How to Make a Resume: Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Perfect Resume

For most job seekers, a compelling resume is the key that unlocks the door to their dream job, distinguishing them from the competition. Craft a resume that truly shines, and you’ll likely find yourself fielding responses from numerous companies after each application.

However, a weak resume can lead to weeks, even months, of silence, with barely a single response in sight.

You’re likely wondering, then, how to create a resume that commands attention and lands you interviews.

You’ve come to the right place!

This comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to know about How To Make A Resume that stands out. We’ll cover:

• 8 Essential Steps to Writing a Resume that Gets Noticed
• 11+ Exclusive Resume Tips to Elevate Your Application
• 27+ Real-World Resume Examples Across Various Professions

…and much more!

Let’s dive straight in.

How to Make a Resume (The Effective Way!)

Before we delve into the specifics of resume creation, here’s a summary of the critical steps and tips to keep in mind as you learn how to make a resume:

Create Resume

• Select a resume format thoughtfully. In almost every situation, the reverse-chronological format is your best bet.
• Include essential contact details. Skip the headshot and ensure you include your professional title, a professional email address, and relevant links (e.g., your LinkedIn profile, online portfolio, or personal website).
• Craft a powerful resume summary. Unless you’re an entry-level candidate, a resume summary is crucial. Done effectively, it’s your opportunity to capture the hiring manager’s interest and encourage them to read further.
• Refine your work experience section. Transform your work history from ordinary to outstanding by tailoring it to each job description, quantifying your accomplishments, and using impactful action verbs and power words.
• Add job-relevant skills. Keep this section targeted by only listing the hard and soft skills directly required for the role.
• Keep your education section concise. Your most recent and highest degree is generally sufficient for a strong education section. Add more details only if you are a recent graduate with limited work experience.
• Utilize optional resume sections. Sections like languages, hobbies, certifications, and personal projects can differentiate you from other candidates with similar qualifications.
• Include a cover letter. Cover letters remain important in 2025. Pairing your resume with a well-written cover letter significantly strengthens your job application. For guidance, explore our detailed guide on how to write a cover letter.

To maximize these tips, visit our resume builder and begin constructing your resume as you read through this guide.

If you’re new to resume creation, watch our ‘7 Resume Tips’ video for a quick overview before diving into the article!

#1. Choose the Right Resume Format

Before you even begin to fill in your resume’s content, ensure it’s visually appealing.

The initial impression hiring managers get is from your resume’s appearance, which then prompts them to read further. This is your prime opportunity to make a strong first impression.

Start by selecting the appropriate resume format.

There are three primary types of resume formats to consider:

• Reverse-chronological. This is the most widely accepted resume format globally and is generally the best choice for most job seekers. It emphasizes your work history, starting with the most recent roles.
• Functional. This format, also known as a skills-based resume, prioritizes your skills over your work experience. It can be beneficial if you are entering the workforce or changing careers and have limited direct experience in the field.
• Combination. The combination resume format blends elements of both chronological and functional formats. It’s particularly suitable for experienced professionals with diverse skill sets who want to highlight both their skills and work history equally.

Which format should you choose?

In most cases (99% of the time), the reverse-chronological resume format is the recommended choice. It’s the format hiring managers are most familiar with and prefer. Therefore, this guide will focus on teaching you how to create a reverse-chronological resume.

An example of a reverse-chronological resume format, highlighting work experience and skills in a timeline.

Optimize Your Resume Layout

Once you’ve settled on a format, let’s discuss your resume layout, which dictates the overall visual presentation of your resume.

Is your resume organized and easy to read, or does it appear cluttered? Is it too brief or excessively long? Does it seem dull and easily overlooked, or is it engaging and reader-friendly?

Apply these best practices to refine your resume’s layout:

• Aim for a one-page resume. Opt for a two-page resume only if you have extensive experience (over a decade) and the additional content adds significant value. Recruiters at large companies often handle hundreds of applications for each opening. They won’t spend excessive time reading lengthy resumes!
• Use clear section headings. Choose a consistent heading style for all sections to help hiring managers quickly navigate your resume.
• Adjust margins appropriately. Without adequate white space, your resume can look cramped. Set margins to one inch on all sides to ensure your text is well-spaced and readable.
• Select a professional font. Choose fonts that are professional yet not overused, such as Ubuntu, Roboto, or Overpass. Avoid Times New Roman and never use Comic Sans.
• Set the right font size. Generally, use 11-12 pt for body text and 14-16 pt for section titles.
• Save as a PDF. Always save your resume as a PDF file unless explicitly asked for a different format. While Word files are common, they can sometimes distort your resume’s formatting when opened on different systems.

