how to write a resume for the job you want

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: The Only Resume Guide You’ll Need in 2024

• Kaja Jurcisinova , 
• Updated January 16, 2024 16 min read

Your resume is arguably the most important document you'll create during a job search. So taking the time to learn how to write a resume properly can make a job hunt much quicker and easier.  

What would otherwise take you hours of hard work and research can be done in a few minutes. All you have to do is follow our simple step-by-step guide on how to write the perfect resume. 

In the end, a good resume gives you a chance to make a great first impression and ultimately decide if you'll be invited for an interview. 

What makes a great resume?

• Clear division of resume sections
• Prioritizing relevant information
• Tailored for a specific position
• Typo-free and well-written
• Usage of bullet points

There's more to it, though.

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What is a resume?

Before you start writing your resume, how to write a resume, step 1: choose the right resume format, step 2: add contact information and personal details, step 3: begin with your professional summary, step 4: list relevant work experience, step 5: summarize your education , step 6: highlight your soft and hard skills , step 7: add optional resume sections.

• Step 8: Wrap it up with a cover letter 

Final tips before you click “Send”

Let's cover the basics first. Before we learn how to write a good resume, we should know what a resume even is. 

The word resume comes from French, meaning “summary” . This is the perfect word because that’s exactly what a resume is: a short, straight-to-the-point summary that details your professional achievements, skills, qualifications, education, work experience, and past employers. It's also known as a curriculum vitae (CV) .

The aim of a resume is to get invited to a job interview . It should aim to convince an employer that you're a good fit for the job. 

Because of that, your resume should be adjusted and tailored to each job vacancy.

TL;DR Here's a step-by-step video guide on how to write a professional resume in 2024

If you’re already familiar with what should be on your resume and just want a quick and informative recap, or if your time is limited, just check out our 5-minute step-by-step video guide .

Before we move on to how to write a resume, we recommend setting a few minutes aside for research. These few minutes can save you hours of frustration and ultimately make your job search that much easier.

Here’s what we recommend to research before you write your resume: 

• Research the company, specifically the “About Us” page. This is a great place to search for keywords you can use in your resume or cover letter. What are their mission statement and their values?
• Research the position you’ll be applying for. Great resumes are tailored to a specific job opening. You can do this by asking these three questions as you go through the job post: “ What are the essential keywords? What adjectives, nouns, and phrases occur repeatedly? What language does the company use?”
• Discover your strong points , as this will make it easier to pinpoint the qualities you want to highlight in your resume. Ask people around you: “What are my skills and abilities, and what are my weaknesses?” Also, look at your past accomplishments. What were the skills and abilities that helped you succeed in the past?

Another way of preparing for writing your resume is by looking at these well-researched, specifically tailored, and properly formatted resume examples in our database. You can even filter them by your job title.

Not enough time?

Let your resume write itself. All you’ll have left to do is edit the draft.

We'll walk you through nine essential steps to help you create a standout resume.

Different resume formats cater to different types of job seekers, depending on the experience level and career goals. The  three most commonly used  resume formats are chronological, functional, and combination (hybrid).

Your resume should include your contact/personal information right at the top, in a so-called resume header. A resume header is  more than just your name and contact details . Depending on your career path, there's a lot more that can (and should) be included in this section. To find out what to include, what to skip, and how to format it keep on reading.

A professional summary (also called resume profile or resume summary) is a short paragraph that summarizes your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Think of it as a teaser for the rest of your resume.

This is the most important section of your resume. You need to include key information like : names of companies, locations, job titles, positions held, dates of employment, responsibilities you've had. Then: - list the jobs in reverse-chronological order - write in bullet points - include your quantifiable achievements - avoid buzzwords - use action verbs and keywords from the job description

The education summary section, though important, varies in significance based on your career stage . As an experienced professional, prioritize work history and skills, placing education after. Keep it concise, including university, degree, and graduation year.

Skills fall into two categories: hard and soft. 1. Hard skills are teachable and measurable, acquired through training, and include computer proficiency, language abilities, project management, etc. 2. Soft skills , linked to personality traits, can enhance both work and personal life, encompassing communication, leadership, and time management, among others.

These can include: achievements and awards, certifications and licences, language skills, publications, references, hobbies, social media, volunteering, or custom sections.

A good cover letter should answer the following questions: 1. Who are you?  2. Why are you interested in working for their company? 3. Why are you the best fit for the job opening? 4. How can you enrich their company?

In the following chapters, we look at each step in more detail and give you helpful tips and examples.

Once you know what the company and job require and you’ve identified your strengths and weaknesses, you should be ready to pick the right resume format.  

Make this choice depending on the stage of your career: 

• Are you a seasoned professional ? Then you should pick a resume format that emphasizes your experience.
• Are you a fresh graduate? Then your resume should highlight any transferable skills you’ve acquired during your studies.
• Are you changing careers? Then a combination of the two will produce the best results.

Pick the best option for your career from the three dominant resume formats that are in use today:

• Chronological resume format. Probably the best choice for experienced professionals. Lists the candidate’s jobs and accomplishments in chronological order. Main resume section : Work Experience.
• Functional resume format. Great for fresh graduates, IT professionals, or other skill-based professions. Emphasizes skills instead of experience. Main resume section: Skills.
• Combined resume format . A combination of the previous two.

Let's take a look at what these resume formats look like in practice:

Chronological resume format

Functional resume format, combined resume format.

The resume format you choose will determine how you organize the information on your resume. It will also attract attention to some things and away from others. 

Take time to understand your strengths and weaknesses and choose accordingly.

You want the recruiter to read the strongest and most relevant parts of your resume at the start. For more, check out a guide on how to choose the right resume format .

Your contact/personal information should always be at the top of your resume in a so-called resume header .

Compared to the other resume sections, filling in the contact information section may seem super easy. That's until you start asking more questions.

Should you put your address on the resume? How to include social media , and should you? And what about the date of birth? 

Well, let’s see: 

• Name. Absolutely necessary. Put your first name first and surname last. Middle name is optional.
• Title. Optional. If you’re applying for a position in a traditional or specialized field, it's good to add your Ph.D., MBA, or other titles to it.
• Email address. Absolutely necessary, even when you’re sending your application by email. Your email address should look professional (e.g. [email protected] , NOT [email protected] ). Always use your personal email address, not the email address with the domain of your current employer. 
• Home address. Somewhat problematic. Your neighborhood can say a lot about you in some cases, disclosing living in a certain area can lead to discrimination. On the other hand, if you’re located in the same city as the company, it may help you to get the job, as it saves the company that they'd have to spend on a relocation package (of course, only if the job isn't remote).
• Phone number. Necessary. Many employers will call you by phone to arrange an interview, instead of doing it by email.
• LinkedIn. Recommended. And if you don’t have a LinkedIn profile yet, consider creating one. Make sure your profile is complete and up-to-date.
• Social media. Optional. Include it only if it’s related to your job. GitHub, Behance, and even your Facebook or Instagram profile will do (if you regularly post content that has to do with your profession). Here are a few tips on how to include your social media . 
• Blog/website. Optional. Similar to social media. If you have a blog , website, or digital portfolio related to your chosen profession, don’t be afraid to show it off.
• Photo. Problematic. It depends on the country. In most English-speaking countries, they don’t add a photo. See this guide to know if you should put a picture on your resume .

Your professional summary should be a list of about 4-5 bullet points or a short paragraph that summarizes your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements.

You can think of it as a teaser for the rest of your resume. Make sure it’s interesting enough to hook the hiring manager right in.

But how do you write a good professional summary?

• Write your professional summary last. It’s surprisingly easy to do if you’ve already finished other sections of your resume.
• The first bullet point should describe your professional title. Don’t forget to add the number of years of experience. Write it in bold if the number is especially impressive.
• Pick the most impressive parts of your resume and rewrite them into snappy bullet points. Tease your potential employer into reading further.
• Pack your professional summary with relevant keywords. Think of ATS. This will help you get through automated pre-screenings.
• Quantify every achievement if possible. This will make you look even more professional. 
• Tie every bullet point to the requirements introduced in the job offer.

If you do everything right, you should end up with something like this:

The work experience section is what most people picture when they think “resume” .

The trick is to focus on your past achievements , not your responsibilities. 

Hiring managers are likely to know what your responsibilities were supposed to be. In most cases, your job title says it all.

If you want to stand out, you should tell them how you excelled in your previous job instead. 

And there’s hardly a more effective way to do that than by mentioning your achievements.

But how do you list your work experience on a resume?

• Put your work experience section in the right spot. If you can boast a lot of professional experience, put your work experience section right under your resume summary. If you don’t have enough experience yet, put it just below your education section. Finally, if you prefer to highlight your skills instead of experience, put your skills section first.
• Give it a proper heading. Keep it simple and stick to “Work Experience” or “Employment History” as other headings might not be understood by applicant tracking systems (ATS) .
• List your jobs in reverse-chronological order. Start with your most recent experience and work your way back from there. Based on your level of experience, decide how far back should your resume go .
• Don’t include the job description. Instead of listing what you were supposed to do, try to tell your potential employers what positive results you had.
• Write in past tense. This will help you focus on your past achievements instead of responsibilities. It also sounds better.
• Show your problem-solving skills. In the end, hiring managers want to know how effective you’re going to be in solving real problems. There’s no better way to show your problem-solving ability than to briefly describe how you solved difficult problems in the past. Follow the PAR scheme: What was the (P)roblem? What (A)ction did you take? What was the (R)esult?
• Quantify results. Hiring managers love measurable results. Because of that, a single number often speaks more than a thousand words. Don’t say that you “increased the company’s revenue significantly.” Instead, don’t be afraid to brag about “increasing the company’s revenue by 20%.”
• Use bullet points. Bullet points help you structure each subsection. Try to limit yourself to about 5 bullets per job.
• Avoid buzzwords. People used some phrases in their resumes so much, these words have become meaningless. Everybody seems to be an out-of-the-box creative thinker with a knack for innovation nowadays. But in reality, only very few people really are those things. See what other 10 buzzwords you should stop using on your resume
• Use action verbs . Unlike buzzwords, action verbs carry the weight you need to persuade an employer to hire you. Just to mention a few, these are words like “developed” , “increased” , “facilitated” and others. For more action verbs, check out our resume cheat sheet .
• Keywords. Reread the job description and carefully pick the most important keywords. These are the words that best describe the position you’re applying for, and that will attract the attention of the ATS system. 

In the end, your work experience section should look a bit like this:

The education summary section is where you list your degrees and relevant academic accomplishments.

Based on your degree and where you're in your career, it can be either the least or the most important part of your resume.

Are you an experienced professional?

Once you become more experienced, the education section takes a back seat to your work history and hard skills.

In other words, your education section should come after your work experience section, not the other way around. It also shouldn't be too long. For instance, your grades are no longer relevant.  

