, etc.).
• Write an impactful resume summary. Unless you’re an entry-level professional, always go for a resume summary. If you do it right, it’s your chance to get the hiring manager to go through the rest of your resume in detail.
• Pay attention to your work experience section. Take your work experience section from OK-ish to exceptional by tailoring it to the job ad, making your achievements quantifiable, and using action verbs and power words.
• Add the right skills for the job. Keep this section relevant by only including the hard and soft skills that are required for the position.
• Keep your education short and to the point. Your most recent and highest degree is more than enough for a strong education section. You only need to add more details here if you’re a recent graduate with barely any work experience.
• Leverage optional resume sections. Optional sections like languages, hobbies, certifications, independent projects, and others can set you apart from other candidates with similar skills and experience.
• Include a cover letter. That’s right, cover letters matter in 2024, and the best way to supplement your resume is by adding an equally well-crafted cover letter to your job application. To make the most of it, check out our detailed guide on how to write a cover letter .

To get the most out of our tips, you can head over to the resume builder and start building your resume on the go as you read this guide.

New to resume-making? Give our ‘7 Resume Tips’ video a watch before diving into the article!

#1. Pick the Right Resume Format

Before you start filling in the contents of your resume, you have to make sure it’s going to look good. 

After all, the first thing hiring managers notice is what your resume looks like, and then they start reading it. So, this is your best chance to make a great first impression.

Start by choosing the right resume format.

There are three types of resume formats out there:

• Reverse-chronological. This is by far the most popular resume format worldwide and, as such, it’s the best format for most job-seekers.
• Functional. This resume format focuses more on skills than work experience. It’s a good choice if you’re just getting started with your career and have little to no experience in the field.
• Combination. The combination resume format is a great choice for experienced job-seekers with a very diverse skill set. It’s useful if you’re applying for a role that requires expertise in several different fields and you want to show all that in your resume.

So, which one should you go for?

In 99% of cases, you want to stick to the reverse-chronological resume format . It’s the most popular format and what hiring managers expect to see. So, in the rest of this guide, we’re going to focus on teaching you how to make a reverse-chronological resume.

Fix Your Resume’s Layout

With formatting out of the way, let’s talk about your resume’s layout , which determines the overall look of your resume. 

Does it look organized or cluttered? Is it too short or too long? Is it boring and easy to ignore, or is it reader-friendly and attention-grabbing?

Here are some of the best practices you should apply:

• Stick to one page. You should only go for a two-page resume if you have decades of experience and you’re sure the extra space will add significant value. Hiring managers in big companies get hundreds of applications per job opening. They’re not going to spend their valuable time reading your life story!
• Add clear section headings. Pick a heading and use it for all the section headers so the hiring manager can easily navigate through your resume.
• Adjust the margins. Without the right amount of white space, your resume will end up looking overcrowded with information. Set your margins to one inch on all sides so your text fits just right on the page.
• Choose a professional font. We’d recommend sticking to a font that’s professional but not overused. For example, Ubuntu, Roboto, or Overpass. Avoid Times New Roman, and never use Comic Sans.
• Set the correct font size. As a rule of thumb, go for 11-12 pt for normal text and 14-16 pt for section titles.
• Use a PDF file. Always save your resume as a PDF file, unless the employer specifically requests otherwise. Word files are popular, but there’s a good chance they’ll mess up your resume’s formatting.

Another thing you need to consider in terms of your resume’s layout is whether you’re going for a traditional-looking resume template or something a bit more modern :

If you’re pursuing a career in a more traditional industry, like law , banking , or finance , you might want to stick to the first.

But if you’re applying to a tech company where imagination and innovation are valued, you can pick a more creative resume template .

Want to Save Time? Use a (Free) Resume Template

Anyone who’s ever tried creating a resume from scratch knows how boring the formatting can be.

Before you can even start filling in the contents, you need to tweak the margins, adjust font sizes, and make sure everything fits into one page while still looking good.

What if you could skip past all that and still create a compelling resume?

Try one of our free resume templates . They’re pre-formatted, so all you have to do is fill in the contents.

They’re also created in collaboration with recruiters from around the globe, ensuring that the templates are visually appealing and ATS-friendly!

See for yourself how one of our templates compares to a resume created in a standard text editor:

#2. Add Your Contact Information

Now that we’ve got all the formatting out of the way, let’s get into what your resume is all about— the information you put on it .

The first thing you want to do when filling out the contents of your resume is to add your contact information .

This section is pretty straightforward but crucial. Your contact details belong at the top of your resume in a designated resume header , so the hiring manager can easily find them.

Even if everything else about your resume is perfect, that all flops if you misspell your email address or have a typo in your phone number. If the hiring manager can’t contact you, it’s a missed opportunity.

So, double-check, and even triple-check your contact information section and make sure everything is factually correct and up-to-date.

Must-Have Information

• Full name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top of your resume.
• Email address. Stick to an address that’s professional and easy to spell, like a combination of your first and last name. (E.g.: [email protected])
• Phone number. Add a reliable number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
• Location. Add your city and state/country. If you plan to relocate for the job or want a remote position, specify it on your resume.

Optional Information

• Job title. Add your professional title underneath. Write it down word for word, whether it’s “Digital Marketing Specialist” or “Junior Data Scientist.” Just don’t make up job titles like “Marketing Wizzard” or “Data Manipulator.” They’re not quirky; they’re just unprofessional. 
• LinkedIn profile . We recommend that you include a link to your updated LinkedIn profile since over 77% of hiring managers use the platform when evaluating a candidate. 
• Relevant links. Include links to personal websites or any social media profiles that are relevant to your field. For example, a developer could include a Github profile, while a graphic designer could link their Behance or Driblle account, and so on.
• Date of birth. Unless this is specifically required in the job ad, the hiring manager doesn’t need to know how old you are. It’s not important for their decision-making, and at worst, it might lead to age-based discrimination.
• Unprofessional email address. Your quirky, old high school email address doesn’t belong on your resume. Instead of [email protected] , go for a [email protected] type of address.
• Headshot. (USA, UK or Ireland) Depending on the country where you’re applying, it might even be illegal to include a picture of yourself on your resume . While it’s the norm to include a picture in most of Europe and Asia, always check the regulations for each specific country or industry you’re applying to.

All clear? Good! Now, let’s look at what a great example of a resume's contact information section looks like:

#3. Write a Resume Headline (Summary or Objective)

It's no secret that recruiters spend an average of less than seven seconds on a resume .

When you receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications daily, it's physically impossible to spend too much time on each.

So, what the hiring managers do to go through resumes more effectively is to skim through each resume and read it in depth only if it piques their interest.

This is where the resume headline comes in.

Placed right next to (or underneath) your contact information, this brief paragraph is the first thing the hiring manager is going to read on your resume.

Now, depending on how far along in your career you are, your resume headline can be either a resume summary or a resume objective.

So, how do you choose between a resume summary and a resume objective? Here’s all you need to know:

Resume Summary

A resume summary, as the name suggests, is a two to three-sentence summary of your career so far. If done right, it shows that you’re a qualified candidate at a glance and gets the hiring manager to give you a chance.

Here’s what your resume summary should include:

• Your job title and years of experience.
• A couple of your greatest professional achievements or core responsibilities.
• Your most relevant skills for the job.

Here’s an example of a well-written resume summary: 

Experienced Java Developer with 5 years of experience in building scalable and efficient applications. Contributed to a major project that enhanced application performance by 25%. Strong background in Spring Framework and microservices. Aiming to apply robust coding skills to develop innovative software solutions at XYZ Tech Solutions.

Unless you’re a recent graduate or amid a career change, we recommend you stick to a resume summary. Otherwise, a resume objective might be a better option for you.

Resume Objective

A resume objective is supposed to express your professional goals and aspirations, academic background, and any relevant skills you may have for the job.

It communicates your motivation for getting into a new field, so it’s the go-to headline for recent graduates and those going through a career change. As with a resume summary, a resume objective should be brief—around two to four sentences long.