Another layout consideration is whether to use a traditional resume template or a more modern design:

Browse Templates

If you are targeting roles in more conservative industries such as law, banking, or finance, a traditional template might be preferable.

However, for applications to tech companies or sectors that value creativity and innovation, consider a more creative resume template.

Save Time with a Resume Template (Free Options Available)

Anyone who has attempted to create a resume from scratch knows that formatting can be tedious.

Before you can even focus on content, you need to adjust margins, font sizes, and ensure everything fits on a single page while maintaining a professional appearance.

What if you could bypass these formatting hassles and still create a compelling resume?

Explore our range of free resume templates. These templates are pre-formatted, allowing you to concentrate solely on filling in your information.

Created in collaboration with recruiters worldwide, our templates are both visually appealing and designed to be Applicant Tracking System (ATS)-friendly!

See the difference between one of our templates and a resume created in a standard text editor:

A visual comparison of a resume template from Novoresume versus a basic resume created in a text editor, highlighting design and structure differences.

Browse Free Templates

#2. Include Your Contact Information

With formatting addressed, let’s focus on the core of your resume—the information it contains.

The first step in populating your resume is to add your contact information.

This section is straightforward yet vital. Place your contact details at the top in a designated resume header for easy visibility.

Even if the rest of your resume is perfect, errors in your contact information, like a misspelled email address or a typo in your phone number, can lead to missed opportunities. If a hiring manager can’t reach you, your application is essentially void.

Therefore, double and triple-check your contact information to confirm its accuracy and currency.

Essential Information for Your Resume Contact Section:

• Full name. Your first and last name should be prominent at the top.
• Email address. Use a professional and easy-to-spell address, ideally a combination of your first and last name. (e.g., [email protected]).
• Phone number. Provide a reliable number where you can be easily reached.
• Location. Include your city and state/country. If you are open to relocation or seeking remote work, mention this on your resume.

Optional Information:

• Professional title. Add your current job title or the title you are targeting beneath your name. Use the exact title, whether it’s “Digital Marketing Specialist” or “Junior Data Analyst.” Avoid informal or made-up titles.
• LinkedIn profile URL. Including a link to your updated LinkedIn profile is highly recommended, as over 77% of hiring managers use LinkedIn to vet candidates.
• Relevant links. Include links to personal websites or professional social media profiles relevant to your field. For example, a developer might link to a GitHub profile, while a graphic designer could link to their Behance or Dribbble account.

Information to Avoid in Your Resume Contact Section:

• Date of birth. Unless specifically required by the job application, your age is not relevant to a hiring decision and could potentially lead to age discrimination.
• Unprofessional email address. Replace informal email addresses (like [email protected]) with a professional format (e.g., [email protected]).
• Headshot (in the USA, UK, or Ireland). In some countries, including a photo on your resume can be legally problematic. While common in many parts of Europe and Asia, always check local norms and industry standards regarding photos on resumes.

With these points in mind, here’s an example of a well-constructed contact information section for a resume:

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

It’s well-documented that recruiters spend an average of less than seven seconds reviewing a resume.

Given the volume of applications received daily—often hundreds or thousands—it’s impossible to dedicate extensive time to each one.

To manage this efficiently, hiring managers typically skim resumes initially, delving deeper only into those that immediately capture their interest.

This is where the resume headline becomes crucial.

Positioned near your contact information, this brief paragraph is among the first elements a hiring manager will read.

Depending on your career stage, your resume headline will be either a resume summary or a resume objective.

An example of a professional resume summary showcasing key qualifications and experience.

How do you decide between a resume summary and a resume objective? Here’s what you need to know:

Resume Summary

A resume summary is a concise, two to three-sentence overview of your professional background. A well-written summary quickly highlights your qualifications and encourages the hiring manager to continue reading.

Your resume summary should include:

• Your current job title and years of relevant experience.
• A couple of your most significant professional achievements or core responsibilities.
• Key skills that are highly relevant to the job you are applying for.

Here’s an example of an effective resume summary:

Resume Summary Example:

“Experienced Java Developer with 5 years of expertise in developing scalable and efficient applications. Key contributions include enhancing application performance by 25% in a major project. Strong foundation in Spring Framework and microservices. Seeking to leverage robust coding skills to drive innovative software solutions at XYZ Tech Solutions.”