It’s enough if you include the name of your university, the name of your degree, and the year you graduated.

Here’s an example:

Are you a fresh graduate?

Then your degree is still one of the strongest cards you have to play.

In practical terms, it means that you should place your education section at the top of your resume — right between your professional summary and work experience section.

It should also be a bit longer. 

These are the things you should add to your education section if you’re a student or a fresh graduate:

• Academic awards. AP scholar, Duke of Edinburgh award, National Merit Award, President’s Award, school subject-based awards, dean’s list, etc.
• Scholarships. Athletic scholarships, scholarships for women, creative scholarships, etc.
• Academic conferences and symposia. Don’t forget to mention the scope and name of the paper you presented at a conference.
• Relevant student societies. Debating or programming clubs. If you were on a student committee of any kind, mention that too.
• GPA. Only include your GPA if it was higher than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. If your overall GPA was lower, mention your overall GPA. Alternatively, mention your summa cum laude or magna cum laude .
• Academic publications. Producing an academic work worth publishing is impressive no matter the context.

In the end, your education section can look like this:

Before you start writing, you should know there are two types of skills : hard skills and soft skills.

1. Hard skills can be learned, taught, and most importantly — measured. Acquiring them requires deliberate effort, training, and time.

Hard skills can be, for instance: computer skills, language skills, manual skills, mathematics, project management, etc.

2. Soft skills are tied to your personality traits. These skills can come as part of your upbringing, or you can acquire some later in life through self-improvement. These skills can bring value to any job, as well as your private life.

Examples of soft skills include: communication, leadership, time management , creativity, decision-making, etc.

But how to make your skills stand out?

• Focus on what’s most relevant. Do you have any of the skills mentioned in the advertisement for your desired job? Good. Make sure to include them in your resume’s skills section.
• Organize your skills into subcategories. Divide your skills section into several subsections like computer skills, soft skills, languages, and others.
• Don’t underestimate soft skills. 67 percent of HR managers said they’d hire a candidate with strong soft skills even if their technical abilities were lacking. On the contrary, only 9 percent would hire someone with strong technical credentials but weak soft skills.
• There are skills you shouldn’t include. Never include any skills you don’t have, skills that have nothing to do with the job, skills everybody should have, or skills that have become obsolete.

Apart from the standard resume sections we just mentioned above, are also optional sections. 

A good rule of thumb is to add an optional section only if it's relevant to the job you're applying for. If done properly, these sections can help you:

• Fill the gap when lacking experience
• Highlight additional skills and expertise 
• Let an employer know more about who you are

Pro tip: Optional resume sections can be especially important to companies that prioritize hiring candidates who fit their workplace culture. 

Here are some of the most common optional sections: 

Technical skills

This section can be a nice addition when applying for (surprise!) technical jobs. 

Some examples of technical skills are: programming languages, software proficiency, project management, and data analysis.

Technical skills are usually measurable, so if you decide to include them in your resume, use a graph or a scale to illustrate how strong they are. Adding visual elements to your resume not only looks nice but also shows your ability to be precise and analytical.

Achievements and awards

Scholarships, competitions, work-related awards, or even promotions to leadership positions in your job — all of these can be considered important professional achievements. 

Either distribute them across other parts of your resume or put them in a dedicated section. The latter allows you to truly highlighted them. 

And if you choose to include them in a separate resume section, don't forget to mention the dates and the name of the company/institution at which you've accomplished the achievement. 

Professional references

In today's competitive job market, strong professional references can be a game-changer. Consider including a ' Professional References ' section in your resume to provide potential employers with easy access to these valuable resources.

How to format references on resume? Here's what you should list for each reference:

• Their full name
• Their current job title and organization
• Their contact details (email and phone number will do)
• Your relationship with them (e.g., Former Supervisor)

Ensure you have their permission and inform them when actively job searching.

Once you decide who you want your references to be, it's time to ask them if they agree. Here's how to ask someone to be a reference via email .

Certifications and licenses

Listing the certificates and courses that you've successfully completed on your resume is never a mistake.

However, keep in mind that they should be related to the role that you're applying for. 

If you'd like to add a certificate to your CV but you're unsure about where to find the best course for you, check out this carefully curated list of the best online courses that will help you to get a job. 

Publications

In this section, you can mention all the relevant conferences, presentations, and written publications. 

This section is most useful if you're working in academia, marketing, or journalism. 

However, include it in your resume also if you're applying for a position that requires you to be an expert on the topic that you've written about.

Volunteering

This section lists your volunteer work . It should be treated similarly to a work experience section. The reason is that whether your work was paid or not, it still translates to real-life experience. 

This is true especially if you find yourself at the beginning of your career. In that case, feel free to place the volunteering section towards the start of your resume. 

On the other hand, if you're a seasoned professional, locate this section more toward the end of your document. 

This is the part of your resume that's the most personal. Here, let a little loose and let your personality shine through. List you hobbies and interests, even the quirky or unique ones.

Hobbies serve as a great way for a hiring manager to see you more as a person and less as just a name written on a paper. They can also break the ice during the interview stage.

Christy's word of advice

Really, it sounds so simple, but one of the best ways to stand out with your resume is to apply for jobs you’re a close fit for. So many people apply ‘just in case they’ll consider me if even I only meet some of the requirements’, then feel deflated when they’re rejected. The company has spent time figuring out exactly what they need and are paying their staff or a recruiter to find that. Look closely at the minimum/essential requirements, apply for jobs you’re a great fit for, and you’ll have much better luck!

Christy Morgan, Resident HR Expert

Step 8: Wrap it up with a cover letter  

Phew! Almost done with how to write a resume. Just a little bit of editing and proofreading, picking the right resume template , and you should be able to click send, right? 

Well, not quite. At least we wouldn’t recommend you sending it —  yet. 

The truth is that resumes are often put aside when not accompanied by a cover letter. It would be a shame if this happened to you, especially after all the time you’ve spent creating it. 

A good cover letter is a way to stand apart from the competition. It’s where you can show your hiring manager you mean business. 

And, if you're fresh out of college or changing career this step-by-step guide on  how to write a cover letter with no experience  will show you what to focus on instead. 

Here are 4 questions to guide you while writing your cover letter: 

• Who are you (professionally)? 
• Why are you interested in working for their company?
• Why are you the best fit for the job opening?
• How can you enrich their company?

When all it’s said and done, your cover letter should look something like this:

Cover letter example

This cover letter sample was provided by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

Want more inspo? Browse another 1,250+ cover letter examples by your profession.

And if you really want a memorable cover letter, we’ve got you covered. In fact, we’re certain it will be the only cover letter guide you’ll ever need . 

• The older the job, the fewer the details. In other words, don’t have 13 bullet points on a job from 5 years ago.
• Use off-peak hours for maximum attention , especially if you’re reaching out to an employer directly. Hiring managers are busy people and you want them to receive your resume when they have enough time to carefully read through it.
• Check your resume for typos. If English isn't your first language, employers might be inclined to overlook any grammatical mistakes that you make in your resume. Typos, on the other hand, are unforgivable. Your computer’s spell-check feature can help you fix that.
• Customize your resume for each job application. Every employer is different. And any hiring manager can tell if you’ve just sent them the same generic resume as to everyone else. So make sure you tailor your resume to each individual employer to increase your chances of getting hired.
• Get the introductory email right. It doesn’t matter that you have the best resume ever if nobody gets to read it. Attach it to an email that catches the employer’s attention from the get-go. Pay particular attention to the subject line that will make them read the full email, including the attachments.

FAQ: How to write a resume

One to two pages is the ideal. If you're at the junior stage of your career, one page is more than enough. Similarly, make sure that your resume isn't longer than three pages (and this may be stretching it already), even if you're a CEO.

Generally speaking, content is superior to form when it comes to resumes. However, a nice design is the first thing that catches the recruiter's attention — and that's precisely what you want. Moreover, if you're looking for a job in marketing, art, or design, the design of your resume naturally becomes your selling point, too.

Typos, being too general and not specific enough, not including relevant information, not using action verbs, and writing about duties instead of accomplishments.

The best format for sending a resume is PDF, as it keeps the visuals of the resume unchanged once the document is opened by the recruiter.

1.  Include standard resume sections.  Contact information, resume summary, work experience, education, skills. 2.  Include optional resume sections.  Awards, references, certifications, publications, projects, etc. 3.  Choose a resume format.  The three standard are: chronological, functional, combination.  4.  Use bullet points.  Use bullet points to make your resume easier to scan and highlight important information quickly.  6.  Think about the  margins .  Strike a good balance between not leaving too much white space and making your resume seem cluttered.  7.  Keep it to  one-two pages .  Unless you have extensive work experience, you should generally aim to keep your resume to one page.  8.  Consistency is key.  In all aspects of your resume, including the spacing, font, margins, etc. 9.  Use a professional resume   template  or layout which helps to structure the information effectively and makes it easy to read. 

Good job, you made it! If you still need more information on how to write a resume. You can go further in-depth in our section-by-section resume guide .

This article was recently updated. The original article was written by Noel Rojo in 2019.

Kaja Jurcisinova is a junior copywriter at Kickresume. Kaja completed her undergraduate degree in Art History at the University of St Andrews in 2018 and graduated with a Master’s in Arts and Culture from the University of Groningen in 2021. She was an intern at multiple cultural institutions across Europe, including the Dutch Museum Association in Amsterdam, the Matter of Art Biennale in Prague, and the European Cultural Centre in Venice. At the moment, she resides in Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland.

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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

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How to Make a Resume: 11 Easy Steps for 2024

Step 1: Choose Your Resume Format

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

• Step 4: Include Your Contact Information

Step 5: Describe Your Work Experience

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

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

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

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

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

Real Estate Agent Resume

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A one-page resume

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

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

Step 4: Include Your Contact Information in a Header

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

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

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

What details should I include about my job?

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

What do I write in my job description bullet points?

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

5 ways to quantify your impact

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

What if I don’t have work experience?

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

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

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

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

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

Projects-based Resume Example

Step 6: Add Your Skills

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

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

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

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

Step 7: Include Your Education and Certifications

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

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

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

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

Step 8: Decide Whether to Include an Objective or Summary

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

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

Step 9: Decide Whether to Add Other Resume Sections

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

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

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

Step 10: Tailor Your Resume for the Job

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

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

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

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

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

Step 11: Triple-Check for Spelling and Grammar

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

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

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

How to Write a Resume in 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• How to Make a Resume:...

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

30 min read · Updated on May 22, 2024

Your dream job is one resume away!

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

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

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

Table of contents:

The purpose of a resume

Avoid rejection by the ATS

What is your career target?

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

How long does it take to put together a resume?

