For most job seekers, a well-crafted resume is the key that unlocks the door to their dream job, distinguishing them from the competition. A compelling resume can significantly increase your chances of receiving interview invitations from top companies across various industries.
However, a poorly written resume can lead to weeks or even months of silence, with little to no responses from potential employers.
Are you wondering how to write a resume that effectively grabs attention and secures you that crucial interview?
You’ve come to the right place!
This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential knowledge and tools to create a standout resume. We will cover everything you need to know about how to write a resume, including:
- Essential Steps for Writing a Winning Resume
- Top Resume Tips to Enhance Your Application
- Real-World Resume Examples Across Diverse Professions
Let’s get started and transform your resume into a powerful career tool.
How to Write a Resume: A Comprehensive Guide
Before we delve into the specifics of how to write a resume, let’s summarize the key steps and essential tips to keep in mind throughout the process:
Create Resume
- Carefully Select Your Resume Format: In the vast majority of situations, the reverse-chronological format is the most effective and recommended choice.
- Include Essential Contact Information: Omit your headshot and ensure you provide your professional job title, a professional email address, and relevant online links (e.g., LinkedIn profile, portfolio, personal website).
- Craft a Strong Resume Summary or Objective: For experienced professionals, a resume summary is generally preferred. This section should immediately capture the hiring manager’s interest and encourage them to review the rest of your resume in detail. Entry-level candidates may opt for a resume objective.
- Optimize Your Work Experience Section: Transform your work experience section from ordinary to outstanding by tailoring it to each job description, quantifying your accomplishments, and utilizing action verbs and power words.
- Incorporate Job-Relevant Skills: Keep your skills section focused by including only the hard and soft skills that are directly pertinent to the position you are applying for.
- Keep Your Education Section Concise: Highlight your most recent and highest degree. More detail is only needed if you are a recent graduate with limited professional experience.
- Utilize Optional Resume Sections Strategically: Enhance your resume with optional sections like languages, hobbies, certifications, and projects to differentiate yourself from other candidates with similar backgrounds.
- Always Include a Cover Letter: Cover letters remain essential in today’s job market. A well-written cover letter complements your resume and strengthens your overall application. For guidance, refer to our detailed guide on how to write a cover letter.
To maximize the effectiveness of these tips, consider using a resume builder as you follow this guide to implement changes in real-time.
If you’re new to resume writing, we recommend watching our ‘7 Resume Tips’ video before diving deeper into this article.
Step #1: Choose the Right Resume Format
Before you begin filling in your resume content, it’s crucial to ensure it is visually appealing and well-structured. The first impression is often visual, so the format of your resume is paramount.
Start by selecting the appropriate resume format. There are three primary resume formats to consider:
- Reverse-Chronological Resume: This is the most widely accepted and favored resume format globally. It emphasizes your career progression by listing your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. It is ideal for showcasing a steady career path and is preferred by recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Functional Resume (Skills-Based): This format prioritizes your skills and abilities over chronological work history. It is beneficial for individuals with career gaps, those changing careers, or those with limited work experience but strong skill sets. However, it is less common and can sometimes raise concerns among employers who prefer to see a clear career progression.
- Combination Resume (Hybrid): As the name suggests, this format blends elements of both reverse-chronological and functional resumes. It highlights your skills and abilities at the top, followed by a chronological work history. This format is suitable for experienced professionals seeking to emphasize specific skills relevant to the target position while still providing a clear career timeline.
Which format should you choose when learning how to write a resume?
In 99% of cases, the reverse-chronological resume format is the best choice. Its familiarity and clarity make it the preferred format for hiring managers and ATS. Therefore, this guide will primarily focus on how to write a reverse-chronological resume.
Optimize Your Resume Layout
Once you’ve selected your format, the next step in how to write a resume effectively is refining your resume layout. The layout dictates the visual organization and readability of your resume.
A well-designed layout ensures your resume is not only informative but also easy to scan and digest. Consider these best practices:
- Maintain a One-Page Resume (Generally): Aim for a one-page resume unless you possess extensive experience directly relevant to the position. In such cases, a two-page resume may be acceptable. However, brevity is generally valued, especially given the high volume of applications recruiters handle.
- Use Clear Section Headings: Employ distinct and consistent headings for each resume section (e.g., “Work Experience,” “Skills,” “Education”) to improve navigation.
- Adjust Margins for Optimal White Space: Adequate white space enhances readability and prevents your resume from appearing cluttered. Standard margins of one inch on all sides are typically recommended.
- Select a Professional Font: Font choice impacts readability and professionalism. Opt for clean, modern fonts like Ubuntu, Roboto, or Overpass. Avoid outdated fonts like Times New Roman and unprofessional choices like Comic Sans. For more options, explore our guide on resume fonts.
