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What is a Resume? Definition & Purpose

A strong resume communicates your qualifications and sets you up for career success. Here’s a full breakdown of what a resume is, why resumes are important for job seekers, and what makes each type of resume unique.

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Resume meaning and example

What's the purpose of a resume?

What to include on a resume for a job

Types of resumes, frequently asked questions about resumes, resume-writing resources.

A resume (or “ CV ” outside of the US) is a formal document that provides an overview of your professional qualifications, including your relevant work experience, skills, education, and notable accomplishments.

If you’re applying for a job, you need a resume to be considered for the position.

Our free-to-use resume builder can make you a resume in as little as 5 minutes. Just pick the template you want, and our software will format everything for you.

The spelling of resume comes from the French word for “summary.” The original meaning carries through today, because the purpose of a resume is still to provide employers with a summary of your relevant qualifications.

On a base level, a resume is made up of the following five parts:

• Contact details
• Introduction
• Educational background
• Work history
• Relevant skills

Usually, a resume is paired with a cover letter on a job application. Make sure you know what a cover letter is and when you need one before sending your application.

Example of a resume

Not sure what a resume should look like ? Here’s a resume example written by a candidate with a few years of work experience in digital marketing:

In the resume example above, the candidate manages to fit all their qualifications onto a single, neatly organized page.

If you have fewer than 10 years of work experience, your resume’s length should always be one page .

However, if your career is decades long, you should use a two-page resume because it gives you enough space to highlight all your relevant accomplishments.

If you’re writing a master resume , there’s no limit to how long your resume can be.

What’s the purpose of a resume?

The purpose of a resume is to show employers you’re qualified for a position and convince them to offer you an interview.

Many job seekers wrongly assume their resume should provide a full overview of their professional history. In fact, many hiring managers only spend a few seconds going over a resume before deciding whether they want to learn more about a candidate.

Think of your resume as a snapshot of what the employer wants to know about you. Your resume should only emphasize your most relevant experience and skills , and highlight your most notable accomplishments .

Unsure if you should use a CV or resume ? If you’re applying for jobs in Europe or the UK, the meaning of CV and resume is essentially the same . Both provide an overview of your professional qualifications to employers.

What you put on a resume depends on the job you’re applying for and your relevant professional background.

At a minimum, be sure to include these sections on your resume :

1. Contact details

When writing your contact information on your resume , include your first and last name, phone number, and email address. Additionally, you can add your LinkedIn profile.

List your city if you want to show you live near where the company is located.

2. Introduction

Add a concise overview of your professional background and key qualifications. Your introduction can be in the form of a resume summary or resume objective .

3. Education

Your resume’s education section can include your school name(s), highest degree earned, majors and minors.

Additionally, you can add your GPA (if it’s greater than 3.8), Dean’s list (if you’ve been on it), or Latin honors (like cum laude ). List relevant coursework only if you lack experience or if it’s related to the position.

4. Experience

List any relevant work experience you have. Include your title, the company you worked for, your start and end date, and bullet points outlining your key responsibilities and notable accomplishments .

Include skills on your resume that are relevant to the position. Be sure to use a strong mix of hard skills and soft skills to demonstrate that you’re a well-rounded candidate.

Though chronologically-organized resumes are most common, there’s a variety of resume formats , and each is used to emphasize different strengths.

Depending on your specific skill set or work history, one format might be better suited to highlight your qualifications than another.

There are four main types of resumes :

• Chronological resume
• Functional resume
• Combination resume
• Targeted resume

To help you understand the differences between each resume format and decide which is the best for you to use, here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Chronological resume

A chronological resume opens with an introduction, and then provides an overview of your professional history in reverse-chronological order (meaning your most recently held position is listed at the top).

The chronological resume format is the most common type of resume used by job seekers today, and is suitable for candidates with various experience levels.

Example of a chronological resume

The chronological format works best for most job seekers, including this financial advisor with five years of relevant work experience:

2. Functional resume

A functional resume is formatted to focus on your skills and abilities rather than your career progression. It’s preferred by professionals who want to draw attention away from their traditional work experience, such as those who are changing careers or have significant gaps in their work history.

While similar to other resume formats, functional resumes are unique in several ways:

• The skills section takes up most of the page, and categorizes your professional accomplishments according to the skill is demonstrates
• The work experience section is shorter

Example of a functional resume

This candidate uses the functional resume format to draw attention to some of their greatest professional skills:

3. Combination resume

A combination resume is a format that combines aspects of a functional resume and a chronological resume.

While a chronological resume focuses heavily on experience and a functional resume emphasizes skills, a combination resume typically balances both work history and skills equally to demonstrate your qualifications.

Combination resumes are ideal for candidates who have extensive experience or a highly developed set of skills that they want to showcase.

Example of a combination resume

This developer uses a combination resume to strike a balance between featured skills and professional experience:

4. Targeted resume

A targeted resume is a resume you write with a specific position in mind.

Use this format to clearly highlight the skills and experience you have related to the position — writing each part of your resume in a way that best emphasizes your necessary qualifications.

To write a strong targeted resume, scan through the job listing for the position you want to fill. Typically, hiring managers include the skills, responsibilities, and traits that they want candidates to possess directly in the job description.

Showcase these qualities on your resume to demonstrate you’re an ideal fit (if you have the qualities they mention).

Here are some questions job seekers often have about resumes:

Are resumes outdated?

No, resumes aren’t outdated. Hiring managers prefer traditional resumes over modern versions like video resumes and online networking profiles because:

• a resume’s outline format makes it easier to read
• resumes are one page long and can be quickly scanned without scrolling or fast-forwarding
• the hiring manager can read your resume without logging onto a website or opening a video player
• resumes are easy to print for reference during an interview

Even if you’re recruited based on an online profile or portfolio, the recruiter will likely ask for a copy of your resume to share with the employer.

If you’re worried that your resume looks outdated, use a modern resume template with updated formatting.

What is a good resume?

A good resume is a resume that successfully captures and maintains busy hiring managers’ attention. It follows one for the three standard resume formats (chronological, functional, combination) and clearly showcases the candidate’s top relevant skills and career highlights.

A good resume is also well-formatted and uses a template that is appropriate for your industry.

What is a resume for a job?

A resume for a job is a resume written by a candidate applying for a new professional role, whether that is within the same company or at a different company. A resume for a job should be tailored for a specific position at a specific organization.

Other types of resumes include internship resumes, general resumes, and LinkedIn resumes.

What is a college resume?

A college resume is used by current students or recent graduates to apply for a job or internship position. It typically places greater emphasis on your education and non-work related experience than a traditional resume which focuses on your professional achievements.

• How to write a resume
• Downloadable resume templates
• Online resume builder
• Resume formatting tips
• Recent graduate resumes
• Writing a US resume
• Action verbs for your resume

Emily Crowley

Career Advisor & Senior Content Writer

Emily Crowley loves helping job seekers overcome obstacles to advance their careers. She graduated from George Mason University with a degree in Foreign Language and Culture and relocated to Taipei shortly after. As a writer and career advisor, she takes a particular interest in empowering young professionals through practical knowledge and advice on topics like resume writing, interviewing, and navigating career changes. Emily’s career advice has been featured in online publications such as Global Trade Magazine and Parade. For media-related queries, she can be reached at emily [at] resumegenius [dot] com.

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What is a Resume: Definition, Examples & How-to

Job hunting can be confusing. You know you need a resume, but what is it exactly, and how to even write one? Deep breaths. Read on to learn everything you need to know.

Creating a resume is an inevitable part of a job application. Of course, you can try to contact a hiring manager to discuss your job opportunities directly, but most bosses would want you to provide a comprehensive resume with all the important details.

But how should I create one , you ask? First, let’s dig deeper into a resume’s definition and core tenets for you to understand it better. Then, let's explain further what are the best practices of writing it.

So, what is a resume? How to define it? Read on to get a grasp.

What is a Resume? Full Resume Definition

A resume or résumé (both spelling variants correct) is a document you create to outline your work history, educational background, skills, and accomplishments. Resumes are mostly used to apply for jobs in the US and Canada. The purpose of a resume is to highlight and summarize qualifications relevant to a particular job opening . A typical resume is one- to two-page long .

Notice the sentence in bold? It’s no accident. This is the single most important thing about a resume— it should be targeted at a specific position .

Unlike a CV —an extensive document used for academic purposes, containing every single detail about your education and employment history—a US resume should be brief and only focus on what’s relevant to the job you’re applying for. If the difference isn’t clear to you, see our article with a detailed CV vs. resume comparison .

A standard resume contains the following sections :

• Contact Information
• Resume Profile (Summary or Objective)
• Work Experience
• Additional Activities (Conferences, Certifications, Publications, etc.)

Alright, enough theory for now. Here’s an example of what a proper resume should look like.

Create my resume now

 Create a job-winning resume with little effort . Hack your way through ATS software with our 18 beautiful templates —give our builder a try!

Resume Sample

Carla Casaus

Graphic Designer

Phone: 646-873-6870

Email: [email protected]

Portfolio: www.carlacasaus.com

linkedin.com/in/carlacasaus

https://twitter.com/carlakcasaus

Efficient graphic designer with 4+ years of experience. Seeking to use proven layout, web, and Photoshop skills to provide design excellence for James R. at Netflix. As senior designer at Elenar 5 delivered 280+ client projects, slashing costs 18% and bringing in $100K/yr in new business.

Senior Graphic Designer

Elenar 5, New York

2017–2019

• In charge of daily production for a high-end agency.
• Led team of five graphic designers to create client products with Photoshop.
• Produced 280+ graphic design projects (websites & brochures).
• Cut costs 18% in 20 months through vendor management & lean flow.
• Brought in $100,000 a year in new sales through social media outreach.

Fredegar Rising, New York

2016–2017

• Directed daily design work in fast-paced agency.
• Mentored 2 assistant designers.
• Increased firm revenue by 15% through better client relationships.
• Led team that received 2017 American Inhouse Design Award. 

Freelance Graphic Designer

2015–2016

• Designed 150+ website pages and 15 wireframes for client websites.
• Used Photoshop and InDesign in daily production.
• Developed 5 brochures, 11 infographics, and 12 client logos.
• Commended 3x by clients for web design skills.

BA Graphic Design, Southern New Hampshire University

2011–2015

GPA 3.7 (Cum Laude)

• Hard Skills:  Typography, Layout, Photoshop, HTML/CSS, Illustrator, InDesign
• Soft Skills:  Interpersonal Skills, Communication, Collaboration, Time Management

Additional Activities

• Award: D&AD New Blood 2014
• Certifications in Autodesk and Adobe CS5
• Spoke on panel about color theory at Hang Time conference 2018

Think a resume isn’t right for you and you need a CV? Go here: Academic CV Writing Guide

If you want to see more examples, check out our sample resumes for 50+ professions .

How to Write a Resume?

For detailed instructions, see our article with step-by-step guidelines for writing a job-winning resume .

Just need a synopsis? Look no further.

Now that you know what is a resume, create it following these steps:

• Start by choosing one of the three resume styles : reverse-chronological, functional, or combination. For 9 out of 10 candidates, a reverse-chronological resume is the best pick.
• Create an elegant resume header with your contact information.
• Write a resume profile —a short paragraph outlining your skills and accomplishments. If you have more than 2 years of experience, your resume profile should be a professional summary . Less experienced candidates should write a career objective .
• Outline your work history : list all your positions from the past 10 years in chronologically descending order. In each entry, include your job title, company name, dates worked, and up to 6 bullet points describing your duties and achievements. Remember the resume definition? It is to show off your achievements. The work history part is the most important one. More than 2 out of 3 recruiters say job experience is what matters most on a resume .
• Enter your highest degree of education . List your major, minors (if applicable), the name of the educational institution, and graduation date.
• List 4 to 10 skills to put on a resume .
• In a separate section, showcase your additional activities and accomplishments : certifications , publications, additional training, conference participation, volunteer work , etc.

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your resume in our resume builder now .

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Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, and highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You're the perfect candidate, and we'll prove it. Use our resume builder now .

So—you’ve learned how to craft the contents of your resume . You’re almost good to go. But...

Before you start writing yours, learn the basics of resume formatting and design. You know, impressions matter, don’t they?

How to Format a Resume?

There’s both art and science to resume formatting, so if you want to learn all the ins and outs, this guide will teach you how to format a resume .

Here’s a quick rundown:

• Pick a respectable font and stick to it throughout your whole resume . Keep the font size between 11 and 12 pt.
• Set the margins for 1 inch on all four sides.
• Make your resume header legible and visually distinct.
• Divide your resume into clear sections with large headings—you want the recruiter to see what information is where.
• Use plenty of white space. Give your readers some breathing room.