Unless you are a recent graduate or changing careers, a resume summary is generally more effective. Otherwise, a resume objective might be more appropriate.

Resume Objective

A resume objective articulates your career aspirations, academic background, and relevant skills, especially as they relate to the job you are seeking.

It conveys your motivation for entering a new field, making it ideal for recent graduates or career changers. Like a resume summary, a resume objective should be brief, typically two to four sentences.

Here’s an example for a recent graduate:

Recent Graduate Resume Objective:

“Diligent recent graduate with a B.A. in Graphic Design from New York State University, eager to pursue new opportunities. Possesses 3+ years of practical experience with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, including creating illustrations and UX/UI design projects. Aiming to grow as a designer and refine artistic skills at XYZ Design Studio.”

Alternatively, for someone changing careers:

Career Change Resume Objective:

“IT project manager with over 5 years of experience in software development, managing teams to deliver products across FinTech and HR tech sectors. Seeking to transition experience in managing outsourced products to a Product Owner role at Company XYZ.”

#4. Prioritize Your Work Experience

The work experience section is the cornerstone of your resume.

This is where you showcase your professional journey, highlighting your accomplishments and responsibilities.

Mastering this section is crucial to learning how to make a resume that gets results.

There are established best practices for writing your work experience. Let’s begin with the fundamental format for each entry.

Essential Components of Your Work Experience Section:

• Job title/position. Place your job title prominently at the start of each entry. This allows hiring managers to quickly see if you have relevant experience.
• Company name/location/brief description. Include the name of your employer and its location (city, state/country). If the company is not well-known, briefly describe what it does.
• Dates of employment. Specify the duration of your employment at each company using month/year format (mm/yyyy).
• Achievements and responsibilities. This is the core of each work experience entry. List your achievements or responsibilities using bullet points for readability. Tailor this to your field and the job you are applying for.

Here’s an example:

A sample work experience section in a resume, detailing job title, company, dates, and responsibilities/achievements.

Always present your work experience entries in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position and progressing backward.

Now that you understand how to list your experience, let’s explore how to describe it to stand out from other applicants, starting with:

Are you a student with no work experience? We have resources for you! Check out our guide on writing a resume with no experience.

Emphasize Achievements Over Responsibilities

A common mistake in resumes is listing only responsibilities in the work experience section.

In many cases, hiring managers already understand the typical responsibilities of a role.

For example, a sales manager’s responsibilities might include:

• Contacting potential clients via phone and email.
• Maintaining relationships with existing clients and promoting additional products.
• Tracking and reporting leads in a CRM system.

These responsibilities are standard for most sales managers. Listing only these responsibilities in your resume will likely mirror what many other candidates are presenting.

To differentiate yourself, focus on highlighting your achievements. Achievements demonstrate how you contributed to your previous company’s success, such as exceeding sales targets or driving growth.

Compare the impact of listing responsibilities versus achievements for a sales role:

Effective Examples (Achievements):

• “Exceeded sales team KPIs by over 30% for three consecutive months.”
• “Generated over $24,000 in sales within a single month.”

Ineffective Examples (Responsibilities):

• “Generated leads through cold-calling.”
• “Managed existing client accounts.”

However, in some professions, quantifiable achievements may be less common. For example, consider a warehouse worker.

Typical daily responsibilities might include:

• Loading, unloading, and setting up equipment daily.
• Packaging finished products for shipment.
• Assisting with warehouse opening and closing procedures.

In such roles, distinguishing oneself through achievements might be challenging. In these cases, focusing on responsibilities is acceptable. You can still enhance these descriptions by following the rest of our advice on detailing your work experience effectively.

Tailor Your Resume to Each Job Application

Tailoring your resume is what elevates it from good to exceptional.

Hiring managers are not interested in a comprehensive history of every job you’ve ever held or every skill you possess.

They want to see experiences and skills directly relevant to the specific role you’re applying for.

For example, if you’re applying for a Google Ads position, your internship in SEO from a decade ago might not be as relevant.

By focusing your resume on what is most important for the particular job, you greatly increase your chances of capturing the hiring manager’s attention.

Consider this job advertisement example:

A job advertisement highlighting key requirements such as social media marketing experience, content creation, and SEO knowledge.

