how to write a resume at 15

How to Write a First Job Resume for Teens

Even with no work experience, teens can still make an effective resume. See a sample teen resume.

How to Write a Resume for Teens

A well-written resume can be a key to success when looking for a first job or applying for a scholarship or competitive academic program. Even with no “real-world” work experience, you can still make an effective resume as a teen. Here are eight tips for writing a first-time resume or a first job resume as a teen. See a sample teen resume below.

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Know the Purpose

Identify the goal of the resume. A resume to get a job as a lifeguard has a different purpose than one for getting a philanthropic academic scholarship. Review the job description or qualifications and make a list of the essential requirements and preferred requirements.

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• How to Quit Your Job
• How to Write a Resume

The essential requirements, or must-haves, are fixed or firm prerequisites such as: “Must have a clean driver’s license” if applying to be a delivery driver; or “Must have a GPA of 3.5” if applying for a specific academic program. These requirements are usually not flexible, and your resume should show that you meet them to be considered.

Preferred or ideal qualifications are nice to have, but may be flexible or could be satisfied a different way. A preferred qualification might be written as “Previous retail experience preferred” or “Applicants with volunteer work in social justice preferred.” If you have the preferred qualifications, be sure to include those qualifications. If you don’t have an exact preferred qualification but something similar, you can include it in your resume.

For example, while you may not have retail experience but have volunteered multiple times at the local thrift clothing store , that work can show you are interested in clothing and have some experience with a retail environment. The addition of similar experience is useful if it helps to make you more qualified than someone else who has no preferred or similar qualifications.

Choose a Simple Document Format

You can start with a blank document or use a resume template on Word or Google, but be sure to select one that is simple, without graphics, tables or other complex formatting styles. Often those templates do not load correctly or clearly into the Applicant Tracking Systems that are used as databases of candidates. Complex templates can also be difficult to update later. Most ATS do best with Word documents when submitted online via a posting portal.

Each resume section except for your contact information and your summary can have a title to separate it. You can use something as simple as: "Education, Experience, Skills" to designate each area. All caps, small caps, bold or just a little color and/or an underline can be effective ways to add some style to the section headings while still having a clean, easy to read appearance. A teen resume should almost always be one page, in 10-11 point font with standard page margins.

If emailing a resume, a PDF version works. If you're bringing it in-person, you can use anything that results in a professional and easy to read format on a clean, unfolded piece of white printer paper.

Professional Contact Information

In the body of the resume – not in a header – include your name as you would want it on a paycheck, your best contact phone number and a professional email address. This is not the time to use [email protected]. Instead, use an email address that is a combination of your first and last name or something else that is simple and professional. Be sure it is an email address that you check multiple times a day – including spam and clutter folders. You do not need to put in your full address, but having your city and state can be helpful if you are applying to a local neighborhood opportunity. For a more competitive or business-related opportunity, you can include a link to your LinkedIn profile, if you have one.

Summary or Objective Statement

Sometimes a resume may become separated from the pile of similar applicants. To ensure that the reader knows your target or goal in submitting a resume, include a statement of purpose. For example: “High school junior targeting a full-time summer job as a lifeguard. Able to start as of June 1 and available to work full time until Aug. 15. Can work part time during the school year.”

For many teenagers, your education is often your most significant accomplishment and qualification so far. List your school, your grade level and include additional information such as relevant classes. For example, you can list having an A in biology if you're applying to a biology program or your three years playing lacrosse if you are applying for a coaching job in your town's parks and recreation department. If you have a 3.0 GPA or above, you can include that too. You can also include any certifications or other training that is important for the role, such as CPR or a lifeguard certification.

Experience – whether it's paid, unpaid, part-time , full-time or on a volunteer basis – can do a lot to add to your credentials. Include any experience that shows you have done similar work, but also include any experience that shows you are reliable, trustworthy, hardworking or interested in the type of business or industry. To an employer, a candidate who has been hired or managed by someone else seems “less risky” than one who has never held responsibilities outside of the home or school. Some examples could be volunteering each week at the church nursery, watching your neighbor’s cats every time they go out of town or helping the drama teacher to set up and clean up after every performance at the high school.

Add Other Relevant Content

Some additional sections you can include are: skills , technology tools, awards/achievements, sports, clubs, hobbies and interests. The key here is to limit these to only things that will add value to your credentials. No need to include that you love playing Minecraft if you are not applying to a video game camp as a group leader, for example.

Review Your Work

Proof and edit online, print it out and proof it again. Then, ask a couple of other people – adults or people who have a vested interest in your resume representing you well – to review it too. You would much rather catch an error with a trusted contact than to miss out on an opportunity because of an autocorrect mistake.

When built correctly from the start, your resume can continue to evolve without much effort as you add more to your qualifications. See a sample teen resume below.

Sample Teen Resume

Robin Student

955.555.5555 | [email protected] | Danville, CA | linkedin.com/in/robinstudent

High school junior targeting a full-time summer job as a lifeguard. Able to start as of June 1 and available to work full time until Aug. 15. Can work part time during the school year.

• Washington High School, Class of 2022
• CPR and Lifeguard certification.

Experience:

• Swim team co-captain.
• Volunteer at Unity Church as a summer camp counselor.
• Babysitter for neighbor's toddlers.
• Can help others learn swimming techniques.
• Helpful and enthusiastic.
• Punctual and follows instructions.
• Girl Scouts.
• Community garden volunteer.

Tags: resumes , Applying , high school , teens , money , personal finance

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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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How to Write a Resume for a 15 Year Old

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Activities That Look Good on Teacher Resumes

Role of a nanny, characteristics of a good resume.

• How to Write a Resume for Senior Citizens
• How to Manage a Kid's Modeling Career

Teenagers in the labor force can explore the world of work, gain a sense of independence and learn marketable skills. But before this can happen regularly, a teen needs to secure a job. The Fair Labor Standards Act, or FLSA , sets 14 as the golden age for employment.

Helping your 15-year-old craft an appropriate, well-thought-out resume – whether it’s for babysitting, lawn-mowing gigs, computer tutoring or working at a pet store – can make all the difference in capturing that coveted job. Online resources offer teenage CV examples.

Start at the Top

Center the teen’s name at the top of the resume in a font that's larger and bolder than the rest of the information on the resume. His contact information should follow either centered under his name or aligned to the left. It should include his full name and the school he attends. Indeed Career Guide states that a teenager's street address is not needed; the city and state is acceptable.

Include an e-mail address rather than his cell phone number because you don’t want an unfamiliar adult having access to a teen’s phone. By providing just an email address, you’ll have a written record of information if you need documentation for any reason. If you feel an email address isn’t enough, include a parent’s or other trusted adult’s phone number for contact.

Job and Life Experiences

If your teenager has a job or previous work experience, include this information in a section titled “Experience” under her contact information. Indicate the name of the employer, the dates worked, the job title and duties. If no jobs exist, there are ways to transfer life skills and experiences into valuable, useful skills in the workplace. For example, if a teen impresses family and friends at Halloween with her costume designing and sewing skills, it’s a good bet that a local seamstress or clothing store will find these skills impressive as well.

Achievements and Abilities

You should also include academic and extra-curricular achievements and awards in a section titled “Achievements and Abilities.” List everything from winning the school spelling competition, to membership on the student council, to sports-associated trophies and medals. If the teen made the honor roll during elementary school and one year into high school, you should note that in this section, too. Good grades show employers a teenager's motivation and strong work ethic.

Involvement and Skills

In a section titled “Extracurricular Activities,” highlight the teen’s activities -- such as playing football, running track, or dancing – noting the dates of participation. Include any clubs and positions the teen held in the community and at school. If he helped organize a food drive for a religious organization, you should note it, as this kind of involvement shows dedication, a willingness to help others and compassion for the world at large. If your child is a three-sport athlete, this shows reliability. In addition, include any skill that pertains to a desired job, such as computer skills for a research assistant position.

Language and Presence

Eye-catching prose stands out on a resume. Express achievements by using action-driven words such as “formed,” initiated,” “improved” and “arranged.” Finally, make sure the resume is free of grammar and spelling errors. There's no room for error when writing a resume for a student with no work experience. The Indeed Career Guide website offers teen resume examples that you may find helpful.

• United States Department of Labor: Youth and Labor
• Indeed Career Guide: Resume Examples for Teens: Template and Writing Tips

Based in Los Angeles, Lisa Finn has been writing professionally for 20 years. Her print and online articles appear in magazines and websites such as "Spa Magazine," "L.A. Parent," "Business," the Famous Footwear blog and many others. She also ghostwrites for mompreneurs and business owners who appear regularly on shows such as Ricki Lake, HGTV, Carson Daly and The Today Show.

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How to Write a Resume (Examples & Guide)

Our customers have been hired at: * Foot Note

Approximately 40% of hiring managers spend less than a minute reviewing a resume. 

To make a lasting impression, you’ll need an eye-catching document that effectively showcases your skills and qualifications.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to make a resume for a job, including:

How to write a resume in 10 steps

1. Gather relevant information.

2. Pick the best resume format.

3. Add your contact information. 

4. Write a resume summary.

5. Make the work history section.

6. Create the skills section. 

7. List your education.

8. Add relevant certifications. 

9. Include optional sections. 

10. Proofread the final product. 

We’ll detail each of the resume writing steps above and provide examples of how to write a resume for popular jobs and special circumstances.

Dive right in with a walkthrough of our  Resume Builder  to learn how to make a professional resume that wins interviews.

Video: Master Resume Building in 3 Minutes with MyPerfectResume

How to write a resume for a job

Chances are, if you write a compelling resume, you’ll be booked for interviews for every job you apply for. But what makes a good resume?

Keep reading! We’ve broken down the instructions for how to create a resume, step-by-step.

Gather your professional information

Preparation is key to writing a resume that stands out. We’ll cover what essential information you should gather before writing your resume to save time and put your best foot forward. 

To ensure a well-prepared resume, carefully examine your relevant qualifications and match them with the requirements of your desired job. 

Take the time to organize a comprehensive list that includes:

• Impressive measurable accomplishments from your previous positions that highlight your achievements and contributions.
• A complete inventory of your soft skills , hard skills and technical skills that match the skills outlined in the job description.
• Detailed information about your previous employers, including their names, dates of employment, locations, job titles and a clear outline of your responsibilities.
• Educational credentials, such as your college degree, certifications or licenses that demonstrate your expertise in specific areas.
• Any volunteer work where you gained skills and experience relevant to the role you are applying for. 
• Notable awards and honors you have received, which further validate your exceptional abilities and dedication.

Review these qualifications against the job description and note where there is a match. Writing a customized resume is a great way to impress employers and secure interviews.

Make me (the hiring manager ) believe your are interested in our job, not just any job. Specifically, try to use the language of the job posting in your resume. This will also make sure your application makes it past any automated screening software designed to toss out irrelevant applicants.  – CJ Johnson, veteran people manager for Silicon Valley startups and unicorns

By planning to include these matching qualifications in your resume, you set yourself up for success.

A compelling, tailored document that effectively highlights your qualifications increases your chances of securing your desired job.

Pick the best resume format for your needs

Now that you’ve prepared your information, it’s time to choose a resume format that effectively showcases your qualifications.

There are three standard formats. Each uses the same resume sections but organizes them differently, so choose one that works best for your work experience level and your professional goals. We’ve detailed each format below: 

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Add your contact information

One of the most important aspects of writing a resume is ensuring that your contact information is clearly displayed so that hiring managers can contact you for an interview.  

Check out the examples below to learn what contact information to include, where to place it and how to format it for maximum impact. 

You can also explore our library of 800+ resume examples to draw additional inspiration for ways to display your contact information.

Here’s what to include in your resume contact information: 

• Your full name.
• A reliable phone number.
• Your professional email address.
• Your city, state and ZIP code. 
• A link to your professional social media account, website or portfolio if you have them.

