how to write a winning resume 2021

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Resume (With Examples!)

Your resume is arguably the most valuable piece of paper for your career. But this document can be daunting for many. Maybe you’re not sure how to fit in all your information onto one page. Maybe you’re not sure about the right way to format and write your resume. Maybe you don’t even know what the heck a resume is!

Whatever your concern, we’ll break down everything you need to know about making the perfect resume, from scratch.

What Is a Resume?

What are employers looking for in a resume.

• Pick Your Format
• Start With Your Basic Information
• Add in Your Work Experience
• Consider Including Volunteer Work or Other Experience
• Don’t Forget Your Education
• Top It Off With Some Skills and Interests
• Write a Resume Summary Statement (if Relevant)
• Tailor It to the Job (and the ATS)
• Edit and Refine It

What Are Some Examples of a Good Resume?

A resume is a summary of your career, whether yours is just getting started or has been going on for years. Coming in at around one page in length (two only under specific circumstances), it showcases the jobs you’ve held and currently hold, the responsibilities you’ve taken on, the skills you’ve developed, and the qualities you bring to the table as an employee. Together, those things make it super easy for any hiring manager to see your qualifications and fit for a role.

For all the work you may put into writing one, hiring managers actually spend very little time—mere seconds in many cases—looking at your resume. But despite this sad fact, it’s safe to say that creating a great resume (rather than hastily throwing one together) still matters.

“If you miss the mark, your resume may never be read. Even worse, you might be removed from the applicant pool by a computer before a human even knows you exist,” says Muse career coach Heather Yurovsky , founder of Shatter & Shine. So you want to get it right because, as she explains, isn’t the goal to “spend less time looking for a job and more time in a role you love?”

You might be wondering if you can lean on your LinkedIn profile instead of writing a resume. The answer, sadly, is no. Most hiring managers still expect you to submit a resume, even if they also look at your LinkedIn. Even if you don’t need a resume for a job you’re applying for now, you’re going to need one at some point in your career—they’re not anywhere close to going out of style. So it’s best to always have one at the ready should an opportunity pop up.

And although LinkedIn has plenty of benefits, a resume has one clear advantage: While your LinkedIn is usually a broader picture of your career trajectory, your resume gives you the opportunity to tailor your career story to a specific role or company (more on that later).

Oh, and you’ve probably heard of something called a CV? It’s slightly different from a resume , and usually more common with academics and job seekers outside the U.S.

Hiring managers look for three things on your resume, “What did you do? Why did you do it? And what was the result?” says Muse career coach Martin McGovern , owner of Career Therapy. “If you can answer all three of these questions in...your resume bullet points, you’re going to be on the right track.”

Clear, easy-to-understand language is key. “The truth is that most resumes make no sense. They are stuffed with jargon, they are too technical, and they are filled with redundancies. Try to read a resume that isn’t yours and you will quickly realize that it feels like an alien wrote it,” McGovern adds. Put yourself in the shoes of a recruiter who has no idea how your role works—how can you make your resume accessible to them?

The hiring manager also cares about more than just you and you alone—they care about you in relation to them. “Hiring managers want to see if a candidate matches the requirements” of the role they’re hiring for, Yurovsky explains. “Your resume should paint this picture so the hiring manager not only knows what day-to-day responsibilities you can handle, but why you, above other[s], bring value to their organization.”

How Do You Write a Resume?

Whether you’re someone who’s never written a resume in your life, or you need a nice, thorough refresher on the process of creating one, follow these steps to go from a blank page to a complete—and dare I say beautiful—document.

Related: This Free Worksheet Makes It Easy to Create (or Update) Your Resume

1. Pick Your Format

Before you start typing one single thing, you have to decide what you want the overall resume to look like.

Resume builders can be helpful for this step—they’ll take all your basic information and organize it for you, eliminating some of the legwork. You can also use a pre-made outline, such as one of these free Google Docs templates .

But it’s often safest to start with a clean slate all on your own and eventually upgrade to a more advanced layout. (If you'd still like a place to write all the relevant information before you get started, check out our resume outline .) This allows you to course correct, edit and re-edit, and choose a resume format that best fits your particular situation (after all, not everyone has a career trajectory that’s easy to compartmentalize).

In general, you’re most likely to cover and/or include sections on the following:

• Your work experience
• Your non-work experience, including professional organizations, community involvement, or side projects
• Your education and certifications
• Your skills (specifically hard skills) and interests

So how do you format and organize all of that information?

By far the most common (and safest, if you’re not sure which route to take) option is reverse chronological order . This means you organize your experiences from most recent to least recent. So your work experiences would go above your education, and your current role would go above previous roles you’ve held. This of course has its exceptions—maybe you went back to grad school between jobs, or your most recent role is irrelevant to the job you’re applying for. So the whole page may not be exactly in reverse chronological order depending on your situation. It’s just a guideline.

There’s also something called a functional or skills-based resume . This is used pretty rarely, mainly with career changers and those with limited or complicated work histories. It gets its name because it’s primarily about listing your skills rather than experiences, and showcases them above your work history and education.

You can also opt for a combination resume , which is a mix between a reverse chronological resume and skills-based resume. It highlights your skills at the top, but allows just as much room below to cover your job and school experience.

Use caution when choosing these two formats: “Combo and skills-based [resumes] can be hard to follow, because [they force] the reader to hunt for connections between your skills and experience, and [don’t] provide the full context of your work,” says Muse Career Coach Angela Smith , founder of Loft Consulting. “I’ve also heard a lot of recruiters say that they automatically discount skill-based resumes because they feel the candidate is trying to hide something. I don’t necessarily believe that, but I think it’s important for job-seekers to know that perception is out there.”

2. Start With Your Basic Information

Your contact information should always go at the top of your resume. In this header you’ll want to include anything that could be helpful for a recruiter to get in touch with you. Usually, this means adding in:

• Your full name (preferably the name you use across the web)
• Your phone number
• Your personal email address

You might also choose to include other basic information, such as your LinkedIn or personal website URL, your GitHub (for technical roles), your social media profiles (if relevant to the job), or your address. If you’re looking to move for a job, you may choose to leave out your address or write “open to relocating” to better your chances of getting an interview.

The key is to make this part as clear as possible. If a hiring manager can’t reach you, there’s no point in perfecting the rest of your resume.

3. Add in Your Work Experience

This section will most likely be the bulk of your resume. Even if you’re changing careers, employers still want to see where you’ve worked, what you’ve done, and the impact of that work to get a sense of your background and expertise.

Your “Work Experience” might be one entire category, or you might choose to break it up into “Relevant Experience” and “Additional Experience” to highlight the jobs that are most important for hiring managers to focus on. Either way, you’ll almost always want to have your most recent experience at the top and your older experience down below.

Within your work experience, you’ll want to include each official job title, the company (and possibly its location), and the years you worked there. Below that, you’ll add in two to four bullet points explaining what you did in that job, the skills you built and exercised, the tools you used, and the results of what you did. If you accomplished a lot during your time there, focus on the responsibilities that made the most impact or you’re the most proud of, as well as the ones that best align you with the job you’re applying for (more on that in the following sections). It’s key here to list, if relevant, quantitative as well as qualitative accomplishments.

For example, you might write:

Associate Accountant, Finances and Co., Ann Arbor, MI September 2017 – Present

• Manage billing and invoicing for more than 50 clients, ensuring the deadlines and needs of our enterprise partners, including Big Company and Super Star Org, are met
• Collaborate closely with sales, account management, and project management teams on project setup, maintenance, and invoice management
• Assist in the streamlining of invoicing guidelines and procedures through documentation and the implementation of new software, resulting in an average two-week decrease in total time spent per client

Your resume bullets should be in past tense if you’re referring to past jobs and present tense if you’re talking about your current roles. In addition, your bullets should always start with a strong action verb that best describes what you did. And if you have examples of your work, consider hyperlinking them here as well.

If you have a ton of experience and this category is starting to run long (read: over one page), consider kicking out your oldest jobs unless they’re super relevant to the job you’re applying for, or extra impressive for your field.

Not sure where to start? “It’s helpful to do a brain dump and create a document that has everything and anything you consider as experience or an achievement,” says Yurovsky. From there, she explains, you can start to whittle down what is and isn’t important. And you can refer to this document later if you ever decide to update your resume for a specific role.

Need more specific advice on listing your work experience on your resume? Check out these additional resources:

• When you’ve held multiple jobs at the same company: 2 Jobs, 1 Company: How to Show Multiple Positions on Your Resume
• When you’re not sure what your accomplishments are or how to explain them: Resume Revamp: How to Turn Your Duties Into Accomplishments
• When you want to spruce up a boring or insignificant job: How to Make Your Most Boring Jobs Sound More Interesting on Your Resume
• When you’re considering fudging a job title: The Answer to “Can I Change My Job Title on My Resume to Make It More Accurate?”
• When you’ve had a bunch of short-term gigs: How to List Temporary Jobs on Your Resume

4. Consider Including Volunteer Work or Other Experience

Anything you’ve done that’s not work experience—your side gig, volunteer work, special projects—can be hosted under clearly-labeled sections (“Volunteer Experience” or “Activities,” for example). Depending on how robust your work experience is, these things may be worth including, particularly if they’ve helped you level up your skill set or better align you with your dream job. Plus, they make you look that much more well-rounded, passionate, and hardworking.