As highlighted, key requirements include social media marketing experience, content creation skills, and SEO knowledge.

To tailor your resume, emphasize how you meet these specific requirements throughout your application.

Relevant qualifications and achievements can be highlighted in several resume sections:

• Resume Summary: Briefly recap your years of experience and key skills relevant to the job.
• Work Experience Section: Detail achievements and responsibilities that directly reflect your social media marketing and content creation expertise.
• Education Section: Mention degrees or certifications that align with the job requirements, such as marketing or communications.

Include the Right Amount of Work Experience

If you have decades of work experience, you might wonder if all of it belongs on your resume. Listing everything could result in an excessively long resume, which isn’t ideal in terms of resume length.

Conversely, if you are new to the job market, you might have limited or no experience and wonder what to include in this section.

Here’s how to determine the appropriate amount of work experience to include, based on your career stage:

• No experience. For your first job, you might lack formal work experience. In this case, you can either omit the work experience section or include relevant experiences from student organizations, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or personal projects.
• Entry-level. List all work experience you have. Even if some jobs seem less relevant, they can still demonstrate your work ethic and basic professional skills.
• Mid-level. Focus on work experience that is directly relevant to the position you are applying for. Omit jobs that are not related to your career goals to keep your resume focused.
• Senior-level. List up to 15 years of the most relevant work experience. For example, if you are now a marketing executive, details from an entry-level marketing specialist role from over 15 years ago are likely less relevant.

Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Did you know that over 70% of resumes never reach a human hiring manager?

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to quickly process and filter resumes, automatically screening out those that don’t meet specific criteria.

For instance, if a resume lacks certain keywords or isn’t formatted correctly, the ATS can automatically reject it.

A graphic showing that 75% of resumes are rejected by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Fortunately, there are simple strategies to create an ATS-friendly resume.

Here are tips to help you navigate past these automated systems:

• Keep it to one page. Some employers set length limits. A resume longer than one page might be automatically disqualified.
• Incorporate keywords. Tailoring your resume is crucial for bypassing ATS. Carefully review the job description to identify keywords related to required skills and responsibilities. Integrate these keywords naturally into your work experience and skills sections.
• Use active voice. Active voice is clearer and more direct. Describe your previous roles using active voice (e.g., “Managed a team of ten people” instead of “A team of ten people was managed by me”).
• Use strong action verbs. Start sentences in your work experience section with powerful action verbs to make your descriptions more impactful. Words like “spearheaded” or “facilitated” are more effective than weaker verbs like “helped.”

To ensure your resume formatting is ATS-compliant, consider using our tested ATS-friendly resume templates.

#5. Detail Your Education

The next essential section of your resume is your education. Let’s start with the basics!

Here’s the standard format for the education section of your resume:

Required Information for Your Education Section:

• Program Name. Specify your major and degree type (e.g., “B.A. in Business Administration”).
• University Name. Include the full name of the institution (e.g., “University of California, Berkeley”).
• Dates Attended. Use month/year format for start and end dates (e.g., “08/2018 – 05/2022”).

Optional Information:

• Location. If the university is not widely known, adding its location (city, state) can be helpful (e.g., “Eindhoven, Netherlands”).
• GPA. Use the grading system relevant to your country (e.g., “GPA: 3.8/4.0”).
• Honors. List any academic honors or distinctions (e.g., Summa Cum Laude, Dean’s List).
• Achievements. You might include notable papers, projects, or relevant coursework that are pertinent to the job.
• Minor. If applicable, mention your minor (e.g., “Minor in Psychology”).

Straightforward, right? Here’s what an education section looks like in practice:

An example of an education section in a resume, listing degree, university, dates, GPA, and relevant coursework.

This example includes all necessary details plus notable awards and relevant coursework.

Tips for Your Resume Education Section

Now that you know how to list your education, here are expert tips to enhance this section:

• If you are creating a resume as a student without much work experience, place your education section above your work experience section to highlight your academic qualifications first.
• If you are currently pursuing a degree, you can add your expected graduation date.
• For candidates with significant work experience, keep the education section concise. Recent graduates can expand more on their education, including projects, relevant courses, and academic achievements.
• Always list degrees in reverse chronological order, starting with the highest degree. Generally, your highest and most recent degree is sufficient. If you have a Master’s degree relevant to the job, listing earlier degrees like a Bachelor’s may not be necessary.
• Omit your high school degree if you have a university degree. Space is valuable, and higher education supersedes high school qualifications.
• Only include your GPA if it is strong. A GPA below 3.5 might not enhance your application.