Here is a sample of how to write a resume header:

Kathy Backer | 555-555-5555 | Milwaukee, WI 53209

[email protected] | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-baker/

Write a compelling resume summary

A resume summary is a concise and impactful overview of a candidate’s qualifications, skills and career goals.

According to Simon Murray, co-founder and director of fleet safety and performance company Cameramatics, the best way to create a great resume is to “Craft a captivating professional summary that succinctly highlights your most valuable skills and accomplishments.” 

Murray emphasizes that a resume summary should “hook the reader and entice them to explore your resume further,” avoiding generic clichés while highlighting what sets you apart from other applicants.

Here is an example of a captivating resume summary:

If you are a first-time job seeker, changing careers or returning to work after a long absence, you should write a resume objective instead. 

It is important to note that in modern resume writing, a professional summary or profile section is preferred over a traditional resume objective statement.

If you choose to include an objective statement, ensure that you focus on the company’s needs rather than those of your own. Here’s an example:

The bottom line: Whether you use a resume summary or a resume objective, make it compelling, concise and clear.

Make a resume work history section

Potential employers want to know what they can gain by hiring you, so they will review your resume work history section to see how you have used your skills and knowledge to make an impact on current and previous employers.

For each job, display three to five work accomplishments in bullet points and quantify them when possible. A 2018 survey conducted on behalf of CareerBuilder found that 34% of hiring managers identified a lack of quantifiable results in a resume as an instant deal breaker. 

When you include quantifiable achievements in your resume, employers get a tangible idea of how you’ve positively contributed to the organization or company in past roles. 

For example, a teacher might write: “35% of the senior class improved end-of-semester test scores by 25% within three months.” 

Format this resume section by listing jobs in reverse-chronological order, with the current or latest position at the top. Include your title, the company name and location, the dates of employment and bullet points with your top achievements and responsibilities. For example:

Secretary | BCforward – Milwaukee, WI | 08/2015 – Current

• Conducted thorough research using diverse resources to assist professional staff with routine and special project tasks.
• Provided clerical support to 200 company employees by copying, faxing and filing documents
• Produced accurate office files, updated spreadsheets and crafted presentations to support executives and boost team efficiency

Use action verbs like “Spearheaded project X” or “Oversaw process Y” for impactful resume job history statements.

Resume Action Verbs

• Accelerated
• Administered
• Established
• Coordinated
• Revitalized
• Facilitated

Create a resume skills section to highlight your strengths

When writing a resume, you must include at least one bulleted list of skills, no matter what resume format you use. Include a mix of hard skills and soft skills to show recruiters that you are well-rounded.

When thinking about what to put on a resume skills section , aim for an average of six to eight of your top strengths, as long as they are relevant to the job you want. 

If you are changing careers or applying for your first job without work experience, focus on transferable skills like communication and critical thinking, which can apply to almost any job.

If you are applying for your first job or changing careers, focus on transferable skills like communication and critical thinking, which can apply to almost any job.

List your education accurately

An important step in learning how to write a good resume for a job is learning how to list your education credentials. Here’s what goes on a resume education section:

• If you did not attend college, display your high school diploma or GED. 
• If you attended college or graduate school but did not complete a degree, then add the name(s) of the schools you attended and your courses of study.
• Add your anticipated date of graduation, if you have one. You don’t need to include the graduation year if you graduated more than 10 years ago. 

Every resume education section should include the following information:

• The name of your university, community college or school. Only include high school if you’re a high school student or didn’t attend university.
• Location of the school: Write the city and state.
• The month and year you graduated. If you still haven’t graduated, then write the expected graduation date.
• The type of degree you received or expect to receive and the program. For example, a “Bachelor of Science in Nursing” or a “Bachelor of Arts in English.”

For example:

Columbia University, New York, NY May 2014 Bachelor of Science in Social Work

You may also include:

• Your GPA if it is higher than 3.5, and you just graduated college, or it’s required. Otherwise, you shouldn’t add it.
• Relevant coursework. If you have not graduated or have recently graduated but don’t have work experience, then add a bulleted list of relevant coursework you’ve completed.
• Honors, scholarships and awards such as Dean’s List or Rhodes Scholarship if they were recent. Always provide the full name of the award and the year you received it.

Add relevant certifications, licenses and training

Some jobs, like nursing , accounting and teaching , require candidates to have certifications and licenses. Some job seekers go the extra mile and get additional training or certificates to establish their expertise in their chosen fields.

When making a resume, create a separate resume section for certifications, licenses or professional training you have completed.

Here’s how to make a good resume certifications section for any additional training. 

Directly below your education section, list:

• The title of the certification, course or license.
• Name of the certifying agency or body.
• The date you obtained each certificate. 
• The expiration date of your certificate (if applicable). If you have not yet finished the course, write “In Progress” with the expected date of completion.

Consider the examples below when writing your resume. 

How to write a resume certifications section

Example of current certification:

Lifeguard Certification

American Red Cross, June 2021

Expires: June 2023

Example of “in progress” certification:

First Aid Training (In Progress)

American Red Cross

Expected date of completion: Feb 2024

How to write a resume licenses section

Beauty Operator License

Board of Barbering & Cosmetology

Expires: 2024

Registered Nurse – License #000000

California Board of Registered Nursing

Include optional resume sections if you have them

How do you make a strong resume? Effective resume writing is more than just making sure you have all the basics. Add optional sections, like volunteer work, awards, honors and publications.

If you have published work or have received relevant awards that will help you further highlight your accomplishments, then you should include them — they won’t hurt your chances but help you stand out. 

Only create a separate section for awards, honors, publications or volunteer work if you cannot tie them into other sections of your resume.

• If the award, honor or publication is tied to your degree, you can include it as a bullet point in your education section below the university or high school name.
• You can include it in your work history section as a bullet point if it’s relevant to a specific job.
• If you have the space, create a separate section for awards, honors or publications under your education section. List them as bullet points in reverse-chronological order with the year you received or published them. 

Volunteer work can add value to a resume because it shows that you are willing to help others and have passions outside of work. These traits are impressive to employers and can help you stand out from candidates who do not have volunteer experience. 

Volunteer experience is generally included in a separate section towards the bottom of your resume. Including volunteer experience in a separate section ensures that the focus of your resume is on relevant work experience. 

Format this section the same way you formatted your work history section, with a clear heading (“Volunteer Experience”) and your volunteer position titles with a few bullet points describing your responsibilities. 

However, if you have minimal or no professional experience, you might consider adding relevant volunteer experience to your work history section. Make sure to include “volunteer” in the job title for clarity (i.e., “Volunteer Program Manager”). 

Be highly selective when adding resume sections for optional qualifications. You only have so much space on a one-to-two-page document and everything you add must count!

Below your education section (or certifications section if you have one), write the name of the optional credential followed by one to five bullet points listing the names of the certificates followed by the dates earned or published.

Example of how to format the volunteer experience section on your resume

Volunteer Experience

Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer Builder, 2018-present

• Worked on construction projects to build and repair homes for low-income families.
• Collaborated with a team of volunteers and Habitat staff to complete projects on time and within budget.

American Red Cross, Volunteer Blood Donor Ambassador, 2017-2018

• Assisted with blood drives by welcoming donors, registering them, and providing information about the donation process.
• Helped to ensure a positive donor experience and encouraged repeat donations.

Example of how to make a resume awards section

• George Polk Award for National Reporting (2020)
• Conscience-in-Media Award (2018)
• Clio Awards (2016)

Example of how to create a resume honors section

• Alliance Pipeline Sports Scholarship (2018-2021)
• Pi Sigma Alpha honor society member (2017-2021)

Example of how to write a resume publications section

Publications

• “The Unidentified Bands and Atomic Hydrogen,” Astronomy & Physics, Vol. 650, March 2020.
• “Make the Sun,” Nature Astronomy, 860-862, November 2019
• “The Duality of Black Holes,” Astronomy Now, Vol. 20, June 2019

Proofread, check your formatting and save your final product

Typos and grammatical errors are the most common resume-writing mistakes — and a deal-breaker for about 80% of hiring managers. When making a resume, reread it thoroughly to ensure that you’ve written everything perfectly and that all your dates and company names are correct.

Our Resume Builder has a helpful spell-checking tool that scans your document and lets you know of any mistakes.

Formatting errors are also a big turnoff for hiring managers. You can make a resume easy for them to read by following these simple formatting resume tips:

• Keep it short. A one-page resume is sufficient unless you have more than 10 years of work experience and need the extra room. In that case, it is acceptable for your resume to be two or three pages long.
• Set margins to 1 inch on all sides of your document. If you need to fit additional content onto the page, you can reduce the margins to as little as half of an inch.
• Use appropriate resume fonts , like Times New Roman, Arial or Helvetica.
• Stick to a font size between 10-12 points for the body and 14-16 points for the headers.
• Choose between single to 1.5-point line spacing.
• Save your resume as a PDF or DOCX file. Sometimes employers specify in the job description which file type to use; always follow their directions. PDF is a great option if they don’t specify a file format.
• Your resume file name matters! We recommend this formula: “[Your First Name]_[Your Last Name]_[Resume].pdf.” You might consider incorporating the company name or job title into the file name for specificity and to keep your files organized.

And that sums up how to write a professional resume. When you finish downloading your document, it should look like the example below.

How to make a resume free and fast

Start your resume on the right track with a professional resume template. Our expertly designed templates organize your job credentials correctly in all three standard resume formats and they meet the latest applicant tracking system (ATS) requirements. 

Use a professional resume template with our Resume Builder to build a resume in minutes. You can also upload your existing resume to instantly reformat it to one of our templates. 

Our Resume Builder makes it easy to make a resume quickly and easily with the following features:

• Job-specific phrases and skills: No matter the job you’re applying for, we provide the best words to help showcase your job qualifications. 
• Step-by-step guidance: Get expert advice at every step to help you present your best self and get the job. 
• ATS resume checker: Our ATS resume checker scans your resume for common errors and provides personalized feedback on optimizing your resume.
• Easy customization: Write a cover letter for every job application and save as many versions of it as you need. Use our cover letter templates for a matching resume and cover.
• Multiple download formats: Save and export your resume as an Adobe PDF (.pdf), MS Word Doc (.docx) or Plain Text (.txt) file.

Effective resume examples by job title and circumstance

Choose an example to guide you through creating a resume that impresses hiring managers, then use our builder to customize it for your target job.

Examples of how to write a resume for popular jobs

Explore professionally made resume examples to help you learn how to make a resume for a job in almost any industry.

Here are the top 15:

• Data entry clerk
• Entertainment director
• Massage therapist
• Nursing aide
• Operations manager
• Outside-sales representative
• Payroll specialist
• Personal trainer
• Receptionist
• Registered nurse

Samples of how to write a resume for special circumstances

Example of a resume for someone with no work experience

Career change resume sample

Employment gap resume example

Searching for remote jobs? Our sister company, FlexJobs, updates listings daily. Find verified remote jobs—from remote transcription jobs to remote nursing jobs , and everything in between.

Expert resume-writing tips to help you land the job

How do you make a resume that gets past ATS software and wins the hearts of hiring managers? Follow these simple tips for success! Want more tips and tricks from career advice experts? Read about what to put on a resume to get hired fast.

• Create a resume for every job application and customize it for your target job. The best way to do this is to use resume keywords or phrases in the job description and adjust your work experience, skills and summary or objective to the potential employer’s needs. 
• Find time to dedicate solely to your resume. Writing a resume is pretty straightforward, but it takes time and focused effort to make a resume for each job that rises above the competition. 
• Write and don’t stop to correct your resume along the way. When you get it all down, step away for a few hours and return to it with fresh eyes to refine your resume writing. 
• Include only relevant experience in your work history section and required skills that you know are relevant to the job at hand.
• Include up to 10 years of work experience for any job you target.

Create a matching cover letter 

Nice work! You’ve followed all of our advice on how to write a proper resume. So now you have a great resume and you’re ready to apply for your dream job. Not so fast!