If you’re a recent grad, you might also build out a section for on-campus activities, such as clubs, organizations, or leadership experience. This can be a great supplement if you’re lacking in the jobs department. You can frame these just as you would professional jobs—including your title, the organization’s name, and bullets describing what your role was and what you accomplished.

Read More: This Is Exactly How to List Volunteer Work on Your Resume

5. Don’t Forget Your Education

If you’re still in school or just graduated, your education can go at the top of your resume, but for pretty much everyone else, this goes near the bottom. Most people include their school, graduation year (for folks less up to about a decade out of school), major, and degree. Brand-new grads might also write in their GPA, honors and awards, study abroad, thesis, or other notable achievements. But keep this section super simple, as you don’t want it to take up too much space over your work experience.

It’s possible you have unique education experience, such as taking an online course or certification. If you did this specifically as a way to boost yourself within your industry, definitely include it. Again, list everything more or less reverse chronologically—so a grad school degree would go above an undergrad degree, and a more recent relevant online course would go above that.

Learn more about the ins and outs of listing your education on your resume:

• How to (and How Not to) List Education on Your Resume
• How to List Online Courses on Your Resume the Right Way (Because Yes, There Is a Wrong Way)

6. Top It Off With Some Skills and Interests

The skills section of a resume gets a bad rap, but it’s just as important as the rest of the stuff you include. It’s a quick list a recruiter can scan to see if your skill set aligns with what they’re hiring for. And it’s super ATS-friendly (ATS stands for “applicant tracking system,” the robot that in some cases reads your resume before a human does) because it allows you to add in keywords the machine is scanning for.

Usually this section goes at the bottom of your resume, but in special cases—such as a skills-based resume or when someone’s switching fields—you may place it further up.

What exactly do you throw in here? You’ll want to list any hard skills and applications you’re familiar with (Photoshop, SEO, JavaScript, to name a few examples), and, if relevant, your level of expertise. Avoid including soft skills here, like time management or public speaking—save those for your bullet points instead.

Be strategic when filling in your skills. Don’t list things you actually couldn’t do at a high competence level (I’m looking at those of you who say you’re “great” at Excel), and maybe nix skills that are completely irrelevant to the job you want. For example, you may not even need to include Excel if you’re applying for say, a design position, unless it’s listed as a job requirement.

Maybe you’re thinking, I’m a really good volleyball player, but that’s not a “skill,” right? No, it’s not, but it is a hobby. Adding in a hobby section at the bottom of your resume is underrated, and frequently a smart choice. It can be a great conversation starter with a hiring manager, and it can show that you’re a good culture fit—or a culture add—for the company. Also, it’s just a nice way to add in some of your personality. So tack on a bullet point listing out some of your interests, such as hiking, rowing, or crafting (no more than five to seven work-appropriate verbs), and you’re all set here.

7. Write a Resume Summary Statement (if Relevant)

You may have heard of a resume summary statement . They’re not super common, but they can be useful to include near the top of your resume if you’re looking to add clarity or context to your resume. If you’re a career changer, you might find a summary statement helpful in explaining your leap and tying your experience to your new path. Or if you’re a more experienced professional, you can use a summary statement to highlight a theme that brings your career trajectory together.

Overall, you probably won’t need a summary statement if your career is pretty linear and your bullet points do a great job of emphasizing what you have to offer in terms of skills and experience. But if you think it makes sense to include one, “Take the time to think about what the person reading your summary wants to know before you write it,” says McGovern. “Good summaries explain why you do what you do and how it can help. For instance: Merging a background in ABC, I help companies improve XYZ through 123. Summaries shouldn’t be any more complicated than that.”

So, taking McGovern’s example, you might say:

Merging a background in social media marketing and PR with seven years in the consumer tech space, I help companies improve their internal and external communication and brand awareness through data-driven, quality content and strategies that align with the modern trends of the space.

Yurovsky adds that “you don’t want your summary statement to be a dense paragraph with too much information. You want it to be easy to read, concise, and memorable. Almost like a tagline.”

Read More: 3 Resume Summary Examples That’ll Make Writing Your Own Easier

8. Tailor It to the Job (and the ATS)

Once you have your resume written out—you’ve broken down your work experience, tagged on some activities and additional experiences, and listed out your skills—it’s important to go back to the job description (or multiple job descriptions, if you’re applying to several similar jobs) and make sure that what your resume says matches up with the kind of candidate the employers are looking for. In other words, tailor it .

Let’s explain further. You’ll want to begin by tackling the ATS . This means combing the job description to see if individual words and phrases line up. What skills are they asking for, and have you listed them (so long as you actually have them)? What words are they using to describe their ideal hire, and do you use similar language in your resume?

Next, take a bird’s-eye view. If you were the hiring manager for the role, where on your resume would your eyes be drawn to? And what would you be looking for? Whatever you think will be most important for the recruiter, make sure it’s near the top of your resume, or otherwise emphasized.

Finally, dig into the role and responsibilities of the job. Does your resume reflect similar experience? If not, is there a way you can spin it so that it’s clear you’re capable of doing the job (and doing it well)?

These articles can help you if the word “tailoring” makes you start to sweat:

• What It Really Means to “Tailor Your Resume”
• Your Guide to Making Unrelated Experience Look Relevant on Your Resume
• A Cool Trick: How to Spin 1 Resume Bullet 5 Different Ways

9. Edit and Refine It

Please, please don’t just write your resume and shoot it out without giving it a second glance. Hiring managers may not spend hours browsing it, but if there’s one thing that sticks out more than anything else it’s a glaring typo.

The best approach? Write a rough draft, then leave and come back to it later with fresh eyes to give it an edit.

Cover the basics: Is your contact information correct and updated? Are you using the right verb tenses? Does everything look consistent and accurate in terms of spelling and grammar?

Then do some cutting if your resume’s quite long. It’s no longer a hard-and-fast rule that all resumes must be only one page—but consider it a smart guideline for most applicants, especially if you've got less than 10 years work experience. The exception is if you’re very senior or very established in your career; in this scenario, a two-page resume isn’t completely out of the question. Everyone else, read this article for advice on how to cut your resume down.

Formatting-wise, it’s key to consider a couple things. First, what font are you using , and is it legible (for a human and a robot)? When in doubt, go with one of these simple, but sleek, options: Arial, Arial Narrow, Calibri, Cambria, Garamond, or Helvetica.

Second, are you going to save it as a Word document or PDF ? Neither option is wrong, although a PDF helps ensure that your formatting is maintained, no matter what type of computer the hiring manager uses to open the document.

Third, is your resume formatted in a way that it’s skimmable? If it’s feeling crowded or overrun with words, read this: 12 Tiny Changes That Make Your Resume Easy for Recruiters to Skim .

Once you’ve given it a few good looks, it may be worth sending it to a friend or colleague (or even a career coach ) to get a second opinion. Don’t just have them edit it for spelling and grammar—they should dig into your bullets and offer feedback on whether or not your resume is showing you in the best possible light (it’s smart to also send them the job description for something to compare it to).

Here’s the thing: Your resume won’t ever look exactly like someone else’s, nor should it. How you choose to format it, organize your information, and talk about specific experiences depends not just on your career path, but on your field, the job you’re applying for, the company that job is at, and more.

So there isn’t a universal way to do a resume. But there are common themes. To give you some context as to how yours might turn out, here are three examples of different kinds of resumes.

The Most Popular: A Reverse Chronological Resume

As previously mentioned, a reverse chronological resume is preferred by many coaches and HR experts, mainly because it’s super readable. When everything’s in a clear order, it’s easy to skim and even easier to draw lines between experiences.

Who it’s good for: Just about everyone—from students applying to internships all the way up to senior-level executives (with an optional resume summary statement)

Download an Example Chronological Resume for a Software Engineer

The Unorthodox Route: A Functional or Skills-Based Resume

Rather than listing out your experience in reverse chronological order, a functional or skills-based resume has bullet points that reflect how each of your skills is demonstrated by the work you’ve done over the course of your career. At the bottom, you’ll include everything else, such as your education, job history, professional achievements, community involvement, and other technical skills. This is a good option if you have a somewhat all-over-the-place work history and want to tie everything together neatly.

Who it’s good for: Career changers whose work experiences may not appear to be relevant and people with an abundance of temporary jobs or gaps in their work histories.

Download an Example Functional Resume for a Project Manager

The Creative Angle: An Infographic Resume or Resume Website

This resume type is characterized by how it’s formatted visually. You may choose a reverse chronological order or skills-based style to organize your information, but also use graphics, colors, unique fonts, and even multimedia elements to help that information pop. Keep in mind that any creative resume is still likely subject to an ATS—and certain elements may be unreadable by a robot. So consider going this route only if you know a human will be reading your resume (and that said human might enjoy it).

Who it’s good for: People applying to creative roles (designers, editors, writers, marketers, video producers, for example), startups, or fun companies, or to jobs where a creative resume is encouraged, if not required.

Download an Example Infographic Resume for a Designer

Not a designer but want your resume to look just as pretty as this example? Check out these articles:

• 5 Sites to Create an Awesome Infographic Resume (Even if You’re the Least Creative Person Ever)
• How to Build a Resume Website That Will Impress Every Hiring Manager Who Sees It
• 5 Digital Tools That Will Make Your Resume Infinitely More Beautiful

Your resume is a living, breathing document. So while you won’t go through this whole process every time you apply for a job, you should be thinking about all these things as you go to update your resume for your next career step. You might decide later on to switch up the order, or remove or add things, or even get creative and try out a whole new format. If you’re not getting the calls back you expect, you may decide to scrap it and start over —and that’s totally OK.