- Choose Appropriate Font Sizes: Use a font size of 11-12 points for body text and 14-16 points for headings to create visual hierarchy and readability.
- Save Your Resume as a PDF: Unless explicitly instructed otherwise, always save your resume as a PDF file. This format preserves your formatting across different systems and prevents unwanted alterations. While Word files are common, they are prone to formatting inconsistencies. Learn more about why PDF is superior to Word for resumes in our guide on PDF vs. Word resumes.
Another crucial aspect of resume layout is deciding between a traditional or a more modern aesthetic.
Browse Templates
For roles in traditional industries like law, banking, or finance, a traditional resume template is often more suitable.
However, if you are targeting innovative or creative sectors, such as tech companies, a modern resume template or even a creative resume template can help you stand out.
Save Time with a Resume Template
Formatting a resume from scratch can be time-consuming and tedious. Templates can streamline this process, allowing you to focus on content rather than layout.
Why spend hours tweaking margins and fonts when you can utilize a pre-designed template?
Consider using free resume templates. These templates are professionally designed and pre-formatted, so you only need to input your information.
Our templates are developed in collaboration with recruiters worldwide, ensuring they are visually appealing and optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
See the difference between a resume created with a professional template versus a standard text editor:
Browse Free Templates
Step #2: Add Your Contact Information
Once your resume’s format and layout are set, the next critical step in learning how to write a resume is adding your personal details. The contact information section is straightforward yet vital.
This section is typically positioned at the top in a dedicated resume header to ensure it’s easily noticeable.
Accuracy in this section is paramount. Even a minor error, like a misspelled email address or an incorrect phone number, can lead to missed opportunities. Always double, even triple-check your contact details for accuracy and ensure they are current.
Essential Contact Information to Include:
- Full Name: Your first and last name should be prominently displayed at the top of your resume.
- Professional Email Address: Use a professional-sounding email address, ideally based on your name (e.g., [email protected]). Avoid informal or outdated email addresses.
- Phone Number: Provide a reliable phone number where you can be easily reached.
- Location: Include your city and state/country. If you are open to relocation or seeking remote work, you can specify this as well.
Optional Contact Information to Consider:
- Professional Title: Adding a professional title beneath your name can immediately communicate your expertise and target role (e.g., “Digital Marketing Specialist,” “Project Manager”).
- LinkedIn Profile URL: In today’s digital age, a LinkedIn profile is often considered essential. Include a link to your updated LinkedIn profile, as many recruiters utilize LinkedIn to further evaluate candidates.
- Relevant Online Links: Include links to professional websites, portfolios, or relevant social media profiles that showcase your work (e.g., GitHub for developers, Behance for designers).
Information to Avoid in Your Contact Section:
- Date of Birth: Unless specifically requested in the job posting, your date of birth is generally irrelevant and can potentially lead to unconscious bias.
- Unprofessional Email Addresses: Avoid using humorous or outdated email addresses. Stick to a professional format.
- Headshot (in certain regions): In the USA, UK, and Ireland, headshots are generally not included and can even be considered inappropriate or discriminatory. However, in many parts of Europe and Asia, including a professional headshot is common practice. Research the norms for your target region and industry. More details can be found in our guide on including photos on resumes.
Here’s an example of a well-structured and effective contact information section for a resume:
Step #3: Write a Compelling Resume Headline (Summary or Objective)
Recruiters often spend mere seconds reviewing each resume – studies show an average of less than seven seconds.
In such a brief window, your resume needs to make an immediate impact. Given the high volume of applications, recruiters often skim resumes to quickly identify potentially suitable candidates.
This is where a strong resume headline becomes crucial. Positioned prominently near your contact information, this brief section is among the first things a recruiter will read.
The resume headline, also known as a professional profile, can take the form of either a resume summary or a resume objective, depending on your career stage.
Resume Summary: For Experienced Professionals
A resume summary is a concise, typically two to three-sentence overview of your professional background and key qualifications. It’s designed to quickly demonstrate your value and encourage the recruiter to read further.
A well-crafted resume summary should include:
- Your professional title and years of relevant experience.
- Highlight 1-2 of your most significant professional achievements or core responsibilities.
- Mention your most job-relevant skills.
Example of a Strong Resume Summary:
Experienced Marketing Manager with 8+ years of experience leading high-performing teams and developing successful marketing campaigns. Proven track record of increasing brand awareness and driving revenue growth. Expertise in digital marketing, SEO/SEM, and social media strategy. Seeking to leverage my skills and experience to contribute to the growth of Acme Corporation.