You need more than the perfect resume to get an interview. Your job application isn’t complete without a compelling cover letter to complement your resume. 

A well-written cover letter is vital for providing in-depth information about your experience and career goals. And they are a great way to explain employment gaps and career changes.

Not sure where to start? Explore our professional cover letter examples , then choose an expertly designed cover letter template that catches your eye.

Once you have the perfect template picked out, you can use our Cover Letter Builder to make a compelling cover letter in a matter of minutes.

Key takeaways

• Prepare by gathering information on your past employers and key achievements from each role.
• Select the best resume format to showcase your skills and qualifications.
• Write a customized resume for every job you apply for.
• Include keywords and phrases from the job description throughout your resume.
• Ensure that your resume is error-free by proofreading it thoroughly and asking a trusted friend or family member to review it.
• Use our Resume Builder and professionally designed templates to make a resume in minutes.
• Get inspired by our resume examples for different jobs and circumstances.
• Include a compelling cover letter with your job application.

What should a resume look like?

Your resume should be well-formatted with clear sections, easy-to-read fonts and a professional design. We recommend exploring the professionally made samples on this page, which exemplify what a standout resume looks like. 

As technology advances and the job market becomes more competitive, employers seek candidates with specific skills and abilities. A resume clearly highlighting relevant skills and certifications will likely impress employers and win interviews. 

Additionally, companies are likely to continue embracing remote work in the future. As such, job seekers may need to highlight their experience and skills in virtual collaboration, remote communication and digital tools. 

Check out what your resume should look like for additional tips on optimizing the layout and content of your resume.

How do I write a resume that stands out to recruiters?

Making your resume stand out to recruiters can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can use to increase your chances of getting noticed. Here are a few quick tips: 

• Tailor your resume to the job.
• Use strong action verbs.
• Quantify achievements.
• Keep it concise.
• Include relevant keywords.
• Highlight your unique value.
• Use a professional format.

The easiest and fastest way to make a resume that stands out is to use one of our professionally designed resume templates with our Resume Builder. You can even use your resume to generate a cover letter in our Cover Letter Builder . 

We provide the tools you need and guidance on how to correctly write a resume that highlights your skill set. Plus, you can download your resume in multiple formats and save it to tailor it to your next job. 

What are the basic steps to writing a resume?

Here’s a sample of how to write a resume in a few simple steps:

• Prepare by gathering your information. 
• Choose a format and a resume template.
• Add your contact information to the resume header.
• Write a resume summary or objective statement.
• Make a resume work experience section.
• Create a resume skills section.
• Add your education credentials.
• Include certifications, licenses and training if applicable.
• Add optional resume sections if you have any.
• Proofread, save and send in your application! 

By following these steps, you can create a compelling document that highlights your strengths and increases your chances of getting an interview. We also recommend checking out the best AI resume builders , which can help you make a resume in a matter of minutes. 

How do you make a resume with no experience?

If you don’t have work experience and you’re not sure how to write a resume for the first time, follow these tips:

• Choose a functional resume format. This format is ideal for job seekers without work experience because it focuses on skills over professional history. 
• Write a resume objective under your contact information. Job applicants without experience benefit from objective statements over resume summaries because objectives explain job goals and emphasize essential skills and traits that match the job. 
• Highlight your transferable skills — traits and abilities you can use in various jobs and industries. For example, strong communication skills are just as important for customer service jobs as they are for teaching.
• Lean on your non-work experience as long as it’s relevant to your desired job. Volunteer work, internships, school projects and extracurricular activities can count for work experience if they relate to the target job.

For additional guidance, see our guide on how to make a resume with no experience for expert tips and tricks. 

Where can I make a resume for free?

You can make a resume for free using our Resume Builder. We’ll guide you through every step with prompts and expert insights. 

All you have to do is upload your resume or select a template in our builder, answer a few questions and within minutes, you’ll have a plain text resume that you can download for free.

How do you write a resume on Google Docs?

Here’s how to write a resume for a job application in Google Docs: 

• Go to the Google Docs website and log in with your Google account.
• Click on the “Template Gallery” button in the top right corner of the page. Select the “Resumes” category and browse through the available templates.
• Once you have chosen a template, click on “Use Template” to open it in a new document. Edit the text to include your own information, such as your name, contact information, work experience, education, skills and achievements.
• Once you have finished editing your resume, save it by clicking on “File” and then “Save.” 

For a more user-friendly experience, we recommend using one of our Google Docs resume templates . You can also write a resume from scratch in our Resume Builder and import it into Google Docs. 

We recommend this option, as you’ll benefit from the other features of our Resume Builder, such as ready-made content suggestions and expert writing tips. 

How do you make a resume in Word?

Here’s how to write a job resume in Microsoft Word: 

• Open Microsoft Word on your computer and select “New Document” to create a new document.
• In the search bar, type “resume” and browse through the available templates. Select the template that best suits your needs.
• Once you have chosen a template, begin editing the text to include your own information, such as your name, contact information, work experience, education, skills and achievements.
• Save and download: Once you have finished editing your resume, save it by clicking on “File” and then “Save.” 

We have a variety of Microsoft Word resume templates that you can use. For expert content suggestions and resume writing advice, we recommend writing your resume in our Resume Builder.  

What is the best resume format?

The resume format you choose to follow will depend on your industry, skills and years of experience. One of the best and most commonly used is the chronological resume format , which focuses on professional history. 

Another popular choice is the combination resume which highlights key skills and accomplishments followed by work experience and education. 

It’s always a good idea to tailor your resume format to the specific job you are applying for and to keep it updated and relevant. 

How many jobs should you list on your resume?

It is recommended to list the most relevant and recent jobs that showcase your skills and experience. 

A good rule of thumb is to include the last 10-15 years of your work experience or the 3-4 most recent jobs, whichever is greater. 

If you have minimal work experience, you can also include internships, volunteer work or other relevant experiences that demonstrate your skills and qualifications. See our guide on how to write an internship resume for additional details. 

How long should a resume be?

Generally, a one-page resume is ideal. If you have more extensive experience or are applying for a position that requires a more detailed account of your qualifications, a two-page resume might be appropriate.  

The exact length of your resume depends on your experience level, industry and the job you are applying for. It’s important to keep in mind that employers typically spend only a few seconds scanning a resume, so it’s essential to make sure that your resume is concise and easy to read. 

Industries such as medicine, academia, science and law might require a lengthier description of your qualifications in the form of a CV. Learn about CVs versus resumes and how to write a CV for additional details.

How has AI and machine learning impacted resume screening?

AI-powered tools can quickly scan and analyze resumes, allowing companies to process more applications in less time. Machine learning algorithms can learn from past hiring decisions and identify patterns in successful candidates, which can help recruiters identify the best-fit candidates.

While these new technologies help employers filter through hundreds of resumes, they can be detrimental for job seekers who do not optimize their resumes to pass automated screening software. 

Luckily, there are several steps you can take to ensure your resume stands out in the era of AI, machine learning and automated resume screening, such as incorporating relevant keywords, customizing your resume for the job and proofreading carefully. 

How can I write a simple resume?

To create a simple resume quickly and easily, we recommend starting with one of our basic and simple resume templates built by professional graphic designers.

You can use our Resume Builder to enter your professional information, eliminating the need to know how to prepare a resume from scratch. 

Focus on presenting the skills and experiences most relevant to the job you are applying for using concise and clear language.

Should I put my address on my resume?

In general, if you are comfortable sharing your address and it is relevant to the job you are applying for, you can include it on your resume. 

However, if you prefer to keep your address private or it is irrelevant to the job, leaving it off is perfectly acceptable. You can always provide your address during the interview process if necessary.

Remember that you only need to include your city and state (and zip code if it is relevant), not your full mailing address.

What should the first sentence of a resume be?

If you choose not to include a resume summary, the first sentence at the top of your resume should be a compelling value proposition that catches the employer’s attention. 

This sentence should highlight your skills, experience and career goals in a concise and compelling way. Here are some examples of effective first sentences for your resume:

• Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience driving revenue growth and brand awareness for Fortune 500 companies.
• Certified project manager with a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and within budget.
• Recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science seeking an entry-level software development role to apply technical skills and gain real-world experience.

In general, the first sentence of your resume should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for and highlight your unique value proposition as a candidate. It should make the employer want to read further and consider you for the position.

How we reviewed this article

Since 2013, we have helped more than 15 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process .

• CJ Johnson, Consultant and Course Creator. Personal Interview. Consulting By CJ
• Finances Online. Article. 10 Current Resume Trends & Forecasts for 2024 You Should Be Thinking About
• TeamStage. Blog. Job Interview Statistics: Applications and Hiring Rates in 2023
• Recruiter.com. Blog. Recruiters Spell Out the Biggest Deal-Breakers Costing You the Job
• CareerBuilder. Press Release. Employers Share Their Most Outrageous Resume Mistakes and Instant Deal Breakers in a New CareerBuilder Study

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How to Write a Resume in 2024

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Kellie Hanna, CPRW

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Kellie is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with 20+ years of experience in digital media and is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She earned a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.

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*The names and logos of the companies referred to above are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with MyPerfectResume.

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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  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 Make a Resume in 2024 [Writing Guide & Examples]

Learn how to make a resume that showcases your unique strengths by following this step-by-step writing guide, advice and tips.

Make a Resume

As seen in:

Every job advertisement receives around 250 applications. You’ll need a stellar resume if you want to be one of the handful of folks who gets a callback for an interview! We’re here to show you how to present your qualifications and skills so they stand out to potential employers and get you that coveted interview.

Our detailed step-by-step resume guide will include the following:

• How to write a resume step by step
• Choosing the right resume format
• Adding your contact information
• Including an impactful headline
• Writing a strong resume summary or objective statement
• Showcasing your work experience
• Highlighting the right skills
• Listing relevant education
• Including additional resume sections
• Proofreading and fact-checking

Resume formatting tips

However, if time is of the essence and you want to apply for a job ASAP, head to our Resume Builder , which writes a personalized and professional resume for you in minutes.

Make my resume

How to make a resume step-by-step

Writing a great resume is the key to impressing hiring managers and getting interviews. Here, we show you how to make a resume for a job that gets noticed!

Choose the right resume format

Choosing the right resume format and how you organize your information is just as crucial as what you include in a resume.

Here’s how to choose the best resume format for you:

Chronological resume format

Who should use a chronological resume format ?

• Anyone who is applying for an executive-level position.
• Job seekers who have 10+ years of experience in the same industry.
• Applicants who want to show off an impressive career progression.

Use this Resume

Functional resume format

Who should use a functional resume format ?

• Job seekers who have little to no work experience.
• Applicants who want to emphasize skills and education over work history.
• Those with gaps in their employment history.

Combination resume format

Who should use a combination resume format ?

• Applicants who want to give equal focus to their skills and experience.
• Job seekers who have five to eight years of experience.
• Those changing careers, applying for a promotion or returning to the workforce after a break.

Although the chronological resume is the most popular, it’s not ideal for every job seeker. Opt for the functional or combination formats if you have less than 10 years of experience.

Add your contact information

Employers must know how to contact you, especially if you’ve secured an interview.

Share your essential contact information in the header section of your resume.

Contact information you should include:

• Name: Include your first and last name.
• Phone number: The best option is your cellphone number so recruiters can reach you easily.
• Email: Make sure it’s appropriate, simple and free of nicknames. Unprofessional email addresses comprise 35% of the most common resume mistakes — which we discuss further down the page.
• Location: Share the city and state where you reside.
• Social media accounts: A link to your professional social media account, like LinkedIn or portfolio, if you have them.

Include a resume headline for extra impact

A resume headline is an optional section that states your most attention-grabbing qualifications and your intentions as a job seeker.

This section should be high in your resume, ideally between the contact information and resume summary.