One crucial thing: don’t go for fancy graphics and make sure your resume has a scannable text layer so that it passes an Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) scan. A recent report has shown up to 98% of the largest companies use ATS to filter resumes. 

You’ll be fine if you create a resume in Word and save it as PDF . But be super careful if you’re planning to use more advanced graphic design software, such as Photoshop or Illustrator. Always use a  ATS-friendly resume template .

What about the ideal resume length?

The nineties got us all believing a resume should always be one-page.

Well… but they also made us think JNCOs and soul patches were cool.

The truth? 

Don’t overdo it, though. Two pages is as long as a resume can get. Think you need more? You probably need to cut irrelevant bits. Remember, make every word earn its place on your resume.

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

Here are the most important things you need to know about resumes:

• A resume, unlike a CV, should be brief and targeted at a specific job offer.
• Almost all the biggest companies use bots to scan resumes: make sure your resume is ATS-scannable.
• Try to keep your resume one-page, but don’t obsess over it. If your experience warrants a second page, it won’t be a dealbreaker.

Now you perfectly know what is a resume and how to write one. Got more questions? Drop me a line in the comments, I’ll straighten out your queries!

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

With vast expertise in interview strategies and career development, Michael is a job expert with a focus on writing perfect resumes, acing interviews, and improving employability skills. His mission is to help you tell the story behind your career and reinforce your professional brand by coaching you to create outstanding job application documents. More than one million readers read his career advice every month. For ResumeLab, Michael uses his connections to help you thrive in your career. From fellow career experts and insiders from all industries—LinkedIn strategists, communications consultants, scientists, entrepreneurs, digital nomads, or even FBI agents—to share their unique insights and help you make the most of your career.

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Write the Perfect Resume in 9 Simple Steps (With Examples)

Sometimes, a good resume isn’t enough. Find out how to make a perfect resume that proves you’re the best candidate for the job.

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

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

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

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

Well, you’ve come to the right place!

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

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

….and more!

So, let’s dive right in.

How to Make a Resume (The Right Way!)

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

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

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

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

#1. Pick the Right Resume Format

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

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

Start by choosing the right resume format.

There are three types of resume formats out there:

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

So, which one should you go for?

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

Fix Your Resume’s Layout

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

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

Here are some of the best practices you should apply:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#2. Add Your Contact Information

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

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

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

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

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

Must-Have Information

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

Optional Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is where the resume headline comes in.

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

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

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

Resume Summary

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

Here’s what your resume summary should include:

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

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

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

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

Resume Objective

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

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

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

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

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

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

#4. Prioritize Your Work Experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s a real-life example:

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

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

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

Focus on Achievements Whenever Possible

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your day-to-day responsibilities probably include:

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

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

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

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

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

Tailor Your Resume to the Job

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Include the Right Amount of Work Experience

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

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

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

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

Consider Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Software

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#5. List Your Education

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

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

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

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

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

Resume Education Tips

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

Just follow these expert tips:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are a few essential steps you need to follow:

Always List Hard and Soft Skills Separately

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

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

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

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

Methodologies & Tools

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

Soft Skills

• Team Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Negotiation

Tailor Your Skills to the Job

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

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

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

Qualifications:

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

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

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

List Hard Skills with Experience Levels

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

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

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

Include Transferable Skills

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

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

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

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

#7. Leverage Optional Resume Sections

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

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

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

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

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

• Intermediate

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

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

Hobbies and Interests

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

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

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

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

Volunteering Experience

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

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

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

Certifications

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

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

Certifications can also show employers how much expertise you have.

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

Awards and Recognitions

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

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

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

Publications

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Extracurricular Activities

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

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

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

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

11+ Expert Resume Tips

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

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

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

FREE Resume Checklist

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

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

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

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

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

9 Resume Templates for Different Industries

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

#1. Traditional Resume Template

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

#2. Modern Resume Template

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

#3. Creative Resume Template

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

#4. Minimalistic Resume Template

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

#5. IT Resume Template

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

#6. Tech Resume Template

Good for the tech industry and everything it encompasses.

#7. College Resume Template

Good for college students and recent graduates alike.

#8. General Resume Template

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

#9. Executive Resume Template

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

17+ Resumes for Different Jobs

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

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

#1. Nurse Practitioner Resume Example

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

#2. Data Scientist Resume Example

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

#3. Business Analyst Resume Example

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

#4. Digital Marketing Resume Example

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

#5. Software Engineer Resume Example

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

#6. Construction Project Manager Resume Example

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

#7. Customer Service Resume Example

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

#8. High School Resume Example

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

#9. Student Resume Example

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

#10. Server Resume Example

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

#11. Actor Resume Example

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

#12. Web Developer Resume Example

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

#13. Engineering Resume Example

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

#14. Computer Science Resume Example

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

#15. Architect Resume Example 

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

#17. Remote Job Resume Example

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

#18. Sales Associate Resume Example

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

#19. Receptionist Resume Example

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

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

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

Next Steps After Your Resume

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

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

#1. How to Write a Convincing Cover Letter

The companion piece to every resume is the cover letter.

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

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

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

Just follow this structure:

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

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

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

#2. How to Ace Your Next Interview

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

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

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

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

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

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

FAQs on How to Make a Resume

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#5. What kind of resume do employers prefer?

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

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

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

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

You should only include relevant job positions on your resume.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#9. Is a resume a CV?

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

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

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

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

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

#10. Should I write my own resume?

Yes, you should always write your own resume.

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

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

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

#11. Can a resume be two pages?

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

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

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

#12. Is a simple resume okay?

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

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

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

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap!

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

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

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

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What is a Resume? Definition, Structure, Purpose, Types & Meaning

In This Guide:

Reverse chronological resume format, functional/skills-based resume format, hybrid resume format.

• Resume Templates

Personal Details and Contact Information

Resume introduction, work experience and achievements, education section, additional sections.

You want to get a job and that’s just great! But as you start thinking about it, hundreds of questions pop up in your head.

“How do I write my resume?”, “What is a resume”, “What is a cover letter” and even more and more hanging there. Don’t worry, we are here to help you and get you good and ready to start your journey.

We are going to cover some basic topics like:

• What is a resume
• Resume format and layout

As well as some more advanced ones like:

• Resume structure
• Design and formatting tips
• Dos and Don'ts
• Cover letter

This article is mainly for the basics, so if you want more advanced tips and tricks, you can also learn how to Make Your Resume Stand Out .

But if you are searching for the basics only, that’s the right place!

So let’s dive in.

What is a resume?

The resume is your absolute must if you are looking for a job.

Your resume defines who you are in the eyes of your potential employer and is the most important document in your job application, followed by the cover letter.

But probably you are asking yourself: what is a resume?

In simple words: A resume is a formal document that a job applicant creates to itemize their qualifications for a position. It usually includes work experience, education, skills and any other relevant information you want to share with your future employer.

We need to note the fact that a resume is different from a curriculum vitae (CV).

The CV shows your complete work experience, education, skill set, and anything else you have done, no matter the length of the document, while the resume’s goal is to present anything relevant in a clear and easy-to-read format.

Unlike a CV, a resume should be modified for each and every job position, so that it would be as relevant as possible, and it should not exceed 1-2 pages.

The goal of your resume is to quickly and effectively show your potential employer why you are uniquely qualified for their job opening, based on your relevant experience and skills.

Preparation before writing a resume

As we said earlier, a resume should be kept short and to the point, it should only include relevant information for the job position.

The easiest way to perfect your resume writing is to get started with some preparation.

What you need to do is get a list of:

• Accomplishments from previous jobs
• Your skill set - soft, hard and technical skills
• Details about your previous jobs
• Details about your education
• Certifications, awards and honors
• Anything else that you might want to include in your resume at one point

Don’t worry about the writing, just focus on the relevance to the job position of everything you write down.

Once you are done, step away. Give it a few hours.

And when you are well rested again, come back to it with fresh eyes and perfect your writing.

Format and Layout

Now you have everything you might want to include in your future resumes, all in one place, and that’s great!

But there is just one more thing to do before we start filling each section with information.

And that’s a pretty important step - choosing the format and sticking to a good layout.

Don’t worry, we got you covered, and we will go through the 3 main resume formats.

A reverse chronological resume format is the most popular one out there.

It has the great advantage of being suitable for pretty much every job position.

This format is mostly career-oriented - it lists your work history in order, as the most recent position would be at the top.

It is the ideal format for people with lots of work experience, relevant to the job position they are applying for.

Check out some of our great examples - Reverse Chronological Resume .

But if you don’t feel confident that your work experience is relevant enough, don’t worry, the next resume format would be perfect for you.

As opposed to the reverse chronological resume, the functional resume format is mainly focused on your skill set.

It is the perfect choice for you if you are looking for your first job or career change, or if you are trying to steer away the employer’s focus from a gap in your employment history.

The great thing about the functional resume format is that it groups your skills in categories and presents them in a great and easy-to-read format.

Check out some examples to form a better idea of what the function resume format is - Functional Resume .

You are not convinced that this is your format either? We have one last format for you and it is guaranteed to work!

As its name shows, this resume format combines all the best features of the reverse chronological and the functional resume.

What it includes is both a reverse chronological work history section, and a highly detailed skill section.

It’s mostly used for job positions that require expertise in a variety of fields, and you want to show that you are the right person for the job.

Get a better understanding of the combination resume format with these examples - Hybrid Resume .

Great, you picked your resume format, now let’s focus on one last thing - the layout .

There are a few important points that you need to follow in order to do this part right.

First, keep it short and to the point. One page is what you need. Don’t go for 2 pages, unless you are absolutely sure that it would add some significant value.

Pick the right font and font size:

• Your font should stand out, but not too much, so you can go for Ubuntu, Roboto and Overpass, but don’t ever try Comic Sans.
• Keep your text between 11 and 12pt, so that it would be easy to read
• Pick a heading type (H1, H2…) and stick with it for all sections. Use between 14 and 16pt so that titles would stand out a little more

To ensure that your resume would look good, make sure you have sufficient white space between sections and appropriate margins (at least 0.7 inches)

And last, but not least - save your resume as PDF . It’s going to keep your formatting as it is, no matter what, as opposed to alternatives like Word.

We know that it might be intimidating to process all that information.

But don’t worry, we got you covered.

There are a few main templates that you can stick to, according to the type of resume you are trying to achieve.

The first, and most multifunctional format, is the Basic . You can use it on any occasion, but it is not specifically concentrated on any section, so if you want to focus on something more, keep reading, we’ve got more for you.

If you just graduated from college and don’t have much experience, you might want to focus more on your education and skills, rather than anything else, so you would want to use the College Resume Example .

We mentioned earlier the functional resume format, we have some examples for you to check out: Function Resume Template .

The other resume templates you can check out, according to your goal are:

• Infographic Resume Template
• Minimalist Resume Template
• Modern Resume Template
• Timeline Resume Template
• Traditional Resume Template
• Two-column Resume Template

Check them all and win the resume game.

Resume Structure

Okay, we are doing great so far!

Let’s dive into all the different sections your resume can have .

Believe it or not, this is the most critical section of your resume.

No matter how well you did everything, how skilled and experienced you are, the HR won’t ever call you in for an interview if you misspelled your phone number.

This section should be on the top of your resume and must include your name, email and phone number. The mailing address is mandatory.

Your name should be highly visible with bolder or larger font than the rest of the document.

As you want to look professional in the eyes of your potential employer, make sure your email address sounds professional. Consider creating a new email account if you currently use an outdated email service.

You can also include a portfolio if you are applying for creative positions, or a LinkedIn profile, but make sure you make it a strong one.

If you feel like more tips on the topic would be of use, check out Contact Information on Resume .

And last, as we stated in the beginning of this section - make sure your contact information is correct. You should double-check it, and even triple-check it and make sure everything is correct and up-to-date.

This is a very small part of your overall resume, but it is an extremely important one.

As it is one of the first things a hiring manager would see when looking at your resume, you need to perfect it.

What it actually is, is a short statement in two or three sentences. It’s a description of who you are as a candidate.

A well-written introduction can grab the hiring manager’s attention and multiply your chances of getting the job you applied for.

It’s not a deal-breaker if you skip this section and decide you don’t need it, but that short statement on top of your resume can really be key for getting called for an interview.

The work experience is the heart of your resume.

The first thing the hiring manager would look for are the job titles and the companies you have worked for. Make sure this information is easy to find.