A major resume no-no: typos

How to make your resume more professional

Theory in practice – resume examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Introduce you to a new company

Underscore how your experiences and education are relevant

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

Win interviews

Avoid rejection by the ATS 

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

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

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

Oh, no! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's not incremental though

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

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

Chronological resume 

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

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

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

Functional resume 

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

Combination resume 

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

Curriculum Vitae

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

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

Layout 

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

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

Contact information

Title 

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

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

Current contact information 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Professional Summary:

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

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

Relevant keywords – customer retention, revenue growth, and quotas 

Hard and soft skills – overcoming objections and working independently

An achievement – 24% territory growth

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

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

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

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

Tips for building your Core Competencies section:

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

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

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

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

Update frequently

Be consistent with the formatting

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

Core Competencies

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

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

Don't go further back than 10 to 15 years

Use no more than 3 to 5 bullets per work listing

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

Use stacking for companies where you held more than one role

10-15 Years

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

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

Achievements

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

1. Use numbers whenever possible

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

Don't write this:

• Conducted cold calls to expand client base

Write this instead:

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

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

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

2. Use action words to convey accomplishment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to make your professional experience section: The formula

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

What was the name of the company?

What was the title of your role?

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

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

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

What is another thing you're really proud of?

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

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

Company Name | MM/YYYY to Present

Position Title

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's what a regular education section looks like:

EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS

Master of Business Administration (MBA) | ABC University

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) | XYZ University

Six Sigma Black Belt | Council for Six Sigma Certification

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

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

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

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

Expected completion:  05/2024

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

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

Were you the president of a fraternity or sorority? 

Did you get involved with showing new students around campus? 

Have you headed a sales team that produced top awards? 

Were you an employee of the month? 

Do you speak multiple languages?

Did you volunteer for an organization?

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

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

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

How long does it take to make a resume?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You must proofread your resume!

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

How to make your resume seem more professional

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

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

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

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

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

Theory in practice – 10 resume examples

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

1. Software Engineer resume example

Click here for an example of a Software Engineer resume.

2. Data Scientist resume example

Click here for an example of a Data Scientist resume.

3. Cybersecurity resume example

Click here for an example of a cybersecurity resume.

4. Digital Marketing Manager resume example

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

5. Nurse Practitioner resume example

Click here for an example of a Nurse Practitioner resume. 

6. Finance Director resume example

Click here for an example of a Finance Director resume. 

7. Attorney resume example

Click here for an example of a Attorney resume.

8. Administrative Office Assistant resume example

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

9. Information Technology Expert resume example

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

10. Chief Executive Officer resume example

Click here for an example of a CEO resume. 

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

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

Know what you want to do – be specific

Make your resume with the right format 

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

Use action words to make your resume stand out

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

Tailor your new resume to each job

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

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

Recommended reading: 

Resume Tricks That Don't Work

What Does Your Resume Really Say About You?

Bad Resume Advice You Should Completely Ignore

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

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

See how your resume stacks up.

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How To Write Resume For Job Application? A Step-By-Step Guide

Writing a resume for job applications can be challenging, especially with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) filtering candidates. This article explores crafting a tailored resume to match job requirements and optimize for ATS. Understanding the job description is crucial for showcasing suitability. Resume Forrest specializes in creating ATS-optimized resumes, guiding strategic keyword placement and effective resume structuring to increase your chances of success in a competitive job market. Additionally, using an ATS resume checker can help ensure your resume for job application meets the specific requirements of these systems.

In this article we will discuss:

Choosing the perfect resume format for you.

• structuring of resume for job application 

The Importance of ATS Score Checker for Resume Job Applications

• Why is Resume Forrest the top destination for successful resume job applications?
• Purpose of resume for job application 

Selecting the right resume format is a crucial step in crafting a compelling resume for job application . The format you choose will depend on your specific circumstances, including your work experience, career goals, and the industry or job you are targeting. Here are three common resume formats to consider:

• Reverse Chronological Format
• Best for: Individuals with extensive work experience.
• Showcases: Work history in reverse chronological order, focusing on your most recent jobs.
• Advantages: Easy to understand, organized, and preferred by many employers.
• Functional Format:
• Best for: Career changers or individuals with gaps in their resume.
• Showcases: Skills and abilities rather than work history.
• Advantages: Useful for highlighting your skills and accomplishments regardless of your career path.
• Combination Format:
• Best for: Individuals who want to highlight both their skills and experience.
• Showcases: A mix of the reverse chronological and functional formats.
• Advantages: Provides flexibility to showcase your strengths effectively.

Select the appropriate resume format based on your experience and career goals, such as reverse chronological for extensive experience or functional/combination for limited experience or a career change. Research online examples and use an AI resume builder like ResumeForest to create a tailored resume that effectively showcases your strengths.

Structuring of resume for job application

When structuring your resume for job application , include the following sections:

• Contact Information
• Summary/Objective
• Work Experience
• Additional Sections

Let’s discuss each part in detail:

• Contact Information: Your full name, phone number, email address, and optionally, your LinkedIn profile.

example of this on your resume for job application:

• Full Name: Emily Williams
• Phone Number: +1 (555) 321-9876
• Email Address: [email protected]
• LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/emilywilliams789
• Summary/Objective : A concise statement summarizing your skills, experiences, and career objectives.

Example of this for fresh graduates:

Summary/Objective:

A diligent and enthusiastic recent graduate with a strong academic background in [Field of Study]. Possessing excellent communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving, I am eager to leverage my education and internship experiences to contribute effectively to a dynamic team. Seeking an entry-level position where I can apply my knowledge, learn new skills, and grow professionally in [Industry/Field].

Example of this for experienced person:

With [number of years] years of hands-on experience in [industry/field], I bring a wealth of knowledge in [specific skills or areas of expertise]. Throughout my career, I’ve consistently delivered results by [mention notable achievements or contributions]. I am now seeking a new opportunity to further advance my skills and make a meaningful impact within a collaborative team environment.

• Work Experience: Detailed information about your relevant employment history, including job titles, dates, and key responsibilities or achievements.

Work Experience:

Senior Software Engineer

Company: Tech Innovations Inc.

• Spearheaded the development of innovative software solutions for diverse clients, specializing in web application development using cutting-edge technologies such as React.js and Node.js.
• Lead a team of developers in the design, implementation, and testing phases of projects, ensuring adherence to project timelines and quality standards.
• Collaborate closely with clients to understand their requirements, provide technical guidance, and deliver customized solutions that exceed expectations.
• Mentor junior team members, conducting code reviews, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Drive process improvements and best practices adoption within the development team, resulting in increased efficiency and code quality.

Software Engineer (Internship)

Company: Software Solutions Co.

• Contributed to the development and enhancement of software products, focusing on front-end and back-end development using JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and SQL.
• Participated in all stages of the software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering and design to implementation, testing, and deployment.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot issues, resolve bugs, and optimize application performance.
• Assisted in the documentation of technical specifications, user manuals, and release notes to ensure clear communication and support for end-users.
• Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail in identifying and addressing technical challenges to deliver high-quality software solutions.
• Education: Information about your academic background, including degrees earned, institutions attended, and relevant coursework or honors.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

University of Technology

Graduated: May 2018

Relevant Coursework:

• Software Engineering
• Algorithms and Data Structures
• Database Management Systems
• Web Development
• Operating Systems
• Dean’s List for Academic Excellence (2016-2018)
• Outstanding Capstone Project Award (2018)
• Skills: A comprehensive list of your skills, categorizing them into technical skills, soft skills, and language proficiency, tailored to the job requirements.

Example of this on your resume for job application

Technical Skills:

• Programming Languages: Proficient in Python, Java, and JavaScript
• Web Development: Experienced in HTML5, CSS3, React.js, and Node.js
• Database Management: Skilled in SQL and MongoDB
• Version Control: Familiar with Git and SVN
• Cloud Technologies: Knowledgeable in AWS and Azure services
• Software Development Methodologies: Experienced in Agile and Scrum frameworks
• Data Analysis: Proficient in Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib for data manipulation and visualization

Soft Skills:

• Effective Communication: Clear and concise communication skills, both verbal and written
• Team Collaboration: Proven ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to tackle complex issues
• Adaptability: Flexible and adaptable to new challenges and environments
• Time Management: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively
• Leadership: Experience in leading small teams and guiding them towards project success

Language Proficiency:

• English: Fluent (Native proficiency)
• Spanish: Proficient (Conversational proficiency)
• Additional Sections : Optional sections to showcase any additional qualifications, such as certifications, awards, volunteer work, or professional affiliations.

Additional Sections:

Certifications:

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
• Scrum Master Certification (CSM)
• Google Analytics Certification
• Employee of the Month, Tech Innovations Inc. (2020)
• Best Poster Presentation, International Conference on Computer Science (2019)

Volunteer Experience:

• Volunteer Web Developer, Habitat for Humanity (2018-present)
• Mentor, Girls Who Code program (2017-2019)

Professional Affiliations:

• Member, Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
• Member, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software programs used by many companies to scan and filter resumes submitted for job openings. ATS uses algorithms to match keywords and phrases in resumes with the requirements listed in job postings.so, resume for job applications that do not contain the right keywords or are not formatted correctly may be rejected by the ATS, never reaching a human recruiter.

An ATS score checker is a tool that can help you assess how well your resume matches the requirements of a particular job posting. By entering your resume into an ATS score checker, you can receive a score that indicates how likely your resume is to be selected by the ATS.

Resume Forrest is a leading provider of ATS score checker tools. Resume Forrest’s ATS score checker is easy to use and provides accurate results. In addition to providing an ATS score, Resume Forrest also provides feedback on your resume, highlighting areas that can be improved to increase your chances of being selected by an ATS.

Some benefits of using an ATS score checker:

• Increased chances of getting your resume noticed: By using an ATS score checker, you can ensure that your resume is optimized for ATS and has the best chance of being selected by a recruiter.
• Save time and effort: ATS score checkers can save you time and effort by quickly and accurately assessing your resume’s ATS score.
• Receive valuable feedback: ATS score checkers can provide valuable feedback on your resume, highlighting areas that can be improved to increase your chances of being selected by an ATS.

If you are serious about your job search, using an ATS score checker is a must. Resume Forrest’s ATS score checker is the best tool available to help you improve your resume and increase your chances of getting hired.

Resume Forrest: Your Top Destination for Successful Resume Job Applications

Discover why Resume Forrest reigns supreme as the ultimate platform for ATS score checking:

• Accuracy: Resume Forrest’s ATS score checker is highly accurate and uses the latest ATS technology to assess your resume.
• Ease of use: Resume Forrest’s ATS score checker is easy to use and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
• Affordability: Resume Forrest’s ATS score checker is affordable and offers a variety of pricing plans to fit your budget.
• Customer support: Resume Forrest offers excellent customer support and is available to answer any questions you may have.
• Resume Forrest is an AI resume optimizer   that helps you tailor your resume to specific job requirements, increasing your chances of being selected by ATS and getting noticed by recruiters. It’s easy to use, affordable and provides valuable feedback on your resume. Sign up for a free trial today and boost your job application!