Check out these examples of resume headlines to get a better idea of what to include in one:

Administrative assistant resume headline

Efficient Administrative Assistant with Exceptional Organizational Skills and Project Management Certification

Teacher resume headline

3x Award-Winning Educator with MS in Educational Leadership Recognized for Empowering Diverse Student Populations

Licensed practical nurse resume headline

LPN with 11+ Years of Experience in Patient-Centric Care and Proven Clinical Excellence

Write a strong resume summary or objective statement

Recruiters spend around 7 seconds scanning your resume , so include a brief but impactful opening statement. It should only be a few sentences long and show employers your resume matches the role.

You can opt for a resume summary or a resume objective. But what’s the difference between them, and which should you use?

What is a resume summary?

The resume summary , also called a summary statement or professional summary, is the recommended approach because it concisely summarizes characteristics that make you ideal for a specific job.

Your resume summary should include some of your most job-relevant skills and feature at least one career achievement. Include keywords from the job description and use action verbs; avoid phrases with “I” or “my” pronouns.

Formula to write a resume summary:

Resume summary examples

Graphic designer resume summary:

“Creative graphic designer with seven years of experience creating brand identities for over 15 clients. Experienced in creating logo typography and color palettes using Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and After Effects. Created augmented reality (AR) graphics for a mobile smartphone game application which reached an audience of 2 million people.”

Accountant resume summary:

“Diligent Accountant with three years of experience working in the public and private sectors. Adept at creating detailed financial reports and establishing and maintaining budgets. Provided strategic financial planning consultations to corporate clients like Unilever and Walmart.”

In need of a stronger resume summary? Have our Resume Builder suggest a resume summary for your desired role.

What is a resume objective?

The resume objective , or career objective, communicates your goals for a job and the skills and education you have to achieve them. This statement is ideal for less experienced candidates, such as students and those relocating or changing careers.

This paragraph should contain two or three sentences mentioning job-relevant qualifications and skills that compensate for your lack of formal experience.

Formula to write a resume objective:

Strong resume objective examples

Blogger resume objective:

“Blogger with experience in fashion, beauty and lifestyle writing for personal blogs and digital publications seeking affiliate writer position at Teen Vogue to provide engaging and informative shopping advice with excellent copywriting, research and trends analysis. Possess social media management skills and basic graphic design abilities.”

Physical therapy aide resume objective:

“Physical therapy aide certified by Borough of Manhattan Community College seeking physical therapy assistant job at HD Physical Therapy Clinic to offer my PTA services in recordkeeping, equipment setup and data monetization. Self-motivated, organized and responsible PTA that works with initiative.”

Showcase your work experience

Hiring managers will pay close attention to your work history section, so a big part of your success will lie in your work experience.

Your work history section is the bulk of your professional accomplishments .

You must organize this section in reverse chronological order so employers first see your most recent or current job.

When you’re listing each job, include:

• Your job title
• Name of employer or company
• Location of company (city and state)
• Employment dates (month and year)

Three to five bullet points describing your achievements within the job

We are hiring a dynamic and motivated sales associate for our new location in Altamonte Mall.

You will be responsible for various tasks on the sales floor, cash registers, fitting rooms and stockroom.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver outstanding customer service.
• Offer fashion styling assistance and recommendations to customers.
• Replenish the shop floor .
• Organize stockroom and keep inventory of items.
• Process cash and card payments .
• Process, restock, label and tag items delivered to the store.
• Greet customers in a friendly manner and inform them of promotions and store credit cards .

Qualifications:

• Prior retail experience
• Leadership abilities
• Basic math skills
• Computer skills
• Knowledge of POS systems
• Attention to detail
• U.S. work authorization

Once you’ve noted all the keywords in the job ad, pick the ones that accurately describe your professional experience and skill set. Check out how to use the keywords when describing your work history:

Sales associate work history example:

Work History

Sales Associate | Urban Outfitters – Tampa, FL November 2021 – Current

• Unload, process, restock, label and tag over 300 weekly items.
• Organize stockroom and keep inventory of 2,000+ items, reducing out-of-stock items frequency by 39%.
• Replenish store floor , assist clients in locating items, and organize store floor with great attention to detail .

Cashier | AVO Boutique – Tampa, FL August 2019 – November 2021

• Operated cash registers and processed cash and card payments for 20+ daily purchases.
• Handled cash flow of over $7,000, ensuring register was balanced. Utilized computer skills to log sales onto spreadsheets for financial reports.
• Utilized Clover and Shopify POS systems and trained new employees to use them.

Sales Associate | The Gap – Tampa, FL January 2019 – August 2019

• Greeted customers in a friendly manner and informed them of daily promotions and specials.
• Replenished shop floor and located items for over 250 daily clients.
• Offered styling assistance and personalized fashion recommendations to customers in the fitting room and shop floor.

Use strong action verbs

Start sentences with strong action verbs when you begin to write your work history. For example, “Developed new social media strategy” has more impact than “Was responsible for our social accounts.”

Make sure you use different action verbs throughout your work history. If you need inspiration, check out this list:

• Collaborated
• Conceptualized
• Facilitated
• Implemented
• Prioritized
• Transferred

Add a resume skills section

Your skills section should include a bulleted list of six to eight skills describing your expertise for the desired role. Add a variety of soft , hard and technical skills that show you’re a well-rounded candidate.

10 hard skills examples

• Copywriting
• Graphic design
• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Project management
• Cloud computing
• SEO marketing
• Data analysis
• Computer programming
• Foreign languages

10 soft skills examples

• Adaptability
• Resolving conflicts
• Active listening
• Time management
• Innovative thinking
• Fostering inclusiveness
• Collaboration
• Stress Management

10 technical skills examples

• Adobe tools
• Programming languages (Java, Python)
• Google Analytics
• Microsoft Excel
• Email marketing tools (Mailchimp)
• Project management tools (Trello, Monday.com)
• Microsoft Teams
• POS systems (Clover, TouchBistro)
• CAD engineering software

List your education correctly

Your education section will communicate that you have the academic training to perform your job. Always list your education, even if you don’t have a college degree.

Example elements of an education section:

• Program name: B.A. in Special Needs Education
• Name of the university or institution: Ohio State University
• Location of university or institution: Columbus, OH
• Graduation or attendance dates: Class of 2013; August 2014 – December 2016

Example of a high school student education section:

Lincoln High School Dallas, TX – June 2019 High School Diploma GPA 4.0

Example of a GED graduate education section:

General Educational Development Diploma (GED) San Diego, CA – 08/2019

Tips to make the most of your education section:

• If you hold two or more degrees, list them in reverse-chronological order.
• Only include your GPA if you’ve had a consistently impressive academic record (GPA of 3.5 or more).
• If you have a university degree, omit your high school diploma.

If your degree is older than five years, consider removing the graduation date to avoid unfair hiring bias from employers determining your age.

Consider including additional resume sections

You don’t have to limit your resume’s content to these sections!

Once you’ve mastered these five main resume sections, you can customize your resume with additional sections.

Some examples of additional resume sections are:

Certifications and licenses

Some jobs like nurse, EMT or physical therapist require a license to practice legally.

You can create a separate section to list any licenses or certifications you possess.

Example of licenses on a resume:

• Registered Nurse – License #000000
• Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
• Expires in 2024

Example of certifications on a resume:

• RPR: Registered Professional Reporter
• National Court Reporters Association (NCRA)
• January 2018

Honors and awards

You can add an honors or awards section for any academic or professional recognition you’ve received.

“Honors” relates to academic achievements, whereas “awards” refer to academic and professional accolades.

Example of an honors resume section:

• Dean’s List (2019 -2021)
• The Regents Scholarship – University System of Maryland (2019-2021)

Example of an awards resume section:

• Clio Awards (2017)
• Cannes Lions Awards (2022)

You can add a section in your resume to showcase any large-scale projects you’ve led or participated in your company or even personal side projects.

Example of a projects resume section:

• Led developers in creating an app that used mapping and market data to provide users with a list of the nearest gas stations with the lowest prices.
• Participated as software engineer in app development project for Microsoft from 2019-2022.

Publications

If you’re a writer or an academic investigator, showcase any publications you’ve written during your career.

For a long list of publications, you might be better off with a curriculum vitae (CV) instead of a resume. If so, we can also show you how to write a CV .

Example of a publications resume section:

• Zhang, M. (2019) Breathe in: Holistic coping mechanisms in anxious children during COVID-19 pandemic. Holistic Health, 13(3),10-12.
• Zhang, M. (2016) How acupuncture affects children ages 6-12 with ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 17(8), 21-25.

Volunteer work

Sharing volunteer work in your resume is a great way to show you mesh well with a company’s culture and have developed skills to help you professionally. It’s also a great way to show skills you’ve developed if you’re writing a resume with no work experience .

Example of a volunteer work resume section:

Volunteer Work

Digital Marketing Volunteer

Habitat for Humanity-Restore

East Bay/Silicon Valley, CA

02/2022 – 03/2023

Including your fluency in various languages in your resume can be an excellent asset for customer service , retail and health care positions.

Writing this section is as straightforward as listing the languages you can speak. However, you can add extra information, such as your fluency level.

Example of a languages resume section:

English: Fluent

Spanish: Native language

Portuguese: Conversational

Internships

Including a section for internships is a great addition to your resume if you’re a new job seeker just starting your career.

Example of an internships resume section:

Full-stack Developer Intern | Onyx, Miami, FL

01/2023 – Current

• Implemented RESTful APIs and integrated front-end components with Node.js and Express.js.
• Developed responsive user interfaces using React and contributed to performance optimization.

Software Testing Intern | DEF Software Solutions, Miami, FL

08/2022 – 11/2022t

• Conducted comprehensive testing of desktop applications and documented test cases.
• Assisted in automating test cases with Selenium and gained experience in Agile testing methodologies.

Include additional sections if they showcase relevant skills and experience for your desired job. Don’t overstuff your resume and extend it beyond two pages with information that won’t benefit recruiters.

Proofread your resume and fact-check the details

Double-check information like dates and the spelling of company or school names, and ensure your contact information is accurate and current.

It won’t matter if you’re the most qualified candidate in the world if your resume contains spelling and grammatical errors.

Check each of your resume sections for typos and formatting errors. Read the page from top to bottom, run it through an online spell-checker like Grammarly or have a copyeditor friend review it before deeming it ready for recruiters.

Take advantage of our Resume Builder’s built-in spell-checker, which revises your grammar and syntax as you write.

• Your resume should be one page long. You can include a second page to fit all your work experience if your career exceeds 10 years. The standard rule is one page every 10 years of your career, but try to keep it to a maximum of two pages.
• Pick a font size between 11 and 12. Your section titles can be between 14 and 16 points in size.
• Refrain from using eccentric fonts. Stick to fonts like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman and Georgia.
• Resume margins should be 1 inch on all sides. This allows for a balance between text and white space, making the document easy on the eyes.
• The line spacing should range between 1 and 1.15 inches to fit all your text without looking cramped.
• The ideal file format for your resume is PDF. PDF is the most accessible file format for all computer systems and can be opened by virtually anyone. Also, identify your name in the document’s file name. For example, “tom_jones_resume.pdf.”

Great resume examples by job title

Now that you’ve learned each step of the resume writing process, the result should be a perfect resume.

Check out these resume examples for various jobs and career scenarios to help you visualize how yours should look.

Accountant Resume Example

Customer service representative resume example, corporate recruiter resume example, registered nurse resume example, sales associate resume example, retired person resume example, high school resume example, receptionist resume example, student resume example.

See all Resume Examples

Write a cover letter that complements your resume

A cover letter helps you sell yourself to the employer by providing more context to the career accomplishments showcased in your resume.

We already covered how important it is to tailor your resume for every job application to increase your chances of getting hired.

The same goes for the cover letter, another document you should continually customize to show different employers how you can fulfill the role’s specific demands.

Do you need a quick cover letter for your next job application? Our Cover Letter Builder writes full-page letters according to your desired job, matches your working style, and accounts for any gaps in your work history in mere minutes.