The basics of this section should include:

• Job position
• Location of the Company
• Dates of employment

But no matter how impressive your work experience, compressed in these 4 points, it might not be good enough for the employer.

Employers don’t want only basic information, they are much more interested in the impact you had on the companies you previously worked for.

Results matter and numbers are important.

No matter what were your previous positions, there is always some metric that can show your potential employer you had a significant impact.

Perfect this section by checking out - Work Experience Section .

Having a clear education section is essential for your resume, especially if your work experience is limited, or you have just graduated.

If you don’t have much work experience, but your track record in school is good, consider making your education section highly-detailed and include all your education-related accomplishments .

On the contrary, if you have a few years of work experience, your education section should shrink down to the basics.

In most cases, listing the school name, the attendance years and your degree would be enough.

If you want to go deeper in this section’s topic, check out - Education Section .

Before starting this section, we need to define the difference between the two main types of skills - soft and hard.

Hard Skills

Using simple words, a hard skill is one that can be learned, taught, or measured and is not dependent on your industry.

Examples of such skills are any language or computer skills, or ability to operate heavy machinery.

Soft Skills

A soft skill is a personality trait that is hard to measure but that makes you great at your job.

Examples of such skills are being a team player, being driven to succeed, or having a great attitude.

Now that we have defined both types of skills, it’s pretty much up to you to decide which ones to include on your resume.

The important thing is to list them clearly, so it would be easy for the hiring manager to see them and note them.

If they see right away the skills that they seek, they are much more likely to take your resume under consideration.

As this section is very important, but somewhat complex, we recommend you look into it a little more - Skills Section .

If you have gone this far, you know all the basics you need for your resume.

There are a few more sections that you can add to your resume, if you think they would contribute in some way, or if you consider your resume still incomplete.

Certifications, Awards, & Honors

This section can potentially be very important, but you really need to show something impressive, if you decide to go for it.

If your potential employer needs to see some specific certifications, make sure you know which ones to include in your resume before you send it, because leaving some out could potentially ruin your application by making you seem unqualified.

In any other case, if you feel like some certification, award or honor would be relevant in your resume, feel free to include it.

If you would like to read a little more on the topic - Certifications on Resume .

And feel free to add any other section that you feel would help your hiring process.

Here are a few sections that you can consider:

• Publications
• Volunteering
• Hobbies & Interests

Tailor Your Information to the Job Ad

So far, so good.

Now we need to remember once again that the resume’s purpose is to be fitted for a specific job position.

So don’t forget to make it so, don’t send out the same resume for a variety of different positions, because it just won’t work.

The most important thing to do here is to adjust the keywords, especially in your skills section.

Show the employer that the skill set you have is perfectly fitted to the company’s needs.

You should also consider modifying your work experience and education sections, depending on the job requirements.

But all in all - focus on the keywords for each and every job position you are applying for.

Cover Letter

Okay, you seem to be all done with your resume.

So you might be asking yourself - I have a great resume, do I need a cover letter?

The answer is always - yes, if you have the option.

Cover letters may be crucial in the hiring process because they let you provide context for your resume.

Furthermore, they let you show off your personality and your enthusiasm for the job you are applying for.

A well-written cover letter can really boost your application and be the game-changer in your hiring project, so don’t hesitate to learn How to Tell a Story in a Cover Letter .

We reached the end of our topic, but don’t relax just yet, because this is an important one.

Typos and grammatical errors are the most common mistakes found in resumes.

And quite often they are a dealbreaker for the employer.

So don’t skip out on proofreading and do it right.

Here are some tips to be sure your resume would be mistake-free:

• Try reading your resume backwards (it can help you identify errors by presenting the words in a new order)
• Ask trusted friends, colleagues, professors and family members if they can review your resume (third-party opinions can help reveal new information you might have overlooked)
• Try reading the resume a few times, but at different times of the day (it would clear up your mind and help you identify mistakes, you didn’t see before)

And, of course, don’t forget the layout recommendations we gave you before - check your font and font sizes.

One final thing - if your resume is more than one page, review it once again and try to shorten it to one page.

Takeaways: What is a resume?

We are all done.

Now you know the difference between a Resume and a CV.

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Lay the Groundwork

How to write a resume, last step: proofreading.

• Write a Resume That's Right for You

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Table of Contents

Your resume is a synopsis of your professional achievements and helps a hiring manager or recruiter understand why you’re the best candidate for the job. And while your resume summarizes where you went to school, where you worked, and what you did, writing your resume is so much more than listing your job duties and what you studied.

Learning how to write a resume for a job means mastering the art of explaining what your skills and abilities are and how you’ll use them to help the company achieve its goals. Writing a resume also includes things like proofreading and tailoring your resume to the job posting. It’s a lot to cover, but this guide will get you on your way.

Writing a resume is a lot like building a house. Before you paint the walls, you have to build them. That process starts with a well-thought-out plan and a solid foundation. So, don’t start worrying about what to put on a resume until you’ve laid out a plan and chosen the right framework.

Choose Your Resume Type

The first step is choosing a resume template that presents your skills and abilities in the best light possible — that’s easy to read and makes sense.

For most job seekers, that means using one of these three formats:

• Chronological: The most widely-used format, a chronological resume traces your work history from current (or most recent) position to oldest.
• Functional : This resume emphasizes your skills over chronological work history.
• Hybrid: Also known as a combination resume, a hybrid resume is part chronological and part functional.

And if none of these work for you, that’s OK. There are a seven types of resume templates you can choose from. But if you’re applying for a role in academia, keep in mind that none of these may work, and you might use a CV (curriculum vitae) instead.

Resume Writing Masterclass

Master the tips and tricks of writing a resume that shines in our free Resume Writing Masterclass. You'll learn how to turn your duties into accomplishments and explain why you're the right person for the job.

Avg. Time: 5-6 hours

Skills you’ll build: Professional summary, transferable skills, keywords, identifying job titles

How Many Pages Should a Resume Be?

As a rule, an entry-level job seeker’s resume should be one page long . That said, if you have a lot of work experience or skills that are relevant to the role, you can have a two-page resume.

But what happens if your resume is more than one page but less than two?

You’ve got two options. First, you can edit ruthlessly and get your resume down to one page (without resorting to tricks like using a tiny font or making the margins super-slim). Second, you can consider expanding the second page by including more relevant content, and not using larger fonts or wider margins.

For example, if each role only has three bullet points of information, consider adding a few more relevant and informative points under each. Likewise, you can add in sections like awards or volunteer work if that’s relevant to your situation.

But don’t feel pressured to get exactly two pages. Senior recruiter Jonathan Harbison says a second page that’s only three-quarters filled is fine. Focus on writing a resume that demonstrates you’ve got the skills the recruiter or hiring manager is looking for instead of worrying about how long or short your resume is.

Format Wisely

In most cases, you’ll apply for an open role electronically, often through an applicant tracking system (ATS) . These giant databases don’t rate or rank your resume, but they are searchable by name, skill, and so forth. Some ATSs have trouble reading resumes that use unusual or hard-to-read fonts, columns, or graphic representations of your skills, making it less likely you’ll show up in a recruiter search.

And whether you apply via an ATS or hand your resume to someone at the company, ultimately, a human recruiter reads your resume, and it’s probably not the only one they’re reading that day. Make it as easy on them as possible to read and comprehend yours.

Since you don’t know if the person reading your resume will do so on screen or on paper, choose an easy-to-read font for your resume and stick with 11- or 12-point size to help reduce eye strain. This also makes it easier for the reader to scan your resume on the first pass.

Clearly label each section of your resume, so it’s easy for the reader to jump to the information they’re most interested in. You might use headers like, “Experience” or “Work History,” “Education,” “Skills,” and so forth. And you’ll want to format the headers so they jump out by using bold text or underlining. This way, the reader knows exactly where to look for the information they want.

You’ll also want to use bullet points instead of long blocks of text. While they use up more space and don’t allow you to include as much information, bullet points are generally easier to read than long blocks of text. Plus, the use of “white space” around the bullet points can help reduce eye strain.

Finally, make sure you save your resume in multiple file types. Some companies only accept .pdfs, while others insist on .docs.

With the style issues settled, you can move on to substance. These tips will help you understand how to write a good resume, no matter your situation.

Start With the Job Posting

Your resume summarizes your professional accomplishments and helps the interviewer see you’ve got what it takes to get the job done. But learning how to create a resume means understanding that writing it is not a one-and-done deal. While applying to multiple jobs with the same resume makes your life easier, it doesn’t make it easier for you to get the job.

While these tips will help you create a solid resume template you can use over and over, you still need to customize it each and every time you apply to a job to illustrate how you’ll use your skills in that role at that company.

What the heck does that mean?

Start by examining the job posting. Look it over and see what skills and job duties are at the top. These are likely the critical skills the company is looking for. Does the posting talk about project management skills or data analysis? Make sure you talk up those skills in your resume. Likewise, if the posting mentions collaboration and teamwork , highlight your abilities in those areas, too.

>>MORE: Resume Keywords: What They Are and How to Use Them

As you edit your resume, you can cut the things that are less relevant to these key areas. For example, while knowing HTML is an excellent skill, if it has nothing to do with the job and isn’t mentioned in the job description, you can likely cut this from your resume if you need the space without hurting your chances of landing the interview.

While this is extra work (we won’t deny it!) it’s well worth the effort. Highlighting that you have the attributes the company is looking for will likely improve the chances you’re invited to an interview.

Decide What Goes Where

Technically, you can put your resume in any order you want. There’s no rule that says you have to start with your work history, then your education, and end with your volunteer work. However, this is the order most (if not all) recruiters and hiring managers are used to, which is why you may want to follow suit when you write your resume. Recruiters and hiring managers want to go to a part of the page and find what they’re looking for, whether that’s your work experience, degree, or volunteer positions.

Harbison also advises job seekers to list the most critical information first. In most cases, that’s your work experience, so it should be near the top of your resume. As proud as you might be of being named volunteer of the year, unless it’s critical to the role, it should go toward the bottom of your resume.

As Harbison points out, “A candidate has the attention of the resume reviewer for a limited amount of time,” so it makes sense to make it as easy as possible for them to find whatever they’re looking for and to put the most crucial information front and center. 

>>MORE: How to Write a Resume for an Internship (With Template)

Include the Right Contact Information

Your contact information is, of course, how the recruiter will reach out and schedule you for an initial interview. You never know if that will be a phone interview , zoom interview , or in-person interview, so make sure the company has a few ways to get in touch with you and that the information is correct. A simple typo (like hitting the 1 instead of 2 or typing @gmial.com) could mean you never get an interview.

But when it comes to what to include in a resume, you don’t have to include every bit of your personal contact information. For example, whether you’re applying for a remote job or not, you only need to include your city and state (or country), not your street address. Your exact address is generally irrelevant to the role, and not including it helps protect you from doxxing or identity theft.

>>MORE: 10 Top Remote Jobs for College Students

Likewise, you should include one active phone number with voicemail set up that you check frequently. The same goes for an email address. And it’s better to use a personal email address than a school one, as you may eventually lose access to your school email.

Summarize Your Qualifications 

Up next is the qualifications statement, also known as a professional summary. This is a brief paragraph (meaning no more than a few sentences) that summarizes your relevant skills and abilities. Ideally, this should be just below your contact information. This puts this paragraph “above the fold,” meaning a resume reviewer will likely look at it first.

The trick to writing a killer qualifications statement is highlighting your most important and relevant skills without repeating verbatim what you’re using elsewhere (like in the work history). So, if you mention your coding skills in the qualifications summary, you should make sure that any coding skills mentioned in your work history are associated with specific examples of how you used those skills.

>>MORE: I Asked ChatGPT to Write Resumes, Including Mine. Here’s What Happened.

However, space on a one- or even two-page resume is limited. So, if you need that space for something else, you can omit the professional summary. 

List Your Skills

Just below the qualifications statement is the skills section. This is a general list of your hard and soft skills that gives the reader a high-level overview of your skill set. You’ll provide a few examples of how you use those skills on the job in the experience section. .

In general, the skills section might look like this:

Kanban boards, conflict resolution, data analysis, project management

Your skills section may be longer or shorter depending on your background, but there’s no “right amount” of skills to include. That said, you may not want to include every one of your skills in this section, either due to limited space or because the skill just isn’t relevant to the role (like talking about your product designer skills when you’re applying for a role as an accountant ).

While you’ll include the skills that are most relevant to the role, don’t overlook your transferable skills . For example, a job posting may not specifically state they’re looking for someone with excellent interpersonal skills , but hiring someone who can collaborate with others is likely integral to the company’s success.