Unless you are a recent graduate or transitioning careers, a resume summary is generally the preferred choice.
Resume Objective: For Entry-Level Candidates and Career Changers
A resume objective focuses on your career aspirations, academic background, and relevant skills, highlighting your potential and enthusiasm for the role, despite limited direct experience.
A resume objective is typically used by:
- Recent Graduates: To emphasize their education, skills gained through coursework or projects, and career goals.
- Career Changers: To explain their career transition, highlight transferable skills, and express their motivation for entering a new field.
Like a summary, a resume objective should be brief, around two to four sentences.
Examples of Effective Resume Objectives:
Recent Graduate Resume Objective:
Highly motivated recent graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Stanford University. Eager to apply strong programming skills in Java, Python, and C++ gained through academic projects and internships. Seeking an entry-level Software Engineer position at Tech Solutions Inc. to contribute to innovative software development.
Career Change Resume Objective:
Results-driven Sales Professional with 7+ years of experience in exceeding sales targets and building client relationships in the retail industry. Seeking a career transition into project management, leveraging strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills developed through managing sales teams and projects. Aiming to secure a Project Coordinator role at GlobalTech to apply my transferable skills and contribute to project success.
Step #4: Prioritize Your Work Experience Section
The work experience section is often considered the most critical part of your resume. It’s where you showcase your professional history, accomplishments, and the value you bring to potential employers.
Mastering this section is essential to learning how to write a resume that gets results.
While there are many nuances to crafting an impactful work experience section, let’s start with the foundational elements.
The standard format for each work experience entry includes:
Key Components of Each Work Experience Entry:
- Job Title/Position: Position this prominently at the start of each entry. It should clearly indicate the role you held.
- Company Name, Location, and Brief Description (Optional): Include the company name and location (city, state/country). For less well-known companies, a brief description of the company’s industry or mission can be helpful.
- Dates of Employment: Specify the duration of your employment using month/year format (e.g., 03/2020 – 12/2022).
- Achievements and Responsibilities: This is the core of each entry. Use bullet points to list your key achievements and responsibilities. Focus on accomplishments whenever possible and tailor them to the target job.
Real-World Example of a Well-Formatted Work Experience Section:
List your work experience entries in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role and progressing backward.
Now, let’s explore strategies to make your work experience section truly stand out and give you an edge over other applicants when learning how to write a resume effectively.
Are you a student or entry-level candidate with limited work experience? Our guide on writing a resume with no experience provides tailored advice.
Focus on Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities
One of the most common resume mistakes is merely listing job responsibilities. While responsibilities describe what you did, achievements highlight how well you performed and the impact you made.
In most cases, recruiters are already familiar with typical responsibilities for various roles. Listing only responsibilities makes your resume generic and less impactful.
For example, stating “Managed social media accounts” is less compelling than “Increased social media engagement by 40% in Q2 2023 through targeted content strategies.”
To differentiate yourself, focus on quantifiable achievements. These demonstrate your value and make your contributions tangible.
Examples of Achievement-Oriented Bullet Points:
Correct Examples (Achievements):
- “Increased sales revenue by 15% year-over-year through strategic account management and new client acquisition.”
- “Streamlined project workflows, reducing project completion time by 20% and improving team efficiency.”
- “Developed and implemented a new customer onboarding process that increased customer satisfaction scores by 25%.”
Incorrect Examples (Responsibilities):
- “Managed a team of sales representatives.”
- “Responsible for project management.”
- “Handled customer onboarding.”
While achievements are ideal, in some roles, quantifying accomplishments can be challenging. For example, in roles like warehouse worker, daily tasks might be more about consistent performance of responsibilities.
In such cases, it’s acceptable to focus on responsibilities, but strive to describe them with action verbs and highlight efficiency or key contributions.
Tailor Your Resume to Each Job Application
Tailoring your resume is a crucial step in how to write a resume that resonates with employers. Generic resumes are less effective than those specifically customized for each job.
Hiring managers are looking for candidates whose skills and experience directly align with the job requirements. Tailoring demonstrates that you understand the role and have the specific qualifications they seek.
For example, if you’re applying for a Google Ads specialist role, emphasize your experience with Google Ads, PPC campaigns, and relevant metrics. Less relevant experience, such as an SEO internship from several years ago, can be minimized or omitted.
How to Tailor Your Resume:
-
Carefully Review the Job Description: Identify the key requirements, skills, and responsibilities listed in the job posting.
-
Highlight Matching Skills and Experience: In your resume summary, work experience, and skills sections, emphasize the skills and experiences that directly match the job requirements.