So, here’s what it would look like if you’re a student:

Hard-working recent graduate with a B.A. in Graphic Design from New York State University seeking new opportunities. 3+ years of practical experience working with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, creating illustrations and UX/UI design projects. Looking to grow as a designer and perfect my art at XYZ Design Studio.

Or, on the other hand, if you’re going through a career change, it might look more like this:

IT project manager with 5+ years of experience in software development. Managed a team of developers to create products for several industries, such as FinTech and HR tech. Looking to leverage my experience in managing outsourced products as a Product Owner at Company XYZ.

#4. Prioritize Your Work Experience

The most important part of your resume is your work experience.

This is where you get to sell yourself and show off your previous accomplishments and responsibilities.

If you manage to master this section, you’ll know most of what’s there to know about how to make a resume.

There are plenty of good practices for writing your work experience . But before we dive into all the nits and grits, let's start with the basics.

The standard format for each work experience entry is as follows:

• Job title/position. Your job title goes on top of each work experience entry. When the hiring manager looks at your resume, you want them to know, at a glance, that you have relevant work experience for the job.
• Company name/location/description. Mention the name of the employer and the general location, such as the city and state/country where you worked. In some cases, you may also want to briefly describe the company, like when the organization isn’t particularly well-known.
• Dates employed. Add the approximate timeframe of your employment at each company. You don’t need to give exact dates since the standard format for this is mm/yyyy.
• Achievements and responsibilities. This is the core of each work experience entry. Depending on your field, you want to list either your achievements or responsibilities. List them in bullet points instead of paragraphs, so they’ll be easier to read.

Here’s a real-life example:

Your work experience entries should always be listed in reverse chronological order , starting with your most recent job and working your way back into the past.

Now that you know how to list your experience, we’re going to show you how to write about it in a way that makes you stand out from the competition, starting with: 

Are you a student with no work experience? We’ve got you covered. Check out our guide to writing a resume with no experience here.

Focus on Achievements Whenever Possible

One of the most common resume mistakes is only listing responsibilities in your work experience section.

Here’s the thing—in most cases, the hiring manager knows exactly what your job responsibilities are.

For example, if you’re a sales manager, your responsibilities would be:

• Reach out to potential clients over the phone or email.
• Maintain relationships with existing company clients and upsell relevant products.
• Tracking and reporting on leads in CRM.

Coincidentally, this is also the same list of responsibilities for every sales manager out there. So, 90% of all other resumes probably mention the same thing.

To stand out from the competition, you want to focus on writing achievements in your resume instead. These can be how you helped your previous company grow, reach quarterly quotas, and so on.

Let’s compare how responsibilities hold up next to achievements for the same job:

• Exceeded sales team KPIs by 30%+ for 3 months straight.
• Generated over $24,000 in sales in 1 month.
• Generated leads through cold-calling
• Managed existing company clients

Keep in mind, though, that in some fields, there just aren’t that many achievements you can mention. Let’s say you’re a warehouse worker .

Your day-to-day responsibilities probably include:

• Loading, unloading, and setting up equipment daily.
• Packaging finished products and getting them ready for shipping.
• Assisting in opening and closing the warehouse.

In fields like this, it’s pretty hard to distinguish yourself through achievements, so it’s okay to stick to responsibilities instead. You can still make them shine by following the rest of our advice about listing your work experience.

Keep in mind, though, that in some fields, there aren’t that many achievements you can mention. Let’s say you work in a warehouse. Your day-to-day responsibilities probably involve:

• Loading, unloading and setting up equipment on a daily basis.
• Package finished product and get it ready for shipping.
• Assist in opening and closing the warehouse.

In such fields, it’s pretty hard to distinguish yourself, so it’s totally OK to stick to responsibilities instead.

Tailor Your Resume to the Job

Tailoring is what sets an amazing resume apart from an okay one.

Hiring managers don’t need to know about every single job you’ve ever worked at or every single skill that you have.

They only want to know about your jobs, experiences, or skills that are relevant to the role you’re applying for.

For example, if you’re applying for a job doing Google Ads, you don’t need to talk about your SEO internship from eight years ago.

By focusing your resume on whatever is important for the specific role, you’re a lot more likely to stand out and catch the hiring manager’s attention.

Let’s take a look at an example of a job ad:

As you can see, we’ve highlighted the most important requirements.

To tailor your resume accordingly, you just need to mention how you meet each of these requirements in your resume.

You can highlight your relevant achievements and qualifications in different parts of your resume, such as:

• In your resume summary, where you should recap your years of experience.
• Throughout your work experience section, where you should list achievements and responsibilities that reflect your social media marketing experience.
• In your education section, where you can let the hiring manager know you have the degree that they’re looking for.

Include the Right Amount of Work Experience

If you’ve got over a decade’s worth of work experience, you’re probably wondering whether all of it belongs on your resume. In most cases, you’d end up writing a novel if you listed everything you’ve ever done, and that’s not how long a resume should be .

If you’re new to the job market, on the other hand, you probably don’t have any experience, and you’re wondering what you could even add to this section.

So, here’s how much information your resume should include, depending on your level of experience:

• No experience. If you’re looking for your first job , you won’t have any work experience to fill this section with. So, you can either keep it empty and focus on all the other sections or fill it up with any experience gained in student organizations, extracurricular activities, volunteering, and other projects.
• Entry-level. List all your work experience so far. While some of it won’t be relevant, it can still show the hiring manager that you do have some actual work experience.
• Mid-level. Only mention relevant work experience to the position you’re applying for. There’s no need to waste space on jobs that aren’t related to what you’re after.
• Senior-level. List up to 15 years of relevant work experience, tops. If your most recent experience is as a marketing executive , the hiring manager doesn’t care how you started your career as a junior marketing specialist 23 years ago.

Consider Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Software

Did you know that over 70% of resumes don’t even make it to the hiring manager ?

Most companies these days use ATS to evaluate hundreds of resumes instantaneously and automatically filter out the ones that don’t meet their criteria.

For example, if a resume doesn’t mention a specific skill or isn’t formatted correctly, the ATS will automatically reject it.

Fortunately, there are some easy ways to make an ATS-friendly resume .

Here are a couple of tips to help you get past those pesky robots:

• Stick to one page. Sometimes employers set a limit on how long a resume should be. This means that if your resume is longer than one page, it might get automatically disqualified.
• Incorporate keywords. Tailoring your resume to the job helps a ton with beating the ATS. Just carefully read the job description to find hints for what the ATS will be looking for. Then, whenever you find keywords related to your responsibilities and achievements, make sure to include them in your work experience section.
• Use an active voice. Passive voice is too vague and unclear, so make sure to use active voice as much as possible when describing your previous jobs. (E.g.: “Managed a team of ten people,” instead of “ A team of ten people was managed by me.” )
• Leverage powerful action words. Instead of starting each of your sentences with “was responsible for," make your work experience impactful by using words that can grab attention. Saying that you “spearheaded” or “facilitated” something sounds a lot more impressive than “helped.”

Want to make sure your resume formatting passes the ATS test? Choose one of our tried and tested ATS-friendly resume templates , and you’ll be good to go! 

#5. List Your Education

The next section on your resume is dedicated to your academic qualifications. Let’s start with the basics!

Here’s how you should format the education section on your resume :

• Program Name. Your major and degree type should be listed. (E.g.: “B.A. in Business Administration” )
• University Name. Add the name of the institution. (E.g.: “New York State University” )
• Dates Attended. Use a mm/yyyy format for the dates you attended. (E.g.: “08/2008 - 06/2012” )
• Location. If your university is less well-known, you can also add the location. (E.g.: “Stockholm, Sweden” )
• GPA. Use the appropriate grading system for the country you’re applying to work in. (E.g.: In the USA, it would be “3.9 GPA” )
• Honors. Add any honors and distinctions you’ve been given. (E.g.: Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude )
• Achievements. You can mention interesting papers you’ve written, projects you’ve done, or relevant coursework you’ve excelled in.
• Minor. “Minor in Psychology”

Pretty simple, right? Now let’s see what an education section looks like in practice:

This example includes all the necessary information, plus an eye-catching award and relevant classes this candidate has taken.