Build My Cover Letter Now

Key takeaways

Let’s review the major steps for writing a resume:

• Pick a resume format that works for you.
• Include at least the five main resume sections: contact information, professional summary, work history, skills and education.
• Focus on your unique career achievements.
• Tailor your skills to the job ad.
• Double-check your resume for any errors and inconsistencies.
• Use an online builder to simplify and speed up the writing process.

Build my resume

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you write a resume for the first time.

When learning how to make a good resume for a job, start with a strong summary of your qualifications and emphasize the value of your skill set and industry knowledge. If you have limited work experience, move your education section above the work history and list any academic honors. Remember, you may have internships or volunteer experiences that can make up for formal experience.

How do I write a resume to pass an applicant tracking system (ATS)?

To learn how to write a resume that will pass an applicant tracking system (ATS). You’ll also need to study the ad carefully to ensure that your content mentions the most critical keywords from the job posting. Customize your resume whenever you apply for a job to emphasize your most relevant skills and experience.

How much work experience should I include in my resume?

The amount of work experience you should include in your resume will depend on your years of experience. You don’t need to include every single job you’ve ever had. Instead, list your most recent and relevant experience for your desired role.

Job seekers with no experience: Include any internships or apprenticeships you’ve completed during your education or training. Mention your participation in college associations (especially if you occupied a leadership position) or any special projects you completed during your final year. Make these accomplishments stand out in a functional resume.

Entry-level candidates: List all your work experiences up until now and emphasize quantifiable accomplishments.

Mid-level candidates: Provide a detailed description of any responsibilities that went beyond your job description, showing you’re prepared for a promotion.

Senior-level candidates: Showcase every role you’ve had up until the past 10 to 15 years.

How to write a functional skills section?

If you’re writing a functional resume, you will choose three core skills that best reflect your abilities (even better if they’re keywords from the job ad). For each core skill, you will include two to three bullet points describing what accomplishments prove you excel in that respective skill.

Teacher functional skills section example:

Classroom Management

• Taught 12 elementary Social Studies, English and Mathematics classes for grades 4 to 6, planned all classes, assigned and reviewed homework, performed weekly evaluations, and kept student records updated.
• Supervised classes of 30 students, maintained order and discipline with positive reinforcement and clearly outlined classroom rules.
• Organized parent-teacher conferences twice a year to discuss student progress and parent-teacher collaboration.

Virtual Learning

• Imparted classes through Microsoft Teams videoconference platform.
• Produced short video lessons as learning aid for live lectures and for student review as needed. This initiative helped increase GPA across all students by 15% by midterms.
• Offered monthly one-on-one sessions with students to nurture individual learning and personal growth.

Problem-Solving

• Organized a monthly classroom discussion to receive and offer feedback between students and educators, which increased student participation and fostered critical thinking, public speaking and debating skills.
• Acted as liaison between student body council and school administration to implement lunch meals that fit various dietary needs and restrictions.

How to write a summary of qualifications?

Combination resumes can have just one listed skills section, or you can pair it with a “summary of qualifications” or “summary of skills.” In the summary of qualifications, you can share more job-relevant skills and achievements that demonstrate you’re prepared for the role. Junior and mid-level job seekers can use this summary of qualifications to show employers they’re ready for the job despite having little experience.

Customer service representative summary of qualifications example:

Summary of Qualifications

• Highly skilled in customer retention by employing persuasive speaking techniques in combination with special offers and discounts.
• Record of diffusing 20+ client complaints with empathy and positive language.
• Adaptable to various customer service platforms such as chat, telephone calls, and in-person interactions.

More resources for writing your resume

How to Write a Resume in 2024

How to Write a Resume When You Have No Work Experience

Avoid These 10 Resume Mistakes

About the Author

Gabriela Hernandez • CPRW, Career Advice Expert

Gabriela Hernandez is one of LiveCareer's resident writers. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a degree in Journalism. Throughout her career, she has tackled copywriting, blog articles, journalistic writing, academic writing, resume writing, and even prose and verse.

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How to Make a Resume: 2024 Resume Writing Guide

Learn how to identify important resume keywords, format your resume, and write each section in this comprehensive guide.

Your resume is a document that encompasses your entire professional journey, showing where you currently are in your career, how you got there, and where you hope to go next. Since it’s meant to be a concise brief—condensed to just one or two pages—that can feel like a lot of storytelling for a small space.

To make a resume showing your experiences and goals, you must be strategic with the language, format, and sections you include. In general, there are three broad steps to making your resume:

Identifying keywords and important skills

Choosing a format

Writing each section

In this resume guide, we’ll offer tips and resources to ease you through the process.

Free resume templates

If you’re starting with a blank page, use free customisable templates for either a chronological resume or a functional resume to make your resume in a Google Doc. Log into your Google account and select the ‘Make a copy’ prompt.

How to write a resume

The key to making an effective resume is keeping your audience in mind. First, consider who the people (and technologies) who will be reading your resume are.

When applying for jobs online, your first audience member will often be an applicant tracking system (ATS). This screening program uses an algorithm to 'read' incoming resumes and sort qualified candidates. After the ATS deems you qualified for a role, a human recruiter—your second audience member—will review your application materials and decide whether to invite you to interview.

Now that we’ve established your likely audience, let’s take a closer look at how to determine the information the ATS and human recruiters may be looking for and how they will best receive that information.

1. Identify keywords and important skills.

You can find much information about a role directly from the job description. Within the listed responsibilities and qualifications, you can get a strong sense of the language and experience a successful candidate will have on their resume.

As you read a job description, highlight the action words, keywords, and specific workplace and technical skills mentioned. The ATS is likely programmed to look for the same or similar language as that which appears in the job description, so this analysis can help shape the way you approach writing your resume.

2. Select a resume format.

Regarding formatting, there are three common types of resumes—chronological, functional, and combination—along with several more specialised options. With your audience in mind, choose the format that best demonstrates how your experience aligns with your desired role’s job description.

If you’re applying for jobs online, ATS software is generally programmed to interpret chronological resumes. The software may still identify important keywords in alternative formats but potentially less accurately.

If you’re unsure of the resume format you should choose, a chronological resume with standard 1-inch margins, black text, and a common font like Times New Roman or Arial is typically a safe choice.

3. Write your resume sections.

Guided by your keyword list and format, you’re ready to start filling out your resume sections. You’ll typically want to include sections for your header, work experience, education, and skills, but there are optional sections you can add to amplify the story you want to tell.

Resume checklist

At this point, you are almost ready to submit your resume. Before you do, let’s do one final check. Ask yourself:

Did I write my resume with my audience in mind?

Did I strategically select action words and keywords?

Have I demonstrated my relevant skills and experience?

Are my margins set to 1 inch on all sides?

Is my font easy to read?

Did I include all of the key resume sections?

Did I edit for proper spelling and grammar?

If you can answer 'yes' to all these questions, save your resume as a PDF file with a title that includes your name and 'resume'. Check that the file is saved correctly, then prepare to submit your resume.

Add a new credential to your resume with a Professional Certificate from industry leaders like Google, Meta, and IBM on Coursera. Learn key skills to prepare for entry-level roles in digital marketing, web development, data analytics, and more. Sign up for a free 7-day trial and start learning today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many pages should a resume be‎ ‎.

A resume should ideally be no more than two pages unless you write an academic CV. A page may be sufficient if you are a recent graduate or applying for an entry-level role. ‎

How far back should your resume go?‎ ‎

Typically, the time you include on your resume depends on your relevant job experience. You should include the experience you have that is relevant to the role you’re applying for. However, if you have 10 or more years of work experience, you may be able to shed some of those earlier experiences from your resume to highlight your advanced skill set better. ‎

Should you list references on a resume?‎ ‎

It’s generally not recommended to list your references directly on your resume. Instead, use that space to highlight what makes you a great candidate. As you progress through the hiring process, the hiring manager or recruiter will request your references when they can contact them. ‎

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CV template for 15 year old + examples

When you’re still in education and have limited work experience, it can be difficult to create an impressive CV.

But, by using well defined CV structure , and highlighting your transferable skills, you can still get noticed by employers and get job interviews.

I have put together this detailed guide which includes a CV example for a 15 year old, to aid you in producing a CV that will get you hired.

Guide content

• CV examples
• Structuring and formatting your CV
• Writing your CV profile
• Your education
• Vital skills for your CV

CV templates 

CV for 15 year old example 1

CV for 15 year old example 2

The above CV examples , show how to correctly format your CV even if you have no work experience and how to make your educational history a focal point.

This guide, will walk you through how to create your own engaging and visually pleasing CV.

CV structure & format

Facilitate ease of reading with a strong CV format , allowing recruiters to pinpoint vital details within your CV.

Make your CV easy to navigate by using defined sections and bold headers, meaning recruiters don’t have to dig through reams of text to find key details.

The below infographic supports you in how to write a CV , giving you the basics of what sections to include.

Formatting Tips

• An ideal CV length is 1 to 2 sides of A4, if you have limited experience it’s okay to submit a CV of 1 side of A4
• Keep to a simple CV design with a muted colour pallet and clear font, and avoid an over-complicated  design just distracts recruiters’ attention
• Avoid incorporating imagery such as company or school logos or headshots, these take up valuable space within your CV without adding any value

Structuring your CV

Enable ease of reading through a clear CV structure, which will help pinpoint key elements of your CV.

Working to the below sections:

• Contact details – keeping them easily accessible at the top of the page
• Profile – an opening paragraph that summarises your experience at first glance, emphasising your applicableness for roles
• Education – featuring your educational history as well as any club involvement
• Work experience –  record any voluntary work experience or personal pursuits
• Interests and hobbies – detailing any interests that can demonstrate your transferable skills

I’ll now walk you through what to include  in each section.

CV contact details

Make your contact information easily accessible at the top of the page, including key information such as:

• Phone number (ideally your mobile number)
• Email address

Avoid adding additional details that aren’t needed in the decision making process such as headshots, date of birth or marital status.

Top Tip –  avoid adding childish email addresses and keep to a professional, work appropriate address.

Your CV profile (or personal statement ) is an opening paragraph between 5-10 lines that gives context to recruiters’ of your educational history, marketable strengths and any voluntary experience.

Highlight your applicableness for roles to recruiters at the top of the page, grabbing their attention and drawing them in to reading further into your CV.

These points will support you in crafting your CV profile:

• Research the industry you’re looking to pursue prior to putting together this section, look to add keywords or sector specific skills
• Stick to a paragraph length between 5-10 lines, giving an overview of your CV but enabling you to provide extra detail elsewhere
• Don’t blend into the crowd with overused phrases such as “I am a team player” or “I am hardworking” and instead, highlight workplace skills which are relevant to the jobs you are applying for.

Quick tip:  If you struggle with spelling and grammar, try our quick-and-easy CV Builder

What to include in your CV profile?

• Qualifications – record the qualifications you have obtained, linking these to the sector you’re applying to
• Core skills –  detail your core strengths that can help you transition into a range of industries such as communication, dedication or team work
• Passions –  give insight into the reasons why you’re looking to explore a certain sector

Core skills & achievement section

Underneath your CV profile, add a core skills  and achievement section that is made up of two to three columns of bullet points.

Add strengths that relate to the industry you’re pursuing, ensuring at first glance that employers can see why you’d be the ideal candidate for roles.

Use the vital skills section below for inspiration or your sector research to compile this list.

In your education section, you should be documenting any qualifications or courses you have obtained.

Employers are keen to see what you’ve achieved during your education so look to include:

• A list of qualifications gained or that you are completing, in bullet point form (whether GCSE’s or vocational training )
• Any voluntary work you completed through school
• Which school you attended and dates of attendance
• Any awards you achieved during your education (such as top of class or full attendance awards)

Clubs and Memberships

Within your education also incorporate clubs you have been part of or memberships gained.

These could be book clubs, sports team you were part of or even factoring in being a captain of a team or a school prefect.