If you are looking for a reliable and accurate Ai resume builder , Resume Forrest is the best option available. With Resume Forrest, you can be confident that your resume is optimized for ATS and has the best chance of being selected by a recruiter. Sign up for a free trial of Resume Forrest today and see how it can help you improve your resume and land your dream job!

Optimize your resume for free now ( resume optimizer)

Understanding the Purpose of resume for job application 

Your resume is a potent marketing tool in the job market, offering a concise yet compelling summary of your professional background. Tailored to specific job requirements, it highlights relevant achievements and capabilities. Serving as your gateway to employment, your resume reflects your experience and competence, underlining the importance of careful crafting for accessing suitable job opportunities.

1. What is the primary purpose of a resume for job application?     

 A resume serves as a snapshot of your professional life and acts as your advertisement to employers. Its main purpose is to grab the attention of hiring managers, demonstrate your suitability for the job, and secure an interview opportunity.

2. Why is it important to tailor your resume to the specific job requirements?

Tailoring your resume shows employers you understand their needs and are a serious candidate, boosting your chances of landing an interview.

3. How can you tailor your resume for job application effectively?

To land the interview, craft a targeted resume by carefully reviewing the job description and identifying the key skills, qualifications, and experiences they seek.  Then, seamlessly weave these desired elements throughout your resume, highlighting relevant experiences, achievements, and skills that perfectly match their requirements.

4. What are the benefits of tailoring your resume?

Tailoring your resume is a triple win: it grabs the hiring manager’s attention by showcasing the exact skills they need, highlights your most relevant strengths for perfect job fit, and demonstrates your valuable professional adaptability.

When it comes to writing an impressive resume for a job application, you can rely on Resume Forrest. Resume Forrest offers services such as AI Resume Optimizer, ATS Score Checker, and ATS Resume Checker to help you enhance your resume, increase your chances of passing through ATS, and outshine other applicants. By utilizing their innovative tools and features, you can craft a standout resume that aligns with industry requirements and attracts the attention of employers. 

Interesting Related Article: “ Beyond the Resume: How Pre-employment Tests Can Help Employers Identify Hidden Talent “

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• Renewable Energy
• Artificial Intelligence
• 3D Printing
• Financial Glossary

How to Write a Nursing Resume (With Expert Advice!)

Putting together a nursing resume can be tough—it's a competitive field, and you need to make your skills and qualifications stand out from the crowd. While some elements are consistent across the board (e.g. having your name, contact info, and education listed, for instance), it’s easy to underestimate the power of nuance and individuality in resume writing .

Below, we’ve outlined how to create (and update) an effective nursing resume, thanks to expertise from Nursing Professional Development & Education Specialist, Damion K. Jenkins, MSN, RN .

Get your amazing resume out there—apply now to these amazing nurse jobs on The Muse »

How to write a nursing resume in 5 steps

When crafting a nursing resume, Jenkins emphasizes the importance of following a structured approach to ensure that yours makes an impression with the hiring manager. Above all, you want your resume to be organized, easy to read, and succinct.

Step 1: Start with a strong summary statement

“Begin with a strong summary that highlights your qualifications and career goals,” Jenkins says. “Make sure to use keywords from the job description and qualifications required.” (Here's how to read a job description the right way .)

Your summary statement will speak to your past, present, and future as a nurse, while also making it easy for a recruiter to draw clear connections between your professional life and the job in question.

Need specific ideas? Read this next: 20 Resume Summary Examples to Make Writing Your Own Easier

Step 2: Include non-negotiable sections

Next, make sure you’ve accounted for the non-negotiable sections that every nursing resume needs. According to Jenkins, these include: your contact information, a professional summary of your achievements, your nursing education, licensure and certifications, clinical experience, and relevant role-specific skills.

On top of that, list any professional affiliations, volunteer work, and professional references. Together, these sections will make up the bulk of your resume.

Step 3: Highlight your most valuable skills

A good nursing resume includes hard and soft skills , both of which are necessary for patient care. Jenkins suggests highlighting specific clinical and interpersonal skills that are considered very valuable in the nursing world, including patient assessment, medication administration, wound care, critical thinking, conflict resolution, customer service, and effective communication.

Certifications like BLS, ACLS, PALS, or a specialty-specific certification should also be prominently featured.

Step 4: Do a thorough check for mistakes

As a nurse career coach and mentor, Jenkins has come face-to-face with countless nursing resume mistakes. To make your resume shine, he urges you to check their resumes for the following:

• Grammatical errors and typos
• An unprofessional email address (e.g. anything besides your first and last name, with a number, if necessary)
• Irrelevant information that doesn’t pertain to the role
• Dense blocks of text

Using this list to clean up your resume will improve your chances of getting noticed during your job search . Consider this your list of “don’t dos.”

Step 5: Follow nursing resume best practices

In terms of what you should do, Jenkins endorses the use of bullet points for better readability (vs. long text blocks), using keywords from the job description to help your resume pass through application tracking systems (ATS) , tailoring your resume for each job application, and proofreading vigorously.

Your nursing resume format should be clean and professional, and up to date with any new skills, certifications and experiences.

“Remember, keeping your resume concise and relevant matters,” he says. “If you are including a detailed summary about the dog-sitting job you had as a teenager for a charge nurse position, chances are that your resume won’t make it through the initial screening process.”

Nursing resumes FAQs

How often should you update your nursing resume.

Nurses should update their resume at least every six months, or immediately after acquiring a new skill, certification, or job experience. “Regular updates ensure that your resume is always current and ready for new opportunities, reflecting your most recent and relevant qualifications,” Jenkins says.

How should nurses describe their nursing experience and clinical skills?

To make your experience and clinical skills stand out, use action verbs and quantify your achievements , says Jenkins.

For example, a solid resume bullet point could be:

Provided care for a 30-bed unit, reducing patient falls by 20% through the

implementation of a new safety protocol and interprofessional collaboration with hourly rounding.

“Highlight specific clinical skills and procedures you’re proficient in, and showcase any leadership roles or special projects you’ve undertaken,” he says. “Be proud of your positive outcomes, and include stories that highlight how you’ve grown professionally through some failures and unanticipated setbacks. Hiring managers don’t want robots—they want to know that they have people who are resilient and willing to adapt to the needs of the organization.”

What are the essentials for a new grad nurse resume, versus a nursing student or experienced nurse resume?

For a new grad nurse…

• Emphasize your clinical rotations, relevant coursework, and any nursing-related internships or volunteer work. Include a strong objective statement tailored to the role you’re applying for

For a nursing student resume…

• Focus on your education, clinical placements, and any healthcare-related work experience.

And for an experienced nurse…

• Prioritize your professional experience, listing roles in reverse chronological order (most recent experience first) with detailed descriptions of your responsibilities and achievements.

How should a nursing assistant, travel nurse, or nurse practitioner tailor their resume?

Per Jenkins’ advice, a nursing assistant resume should…

• Highlight your direct patient care experience and any specialized skills like phlebotomy or EKG administration, as well as team work, interdisciplinary collaboration and ability to follow instructions & escalation of abnormal findings.

A travel nurse resume should…

• Emphasize your adaptability, diverse clinical experiences, and ability to quickly integrate into new teams.

And a nurse practitioner resume should…

• Detail your advanced practice skills, patient caseload, and any specialized areas of practice, as well as leadership or teaching roles.

What are the essentials for a critical care nurse or emergency room nurse resume?

As for critical care nurses and ER nurses, Jenkins recommends emphasizing your ability to handle high-stress environments, proficiency in advanced life support, and experience with critical interventions such as intubation and other bedside emergency procedures.

Be sure to mention the diverse populations you’ve worked with, such as pediatric or trauma patients, and highlight your experience with critical care monitoring equipment and protocols.

What about nurses re-entering the workforce or changing specialties?

“For nurses re-entering the workforce or changing specialties, consider taking refresher courses or obtaining new certifications relevant to your desired role,” Jenkins says. “Note any continuing education or recent volunteer work to demonstrate your commitment to maintaining your skills. Finally, tailor your resume to showcase transferable skills and experiences that are applicable to the new specialty.”

Resume writing doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but you can still put together a standout nursing resume by using this guide. Good luck out there!

Once you get that interview, read this: 16 Nursing Interview Questions You Might Get Asked (and How to Answer Them)

50+ Best Hard Skills for a Resume & How to Write About Them

How to find out what the best hard skills for you are and how to prove them on a resume. Top general hard skills include programming, copywriting, software…

The best hard skills for a resume depend on your profession. What’s essential for a digital marketer may not matter for a software engineer. Another key consideration are the company’s specific needs (which you can identify via the requirements from the job description). When writing about hard skills on a resume, you can simply list them in the skills section. What matters more is how you prove them, and the most effective strategy is to mention skill-related achievements using quantifiable data. Bulleted lists of skills don’t hold much value. Highlighting the impact you made does. 

No job can be done properly without certain hard skills. 

Employers check your work history to see if you have the right job-specific expertise to carry out the core duties advertised on their job description. But they’ll also glance at the skills list, in particular to see if you tick all the “must-have” boxes.

If you’re not sure what matters and what doesn’t and how to strike that balance between “showing” and “telling,” you’ve come to the right place.

This guide walks you through it all, including some of the top hard skills by industry, as well as how to find and showcase them on your resume. 

Complete your resume immediately with Rezi AI Resume Builder . Watch your resume write itself and highlight your strongest skills that are relevant to the job description. And the design and layout? It will always stay perfect. Just pick one of the 15+ resume templates and build your resume in minutes.

What Are Hard Skills for a Resume?

Hard skills are the technical abilities and know-how that you must have to carry out the main responsibilities of a job. These are specific skill sets that are measurable, teachable, and directly applicable to the job you’re applying for. 

Hard skills are obtained through education, training programs, certifications, and hands-on experience. 

Here are a few examples of hard skills: 

• Curriculum development: creating structured lesson plans and educational content for students (this is a typical hard skill for teachers). 
• Phlebotomy: drawing blood for medical tests and donations, and analyzing results (this is a typical hard skill for nurses and medical professionals). 
• Carpentry: building and repairing structures using wood and other materials (this is a typical hard skill for carpenters).
• Bookkeeping: recording financial transactions and maintaining accurate financial records (this is a typical hard skill for finance professionals).
• Robotics: designing, building, and programming robots for various applications (this is a typical hard skill for engineers). 

All of these are hard skills because they’re the specific components that translate to the ability to perform core job duties.

The difference between hard skills and soft skills

Hard skills are learned and developed through formal training, education, and practical experience. Soft skills are more about personal attributes that help you carry out your responsibilities. 

Although soft skills aren’t usually specific to any particular field, they’re valuable across all professions. These affect how you work and interact with others. 

Unlike hard skills, soft skills are harder to measure because they usually pertain to your behavior and approach to work rather than specific tasks. For example, being an effective communicator means you can convey ideas clearly and listen actively — crucial in any job but that easy to test.