Regardless of where this piece of paper goes and how it grows, when you give it the care and attention it deserves, you set yourself up for success. And you’ll make it that much more likely that you’ll land an interview and get the chance to prove to the hiring manager—over the phone or in person—what you’ve got to offer.

The 10-Step Guide to Writing a Winning Resume

In This Guide:

Step 0: writing a resume with ai, step 1: gather your information, step 2: pick the best format, step 3: craft an attractive resume header, step 4: write a resume profile, step 5: create your work experience section, step 6: formulate a skills section, step 7: building your academic history, step 8: adding relevant certifications and licensure, step 9: leverage optional resume sections, step 10: proofread your resume, in conclusion.

In today's competitive job market, your resume is your golden ticket to landing your dream job so absorbing as many resume tips  as possible is invaluable. It’s also worthwhile to understand some of the most common resume mistakes  other job hunters are making.

With 40% of hiring managers spending less than a minute on each resume , creating an eye-catching document that effectively illustrates your skills and qualifications is crucial.

Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned professional, this guide will help you write a resume that makes an impact. We'll walk you through the 10 essential steps to crafting a compelling and professional resume that grabs attention and opens opportunities.

What’s a resume in 50 words or less?!

What's a resume?

It’s a concise document that summarizes your professional background, including work experience, education, skills, and achievements. It's designed to showcase your qualifications to potential employers, making you stand out in the job application process and increasing your chances of securing an interview.

This is not a one-time read—consider it a resource to refer to and revisit as you refine and update your resume over time.

Ready to get noticed and secure that interview?

Well then, your resume needs to demonstrate that:

• You’re an ideal candidate for the position.
• Your skills will contribute to the company's profitability.
• You have the expertise to address the company's challenges.
• You’ll provide value that justifies your salary.
• Your achievements are quantifiable and proven.

Let’s get to it.

10 steps towards your best resume

• Step 0 - Write with AI—embrace the future.
• Step 1  - Gather all relevant data about your work experience, skills, achievements, and education. Remember, no lying on your resume !
• Step 2 -   Select a resume format that’s right for you—chronological, functional, or hybrid.
• Step 3 -   Clearly list contact information and headline in an attractive header.
• Step 4  - Start with your resume profile. Whether it’s a resume summary or resume objective—this is where you sell yourself.
• Step 5  - Create your work experience section. Everyone needs it regardless of their level of experience—from high schoolers to executives.
• Step 6 - Formulate a skills section incorporating both people and professional skills.
• Step 7 - Illustrate a comprehensive education history by following a few simple tips.
• Step 8 - Include relevant certifications and licensure   to underline your commitment and ability.
• Step 9 - Don’t forget to add some additional sections to really prove you're the perfect candidate.
• Step 10 - Last but not least, proofread! Edit, correct, rewrite, reread. Make sure it’s flawless before sending it out for the world to see.

Using ChatGPT for resume writing  in 2024 can be a good idea. The AI provides quick, tailored suggestions and helps refine content, ensuring clarity and professionalism. It’s particularly beneficial for structuring, optimizing keywords, and overcoming writer’s block. However, it might lack personal nuances and specific industry insights.

Always review and customize the generated content to reflect your unique experiences and personality accurately. This hybrid approach leverages AI efficiency while maintaining a personal touch creating a sort of resume cyborg.

Here’s how to make use of AI in resume writing, who can benefit the most, and some best practices to follow.

Who benefits from AI resume writing?

• Job seekers in competitive fields : In industries where keyword optimization is crucial, such as IT, finance, and healthcare, AI can help identify the terms most likely to catch a recruiter’s eye.
• Career changers : AI can suggest how to emphasize transferable skills and downplay irrelevant experience, making it easier for those shifting industries.
• Recent graduates : With limited work experience, graduates can benefit from AI guidance on structuring resumes and highlighting academic and extracurricular achievements.

Tips for using AI in resume writing

• Choose the right tool : Select an AI resume builder that aligns with your industry needs. Enhancv uses AI  to offer personalized resume templates, real-time content suggestions, design enhancements, and performance analytics, optimizing job applications.
• Customize AI suggestions : Use AI recommendations as a starting point. Personalize these suggestions to reflect your unique experiences and voice.
• Keyword optimization : AI tools can analyze job postings and suggest keywords to include in your resume, helping it pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Best practices

• Balance AI and personal input : While AI can provide a strong foundation and structure, ensure your resume reflects your personal career narrative and professionalism.
• Review and edit : Always review AI-generated content for accuracy and relevance. Edit any sections that don’t perfectly represent your skills or experiences.
• Keep up-to-date : AI tools are continually updated. Regularly check for new features or updated algorithms that might improve your resume further.

Want to see AI in action? Check out our AI-powered resume generator below!

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

Interesting statistics

• Usage and success : Surveys indicate  that approximately 45% of job seekers who use AI resume tools report quicker job placements.
• Gender disparity:   Men are 81% more likely than women to use AI for recruitment tasks .

AI in resume writing not only simplifies the creation process but also improves the effectiveness of your resume. Whether you are a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or transitioning between careers, AI tools can provide customized assistance to help you shine in a crowded job market.

Always complement AI insights with personal checks to maintain authenticity and relevance to your career goals.

Before diving into the actual writing, get familiar with all the different resume types  and resume outlines  available to you. Then it’s time to gather all your necessary information to ensure a smooth process and avoid missing important details.

This preparation helps you align your qualifications with the job requirements, setting the stage for making a standout resume .

Think about all of the resume sections  and what exactly you want to put on your resume . Have a look at our list below.

Collect the following and make a list

• Key achievements : Highlight measurable accomplishments from your previous roles that showcase your contributions.
• Skills inventory : List your soft, hard, and technical skills that align with the job description.
• Employment details : Provide names of previous employers, employment dates, locations, job titles, and a summary of your responsibilities.
• Educational background : Include your college degree, certifications, or licenses that demonstrate your expertise.
• Volunteer experience : Mention any volunteer work where you gained relevant skills and experience.
• Awards and honors : Emphasize notable awards and honors that validate your exceptional abilities and dedication.

When gathering your information, include all potential details and make sure that what you gather reflects the requirements of the particular job offer you’re applying for. You can later trim what’s not relevant for the specific job.

Now that you’ve prepared your information, it’s time to choose a resume format  that effectively utilizes your qualifications. The format you choose plays a crucial role in making a great first impression, as it determines the overall layout and organization of your resume.

There are three standard resume formats, each designed to suit different professional backgrounds and goals:

Reverse-chronological resume

The reverse-chronological resume  is the most popular and widely used format, favored by recruiters for its ease of skimming and effective presentation of the most relevant experience first. It lists your work experience from the most recent job backward, emphasizing your career progression and professional achievements.

This format is ideal for job seekers with a consistent work history and no significant employment gaps, perfectly showcasing steady growth and advancements within their field. However, it may not be suitable for those with employment gaps or unrelated work experience.

Functional resume

The functional resume format  highlights your skills and education over work history, making it particularly useful for those with employment gaps, limited experience, or career changers. Ideal for entry-level candidates and recent graduates transitioning to new fields, this format focuses on the abilities that enhance team value.

However, while it showcases job-specific skills as key assets, it might present challenges for traditional recruiters in assessing skills in action.

Combination (Hybrid) resume

The hybrid resume format  (or combination) combines the best features of chronological and functional layouts, placing skills before work history to highlight your capabilities while emphasizing relevant experience. Ideal for seasoned professionals with over ten years in the field, this format supports career advancement or transition, catering to those with diverse expertise, employment gaps, or those shifting into new roles.

It offers a well-rounded presentation of your qualifications and achievements, making it perfect for roles that require multifaceted skills.

Selecting the appropriate format depends on your unique career path and the job you're targeting. Most job seekers benefit from the reverse-chronological format  due to its popularity and recruiter preference.

Choose the right format and present your information clearly—you’ll make a strong first impression and increase your chances of landing an interview.

More on resume formatting and layout

Creating a visually appealing and organized resume is crucial for making a strong first impression. Take the time to thoroughly examine all the resume parts  and what aspects you could benefit from.

Here are key design elements and best practices that apply to each format above:

Layout and organization

• Resume length : Stick to a one-page resume  unless you have at least a decade of experience. If so, a two-page resume  may be acceptable. If you’re finding it hard to keep it under a page, check out our many strategies to help shorten your resume .
• Section headings : Use clear, consistent resume headings to help hiring managers easily navigate through your resume such as: “Employment History”, “Education”, “Skills Section”, etc.
• Resume margins : Set 1-inch margins on all sides to ensure your resume isn’t overcrowded with information.
• Spacing : Use single or 1.15 line spacing and add an extra line before and after headings to keep the layout clean.
• Columns : Utilize a two-column structure  to efficiently organize information, especially useful in hybrid resumes where you present skills and work history side by side.
• Simple layouts : Avoid complex resume layouts , graphics, and special characters that might confuse ATS software.
• Icons : Using icons on a resume  can improve readability, emphasize key sections, and make it visually appealing and memorable—don’t use anything too fancy, though!
• Lines : Lines in a resume  help separate sections, enhancing readability and organizing information clearly, making it visually appealing and professional.