-
Use Keywords from the Job Description: Incorporate keywords from the job description naturally throughout your resume. ATS often scan for these keywords to assess relevance.
-
Quantify Your Impact in Areas Relevant to the Job: When describing your achievements, prioritize those that align with the job’s key responsibilities and desired outcomes.
Include the Right Amount of Work Experience
The amount of work experience to include depends on your career level and the relevance of past roles.
Including too much irrelevant experience can dilute your resume’s focus, while including too little can make you appear underqualified.
Guidelines for Work Experience Depth:
- No Experience (Entry-Level/First Job Seekers): Focus on internships, volunteer work, academic projects, extracurricular activities, and skills. If you have limited formal work experience, these can demonstrate relevant skills and initiative.
- Entry-Level: Include all work experience, even if not directly related. It shows work ethic and foundational skills.
- Mid-Level: Focus on relevant experience from the past 10-15 years. Omit older, less relevant roles to maintain focus and brevity.
- Senior-Level: Include up to 15-20 years of the most relevant and impactful experience. Focus on leadership roles, strategic accomplishments, and high-level contributions. Details of very early career roles are generally less pertinent.
Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline the resume screening process. ATS software scans resumes for keywords and formatting criteria to filter candidates.
It’s estimated that over 70% of resumes may not even reach a human recruiter due to ATS filters.
Understanding how to write a resume that is ATS-friendly is crucial to ensure your application is seen.
Tips for Creating an ATS-Friendly Resume:
- Use a Simple, Clean Format: Avoid complex formatting, tables, images, and graphics that ATS may misinterpret. Stick to standard fonts and clear headings.
- Incorporate Keywords: Carefully analyze job descriptions and incorporate relevant keywords throughout your resume, especially in skills and work experience sections.
- Use Standard Section Headings: Use common headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” Avoid creative or unusual section titles that ATS might not recognize.
- Submit in PDF Format: PDF is generally the most ATS-friendly format as it preserves formatting and is widely readable by systems.
- Keep it Concise: While not directly ATS-related, keeping your resume to one page (or two for experienced professionals) improves readability for both ATS and human reviewers.
- Use Action Verbs: Start bullet points with strong action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements dynamically.
- Avoid Headers and Footers: ATS can sometimes struggle to parse information in headers and footers. Keep essential content within the main body of your resume.
Utilizing an ATS-friendly resume template can significantly simplify this process and ensure your resume is well-received by both systems and recruiters.
Step #5: List Your Education
The education section details your academic background and qualifications. It is a standard component of most resumes, especially for entry-level and recent graduate positions.
Here’s how to format the education section on your resume:
Essential Information for Your Education Section:
- Degree Name: Specify your degree (e.g., Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts).
- Major: Include your major field of study (e.g., Business Administration, Computer Science).
- University Name: Provide the full name of the institution.
- Dates Attended (or Expected Graduation Date): Use month/year format for start and end dates. If still in progress, indicate “Expected Graduation” and the month/year.
Optional Information to Enhance Your Education Section:
- Location: If the university is not well-known, adding the city and state/country can provide context.
- GPA (Grade Point Average): Include your GPA if it is strong (typically 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale).
- Honors and Awards: List any academic honors, scholarships, or distinctions (e.g., Dean’s List, Cum Laude).
- Relevant Coursework: For recent graduates or when relevant to the job, you can list key courses that align with the job requirements.
- Minor: If you have a relevant minor, include it.
Example of a Well-Structured Education Section:
Tips for Optimizing Your Education Section:
- For students or recent graduates with limited work experience, position the education section higher on the resume, even above work experience, to emphasize academic qualifications.
- If you are still pursuing a degree, list your expected graduation date.
- For experienced professionals, keep the education section concise. Your work experience is generally more relevant.
- List degrees in reverse chronological order, with the most recent degree first.
- Generally, include only your highest degree. If you have a Master’s degree, you usually don’t need to list your Bachelor’s degree unless it’s specifically relevant.
- Omit high school education if you have a college degree, unless you are a high school student or recent graduate.
- Only include GPA if it is strong (3.5 or higher) or if requested by the employer.
Applying for college? Our guide on writing a college application resume can help you make a strong impression.
Step #6: Emphasize Your Skills
The skills section is essential for highlighting your competencies and aligning them with job requirements. It is often one of the first sections recruiters scan after work experience to quickly assess your suitability.
Together, work experience and skills constitute a significant portion of hiring decisions – often around 90%.
There are two main categories of skills to include when learning how to write a resume:
- Hard Skills: These are technical, measurable abilities acquired through education, training, or experience. Examples include programming languages, software proficiency, data analysis, and foreign language fluency.