Sure, a software developer might need hard skills to succeed in their role like coding. But, their success also depends on soft skills like collaboration and time management.

Hard skills vs. technical skills 

All technical skills are hard skills, yet not all hard skills are technical. 

Hard skills cover a broad range of competencies that are directly tied in with job performance. Technical skills are more like a category under the umbrella term of hard skills, specifically focusing on the technological aspects of a job. 

Technical skills and hard skills are often used synonymously. 

Though the two terms are often used synonymously, “hard skills” are more general. Think of technical skills as a subset of hard skills—these refer to abilities related to technology, tools, and processes used in certain fields. For example, proficiency in using Adobe Photoshop, understanding of computer networks, or the ability to write code in Java are all technical skills.

To illustrate the differences, let’s look at a marketing professional. Their hard skills might include data analysis, market research, and proficiency in using tools like Google Analytics. Within this set of skills, technical skills would be the ability to use and understand analytics software or digital marketing platforms. 

The Best General Hard Skills to Put on a Resume 

Here’s a list of some of the top resume hard skills that are valued across most industries: 

• Software proficiency: knowledge of using industry-specific software.
• Writing: everything from writing reports and emails to copywriting and technical writing is valuable.
• Data analysis: the ability to interpret and analyze data using tools like Excel or SQL.
• Financial analysis: knowing how to analyze the finances of an organization to make informed decisions. 
• Project management: managing projects using methodologies like Agile or software such as ClickUp.
• Programming languages: understanding languages like Python, CSS, or JavaScript.
• Foreign languages: fluency in another language, like Spanish or Mandarin.
• Graphic design: skills in using design software like Adobe Creative Suite to create visual content.
• Customer relationship management (CRM): being capable of managing customer interactions, often via dedicated software.
• Accounting: basic accounting skills or familiarity with software like QuickBooks for managing financial records.
• Digital marketing: knowledge of digital marketing strategies and tools.

However, take these with a grain of salt. 

The actual “best” hard skills for your resume depend on the company’s job description and your current career level. Tailor your skills to align with the job description and industry standards.

Top Resume Hard Skills to Focus on Based on Job Levels

• Entry-level: focus on foundational hard skills in your field such as basic technical proficiency, data entry, and introductory programming. Make it clear that you have a strong grasp of essential tasks, tools, and technologies for carrying out the basic job responsibilities.
• Mid-level: emphasize specialized skills and technical abilities. Show that you can handle the more complex tasks that require specific industry knowledge. Go beyond “operational” skills such as software or hardware knowledge and add details about your knowledge of strategic frameworks.
• Seniors: showcase strategic technical skills and industry-specific expertise. At this stage, it becomes more about “knowledge” than just “skills.” Having a solid grasp of industry skills is the bare minimum. What can set you apart is your ability to innovate.

Examples of the Best Resume Hard Skills Based on Industry

These are some of the top tech skills for a resume, but if you’re looking for an easier way to find more relevant skills in your field, use Rezi AI Skills Explorer . This lets you instantly generate a list of relevant skills in your field. All you have to do is: 

• Select the category of skills you’re after—in this case, hard skills. 
• Enter the field of skills you’re interested in, e.g., digital marketing, SEO, and so forth (list as much as you like). 
• Hit the “enter” key on your keyboard. 

And happy browsing! 

Below, you’ll see examples of the most popular hard skills across different industries. Use these lists as inspiration, but don’t mindlessly copy and paste them into your resume. Double down on skills important for the job you’re targeting. And never claim you have skills you actually don’t (I really hope I didn’t even need to say that).

Tech, IT, and data

Top hard skills:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): developing and implementing AI algorithms.
• Big Data: handling and analyzing large data sets with tools like Hadoop or Spark.
• Cloud Computing: proficiency in cloud services such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
• Cybersecurity: knowledge of security protocols, firewalls, and encryption techniques.
• Data analysis: using tools like Excel, SQL, and Tableau to interpret and analyze data.
• Database management: managing databases with systems like MySQL, Oracle, and MongoDB.
• Machine learning: developing and applying machine learning models and algorithms.
• Networking: understanding and managing network infrastructure and protocols.
• Systems administration: maintaining IT systems and servers.

Sample resumes for relevant jobs in the tech, IT, and data industries:

• Data Analyst
• Data Scientist
• IT Support Specialist
• Network Administrator
• Systems Analyst
• AI Specialist
• Cloud Engineer

Development and engineering

• CAD Software: using computer-aided design software for drafting and designing (AutoCAD, SolidWorks).
• Civil engineering: knowledge of structural analysis, construction materials, and geotechnical engineering.
• DevOps: expertise in continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) practices.
• Electrical engineering: circuit design, power systems, and proficiency with simulation software (MATLAB, SPICE).
• Mechanical engineering: proficiency in mechanical design, thermodynamics, and manufacturing processes.
• Mobile development: developing applications for mobile platforms (iOS, Android) using Swift, Kotlin, or React Native.
• Programming languages: expertise in languages like Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript.
• Project management: handling engineering projects using methodologies like Agile, Scrum, or tools like Microsoft Project.
• Software development: proficiency in software development methodologies (Agile, Scrum) and tools (Git, Jira).
• Systems engineering: systems integration, requirements analysis, and lifecycle management.
• Web development: building and maintaining websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Sample resumes for relevant jobs in the dev and engineering industries:

• Civil Engineer
• DevOps Engineer
• Electrical Engineer
• Front-End Developer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Software Engineer
• Web Developer
• Clinical documentation: accurately recording patient information in medical records.
• Diagnostic testing: performing and analyzing medical tests and diagnostic procedures.
• Electronic health records (EHR): managing patient information using EHR systems like Epic and Cerner.
• HIPAA compliance: ensuring all practices comply with healthcare privacy regulations.
• Medical coding: proficiency in ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems.
• Medical terminology: understanding and correctly using medical language and terms.
• Medication administration: safely administering medications and understanding pharmacology.
• Patient care: providing direct patient care and following care plans.
• Phlebotomy: drawing blood and preparing specimens for laboratory testing.
• Radiology: operating imaging equipment such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scanners.
• Surgical assistance: assisting in surgical procedures and maintaining sterile environments.
• Vital signs monitoring: measuring and interpreting vital signs like blood pressure, pulse, and temperature.

Sample resumes for relevant jobs in the healthcare industry:

• Clinical Researcher
• Pharmacy Technician

Creative and design

• Adobe Creative Suite: proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects.
• Animation: creating animations using tools like After Effects, Blender, or Maya.
• Branding: developing and maintaining brand identity and guidelines.
• Content management systems (CMS): using platforms like WordPress or Joomla to manage website content.
• Copywriting: the ability to write in a way that leads to the reader taking action, usually to buy or sign up for a product or service. 
• Digital illustration: creating digital artwork using software like Illustrator or Procreate.
• Graphic design: designing visual content for print and digital media.
• Photography: skills in capturing, editing, and producing high-quality images.
• Print design: Designing materials for print such as brochures, posters, and business cards.
• SEO (Search Engine Optimization): optimizing web content to improve search engine rankings.
• UI/UX design: designing user interfaces and enhancing user experiences with tools like Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD.
• Video editing: editing and producing videos using software like Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
• Web design: creating and maintaining website layouts and visual elements using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Sample resumes for relevant jobs in the creative and design industries:

• Art Director
• Brand Manager
• Digital Illustrator
• Graphic Designer
• Photographer
• Print Designer
• UX Designer
• Video Editor
• Web Designer

Business, finance, and operations

• Accounting: proficiency with accounting principles and software like QuickBooks or SAP.
• Business analysis: evaluating business processes and data to provide insights and recommendations.
• Customer relationship management (CRM): using CRM software like Salesforce to manage client relationships.
• Data analysis: analyzing business data using tools like Excel, Power BI, or Tableau.
• Financial modeling: creating financial models to forecast business performance.
• Inventory management: organizing inventory levels and processes using software like Oracle or SAP.
• Logistics: planning and managing the movement of goods and services.
• Marketing analytics: using data to inform marketing strategies and decisions.
• Project management: handling projects using methodologies like Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall and tools like Microsoft Project or Asana.
• Sales management: overseeing sales processes and teams to meet targets.
• Supply chain management: Coordinating and optimizing supply chain activities.
• Vendor management: managing relationships and contracts with suppliers and vendors.

Sample resumes for relevant jobs in the business, finance, and operations industries:

• Business Analyst
• Logistics Specialist
• Marketing Manager
• Procurement Manager
• Project Manager
• Sales Manager
• Supply Chain Manager
• Vendor Manager
• Warehouse Operations Manager

Construction and Manufacturing

Top hard skills: 

• Blueprint reading: interpreting and understanding construction blueprints and plans.
• Lean manufacturing: applying lean principles to optimize production processes.
• Machinery operation: using heavy machinery and equipment safely and efficiently.
• Project management: overseeing construction projects using tools like Microsoft Project or Primavera.
• Quality control: making sure products meet quality standards and specifications.
• Safety compliance: knowledge of safety regulations and procedures to ensure workplace safety.

Sample resumes for relevant jobs in the construction and manufacturing industries:

• Construction Manager
• Quality Engineer
• CAD Technician
• Site Supervisor
• Safety Manager

How to Find the Best Hard Skills to Put on a Resume

Here’s how to find the best hard skills to list that are relevant to the job you’re applying for: 

• Review the job description thoroughly.
• Check industry standards.
• Read through online reports and resources.
• Make a list of all the mandatory and nice-to-have skills.
• Match the skills from your list to the skills you’re confident in.
• Put those skills on your resume.

Although it’s essential to match your skills against a company’s job description, it’s a pretty tedious process. If you want to skip it by automatically getting a list of all the resume keywords from a job description, use Rezi AI Keyword Targeting —it finds all the top keywords for you. 

All you have to do is: 

• Enter the job title you’re applying for.
• Copy and paste the company’s job description into the provided field.
• Click “Save Job Description.”
• Add the top keywords and hard skills into your resume.

As you’re using our AI resume builder, you’ll also get suggestions on what to highlight based on what’s most important to the company. This was one of the features that made a huge difference for one of our users, as mentioned on Reddit : 

“The rating scale allowed me to focus on which skill sets and accomplishments to highlight that were the most relevant to the positions. Before I knew it, I had multiple callbacks and had two job offers that I was able to choose from.”

Want to give it a shot? Sign up here for free . 

If not, continue on with this guide, and I’ll show you how to find the best hard skills manually. 

Review the job description

Almost all job descriptions will make hiring expectations and standards clear. Employers want candidates with specific skills and qualifications, which you can find on the company’s job posting. 

• Go through key sections from the job description such as “qualifications,” “responsibilities,” and “required skills.” 
• Take note of specific hard skills, tools, and frameworks that have been mentioned, especially when they’ve been included more than once. 
• Understand what’s required to carry out your main tasks and responsibilities. 
• Determine the level of required experience and make sure you match this expectation. 
• Compare the skills included in the job posting with your own and see what aligns. 