Fonts and colors

• Professional resume fonts : Choose legible, professional fonts like Rubik, Lato, Montserrat, Raleway, Exo 2, and Volkhov.
• Font size : Use 10-12 pt for the body text and slightly larger for headings to ensure readability.
• Subtle colors : Use subtle colors on your resume  to highlight sections—avoid overly bright or distracting colors.

File format

• PDF format : Always save and submit your resume as a PDF  unless the employer requests otherwise. This format preserves the layout across different devices.
• Naming convention : Use a clear, professional naming convention  like FirstName LastName Resume.pdf to make your resume easily identifiable.

Resume header

• Contact information: Be sure to clearly state your name and give a professional email address  as well as a current contact telephone number. Including an exact address is unnecessary, but do list the city and state you live in.
• Links : Include links to your professional website, online portfolio, LinkedIn profile , and other relevant social media.
• Photo : In the US, photos are usually omitted  to avoid bias, unless specifically requested.
• Resume headline : This is a brief phrase or sentence that states your professional identity and key qualifications. Place it just below your name and contact information to serve as an attention-grabbing introduction to your resume.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) have transformed recruitment by automating administrative tasks and enabling recruiters to focus on engaging with potential hires, rather than sifting through endless piles of applications.

Laszlo Bock, former Senior Vice President of People Operations at Google

What’s ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)?

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) enhance the recruitment process by storing and organizing resumes, making it easier for recruiters to access and review candidate information. ATS improves team collaboration by enabling sharing of candidate notes and feedback, and quickly accessing contact details and resume data.

Improving small formatting details to boost ATS compatibility involves adhering to some straightforward, ATS-friendly practices .

Here’s how you can optimize these elements:

Date formats

• Consistency : Use a consistent date format throughout your resume. Common formats include “Month Year” (e.g., June 2021) or “Month/Year” (e.g., 06/2021). Avoid switching between formats.
• Clarity : Place dates on the right side of your work experience entries to maintain a clean, organized look that’s easy for both ATS and human readers to scan.

Punctuation in lists

• Simplicity : When listing skills or duties, use simple commas or semicolons to separate items, which are generally well-understood by ATS systems. Avoid using complex punctuation or special characters that might confuse the ATS.
• Consistency : Like with date formats, choose one style of list punctuation and stick with it throughout the document.

Bullet symbols

• Standard bullets : Use standard bullet points such as solid circles, squares, or hyphens. These are universally recognized by ATS systems.
• Avoid fancy bullets : Steer clear of unusual bullet styles or symbols that might not be recognized by the ATS, which could result in important information being overlooked.
• Avoid nesting bullets:  Don’t use nested bullet points as they can complicate the ATS parsing process and may lead to misinterpretation or omission of key information.

By focusing on these formatting details, you can improve the ATS compatibility of your resume, ensuring that your qualifications and experience are correctly parsed and appreciated by potential employers' tracking systems.

There are a lot of ATS myths out here, such as using a two-column resume, or a modern design. They can make you feel a little insecure about the whole thing, so give our post on busting ATS myths  a read and regain that confidence.

Choose the right resume builder—choose Enhancv!

There are hundreds of resume builders out there, but most are just advanced versions of Microsoft Word. Enhancv is the first human-centric, performance-based resume builder .

Our intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes creating a resume easy. Professionally designed templates and backgrounds balance personal and professional presentation.

Enhancv catches typos and grammatical errors, offers content suggestions, and tailors resumes for specific jobs. Professionally selected fonts ensure readability and attractiveness.

Our resumes are optimized for ATS, ensuring seamless application through tracking systems. Enhancv adheres to industry guidelines, spotlighting your achievements, character, and professional expertise.

It wouldn’t feel right if we didn’t mention our neighbors up in Canada and Europe. Let’s check out what’s done differently for job applications there.

Traditional US resume format vs Canadian & Europass CV

What’s the difference between a canadian and an american (us) resume.

While the Canadian resume format  and the US traditional resume are similar, key differences include using Canadian spellings  (e.g., "behaviour," "labour"), the metric system (e.g., "300 kilometers"), and the DD/MM/YYYY date format. Graphic elements are typically reserved for graphic design roles in Canada. Adapting these aspects shows your readiness to integrate into the Canadian job market.

What’s the difference between a Europass CV and an American (US) resume?

The Europass CV , often misconceived as the default CV format for Europe, is primarily utilized for applications to European institutions. It’s a standardized, detailed format that includes comprehensive sections like language skills and personal details (e.g., date of birth).

In contrast, US resumes are concise, flexible in format, and emphasize professional experience while generally excluding personal information for privacy reasons. It's important to adapt these aspects to suit the respective job markets, recognizing the specific requirements of each region.

Enhancv can help you craft a perfect Europass CV with our AI-powered, ATS-friendly Europass CV templates .

Feel like you need to be more creative with your resume? Check out our post with the 23 most creative resume designs  out there!

A resume header  is important because it serves as the first impression, providing essential contact information and setting the tone for your application. It helps hiring managers quickly identify your resume, ensuring they have your contact details at a glance. A well-crafted header also adds a professional touch, making your resume look polished and organized.

The first thing to think about when it comes to your resume header is your contact information.

Contact information

One of the most important aspects of writing a resume is ensuring your contact information  is clearly displayed at the top, making it easy for hiring managers to contact you for an interview. This section is crucial—if employers can't reach you, you won't get an interview. Double-check to ensure all your contact details are included and accurate.

Here’s what to include in your contact information

• Your full name (if wanted, middle initial).
• Your current or the most recent job title.
• Your phone number and a professional email address.
• Your city, state, and ZIP code.
• A link to your professional website, online portfolio, and/or LinkedIn profile.

Tips for your header

• Don’t write your full address on your resume ; only your city, state, and zip code.
• Don’t use a work number—only your personal phone number .
• Don’t add a resume photo of yourself unless it’s an acting or a modeling position. This can lead to bias or discrimination.
• Avoid adding information such as date of birth, as it could lead to ageism.
• Make sure your email address is appropriate, simple, and free of nicknames. An unprofessional email address is one of the most common resume mistakes.

Here’s a pretty common example of a header with contact information:

Include a resume headline for extra impact

A resume headline is a brief, optional phrase highlighting your professional identity and key qualifications. Placed high in your resume, ideally between the contact information and resume summary, it grabs attention and quickly conveys your suitability for the role, making your resume shine to hiring managers.

Resume headline do’s and don’ts

• Customize your headline for every job application.
• Limit your headline to ten words for maximum impact.
• Present yourself as a specialist in your industry.
• Include numbers to illustrate your accomplishments.
• Avoid generic terms like "hard worker" or "team player"; be precise.
• Maintain a professional tone, emphasizing your skills and experience without being overly promotional.

Here are a couple of example headlines to inspire you:

Creative Director

Innovative Creative Director with 15+ Years of Experience in Leading Award-Winning Campaigns

Skilled Engineer Specializing in Advanced Robotics and Automation with Proven Project Success

Aim for a finished header that looks like this:

Jordan A. Smith Lead Robotics Engineer | (555) 123-4567 | [email protected] San Francisco, CA 94103 www.jordansmithengineering.com | LinkedIn Profile

Recruiters spend around 7 seconds scanning your resume , so a brief but impactful opening statement  is crucial. Positioned right after your contact information, this statement can be a resume summary or an objective. But what’s the difference, and which should you use?

Let’s explore how to craft a clear and concise resume profile  that highlights your qualities and aligns with the role, making you stand out as an attractive candidate with a professional yet engaging personality.

What’s a resume summary?

Let’s begin with a resume summary . It’s a short, impactful statement using active language to describe your relevant work experience, skills, and accomplishments.

• A concise overview of your work experience, focusing on how it relates to the role you’re seeking.
• Key qualifications, professional achievements, and skills relevant to the job.
• Uses numbers to display tangible outcomes and incorporates keywords from the job description.

Ideal candidates

• Perfect for those with more than a few years of relevant experience.
• Recommended for those who want to show off their qualifications and achievements quickly and effectively.

What to include

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

Resume summary do’s and don’ts

• DO use numbers to show that you’re able to produce tangible outcomes.
• DO incorporate keywords from the job description whenever possible.
• DO write your resume summary last to have a fuller picture of your experiences and skills.
• DON’T just list your job duties; focus on your accomplishments.
• DON’T use personal pronouns (I, me, or my).
• DON’T make your summary too long; keep it to 3-4 sentences.

Here’s a typical formula for a resume summary followed by an example for a candidate applying for an executive assistant position:

[Soft skills to describe you as a professional] + [job title and years of experience] in [area of expertise as stated in the job description]. Adept at [two or three of your best, job-relevant hard skills]. [One impressive career accomplishment and any other skills or qualifications.]

What’s an objective statement?

An objective statement  is a brief declaration of your career goals and the type of position you’re seeking. It provides insight into the qualities and skills you can transfer to the company.

• Communicates your immediate professional goals or objectives and how you plan to achieve them in the role you're applying for.
• Displays your enthusiasm and motivation for entering a new field, which is especially relevant for those undergoing a career change or entering the workforce.
• Perfect for students, recent graduates, or individuals with limited professional experience.
• Beneficial for career changers transitioning into a new industry who need to highlight relevant transferable skills.
• Useful for those relocating and looking to establish their career intentions in a new job market.
• Briefly mention job-relevant skills and qualifications that can compensate for a lack of formal experience.
• Include concrete and quantifiable details to strengthen the statement.
• Keep the objective statement to two to four sentences, ensuring it's concise and to the point.