Resume Education Tips

Now that you know how to list your education on your resume, let’s take this section to the next level.

Just follow these expert tips:

• If you’re making a resume as a student and don’t have any work experience yet, you can list your education section at the beginning of the page instead of work experience.
• You can add your expected graduation date if you’re still pursuing your degree.
• If you already have relevant work experience, just keep this section short and sweet. Recent graduates can expand on their education more and add optional information like projects, classes, academic achievements, etc.
• Always list your degrees in reverse chronological order, starting with your highest degree on top. Your highest and most recent degree is usually enough, so if you have a Master’s degree that’s relevant to the job, there’s no need to mention your earlier degrees.
• Don’t add your high school degree to your resume if you already have a university degree. It doesn’t have as much weight, and you can use the space for something else.
• Only mention your GPA if you had an impressive academic career. Anything below a 3.5 GPA doesn’t need to be on your resume.

Are you in the process of applying for college? Check out our guide to writing a college application resume to wow that admissions officer!

#6. Emphasize Your Know-How in the Skills Section

After your work experience, your skills are the first thing the hiring manager is going to look for. In fact, together, work experience and skills make up 90% of the hiring decision .

So, this is the place where you want to mention all the know-how that makes you the perfect candidate for the job.

There are two types of skills you can include when writing your resume:

• Hard Skills. These are measurable abilities. What you can list here can be anything from coding in Python to knowing how to cook Thai cuisine.
• Soft Skills. Also known as personal skills, these are a mix of communication skills , personal traits, career attributes, and more. They can include leadership, critical thinking, and time management , just to name a few.

Your resume should always cover both hard skills and soft skills . Here’s an example in action:

Now, let’s discuss how you should list your most important skills on your resume.

There are a few essential steps you need to follow:

Always List Hard and Soft Skills Separately

Your resume should be easy and neat to navigate. The hiring manager shouldn’t have to waste time looking for a specific skill because you didn’t separate it into the appropriate subsection.

So, just create separate categories for your hard and soft skills.

Depending on your field, you could customize the name of your “hard skills” subsection to something like “technical skills," “marketing skills," or something else related to your field.

Let’s look at an example of what skills look like on a project manager’s resume :

Methodologies & Tools

• Agile Methodology
• SCRUM Framework
• Waterfall Project Management
• Microsoft Project
• Critical Path Method (CPM)
• Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Risk Management

Soft Skills

• Team Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Negotiation

Tailor Your Skills to the Job

You might have some awesome skills, but the hiring manager only needs to know about the ones that are relevant to the job.

For example, if you’re applying for a job as an accountant, your gourmet chef skills shouldn’t be on your resume.

Look at the job ad and list at least two to three essential skills you have that are required for the role. Remember—there’s no need to list every skill you have here; just keep it relevant.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Graphic Design or a related field.
• Tech-savvy, with some background in CMS systems such as WordPress.
• Thrives in a stressful environment and juggles multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Self-reliant, with the ability to manage their own work.
• A can-do attitude and an outside-the-box thinker.
• Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Keynote, and Pages.
• Basic understanding of Office software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

So, the must-have hard skills here are Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Keynote, and Pages. Other good computer skills to have are WordPress or similar CMS systems.

While you can also mention Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, it’s pretty much assumed that you know how to use them since they’re required for most office jobs.

List Hard Skills with Experience Levels

For each hard skill you list on your resume, you should also mention your proficiency level. This tells employers what they can expect from you and how much training you might need.

• Beginner. You have some experience with the skill, whether it’s from some entry-level practice or classroom education.
• Intermediate. You’ve used the skill in a work environment with good understanding.
• Advanced. You’re the go-to person for this skill in your office. You can coach other employees, and you understand the skill at a high level.
• Expert. You’ve applied this skill to more than a handful of different projects and organizations. You’re the go-to person for advice about the skill, not just in your office but even amongst some of the best professionals in your field.

Just make sure to never lie about your actual skill level. Even if you get the job, once you need those skills you exaggerated, it will be pretty awkward for both you and your employer.

Include Transferable Skills

These are the types of skills that are useful for almost any job out there.

Transferable skills can be both soft skills (e.g.: teamwork, creativity, problem-solving skills, and others) and hard skills (MS Office Suite, HTML, writing, etc.)

Whatever job you’re applying to, chances are you have transferable skills from your experience that can come in handy one way or another. So, feel free to include them, even if they’re not specifically required for the position.

Not sure which skills to mention on your resume for your specific field? Check out our list of 101+ essential skills for inspiration!

#7. Leverage Optional Resume Sections

The sections we’ve covered so far are must-haves for any resume. They’re the bread-and-butter for any job application, and if you get them right, you’ll land any job you apply to.

But if you have some leftover space, there are a few optional sections you can choose from to give your resume a boost!

Are you bi-lingual? Or even better  – multi-lingual? You should always mention that on your resume!

Even if the position doesn’t require you to know a specific language, it can still come in handy at some point. At the end of the day, it’s always better to know more languages than less.

To list languages in your resume , just write them down and assign them the appropriate level:

• Intermediate

You can also use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) or the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency scales.

As a given, you should never lie about your language skills. You never know—your interviewer might turn out to be fluent in the language or even be a native speaker!

Hobbies and Interests

If you want to spice up your resume, hobbies and interests could be just what you need.

While this section isn’t a game-changer, it can help the hiring manager see who you are as an individual.

For example, if you listed “teamwork” as one of your skills, hobbies like team sports can back up your claim.

And who knows? Maybe you and your interviewer have some hobbies or interests in common!

Volunteering Experience

If you’re the type of person who devotes their free time to helping others while expecting nothing in return, chances are that you’re the type of employee who’s in it for more than just the money. 

Seeing volunteer experience on your resume tells hiring managers that you’re a loyal employee who’s after something meaningful.

Several studies show that listing your volunteer experience can boost your chances of getting hired, especially if you have little to no work experience.

Certifications

Hiring managers love candidates who invest in themselves, and that’s exactly what they see when you list certifications on your resume .

If you value continuous learning and strive to expand your skill set, that’s always a plus.

Certifications can also show employers how much expertise you have.

For example, if you’re a Microsoft Cloud Engineer and you specialize in Microsoft Technologies, you should definitely include all essential certifications on your resume, such as the Azure Solutions Architect Expert one.

Awards and Recognitions

There’s no harm in showing off a little on your resume. After all, you want to be a candidate that shines above the rest.

So, if you’ve received any awards or recognitions that make you stand out in your field, make sure to add them.

For example, if you’ve been recognized for your contributions to data science or received a hard-to-come-by scholarship , mention it in your resume. Just keep your entries here relevant to the field you’re applying to.

Publications

Whether you’re a freelance writer or a distinguished academic, publications are always impressive.

If you have any published works (online or in an academic journal), you can add them to your resume. Just make sure to include a link so the hiring manager knows where to check your work!

Are you looking for a career in academia? Check out our guide to writing the perfect academic CV to get started!

Working on side projects can show off your passion for your field. Whether they’re university class projects or part-time entrepreneurial endeavors, they’re relevant.

For example, if you worked on a mock software product as part of a university competition, it shows you went through every step of product creation, from ideation to creating a marketing strategy.

This project also shows off your organizational skills , and if you mention it in your resume, you stand a better chance of landing the job you had your sights set on.

But projects can also be personal, not academic. For example, you might manage an Etsy store where you sell hand-made arts and crafts to customers online. This is a great opportunity to highlight your creativity, management, and customer service skills .

Overall, hiring managers love employees who do cool work in their free time, so projects are always a great section to add to your resume.

Looking to kickstart your career? Check out our guide on how to get an internship for useful tips and real-life examples!

Extracurricular Activities

Every college freshman knows that extracurricular experience can make a difference in their application.

Especially if you don’t have a lot of experience outside of school, extracurricular activities are a great way to show potential employers your skills and give them insight into you as a person. Different clubs and after-school projects can help you gain real-life skills and considerably increase your chances of landing your first job after college.

For example, joining a student government organization can hone your leadership skills and teach you how to work as part of a team.