>>Learn more about including skills on your resume .

Talk About Your Experience

The next (and probably biggest) section is your work history or work experience.

In general, this is where you list where you worked, how long you worked there, what your job title (or titles) was, and what you did in the role. That sounds simple enough. However, to wow the recruiter and hiring manager, take the “what you did in the role” part to the next level. Instead of listing your duties, explain what you achieved and what that meant for the company.

A great way to do this is utilizing the STAR method . While commonly used to answer behavioral interview questions , you can also use the STAR method to quantify your achievements on a resume. Harbison explains:

“Quantifying an achievement is done by identifying a task, project, or assignment and listing a measurable outcome. Take an action word and add a specific task (including appropriate keywords). Include measurable outcomes and quantify the achievement. Here’s an example:

Improved offer-to-hire ratio and candidate pipeline 45% by effectively using strategic process improvement initiatives and project management.

The action word is improved . The task is to use strategic process improvement and project management . The keywords are related to recruiting: offer-to-hire, candidate pipeline, process improvement, project management . And the outcome is to improve the offer-to-hire ratio and candidate pipeline by 45% .”

While that’s a big example, anyone can turn their duties into accomplishments. Here’s another example.

Say you worked at the pool concession stand over the summer. Your tasks probably included things like serving food, making change, and taking out the garbage. You could say, “Transferred eight bags of trash to the dumpster every night as part of a rodent control plan,” but you may want something that’s more relevant to the job you’re applying for now.

So, consider talking about what you did with the cash register and your customer interactions. While one skill set is related to hard skills and the other to soft skills , both are quantifiable but in different ways. Consider:

• Balanced register drawer at the end of every shift to ensure ledger and receipts were accurate
• Engaged with customers to take orders, receive payment, give correct change, and resolve concerns about service or food

Though these examples don’t include numbers, they show how you contributed to the overall bottom line of the business by balancing the drawer and delighting customers.

Still not sure how to turn your tasks into quantifiable achievements? Harbison offers this exercise. “To stay sharp, I occasionally challenge myself to reword a simple task. ‘I cut the grass so I wouldn’t get grounded,’ becomes, ‘Seasonally manicured residential property biweekly or as instructed by upper management for eight years resulting in weekly compliments related to curb appeal enhancement and avoidance of negative consequences.’ “

Include Your Education

As a rule, this section is limited to where you went to school, the dates you attended, and the degree you received or what you studied. That said, you may be wondering if you should include your GPA or other academic achievements.

“Include them only when it makes sense,” says Harbison. “Remember, this information takes up valuable space on your resume and you need to make it all count. One thing to think about, will your GPA enhance or hinder your application?”

That said, sometimes employers ask for this information, so be prepared to include it. 

Remember the Extras

Finally, if you have room at the bottom of your resume (or need to expand the second page), you can include any other sections you want. This can include things like internships, Forage’s virtual job simulations , volunteering, or awards.

Each of these would go in a separate section, the exception being if you won an award from the place you volunteered with. So, the bottom section might look like this:

With all that education, experience, and achievement on your resume, it seems like the hard work is over. And, it is — mostly.

The last step of writing your resume is proofreading. As noted above, one tiny typo could mean the recruiter never gets in touch with you. So, go over your resume with a fine tooth comb. 

And don’t rely on built-in spelling and grammar checkers for this task. They miss things! For example, if you type “Dear Hiring Manger ,” there’s a chance the bot will miss it. Sometimes it takes a human eye to catch certain errors, so consider using a bot in conjunction with a human proofreader.

Have Someone Else Read It

Along those same lines, when you’ve finished proofreading, consider having someone else read your resume. This step is totally optional (and should only include people you trust), but having a second (or third) set of eyes reviewing your resume can help you catch mistakes you may have missed and provide feedback on how well you’re selling yourself to a potential employer.

Write a Resume That’s Right for You

Writing a resume is equal parts following the rules and breaking them. On the one hand, following the rules, like starting with your work history followed by your education, helps a recruiter or hiring manager easily find what they’re looking for and see why you’re qualified for the role. On the other hand, you need to tailor the resume each time you apply and change up which of your qualifications you feature on your resume.

One other great way to help demonstrate you’ve got the skills for the job is by completing a Forage virtual job simulation. Not only will you develop practical skills that you’ll use on the job, we’ll give you a resume snippet that explains what you accomplished and some tips for talking about your experience in an interview.

You should include everything the employer needs to understand why they should hire you for the role on your resume. That’s where you worked, what your accomplishments were, and how you helped the company achieve its goals. Keep in mind “work” can include a summer job, unpaid internship, and even volunteering.

You should leave any personally identifying information (like your gender or age), confidential information (like your social security number), and anything that isn’t relevant to the role off your resume.

You don’t need your exact street address on your resume. This helps protect you from identity theft. You can include your city and state, so the employer knows where you’re located. You can also include your country if you’re applying for a role based outside your current country.

The best skills to put on a resume are ones that are relevant to the role! Read over the job posting and take note of what the duties and tasks are as well as anything an employer specifically mentions. Highlight your skills that best fit what the employer is looking for.

You can find resume keywords in the job description. They are the skills and abilities the employer is looking for. That can be hard skills (data analysis), soft skills ( conflict resolution ), or experience with something specific (like PowerBI).

Nope! Your LinkedIn profile should support your resume and vice versa. Because space on your LinkedIn profile is virtually unlimited, think of it as the “expanded” version of your resume. It’s a great place for all the things you’d like to include on your resume, but can’t.

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(2024) What Is a Resume? Explore the Latest Resume Examples & Templates, Standard Formats & Writing Tips

A resume, sometimes also known as a Curriculum Vitae (CV) , is a necessary formal document for job seeking process. A strong resume can help grab the attention of employers and can be the key to landing an interview. But "what is a resume?" you might ask.

In this blog post, we'll share with you all-thing resumes, from its definition and types to writing tips and best practices for creating a compelling one, whether you are a recent graduate or already an experienced professional, or even someone who wants to transition to a new career, this blog will provide you with the essential knowledge and resume builder tools to create a standout resume. 

Table of Contents

What Is a Resume?

How to choose the best resume format.

• 11 Essential Resume Section (+Examples)

Which Resume Templates Should I Use?

• 5 Writing Tips for a Convincing Resume
• Example of a Good Resume
• Key Takeaways

The term resume (or résumé) is a French-derive word that means a summary, and that's essentially what a resume is: a one-page document summarizing applicants' skills, work experience, educational background, and information that are relevant to the job you're applying for.

With that being said, “what is the primary purpose of a resume,” then, you might ask? 

Straightforwardly, a resume is often used to help you get a job, isn't it?

True, but not really . While it won't guarantee employment, a well-crafted resume can help you secure an interview by showcasing your skills and qualifications. This one-page document is your opportunity to make a positive first impression, sell yourself, and convince your potential employers that you're the most suitable candidate for the vacancy, and demonstrate what you can bring to the table. Although it's recommended to tailor your resume to each job you apply for, some core elements should always be present.

Resume vs. CV: What Are the Main Differences?

In some countries, the term "resume" is often used interchangeably with "curriculum vitae" (CV) despite their slight differences: while a resume is a summary of your relevant skills and qualifications for a particular position, a CV is more about your course of life as it contains a detailed academic record that includes all of your professional experiences, certifications, publications, and achievement.

A simpler curriculum vitae's definition is that CVs are commonly used by those pursuing fellowships, grants, postdoctoral positions, teaching or research positions at the post-secondary level, or in high-level research positions in the industry. While graduate school applications may request a CV, they generally prefer a resume that includes details of research projects and publications.

Suppose you plan to apply for both academic and private or public sector industries; you'll need to create both documents. If you're unsure which document to submit for a job application, it's always best to ask for clarification.

There are three main resume formats —chronological, functional, and combination resume. Each format serves different purposes based on work history and the job applied for. Let's break down the definition of each so that you can pick the most suitable format that suits your needs best.

1. Reverse chronological resume

A chronological resume , also known as a reverse chronological resume, is a resume format that lists your work experience from the latest to the oldest. By highlighting the most recent experience, employers can check if you've been working in the same industry or a similar position so that they can save training effort after hire. The more relevant you are, the more competitive edge you gain.

This resume is most suitable for those who have been working in the same industry or the same profession and have years of experience. Fresh grads who have several internship experiences can also leverage this resume format, as it's one of the most common resume types.

• Recruiters are often familiar with this resume format.
• Recruiters can scan through the highlighted professional experience more easily.
• You can showcase your work experience and achievements in the most logical way. 
• The layout and format are commonly used, which makes it hard to stand out, especially in the creative industry.
• There is not much emphasis on one’s relevant skills and capabilities.
• Job-changing histories and employment gaps are accentuated.

2. Functional resume

If you want to highlight your skills , then a functional resume format is what you should consider. Instead of focusing on the work experience, a functional resume helps highlight your skills and how they'll benefit the job you're applying for.

Unlike the chronological resume format, the functional one lists your skills as the main section, with work and experience and other details following afterward. One tip for writing an effective functional resume is that the details of the skills mentioned should also be included as sub-points. If you're a job hopper or someone who's planning to change careers , change industry or has an employment gap that you prefer not to show the employer, a functional resume will be the perfect choice for you.

• Highlight your skills effectively, giving recruiters more information on how you can benefit their companies.
• Hide employment gaps.
• De-emphasize the job hopping scene, which can negatively impact recruiters' decisions.
• Be flexible, as you can make more subtle changes.
• It might draw the employer’s attention to the covered-up work experience.
• It cannot show career growth.
• Recruiters might not be familiar with the format.

3. Combination resume

As the name suggests, a combination resume is a format that combines elements of both chronological and functional resumes, including work experience and relevant skills. It is also commonly referred to as a hybrid resume.

This type of resume format is very flexible as it allows you to adjust to the job vacancy's requirements. It doesn't matter if you have much or negligible working experience; this hybrid resume format can balance out the information to present yourself better.

• Allows you to utilize your information to the needs of a position fully.
• Allows you to avoid including employment gaps.
• Can impress employers with detailed qualifications and skills.
• Career growth is not shown at first sight.
• The design might be overcrowded if the layout is not well-crafted.
• Traditional employers might not accept it.

11 Essential Resume Elements & Sections

A resume serves as your first impression to potential employers before any face-to-face interaction, so understanding what to include is crucial. Here are the key elements that should be on your resume and how to write them:

Resume Header

Resume header is the top section that contains your essential information. Typically, it includes your full name, phone number, professional email address. You can also consider adding your LinkedIn profile and other relevant professional social media handles. Having these details prominently displayed allows employers to contact you for further information quickly or to schedule an interview. 

Make sure that this information is accurate and up-to-date, as it is the primary means employers will communicate with you.

💡 Pro tip :   Professional headshots are optional and depend on industry, job, and company requirements. So, make sure to check those details out before including your headshot in.

Resume Summary

A resume summary or bio often follows a resume header. While the header contains your basic information, the summary or bio section provides a brief overview of your professional background, fundamental skills, and career objectives (sometimes people like to opt out of the resume summary but only keep the career objectives ; again, this is entirely up to you and your goals).

This summary should be concise and tailored to the job you are applying for, offering a snapshot of what makes you a strong candidate.

💡 Pro tip:  Avoid making vague statements; if you don't have anything significant to share about your career objectives, it's better not to mention them.

By placing the summary below the header, you create a logical flow that quickly informs employers about who you are and what you bring to the table. Here are some examples of good resume summary paragraph:

"Experienced IT professional with over 8 years of expertise in systems administration, network management, and cybersecurity. Proficient in managing large-scale IT projects, optimizing system performance, and implementing robust security protocols. Strong problem-solving skills with a proven track record of enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring data integrity in fast-paced environments."

"Creative marketing specialist with 5 years of experience in digital marketing, content creation, and brand management. Skilled in developing and executing marketing campaigns that drive engagement and increase sales. Proficient in SEO, social media strategy, and data analytics. Adept at leveraging market trends to deliver compelling messages and grow brand presence."

"Dedicated early childhood teacher with 6 years of experience nurturing young minds in preschool and kindergarten settings. Passionate about fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment that supports the developmental needs of each child. Skilled in curriculum development, classroom management, and engaging parents in the educational process. Committed to cultivating curiosity and a love of learning in every student."

Educational background

If you are a fresher , your educational background will be fundamental as it helps recruiters to have a general idea of who you are, based on your majors and GPA/grades. When listing education in your resume , make sure to include the school name, the attendance year, degree, and GPA.