See also: School leaver CV

Work experience

Work experience isn’t limited to paid employment, so look to include voluntary work, any personal pursuits you have undertaken such as creating logos online or part time jobs such as working in a local cafe or having a paper round.

Structuring your roles

Look to break the information within your role descriptions into three clearly defined sections, helping recruiters easily navigate your experience.

Provide an overview of any voluntary experience you have gained and what duties you undertook.

“Volunteered at a local vets, helping with any tasks needed from front desk to cleaning duties ”

Key responsibilities

Detail your key duties in each position, in bullet point form.

• Shadowing the veterinarians as they examined pets
• Cleaning up the animal cages 

Key achievements

Detail any specific achievements during this time and try to use figures that can verify and boost your examples.

• Gained excellent feedback from two customers who said I was helpful during their visit to the vet

Interests and hobbies

This section should be used to boost your relevancy for roles, by displaying the transferable skills you have acquired.

Avoid cliche hobbies  such as reading and instead reflect on hobbies that are linked to the sector you’re hoping to pursue.

For example, focus on hobbies such as sporting team involvement, charity participation or accomplishments such as running a marathon as these all show your dedication and hard work.

Essential skills for your CV

Whilst each individual role you apply for may be looking for a different skill set, there are fundamental strengths you need to be featuring within your CV.

Communication –  being able to effectively communicate to customers or colleagues and present your ideas

Dedication –  showing your drive and your ability to commit as well as revealing your work ethic

Organisation and time management –  being able to work to deadlines as well as juggle your time effectively with education and employment

Team Work –  having the capacity to work with others, using examples from school projects or club memberships

Writing your CV

If you have limited work experience, the key to standing out from the competition is all about displaying your transferable skills.

Your CV structure needs to both make your educational history and strengths a focal point whilst also being visually pleasing and easy to navigate.

Following this guide will help you in creating a CV, that aids you in landing plenty of interviews.

G ood luck in your next application!

How to Write a Resume

How to Write a Resume | Complete Guide | Resume.com

A strong resume can make all the difference when you’re applying for your dream job. It highlights your most relevant accomplishments, captures the attention of the hiring manager and can give you an immediate advantage over other candidates. Crafting a powerful resume that will accomplish these things, though, takes time. Review this step-by-step guide to learn how to write a resume that will earn you an interview and, ultimately, your dream job.

What is a resume?

A resume is a one- or two-page document that presents your experience, special skills and educational background. Oftentimes, your resume is the first impression of yourself that you share with a hiring manager, which is why it’s one of the most important components of any job application. A resume highlights your most relevant skills and accomplishments in order to present you as the most qualified candidate for a position. Your resume should be treated like a marketing document, one that is selling you as the perfect candidate for a job.

What to include in a resume

Your resume should include these five key elements:

Contact information

You should include your name, phone number, address and email address in a prominent location so it’s easy to find. You should also add the links to certain social media sites, such as your LinkedIn profile, as well as any other relevant websites, like your blog, online portfolio or personal website.

Summary statement or objective

A summary statement is a brief paragraph that highlights your skills as well as your most noteworthy accomplishments. For example, ‘Dynamic and motivated sales professional with a proven track record of generating and building relationships and coaching new sales representatives for success. Skilled in building cross-functional teams and demonstrating exceptional communication and customer service abilities.’

Instead of a summary, you could also put an objective, which simply states your objective in finding a job. Objectives have evolved in recent years to include the candidate’s broader goals or additional context. For example, ‘Digital marketing professional with five years of experience looking to transfer my skills in SEO and PPC advertising.’

It’s also important to include skills that are most relevant to the job. You can evaluate the job description, identify the key skills that the client is looking for and include those throughout your resume.

Professional experience

This is the work history section of your resume and should focus on your accomplishments over your daily responsibilities. The best way to highlight your accomplishments is to talk about what you achieved in terms of numbers, percentages and dollars.

Additional accolades

If you have any additional accomplishments, such as awards you’ve received or publications your work has appeared in, you should include a section with additional achievements. However, only include this section if the accomplishment is relevant to the position that you are applying for.

What is a resume headline?

A resume headline is a brief phrase at the top of your resume that summarizes your skills and experiences, allowing employers to quickly assess whether you’re a good fit for a job. A well-written headline can ensure the employer sees your most important information first and encourages them to read further to learn more.

How to write a resume headline

Here are the steps you can take to craft a powerful resume headline:

1. First, identify relevant keywords

Review the job description to find the keywords that are most relevant for the position. Reflect on your own experience and skills and identify the ones that are best for your headline.

2. Second, use keywords from your most relevant experiences

Highlight your most relevant experiences by using keywords related to that experience in your headline. When selecting the best keywords, evaluate whether they are a primary or secondary function for the position, whether you received any awards or had any wins related to the function and whether you developed any special skills in the role.

3. Third, select keywords that show confidence

To show that the hiring manager that you are confident in your abilities, select words that communicate your confidence. Some examples of this are ‘experienced’ and ‘ambitious.’

4. Next, create a short and concise statement

Create a brief statement that communicates your most relevant qualifications for a position. Use specific details within the statement, such as your years of experience, awards and quantifiable results you’ve achieved.

5. Finally, update the headline for every job

You should always personalize your resume for every position, which should also include your resume headline. Use the headline to target your resume for the specific role, as it will increase the likelihood that they stop and give your resume a closer look.

Examples of resume headlines

Here are some examples of resume headlines to give you ideas as you craft your own:

• ‘Goal-oriented sales manager with 10 years of experience in technology’
• ‘Ambitious project manager who consistently beats budgets and deadlines by 25%’
• ‘Dedicated customer service representative with 7+ years of experience with high-volume call centers’
• ‘Bilingual nurse with 5+ years of experience in critical care’
• ‘Enthusiastic retail professional with 3+ years experience in sports apparel’
• ‘Growth marketing manager with 10 years of experience in online advertising’

By taking the time to craft an impactful headline for the top of your resume, you can rapidly make a strong case for yourself as a candidate and stand out from other candidates applying for the role.

Objective vs. summary statement

Whether you should use an objective or a summary statement depends on the type of career you’re applying for. A summary statement is best for candidates who are planning to move into a role that’s similar to the one they currently hold or previously held. For example, if you are working as a project manager in one industry and plan to apply for a project management position in a different industry.

A resume objective is ideal for students, recent graduates, those looking to change careers or those who want to take a different, more advanced position. An objective allows candidates to highlight their most relevant skills to demonstrate their aptitude for a position, even if they don’t have any prior experience in the position.

Types of resume formats

There are three standard types of resume formats:

Chronological

This is the most frequently used format and lists work history in chronological order, starting with the most recent and ending with the earliest. In general, this is the format most preferred by employers, as it provides a quick look at a candidate’s entire work history.

Functional resumes focus on a candidate’s skills and specific experiences and accomplishments. Less importance is placed on the dates they work and the employment history is listed under the skills.

Combination

A combination resume allows you to highlight both your skills and experience, including a chronological list of your work history.

The majority of candidates will choose a chronological resume and as long as you have some work history and don’t have any significant gaps on your resume, it’s generally a good choice. It is the style of resume that most hiring managers are familiar with and tends to be the easiest to read and scan. That said, it’s important to take the time to choose the format that best fits your specific experience and situation.

How to choose a resume format

Here are the steps you can take to choose a resume format:

1. First, assess your experience level

If you are just starting out in the workforce, chronological resumes may not be the best format. Functional resumes, however, allow you to highlight your abilities rather than your work history. While you do include your work history, it’s at the bottom of your resume. If you are highly experienced, a chronological resume and a combination resume format can both work well.

2. Second, evaluate the position

After taking an assessment of your own experience levels, you will next need to evaluate the position you’re applying for. For example, if it’s similar to a position you currently hold or a step up from what you’re currently doing, a chronological resume that emphasizes your relevant work experience is appropriate. In this situation, a combination resume could also work well. If you are changing your career, a combination format is ideal, as it emphasizes your transferrable skills and the accomplishments you achieved in prior roles.

3. Finally, evaluate your work history

This is an important step because if you are someone who has gaps in their employment history, functional or combination resumes are the best choices. Choosing a resume format is an important decision, as certain formats may allow you to better highlight your skills and most relevant experiences. It’s especially important for people who are new to the workforce, going through career changes or who have gaps in their employment history.

Best practices for formatting your resume

Here are a few best practices you should be aware of as you begin writing your resume:

Keep it to one page

In most cases, your resume should only be one page in length. The exception to this is if you are an extremely experienced candidate whose work history is highly relevant to the position. If you’ve removed all non-relevant experiences and skills from your resume and you still aren’t able to fit it on one page, use two. That said, if it is under one-and-a-half pages, look for ways to shorten it to one.

Use one-inch margins

It’s important to use one-inch margins on your resume. White space makes your resume more readable and increases the likelihood that the hiring manager will read it until the end. Use ample white space, especially around the margins.

Create clear section headings

Choose a heading style for each separate section—work history, skills and education—and stay with that throughout your entire resume.

Select an easy-to-read font

There are a number of different fonts that are appropriate for resumes, including Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Roboto and Overpass. The important part is that it is easy to read and stands out clearly on the page.

Choose the right font size

You want to choose a font size that is easy to read. As a general rule, it’s best to use a font that’s 10 or 12 points in size for the normal text. For your headings, use a 14- to 16-point font.

Save as a PDF

Because the formatting for resumes saved in Word can change from one computer to the next, you should always save your resume as a PDF.

Name the PDF file appropriately

Because you’ll likely be sending your resume file as an attachment, it’s important to name the document appropriately so that it’s easily apparent what it is before the hiring manager opens the file. For example, you may want to name it amy-ryan-resume.pdf. It’s best to name the file using both your first and last name to avoid the possibility that it could become confused with someone else’s resume. Naming the file in this way also decreases the likelihood that it will be last or confused with someone else’s application.

Top skills to list on your resume

Here are some of the most important skills you should include on your resume:

Industry-specific skills

There are certain skills that you need to be successful in your industry. For example, if you are an accountant, financial reporting is likely a key skill that employers look for. If you’re a teacher, strong communication skills are important. List them prominently on your resume so they pass the initial screening test and get beyond filters from any Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that the company may be using.

Hard skills

These are skills that people learn through education and training and are often tied to past work experiences, degrees or certifications you’ve earned. These skills can usually either be proven or measured. For example, foreign language skills or understanding how to use specific computer programming languages are all hard skills.

Tool proficiencies

This refers to your ability to use certain programs or machinery. For example, if you are a graphic artist, tool proficiencies could include Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. If you’re a radiologist, tool proficiencies would include being skilled with x-ray equipment.

Soft skills

These are important skills that you should include on your resume, particularly within the work history section, where you can demonstrate how you actively used them in past positions. These skills are often transferrable from one role to the next and employers often assess a candidate’s soft skills to better understand their personalities.

How to list skills on your resume

Here are the steps you can take to include skills on your resume:

1. First, review the job description and identify keywords

Review the job description for the position you’re applying for and write down the specific skills they would like to see in the ideal candidate.

2. Second, make a list of all your skills

Make a list of all of the skills you have, including hard and soft skills as well as proficiencies with specific tools. You may want to review your current resume and work history to give yourself ideas.

3. Third, include a section for relevant skills

Evaluate how your skills align with those that were included in the job description. Make note of the ones that will be more relevant to the position and most desirable for the hiring manager. Add that list to a skills section on your resume.

4. Finally, highlight skills in your work history

Finally, highlight your skills within the bullets in your work history section. This will help demonstrate to the hiring manager how you successfully used those skills in other positions. For example, if you are a customer sales representative, you could write on your resume, ‘Collaborated with a team of 20 sales reps to solve unexpected problems like customer service complaints.’ This bullet emphasizes that the candidate has collaboration as well as problem-solving skills, both of which employers want to see in a candidate.

By emphasizing the skills you have that are relevant to the position, you can help the hiring manager immediately identify whether you’re qualified for a role and increase the likelihood of an interview.