- Soft Skills: Also known as interpersonal or people skills, these are personal attributes, personality traits, and communication abilities needed for success in the workplace. Examples include teamwork, communication, leadership, problem-solving, and time management. More on soft skills can be found in our guide on soft skills for resumes.
A balanced resume skills section should include both hard and soft skills relevant to the target job.
Now, let’s discuss how to effectively present your skills in your resume.
Separate Hard and Soft Skills
Organize your skills section by clearly separating hard skills and soft skills into distinct subsections. This enhances readability and allows recruiters to quickly identify your competencies in each category.
Customize the heading for your “hard skills” section to be more specific to your field, such as “Technical Skills,” “Marketing Skills,” or “Engineering Skills,” if appropriate.
Example of Skills Section for a Project Manager:
Technical Skills:
- Project Management Methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Scrum)
- Project Management Software (Microsoft Project, Jira, Trello)
- Risk Management
- Budget Management
- Stakeholder Management
Soft Skills:
- Leadership
- Communication (Written and Verbal)
- Team Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Conflict Resolution
Tailor Skills to the Job
Just like with work experience, tailor your skills section to each job application. Focus on the skills listed in the job description and prioritize those you possess.
Including irrelevant skills dilutes the impact of your resume. Focus on demonstrating your proficiency in the skills that are most critical for the specific role.
Example Job Requirements:
Qualifications:
- Proven experience in digital marketing, SEO, and social media management.
- Proficiency in Google Analytics, Google Ads, and social media platforms.
- Strong analytical and reporting skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
In this case, relevant hard skills to highlight would include:
- Digital Marketing
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
- Social Media Management
- Google Analytics
- Google Ads
Relevant soft skills might include:
- Analytical Skills
- Communication Skills
List Hard Skills with Proficiency Levels
For key hard skills, consider adding a proficiency level (e.g., Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert). This provides employers with a clearer understanding of your skill depth.
Proficiency Levels:
- Beginner: Basic understanding and limited practical application.
- Intermediate: Solid working knowledge and practical application in routine tasks.
- Advanced: In-depth knowledge, capable of handling complex tasks independently, and can guide others.
- Expert: Mastery of the skill, extensive experience across diverse projects, recognized as a go-to resource.
Example:
- Technical Skills:
- Python (Advanced)
- SQL (Intermediate)
- Data Visualization (Expert)
- Microsoft Excel (Advanced)
Important: Always be honest about your skill levels. Misrepresenting your skills can lead to issues later, even if you initially get the job.
Include Transferable Skills
Transferable skills are skills that are valuable across various roles and industries. These can include both soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork, problem-solving) and hard skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, project management basics).
Even if a skill isn’t explicitly listed in the job description, transferable skills can demonstrate your versatility and adaptability. Consider including a mix of both job-specific and transferable skills to showcase a well-rounded profile.
Need inspiration for skills to include? Explore our list of 101+ essential resume skills.
Step #7: Leverage Optional Resume Sections
Beyond the core sections, optional resume sections can add depth and differentiation to your application. These sections are particularly useful for showcasing unique qualifications or experiences that may not fit neatly into standard categories.
Languages
If you are multilingual, always include a language section. Language skills are increasingly valuable in a globalized workforce.
Even if the job description doesn’t explicitly require a second language, it can be a significant asset and differentiator.
When listing languages on your resume, specify your proficiency level using terms like:
- Native
- Fluent
- Proficient
- Intermediate
- Basic
Alternatively, you can use standardized frameworks like the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.) (ACTFL) proficiency scales if you are familiar with them.
Important: Never exaggerate your language skills. Interviewers may test your proficiency during the interview process.
Hobbies and Interests
While often optional, a hobbies and interests section can add a personal touch to your resume and provide insights into your personality and well-roundedness.
This section can be particularly useful for entry-level candidates or in industries where personality and cultural fit are highly valued.
Hobbies and interests can:
- Reinforce Soft Skills: If you list “teamwork” as a skill, mentioning team sports as a hobby can provide concrete evidence.
- Create Common Ground: Shared interests can be conversation starters during interviews and help build rapport.
- Showcase Personality: Hobbies can reveal aspects of your personality, such as creativity, dedication, or physical fitness.
Choose hobbies that are relevant or portray positive attributes. Avoid controversial or overly personal hobbies.
Volunteering Experience
Volunteer experience demonstrates your commitment to community service, empathy, and work ethic. It can be particularly valuable if you have limited paid work experience or are looking to showcase your values.
Including volunteer work on your resume can:
- Highlight Soft Skills: Volunteer roles often involve teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
- Show Initiative and Dedication: Volunteering demonstrates a willingness to contribute beyond paid employment.