💡 Pro tip: Only include your GPA if it is above 3 or 3.5.

Here are some examples of how you should format the educational background section:

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

• Master of Science in Computer Science University of California, Berkeley, CA Graduated: May 2016
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Stanford University, Stanford, CA Graduated: May 2014
• Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing New York University, New York, NY Graduated: May 2019
• Associate Degree in Communications Community College of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA Graduated: May 2017

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education University of Georgia, Athens, GA Graduated: May 2024

Relevant Coursework:

• Child Psychology and Development
• Classroom Management Strategies
• Early Literacy Instruction
• Curriculum Planning and Assessment
• Inclusive Education Practices
• Educational Technology in Early Childhood

Work Experience

The working experience section is the main part of your resume (most of the time). When employers review the working experience section, they typically focus on four main things: your previous job title, the company you worked for, your primary responsibilities and the duration of your employment. But extra information about your achievement will gain you competitive edge.

For instance, if you assisted your previous employers in acquiring 10,000 potential customers from their most recent conference, you may want to provide a brief overview of the event and outline the actions you took to achieve this result.

Here is an example of how you can include work experience on your resume:

WORK EXPERIENCE

Digital Marketing Manager—  XYZ Agency, New York, NY (September 2019 - Present)

• Develop and execute digital marketing strategies across multiple channels, including social media, email, and PPC advertising.
• Analyze campaign performance metrics and leverage data insights to optimize marketing efforts and drive ROI.
• Lead a team of marketing professionals in the creation of compelling content and engaging campaigns.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their business objectives and tailor marketing strategies to meet their needs.

Marketing Coordinator— ABC Company, Chicago, IL (June 2017 - August 2019)

• Assisted in the development and implementation of marketing campaigns to increase brand awareness and generate leads.
• Managed company social media accounts to build brand loyalty and drive engagement.
• Conducted market research and competitor analysis to identify trends and opportunities for growth.
• Coordinated marketing events and promotions, including trade shows, conferences, and product launches.

📚 Further reading: Haven't gotten any working experience yet? Learn How to Include Projects in Resumes (Samples, Tips, Templates)

One thing you can do to make your resume go from ordinary to exceptional is to include relevant skills. The selected skills need to be pertinent to who you are and the jobs you're applying for.

The skills included should categorize into hard skills and soft skills.

Hard skills are technical knowledge that you can acquire through training and practice. These skills are often measurable; for example, proficiency in specific software applications or programming languages qualifies as hard skills.

Meanwhile, soft skills are personality traits that make you a good fit for the position. These traits are subjective and may be challenging to quantify in terms of proficiency. Examples of soft skills include strong leadership , effective communication , and the ability to collaborate seamlessly within a team .

Certifications & licenses

Certain professions, such as  accountant , teacher , and civil engineer require official certifications or licenses . These credentials are not only regulatory requirements but also serve as powerful indicators of your credibility and qualifications for roles with high-level education prerequisites.

Here are examples of how to can include certifications and licenses on your resume:

Certifications and Licenses

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), State Board of Accountancy, California, 2019
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), CFA Institute, 2024
• Early Childhood Education Credential, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), 2022
• Teaching Certificate, California Department of Education, 2023
• Professional Engineer (PE) License, California State Board of Professional Engineers, 2021
• LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP), U.S. Green Building Council, 2020

Language skills

Being bilingual or multilingual is beneficial because employers want someone who can represent the company overseas or work with foreign partners and clients. Including your  language skills  on your resume can greatly enhance your appeal to employers. 

Don't forget to include your proficiency level: native, bilingual proficiency, professional working proficiency, or elementary level. Be sure to specify your proficiency level—whether native, bilingual proficiency, professional working proficiency, or elementary level—providing valuable insight into your language abilities. This demonstrates your capacity to navigate diverse linguistic and cultural landscapes, underscoring your readiness for cross-border responsibilities.

Awards & honors

Awards and honors from competitions can be an impressive addition to your resume, especially if you’re a fresh graduate looking for a job. If you received any awards or honors for either outstanding academic or non-academic performance, mention them both.

Volunteer work shows your kind-hearted personality and how you apply certain skills to practice. You can list volunteer work experiences on your resume and details of what you've done. Remember that the skills applied in volunteer work should be related to the position you're applying for.

Here's how you can include volunteer experience on your resume:

Animal Shelter Volunteer

• Assisted with daily care tasks such as feeding, cleaning, and exercising animals.
• Provided support during adoption events, interacting with potential adopters and facilitating successful matches.
• Utilized strong communication skills to educate visitors about responsible pet ownership and shelter programs.

Relevant Skills Demonstrated:

• Animal care and handling
• Customer service
• Communication skills
• Teamwork and collaboration

Publications

If you've written a thesis, contributed to a journal or research, or published books, articles, or news, you can provide information about these publications on your resume . This illustrates professional knowledge of a certain topic and can be part of your portfolio .

Including details of projects you've worked on on your resume provides employers with valuable insights into your accomplishments and practical application of skills. This not only showcases your abilities but also offers employers a clearer understanding of your level of experience.

For recent graduates or individuals with limited work experience, elaborating on projects can serve as a substitute for traditional work experience, demonstrating your capability to undertake real-world tasks and contribute meaningfully to projects. By highlighting specific project contributions and outcomes, you effectively convey your potential and readiness to excel in a professional setting.

When applying for a job, having a well-crafted resume can help you stand out among other applicants. The layout and design of a resume can make a significant difference in how potential employers receive it. Therefore, it's crucial to choose a resume template that is both visually appealing and functional. 

Opt for a resume template that:

1) Clear and Easy-to-Read Format: 

• Utilizes clean and modern design elements to enhance readability.
• Consistent formatting and organization for a professional appearance.
• Adequate white space to avoid clutter and improve visual appeal.

2) Sections for Key Information:

• Education: Includes details of academic qualifications, such as degrees, diplomas, and certifications.
• Work Experience: Highlights professional background, with clear details of your job titles, company names, dates of employment, and key responsibilities.
• Skills: Showcases relevant technical and soft skills essential for the targeted job role.
• Accomplishments: Provides space to highlight notable achievements and contributions in previous roles.

3) Emphasis on Skills and Experience:

• Prioritizes showcasing relevant skills and experiences tailored to the job requirements.
• Utilizes action verbs and quantifiable achievements to demonstrate competency and effectiveness.
• Highlights transferable skills and experiences applicable across various roles and industries.

4) Customizable and Versatile:

• Allows for easy customization to tailor the resume to specific job applications.
• Adaptable to showcase diverse skill sets and experiences for different career paths.
• Compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS) for seamless resume submission and parsing.

Cake offers a diverse selection of 50+ free ATS-friendly resume templates and snippets designed to meet your needs. With our intuitive drag-and-drop editor, you can easily customize your resume by rearranging sections to your liking. The best part? You can download your finalized resume in PDF format at no cost or share it online with ease. Ready to elevate your job application? Sign up for Cake today!

5 Writing Tips for a Good Resume 

Here are some tips that not only create an outstanding resume but will also help you look good on a resume:

1. Customize your resume to match the job description

While your resume is meant to showcase who you are as a potential employee, employers also have specific requirements they seek in candidates. As such, it's crucial to tailor your resume to include relevant information that aligns with the job description while excluding those that don't.

2. Proofread again and again

Given the high number of resumes that hiring managers receive, they can easily spot even the slightest error. Thus, to avoid such mistakes, always proofread your resume before submitting it.

3. Utilize action words

Action words are constructive in showcasing what you have done in previous jobs. Thus, utilizing them when highlighting your skills and achievements is advisable as they can significantly impact how employers view and understand you.

4. Use relevant keywords

For big companies that receive thousands of resumes,  Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) can help filter out applications by identifying keywords that match the job requirements. Therefore, incorporating relevant keywords is crucial. The best way to identify relevant keywords is by referring to the job description for skill-related keywords and incorporating them accordingly.

5. Maintain a clean and well-organized resume format

A well-organized resume format can enhance readability and help hiring managers locate information quickly. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Maintain 1-inch margins on all sides of the document.
• Use an appropriate font size (11pt or 12pt) and style.
• Group related information under different sections for better viewing.
• Use bullet points to highlight key details.

📚 Further reading:  10 Best Resume Fonts for ATS-friendly Resumes (Correct Font Size, Type, Style)

Resume Example

Now that you know what to include in a resume, all about resume templates and format, it’s time for us to show you what a concise resume should look like! Check this out:

Peter Simson

Developmental Editor

098-1234567 Taoyuan city  [email protected]

RESUME SUMMARY

A 3-year experience English lecturer at National Taiwan University(NTU). Seeking a career change to a developmental editor to extend my skills into different fields. Planning to join the editor field and help authors refine their works while learning more different skills. 

English Lecturer  National Taipei University (NTU) 2016 - 2022

• Taught university students English writing classes.
• Judged and organized English writing competitions.
• Counseled students who needed help.

Freelance Translator 2015 - 2020

• Translated advertisements for multiple companies.
• Proofread translation works from other translators.
• Focused on English - Chinese translations. 

National Taiwan University (NTU)  Foreign Languages and Applied Linguistics 2012 - 2015

GPA 3.9/4.0

Hard Skills:

• Microsoft Office
• Time management skills
• Organizational skills
• Attention to detail

Soft Skills:

• Problem-solving skills
• Emotional intelligence
• Openness to feedback

Language Skills:

• English: Fluent
• Chinese: Native
• French: Intermediate

Key Takeaways

Now that you know the resume definition, here are some key takeaways that you should keep in mind: a resume is a critical document that summarizes your education, work experience, skills, and achievements. It is an essential tool that helps you present yourself to potential employers and showcase your suitability for a specific job position. The information presented in your resume should be tailored to the job description to demonstrate how you can add value to the organization. 

Cake is a free online resume builder that is useful for anyone looking to create an online presence, whether you’re a recent graduate, a freelancer, or an established professional looking to showcase your work. With the help of Cake’s rich library of resume templates and online resources, crafting an outstanding, ATS-friendly resume has never been easier. Following the tips and guidelines outlined in this blog, you can create a compelling resume highlighting your unique skills and experience, increasing your chances of landing your dream job.

Cake is a  resume builder that allows users to create professional online resumes and portfolios, which can also serve as personal web pages. With its simple and intuitive interface, users can effortlessly build their professional online resumes and portfolios and showcase their skills and accomplishments to potential recruiters and employers.

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--- Originally written by Ryan Goh ---

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• Career Blog

Resume: Definition, Meaning, Purpose, and Tips

A resume is a document that outlines a person’s education, work experience, skills, and achievements. It is used to market oneself to potential employers and is often the first impression a hiring manager has of a job applicant.

Having a strong resume is crucial in today’s competitive job market. It can mean the difference between getting an interview or being overlooked for a position. A well-crafted resume can showcase your qualifications and make you stand out among other candidates.

Your resume serves as a marketing tool that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements to potential employers. It is a reflection of your professionalism and attention to detail. You want to make sure that your resume is not only well-written but also visually appealing and easy to skim through.

Employers typically spend only a few seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to read it in more detail or move on to the next applicant. Therefore, it is important to capture their attention quickly and effectively.

A strong resume can help you land your dream job, advance your career, and increase your earning potential. By highlighting your accomplishments and skills, your resume lets potential employers know what you can bring to the table.

In the following sections, we will discuss the meaning and purpose of a resume, as well as provide tips on how to make your resume stand out from the crowd. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to create a professional and compelling resume that will help you achieve your career goals.

Purpose of a Resume

One of the critical components of a job application process is a resume. A resume serves specific purposes, and job seekers invest considerable time in creating an impressive resume that will help them stand out from other applicants. In this section, we’ll explore why you need a resume and what employers look for in a resume.

Why do you need a resume?

A resume is a crucial document that a job seeker submits to a prospective employer, summarising their skills, experiences, and education. It is a tool for selling oneself to a potential employer and demonstrating suitability for a specific role. A well-prepared resume can help job seekers catch the employer’s attention and increase the chances of getting an interview.

More than that, a resume shows that you are prepared for a job search and care about the job application process. It also shows that you are willing to put in extra time to present yourself professionally to the employer.

What are employers looking for in a resume?

Employers typically receive numerous resumes for a single job opening. A well-prepared resume must capture the employer’s attention without including extra information that may hinder its effectiveness. Here are a few critical elements employers look for when reviewing resumes:

Qualifications and Skills:  Employers want to know whether you have the necessary qualifications and skills needed for the job. It’s crucial to tailor your resume to the job specifications to highlight the required skills and qualifications for the role.