Applying to college? Check out our guide on writing a college application resume.

#6. Highlight Your Expertise in the Skills Section

Following work experience, your skills are a primary focus for hiring managers. In fact, work experience and skills together constitute 90% of hiring decisions.

This section is where you should showcase the expertise that makes you an ideal candidate.

There are two main types of skills to include:

• Hard Skills. These are quantifiable abilities, such as proficiency in Python, fluency in Spanish, or expertise in financial modeling.
• Soft Skills. These are interpersonal or people skills, including communication skills, leadership qualities, problem-solving abilities, and time management.

Your resume should ideally include both hard and soft skills. Here’s an example:

Now, let’s discuss how to effectively list your skills on your resume.

Here are key steps to follow:

List Hard and Soft Skills Separately

Organize your resume for clarity. Hiring managers should easily find specific skills without searching through dense text.

Create distinct categories for hard and soft skills.

Depending on your field, you might customize the “hard skills” subsection title to something more specific, such as “Technical Skills,” “Marketing Skills,” or “Design Software.”

Here’s how skills might be presented on a project manager’s resume:

Project Manager Skills Example:

Methodologies & Tools (Hard Skills)

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

Soft Skills

• Leadership
• Team Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Negotiation

Tailor Skills to the Job Description

While you might possess many skills, prioritize those relevant to the job you are applying for.

For example, if you are applying for an accounting position, your expertise in gourmet cooking is less relevant.

Review the job ad and list at least two to three essential skills you possess that match the job requirements. Focus on relevance over comprehensiveness.

Example Job Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or related field.
• Tech-savvy with CMS systems like WordPress.
• Ability to thrive under stress and manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Self-reliant and able to manage own workload.
• Creative and innovative thinker.

Systems:

• Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Keynote, and Pages.
• Basic understanding of Microsoft Office Suite.

The crucial hard skills here are Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Keynote, and Pages. WordPress or similar CMS knowledge is also valuable.

While mentioning Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook is acceptable, proficiency in these is often assumed for office roles.

Specify Proficiency Levels for Hard Skills

For each hard skill listed, indicate your proficiency level. This helps employers understand your capability and potential training needs.

Categorizing Hard Skills:

• Beginner. You have basic exposure to the skill through introductory practice or coursework.
• Intermediate. You have practical experience using the skill in a work setting with good understanding.
• Advanced. You are highly skilled and often consulted by others in your workplace for this skill.
• Expert. You have extensive experience across multiple projects and organizations. You are a recognized authority and may even consult outside your immediate workplace.

Always be truthful about your skill levels. Exaggerating can lead to difficulties once on the job and can damage your professional credibility.

Include Transferable Skills

These are skills valuable across various jobs and industries.

Transferable skills include both soft skills (e.g., teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability) and hard skills (e.g., MS Office Suite, basic coding, writing).

Regardless of the role, you likely possess transferable skills that can be beneficial. Include these, even if they are not explicitly listed in the job requirements, to show versatility.

Need ideas for skills to include? Check our list of 101+ essential skills.

#7. Leverage Optional Resume Sections

The sections covered so far are essential for any resume. They form the foundation of a strong job application.

However, if you have space remaining, optional sections can further enhance your resume!

Infographic highlighting optional resume sections: languages, hobbies, volunteer experience, certifications, awards, publications, projects, extracurricular activities.

Languages

Are you bilingual or multilingual? This is always worth mentioning!

Even if the job description doesn’t specifically require language skills, they can be a valuable asset. Knowing multiple languages is almost always an advantage.

To list languages on your resume, simply list the languages and your proficiency level:

• Native
• Fluent
• Proficient
• Intermediate
• Basic

You can also use standardized frameworks like the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).

Never misrepresent your language abilities. Interviewers might test your proficiency, or even conduct the interview in another language.

Hobbies and Interests

To add personality to your resume, consider including hobbies and interests.

While not critical, this section can give hiring managers a glimpse into who you are beyond your professional qualifications.

For example, if you list “teamwork” as a skill, mentioning team sports as a hobby reinforces this claim.

You might even find common interests with your interviewer, creating a more personal connection.

Volunteering Experience

If you dedicate your time to volunteer work, it suggests you are motivated by more than just financial gain.

Including volunteer experience on your resume signals to hiring managers that you are likely a loyal employee who values purpose and contribution.