- Enhance Your Profile: It can make you appear more well-rounded and socially conscious.
Certifications
Certifications validate specific skills and knowledge, demonstrating your commitment to professional development and expertise in certain areas.
Relevant certifications can be highly valuable, especially in technical fields like IT, project management, and healthcare.
Include certifications that are:
- Relevant to the Job: Prioritize certifications that align with the job requirements.
- Industry-Recognized: Focus on certifications from reputable organizations.
- Current: Ensure your certifications are up-to-date if they have expiration dates.
Awards and Recognitions
Listing awards and recognitions highlights your achievements and sets you apart from other candidates.
Include awards that are:
- Prestigious or Competitive: Awards that signify significant achievement carry more weight.
- Relevant to Your Field: Focus on awards related to your professional or academic field.
- Recent: Prioritize more recent awards unless older awards are exceptionally prestigious.
Publications
If you have published articles, papers, or books, include a publications section, especially if you are in academia, research, or writing-intensive fields.
Publications demonstrate:
- Expertise: Published work establishes you as knowledgeable in your field.
- Communication Skills: It showcases your writing and communication abilities.
- Research Skills: Publications often reflect research and analytical skills.
Provide full citations and links to online publications if available.
Projects
Projects are excellent for showcasing practical skills, initiative, and passion, particularly for students, recent graduates, and those in technical or creative fields.
Projects can include:
- Personal Projects: Coding projects, design portfolios, freelance work, entrepreneurial ventures.
- Academic Projects: Significant coursework projects, research projects, capstone projects.
- Open Source Contributions: Contributions to open-source software or community projects.
Describe projects with bullet points, highlighting your role, technologies used, and outcomes.
Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities are valuable for students and recent graduates, demonstrating skills gained outside of formal coursework.
Extracurriculars can include:
- Clubs and Organizations: Leadership roles or active participation in student clubs, professional organizations.
- Sports Teams: Teamwork, discipline, and competitive spirit.
- Volunteer Groups: Commitment to service and social responsibility.
Focus on activities that highlight transferable skills like leadership, teamwork, communication, and organization.
11+ Expert Resume Tips
Now that you understand the core components of how to write a resume, here are some expert tips to elevate your resume from good to exceptional:
- Match Professional Title: Customize the professional title under your name to align with the specific job title you are applying for. This immediately clarifies your target role for recruiters.
- Highlight Promotions: If you have been promoted in previous roles, explicitly mention these promotions within your work experience entries. Use these entries to emphasize the achievements that led to your advancement.
- Use Laszlo Bock’s Achievement Formula: Describe your achievements using the formula: “Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y] by doing [Z].” This structure makes your achievements quantifiable and impactful.
- Use Bullet Points for Conciseness: Always use concise bullet points for achievements and responsibilities in your work experience section. This improves readability and ensures key accomplishments are easily noticed.
- Avoid Personal Pronouns: Do not use personal pronouns like “I” or “me,” and avoid referring to yourself by name within your resume content. Use a modified third-person perspective, e.g., “Managed data integrity…” instead of “I managed data integrity…”
- Use Standard Section Titles: Use clear, standard section titles like “Work Experience,” “Skills,” and “Education.” Avoid overly creative or ambiguous titles to ensure ATS and recruiters easily identify each section.
- Prioritize Relevant Keywords: Focus on incorporating the most important keywords from job descriptions rather than trying to include every possible keyword. Ensure keywords are integrated naturally within context.
- Emphasize Transferable Skills: If you have limited direct work experience, emphasize transferable skills gained from extracurricular activities, projects, and volunteer work.
- Strategic Use of Color: Add a subtle pop of color to headings, bullet points, or key elements to draw attention. However, use color sparingly and professionally to enhance, not distract from, the content.
- Omit “References Available Upon Request”: This phrase is outdated and takes up valuable space. Employers know they can request references if needed.
- Mobile Optimization: Ensure your resume is optimized for mobile viewing. Save as PDF and check that formatting remains intact on mobile devices, as many recruiters review resumes on phones and tablets.
- File Naming Convention: Rename your resume file to include your name and the job title you are applying for (e.g., “JaneDoe_MarketingManagerResume.pdf”). This small detail helps with organization on the recruiter’s end.
- Read Aloud for Proofreading: Read your resume aloud to catch awkward phrasing, grammatical errors, and typos that you might miss when reading silently.
- Use Resume Tracking Tools: Consider using tools like DocSend to track when your resume is opened and for how long. This can provide insights into application engagement.