For example, if you’re part of a student government or public speaking club, these activities can help you hone your leadership and presentation skills.

11+ Expert Resume Tips

You’ve got the gist of how to make a resume. Now, it’s time to make it really stand out from the crowd!

Follow these exclusive resume tips to take your resume game to the next level:

• Match the professional title underneath your name to the job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
• Mention any promotions from your previous jobs. Use the work experience entries for them to focus on the achievements that helped you earn them.
• Describe your achievements using Laszlo Bock’s formula : accomplished X as measured by Y by doing Z . This way, your work experience can go the extra mile and show the hiring manager what you can bring to the table.
• Always list your achievements and responsibilities in concise bullet points. This makes your resume more reader-friendly, and it’s more likely that the hiring manager will see your impressive achievements at a glance.
• Don’t use personal pronouns like “I” or “me,” and don’t refer to yourself by name. Stick to a slightly altered third person, like “managed data integrity at XYZ Inc.” instead of “he managed data integrity at XYZ Inc.”
• Name your resume sections correctly, or it might get rejected by the ATS. Swapping out quirky names like “career history” or “expertise” for “work experience” and "skills" makes it easier for the hiring manager to find what they’re looking for, too.
• Prioritize important keywords instead of adding all of them. Make sure the relevant skills, qualifications, and experiences you add all make sense in context, too. Your goal is to get past the ATS and impress the hiring manager.
• Focus on transferable skills if you don’t have a lot of relevant work experience. Any extracurricular activities or personal projects can help you stand out here.
• Add a strategic pop of color to headings, bullet points, or key elements you want to highlight. It can help your resume stand out, but don’t overdo it—you want the information to be more impressive than the color palette.
• Don’t include the line “references available upon request.” Hiring managers already know they can request a list of references from you, so there’s no need to waste valuable space on it.
• Make sure your resume is optimized for mobile viewing. Most hiring managers use their mobile phones as often as desktop computers, so save your resume to a PDF file and make sure your formatting stays intact across any device.
• Rename the resume file you plan to send so it includes your name and the name of the position you’re applying for. It’s a small detail that can turn into a crucial mistake if you forget it.
• Read your resume out loud when you’re done. This is a great way to catch awkward phrases or spelling mistakes you might have missed otherwise.
• Use a tool like DocSend to track your resume. You’ll get a notification any time someone opens your resume, and you can see how long they spend reading it.

FREE Resume Checklist

Are you already done with your resume? Let’s see how it holds up!

Go through our checklist for perfecting your resume and see where you stand!

If you missed some points, just go through your resume one more time and perfect it.

And if you ☑’d everything—congrats! You’ve learned all there is to know about writing a resume, and you’re good to go with your job search.

Need to write a CV instead of a resume? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to write a CV with dozens of examples!

9 Resume Templates for Different Industries

Looking to create an effective resume without dealing with the formatting hassle? Just choose one of the templates below.

#1. Traditional Resume Template

Good for traditional industries like finance, banking, law, and manufacturing.

#2. Modern Resume Template

Good for both contemporary and forward-looking industries, including entrepreneurship, medical technology, and engineering.

#3. Creative Resume Template

Good for creative industries, including entertainment, design, and architecture. 

#4. Minimalistic Resume Template

Good for experienced professionals in basically any industry who want to let their achievements do the talking. 

#5. IT Resume Template

Good for any IT-related profession like software development, cyber security, and DevOps engineering.

#6. Tech Resume Template

Good for the tech industry and everything it encompasses.

#7. College Resume Template

Good for college students and recent graduates alike.

#8. General Resume Template

Good for multiple industries, including HR, education, and customer service.

#9. Executive Resume Template

Good for senior professionals across different industries, including hospitality, marketing, and logistics.

17+ Resumes for Different Jobs

Knowing how to write a resume is one thing, but making a resume that stands out is something entirely different. Without inspiration, even top career experts might stumble on a roadblock or two.

Check out the following effective resume examples for specific jobs to get a better sense of what a good resume looks like:

#1. Nurse Practitioner Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a nurse resume here.

#2. Data Scientist Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a data scientist resume here.

#3. Business Analyst Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a business analyst resume here.

#4. Digital Marketing Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a digital marketing resume here.

#5. Software Engineer Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a software engineer resume here.

#6. Construction Project Manager Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a construction project manager resume here.

#7. Customer Service Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a customer service resume here.

#8. High School Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a high school resume here.

#9. Student Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a student resume here.

#10. Server Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a server resume here.

#11. Actor Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing an actor resume here.

#12. Web Developer Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a web developer resume here.

#13. Engineering Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing an engineering resume here.

#14. Computer Science Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a computer science resume here.

#15. Architect Resume Example 

Check out our full guide to writing a data analyst resume here.

#17. Remote Job Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a remote job resume here.

#18. Sales Associate Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a sales associate resume here.

#19. Receptionist Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist resume here.

Want to see more examples? Check out our compilation of 80+ resume examples for different fields .

• Administrative Assistant Resume
• Bartender Resume
• DevOps Engineer Resume
• Executive Assistant Resume
• Flight Attendant Resume
• Graphic Designer Resume
• Paralegal Resume
• Pharmacist Resume
• Recruiter Resume
• Supervisor Resume

Next Steps After Your Resume

Now that we’ve covered everything you need to know about how to make a resume, it’s time to talk about the rest of your job application.

After all, your resume is only the first step in your job search. To land the job you deserve, you also need to write a captivating cover letter and ace that upcoming interview. Here’s how:

#1. How to Write a Convincing Cover Letter

The companion piece to every resume is the cover letter.

Most job-seekers flinch when they hear that they have to write a cover letter. What do you even mention in a cover letter, anyway? If you were good at writing cover letters, you’d be applying for a job as a writer !

In reality, though, writing a cover letter is very simple once you know its purpose.

Think of your cover letter as a direct message to the hiring manager. It’s your chance to briefly explain why you’re such an awesome fit for the position. And with a few cover letter tips to point you in the right direction, you’ll write the perfect cover letter for your job application.

Just follow this structure:

• Add the contact details. Include the same contact information as on your resume, plus additional contact details for the hiring manager, including their name, job title, the company’s name, and location.
• Introduce yourself. Start your cover letter by mentioning who you are, what your work experience is, and why you’re interested in the position. Mention a standout achievement or two, relevant skills, and what you’d like to do for the company you’re applying for.
• Explain why you’d excel at the job. Find the requirements in the job ad that you meet, and elaborate on how you fulfill the most important ones. Research the company so you know what you like about it, and mention it in your cover letter. Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for the job and confidence that you’ll be a great fit for their team.
• Wrap it up politely. Conclude your cover letter by recapping your key selling points and thanking the hiring manager for their time. Then add a call to action, such as “Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided phone number so that we can discuss my application in greater detail.” Then, add a closing line and follow it with your full name.

Sounds easy, right? Here’s a real-life example to drive the point home:

Do you need more help perfecting your cover letter? Learn what the most common cover letter mistakes are and check out cover letter examples for all professions here.

#2. How to Ace Your Next Interview

Once you’ve perfected both your resume and cover letter, there’s only one thing left.

It’s time for the final step—the dreaded job interview.

Whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert, you probably hate the interviewing process. No matter how experienced you are, it can be nerve-wracking. Sitting there while someone’s prodding into your past experiences and judging you isn’t fun.

But did you know that most interviewers ask the same questions?

That’s right—all you have to do is learn how to answer some of the most common interview questions, and you’ll be an interview away from landing your dream job!

Just check out our complete guide to the 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers and learn how to ace your next interview.

FAQs on How to Make a Resume

Do you still have some questions about making a resume? Check out the answers to the most frequently asked questions below!

#1. What does a good resume look like in 2024?

For your resume to look good in 2024, make sure it’s organized and clean and isn’t longer than one page.

Be sure to include information that adds value to your application—leave out the focus on your relevant work experience and skills that you can back up, and list as many achievements as possible. 

If you’re using a resume template, choose one based on your industry. Conservative industries like law, banking, and business require more traditional resume templates. But if you’re going for an industry like design, architecture, or marketing, you can go for a creative resume template . 