Experience:  Employers look for candidates with experience in the relevant field. Highlighting any relevant work experience, even if it’s not from a job, can be critical.

Achievements:  Employers are interested in understanding what you achieved in your previous roles, such as quantifiable achievements, awards or recognition.

Clarity and Conciseness:  Employers are busy people and do not have time to read through lengthy resumes. A clear, concise, and well-organised resume makes it easier for employers to identify whether you are a good fit for the job.

A resume is critical in job searching, and it’s essential to create an eye-catching resume that accurately showcases your skills, experience, and education. Keep in mind that employers receive numerous resumes for a single job opening, and a well-written resume tailored to the job specifications can help you stand out and increase the chances of getting an interview.

Types of Resumes

As we’ve discussed earlier, resumes are an essential part of the recruitment process. They’re often the first point of contact between job seekers and employers, making it imperative to make a good impression. To best showcase your skills and experience, however, you should know which type of resume to use. Here are three common types of resumes you may choose from:

Chronological Resume

A chronological resume is the most common type that lists your work history in reverse chronological order (meaning from most recent to earliest). This format is best for people who have a strong and consistent employment history as it shows your career progression and highlights your experience. Employers can easily see the industries, roles, and responsibilities you have taken on in the past. It also works well for job seekers seeking career advancement within the same field.

Functional Resume

Functional resumes focus on your skills and abilities, rather than on a chronological work history. This resume format is ideal for job seekers just starting in their career, those who have gaps in their employment history, or those changing careers. With a focus on skills, you can highlight your abilities that are transferable across various job titles and industries.

Combination Resume

A combination résumé is a blend of both functional and chronological resumes, so it presents both your skills and experience. This format is best for job seekers wanting to shift job titles or pursuing a new industry. It allows you to highlight your transferable skills to demonstrate how they align with the job requirements, as well as showcasing your relevant work experience.

Regardless of which resume format you choose, always remember to tailor it according to the job you’re applying for. Ensure that your resume is clear, concise, and error-free to make the right impression on the employer. A well-crafted resume can be the difference between landing your dream job and continuously searching for new opportunities. A strong resume should be concise, clear, and easy for employers to read. Therefore, it is important to understand the key components that make up a winning resume.

• Contact Information

Your contact information should be the first thing on your resume. This should include your full name, email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile. Ensure that this information is up-to-date and accurate. You don’t want to miss out on a job opportunity because you provided the wrong email address or phone number.

• Professional Summary

Your professional summary is an introduction to who you are and what you can bring to the table. This section should be brief and highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Use this space to showcase your unique selling points and catch the employer’s attention.

• Work Experience

Your work experience is crucial in demonstrating your qualifications for the job you are applying for. When detailing your work experience, try to focus on achievements rather than just listing daily tasks. Quantify your accomplishments and include concrete examples. Don’t forget to include dates of employment, job titles, and company names.

Your education section should include relevant degrees and certifications in reverse chronological order. If you don’t have much work experience, your education can be a key factor in demonstrating your qualifications for the job.

Your skills section is an opportunity to show what you’re capable of. It’s important to highlight both hard and transferable skills that are relevant to the job. Avoid listing overly generic skills (such as “good communication skills”) and instead focus on skills that differentiate you from other candidates.

• Certifications and Awards

If you have any relevant certifications or awards, this is the section to showcase them. Certifications and awards demonstrate your commitment to professional development and help you stand out from other candidates.

How to Format a Resume

When it comes to creating a resume, formatting is key. Here are a few tips to create a clean and professional-looking resume:

Choosing a Font and Font Size

The font you choose for your resume should be easy to read and professional. A few popular choices include Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri. Keep in mind that some recruiters and hiring managers may prefer a specific font, so make sure to do your research before making a final decision.

In terms of font size, the general rule of thumb is to stick to between 10-12 points to ensure that your resume is legible. You can use a slightly larger font for headings or section headers, but be careful not to go overboard.

Using Bullet Points

Bullet points are a great way to break up your resume and make it easy to read. Use bullet points to highlight your most important accomplishments or responsibilities in your previous roles. Make sure to keep your bullet points concise and impactful.

Creating Clear Section Headers

Clear section headers help to organize your resume and make it easy for hiring managers to find the information they need. Use bold or slightly larger font to make your headers stand out. Some common section headers include “Education,” “Work Experience,” “Skills,” and “Projects.”

Utilizing White Space

Large blocks of text can overwhelm recruiters and make your resume appear cluttered. Utilizing white space can help to balance your resume and make it more visually appealing. Try to keep your margins uniform and use spacing between sections to create a clean and organized look.

By using these formatting tips, your resume will stand out to potential employers and give them a clear understanding of your skills and qualifications.

Tips for Writing a Strong Resume

A well-written resume is essential in landing your dream job. Here are several tips to make your resume stand out from the rest.

Tailoring your Resume to the Job Description

One of the most important aspects of a strong resume is tailoring it to the job you’re applying for. This means that you need to customize your resume to highlight the skills and experiences relevant to the job description. Use the keywords and phrases included in the job posting, and make sure to showcase how your past experiences align with the position’s requirements.

Quantifying your Achievements

Employers want to see results, so it’s important to quantify your achievements on your resume. Use numbers, percentages, and other metrics to showcase your accomplishments. This creates a clear picture of your abilities and demonstrates your value to potential employers.

Using Action Words and Power Phrases

To keep your resume engaging, use action words and power phrases. These words describe your experiences and build excitement around your achievements. Action words like “achieved,” “improved,” and “generated” help focus on the results of your actions, while power phrases like “unmatched expertise” or “outstanding leadership” can help to convey the value you bring to the table.

Keeping your Resume Concise and Relevant

Your resume should be concise and relevant. This means that you should focus on your most valuable experiences and accomplishments, while omitting irrelevant information. Use white space, bullet points, and clear formatting to make your resume easy to read. Keep your resume to one or two pages and remove any fluff or repetitive information.

By following these tips, you can create a strong resume that showcases your skills, experiences, and achievements effectively. Remember to tailor your resume to the job description, quantify your achievements, use action words and power phrases, and keep your resume concise and relevant. Good luck!

Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid

A resume is a powerful tool for landing a job interview, but if it is not executed properly, it can also be the reason for rejection. In this section, we will discuss the common resume mistakes that you should avoid in order to increase your chances of getting hired.

Typos and Grammatical Errors

One of the most frequent mistakes that job seekers make on their resumes is failing to check for typos and grammatical errors. A single mistake can create a negative impression of you and your attention to detail. Take the time to proofread your resume multiple times, and if possible, ask a friend or family member to review it as well.

Lies and Exaggerations

Exaggerating skills, job titles or previous experiences to impress recruiters is never a good idea. Honesty is key, especially when it comes to job applications. Lies can be easily detected by recruiters, and they will ruin your chances of getting hired. Stick to the truth and portray yourself in the most positive light based on your actual accomplishments.

Including Irrelevant Information

Recruiters tend to scan resumes quickly, looking for specific information that meets the requirements of the job. Including irrelevant information will distract them from the characteristics that are essential for the job you are applying for. Only include professional experiences and skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for.

Not Including Keywords

Most companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to quickly filter large volumes of resumes. These systems are programmed to scan resumes for specific keywords and phrases that are relevant to the job advertisement. If you do not include the relevant keywords, your resume will likely be filtered out before it even reaches a human recruiter. Review the job advertisement and include important terms and phrases in your resume.

Avoiding these common mistakes is the key to creating a winning resume, one that catches the attention of recruiters and increases your chances of landing the interview. Your resume is the first connection between yourself and a potential employer, so make it count. Take the time to craft an effective and accurate document, and keep these tips in mind to increase your chances of success.

Resume Example for Beginners

As a beginner, creating a resume can be a daunting task. You may feel overwhelmed by the variety of information you need to include and uncertain about the layout. However, with the right approach and guidance, you can create a compelling resume that showcases your skills and experience.

Basic Layout for a Resume

To begin, let’s review the basic layout of a resume. A standard resume should include the following elements:

Contact Information:  Your full name, phone number, email address, and physical address.

Objective or Summary Statement:  A brief statement that highlights your career goals and summarizes your qualifications.

Education:  Your education background, including your degree(s) or certificate(s), the name of the institution, and the date of graduation.

Work Experience:  Your work history, including your previous job titles, companies, dates of employment, and key responsibilities and achievements.

Skills:  A list of your relevant skills, including technical and soft skills.

Optional Sections:  Additional sections such as honors and awards, certifications, volunteer experience, or professional affiliations.

Sample Resume Content for a Beginner

Now, let’s take a look at a sample resume content for a beginner. Please note that this example is for illustrative purposes only, and you should customize your resume according to your own experience and qualifications.

As you can see, this sample resume follows the basic layout described above, including key sections such as contact information, objective statement, education, work experience, and skills. It also highlights the applicant’s relevant coursework, intern experience, and skills.

Remember, your resume is your chance to make a strong first impression with potential employers. By following these tips and creating a well-crafted resume, you’ll be one step closer to landing your dream job.

Resume Example for Experienced Professionals

Crafting a professional and effective resume is crucial for experienced professionals looking to advance their careers. A well-organized and thoughtfully designed resume can help catch the attention of potential employers and increase the likelihood of securing an interview.

Professional Layout for a Resume

To create a professional and visually appealing resume, it’s important to choose a clear and easy-to-read font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, and maintain consistent formatting throughout the document. Use bullet points to break up large chunks of text and highlight key accomplishments and relevant experience.

A typical professional resume should include the following sections:

• Contact information, including your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable)
• Professional summary or objective statement, highlighting your experience and career goals
• Work experience, listing your most recent or relevant positions first and detailing your responsibilities and accomplishments
• Education and certifications, including any relevant coursework or training
• Skills, showcasing your relevant technical and soft skills
• References, available upon request

Sample Resume Content for an Experienced Professional

Here’s an example of a professional and effective resume for an experienced individual,:

Contact Information:

• 123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345
• 555-123-4567

How to make your Resume Stand Out

In today’s job market, it’s important to make sure your resume stands out from the rest. One way to do this is by showcasing your Unique Selling Points (USPs). These are the qualities, skills, and experiences that make you different from other candidates. To identify your USPs, think about what sets you apart and what you’re particularly good at. Then, highlight these factors in your resume by including them at the top of your document or in a prominent section.

Another way to make your resume stand out is by including your Online Portfolio and Social Media Profiles. An online portfolio is a great way to showcase your work and demonstrate your skills to potential employers. Social media profiles can also be useful, particularly if they showcase your professional accomplishments, expertise, and skills. However, it’s important to ensure that your online presence is consistent with the image you want to present to employers.

Incorporating Outreach and Networking Efforts can also help make your resume stand out. This can include attending events, networking with professionals in your industry, and keeping in touch with former colleagues and employers. These efforts can help you build relationships and make valuable connections that could lead to job opportunities.

There are several ways to make your resume stand out, including showcasing your USPs, including your Online Portfolio and Social Media Profiles, and Incorporating Outreach and Networking Efforts. By highlighting your unique qualities, demonstrating your skills and expertise, and building valuable connections, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job.

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What Is a Resume?

Understanding a resume, the resume heading, resume trouble spots, changing times for resumes, what you should not put on a resume, the bottom line.

• Career Advice

What Is a Resume? Its Purpose and What Should Not Be on Yours

Katrina Ávila Munichiello is an experienced editor, writer, fact-checker, and proofreader with more than fourteen years of experience working with print and online publications.

Investopedia / Jiaqi Zhou

A resume is a formal document that a job applicant creates to itemize their qualifications for a position. A resume is usually accompanied by a customized cover letter in which the applicant expresses an interest in a specific job or company and draws attention to the most relevant specifics on the resume.

American job coaches insist that a resume should be only one or two pages in length. British job applicants traditionally are expected to produce a somewhat more detailed document called a CV (curriculum vitae).

Key Takeaways

• Nowadays, resumes are typically sent by email or as part of an online application.
• The traditional one- to two-page limit for a resume stands, but nothing prevents you from attaching a brief video introduction or other illustration if it is relevant and enhances your presentation.
• It's smart to rewrite your resume to tailor it to a specific job you're seeking.

A resume is almost always required for applicants to office jobs. They are the first step taken by corporate recruiters and hiring managers to identify candidates who might be invited to interview for a position.

Successful resumes highlight specific accomplishments applicants have achieved in former positions, such as cutting costs, transcending sales goals, increasing profits, and building out teams. 