Studies indicate that volunteer experience can improve your hiring prospects, especially if you have limited work experience.

Certifications

Hiring managers value candidates who invest in their professional development, and certifications demonstrate this commitment.

Listing certifications on your resume shows a dedication to continuous learning and skill enhancement, which is always viewed positively.

Certifications also validate your expertise in specific areas.

For example, a Microsoft Cloud Engineer should list relevant certifications like the Azure Solutions Architect Expert to highlight their specialized knowledge.

Awards and Recognitions

There’s no harm in showcasing your achievements on your resume. You want to stand out from other candidates.

If you have received awards or recognitions that highlight your excellence in your field, be sure to include them.

For instance, awards for contributions to data science or prestigious scholarships are worth mentioning. Ensure these are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Publications

Whether you are a writer or an academic, publications are impressive additions to a resume.

If you have published work (online or in journals), include them in your resume. Provide links so hiring managers can easily access your work.

Seeking a career in academia? See our guide to crafting an excellent academic CV.

Projects

Side projects can demonstrate your passion for your field. Whether they are academic projects or entrepreneurial ventures, they add value to your resume.

For example, participation in a university software product competition shows you understand product development from concept to marketing.

Projects highlight skills like organizational skills. Mentioning these in your resume improves your chances of getting the job you want.

Projects can also be personal, such as managing an Etsy store. This highlights creativity, management, and customer service skills.

Hiring managers appreciate candidates who pursue professional interests in their free time. Projects are a great section to enhance your resume.

Looking to start your career? Check out our guide on how to get an internship.

Extracurricular Activities

College freshmen know that extracurricular experience enhances applications.

Especially if you have limited professional experience, extracurricular activities offer insights into your personality and skills. Involvement in clubs and after-school activities can develop real-world skills and increase your employability after college.

For example, student government participation develops leadership and teamwork abilities.

Activities like debate clubs or public speaking groups can hone leadership skills and presentation skills.

11+ Expert Resume Tips

You now understand the fundamentals of how to make a resume. Now, let’s focus on making yours truly exceptional!

Use these expert resume tips to elevate your resume:

1. Match the professional title under your name to the job title you are applying for. This helps hiring managers quickly identify the role you are targeting, especially when they are hiring for multiple positions.
2. Highlight promotions within previous roles. Use the work experience entry for each promotion to emphasize achievements that led to your advancement.
3. Describe achievements using Laszlo Bock’s formula: Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y] by doing [Z]. This structure effectively showcases your impact and value.
4. Use concise bullet points for achievements and responsibilities. This improves readability and ensures hiring managers quickly grasp your key accomplishments.
5. Avoid personal pronouns like “I” or “me” and do not refer to yourself by name. Use a modified third-person style, such as “Managed data integrity at XYZ Inc.” instead of “I managed data integrity at XYZ Inc.”
6. Use standard section titles like “Work Experience” and “Skills” to ensure ATS compatibility. Avoid creative or unusual section names like “Career History” or “Expertise.”
7. Prioritize relevant keywords over keyword stuffing. Ensure keywords are contextually relevant and enhance readability. The goal is to pass ATS screening and impress human reviewers.
8. Focus on transferable skills if you lack direct work experience. Extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and personal projects can demonstrate valuable skills.
9. Use a strategic pop of color in headings or key elements to draw attention without overwhelming the resume. Color can highlight important information but should not overshadow content.
10. Omit the phrase “References available upon request.” This is assumed and wastes valuable space.
11. Ensure your resume is mobile-optimized. Most hiring managers use mobile devices, so save your resume as a PDF and check that formatting is consistent across devices.
12. Name your resume file with your name and the job title. This small detail can prevent confusion and is a professional touch.
13. Read your resume aloud to catch awkward phrasing or errors you might miss when reading silently.
14. Use a tool like DocSend to track your resume. This allows you to see when your resume is opened and how long it is viewed.

FREE Resume Checklist

Ready to finalize your resume? Use our checklist to ensure it’s polished and effective!

A resume checklist covering essential elements like contact information, work experience, skills, and formatting.

If you missed any points, review and refine your resume.

If you checked everything—congratulations! You’ve mastered how to make a resume and are well-prepared for your job search.

Need to create a CV instead? See our guide on how to write a CV.