Overall goal

The overall goal of a resume objective is to showcase how you can contribute to the potential employer’s success, considering your current skill set and professional aims. It should clearly outline what you can bring to the table, even if your experience isn’t extensive.

Have a look at a tried and true formula for an objective statement and an actual example from an entry-level graphic designer who uses it:

[Your profession] + [education or experience and top skills] seeking [desired job and company] to [your goals] with [professional skills and knowledge required in job description]. [Mention two or three soft skills and any additional qualifications].

In short, whether you opt for a resume summary or an objective statement, both serve as powerful tools to immediately communicate your qualifications and intentions. Choose the one that best aligns with your experience level and career goals to make a strong first impression on potential employers.

The work experience section  is a vital part of your resume, where potential employers gauge your suitability by reviewing how you've applied your skills and knowledge previously. It provides proof to support your qualifications highlighted in your resume headline, summary, and skills section. This is often the most scrutinized part of your resume, making it essential to master.

The only source of knowledge is experience.

Albert Einstein

Let’s first consider what goes into an entry for this section.

Structure and content

• Reverse-chronological order : List your jobs in reverse-chronological order, starting with the most recent. Include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment.
• Job title : Place this at the top of each entry to quickly communicate your role. Consider bolding or slightly enlarging the font to make it stand out.
• Company details : Follow with the company's name and location. If the company isn’t well-known, a brief description  might be necessary.
• Employment dates : Specify the month and year you started and ended your tenure to provide a clear timeline.
• Key responsibilities and achievements : For each position, list three to five bullet points. Focus on notable achievements rather than routine job functions. Use action verbs to convey your effectiveness and involve quantifiable results whenever possible.

So now you know what the skeleton of a professional work history entry is—but what are some ways to produce excellent content?

Best practices for writing a work experience entry

• Quantify achievements : Use numbers to describe your impact , as quantifiable achievements significantly strengthen your resume.
• Use keywords  from job descriptions : Tailor your experience by incorporating keywords from job postings . This will align your resume with employer needs, and help you pass through automated screening algorithms.
• Conciseness : Given that hiring managers spend only a few seconds per resume, ensure your descriptions are succinct yet powerful. Avoid filler words and focus only on impactful aspects of your role.
• Utilize action verbs : Start each bullet point in your work history with a strong action verb to convey your role actively and assertively. Using action verbs  helps create a compelling narrative of your capabilities and achievements.
• Determining length:  When deciding how far back your resume should go , limit your work history to the most recent 10-15 years to ensure relevance and conciseness in showcasing your professional experience.

Writing style and focus

Each job entry should combine a clear list of responsibilities with standout results that align with the targeted job. Optimize each entry to reflect the skills and experiences most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Rather than listing every task you performed, highlight instances where you added value, such as leading projects or initiatives that resulted in positive outcomes.

Here’s an example of how a work experience entry should look like—pay particular attention to the bullet points.

• • Boosted client web traffic by 30% through strategic SEO enhancements and content marketing initiatives.
• • Oversaw daily operations of social media campaigns across multiple platforms, leading to a 20% increase in overall social media engagement.
• • Developed and managed PPC campaigns with a monthly budget of $20,000, optimizing spend and improving ROI by 35%.
• • Implemented client-specific email marketing strategies that resulted in a 45% open rate and a 10% conversion rate, significantly above industry averages.

Let’s go through some things that this example did well:

• Quantifies success : Each bullet point includes specific metrics, demonstrating the tangible impact of the candidate’s efforts.
• Highlights relevant skills : The entry emphasizes skills critical to the role, directly aligning with common requirements for digital marketing positions.
• Showcases collaboration : It mentions collaboration with cross-functional teams, showing the candidate's ability to work effectively in team settings and contribute to comprehensive marketing strategies.
• Focuses on key responsibilities : The bullet points concisely summarize major responsibilities and achievements without unnecessary detail, making it easy for hiring managers to quickly understand the candidate's capabilities and contributions.
• Uses strong action verbs : The entry starts each bullet point with dynamic verbs, which convey a proactive and impactful approach to responsibilities.

At various points in our careers, we find ourselves searching for a job, and our career stage significantly influences how we write our resumes. Let’s explore how different stages affect our applications.

Work experience based on career stage

Your work experience section should be tailored according to your career level. Whether you're entering the job market for the first time or you're a seasoned professional, each level has different expectations and requirements for showcasing your background.

Entry-level

Detail all work experiences on your resume, including part-time and temporary positions, focusing on key responsibilities and achievements in each role. For positions more relevant to the job you're applying for, offer detailed descriptions and emphasize how these experiences have prepared you for the position.

A chronological resume format  is recommended for those with straightforward career paths and relevant work experiences.

The following is a good example of an entry-level work history section.

• • Enhanced customer satisfaction: Consistently achieved high customer service ratings, with a 95% satisfaction score on post-interaction surveys, demonstrating strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• • Trained new employees:  Assisted in the training and onboarding of 5 new staff members, showcasing leadership potential and the ability to convey complex information effectively.
• • Implemented feedback initiatives: Played a key role in a team that developed a new customer feedback system, leading to a 10% improvement in customer service response strategies.
• • Campaign development: Contributed to the planning and implementation of a digital marketing campaign that increased company social media engagement by 30%.
• • Content creation: Created content for social media posts and blog articles that generated over 20,000 views, demonstrating creativity and alignment with brand messaging.
• • Market research: Conducted market analysis on competitors, which was used to adjust marketing strategies effectively.
• • Customer interaction: Provided high-quality customer service in a fast-paced environment, enhancing visitor satisfaction and loyalty.
• • Sales improvement: Contributed to a promotional idea that increased upselling of seasonal products by 25%, showcasing sales acumen and initiative.
• • Team coordination: Coordinated shifts and responsibilities for a team of 5, improving overall team efficiency and collaboration.

This resume section is structured in a chronological format, listing each job from the most recent to the oldest. It includes both directly relevant experiences (like the marketing internship) and less relevant roles (like the barista job), each described with a focus on achievements and skills that might be appealing to a potential employer in the field the candidate is applying to.

This method showcases a well-rounded entry-level candidate who brings valuable skills and experiences from various roles.

Related templates and guides for those of you just getting started in your new career:

• Entry-Level Resume Examples & Guide
• Intern Resume Examples & Guide
• Intern & Entry-Level Resume Examples

When crafting your resume, focus on detailing job experiences that directly relate to the position you're applying for, emphasizing responsibilities and accomplishments that match the job's requirements. For less relevant roles, mention them briefly to fill gaps in your work history without allocating much space.

For a mid-career resume , consider using either a combination format , which merges chronological layout with highlights of relevant skills and accomplishments—ideal for those with diverse experiences—or a reverse chronological format , best suited for those with a clear, direct career path and relevant work experience.

Have a look at this example of a professional history section for somebody looking for a job mid-career.

• • Led a team of 8 marketers in developing and implementing comprehensive digital marketing strategies that increased company revenue by 20% year-over-year.
• • Spearheaded the successful launch of a $3 million advertising campaign across digital and traditional media, which boosted market penetration by 15% and enhanced brand visibility.
• • Optimized SEO and PPC tactics that resulted in a 40% increase in organic traffic and a 25% improvement in ad conversion rates.
• • Managed cross-department collaborations to align marketing efforts with sales objectives, significantly improving lead generation processes and sales cycle efficiency.
• • Coordinated marketing events and campaigns that contributed to a 10% increase in overall customer engagement for the brand.
• • Implemented customer segmentation strategies that increased targeted communications and personalized marketing efforts by 30%.
• • Supported senior management with the preparation of presentations and reports for stakeholders and board members.
• • Provided customer service and support, managing transactions and resolving issues to enhance customer satisfaction.
• • Assisted in the management of store inventory and promotional displays to maintain an appealing store environment.

This format and structuring technique ensure that the work experience section is optimized to make the candidate appealing for mid-level marketing roles, highlighting growth, leadership, and direct contributions to business success.

Senior-level or C-level

For senior roles, it's best to limit your work history to the most recent and relevant 15 years, starting each entry with dynamic action verbs to effectively convey leadership and impact. Emphasize positions that demonstrate significant contributions to strategic decision-making and leadership, showcasing your capacity for handling high-level responsibilities.

A chronological resume format  is recommended to clearly and concisely represent your progression to high-level roles.

Below is an example of a candidate applying for a high-level position.

• • Transformed the company’s operational structure, implementing agile methodologies that decreased time-to-market by 40% and increased team productivity by 35%.
• • Led the merger and acquisition of XYZ Corp., which expanded the company's market share by 20% and resulted in a $50M increase in annual revenue.
• • Directed a global team of over 500 employees across three continents, establishing a unified communication system that improved project collaboration and deadline success rate.
• • Initiated and spearheaded the development of a new strategic approach to customer relationship management that boosted customer retention rates by 25% within the first year.
• • Championed the adoption of AI-driven analytics platforms, enhancing data-driven decision-making that contributed to a yearly growth of 15% in overall business efficiency.
• • Developed and implemented a comprehensive strategic plan that realigned the company’s focus towards emerging markets, increasing overall profitability by 30%.
• • Orchestrated the overhaul of internal processes which resulted in a 50% reduction in operational costs and a 20% improvement in employee satisfaction.
• • Negotiated major corporate partnerships that expanded the firm’s reach and capabilities, facilitating a sustained 10% annual growth.
• • Managed key stakeholder relationships, successfully advocating for the adoption of new technologies that led to significant competitive advantages.