There are many formats for resumes, with many variations for particular professions such as investment banking and the fashion trade.

Whatever the format, most resumes include a brief summary of skills and experience, followed by a bullet list of previous jobs in reverse chronological order and a list of degrees earned.

A final section might be added to highlight specific skills, such as fluency in a foreign language, knowledge of computer languages, professionally useful hobbies, professional affiliations, and any honors achieved.

Brevity, a clean layout, and succinct language all are prized. People who have to sort through hundreds of resumes have short attention spans.

The heading on the resume should include not only your name, email address, and mobile phone number but also your address on LinkedIn or another professional community and the address of your website or blog if you have one.

Be aware that any hiring manager will, as a matter of course, enter your name in the Google search field. Do a search on your own and see if you can optimize your own results or at least decently bury any youthful faux pas.

Recruiters examine job histories for significant employment gaps or a pattern of job-hopping. Be prepared to explain either, whether in a cover letter or during an interview. An applicant with a history of short-lived jobs might consider omitting a few of the oldest ones, especially if they aren't relevant to the current job opening.

For example, if you spent years working behind a counter in food service, then went back to school to earn physical therapy credentials, forget some of those early jobs in food service. Flesh out the sections that report your skills , training, and experience in the field that's now your specialty. You can mention those other jobs in the interview while explaining what a reliable professional you are.

The past can be particularly dangerous for applicants to new technology companies seeking to assemble cutting-edge teams. Legacy skills may imply obsolescence. The most powerful resumes underline how an applicant can thrive in the job that's open right now.

It goes without saying that resumes these days are delivered as email attachments or uploaded for an online application, not printed out and mailed.

Although the two-page maximum still stands, many applicants use the web to its full potential when it comes to attachments. Video introductions, charts, graphs, and other illustrations can make you stand out, so long as they're relevant and slickly made.

There is so much talk about what should be in your resume, but there are also some things that ought to be kept off the page. First, and most importantly, are your age, marital status, and the number of children you may have. While a potential employer might be able to deduce this information via a web search, it isn't relevant for a job application.

In addition, do not list your current salary, religion, political beliefs, or any personal details (like your hobbies), unless that information is required for the job in question.

What Are Common Resume Mistakes?

Common resume mistakes include typos, vague details without a lack of specifics, either being too long in detail or too short, grammatical errors, poor verb usage, impertinent information, and not including enough information on skills.

Should I Create More Than One Resume?

This depends on whether you are applying for different types of jobs. For example, if you are applying for an office manager job, you should tailor your resume to outline your leadership and organizational skills. But you might also be interested in applying for a retail position, so creating a second resume that instead highlights any retail experience that you have will put you in a better position to get that job.

What If I Do Not Have Any Work Experience?

You can still create a strong resume even if you do not have any professional work experience. Your resume can include any volunteer work you have done and the responsibilities you had during this time. If you are still in school, you can also list any academic organizations you are a part of and any offices and responsibilities you're holding.

Your resume is what gets you the job interview. It's the first step in getting hired. So you want to spend plenty of time making sure it's professional, represents who you are, is void of mistakes, does not contain superfluous information, and highlights why you would be the best candidate for the job.

Your resume should be recent and contain only the most important information; remove anything else. If you've been working for two decades, employers aren't interested in your high school GPA or any internships you had during college. Keep it concise, interesting, and impressive, and you'll be sure to get a response from companies.

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10 Resume Profile Examples (And How to Write Yours)

Imagine you've got everything covered in your resume : You listed your past experiences, included keywords from the job description, and pared it down to design elements an applicant tracking system (ATS) can parse. Now it’s an accurate representation of your professional qualifications—but you still can’t shake the feeling that who you are as a person is getting a bit lost. That’s where a resume profile comes in.

Adding this section to your resume is a good way to show more of your personality while still being professional. Curious? Read on to find out exactly what a resume profile is, and how to write yours—including examples.

What is a resume profile?

A resume profile is a few concise sentences or bullet points that can be placed at the top of your resume (below the header). It “describes who you are as a professional,” says Muse career coach Yolanda Owens , founder of CareerSensei and who also worked as a college corporate recruiter for more than 20 years.

Once you perfect your resume, check out open jobs on The Muse to maximize your chances »

Career professionals don’t all agree on the exact contents of a resume profile, or even on whether it’s different from a resume summary . So you have a bit of flexibility in how you think about yours and what you include in it.

For example, you might think of a resume profile as a way to “tell the reader who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for,” so that you can grab their attention and “quickly showcase your accomplishments,” says Muse career coach and former recruiter Jennifer Smith , founder of Flourish Careers .

Or you might approach your resume profile like Owens does, as the equivalent to “a dating profile that describes how you see yourself at work, and the type of work environment that makes you feel productive and purposeful.”

What’s the difference between a resume summary and a profile?

While some career coaches may use the terms resume summary and resume profile interchangeably, others treat them differently.

The first is a quick synopsis of the relevant experiences and skills you bring to a role. The latter can do the same, but it can also focus on your traits and achievements, your story as a professional, and your desires for your next role.

At this point, you might be wondering: If a resume profile includes what you’re looking for in your next role , how is it different from a resume objective ? Some people say that resume objectives are outdated at best and a waste of space at worst. If that’s true, why is a resume profile acceptable?

The difference lies in “the additional context that’s included in the profile,” says Smith. A traditional objective merely states what you’re looking for and maybe a vague reason why. But “the profile goes deeper into who you are and what you do” in addition to what you’re looking for next, connecting your past and present to your future.

Is a resume profile necessary? Who should use it?

Resume profiles can be advantageous for all job seekers, Smith says, especially for those “who are changing either their role or industry.” If you’re a career changer , a strong, explicit resume profile will give you space to tell the reader right up front that, no, you didn’t apply to this job by mistake—this is the next step in your career and here’s why.

Resume profiles are also particularly useful for entry-level job seekers who may need to tie their education and other experiences together more explicitly. If a candidate is writing an entry-level resume , Owens suggests that they “use the profile section to explain what they’re looking for in terms of challenges and learning, and the skills they possess that could potentially add value.”

What to include in a resume profile

Think about what you’d want the person reading your resume to know first. Is it something about your qualifications or your biggest accomplishment? Is it how well you work with others or what your personality adds to a team? This is what should go into your resume profile. You have a few sentences (or bullets) to work with, so don’t restrict yourself to highlighting just one thing.

Here are a few types of information that you can include in a resume profile, according to our coaches:

• Relevant skills and experiences
• Relevant achievements and accomplishments
• Years of experience
• Strengths as a professional (both soft and hard skills )
• Signature traits related to the job
• Personal traits that contribute to your work
• Qualities you’re looking for in your next role, team, or company
• Willingness to relocate (if you’re applying to a job not near the location listed on your resume)

What are recruiters looking for in a resume profile?

Don’t underestimate the power of a good first impression to get someone to keep reading the rest of your resume with interest. “The resume profile has an ability to quickly convince a recruiter that the person is a strong, qualified candidate,” says recruiter and Muse career coach Steven Davis , founder and CEO of Renaissance Solutions .

But recruiting isn’t just about making sure candidates have the right skills, Owens says. Recruiters also need to get a feel for whether the team and work environment will be a good match for the candidate long term.

Candidates’ skills and experiences should be well represented throughout their resumes, so as a recruiter, Owens most often “looked at the profile as a way to get a sense of their work persona and gauge environment fit for the role.”

How to write a profile for a resume : 5 steps

Once you know what recruiters and hiring managers are looking for in your resume profile and what you’d like to portray, you can follow these tips as you write your own:

1. Keep it concise

Your resume profile should be no more than four sentences or bullet points, and should not have more than 500 characters. Remember recruiters read dozens of resumes daily, so you don't want yours to be unnecessarily long and tiring.

2. Find the format the suits you best

Decide if you want to use either bullet points or paragraph form. Your resume profile can be written as bullet points, but keep in mind that bullet points often take up more space than a paragraph. “To preserve real estate on the resume and attempt to keep it to one to two pages , I always recommend using paragraph format,” Owens says.

3. Consider the position you're applying for

Tailor your profile to the job, but not so much that it’s not true to who you are. If your resume profile is closer to a summary that highlights your key qualifications and accomplishments as they relate to a given job, you should be tailoring it very carefully for each application and incorporating keywords from the job description.

Read more: What it Really Means to "Tailor Your Resume"

However, if your resume profile is more of a personal (but still professionally appropriate) description of yourself, Owens recommends against tailoring it to match each job: “What you don’t want to do is try to tell employers what you think they want to hear,” she says, if it doesn’t reflect who you are. “That’s how you end up in positions where you’re ultimately unhappy.”

4. Quantify your experiences and accomplishments

Whenever possible, quantify your experiences and accomplishments by adding numbers, percentages, and other metrics to your resume profile. Keep in mind that recruiters nowadays not only want to know what you did, but also what you achieved and the exact results of your work.

5. Show some personality

While the rest of your resume won’t let much of your personality shine through, your profile gives you an opportunity for creativity. If you’re applying to a casual company, you can add a splash of personality, but if you’re applying to a more formal organization, it’s best to keep things more buttoned up.

Resume profile: Examples

Want to know what all this advice looks like in action? Check out these 10 resume profile examples for different types of job seekers and professions.

Career changer

Quality-control team lead with 10+ years experience who specializes in making thorough business decisions and leading others through day-to-day operations to achieve excellence. Decided to transition to the outdoor recreation industry during the COVID-19 pandemic after realizing that people, especially children, spend too much time indoors behind computer screens. Excited to bring experience in quality assurance and operations to a management position at an outdoor recreation facility to help people of all ages get outside and enjoy themselves safely.

Recent college graduate or entry-level candidate

Recent magna cum laude animal sciences graduate with a focus on small animal care excited to bring passion and knowledge to a position with an animal shelter or animal-focused nonprofit and learn more about programs that protect animals from euthanasia. As president of the University of Georgia chapter of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, planned, organized, advertised, and managed a fundraiser that brought in over $20,000 in donations to a local shelter while also placing 43 cats and dogs with adoptive families. Proud dog mom of two former shelter pets, Dakota and Miley (pictures available upon request).

Account Executive (Sales)

Account executive who has been making deals since my first lemonade stand at age four for a total of $20+ million in sales. I love the rush of being on a sales team working toward goals—both in exceeding my own targets and in cheering on my teammates and celebrating their wins. In my current role, I’ve discovered that the most satisfying feeling of all was teaching a few of our SDRs to close deals. Seeing how proud they were of themselves as they got better motivated me to seek out a sales training role at a highly collaborative company.

Find account executives jobs on The Muse

A detail-oriented accountant with experience preparing tax and financial reports for charities to be posted publicly online. Evaluated budget (including payroll) for inefficiencies and suggested cost-cutting and time-saving measures that ultimately allowed the nonprofit to put an additional 5% of yearly donations directly into charitable programs. Excited to bring accounting skills to a nonprofit in the public health sector after spending over five years volunteering for public health charities such as the Red Cross and Project N95.

Find accountant jobs on The Muse

Customer Service Representative

An empathetic customer service representative who loves getting to talk to new people every day and help them solve problems. Crafted service approach of finding out what customers’ goals are and what their level of expertise in the product was rather than automatically giving boilerplate advice, leading to a 92% customer satisfaction rating. Avid video game player and designer looking to bring this passion to a customer service role for a gaming company.

Find customer service representative jobs on The Muse

Human Resources Manager

Human resources generalist who oversaw the transition of a 100+ employee company to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adept at dealing with the issues facing fully remote or hybrid workforces, including in hiring, professional development, and conflict resolution. Conceived of and instituted DEI programs for employees working from home. Looking for a position with a company that has a fully distributed or hybrid workforce and is committed to increasing diversity in its hiring pool.

Find human resources manager jobs on The Muse

Marketing Manager

Email marketer with 6+ years of experience gathering data-driven insights to make decisions about marketing campaigns. Conceived, proposed, and executed a campaign for a new headphone line across all marketing channels including email, social, content marketing, and print ads, with a total reach of 30 million impressions leading to over $1 million in sales. A team player who has taken the time to learn what each teammate in 10-person marketing department does and even filled in for them when needed. Excited to find a position in a collaborative work environment that oversees marketing campaigns across multiple channels.