9 Resume Templates for Different Industries

Want to create a compelling resume without the formatting hassle? Choose from these templates:

#1. Traditional Resume Template

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Ideal for traditional sectors like finance, banking, law, and manufacturing.

#2. Modern Resume Template

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Ideal for contemporary and innovative industries including entrepreneurship, medical technology, and engineering.

#3. Creative Resume Template

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Ideal for creative industries like entertainment, design, and architecture.

#4. Minimalistic Resume Template

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Ideal for experienced professionals in any industry who want their accomplishments to take center stage.

#5. IT Resume Template

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Ideal for IT professions such as software development, cybersecurity, and DevOps engineering.

#6. Tech Resume Template

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Ideal for the broader tech industry.

#7. College Resume Template

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Ideal for college students and recent graduates.

#8. General Resume Template

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Ideal for diverse industries including HR, education, and customer service.

#9. Executive Resume Template

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Ideal for senior professionals across industries such as hospitality, marketing, and logistics.

17+ Resumes for Different Jobs

Knowing how to make a resume is essential, but seeing effective examples can be incredibly helpful. Explore these resume examples for inspiration:

#1. Nurse Practitioner Resume Example

See our guide on writing a nurse resume.

#2. Data Scientist Resume Example

See our guide on writing a data scientist resume.

#3. Business Analyst Resume Example

See our guide on writing a business analyst resume.

#4. Digital Marketing Resume Example

See our guide on writing a digital marketing resume.

#5. Software Engineer Resume Example

See our guide on writing a software engineer resume.

#6. Construction Project Manager Resume Example

See our guide on writing a construction project manager resume.

#7. Customer Service Resume Example

See our guide on writing a customer service resume.

#8. High School Resume Example

See our guide on writing a high school resume.

#9. Student Resume Example

See our guide on writing a student resume.

#10. Server Resume Example

See our guide on writing a server resume.

#11. Actor Resume Example

See our guide on writing an actor resume.

#12. Web Developer Resume Example

See our guide on writing a web developer resume.

#13. Engineering Resume Example

See our guide on writing an engineering resume.

#14. Computer Science Resume Example

See our guide on writing a computer science resume.

#15. Architect Resume Example

An architect resume example showcasing skills and project experience.

#16. Data Analyst Resume Example

See our guide on writing a data analyst resume.

#17. Remote Job Resume Example

See our guide on writing a remote job resume.

#18. Sales Associate Resume Example

See our guide on writing a sales associate resume.

#19. Receptionist Resume Example

See our guide on writing a receptionist resume.

Explore our compilation of 80+ resume examples for more inspiration.

Next Steps After Your Resume

With your resume perfected, let’s discuss the rest of your job application.

Your resume is just the first step. To secure the job you want, you also need a compelling cover letter and to ace the interview. Here’s how:

#1. How to Write a Convincing Cover Letter

The cover letter is the essential companion to your resume.

Many job seekers dread writing cover letters. What should you even include? If cover letters were your forte, you might be seeking a writing job!

However, writing a cover letter is straightforward once you understand its purpose.

Think of your cover letter as a direct message to the hiring manager, explaining why you are an excellent fit for the position. With a few cover letter tips, you can craft a perfect cover letter.

Follow this structure:

Infographic outlining the structure of a cover letter: contact details, introduction, reasons for excelling, and a polite wrap-up.

• Include contact details. Use the same contact information as your resume, plus the hiring manager’s details if available (name, title, company name, location).
• Introduce yourself. Start your cover letter by stating who you are, your relevant experience, and your interest in the position. Mention key achievements, relevant skills, and what you hope to bring to the company.
• Explain why you’d excel. Identify job requirements from the job ad that you meet and elaborate on how you fulfill the most critical ones. Research the company and mention aspects that appeal to you. Convey your enthusiasm and confidence in being a great fit.
• Conclude politely. End your cover letter by summarizing your key strengths and thanking the hiring manager for their time. Include a call to action, such as “Please contact me to discuss my application further.” Add a closing line and your full name.

Sounds simple? Here’s a real-world example:

A sample cover letter demonstrating proper formatting and content.

Pick a Cover Letter Template

Need more cover letter help? Learn about common cover letter mistakes and see cover letter examples.

#2. How to Ace Your Next Interview

With your resume and cover letter perfected, only one step remains: the job interview.

Whether you are an extrovert or introvert, interviews can be daunting. Sitting while someone assesses your past and judges you can be nerve-wracking.

However, most interviewers ask similar questions.