Check industry standards

Knowing industry standards allows you to understand the general expectations. 

You can’t go wrong with adding common skills and qualifications that professionals in your industry are expected to have.

• Read job postings from the top companies in your industry for your position and take note of the types of skills that keep getting brought up. 
• See what certifications, achievements, and licenses are held in high regard in your particular field. 
• Participate in industry-specific forums and social media groups.  
• Talk to mentors, peers, and colleagues.

Read through online reports and resources 

You can research credible sources to understand the latest trends and find out what hard skills are currently in high demand. 

• First, make sure you’re looking at a credible source. The best starting points I’d suggest are Gartner , O*NET OnLine , and LinkedIn Learning . 
• Focus on resources that discuss emerging technologies, methodologies, and in-demand skills.
• See what skills or tools keep getting mentioned, and which is gaining the most popularity in your industry. 
• Pay attention to the soft and technical skills that complement the hard skills in your field. 

Make a list of all the mandatory and nice-to-have skills

From your research, list skills across two categories: mandatory and nice-to-have. 

Mandatory skills that the hard skills explicitly required for the role. You might also find these abilities mentioned in the job description as necessary for the job. On the other hand, the nice-to-have skills are those that aren’t essential, but are preferred or beneficial. 

Match the skills from your list to the skills you’re confident in

Review your list of mandatory and nice-to-have skills you created. 

Reflect on your own experiences and expertise, and identify the skills you’re most proficient in and confident about. Compare these against the list and highlight the ones where you have demonstrated competence. Focus on matching skills that align with your strongest areas.

Put those skills on your resume

Lastly, add the hard skills into your resume strategically. 

Place the most relevant skills in a “Skills” section, listing the mandatory skills first, followed along by the nice-to-haves. Next, highlight these skills in the work experience section and other sections (more on this later). 

Which Hard Skills Should You Prioritize?

Prioritize based on your proficiency level and essential job requirements. This means looking at not just what’s most relevant to the job description , but also what you’re actually good at and confident in. 

Follow these steps to determine the most important skills to showcase: 

• Reflect on the hard skills where you have substantial experience in and can prove your competence. 
• Out of your top hard skills, see which ones have been explicitly mentioned in the company’s job description. 
• Prioritize your most relevant hard skills. Work your way backwards based on the abilities you have that are most related to the job ad.

Signs That You’re “Good Enough” to List a Certain Hard Skill

These are the signs that you’re good enough to include a particular hard skill on your resume: 

• You have quantifiable accomplishments or successful projects that demonstrate your application of a skill. 
• You received recognition and positive feedback for your use of the skill. 
• You hold a certification and qualification or have completed formal training in the skill.
• You have practical, proven experience applying the said skill independently with little to no assistance in a work, academic, or volunteer setting. 

Here are a few signs to hold off on mentioning certain skills on your resume :

• You have minimal or no hands-on experience with the skill. 
• Your understanding is only theoretical or very basic. 
• You can’t provide examples of specific projects or achievements that prove your proficiency. 
• You’re not confident enough to perform tasks involving this skill independently with zero help.

How to Write About Hard Skills on a Resume

The most straightforward way to include hard skills on a resume is to list them in the skills section. For other sections, you can emphasize them by providing evidence and specific context related to the application of your skills. 

• Summary section : mention your areas of expertise and any career highlights or key achievements. 
• Work experience section : detail specific tasks, accomplishments, and quantifiable results involving your hard skills. 
• Education section : specify any particular minors or courses you completed that are directly related to abilities you want to showcase. 
• Projects, volunteering, and extracurricular activities: describe how you applied relevant hard skills in these contexts and any positive outcomes. 
• Certifications section : list any certificates that validate your proficiency in relevant hard skills.
• Skills section: provide a concise, organized list of your hard skills. 

We’ll dive into more of the specifics for each resume section below. 

And if you want examples for your particular job title, check out our free resume examples library . 

Summary section

The resume summary section is where you can highlight your best and most relevant hard skills. After mentioning them, back it up with evidence by including a specific example or accomplishment that proves your proficiency level. 

Experienced software engineer with 5+ years of expertise in Python and Java. Proven track record in developing scalable applications and improving system performance. Successfully led a remote team of 11 to complete a complex data migration project, resulting in a 20% increase in operational efficiency.

Work experience section

The work experience section is where you can clearly demonstrate your hard skills by describing duties you carried out and the positive outcomes that followed. In other words, emphasize the following:

• Key tasks and projects that you successfully carried out. 
• Quantitative achievements that you were solely responsible for.

Conducted market research and competitive analysis to inform strategic planning, resulting in a 20% market share growth.

Education section

The education section is an opportunity to list formal qualifications, which gives employers insight into your depth of knowledge in a certain field. When you’re a recent graduate or have limited formal experience, you can also add bullet points to specify details that further emphasize your capabilities. 

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | University of Technology | May 2024 • Completed a minor in Mathematics, including courses in linear algebra and statistics. • Graduated with a GPA of 3.8

Projects, volunteering, and extracurricular activities section

Showcase your hard skills in these sections like the work experience section. You can also describe any formal training that you went through. 

Begin by describing a responsibility you fulfilled. Then, describe the skills you had to apply followed by the outcome achieved. 

Contributed to the development of a machine learning library in Python.

Certifications section

The certifications section validates your proficiency in certain abilities through formal recognition by reputable organizations. However, you can add bullet points under certain certificates listed to clarify any achievements or skills applied or developed. 

Certified Data Analyst (CDA) | Data Science Institute | April 2021 • Comprehensive certification covering data analysis, statistical methods, and SQL.

Skills section

The skills section is where you can simply list all of your core competencies. When there are lots of different types of abilities you want to include, categorize them. 

Programming Languages: Python, Java, C++, JavaScript Web Development: HTML, CSS, React, Angular Database Management: SQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Oracle Cloud Computing: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud

Effective Ways to Learn and Develop Hard Skills

You’ll struggle to secure more career advancement opportunities unless you continue developing your hard skills. 

This is also important for staying competitive in the job market. So if (fingers crossed) the worst were to ever happen, and you lose your job, having a top-notch technical skill set will significantly improve your chances of quickly finding new employment opportunities.

These are the most effective ways to develop your hard skills: 

• Work with someone who can give you expert feedback. This could be a manager or senior at your workplace, or even a qualified outside mentor.  
• Consistently practice the skills you are learning through real-world projects, internships, and volunteering.
• Use platforms like Coursera to work on courses and expand your knowledge for a specific set of hard skills.
• Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to learn from industry experts and gain practical insights.
• Enroll in degree programs, certifications, or technical courses offered by universities or specialized institutions.
• Use books, tutorials, and online resources to study independently and at your own pace.
• Join professional associations and groups to learn from peers and stay updated on industry trends.

Let’s recap on how to describe hard skills on a resume: 

• Immediately mention your professional strengths and expertise in the resume summary section.  
• Emphasize quantifiable accomplishments in the work experience section, proving your technical abilities through successful outcomes you were responsible for. 
• Include any specific achievements or courses from your academic background that help prove you’re an exceptional candidate. 
• Showcase how you implemented certain technical knowledge outside a formal work environment by using a “Projects,” “Volunteering,” or “Extracurricular Activities” section.
• Add relevant certificates to reiterate your depth of technical knowledge. 
• List your best and most relevant hard skills in the skills section. Create categories when you want to list abilities across different areas. 

The best hard skills for a resume are different for almost every candidate. 

Email marketing might be the “best” skill to mention for one candidate, whereas paid marketing might be the best for another. Ultimately, the top resume hard skills depend on the company’s job description, your industry, and the field you’re applying for.

What are the best examples of hard skills for a resume?

The best examples of hard skills to put on a resume include technical abilities and knowledge specific to the job or industry you’re applying for. For example, programming languages like Python and Java would be most effective for programmers. Skills like data analysis, big data technology, and machine learning are essential for data professionals. Proficiency with design software like Adobe Creative Suite would be best for design professionals, and so forth. 

Is writing a hard skill for a resume?

Yes, writing is considered a hard skill. This involves the ability to write in a way that’s clear, concise, and well-structured. However, there are specific types of writing you might want to mention on your resume, for example, technical writing. 

How do I know what my best hard skills are?

Think about your career highlights and professional strengths. What skills did you have to apply to achieve certain goals and project outcomes? What types of tasks do you excel at and enjoy the most? Review past performance reviews with your manager and seek feedback from colleagues or mentors. Additionally, consider any formal qualifications, certifications, and training you’ve gone through. 

Do hiring managers look for hard skills?

Yes, hiring managers look for hard skills because they’re essential for performing basic job tasks to a good standard. Not showcasing hard skills on your resume will rule out your application. When writing a resume , make it clear that you have the necessary qualifications and expertise to succeed in the role. 

Do employers prefer hard skills to soft skills?

Both hard skills and soft skills are valuable. The preference depends on the role you’re applying for. Hard skills would be more important for individual contributor job positions where the main responsibilities revolve around completing tasks that require technical knowledge and experience in a particular field. However, soft skills are equally important for some roles, even in technical fields. Think of managers—one of their main responsibilities would be to lead teams and ensure effective communication. Ideally, employers look for a balance of both types of skills, with hard skills proving your technical competence and soft skills proving you can effectively collaborate with others.

Astley Cervania

Astley Cervania is a career writer and editor who has helped hundreds of thousands of job seekers build resumes and cover letters that land interviews. He is a Rezi-acknowledged expert in the field of career advice and has been delivering job success insights for 4+ years, helping readers translate their work background into a compelling job application.

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How to Write a Resume Summary That Stands Out

Published: Jun 18, 2024

In the competitive job market, making a strong first impression is crucial. One of the most effective ways to do this is through a compelling personal summary at the top of your resume. A personal summary, also known as a resume summary, is a brief statement that highlights your key skills, experiences, and career goals. It serves as a snapshot of your professional identity, giving employers a quick overview of who you are and what you bring to the table.

A well-crafted summary not only grabs recruiters’ attention but also sets the tone for the rest of your resume. Here are six actionable tips for making your summary stand out.

1. Tailor your summary to each job

Customize your resume summary for each job application. Carefully read the job description and identify the key skills and experiences the employer is looking for. Then, highlight these in your summary. This shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the role and align your qualifications with the employer’s needs. For example, if a job posting emphasizes teamwork and project management, ensure these qualities are prominent in your summary.

2. Showcase specific achievements

Rather than just listing your skills, provide specific examples of your achievements. Quantify these achievements wherever possible. For example, instead of writing, “Experienced in social media marketing,” you could write, “Increased social media engagement by 50% through strategic content creation and audience targeting.” This helps demonstrate your impact and value to potential employers.