Find marketing manager jobs on The Muse

Office Administrator

• Friendly, organized, and proactive administrative assistant with four years of experience looking to move into an office administrator role
• Saved office over $3,000 per quarter in supplies by creating new inventory tracking document on Google Sheets, showing other employees how to check supply levels and request orders, and comparing the supply sheet to inventory every two weeks to stop duplicate supply orders
• Spent four months filling in for office manager during maternity leave

Find office administrator jobs on The Muse

Project Manager

Looking for a project manager who can save at-risk initiatives and projects and make sure they come in on time and under budget and are fully functional at launch? I’ve held positions in customer care, engineering, product, and communications, so I know how to work with employees in all departments and see a project from multiple angles, ensuring each piece is on track and communicating with stakeholders along the way. I work best in environments where innovation is encouraged and no one expects to wear just one hat.

Find project manager jobs on The Muse

Web Developer

• Back-end web developer with experience using Java, Python, and SQL to develop features for online databases
• Go-to debugger on team of seven engineers
• Developed a site (link) that uses television shows you’ve watched to suggest new shows based on the ratings and recommendations of users with similar watch histories, bringing in an average of 10,000 visitors monthly

Find web developer jobs on The Muse

How To Write a Resume for Your First Job

Imagine yourself stumbling across your dream job listing. You’re reading through the responsibilities and job tasks and you find yourself getting more and more excited as the list goes on. Then, it’s time to apply. But you have no real-world job experience. You’re just a student! How will you ever write a resume for your first job when you haven’t had one yet?

Knowing how to write a resume for your first job does not come naturally. In fact, it feels like a daunting task. If you have little applicable experience yet, or you’re just entering the workforce, how can you prove you’re the right fit for the position? 

Resumes are an excellent way to tout your knowledge, training and (if applicable) skills in the field. You can create an attractive resume highlighting your candidacy without any direct experience or prior work history.

We’ll show you how to write a resume for your first job so you can kick off your work experience with preparedness and confidence.

• Do you need a resume?
• What should you put on a resume?

Crafting a resume with no experience

Finalizing your first job resume, quick guide: write your first resume in 6 steps, do you need a resume for your first job.

While a resume may not be required to apply for your first job, it is highly recommended that you do so, and it will undoubtedly set you apart from the other applicants. A resume reflects your professionalism and commitment to the job application process. It showcases your knowledge, skills, training and prior experience in an easy-to-digest and relatively standard format, making it easy for potential employers to decipher between candidates to choose the best person for the job.

Even for entry-level positions, when many applicants don’t have a prior work history, sharing a resume will give you a competitive edge when written persuasively.

The role of a resume in job applications

A resume plays an important role when applying for jobs. It serves as an introduction to potential employers and those in the company who will decide whether or not to move forward with your application. It also provides a summary of what you bring to the table for those who will be interviewing you during the application process.

The resume is essential for showcasing your skills. A well-crafted and persuasive resume can highlight your achievements and knowledge, even if you have limited work experience in the field you’re applying to. Because your resume is the first contact point between you and a potential employer, it’s crucial to understand how to write a resume for your first job – and how to write it well.

What should you put on a resume for your first job?

There are a few things every resume must include – and those are some of the most essential details.

Contact information

We’d be remiss if we didn’t include the most important part of your resume – sharing your contact information. Start by listing your full name, phone number, email address and a link to your LinkedIn profile. Without your contact information, potential employers will have a hard time contacting you, which can prevent you from getting an interview.

Why share a link to your LinkedIn profile ? LinkedIn is now an essential part of the job search market. It serves as a shareable resume in addition to showcasing your network. Employers can see if you have any professionals in common from work or personal life, which may help build your credibility as a candidate.

Be sure to act professionally on LinkedIn. Share relevant news and insights to highlight your interest and knowledge of an industry, but be wary of getting too personal or engaging in inappropriate dialogue. Behave on LinkedIn as you would in an office setting with colleagues.

Educational background and achievements

Start by listing your educational information, such as schools attended, graduation dates and relevant academic achievements or awards. Include your major and minor, field of study and GPA. If you were enrolled in courses, projects or study abroad programs relevant to the job, include details to show your knowledge and interests.

Skills section

While you likely have some combination of hard and soft skills, a skills section will showcase the hard skills you’ve learned to prepare you for the job. Soft skills are best to be included in the bullet points to describe your accomplishments in your experience section.

• Hard skills include specific technical skills you’ve learned along the way. For example, computer proficiency, language skills, lab skills or specific training or certifications.
• Soft skills , or human skills, include job aspects that apply to many (if not all) job roles. These include communication, teamwork and problem-solving. If you’re particularly adept in any of these, showcase them and be prepared to share real examples of these skills in action.

Extracurricular activities and volunteer work

Employers look for candidates who go the extra mile to be involved in extracurricular activities. This demonstrates your commitment to becoming a well-rounded human being. Highlight clubs, sports or volunteer activities that you were involved in, especially emphasizing leadership roles or particular responsibilities you had in these activities. This extracurricular activity showcases your ability to multi-task, prioritize time and develop skills and interests.

Example Resume & Writing Guide

See a real-life example of a strong resume, including tips for gathering your own persuasive experience and skills using our Resume Writing Guide !

As a young adult or new graduate, you may wonder how to write a resume for your first job with no real-world experience. Don’t fear – there have been many in your shoes before you!

What does a resume look like for a first job?

Your resume should be straightforward with a clean and concise design. It should be easy to read with a simple flow highlighting information from most important to nice-to-have details. Do not go overboard with design details, fonts or graphics. 

Furman recommends that you use Microsoft Word to build your resume as it can be easier to make changes to a Word document than it is to change a template. However, you can use free resume builder tools online to build your resume in standard formats.

• Myperfectresume.com
• Resumenerd.com

Using strong action words and job-specific keywords in your resume for your first job will significantly impact you. Describe experiences and achievements using strong action verbs, such as:

• Collaborated
• Volunteered

What to put on a resume with no experience?

You can learn how to write a resume for your first job that impresses potential employers, even without relevant work experience, by emphasizing relevant coursework. Doing this demonstrates skills learned in a classroom or group project setting. Highlight personal or academic projects showcasing your abilities, such as experiences where you took the lead as a group or team leader.

Before submitting your first job resume, review and edit the document for mistakes or improvements.

Proofreading and editing

Attention to detail is critical to potential employers. Check your resume for typos and grammatical errors. Mistakes on your resume may eliminate you as a candidate, especially if grammatical adeptness or attention to detail is essential to the job.

Similarly, ensure a consistent design throughout your resume. Stick to one format, using one legible font and minimal design details. A professional resume appearance can set you apart from other applicants’ resumes that may appear messy or disorganized.

Seeking feedback

Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from friends, mentors or even career services at schools or community centers. A peer review from your fellow students, teachers or mentors can provide invaluable input on skills you may be forgetting, plus the extra set of eyes can help detect errors and typos.

Career services at your school or library also serve as an excellent third-party validation and review resource. Furman’s Malone Center for Career Engagement offers in-depth career preparation services for students, such as resume and cover letter assistance , career fairs and networking , personalized advice from advisors and interview prep – just to name a few.

Webinar: Polishing Your Resume & Preparing Your Pitch

Watch the free Polishing Your Resume & Preparing Your Pitch webinar for an in-depth look at creating your resume and preparing a pitch to potential employers straight from a Furman career advisor.

Now, do you feel ready and excited to write a resume for your first job? We hope you jotted down notes specific to your experience as you read through the post, but in case you didn’t, writing your resume can be simplified to these simple steps.

• Start with your contact information , including full name, phone number and email address. Consider adding a link to your LinkedIn profile.
• List your education experience , including relevant projects, courses and extracurricular activities.
• List both hard skills and soft skills relevant to the job.
• Explain your roles and responsibilities in your projects and extracurricular activities, especially those where you acted in a leadership capacity, using strong action verbs.
• Proofread and gather feedback.

If this is your first time writing a resume for your first job, approach the process with confidence and positivity. Your attitude will shine through the resume, so stay positive!

The perspectives and thoughts shared in the Furman Blog belong solely to the author and may not align with the official stance or policies of Furman University. All referenced sources were accurate as of the date of publication.

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How to make a resume in Microsoft Word

Whether you’re just entering the workforce or need a resume refresh, you’re probably considering Microsoft Word for the task. We’ll walk you through options for making a resume in Word, from using helpful templates to creating a resume from scratch.

Use a built-in Word resume template

Use a word resume template on the web, use a third-party word resume template, create a word resume from scratch.

The quickest and easiest way to make a resume in Word is using one of Microsoft’s templates . You can look for one directly in Word and choose from a large collection of options.

Open Word, select File > New , and pop “resume” into the Search box. You can then browse the templates with resumes for specific jobs and industries along with those for any type of position.

Choose a template to see a description and pick Create to use the resume.

The Microsoft resume templates come with placeholders that you can simply swap out for your own details. This is handy if you like the appearance of all elements in the template. Of course, if you’re not fond of the color scheme or font styles, you can change those types of items.

Remember to go to File > Save As to save a copy of your resume.

Maybe you don’t have Microsoft Word on your computer yet but need your resume in that format. You can use Word on the web for free with a Microsoft account and take advantage of resume templates.

Visit the Microsoft Create website and explore the resume templates . If you see one you like, select it to open it directly in Word for the web.

Alternatively, select Create from scratch and choose Resumes, flyers, brochures . When Word opens, use the Designer sidebar on the right to browse through and choose a resume template.

Then, swap out the placeholders for your own details and customize the resume as you like.

If you like the template idea but don’t care for any of the Microsoft options, you can check out third-party templates for your resume. Here are just a few of the top options and samples of resume templates they offer for free.

Resume Genius

With Resume Genius , you can pick from over a dozen custom Word templates to download. From simple to professional to aesthetically pleasing to visually appealing, you’re sure to find at least one resume template you like.

Hloom offers over 15 resume and CV templates for free and even more if you don’t mind paying. Be sure to select Free on the left below License if you want to narrow down the no-charge options. As a bonus, you’ll also see a tab for cover letters if you’re in the market for one of those too.

Template.net

One more place to check out for Word resume templates is Template.net . You’ll find a large variety of attractive options specific to position or resume style. Like with Hloom, select Free beneath License on the left, and be sure to take a look at the cover letter collection too.

After you download a resume template from one of the above sites, simply customize it with your own details.

Maybe you’d prefer to simply create your resume from scratch; this is always an option if you have the time. Consider reviewing the above templates and samples for the information you should include and ideas for formatting.

To get started, add the following details to your resume:

Full name and current position : Place your name and position at the top. If you don’t have a current position, you can certainly omit it.

Objective (optional) : Provide a brief description of your goal to potential employers beneath your name and position. This is an optional inclusion — if you add one, try to keep it short and sweet with one to two meaningful sentences.

Contact details : Include at least your email address and phone number. If you have an up-to-date website or LinkedIn profile, you can add these as well. Make sure these details are kept together in a specific location so they’re simple to find.

Work experience : List your work experience in chronological order with the most recent first. Start with your position, then move onto the employer, month, and year you worked there, and your duties. You should include your duties and responsibilities in a list format making them easy to review.

Education : List your educational history in chronological order with the most recent first. Start with the degree, then add the school with the month and year you attended.

Skills, awards, and more : Use a list format to add your skills, awards, certifications, volunteer work, and any other details you feel important to the position or company.

Here are several tips when formatting your resume in Word:

• Use a heading or larger font for your full name at the top.
• Add headings for the Experience, Educations, and Skills sections.
• If you decide to use color, keep it to just one or two complementary colors.
• Try to use the same font style throughout, taking advantage of font sizes, headings, or bold formatting for more prominent details.
• Use a font that’s easy to read like a 12-point Arial, Calibri, Georgia, or Times New Roman for the main body text. You might also consider which font style works better for reading on the web versus on a printed piece.
• If you include a headshot, make sure it’s a professional one.
• Consider using a table to structure your resume, as shown above.

Finally, be sure to keep the appearance and content of your resume consistent.

Is it OK to make a resume in Word?

Absolutely! This is exactly the type of document you should create in a word processing application like Microsoft Word. If you prefer, you can also use a web application like Google Docs to make a resume or downloadable software like LibreOffice Writer.

Once your resume is complete, you can save it as a PDF or other requested format in most word processing applications for submission to the potential employer or hiring manager.

How far back should a resume go?

Most experts recommend 10 to 15 years is appropriate for a resume. Keep in mind that you should include relevant work experience for that time period . For example, if you’re a nurse who worked at a fast-food chain for two months 12 years ago, you can likely exclude that job.

How many pages should a resume be?

The standard for a resume is one to two pages. However, this can depend on the length of your experience and education in relation to the position for which you’re applying. For instance, someone who’s been in the workforce for 20 years might require two pages, but a recent college graduate would probably only need one page.

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