Remote work is also big in 2024, so if that’s what you’re after, tailor your resume to match the job you want.

#2. How do you make a resume in Word?

The best way to create a resume in Word is to use a pre-designed Microsoft Word template. To access them, you should: 

• Open MS Word
• Click “file” from the menu bar 
• Select “new”
• Type “resume templates” in the search bar 

That said, Word resume templates are generic, hard to personalize, and overall not very stylish.

Want a resume that looks good and is extremely easy to make? Check out resume templates to get started!

#3. How do I write a resume for my first job?

If you’re writing your first-ever resume for an entry-level position, the hiring manager won’t expect you to have any work experience.

However, you can make up for your lack of experience with your skills and academic achievements.

For example, you can take advantage of extracurricular activities, internships, volunteering experiences, and other non-professional experiences. You can use them to highlight the skills you’ve gained and what you’ve achieved so far.

So, your first job resume should have a resume objective, emphasize your education, and replace your work experience with any internships, volunteering, independent projects, or other experiences.

#4. How to make a resume on Google Docs?

You can make a resume on Google Docs by choosing one of their templates and filling it in on the go.

All you have to do is go to your Google Drive’s template gallery, choose your preferred template, fill in your information, and your Google Docs resume is ready to go! 

That said, Google Docs templates aren’t the most user-friendly choice. You don’t have much flexibility with the layout and formatting isn’t that easy. For example, you tweak a section to the slightest, and the whole resume becomes a mess.

If you want an easier option, check out our resume builder !

#5. What kind of resume do employers prefer?

Typically, employers prefer one-page-long resumes that follow the reverse chronological format. 

Hiring managers receive hundreds of resumes every day, so they don't have the time to read three-page resumes. Try one of our one-page resume templates so you don’t go over the recommended resume length.

Meanwhile, the reverse-chronological format is the most popular because it draws attention to your most recent jobs and professional achievements, which is the #1 most important thing hiring managers look at when evaluating a resume.

#6. How many jobs should you put on your resume? 

You should only include relevant job positions on your resume.

This means that your work experience section should be tailored to the job you are applying for. If you’ve worked five different jobs and they can all add value to your current application, then you should include all five. 

If, on the other hand, you’re applying for, say, a customer service position and some of your past jobs don’t have anything to do with customer service, you should skip them.

#7. Should I put my address on my resume? 

You can put your location (city, state, or country) on your resume, but you don’t need to put your entire physical address.

Putting a physical address on a resume was the norm back when companies would contact you via mail. In today’s world, everyone communicates via email, which is why adding a correct and professional email address to your contact information section is far more important than putting your physical address. 

So, just include your location or-–if you’re a remote worker—specify you prefer to work remotely by writing “working remotely from [location].”

#8. What information should I leave out of my resume?

As a general rule, you shouldn’t include your birthday or your headshot on your resume. This norm varies from country to country but it applies to the USA, Canada, and UK.

If you have plenty of achievements to list under your work experience, then you can leave your basic work responsibilities out of your resume. 

In your education section, you should only include your highest and most recent degree. So, if you hold a Ph.D., you can list that and your Master’s degree and leave your Bachelor’s degree and high school diploma out.

Finally, leave out any skills that aren’t relevant to the job you’re applying for.

#9. Is a resume a CV?

Depending on where you are, a CV (Curriculum Vitae) and a resume might be completely different things.

In most of the world, though, including Europe and Asia, they are used interchangeably for the same document. Both CVs and resumes are one to two pages long, and list skills and experiences relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Sometimes more detailed resumes that go over one page are referred to as CVs. These are typically only used by senior professionals, executives, CEOs, etc.

In the USA, however, a CV is a completely different document. Typically, CVs are detailed and comprehensive documents that highlight your entire academic and professional history. They’re often used for academic, scientific, or research positions, which is why this type of CV can also be referred to as an academic CV.

You can create your CV using one of our CV templates !

#10. Should I write my own resume?

Yes, you should always write your own resume.

Your resume is your opportunity to show the hiring manager your communication, writing, and presentation skills . Employers also evaluate you based on how effectively you can convey information about yourself, and there’s no one that can represent you better than yourself.

Writing your own resume lets you introduce yourself authentically. You have the best understanding of your skills and experiences, and you can personalize them to make your resume stand out.

And, as a bonus, the experience of writing your resume yourself can be reflective and insightful, so it might help you understand your professional journey and career goals better.

#11. Can a resume be two pages?

Generally, we strongly recommend that your resume stick to one page.

Hiring managers go through hundreds of resumes every day, and keeping your resume to one page increases the odds that they’ll see your qualifications faster.

In some cases, like when you have a lot of relevant experience, your resume can go over two pages. But this exception is reserved for senior professionals with over a decade of relevant experience and tons of skills and achievements that simply can’t fit on one page.

#12. Is a simple resume okay?

Absolutely, a simple resume is often more than okay—it's preferable.

Before your resume even gets to the hiring manager, a complicated layout could get it rejected by the applicant tracking system (ATS). A simple resume template can help get your application straight to the hiring manager.

A clean layout can also make sure that your resume is easily readable and looks professional. This can focus the hiring manager's attention on your work experience and skills without excessive clutter or flashy colors to distract them.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap!

If you’ve followed all of our advice until now, congrats! You’re probably an expert on how to make a resume.

To recap, let’s go through some of the most important lessons we’ve learned so far...

• Use the right resume builder to make the process as smooth as possible. You don’t want to mess around with formatting for hours before even starting to work on your resume!
• Focus on your achievements over responsibilities. This can help you stand out from all the other applicants, especially if you back your claims up with data.
• Include all the must-have sections, like the resume summary, work experience, education, and skills. Then leverage optional sections if you have leftover space.
• Tailor your resume for the job you’re applying for. Everything listed on your resume should be relevant to the specific job you’re applying for, and you should write a new resume for every new job application.
• Take the time to perfect your cover letter. It’s just as important as your resume, so make sure you pay as much attention to it!

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Should you get creative with your resume? Experts decide whether you're more likely to land your dream job

When you're applying for your dream job, making your application stand out can be key.

One way people are trying to do this is by making their resumes look like a company's website or product, or adding key style elements used by the company to their resumes.  

Eleonora Papini has followed this approach many times.

"It's tough to squeeze my life, experiences and skills into one, two pages, having stunning graphics can help convey my dedication and creativity much better than words would," she told CNBC's Make It.

For a recent application to Netflix , she recreated the streaming services' home screen. The boxes that usually show movie or series titles and images instead included her details.

In an application for British cosmetics company Lush, she incorporated elements like its font, and swathes of Lush's products, which the company also uses on its website. Papini also added themed sections like an "ingredients" list that listed her skills to her resume.

Marketing graduate Lap Tran followed a similar approach when applying to an internship at Spotify earlier this year. He used the company's color scheme, font and replicated its layout for his resume.

Do job applicants think it's worth it?

At the time, Tran thought it might be worth the additional time to stand out and make his resume more appealing to a large-scale company. But he has since changed his mind.

"Looking back at it, it was not worth the extra effort, but a good bit of experience with themed CVs, since I was not chosen or even emailed to be notified of not being chosen," he told CNBC's Make It.

Eleonora also has not noticed a major difference after applying to various companies. "Only one recruiter contacted me and complimented my CV," she said.

However, she still thinks making creative resumes can be worth the time investment for some applicants.

"I think it's worth it if you like to 'play' with graphics. I like it and enjoy creating new graphics and testing new strategies," she explains, but she believes the approach does not suit everyone — especially if graphic design is not one of your main skills.

The verdict from experts

Experts also appear to be cautious.

Professional resume writer Suzie Henriques, who is based in the U.K., told CNBC's Make It that a traditional approach is usually a safer bet.

"Most of the time, the traditional text-based format is usually best," she said. "The standard CV is universally intelligible and remains the gold standard during the recruitment process."

Career coach and resume writer Amanda Augustine, who works for U.S.-based company TopResume has a similar view.

"Rather than adding design elements to mimic the employer's brand, it would be more effective to customize the content of your resume and cover letter based on the specific job listing," she said.