3. Highlight transferable skills

Include skills that are important to target employers, even if they come from different experiences. Many skills are transferable across various roles and industries. Identify these skills in your summary to show your versatility. For example, communication, leadership, and problem-solving are valuable in many fields. Highlighting these can make you a more attractive candidate.

4. Use dynamic and specific language

Action verbs and strong adjectives can make your summary more dynamic and engaging. Words like “led,” “developed,” “managed,” and “innovative” help convey your proactive and results-oriented nature. Avoid generic phrases and be specific about what you’ve accomplished. For example, “Developed a new project management system that improved team efficiency by 30%” is more impactful than simply stating, “Project management skills.”

5. Show the benefits you bring to employers

Your personal summary should not only highlight your skills and achievements but also explain how they benefit potential employers. Think about what makes you unique and how your experiences can add value to the company. For example, “Passionate about using data analysis to drive business decisions, leading to more informed and strategic company growth.” This approach helps employers see the direct benefits of hiring you.

6. Be specific

Avoid generic statements that could apply to anyone. Be specific about your skills and experiences to stand out. While it’s important to use industry-relevant terms, avoid overloading your summary with jargon that might confuse the reader. Employers are more interested in what you’ve achieved rather than just what you were responsible for. Highlight the impact of your specific actions to show your genuine interest and fit for the position.

Andrew Fennell is the founder and director of StandOut CV , a leading CV builder and careers advice website. He is a former recruitment consultant and contributes careers advice to publications like Business Insider, The Guardian, and The Independent.

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How To Write a Skills-Based Resume: Template and Examples

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Indeed Editorial Team

100 Impressive Examples: How to Write a Professional Profile (Tips)

By Status.net Editorial Team on June 23, 2024 — 17 minutes to read

A professional profile, sometimes called a resume profile or summary, is a statement at the top of your resume. It highlights your key qualifications and career achievements in a few sentences. Its main purpose is to grab the attention of hiring managers and recruiters right away, allowing them to quickly see why you’re a strong candidate.

Writing a professional profile can make a significant difference in the impression you leave on potential employers. A well-crafted resume profile highlights your key achievements, skills, and experiences in just a few sentences. This brief overview at the top of your resume can quickly communicate why you are the ideal candidate for the job.

Related: 12 Examples: Crafting a Compelling Professional Summary

Crafting Your Professional Profile

Elements to include.

When crafting your professional profile, begin with a statement summarizing your years of experience and key accomplishments. Mention your educational background if it is relevant to the position.

Highlight specific skills using action verbs. For example, “Managed a team of 10” or “Developed a new marketing strategy.” It’s helpful to list these skills in bullet points for easy reading. Related: Summary of Qualifications: 50 Powerful Action Verbs

Tailoring to the Job Description

Review the job description carefully to identify keywords and desired skills. Incorporate these keywords into your professional profile. This increases the chance of your profile catching the employer’s attention.

If the job description highlights specific requirements like “project management” or “Java programming,” mention your relevant experience and accomplishments in these areas.

Job Description: Seeking a project manager with expertise in agile methodologies and client relations.

T ailored Profile: Experienced project manager skilled in agile methodologies, with a proven track record of managing client relationships and delivering projects on time.

Examples of Professional Profiles

1. “Results-driven Marketing Manager with over 8 years of experience in digital marketing, brand management, and content strategy. Proven track record of increasing brand awareness and driving sales through innovative campaigns.”

2. “Skilled Software Engineer with 5 years of experience in developing robust applications using Java and Python. Adept at problem-solving, coding, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality software solutions.”

3. “Certified Project Manager with 10 years of experience leading complex projects in the IT sector. Expertise in Agile methodologies, risk management, and stakeholder communication to ensure timely and on-budget project delivery.”

4. “Detail-oriented Financial Analyst with 7 years of experience in financial modeling, data analysis, and budgeting. Strong analytical skills with a proven ability to provide actionable insights for business growth.”

5. “Strategic Human Resources Manager with over a decade of experience in talent acquisition, employee relations, and performance management. Committed to fostering a positive workplace culture and driving organizational success.”

6. “Creative Graphic Designer with 6 years of experience in creating visually compelling designs for print and digital media. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and known for delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines.”

7. “High-performing Sales Executive with 8 years of experience in B2B sales and account management. Proven ability to exceed sales targets, build strong client relationships, and drive revenue growth.”

8. “Experienced Data Scientist with a Ph.D. in Computer Science and 5 years of experience in machine learning, statistical analysis, and big data technologies. Skilled in extracting insights from complex datasets to inform business decisions.”

9. “Compassionate Nurse Practitioner with 10 years of clinical experience in primary care and emergency medicine. Dedicated to providing patient-centered care and improving healthcare outcomes.”

10. “Efficient Operations Manager with 12 years of experience in optimizing production processes, improving supply chain efficiency, and managing large teams. Strong leadership skills and a focus on continuous improvement.”

11. “Innovative Content Strategist with 7 years of experience in content creation, SEO, and digital marketing. Expert in developing content strategies that drive engagement and brand loyalty.”

12. “Results-oriented Product Manager with 6 years of experience in the tech industry. Skilled in product lifecycle management, market research, and user experience design to bring innovative products to market.”

13. “Experienced Legal Counsel with 15 years of experience in corporate law, compliance, and contract negotiation. Proven ability to provide strategic legal advice and mitigate risks for businesses.”

14. “Analytical Business Analyst with 5 years of experience in requirement gathering, process improvement, and data analysis. Skilled in translating business needs into technical solutions.”

15. “Tech-savvy Digital Marketing Specialist with 4 years of experience in SEO, PPC, and social media marketing. Proven track record of increasing online visibility and driving web traffic.”

16. “Strategic CFO with 20 years of experience in financial planning, risk management, and corporate finance. Expertise in driving financial strategy and optimizing financial performance.”

17. “Dedicated Customer Service Manager with 10 years of experience in leading customer support teams and improving customer satisfaction. Skilled in conflict resolution and process improvement.”

18. “Creative UX/UI Designer with 6 years of experience in designing user-friendly interfaces for web and mobile applications. Proficient in wireframing, prototyping, and user testing.”

19. “Experienced Supply Chain Manager with 8 years of experience in logistics, inventory management, and supplier relations. Proven ability to optimize supply chain operations and reduce costs.”

20. “Detail-oriented Clinical Research Coordinator with 5 years of experience in managing clinical trials and ensuring regulatory compliance. Skilled in patient recruitment and data management.”

21. “Innovative Architect with 10 years of experience in designing commercial and residential buildings. Proficient in AutoCAD and Revit, with a strong focus on sustainable design.”

22. “Knowledgeable IT Support Specialist with 7 years of experience in troubleshooting, system administration, and network support. Committed to providing excellent technical support and resolving issues promptly.”

23. “Experienced Educational Consultant with 12 years of experience in curriculum development, teacher training, and educational technology. Passionate about improving educational outcomes.”

24. “Versatile HR Generalist with 8 years of experience in recruitment, employee relations, and performance management. Skilled in developing and implementing HR policies and programs.”

25. “Data-driven Marketing Analyst with 5 years of experience in market research, data analysis, and campaign optimization. Proven ability to provide insights that drive marketing strategy.”

26. “Meticulous Quality Assurance Engineer with 6 years of experience in software testing, automation, and quality control. Skilled in identifying and resolving defects to ensure product quality.”

27. “Certified Salesforce Administrator with 4 years of experience in managing Salesforce CRM, customizing applications, and training users. Committed to optimizing CRM functionality.”

28. “Dedicated Environmental Scientist with 7 years of experience in environmental impact assessments, conservation, and sustainability projects. Skilled in data analysis and regulatory compliance.”

29. “Creative Event Planner with 10 years of experience in organizing corporate events, weddings, and conferences. Proven ability to manage budgets, coordinate logistics, and ensure event success.”

30. “Dynamic Public Relations Specialist with 8 years of experience in media relations, crisis management, and brand communication. Skilled in crafting compelling stories that enhance brand reputation.”

31. “Certified Financial Advisor with 10 years of experience in wealth management, retirement planning, and investment strategies. Dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals.”

32. “Proficient Software Developer with 5 years of experience in developing web and mobile applications using JavaScript, React, and Node.js. Committed to writing clean, maintainable code.”

33. “Experienced Health and Safety Manager with 12 years of experience in developing and implementing safety policies and programs. Skilled in risk assessment and regulatory compliance.”

34. “Creative Art Director with 15 years of experience in advertising, branding, and visual communication. Proven ability to lead creative teams and deliver impactful visual campaigns.”

35. “Detail-oriented Technical Writer with 6 years of experience in creating user manuals, technical documentation, and online help systems. Skilled in translating complex technical information into clear, user-friendly content.”

36. “Results-oriented Talent Acquisition Specialist with 8 years of experience in recruiting, sourcing, and onboarding top talent. Skilled in developing recruitment strategies and building talent pipelines.”

37. “Experienced Construction Manager with 15 years of experience in managing large-scale construction projects. Skilled in project planning, budget management, and site supervision.”

38. “Dedicated Public Health Specialist with 10 years of experience in community health, disease prevention, and health education. Committed to improving public health outcomes through research and advocacy.”

39. “Skilled Database Administrator with 7 years of experience in database design, performance tuning, and backup/recovery. Proficient in SQL and Oracle.”

40. “Engaging Social Media Manager with 5 years of experience in developing and executing social media strategies. Proven ability to grow followers, increase engagement, and drive traffic.”

41. “Innovative Mechanical Engineer with 8 years of experience in product design, prototyping, and manufacturing. Skilled in CAD software and engineering analysis.”

42. “Efficient Administrative Assistant with 6 years of experience in office management, scheduling, and administrative support. Known for exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.”

43. “Creative Digital Content Creator with 4 years of experience in producing engaging videos, podcasts, and articles. Skilled in content strategy and audience engagement.”

44. “Experienced Network Engineer with 10 years of experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining network infrastructure. Proficient in Cisco and Juniper technologies.”

45. “Dynamic Retail Manager with 12 years of experience in store operations, merchandising, and team leadership. Proven ability to drive sales and enhance customer satisfaction.”

46. “Innovative Biomedical Engineer with 5 years of experience in medical device design, testing, and regulatory compliance. Committed to improving patient outcomes through technology.”

47. “Knowledgeable SEO Specialist with 6 years of experience in search engine optimization, keyword research, and content optimization. Proven ability to increase organic traffic and improve search rankings.”

48. “Detail-oriented Paralegal with 8 years of experience in legal research, document preparation, and case management. Skilled in supporting attorneys in various areas of law.”

49. “Dedicated Customer Success Manager with 7 years of experience in account management, client onboarding, and customer retention. Committed to ensuring client satisfaction and success.”

50. “Analytical Supply Chain Analyst with 5 years of experience in logistics, inventory management, and data analysis. Skilled in optimizing supply chain processes to improve efficiency.”