How to list work experience in a resume

Here are the steps you should take to successfully list your work experience on your resume:

1. First, list your job title

Your job title should go at the very top of each entry within your work experience section. Make it bold and one or two points larger than the rest of the font to ensure it can be scanned easily.

2. Second, list the company, city and state

On the second line, under your title, list the name of the company you worked for as well as the city and state the company is located in.

3. Third, add the dates of employment

Next, add the dates you were employed there. You have the choice between putting the month and year of just the year. If you went through brief periods of unemployment, you may want to add just the year to make it less apparent that there are gaps in your employment history.

4. Fourth, add your key responsibilities

Before creating the bullet points, think about the responsibilities you held in each position. Only add the tasks that are relevant to the role for which you’re applying.

5. Next, add your key achievements

Next, think about your greatest accomplishments while you were in those roles. If possible, use numbers, percentages and dollar amounts to show to the hiring manager the impact you had on the organization. For example, instead of writing, ‘Exceeded my monthly and quarterly sales quotas regularly,’ you could write, ‘Regularly exceeded my sales quotas by 25% or more, driving $100k in additional revenue.’

6. Finally, add keywords

When you’re done creating all of the bullets for each of your relevant work experiences, refer back to your list of relevant skills and add keywords throughout the experiences section. It’s important, as you do this, to be careful not to add too many keywords, which could make it sound unnatural and reflect poorly on you as a candidate.

By taking the time to craft a work history section that is tailored for your specific job, shows quantifiable results and emphasizes the most relevant keywords for the role, you will substantially increase the likelihood of an interview. Your work history is, arguably, the most important part of your resume, as it emphasizes not only the skills you have developed through your work, but also your accomplishments and key experiences. For this reason, it’s essential to position your work history in a way that highlights your greatest wins in order to catch the attention of the hiring manager.

Tips for creating a powerful work history section

Here are some additional tips you can use to create an impactful work history section:

Place your greatest accomplishments first

Always place your most impressive accomplishments at the top so they’re most likely to catch the hiring manager’s attention and compel them to keep reading.

Focus on PAR

PAR stands for Problem, Action and Results. This is a good way to think about your responsibilities in terms of accomplishments. First, consider the challenges that you faced in your position or challenges that the company was facing. Next, think about the specific actions you took to overcome the problem. Finally, identify the results of those efforts. Use this technique to write down a list of all of your accomplishments and incorporate your most impressive ones into your resume.

Lead with the outcome

When you’re creating a bullet, write the result before listing the problem and action. This allows you to lead with the part that will most get the hiring manager’s attention. For example, instead of saying, ‘Streamlined process and built a great sales team to reverse an annual $1 million decline in market share,’ you could say, ‘Reversed an annual $1 million decline in profit share by streamlining processes and building a great sales team.’

Use action words

Select the words in your work history carefully. When describing your responsibilities and accomplishments, use action words.

Examples of action words:

How to include resume keywords

Here are some steps you can take to include keywords on your resume:

1. First, review the job description for the required skills and experience

Resume keywords are the words or phrases shown in job postings and job descriptions that relate to the job requirements, and they are critical for helping your resume catch the attention of a hiring manager. They include not only skills but also credentials, qualities and key experiences that the hiring manager may be looking for. Keywords are especially important if the company is using an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to screen for the best candidates. By reviewing the job description and adding keywords to your resume, you can increase the likelihood of getting the hiring manager’s attention and earning yourself an interview.

2. Second, be specific

Use keywords that are as closely related to the specific role as possible. The more specific you are to the language they’re using, the greater the likelihood you’ll get past the ATS filter. For example, if the job description says they’re looking for a candidate with a background in project management and you use the words ‘project manager’ on your resume, rather than ‘project management,’ you may not get past the filter. Pay particular attention to the form and tense the keyword is in and use that same exact wording on your resume.

3. Next, mix up your keywords

You should include a wide variety of keywords throughout your resume, including hard and soft skills, industry buzzwords, certifications and degrees. Try using variations of the same word as well. For example, if you are a copywriter, you should use word copywriter, but also consider using other variations of it, such as content creator or writer.

3. Finally, include them throughout your resume

Include your resume keywords throughout our resume, including in your summary statement, skills section, job description and anywhere else that seems appropriate.

How to include education on your resume

Here are some steps for including your education on your resume to help emphasize that you have the knowledge and expertise to fill a role:

1. First, format your resume consistently

The first step when creating the education section of your resume is to make sure you’re using the same formatting you’ve used throughout the rest of your resume. For example, if you have bolded the names of your employers in the work history section, you should also bold the names of the colleges you attended in the education section. Use the same font sizes and styles as well.

2. Second, list the degree, school and school location

After you’ve formatted the section correctly, list your degree, the college or university you attended and the location of the school. You can choose to write out the degree—Bachelor of Science—or use the acronym, such as B.S. or B.A. if you’re limited on space.

3. Finally, consider adding other information

There are a few situations where you may want to add other information. For example, if you have obtained your degree in the last 15 years, it’s appropriate to list the date you graduated. If you completed your degree more than 15 years ago, it’s best to leave it off. If you will be graduating soon but have not yet completed your degree, write, ‘Expected graduation [date].’

By being strategic in the way you format and list your educational background on your resume, you will make it easier for the hiring manager to scan and quickly assess whether you meet the educational qualifications for a position. In fact, recent graduates who have little work experience may even want to consider switching their work history and education sections, placing their educational qualifications at the top of the resume. If you do have professional experience, however, it’s most appropriate to place the education section after your work history.

Tips for listing your educational background

Here are some additional tips to help you create the education section for your resume:

List your most recent degree first

If you have multiple degrees, list them in reverse chronological order with your most recent degree first. In situations where you had a double major, you can list both degrees in the same section.

List your high school diploma if it’s your highest degree

If your high school diploma or GED is your highest degree, include it on your resume. You could also leave it off entirely if you have significant work experience.

Note how the employer described education

Review the job description and make note of how the employer described education requirements. For example, did they write B.S. or bachelor’s degree? Unless you’re limited on space and must write B.S., it’s best to write your degree in the same way that the employer did. This will help you get past any ATS filters.

List minors after your major

While it’s important to include any minors or concentrations—especially if they are relevant to the job for which you’re applying—you should list them after you’ve listed your major.

Example of how to list a minor on your resume:

Bachelor of Arts, Marketing, Minor Journalism

St. Paul University | Chicago, IL | December 2019

Include a GPA if it’s 3.4 or above

If you are a recent graduate and had a high GPA, you may want to include your GPA in the education section as well.

Example of how to include GPA on your resume:

Bachelor of Arts in English (GPA: 3.8)

Kansas City University | Kansas City, MO | May 2019

Include college education, even if you didn’t graduate

If you went to college but didn’t graduate, it’s still appropriate to include your college education on your resume, especially if it’s relevant to the position for which you’re applying.

Example of how to indicate level of college education:

Washington University, St. Louis, MO

Bachelor of Arts, English, 65 credit hours obtained

Include study abroad programs

Adding study abroad experiences to your resume can show an employer that you’re hardworking and not afraid to take risks. Because this information generally doesn’t take up much room on your resume, you should include it. You would format this information in the same way you format the other college education on your resume.

Example of how to include study abroad experience:

Oxford University, Oxford, England (Study Abroad) January 2018-July 2018

Best practices for writing a resume

Here are some best practices to keep in mind as you create a resume:

Keep it organized and visually appealing

Keep in mind that hiring managers will usually spend only 10 seconds scanning your resume to decide if they want to look more closely. Help them make the most of that time by making sure that your resume is clear and easy to read. You should bold and possibly even capitalize the headings of each section and use an easy-to-read font.

Tailor your resume and cover letter for each job

Customize both your resume and cover letter for every job you apply for. Research the company and review the job description carefully. Identify the skills, experiences and qualifies that the organization is looking for and then reflect those qualifications in your resume. While this process is time-consuming, it will have a big impact on how well your resume stands out from the other applications. Consider keeping a master list of all your experiences that you can refer back to as you’re customizing your resume. Then select the ones that are most relevant to the specific role for which you’re applying.

Leave off your references

If you get to the point in the hiring process that the employer wants to speak with your references, they’ll request them. Reserve the valuable space on your resume for talking about your abilities and qualifications.

Use your judgment when it comes to creativity

Some industries and professionals are more creative than others. Keep this in mind as you decide whether to use images or color on your resume. If you’re working in creative industries like digital media or design, being more creative with your resume can be appropriate and help you stand out as a candidate. If you’re applying for a position in a more traditional industry, such as finance, or a corporate position, it’s best to leave your resume black and white.

Proofread and edit carefully

Read your resume carefully, looking for typos and grammatical errors. Also, look for information that isn’t directly related to the position for which you’re applying. Remove any experiences or skills that aren’t directly related to the role. It’s also a good idea to give your resume to a friend or family member. This will increase the likelihood that you’ll catch any remaining spelling or grammatical mistakes.

How to match a resume with a cover letter

Here are the steps you should take to match your cover letter to your resume:

1. First, pay attention to layout

Just like on your resume, your cover letter should be clean and polished. Match the layout of your cover letter, including margins and line spacing, to your resume. Ideally, the margins should be one-inch wide and have single spacing. You should also leave a space between paragraphs.

2. Second, use the same color scheme

Follow the same color scheme on your cover letter that you used on your resume. For example, if your resume has gray borders, use that same color in the design on your cover letter. This will help you create a smooth transition from one document to the next. Because hiring managers see a lot of applications, the format and style you use for your cover letter should catch their attention as well. For that reason, it’s important to create a cover letter that complements the rest of your application package.

3. Third, use the same font and font size

It’s also a good idea to use the same font style in both your resume and cover letter. Fonts like Calibri, Helvetica and Arial are simple and easy to read, both electronically and in print. You should also use the same font size in your resume and cover letter. It should be at least 10 points in size and no longer than 12. Text written in this size is easier to read and appears better visually, making your cover letter look more complete.

4. Finally, keep contact information identical

Finally, the contact information in the header of your cover letter should be identical to the contact information in your resume. Check to ensure that the name, email address, phone number and mailing address are identical on both documents. While it is appropriate for one document to have more information than the other, such as adding a website, online portfolio or LinkedIn address to the header of your resume, the specific personal details on both documents should be the same.

While your resume is an outline of your accomplishments, skills and work history, your cover letter should serve as its commentary. A well-written cover letter can sometimes make all the difference when a hiring manager is deciding whether or not to bring a candidate in for an interview. By taking the time to craft one that complements your resume, you are sending the message that you are serious about the job, potentially even helping your application package stand out from the rest.

Frequently asked questions about resumes

Here are some of the most common resume questions:

Should I write my resume in past or present tense?

In general, if you’re writing about a position you currently hold, you will use present tense. If you’re writing about a job you held in the past, you should write in past tense. That said, there is an exception. If you’re writing about something you did in your job, such as an accomplishment you achieved or a project you worked on and it’s no longer something you’re doing, you should write about it in the past tense.

If you’re in doubt, the simplest solution is to put everything in past tense, even your current responsibilities. The most important thing is that you’re consistent throughout your entire resume.

Should you include every job you’ve ever worked?

In general, it’s best not to go back more than 10 or 15 years into your past work history. There are exceptions to this rule, though. For example, if you worked for a company in the past or held a position that’s highly relevant to the role for which you’re applying, it could be worth including. You may also want to include contract work you’ve done—even if only for a few months—if it is relevant to the position.

Should you include your hobbies?

If you have room on your resume—especially if you’re trying to build your resume to a full page—it’s acceptable to include hobbies. However, focus on including hobbies that are relevant to the position. For example, if you’re applying for a job as a digital marketer, it’s a great idea to share that you are on the media committee for your city’s annual black-tie gala.

It’s also okay to list interests that evoke intellect, team building and action. For example, listing marathon training, intramural sports, chess-playing or extensive travel can tell the hiring manager about your personality while demonstrating that you regularly employ your soft skills outside of the workplace.