This format and content style effectively convey a senior candidate's capability to handle high-level responsibilities and make significant contributions to organizational success.

Related templates and guides for those of you hunting for management or senior-level positions:

• Executive and Management Resume Examples
• Executive Resume Examples & Guide
• CEO Resume Examples & Guide
• CTO Resume Examples & Guide

What about if you’ve decided to change careers? If you find yourself in this position, here are some tips on what you should do when it’s time for you to list your work experience.

Career changers

When transitioning to a new career field, emphasize transferable skills such as project management, collaboration, and strategic planning. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experiences from different sectors, showcasing applicable competencies through detailed descriptions of the skills and challenges involved.

Opt for  a functional or combination resume format  to prioritize these relevant skills and experiences over chronological work history, enabling prospective employers to more clearly recognize your potential in the new field.

Here's an example of a work experience entry for a career changer  aiming to transition from a marketing background into project management within the tech industry. This entry uses a combination resume format to shine a light on transferable skills and relevant experiences.

• • Led Cross-Functional Teams: Directed a team of 8 in the strategic planning and execution of marketing campaigns that consistently met or exceeded company goals. Utilized strong project management skills to oversee project timelines, budgets, and resource allocations, ensuring seamless operations and successful campaign launches.
• • Enhanced Project Efficiency: Implemented new workflow management software that improved project tracking and team collaboration, reducing project completion times by 25%. This experience highlights a proficiency in adapting new technology tools that enhance productivity and team collaboration—key skills in project management.
• • Strategic Planning: Developed and executed long-term marketing strategies that contributed to a 40% increase in overall market share. Demonstrated ability to analyze market trends and adjust strategies accordingly, a crucial skill in tech project management where understanding and integrating new technologies and market shifts are vital.
• • Stakeholder Engagement: Regularly collaborated with clients, stakeholders, and team members to align project objectives with business goals, enhancing communication lines and project outcomes. Facilitated workshops and presentations to stakeholder groups to gain buy-in on new initiatives, showcasing strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• • Project Leadership: Coordinated technology upgrades for nonprofit organizations, managing schedules, budgets, and cross-functional teams to drive project success in a volunteer capacity. This experience directly correlates with essential project management duties in the tech industry.
• • Problem Solving: Addressed and resolved complex issues during technology implementation projects, demonstrating critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are imperative in tech project management.

This approach allows the career changer to present a compelling case that their past experiences, although in a different industry, are valuable and directly applicable to their new career aspirations.

Here are some examples and more tips for writing a career changer resume:

• Career Change Resume Examples & Guide

For those transitioning to a new career path, it's crucial to reframe your professional history in a way that aligns with your new objectives, showing how your past experiences equip you for this new phase in your career journey.

We’ve already mentioned throughout the article the importance of tailoring your resume to the job offer you’re applying for. So let’s take a closer look at that in the context of your work history section.

Tailor your work history entries to the job description

Tailoring your resume to the job description  is a critical step in creating a resume that stands out to hiring managers.

Here's how to effectively target your resume  to enhance your chances of landing an interview:

Understanding keywords

• Incorporate relevant keywords: Enhance your resume by including keywords directly from the job description. These can cover specific duties, skills, qualifications, and qualities needed for the role. Strategically using these keywords helps ensure your resume resonates with recruiters, showcasing your suitability and increasing the chances of your application getting noticed.

Strategically include work experience

• Select appropriate content : When detailing your work history, reference the job description and incorporate as many relevant keywords as possible. Focus on aligning your duties and key achievements with the requirements and responsibilities listed in the job posting.
• Manage resume length : Depending on your level of experience, adjust the length of your resume. If you have extensive experience, a two-page resume is acceptable. However, keep the content relevant to the role, avoiding unnecessary details about older positions or unrelated academic achievements.

Focus on relevance

• Underline pertinent information : Tailoring isn’t just about adding keywords—it’s about focusing on the experiences and skills that are most relevant to the job. Concentrate on positions and responsibilities that align closely with the posted role to demonstrate your suitability.
• Education section tailoring : In the education section, clearly highlight any degrees or certifications that meet the job requirements, reinforcing your qualifications for the position.

Best practices for effective tailoring

• Concise and relevant descriptions : Use clear and concise language to describe your experiences. Avoid overloading your resume with every job or skill you’ve ever had; instead, focus on what’s most relevant to the specific role you’re applying for.
• Dynamic content : Start each bullet point in your work experience with strong action verbs and quantifiable results to draw attention to your achievements and impact.

By meticulously tailoring your resume to the job description, you ensure that every section of your resume, from the work history to education, is optimized to show your best fit for the role.

Tailoring tips in action

Let’s now visualize the tips from above. Firstly, let’s study an actual job ad looking for an accountant to join their team.

Position Overview:

Tap into the professional possibilities of the largest publicly traded energy partnership that features one of the most diversified cash flow streams in the midstream segment of the energy industry. With dynamic career opportunities and a creative and supportive environment, our unique midstream energy organization offers the chance to share and be recognized for your ideas.

Join our team and increase your opportunities for success.

Role and Responsibilities:

The Accountant is responsible for general accounting activities. Other responsibilities include, but aren’t limited to:

• Analyze complex contracts and ensure that monthly revenue is recorded accurately.
• Develop and maintain tools and reports for reporting and research purposes.
• Perform monthly volumetric actualization, invoicing of revenues, and/or payment of cost of goods sold invoices.
• Analyze revenue and explain variances between the current month, prior month, and budget.
• Perform monthly settlements, this includes researching and resolving volumetric and pricing discrepancies.
• Prepare various volumetric balancing and analytical reports.
• Perform monthly account reconciliations for balance sheet accounts related to Marketing activity.
• Prepare inventory reconciliations and analyze and clear reconciling items.
• Calculate and record monthly journal entries for revenues, cost of goods sold, and other expenses.
• Prepare financial statements and support schedules for use in financial reporting.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements:

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Accounting is required.
• Accounting professional affiliations or certifications are a plus.
• 1-3 years prior work experience in Accounting is preferred.
• Midstream or other energy industry background is preferred.
• Crude Oil Marketing experience is a plus.
• Candidate must have strong analytical skills and exhibit an attention to detail.
• Working proficiency/knowledge of Microsoft Excel to create pivot tables, develop macros, and other advanced excel functions.
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Candidate should exhibit self-motivation; ability to accept additional responsibility; and willingness to accept new challenges in a dynamic environment.
• The candidate will be responsible for multiple projects and should be able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• As a result of experience, one should begin to develop good judgment as to results that appear correct vs. incorrect.
• Candidate should be prepared to explain his/her work as necessary.
• Candidate should prepare written work that’s frequently approved on first submittal.
• Candidate should require limited technical supervision.

Now let’s target our work experience section directly toward this job offer.

• • Analyzed and Reconciled Financial Transactions: Conducted monthly account reconciliations for balance sheet accounts, ensuring accuracy in financial reporting. Focused on Marketing activity reconciliations, aligned with the company's need for precision in financial documentation.
• • Revenue Recording and Variance Analysis: Managed complex contract analysis to ensure accurate monthly revenue recording. Successfully explained variances between current, prior month, and budget forecasts, aligning with the job's emphasis on detailed financial variance analysis.
• • Financial Reporting and Tool Development: Developed and maintained sophisticated tools and reports for financial reporting and research purposes. Enhanced the usability of financial data, supporting strategic decision-making processes.
• • Process Optimization for Invoicing and Settlements: Streamlined the process of monthly volumetric actualization and invoicing, improving efficiency by 20%. Also performed detailed settlements, addressing volumetric and pricing discrepancies crucial for accurate financial assessments.
• • Journal Entries and Financial Statements Preparation: Calculated and recorded detailed journal entries for revenues, cost of goods sold, and other expenses. Prepared support schedules for financial statements, contributing to comprehensive financial reporting.
• • Inventory Management and Reconciliation: Executed precise inventory reconciliations, identified and cleared reconciling items, directly supporting operational integrity and financial accuracy, essential for maintaining the company's asset management accuracy.
• • Advanced Excel Utilization: Leveraged advanced Excel functions to create pivot tables, develop macros, and streamline data analysis processes, significantly enhancing report generation and data management capabilities.
• • Multi-Project Management: Coordinated and led multiple project assignments simultaneously, demonstrating strong organizational skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, as required by the role.
• • Communication and Documentation: Prepared comprehensive written reports and communicated financial insights effectively, ensuring all documentation was frequently approved on the first submission, reducing revision times and enhancing departmental efficiency.

Tailoring strategies used:

• The resume includes specific keywords from the job description such as "financial reporting," "monthly account reconciliations," "volumetric actualization," and "journal entries," ensuring it aligns closely with the job requirements.
• Showcases strong analytical skills, detailed financial knowledge, and advanced Excel capabilities, which are all explicitly requested in the job post.
• Each bullet point is concise, focusing on achievements and responsibilities that demonstrate the candidate’s capability to handle the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
• Starts bullet points with dynamic action verbs like "Analyzed," "Managed," "Streamlined," and "Executed," which emphasize the candidate’s proactive approach to their roles.