Highly creative resumes could even lower your chances of securing an interview, the experts say.

One reason for this is distraction, Gaelle Blake, head of permanent appointments at recruitment firm Hays says.

"Crucial details could be harder to find in a creative CV or potentially distract from your credentials," she told CNBC's Make It, adding that these key facts about skills and experience are the most important part of a resume for recruiters.

Additionally, a lot of companies use software that reads and filters resumes. This might also cause issues, Henriques explains.

"Some organisations use candidate management software to parse the information on your CV into their system and an unusual or very visual format may not be compatible with this, which means the text you have included may end up not being readable at the other end," she says.

What to do instead

The one notable exception are highly creative jobs and industries, all three experts told Make It, adding that including links to portfolios for websites are good ways to showcase creativity.

Usually standard resumes are no less effective, they say — but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Henriques suggests keeping the design clear and simple.  

"I recommend using clear section headings, leaving plenty of white space and if you want to add some flair then border lines, bullet points and some light shading can really draw the reader's eye to the key areas," she says.

When it comes to content, Augustine believes that resumes should be more than just a series of bullet points.

"They want your resume to read like a story, explaining why you're qualified for the job you want," she says, adding that role-specific examples and data are helpful ways to do this.

Meanwhile, Blake urges applicants not to overlook the basics — checking for spelling, grammar and punctuation errors is key, she says.

Her final piece of advice however goes beyond resumes. Making sure you are able to explain your skills in a compelling way during interviews is just as important, she believes.

"Don't rely on your CV to do all the talking for you," Blake concludes.

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How to Address a Resume Gap When Switching Careers

• Rebecca Knight

The do’s and don’ts of navigating a career transition that’s taking longer than you hoped.

The prospect of a new career can hold a sense of excitement. But what should you do if your job search has become a disheartening slog and the gap on your resume just seems to be growing wider by the day? What can you do to protect your mental health and rekindle your optimism for the future? In this article, the author offers practical advice  to help you navigate your career switch when you’re worried about a widening gap on your resume. 

You likely felt a surge of excitement when you made the decision to switch careers . But what should you do if your job hunt starts to become a tedious and disheartening slog — and the  gap on your resume is growing wider by the day? How can you address your extended absence from the workforce without making excuses? And how can you stay motivated and resolved in the face of setbacks?

• RK Rebecca Knight is a journalist who writes about all things related to the changing nature of careers and the workplace. Her essays and reported stories have been featured in The Boston Globe, Business Insider, The New York Times, BBC, and The Christian Science Monitor. She was shortlisted as a Reuters Institute Fellow at Oxford University in 2023. Earlier in her career, she spent a decade as an editor and reporter at the Financial Times in New York, London, and Boston.

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20 Best Companies That Help You Find a Job

Find 20 companies that help you find a job. Agencies include reverse recruiters (that do it all for you), employment agencies, free options, and more.

2024 Winners: Add your badge to your marketing materials.

Not everyone will need help finding a job…but many job seekers will.

If you have a friend or family member who can make an introduction and get you hired, trust me, you are one of the lucky ones!

There are a variety of reasons why someone might need help finding a job and want to know which companies can provide that help.

Some of these reasons have to do with job search struggles. Many reasons are more about convenience and efficiency. In other words, getting help finding a job is a way to work smarter, not harder.

Depending on the kind of help you are looking for and your overall budget, some job search agencies may be better for you than others.

In this article, we break down the most common agencies that help you find a job:

Reverse Recruiting – Reverse recruiting is the only service on this list that executes job search tasks for job seekers. This service includes searching for jobs, applying for jobs, and networking on behalf of the applicant.

Recruiting & Staffing – Recruiting and staffing agencies help hiring managers fill open positions. Recruiters source the most qualified candidates and match them with the companies that require their talents.

Career Coaching – Career coaches give expert advice and counseling to guide professionals through their career journey. Coaches can help with everything from career discovery to leadership coaching.

Resume Writing – Professional resume writers create modern, easy-to-read, ATS-friendly resumes. Writers draw on their years of experience and resume writing certifications to create effective resumes.

Free Services – Websites that provide free resources and tips to help job seekers find jobs and advance in their careers. Examples include job boards, career blogs, and resume builders.

Best Job Search Companies

Best companies to find you a job.

Reverse Recruiting

A reverse recruiter is someone who assists a job seeker in performing a job search, applying to jobs, and finding interviews.

While this is the most expensive option for someone seeking a job, it’s also the most hands-on. 

Reverse recruiters act as your personal job search assistant. Their job duties include searching for jobs on your behalf, applying to those jobs, networking with key decision-makers, and more.

For the most luxurious option to manage your job search (with a price tag), look no further.

Find My Profession

Find My Profession is a pioneer in the reverse recruiter world. They take job help to a whole new level offering the most white-glove service on the market.

Find My Profession was the first company to offer fully managed job search services. They also have the most 5-star reviews.

For anyone who has ever asked the question, “Can I just hire someone to find me a job?” Find My Profession is the answer.

Here is how a reverse recruiter will help you find a job :

• Job Searching: Your dedicated reverse recruiter will identify highly targeted job opportunities for you. The job search is conducted with your preferences at the forefront.
• Job Applying: Once you have approved the jobs presented to you, your reverse recruiter will customize your resume. They will also apply to jobs on your behalf. You’ll never have to fill out a pesky application again!
• Networking: Your reverse recruiter will find key decision-makers to share your resume with. The goal is to gain additional exposure for you and get your resume in front of the hiring manager(s).
• Interview Prep: One-on-one personalized interview training is available to you. Once an interview is secured, your interview preparation will be customized to the job and company.
• Salary Negotiation: Receive advice to discover your true salary potential and effectively negotiate your salary. Your reverse recruiter will provide guidance for every offer you receive!

This service was designed to take all of the heavy lifting out of your job search and be your dedicated job finder agency.

$3,000+ per 4-week period

The Barrett Group

The Barrett Group was founded in 1990 and is a career management firm that works only for their job seeker clients and not for the companies interested in hiring them.

The Barrett Group provides coaching in all aspects of career management including job search, career change, and how to best employ the services of professional recruiters (executive recruiters, headhunters, and staffing agencies).

Similar to Find My Profession, The Barrett Group’s reverse recruiter services help manage various aspects of your job search.

Here’s what The Barrett Group offers:

• Clarity Program©:  Improve your self-knowledge with personality assessments and coaching sessions.
• Personal Branding and Campaign Development (a.k.a. Packaging): Develop your tailored resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile.
• Market Access: Receive contact information for key decision makers, scripts, and strategies that enable you to target and talk to the right people.
• Preparation for Interviews and Offer Negotiation: Get help with tough interview questions and responses. Review your job offers with their consulting team.
• Onboarding: Receive coaching to create an onboarding plan and navigate your new role.

Unlike Find My Profession, The Barrett Group does not actually fill out the job applications on your behalf. They also will not network for you.

$9,000+ for the services described above

More Reverse Recruiting Services

Although reverse recruiting is a fairly new concept, there are a few more services to learn about. Check out the best reverse recruiting services .

Recruiting & Staffing

Recruiting and staffing agencies are traditionally not considered a service for job seekers. However, you may still be able to get some help from them. So we included them on our list of companies that help you find jobs.

Recruiters work for organizations to fill open positions. So, they won’t work directly for a job seeker. You’ll never have to pay them a fee, but it’s unlikely they will go out of their way to help with your job search.

It still doesn’t hurt to network with a few industry-relevant recruiters in your target location. You can let them know that you’re on the job hunt, and the types of roles you are targeting, should they ever come across anything that’s a fit.

Randstad was founded in 1960 by Frits Goldschmeding. They are in the business of matching smart people with great jobs at all career levels.

Randstad is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to recruiting and staffing. They have an internal staff of 5,700+ in North America and a presence in 38 countries.

You can directly use the Randstad website to browse open jobs. A variety of industry-specific filters makes your search very easy.

Most of the job postings have a recruiter’s contact information so that you can reach out if you are a good fit.

Robert Half

Robert Half is another very well-known staffing agency the world over.