Free Resume Checklist
Ready to finalize your resume? Use this checklist to ensure it is polished and effective:
If you missed any points, revisit those sections and refine your resume further. If you checked all boxes, congratulations! You’ve mastered the art of how to write a resume and are well-prepared for your job search.
Need to write a CV instead of a resume? Refer to our step-by-step guide on how to write a CV with numerous examples.
9 Resume Templates for Different Industries
To simplify the resume creation process, consider using a template. Here are nine resume templates tailored for various industries:
#1. Traditional Resume Template
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Best For: Traditional industries like finance, law, banking, and manufacturing.
#2. Modern Resume Template
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Best For: Contemporary and forward-thinking industries, including entrepreneurship, medical technology, and engineering.
#3. Creative Resume Template
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Best For: Creative industries such as entertainment, design, and architecture.
#4. Minimalistic Resume Template
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Best For: Experienced professionals across industries who want to let their achievements speak for themselves.
#5. IT Resume Template
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Best For: IT-related professions, including software development, cybersecurity, and DevOps engineering.
#6. Tech Resume Template
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Best For: The broader technology industry and related roles.
#7. College Resume Template
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Best For: College students and recent graduates.
#8. General Resume Template
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Best For: Various industries, including HR, education, and customer service.
#9. Executive Resume Template
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Best For: Senior professionals across industries, including hospitality, marketing, and logistics.
17+ Resume Examples for Different Jobs
To further inspire you, here are resume examples tailored for specific professions. These examples can provide practical insights into how to structure and present your resume effectively:
#1. Nurse Practitioner Resume Example
Explore our comprehensive guide on writing a nurse resume.
#2. Data Scientist Resume Example
Check out our detailed guide on crafting a data scientist resume.
#3. Business Analyst Resume Example
Read our full guide on writing a business analyst resume.
#4. Digital Marketing Resume Example
See our guide on creating a standout digital marketing resume.
#5. Software Engineer Resume Example
Learn how to write an effective software engineer resume with our guide.
#6. Construction Project Manager Resume Example
Refer to our guide for writing a construction project manager resume.
#7. Customer Service Resume Example
Explore our guide on writing a strong customer service resume.
#8. High School Resume Example
Check out our guide on writing a high school resume.
#9. Student Resume Example
See our guide on writing a compelling student resume.
#10. Server Resume Example
Learn how to write a server resume with our guide on server resume.
#11. Actor Resume Example
Explore our guide on creating an actor resume.
#12. Web Developer Resume Example
Refer to 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
Check out our guide on writing a computer science resume.
#15. Architect Resume Example
#16. Data Analyst Resume Example
Explore our guide on writing a data analyst resume.
#17. Remote Job Resume Example
Refer to 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
Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist resume here.
Want to see more examples? Browse our compilation of 80+ resume examples for diverse fields.
Next Steps After Perfecting Your Resume
Creating a compelling resume is just the first step in your job search journey. To maximize your chances of success, you also need to master the art of writing a cover letter and acing job interviews.
#1. How to Write a Convincing Cover Letter
A cover letter is a crucial companion document to your resume. It provides an opportunity to personalize your application and directly address the hiring manager.
Think of your cover letter as a personal message that explains why you are a perfect fit for the role and how you can contribute to the company.
A well-structured cover letter typically follows this format:
- Contact Details: Include your contact information and the hiring manager’s details (if known).
- Introduction: Start by stating the position you are applying for and briefly introduce yourself, your background, and why you are interested in the role and company.
- Body Paragraphs: Explain why you are well-suited for the job. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the job requirements. Research the company and mention specific aspects that resonate with you.
- Conclusion: Reiterate your interest, summarize your key qualifications, and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Include a call to action, such as requesting an interview.
Example of a Concise Cover Letter:
Pick a Cover Letter Template
For more tips and examples, explore our guide on common cover letter mistakes and cover letter examples for various professions.
#2. How to Ace Your Next Job Interview
The final hurdle in your job search is the interview. Preparation is key to performing confidently and making a positive impression.
While interviews can be nerve-wracking, knowing what to expect and how to answer common questions can significantly boost your confidence.
Most interviewers ask similar sets of questions. Familiarize yourself with common interview questions and prepare thoughtful, concise responses.
Refer to our comprehensive guide on 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers to prepare for your next interview.
FAQs on How to Write a Resume
Do you still have questions about how to write a resume? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Q #1. What does a good resume look like in 2025?
In 2025, an effective resume is:
- Concise: Typically one page, well-organized, and easy to scan.
- Achievement-Oriented: Focuses on quantifiable achievements and impact rather than just responsibilities.
- Tailored: Customized to each job application, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
- ATS-Friendly: Formatted for Applicant Tracking Systems with standard sections, keywords, and a clean layout.