Work experience checklist

• Start with the most recent position
• Emphasize job titles
• Detail company information
• Clarify employment dates
• List key responsibilities and achievements
• Quantify your contributions
• Incorporate relevant keywords
• Maintain conciseness
• Determine appropriate length
• Tailor each entry

Crafting a skills section  on your resume is essential because it highlights your core competencies  clearly and concisely. Presenting both hard and soft skills proves that you’re a well-rounded candidate.

Skills-based hiring is increasingly favored by employers . According to LinkedIn , 69% of professionals believe verified skills are more important than a college degree, and 77% of hirers are investing more in hiring based on skills and competencies​ Therefore, prominently listing your skills can help you stand out and make a strong case for your candidacy.

Additionally, a well-crafted skills section enables you to tailor your resume to the specific job by including relevant skills that match the job description, significantly increasing your chances of landing an interview. It’s an opportunity to display the specific competencies that set you apart from other applicants.

Your resume speaks for you, so be sure it highlights your skills in a way that mirrors the needs of the job.

Lynda Spiegel, human resources professional and career coach

What types of skills are there?

There are two main kinds of skills—hard and soft. Let’s have a look at each.

Hard skills

Hard skills , also known as technical skills  (associated with technical tasks and technology-related fields), are specific abilities or knowledge that you can learn and measure through education, training, or hands-on experience.

These skills, such as coding in Python, using Photoshop, or managing a cash register, are valuable to employers because they demonstrate your ability to handle job-specific tasks and meet role demands.

To effectively emphasize your hard skills on a resume, consider adding measurable achievements. For instance, show how your Microsoft Office skills increased team productivity, discuss the volume of code you write and debug weekly, or showcase how your UX design enhancements improved user engagement. This approach not only shows your proficiency but also quantifies your impact.

Where to put hard skills on your resume

The placement of hard skills on your resume depends on the resume format and the job you’re applying for.

• Dedicated skills section :  Most commonly, hard skills are listed in a dedicated section titled "Skills" or "Technical Skills," typically placed after the summary or objective statement and before the work experience section.
• Work experience: You can integrate hard skills into your job descriptions within the work experience section to show how you’ve applied them in previous roles.
• Summary or objective:  Mentioning key hard skills in your resume summary or objective can immediately highlight your qualifications.
• Projects or portfolio: For roles requiring specific technical expertise, including a projects or portfolio section where you can elaborate on the hard skills used in each project can be beneficial.

Here’s an example of a hard skills section:

A few tips on formatting a hard skills section

• Use bullet points:  List each skill as a bullet point for easy readability.
• Prioritize relevance:  List the most relevant skills for the job at the top of the section.
• Be specific:  Instead of listing vague skills, be specific.
• Keep it concise:  Avoid clutter by listing only your most relevant and strongest skills.
• Consistent formatting:  Ensure that the formatting of your skills section matches the rest of your resume for a polished look.
• State your experience levels : This tells employers what they can expect from you and how much training you might need.

List your soft skills and hard skills separately to clearly highlight your qualifications. This distinction helps recruiters quickly identify your technical abilities and personal attributes, making your resume more effective.​

Soft skills

Soft skills , also known as personal skills, are self-developed, life-learned attributes such as social skills, adaptability, leadership, critical thinking, and time management. These qualities make you a great team player and contribute to professional success by fostering good teamwork and a positive work environment.

Data shows 69% of professionals  think verified skills are more important than a college degree, underscoring their importance in the hiring process. The right soft skills on a resume not only display your ability to work well with others but also enhance your overall appeal to recruiters, making them a crucial aspect of your job application strategy.

Where to put soft skills on your resume

A separate section for soft skills on your resume can be less effective because these skills are best demonstrated through specific examples in other sections, providing context and making them more credible.

Listing soft skills in the summary (or objective) and work experience underscores them without overwhelming the reader, maintaining a clean layout. Additionally, integrating soft skills into job descriptions shows how your technical and interpersonal skills work together, offering a comprehensive view of your abilities.

By incorporating soft skills throughout the resume, you create a more holistic and compelling picture of your qualifications.

The top 10 soft skills

• Communication : Effective verbal and written communication skills are crucial for conveying ideas clearly and collaborating with colleagues.
• Teamwork and collaboration : The ability to work well with others, share ideas, and build strong working relationships is highly valued by employers.
• Adaptability : Being flexible and open to change helps you thrive in dynamic work environments and tackle new challenges effectively.
• Problem-solving : Creative and critical thinking skills enable you to identify issues, develop solutions, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Time management : Efficiently managing your time and prioritizing tasks ensures productivity and meeting deadlines.
• Emotional intelligence : Understanding and managing your emotions, as well as empathizing with others, fosters better workplace relationships and team dynamics.
• Leadership : Demonstrating leadership qualities, such as motivating others and taking initiative, is beneficial even in non-managerial roles.
• Attention to detail : Paying close attention to detail ensures high-quality work and minimizes errors.
• Work ethic : Showing dedication, reliability, and a strong sense of responsibility contributes to a positive reputation at work.
• Interpersonal skills : Building rapport with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders helps create a harmonious and effective work environment.

Now let’s integrate these skills into an example resume summary and work experience entry.

• • Led a cross-functional team of 10 to develop and implement marketing campaigns, demonstrating strong leadership and collaboration skills.
• • Improved client communication processes, enhancing overall customer satisfaction by 25% through effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• • Adapted quickly to changing market conditions, launching five successful product campaigns in under two years, showcasing adaptability and problem-solving abilities.

Many of these skills are industry-specific—especially if we talk about technical ones. However, there are many that can be applied across multiple fields and are indispensable for those changing careers. Let’s have a look at those.

Transferable skills

Transferable skills  are universal abilities that can be applied across different departments and industries. They include soft skills, like communication and critical thinking, which aren’t specific to any industry, and hard skills, like proficiency in MS Office  or HTML , which, although industry-specific, can be utilized in multiple fields.

These skills are crucial during career changes, whether transitioning to a new role within the same organization or moving to a different industry. Transferable skills ensure you don't start from scratch and can be adapted on your resume to match job postings effectively.

For those changing careers or entering the job market without much experience, focusing on transferable skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity can significantly improve job prospects.

How to tailor your skills

To make your resume stand out, create a skills section that includes keywords relevant to the employer and is tailored for each job application. Carefully review the job description to identify keywords and skills the employer values. Highlight these skills, particularly those you’ve successfully demonstrated in the past.

Remember that the wording of the same skill can vary between job descriptions, so it's crucial to customize each resume to the specific job. Also, avoid including irrelevant skills—for example, if you’re applying for an accounting position, omit unrelated skills like gourmet cooking.

By using the job ad as a reference and incorporating the relevant skills, you can create a resume that effectively showcases your qualifications and fit for the position.

Need some help? Get a free targeted resume and optimize your resume with Enhancv’s fast ATS resume grader . It relies on algorithms developed by reading over 500,000 resumes. It’ll give you a result in just 3 minutes!

Skills checklist

• Identify relevant skills
• Prioritize skills
• Format the skills section
• Quantify achievements
• Incorporate soft skills
• Highlight transferable skills
• Tailor your skills to each job
• Avoid irrelevant skills
• Review and edit
• Seek feedback

Including an education section on your resume  is crucial for a few key reasons. First, it shows employers you have the academic training needed for the job. It can also be especially helpful if you're a recent graduate or switching to a new industry with limited work experience. Most jobs require some level of education, and employers look for this information.

To list your education correctly, start with your highest level of education and then add any other degrees or diplomas. Generally, your education section should come after your work experience. However, if you’re applying for a job that requires extensive education, like in medicine, law, or academia, you might need to provide more details.

Many people think of the education section as an afterthought, but it’s a great way to show off your qualifications and add some extra points for relevancy.

How to construct an education entry

Learn to craft compelling education entries that highlight your academic achievements, relevant coursework, and skills to impress potential employers.

Here are the essential building blocks of a good academic entry:

Must-have information

• Degree or certification name : Write the full name of the degree or certification, including your major and minor .
• Institution name : Be sure to have the name of the university, college, or school.
• Location : Write the city and state of the institution.
• Graduation date : Mention the month and year you graduated. However, just the year will suffice and keep it concise.

Optional information

• GPA : Include your GPA on your resume  if it’s higher than 3.5 or if it’s required by the employer.
• Honors and awards : List any honors, scholarships, or awards (e.g., Cum Laude , Dean’s List , Rhodes Scholarship).
• Relevant coursework : Provide a bulleted list of relevant courses as well as any continuing education , especially if you have limited work experience.
• Certifications and licenses : Add any relevant certifications or licenses.
• Extracurricular activities : Mention relevant clubs or organizations you participated in.
• Leadership positions : Illustrate any leadership roles you held.
• Academic projects : List significant projects or papers relevant to the job you’re applying for.

10 education entry tips

• Use your GED in the education section  if it's your highest level of education or relevant to the job.
• Only include high school details  if you haven’t attended college or if you’re a high school student.
• If you attended college but didn't complete a degree , list the school names and your courses of study. List the start date and leave the end date blank.
• You don’t need to include the graduation year if you graduated more than 10 years ago.
• If you’re currently pursuing a degree, mention the date you began and the anticipated graduation date .
• For more experienced candidates, consider listing only the name of the school and dates of attendance to save space for more relevant professional experience.
• Bold your degree to make it stand out.
• Omit advanced degrees if the job doesn’t require them.
• Expand on education details if recently graduated.
• Students can list education at the top if lacking work experience.