It was founded in 1948 by Bob and Maxine Half. Since then, Robert Half has grown into the world’s largest specialized staffing firm. The company has offices across the globe.

A publicly-traded company, Robert Half has been recognized as one of Fortune’s “Most Admired Companies” for 23 consecutive years.

Robert Half recruiters are also some of the most knowledgeable recruiters you’ll find out there.

More Recuriting and Staffing Agencies

There are a ton more options for recruiting and staffing agencies. Check out the best staffing agencies in America to get started.

Career Coaching

Career coaching businesses are also companies that help you find a job.

Professional career coaches adopt the “teach a man to fish” philosophy.

Rather than doing all the work for you, coaches will teach you some of the valuable skills and best practices on how to find a job on your own.

There are different types of career coaches . Some of them focus on leadership coaching while others hone in on interview training. There are also coaches who dive deep into your passions to determine what job types may fit you.

These services will typically be more affordable than reverse recruiter services. However, you should expect to devote more hours to your job search with this method.

Below, we’ll highlight some of the best career coaching services available on the market.

A Path That Fits

A Path That Fits has helped 1000+ people over the last 15 years. All of their career and life coaches are seasoned experts with at least 10 years of experience.

The coaching options include career discovery, leadership coaching, and job search coaching.

They offer group sessions as well as one-on-one coaching. Their one-on-one coaching option actually combines one on one coaching with all the benefits of their group coaching.

The company uses a mindfulness-based approach to bring clarity and concrete action to your career to get results.

A Path That Fits is confident that you will be happy with the services you receive. They offer a 14-day money-back guarantee on their group coaching packages.

$1,995 – $4,500 per program

The Muse is a very well-respected career resource for job seekers around the world.

Most career coaching services employ coaches internally, but The Muse is a platform hosting a variety of freelance career coaches.

This method can take away from quality control and uniformity; however, it does allow for a bit more customization.

You’ll be able to choose from a variety of career coach levels. The levels are Mentor (least experience), Coach (mid-level), and Master Coach (most experienced).

Their coaching services include interview coaching, salary negotiation coaching, leadership coaching, and job search strategy.

$99 – $599 per 60 to 75-minute session

More Career Coaching Services

There are many great career coaching services to choose from. Check out our complete list of the best career coaching services .

Resume Writing

Professional resume writing services are the most common places to help you find a job. They create marketing materials with an expert touch that is sure to land interviews.

A quick LinkedIn search for “resume writer” in the US yields more than 493,000 results. With so many people out there claiming to be professionals, it can be hard to know how to choose a resume writer .

Positive online reviews, resume certifications , interview guarantees, and attractive resume samples are some of the most important factors when choosing a resume writer.

Find My Profession is much more than a resume writing service. They are a global career services company whose work has been featured on sites like Forbes, Inc., Zety, Fast Company, and more.

With their team of elite resume writers who have experience in over 85 industries and professions, they can match you with a writer who understands your unique background and experience. Additionally, every resume comes with a one-on-one phone consultation with your writer.

Find My Profession has an impressive track record of successfully landing clients jobs at top companies such as Apple, Amazon, EA, Oracle, GM, Facebook, DoJ, Morgan Stanley, and Tesla. 

Their 900+ 5-star reviews speak to their commitment to delivering high-quality service. They also offer a 60-day interview guarantee and ensure that every resume created is Applicant Tracking System (ATS) compatible and highly customized to meet your specific needs.

$395 – $995

ResumeZest is trusted by professionals from companies including Google, Amazon, Apple, Oracle, GE, Adobe, Uber, and Facebook.

Their resume writing team has written resumes for more than 75 industries.

A 60-day interview guarantee backs up every resume they write, and each resume is also ATS compliant and keyword-optimized.

The company offers affordable pricing and quick turnaround times. You will work with a high-quality, certified writer and receive excellent customer service.

They are also members of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC).

$279 – $479

More Resume Services

There are hundreds of amazing resume writing services to choose from. Check out our complete list of the best resume writing services .

Free Services

It’s important to note that the most value will come from a paid service (especially one of the services mentioned above).

However, that doesn’t mean there are no free places to help you find a job.

Beyond recruiting and staffing agencies, the Internet is filled with free resources for job seekers including career blogs, job search sites, and resume builders.

Below, we recommend some top resources to follow and explore if you can’t find a job.

Career Blogs

Career blogs offer free online advice for your career and job search. Be aware that not all career blogs are written by credible career experts. Below, we’ve highlighted some of our favorites.

• Find My Profession – Leading career advice blog. Their career advice has been featured on Forbes, Inc., Business Insider, Wall Street Journal, and more. Topics include job search, resume writing, interview questions, and career site reviews.
• Zety Blog – Features a large database of articles organized into various categories including resume help and career advice. Find advice based on authors’ experiences and interviews with leading hiring experts.
• Career Sidekick – Contains practical career advice from the perspective of different authors. Their main blog categories focus on getting more interviews, interviewing, and other topics.
• The Muse – Get access to career advice and company information written by career coaches, strategists, and recruiters. Their topics include job search, succeeding at work, career paths, and more.

Job Search Sites

Job search sites, also known as job search engines, are free platforms for job seekers to find and apply for jobs. Like everything else on this list, all job search sites are not created equally, but here are a few well-established ones.

• LinkedIn – Best place to connect with recruiters and conduct a targeted job search. Easily research companies, show off your accomplishments, and expand your network.
• Indeed – Largest job board with almost 10 new listings per second. This website allows you to save your resume, apply for jobs quickly, and read real reviews of potential employers.
• ZipRecruiter – Mobile-friendly site that lets you search for jobs based on salary. Matches you with personalized jobs and lets you apply quickly with a one-click-to-apply feature.
• USAJOBS – The official job posting website of the U.S government. Find and apply for federal government jobs and set up customized job alerts via email.

More Job Search Sites

Looking for even more job search sites to find your dream job? Check out our complete list of the best job search sites .

Resume Builders

Resume builders provide you with unique resume templates to write your own resume. If you’d like to save money and craft your resume without the help of a professional, a resume builder might be a good option.

• Resume.com – 100% free resume samples arranged by job titles. You can choose from hundreds of available templates based on modern hiring trends.
• Novoresume – Get personalized suggestions on how to improve your resume. The smart tools and templates make it easy  for newbies who are not familiar with resume writing.
• CVMaker – Resume builder with one of the most affordable premium plans. Access a simple interface with an option to share your resumes through customized URLs.
• Visme – Create infographic resumes without any design skills. Combine an easy drag-and-drop interface, built-in icons, and a pictograph maker to create your resume.

More Resume Builders

Want more fantastic resume builders to choose from? Check out our complete list of the best resume builders .

Key Takeaways

If you need help finding a job, we recommend using at least one of the resources on this list.

Take a second to figure out what exactly you need by asking yourself, “I need a job, but where am I struggling in the job search process?”

• If you don’t have time to search for a job, or would like a professional to do the work, you may want to consider hiring a reverse recruiter.
• If you need some career guidance or aren’t sure what to do next, you may need a career coach.
• If you have been applying to jobs but aren’t receiving interviews, you may want to take a good look at your resume.

If you don’t have time to search for a job or are struggling with your resume, Find My Profession can help. Our resume and reverse recruiting services can take the stress out of your job search and help you land your dream job. Keep at it; with our help, you’ll be hired in no time!”

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Applying for a job at Amazon? Here are 4 ways to improve your resume.

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Amazon receives tens of thousands of resumes a year—so it’s critical that you submit one that really stands out from the crowd. We know that creating the “perfect” resume is easier said than done. The entire process can be nerve-racking and filled with a list of never-ending questions, like “One page or two?”; “Am I providing enough information?”; or “How do I explain professional gaps?” Most people struggle with crafting their resume, but with a bit of guidance, anyone can learn how to best present themselves on paper.

With this in mind, we reached out to several Amazon recruiters to get their best tips. Here’s what they had to say.

While it may seem counterintuitive to lean into design simplicity when you are hoping to create a resume that stands out, it’s truly in your best interest.