Learning how to answer common interview questions can significantly improve your interview performance.

See our guide to 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers and prepare to ace your next interview.

FAQs on How to Make a Resume

Still have questions about resume creation? Check out these FAQs!

Q — #1. What does a good resume look like in 2025?

A good resume in 2025 is well-organized, concise (ideally one page), and clearly highlights your value.

Focus on relevant work experience and skills, backed by quantifiable achievements.

Choose a template appropriate for your industry. Traditional industries may prefer classic templates, while creative fields can use more modern or creative designs.

Remote work is prevalent in 2025, so if you’re seeking remote roles, tailor your resume accordingly.

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

The easiest way to create a resume in Word is using a pre-designed template. To access templates:

1. Open MS Word.
2. Click “File” in the menu bar.
3. Select “New.”
4. Type “resume templates” in the search bar.

However, Word templates can be generic and less customizable.

For stylish, easy-to-create resumes, explore resume templates.

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

For your first resume for an entry-level job, focus on skills and academic achievements, as hiring managers don’t expect extensive work experience.

Highlight extracurricular activities, internships, volunteer experiences, and projects to demonstrate your skills and achievements.

Your first resume should include a resume objective, emphasize your education, and use internships or volunteer roles to showcase experience.

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

You can create a resume on Google Docs using their templates.

Go to Google Drive’s template gallery, choose a template, and fill in your information.

However, Google Docs templates are less user-friendly, offering limited layout flexibility and formatting challenges.

For an easier option, try our resume builder!

Q — #5. What kind of resume do employers prefer?

Employers typically prefer one-page resumes in reverse-chronological format.

Given the high volume of applications, shorter resumes increase the chance of your key qualifications being seen quickly. Use our one-page resume templates.

Reverse-chronological format is favored because it highlights your recent roles and achievements, which are most relevant to hiring decisions.

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

Include only relevant job positions.

Tailor your work experience section to each job application. If all your past jobs add value to your current application, include them.

If applying for a customer service role, and some jobs are unrelated, omit those to keep your resume focused.

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

You can include your city, state, or country, but your full physical address is not necessary.

Physical addresses were relevant when companies contacted candidates by mail. Today, email is primary, so a professional email address is more crucial than a physical address.

Just include your location or, for remote work, specify “Working remotely from [location].”

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

Generally, omit your birthdate and headshot, especially in the USA, Canada, and UK.

If your work experience section is robust, you can omit basic job responsibilities.

In your education section, include only your highest and most recent degree. If you hold a Ph.D., listing just that and your Master’s is usually sufficient, omitting earlier degrees.

Exclude skills not relevant to the job.

Q — #9. Is a resume a CV?

Globally, “CV” and “resume” are often used interchangeably for similar documents, particularly in Europe and Asia. Both are typically one to two pages, listing relevant skills and experiences.

Longer, more detailed resumes are sometimes called CVs, often used by senior professionals.

In the USA, a CV is different—a comprehensive document detailing your entire academic and professional history, common in academia, science, and research. These are also known as academic CVs.

Create your CV using our CV templates!

Q — #10. Should I write my own resume?

Yes, always write your own resume.

It showcases your communication, writing, and presentation skills. Employers assess your ability to present yourself effectively.

Writing your own resume allows for authenticity and personalization, highlighting your unique skills and experiences.

It also offers a reflective opportunity to understand your career journey and career goals.

Q — #11. Can a resume be two pages?

Generally, aim for a one-page resume.

Hiring managers review many resumes daily, and brevity increases visibility of your qualifications.

Two-page resumes are acceptable for senior professionals with extensive, relevant experience that cannot be adequately summarized on one page.

Q — #12. Is a simple resume okay?

Yes, a simple resume is often preferable.

Complex layouts can be rejected by ATS. A simple resume template improves ATS compatibility and readability.

Clean layouts ensure professionalism and focus attention on your skills and experience without distractions.

Key Takeaways

Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our guide on how to make a resume.

Let’s recap some key lessons:

• Use a quality resume builder to streamline the process and avoid formatting issues.
• Emphasize achievements over responsibilities, backing claims with data to stand out.
• Include essential sections (summary, work experience, education, skills) and use optional sections if space allows.
• Tailor your resume to each job application, ensuring relevance.
• Dedicate time to writing a strong cover letter, as it is as important as your resume.

By following these guidelines, you are well on your way to creating a resume that opens doors to your dream career!