51. “Creative Instructional Designer with 6 years of experience in developing engaging and effective e-learning courses. Proficient in instructional design principles and educational technology.”

52. “Experienced Urban Planner with 10 years of experience in city planning, zoning, and community development. Committed to creating sustainable and livable urban environments.”

53. “Strategic IT Manager with 12 years of experience in managing IT infrastructure, security, and support teams. Proven ability to align IT strategy with business goals.”

54. “Skilled Civil Engineer with 7 years of experience in infrastructure design, project management, and site supervision. Proficient in AutoCAD and Civil 3D.”

55. “Dynamic Real Estate Agent with 5 years of experience in residential and commercial property sales. Proven ability to negotiate deals and provide excellent customer service.”

56. “Detail-oriented Systems Analyst with 6 years of experience in system analysis, requirements gathering, and process improvement. Skilled in translating business needs into technical solutions.”

57. “Creative Copywriter with 8 years of experience in crafting compelling copy for advertising, marketing, and digital media. Proven ability to engage audiences and drive conversions.”

58. “Experienced Biochemist with 10 years of experience in laboratory research, experimental design, and data analysis. Skilled in molecular biology and biochemistry techniques.”

59. “Analytical Insurance Underwriter with 7 years of experience in risk assessment

, policy evaluation, and client relationship management. Committed to making sound underwriting decisions.”

60. “Strategic Communications Manager with 12 years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, and media outreach. Proven ability to craft and deliver impactful messages.”

61. “Organized Event Coordinator with 6 years of experience in planning and executing corporate events, conferences, and social functions. Skilled in logistics, vendor management, and budgeting.”

62. “Skilled Mechanical Technician with 8 years of experience in equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. Proficient in reading blueprints and using diagnostic tools.”

63. “Creative Fashion Designer with 7 years of experience in designing collections, pattern making, and trend forecasting. Passionate about innovative and sustainable fashion.”

64. “Experienced Data Engineer with 6 years of experience in data pipeline development, ETL processes, and database management. Skilled in SQL, Python, and big data technologies.”

65. “Strategic COO with 15 years of experience in operational management, process optimization, and team leadership. Proven ability to drive organizational growth and efficiency.”

66. “Results-driven Medical Sales Representative with 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical and medical device sales. Proven ability to build strong client relationships and exceed sales targets.”

67. “Knowledgeable Tax Advisor with 10 years of experience in tax planning, compliance, and advisory services. Skilled in optimizing tax strategies for individuals and businesses.”

68. “Innovative AI Specialist with 6 years of experience in developing machine learning models, natural language processing, and AI solutions. Committed to advancing AI technology for practical applications.”

69. “Engaging Tour Guide with 8 years of experience in leading tours, providing historical insights, and ensuring a memorable experience for tourists. Skilled in customer service and storytelling.”

70. “Experienced E-commerce Manager with 7 years of experience in managing online stores, digital marketing, and sales optimization. Proven ability to increase online revenue and customer satisfaction.”

71. “Strategic Business Development Manager with 10 years of experience in identifying growth opportunities, building partnerships, and driving revenue. Skilled in market analysis and sales strategy.”

72. “Dedicated Agricultural Scientist with 7 years of experience in crop research, soil analysis, and sustainable farming practices. Committed to improving agricultural productivity and sustainability.”

73. “Creative Video Producer with 6 years of experience in video production, editing, and storytelling. Proven ability to produce high-quality content for various media platforms.”

74. “Compassionate Psychologist with 10 years of experience in clinical practice, counseling, and mental health research. Skilled in providing therapeutic support and conducting psychological assessments.”

75. “Knowledgeable Technical Support Engineer with 5 years of experience in troubleshooting, technical assistance, and customer support. Skilled in resolving technical issues and ensuring customer satisfaction.”

76. “Strategic HRBP with 8 years of experience in aligning HR initiatives with business goals, employee relations, and talent management. Committed to fostering a positive and productive workplace.”

77. “Experienced Geologist with 10 years of experience in geological surveys, mineral exploration, and environmental assessments. Skilled in data analysis and fieldwork.”

78. “Creative Interior Designer with 7 years of experience in residential and commercial design projects. Skilled in space planning, color theory, and project management.”

79. “Experienced Software Architect with 12 years of experience in designing and implementing scalable software solutions. Skilled in system architecture, software development, and team leadership.”

80. “Strategic Marketing Director with 15 years of experience in marketing strategy, brand management, and team leadership. Proven ability to drive brand growth and market share.”

81. “Detail-oriented Accountant with 8 years of experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and tax compliance. Skilled in accounting software and financial analysis.”

82. “Experienced Cybersecurity Analyst with 6 years of experience in threat analysis, incident response, and security policy development. Committed to protecting organizational assets and data.”

83. “Strategic Public Affairs Specialist with 10 years of experience in government relations, advocacy, and public policy. Skilled in stakeholder engagement and issue management.”

84. “Innovative Machine Learning Engineer with 5 years of experience in developing and deploying machine learning models. Skilled in Python, TensorFlow, and data science.”

85. “Efficient HR Coordinator with 4 years of experience in recruitment, onboarding, and employee engagement. Skilled in HRIS systems and administrative support.”

86. “Experienced Retail Buyer with 8 years of experience in merchandise planning, supplier negotiation, and inventory management. Proven ability to optimize product assortments and drive sales.”

87. “Dynamic Public Relations Manager with 12 years of experience in media relations, corporate communication, and crisis management. Skilled in crafting compelling narratives and managing brand reputation.”

88. “Dedicated Training and Development Specialist with 7 years of experience in designing and delivering training programs. Skilled in instructional design and adult learning principles.”

89. “Organized Logistics Coordinator with 5 years of experience in supply chain management, transportation, and warehouse operations. Skilled in optimizing logistics processes and reducing costs.”

90. “Detail-oriented Medical Laboratory Technician with 6 years of experience in performing laboratory tests, analyzing specimens, and ensuring quality control. Committed to accurate and timely test results.”

91. “Strategic CTO with 15 years of experience in technology leadership, innovation, and digital transformation. Proven ability to align technology initiatives with business objectives.”

92. “Compassionate Social Worker with 10 years of experience in case management, counseling, and community outreach. Committed to supporting individuals and families in need.”

93. “Dynamic Fundraising Manager with 8 years of experience in donor relations, grant writing, and event planning. Proven ability to secure funding and support for nonprofit organizations.”

94. “Proficient Web Developer with 5 years of experience in front-end and back-end development. Skilled in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. Committed to creating user-friendly websites.”

95. “Experienced Recruitment Consultant with 7 years of experience in talent acquisition, client management, and candidate placement. Skilled in sourcing top talent and building strong client relationships.”

96. “Innovative Food Scientist with 6 years of experience in food product development, quality assurance, and research. Committed to improving food safety and quality.”

97. “Motivated Fitness Trainer with 5 years of experience in personal training, group fitness classes, and nutrition coaching. Skilled in creating customized fitness programs.”

98. “Data-driven Digital Analyst with 6 years of experience in web analytics, data visualization, and digital marketing. Proven ability to provide insights that drive online performance.”

99. “Compassionate Veterinarian with 8 years of experience in animal care, surgery, and diagnostics. Committed to providing high-quality veterinary care.”

100. “Experienced Corporate Trainer with 10 years of experience in developing and delivering training programs. Skilled in instructional design, facilitation, and employee development.”

Customizing for Applicant Tracking Systems

When writing a professional profile for job applications, you need to focus on using keywords effectively and ensuring your formatting is compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). This means adjusting your approach to make sure your profile is both readable by the ATS and appealing to human reviewers.

Using Keywords Effectively

To make your resume ATS-friendly, integrating relevant keywords from the job description is important. Keywords are specific terms or phrases that the ATS scans for to match candidates with job requirements.

Start by carefully reading the job description and identifying the most important skills, qualifications, and experiences mentioned. For example, if a job post lists “project management,” “Google Docs,” and “data analysis,” make sure these terms are appropriately included in your profile.

Use a mix of noun phrases and action verbs to describe your experiences. Instead of saying, “Handled various tasks,” you might say, “Managed project timelines and conducted data analysis using Google Docs.”

Lists and bullet points are your friends. They not only enhance readability but also ensure that keywords are highlighted. For instance:

• Managed project timelines
• Conducted data analysis
• Used Google Docs for documentation

Formatting for ATS Compatibility

An ATS can struggle with complex formatting, so sticking to simple, clean formatting is important. Avoid using intricate designs, graphics, and tables in your resume.

Choose standard resume templates that are both ATS-friendly and visually appealing. Google Docs offers numerous templates that fit this requirement. Make sure the template you select uses simple fonts, clear headers, and straightforward layouts.

Use standard section headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” Avoid using fancy fonts or excessive font sizes, as these can confuse the ATS. Opt for commonly used fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri.

Save your resume file as a .docx or .pdf, because these formats are typically compatible with most ATS software. Ensure that your bullets, spacing, and margins are consistent throughout the document to enhance readability for both the ATS and human reviewers.

Importance for Your Resume

Adding a professional profile to your resume is important because it provides a snapshot of who you are as a candidate. This can make it easier for hiring managers and recruiters to quickly understand your strengths. A strong professional profile can set the tone for the rest of your resume, making it more compelling. It also allows you to tailor your resume more effectively for each job application, ensuring that the most relevant information is easy to find.

Professional Profile vs. Career Objective

A professional profile and a career objective serve different purposes on a resume. A professional profile focuses on what you have already accomplished and showcases your skills and experiences. In contrast, a career objective is focused on your career goals and what you aim to achieve in the future. While both can be useful, a professional profile is more detailed and impactful, giving a better picture of your qualifications. For example, a professional profile might read: “Experienced marketing manager with over 10 years in the industry, specializing in digital marketing and brand development.” A career objective might read: “Seeking a position in a forward-thinking company where I can apply my skills in marketing and grow professionally.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key elements to include in a professional profile.

Include your current job title, years of experience, major skills, and notable achievements. Mention any certifications or special training.

How can you tailor a professional profile for a specific industry or role?

Identify the industry-specific skills and keywords. Match your experiences and achievements to the role’s requirements. For instance, emphasize technical skills for IT roles and soft skills for customer service positions.

What are some best practices for writing a personal profile for a resume?

Use concise, impactful language. Quantify achievements with numbers where possible. Start with a strong opening statement that hooks the reader. Keep it brief, around 3-5 sentences.

In what ways can I highlight my achievements in my professional profile?

Try to use specific examples and figures, like “increased sales by 20% over six months” or “managed a team of 10 employees”. Highlight awards or recognitions that are relevant to the job.

How should a professional profile differ for a student entering the workforce?

Focus on relevant coursework, internships, and projects. Highlight any volunteer work or extracurricular activities that demonstrate skills. Mention your degree and any academic honors or scholarships.

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