At Amazon, we are looking for resumes that are well-organized, use straightforward language, highlight measurable data, and are streamlined for maximum readability. A concise resume allows a recruiter to get a clear idea of who you are as a candidate and what you have to offer through your professional experiences, strengths, and education.

Anna Duong, manager of Americas Stores Tech Talent Acquisition, recommends sticking to the basics. Duong said, “While there are no hard rules, it’s best to keep a resume text-forward, black and white, and simple.” Remember we’re most interested in your accomplishments and less concerned about font styles, decorative borders, and non-essential information.

“A successful resume should focus on your actions and results,” said Bhavishya Lingam, senior recruiting business partner at Amazon Stores. Whenever possible, ensure you are including relevant data to help quantify your success and show how you have been able to drive impact at scale for the business. Focusing on quantifiable actions strengthens your resume significantly.

For example, instead of saying, “Responsible for introducing new tech stack into our organization,” you can make this stronger by saying, “Successfully led the acquisition and integration of innovative efficiency software that reduced errors by 25%, resulting in a reduction of customer complaints by 37% YoY.” We understand that every bullet point on your resume might not have a quantifiable measurement, but Amazon is a data-driven company so the more ways you’re able to quantify your success the better.

“You don’t need a completely different resume for each role you apply to, but it is a good rule of thumb to take the opportunity to align your professional accomplishments with the key elements of the role you’re pursuing,” said Patti Cudney, senior recruiting business partner. To do this, we suggest that you look at the key words and phrases within the “Basic and Preferred Qualifications” sections, and use this as a guide to help you determine what you should focus on in your resume.

Remember that not all experiences and skills are equally relevant to every job opportunity that you will eventually apply to, so continually reference the job description to make sure you’re prioritizing the right information. By taking the additional time to tailor your resume to match the job requirements, you demonstrate your genuine interest and suitability for the position.

Jen Paradise, RC manager talent acquisition, suggests you detail how you made a difference in previous positions. “Be sure to include specific stand-out accomplishments of what you’ve been able to achieve in each role,” she said.

Job responsibilities highlight what you do, while accomplishments showcase the tangible outcomes and results you achieved while fulfilling those responsibilities. At Amazon, we are a company of builders who bring varying backgrounds, ideas, and points of view to decisions and innovations on behalf of our customers. It’s this type of culture that encourages us to seek talented people who are invested in the outcomes of their work and want to deliver results.

Highlighting your accomplishments gives you the opportunity to tell the hiring manager something they don’t already know about you. In most cases, we can easily determine what are the associated responsibilities for a particular job description, but that doesn’t tell us anything about you as a candidate. However, when you provide accomplishments instead of responsibilities, we’re able to clearly see a snapshot of your strengths and ability to drive impact at scale.

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Once you understand how to make your resume stand out, it's time to start crafting the best resume to land your dream job at Amazon! For more information, find interviewing tips and FAQs on Amazon.jobs .

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7 Tips to Help You Find a Work at Home Job in 2024

I f you aren't already working from home full-time and you want 2024 to be your year, it's smart to have a plan in place to make that happen for yourself. I can't create a plan for you -- everyone's plan will be different because what works for one person won't necessarily work for another.

BUT there are some things you can do to increase the likelihood that you will land something this year!

Before I give you some pointers, you need to understand that the most important thing is  not to give up .

Competition for work from home jobs is fierce, and you'll likely get many more rejection emails than anything.

The people who are the most driven and determined are the ones who usually succeed in the long run, so just keep trying!

1 - Stay Informed

Probably the most important tip I can give you is to stay informed, if you aren't already.

There are Facebook groups, Facebook pages, Twitter accounts you should follow, and more just depending on where you hang out the most online. I've linked some useful ones below.

If you're leery of the scams people post online, here are some tips to  help you avoid work from home scams.

Another way to stay informed is to follow this blog and the other blogs/sites on  this list .

2 - Use Social Media And Online Forums To Your Advantage

If you're on Facebook, you should follow  these pages . I also recommend joining the following groups for legit work at home info:

• Remote Job Leads
• Virtual Workers Of America
• Work From Home Break Room

I also have a list of  work at home Twitter accounts  you can trust.

And if you prefer Pinterest, you'll want to check out The Work at Home Woman's list of  work at home Pinterest boards to follow .

If you're not really a Facebook or social media person, check out these  work at home related Reddits .

This is how I found good leads when I was looking for things to do from home in the beginning.

These forums also helped me understand what worked and didn't work for other people who were applying for the jobs that I wanted. You don't have to post and be active. Reading is enough.

You can truly learn so much about the work from home world, and knowledge is power!

3 - Check For Work From Home Job Leads Daily

I post leads weekly on my  work from home job leads  board, but there are a  ton of other places to check too .

You should also learn how to use  smart search terms  to narrow things down when you're browsing leads on job search sites like Indeed. And don't rule out Craigslist! Yes, I know there are scams galore on Craigslist, but I find little gems there all the time.

In fact, some of the best leads I find come from Craigslist. And I wrote an entire post last year on  how to search Craigslist effectively for work from home  and avoid all those scams. Give that a read and put my tips to use, and you'll be a Craigslist job searching pro in no time.

I also have a huge list of 111  work at home companies . There are also tons of  non-phone jobs  if that's what you have in mind.

4 - Consider a FlexJobs Subscription

I've been a paying member to FlexJobs for a couple of years now, and I personally like it because they post a large number of flexible and telecommuting job leads 5 days per week, they guarantee their leads scam-free, and their options for sorting to find exactly what you need are excellent. It's very organized!

While not all of the leads FlexJobs posts are exclusive to their site, I still think it's a time-saver because it's organized so well overall.

You can get a subscription for $2.95 for the first 14 days of your membership, just to see if you like it.

During this 14 day period youcan request a full refund at any time if not satisfied.

• What is FlexJobs?
• How to Find Entry Level Work at Home With FlexJobs

5 - Tweak Your Resume

When you apply for a work from home job, your resume is usually going to be the one thing that makes or breaks you getting an interview or an instant rejection email. Make it great if you can!

I get a lot of questions from people who want to know how to write a resume or make theirs better and unfortunately, I'm no pro on resumes. If I'm being honest, my own resume could use a nice upgrade!

Fortunately, one of our writers (Anna Jones) who does know a thing or two about resumes, put together a helpful list of  work at home resume tips  you can check out.

And when all else fails, you can use a  resume template  if you're starting from scratch and just fill in the blanks. That for sure makes things easier.

It goes without saying, but check and double check your resume for spelling errors or grammar mistakes. Run it through a spell checker and get another set of eyes on it, too.

Another idea is to pay a professional to do your resume for you. The price is not cheap for resume services, but it will pay for itself if it lands you some interviews and, hopefully, a job.

6 - Learn Some New Things

When you're browsing job leads, you may find yourself dismissing various openings because you don't have certain skills.

Well, who says you can't learn those skills? You don't always have to go back to school to learn new things, although that's never a bad idea, either. Luckily the internet is full of various resources for learning.

With this in mind, I put together a post with a  list of free or very cheap online learning resources . Being able to add highly sought after skills to your resume will only help you, and all of those learning resources provide the tools you need to get those skills.

If you're looking for an online course in something specific pertaining to work at home, you can check my " Courses to Take " page. This is a list of highly-rated eCourses that will help you work from home in different industries.

7 - Learn About Work at Home Scams

Work from home scams give telecommuting a bad name. I've run across so many people who refuse to apply for work from home again because they got scammed. These people no longer trust anything, and that's completely understandable!

Red flags to watch out for include payment requests, unsolicited emails, extremely vague information, little to no contact information, outrageous income claims, and so-called work from home companies with names that include the words "pay day," "profit," "wealth," "freedom," "fortune," and so forth.

Also, never agree to let a company send you a check for "office supplies" prior to you starting work, and then deposit it into your own back account, wiring part of the money back to them.

That's the oldest scam in the book, and of all the "is this is a scam" emails I get, this is most often what people are asking me about. It's everywhere.

Read through my  "is it a scam?" checklist  so you will know what to look for the next time you are not sure.

I hope that helps, and good luck.