Resume template for no experience

Here is a template you can use to craft your own resume if you have no professional experience:

[Desired profession]

[Email address]

[Objective]

[Year – year/Present]

[College/university]

[Field of study]

GPA: [include if above 3.4]

Relevant coursework

Extracurricular activities and achievements:

• [List any extracurricular activities], [Year]

[High school], [City, State]

High School Diploma

GPA [include GPA if above 3.4]

Combined SAT score: [score]

Activities:

• Member of [sport/club], Grade [grades you participated]

[Year] – Present

Volunteering

[City, State]

• [List volunteering, internships or freelance opportunities]
• [Language] (Proficiency: Advanced/Conversational)

CERTIFICATIONS

• [Relevant certifications]

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

• [Relevant hobbies or interests]

Example of resume with no experience

Here is an example of a resume where the candidate had no professional experience:

Jessica Harris

Jr. Copywriter

555-555-5555

[email protected]

A motivated and ambitious student seeking to apply my copywriting skills in a local Tampa agency.

2018 – Present

University of Tampa

English Literature

• Marketing 101
• Psychology 101
• Dean’s List, all semesters
• Spanish Club officer, 2018

Tampa High School, Tampa, FL

Combined SAT score: 1450

• Captain of Swim Team, 2010-2012

2017 – Present

• Help local community develop marketing materials to promote garage sale
• Created website copy for a local band
• Write product reviews for a local e-commerce company
• Verbal and written communication
• Creative thinking
• Presentation skills
• Analytical skills
• Spanish: conversational
• Copywriting 101 – Udemy Certification
• Maintain and promote a blog on local musicians

Resume template for gaps in work experience

Use this resume template if you have gaps in your work history:

CAREER OBJECTIVE

SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Completed [share big accomplishment]
• Improved [share big accomplishment]
• Developed [share big accomplishment]

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

[Core skill]: Description of the experience where you used that skill

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

[Title], [Year – year]

[Company], [City], [State]

[Degree]  [Date]

[College or university], [City, State]

Example of resume with gaps in work experience

Here is an example of a resume where the candidate had gaps in their work history:

Samantha Adams

938 Grand Bayou

Riverscape, OK 93231

[email protected]

To secure a position with an e-commerce company and utilize my skills as a digital marketer.

• Grew website traffic 150% over one year, resulting in $100k additional revenue
• Managed team of web developers and launched a fully re-designed website in six months
• Hired, trained and managed a team of eight marketers to website strategy
• Strategic planning
• Copywriting
• Social media
• Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving: Hired a team of web developers to focus on UX design, which reduced the website bounce rate by 50% and increased mobile sales by 25% in one month.

Management: Oversaw the work of an eight-person marketing team, setting goals, providing support and guidance and performing quality control. Grew the team from three to eight people over two years.

Advertising: Launched a four-week advertising campaign that drove $50k in sales during what was usually a slow season for the company.

Marketing Manager , 2018 – Present

OfficeSupplies4You, Tulsa, OK

Digital Marketer , 2016 – 2018

Digital Marketer , 2008 – 2011

Sports Equipment LLC, Tulsa, OK

Master of Science in Marketing – 2005

University of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK

Bachelor of Science in Marketing –  2003

Minor in English

If you need help writing a resume, use our data-backed resume builder .

More From Forbes

5 good work skills to include in your resume in 2024.

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Skills-based hiring is a talent acquisition trend for 2024, which means that when you're creating ... [+] your resume, it should be heavily skills-focused

Skills-based hiring is leading the way as one of the newest talent acquisition trends for 2024. For years, employers and job-seekers alike have been discussing ways in which the candidate experience can be improved, and the talent pool diversified, through focusing on skills rather than the bias traditionally associated with job and educational history.

Now at last, that vision is finally becoming a reality, thanks to the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence within the workforce and particularly generative AI tools assisting the recruitment process. Speaking to the Society for Human Resource Management, Fredrick A. Scott, vice president, talent strategy and inclusion and early in career recruiting said:

"In 2024, the technology is finally starting to catch up, and generative AI will unlock companies’ abilities for skills-based hiring, especially for early-in-career talent.”

What does this mean to you as a prospective candidate?

If you are on the hunt for a new role, either to expand your career to the next level, or simply for a fresh change due to needing a different work environment, you need to ensure now more than ever before, that you showcase your most important skills at key points throughout your resume. Employers are paying close attention to your skills, so finding creative ways to display them is where the majority of your effort should be concentrated.

But what are the core skills employers need you to include in your resume? According to research and reports from the World Economic Forum, FlexJobs, and LinkedIn LNKD , here are a few:

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, 1. communication.

Employers need hires who have solid all-round communication skills. This includes communication at the interpersonal level, as well as other aspects such as presentation skills, being professional in your manner and representing the values of the company when composing emails, or when engaged in other forms of correspondence.

This skill is so critical that LinkedIn reported communication skills as being the number one skill for 2024. It was the common denominator in job adverts and the profiles of those who had been headhunted on LinkedIn over the past year, as per LinkedIn research.

2. Teamwork

Employers are looking for evidence of how well you'll fit in with their company culture. Depending on the role, some jobs may require you to have stronger teamwork skills than others, so it's very important that you make this clear throughout your resume. And at the end of the day, you will need to engage and collaborate with co-workers at some point, so how well you can succeed within a team setting is critical to your career success.

Key skills can be strategically placed at various points throughout your resume

3. Leadership

Leadership skills is one of the core skill sets that you need to prove to employers, whether or not your plan on taking on a leadership-oriented role. This is because more and more employers are becoming aware that employees possessing leadership qualities are needed for organizations to successfully get ahead and remain star players in the competition.

Having leadership skills means taking responsibility for your actions, owning your mistakes, taking initiative, and jumping in where needed to tackle problems.

4. Problem-Solving

Can you demonstrate evidence of where you've put your creativity to work and developed a solution? What were its tangible results within your role, team, project, or department? The ultimate reason why a new employer would hire you is because you are the solution to their problem. If you can show that you think outside of the box and are innovative and unafraid of exploring untapped areas, you're a star candidate.

5. Self-Motivation

How quickly do you quit? Do you have what it takes to face a challenge head-on and keep pushing forward? Employers are looking for candidates like you, who can demonstrate determination in the face of obstacles, and have the drive and will to succeed, because this leads to higher output and performance.

How To Include Skills In Your Resume

Now that you know what skills are needed, where do you place them, and how do you incorporate these skills?

Here are a couple examples of areas within your resume that are most likely to benefit from adding these skills:

First, always include a skills highlights section near the top of your resume, and use this to list your core competencies, relevant to the job role, in bullet points. Try to ensure that you include the above skills, as well as those that are mentioned in the person specification of the job advert.

Another good way to include these skills in your resume is to show them in practice, and include them naturally in sections such as your professional profile or your work experience section. When approaching each section, ask yourself, how can I highlight that I possess XYZ skill in this particular role?

For example, you might decide to include a bullet point in your work experience section, that speaks to how you demonstrated problem-solving ability, by saying: "Formulated strategies which increased overall performance, leading to the team exceeding target by 140% in my first month and over 200% in the second month."

Show employers how you have demonstrated core skills by sharing concise, tangible success stories ... [+] and results

Using numbers as above helps to quantify your skills and strengthen the impression that you are confident with them and can provide value to your new employer.

As employers adapt to the needs of the current job climate and begin preparing their systems, policies, and technology for skills-based hiring, what are you doing? How will you prepare yourself—and your resume—for the skills trend?

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With the Zety resume app, you'll no longer be sending resumes unsure of whether they're actually any good. If you follow all the creator's tips, you'll only ever send top-notch job applications!

What is a resume?

A resume is a brief document that gives an overview of your qualifications. It includes information about your work history , education , and professional skills relevant to the job. It also shows your achievements , awards, certifications , and other things that will help you impress the recruiter.

In other words, a resume is a document necessary to apply for any job and to convince your potential employer that you’re the perfect fit for their opening. A unique resume template , an ATS-friendly document, and a perfect cover letter can skyrocket those chances.

What's the best resume template to use in 2024?

The best resume template to use in 2024 is a reverse-chronological resume template , as it’s easy to read or skim through by the ATS software and hiring managers. It’s mostly recommended for experienced candidates. If you’re only starting your career, skill-based resume templates will serve you more.

The resume templates available in our resume maker tick those boxes and are fast and painless to fill out online. They are also entirely customizable (section order, colors, fonts, margins, etc.). All the changes are applied in real-time and visible on a preview. Want to take a look at different styles of resume templates? Here are our best resume templates .

What should I include on my resume?

A resume consists of several parts . Here's what you should include on your resume in 2024:

• Contact Details (with a LinkedIn Profile )
• Resume Summary or Resume Objective
• Work Experience
• Education & Diplomas
• Professional Skills (consider listing hard skills and soft skills separately)
• Additional Information

When building a resume in our resume app, you’ll be guided through each step of the resume creation process and given expert tips and even generated content tailored to the job you’re applying for. After you're done, your resume should be one-page long . But there are exceptions, and sometimes it can be a two-page resume . Find more about an ideal resume length .

What is the best resume format to use in 2024?

The best resume format to use in 2024 is a reverse-chronological resume . It displays your information (e.g., work history and education) from the most recent to the oldest of your qualifications, highlighting the most relevant achievements on your resume .

However, depending on your career path, you may need to pick:

• Skills-based resume or functional resume : focus on your skills rather than work experience
• Hybrid/combination resume : a clever mix of chronological and functional resumes
• Student resume format : focuses on studies, volunteering work, soft skills, and internships over work history
• Video resume : for creative candidates and industries (must always be accompanied by an actual resume)
• Targeted resume : created with one specific job posting in mind
• Infographic resume : for a career focused on graphics and design skills
• Simple resume : concentrated strictly on the content

Our online resume maker and all of our templates support these resume formats, so you can try them all and see what works best for you!

Do I need a different resume for every different job application?

Yes, you do! You should make a different resume for every application. Tailoring your resume to each job you apply to can significantly increase your chances of getting hired. Generic resumes simply don't stand a chance against a targeted resume .

For an easy way out, check if the job title and skills section match and are relevant to the job you’re after.

In our resume generator, once you enter the job title you’re pursuing, you’ll get customized suggestions for a list of skills, resume profile , and other areas that can be improved. Also, you can easily duplicate, change, and save every resume you write. That makes it way easier to tailor your resume for each job offer you’re applying for in less than 5 minutes. Now you don't have to mass-send the same resume or spend hours creating a new one for each offer from scratch!

What does an ATS-friendly resume mean?

An ATS-friendly resume is one that is fully and easily scanned and understood by the Applicant Tracking Systems. Format your resume and include relevant keywords to achieve it. Many companies use such software to scan and filter resumes before landing on a recruiter’s desk.

All the templates in Zety resume builder are 100% ATS-compliant. Make your resume using an ATS-friendly resume template , and don’t get rejected.

Are there any good resume examples that I can use?

Yes, there are many great resume examples! See over 500 free resume examples for any job application . There's a guide for everyone, no matter your experience level and industry.

However, even though you can copy and use the available examples, it’s still essential to understand what your future employer is looking for in your resume. Use the examples only as references.

Do I need a cover letter for my resume?

Yes, cover letters are necessary . Your recruiters might need more time to read it carefully, but they will find time to scan them when they consider you as a potential hire.

Submitting a cover letter is one of the best ways to boost your resume and prove just how motivated you are. More than 25% of recruiters consider them critical, and half of them prefer when applicants attach a cover letter to their resume. Of course, a cover letter will only work if it is as tailored and unique as your resume, so it’s important to figure out what a cover letter should say to wow the recruiter.

To learn more about creating a job-winning cover letter, check out our guide on how to write a cover letter . Help yourself with our hundreds of free cover letter examples , or use our professional cover letter templates that match your resume in our resume builder.

Try zety's professional resume builder now

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