- Visually Appealing (but Professional): Uses a professional template that enhances readability without being overly distracting.
- Industry-Appropriate: Template and style should align with industry norms (traditional vs. modern/creative).
- Mobile-Optimized: Formatted for easy viewing on mobile devices.
Q #2. How do you make a resume in Word?
To create a resume in Word:
- Open Microsoft Word.
- Click “File” > “New.”
- Search for “resume templates” in the online templates search bar.
- Choose a template and click “Create.”
- Customize the template with your information.
However, Word templates can be generic and less flexible. For more stylish and customizable options, consider using professional resume templates.
Q #3. How do I write a resume for my first job?
When writing a resume for your first job:
- Use a Resume Objective: Focus on your career goals and enthusiasm.
- Emphasize Education: Position your education section prominently and include details like GPA, relevant coursework, and academic achievements.
- Highlight Transferable Skills: Focus on skills gained through academics, extracurriculars, volunteer work, and projects.
- Include Relevant Experiences: List internships, volunteer roles, projects, and extracurricular activities as “experience.”
- Use a Functional or Combination Format (Optional): These formats can de-emphasize lack of work history and highlight skills.
Q #4. How to make a resume on Google Docs?
To create a resume on Google Docs:
- Go to Google Drive and click “New” > “Google Docs” > “From a template.”
- Select a resume template from the template gallery.
- Customize the template with your information.
While Google Docs is accessible, its templates can be less user-friendly and offer limited formatting flexibility compared to dedicated resume builders.
Q #5. What kind of resume do employers prefer?
Employers generally prefer:
- Reverse-Chronological Resumes: This format is familiar and clearly presents career progression.
- One-Page Resumes (Ideally): Concise resumes are easier and quicker to review.
- ATS-Friendly Formats: Simple layouts that Applicant Tracking Systems can process effectively.
- Tailored Resumes: Resumes customized for each job, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
Q #6. How many jobs should you put on your resume?
Include relevant job positions that demonstrate your qualifications for the target role. For mid-career professionals, focus on the last 10-15 years of relevant experience. For senior roles, up to 20 years may be appropriate. Prioritize quality and relevance over quantity.
Q #7. Should I put my address on my resume?
You can include your city and state/country, but your full physical address is generally not necessary. In today’s digital communication era, your email address and phone number are more crucial. Specifying your location can be helpful, especially if you are open to relocation or seeking remote work.
Q #8. What information should I leave out of my resume?
Generally, omit:
- Full Physical Address (optional: city and state are sufficient)
- Date of Birth
- Headshot (in USA, UK, Ireland; check regional norms)
- Irrelevant Work Experience (older, unrelated jobs for mid-senior level)
- High School Education (if you have a college degree)
- Low GPA (if below 3.5)
- Unprofessional Email Address
- Generic Responsibilities (focus on achievements)
- “References Available Upon Request”
Q #9. Is a resume a CV?
In many parts of the world, “resume” and “CV” (Curriculum Vitae) are used interchangeably. However, in the USA, a CV is typically a more detailed, comprehensive document used for academic, research, or scientific positions, often longer than a resume. Resumes are generally concise, one to two-page summaries focused on professional experience relevant to a specific job. For most job applications outside academia in the US, a resume is appropriate.
Q #10. Should I write my own resume?
Yes, always write your own resume. It showcases your communication skills and allows you to authentically represent your experiences and qualifications. Writing your own resume also helps you reflect on your career and goals.
Q #11. Can a resume be two pages?
While aiming for one page is ideal, a two-page resume is acceptable for experienced professionals with extensive and highly relevant experience. Ensure that every element on a two-page resume adds significant value and is directly relevant to the target job.
Q #12. Is a simple resume okay?
Yes, a simple and clean resume is often preferable. Simplicity enhances readability and ensures ATS compatibility. A well-structured, simple resume focuses attention on your content and qualifications rather than distracting design elements.
Key Takeaways
Congratulations on reaching the end of this comprehensive guide on how to write a resume! Let’s recap the essential points:
- Use a Resume Builder: Streamline the process and focus on content, not formatting.
- Focus on Achievements: Quantify your accomplishments and highlight your impact.
- Include Essential Sections: Resume summary/objective, work experience, education, and skills are must-haves. Leverage optional sections to add depth.
- Tailor Your Resume: Customize each resume to match the specific job description.
- Craft a Strong Cover Letter: A well-written cover letter complements your resume and strengthens your application.
By following these guidelines, you are now equipped to create a compelling resume that effectively showcases your qualifications and helps you achieve your career goals. Good luck with your job search!