By including these elements, you ensure that your education section is comprehensive, relevant, and tailored  to the job you’re applying for.

Presumably, you’d like to see some specific examples. Below we’ll analyze a few different situations and the best education entry for each.

Education section for a high-school student

For a high-school student's resume, the education section should be prominently placed at the top if there is limited work experience, or just after the objective statement.

Include the name and location of the high school, expected graduation date, any relevant coursework, GPA (if it's 3.5 or higher), honors, awards, and extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership or pertinent skills.

Being concise yet specific about your academic achievements and relevant skills, and presenting them in a clear, structured format, not only underscores your suitability for the position but also enhances your professional presentation.

Here’s an example:

• • Relevant Coursework: Advanced Placement Calculus, Advanced Placement Physics, Engineering Fundamentals, and Computer Science
• • Honors and Awards: Awarded First Place in Regional Science Fair, 2024 & Recipient of the Academic Excellence Award in Mathematics, 2025
• • Extracurricular Activities: President, Math Club, 2024–2025 / Team Captain, Robotics Team, 2023–Present / Volunteer, Tech for Tomorrow, 2023–Present

Education section for a college student or recent graduate

In crafting the education section of a resume for a college student or recent graduate, include the college name and location, degree, graduation date, relevant coursework, GPA (if 3.5 or higher), honors, and awards. Emphasize internships, projects, and extracurriculars pertinent to desired job skills.

Position this section prominently at the resume's top if your work experience is limited—otherwise, place it after the work experience section. Be sure that the presentation is concise, specific, and well-structured to effectively display qualifications and professionalism.

• • Relevant Coursework: Robotics Design and Analysis, Advanced Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Control Systems Engineering
• • Honors and Awards: Dean’s List: Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021 & Spring 2022 / Winner, 2023 UC Berkeley Engineering Innovation Challenge
• • Senior Capstone Project: Led a team of four in designing and building an autonomous robotic system for sorting recyclable materials, which improved sorting efficiency by 25% over existing methods.
• • Internship, RoboTech Inc., San Jose, CA (Summer 2023): Assisted in the design and testing of components for a new robotic arm. Developed enhancements that increased the arm's operational smoothness by 15%.
• • Robotics Club President (2021-2023): Spearheaded the annual campus robotics competition, managing over 50 participants and coordinating with industry sponsors for event funding and resources.

Education section for an experienced professional

For an experienced professional, include the name and location of the college, degree, and graduation date, omitting the date if it has been over ten years. Place this section towards the bottom, after the work experience and skills sections, to underline professional experience first.

Ensure conciseness by listing only the most relevant academic achievements, thereby streamlining the resume and emphasizing extensive professional experience to make a strong impression on potential employers.

While some individuals can list certifications and licenses within their education entries, others may need to create separate sections to guarantee these qualifications are illustrated effectively.

Education section checklist

• Start with the highest education level.
• Specify the location and dates.
• Highlight relevant details.
• Include licenses and certifications.
• Mention extracurricular activities.
• Detail significant academic projects.
• Position the education section appropriately.
• Use a clear and concise format.
• Customize for the job.

Hiring managers appreciate candidates who invest in their professional development. Listing certifications on your resume demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and skill expansion, which can make you a more attractive candidate.

Certifications and licenses on your resume  are particularly crucial for professions such as nursing, accounting, and teaching, where specific credentials are often required. Additionally, job seekers who obtain extra training or certificates showcase their expertise and dedication to their chosen fields.

Creating a separate section for certifications and licenses ensures these important qualifications are prominently displayed.

Certifications and qualifications are evidence of professional dedication and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Rosabeth Moss Kanter, professor at Harvard Business School

Essential elements of certifications and licensure on a resume

Certifications.

• Certification name:  Clearly state the full name of the certification.
• Issuing organization:  Include the name of the organization that awarded the certification.
• Date earned:  Mention when you earned the certification.
• Expiration date (if applicable):  Note if the certification has an expiration date.
• Certification number (if applicable):  Provide the certification number if relevant or required by the industry.
• License name:  State the specific name of the license.
• Issuing authority:  List the name of the body that issued the license.
• License number:  Provide the license number, which is often required for verification.
• Date issued:  Mention the date when the license was issued.
• Expiration date:  Include the expiration date of the license.
• State or region (if applicable):  Specify the state or region where the license is valid, especially important for professions like nursing or teaching.

Including these essential elements ensures that your certifications and licenses are clearly and effectively presented to potential employers.

Let’s have a look at some examples of certification entries to better illustrate:

A current certification for a graphic designer

Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)  

• Issuing Organization: Adobe Systems
• Date Earned: March 2023
• Expiration Date: March 2025

An “in progress” certification for a chef

Certified Executive Chef (CEC)  - in progress

• Issuing Organization: American Culinary Federation (ACF)
• Expected Date of Completion: January 2025

An entry from a licensure section from a nurse

License Name:  Registered Nurse (RN)

• Issuing Authority:  California Board of Registered Nursing
• License Number:  RN123456
• Date Issued:  January 2021
• Expiration Date:  January 2026
• State:  California

Nail the must-have sections to secure any job, but use leftover space wisely by adding optional sections such as:

Language proficiency

Hobbies and interests, volunteering, awards and honors, publications.

• Professional associations
• Cover Letter

These elements can highlight your achievements and make your resume stand out, especially if they align with the job's requirements.

Some elements can be included in various other areas of your resume making separate sections for them redundant and just a plain waste of space. So, be selective to maintain a concise, impactful resume.

With that said, let’s go through each of these additional topics to see why, how, and where.

Listing language skills  on your resume is a great idea because it showcases your ability to communicate in diverse environments, which is highly valued by employers.

To list language skills, create a "Languages" section and include each language with your proficiency level (e.g., Fluent, Conversational, Basic). Place this section near the bottom of your resume, after your skills or education sections, to ensure it's easily noticed but doesn't overshadow more critical qualifications.

For example:

Displaying your hobbies and interests on a resume  can emphasize your personality, demonstrate cultural fit, and highlight transferable skills. Place this section at the bottom of your resume. Format it with a clear heading like "Hobbies and Interests," and list a few relevant activities that reflect positive traits or skills applicable to the job.

Have a look:

Having volunteer experience on your resume  is beneficial as it showcases your commitment, skills, and interests outside of work, making you more attractive to employers. Include it in a separate "Volunteer Experience" section at the bottom of your resume or within your work history if you lack professional experience.

Format it similarly to your job entries, with clear headings and bullet points describing your roles and responsibilities. This approach ensures your volunteer work is prominently and effectively displayed.

Here’s a good example of how it should be done:

• • Coordinated and led weekly build projects, managing teams of 20+ volunteers.
• • Developed training materials and conducted orientation sessions for new volunteers.
• • Organized fundraising events, raising over $10,000 annually.
• • Provided mentorship and support to at-risk youth through one-on-one meetings and group activities.
• • Planned and facilitated educational workshops and recreational outings.
• • Achieved a 90% improvement in mentees' academic performance and social skills.

The same tips and strategies apply to volunteer entries as do work experience ones. As you can see from the example, they use action verbs to start each bullet point and when possible they quantify their achievements.

Become a volunteer!

A LinkedIn survey  found that 20% of employers have hired candidates because of their volunteer experience. Additionally, job seekers who volunteer are 27% more likely to be hired than those who don't volunteer.

Listing awards and honors on your resume  demonstrates your achievements and sets you apart from other candidates. Place them in a dedicated "Awards and Honors" section, formatted in reverse-chronological order. If tied to your degree or job, include them as bullet points in the education or work history sections. This approach makes your resume more impressive and compelling to employers.

Below is an example of an awards section:

A projects section on your resume  shows your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities, making your application shine to employers.

Include project titles, a brief description, your role, and key achievements. Place this section below your work experience or education, depending on which is more relevant to the job you’re applying for. This structured presentation shows your practical skills and accomplishments clearly.

Here’s what a project entry should look like:

• • Description: Redesigned the organization’s website to improve user experience and accessibility.
• • Key Achievements: Increased site traffic by 40%, improved mobile usability score by 30%, and integrated a donation platform that boosted online donations by 25%.

Placing publications on your resume  showcases your expertise and contributions to your field. Place them in a dedicated "Publications" section below your education or work experience. Format each entry with the title, publication name, date, and any co-authors. This highlights your knowledge and research skills, making you an outstanding candidate.

List them as so:

Professional affiliations

Professional associations  can be listed in a "Memberships" or "Affiliations" section near the bottom of your resume. Include the organization name and membership dates, and emphasize any leadership roles like board member or committee chair. This section can also feature other relevant professional groups, showcasing your industry involvement and leadership experience.

Here’s such a section:

• • Committee Chair, Marketing Research
• • Board Member, Local Chapter

Providing references on a resume  is a great idea as it gives employers credible endorsements of your skills and work ethic. To do it, list your references on a separate page with their name, title, company, and contact information.

Mention "References available upon request" at the bottom of your resume. This keeps your resume concise while indicating your preparedness to provide references when needed.

A matching cover letter

A perfect resume needs a compelling cover letter  to complete your job application. A well-written cover letter  provides in-depth information about your experience, and career goals, and is also a great way to explain employment gaps and career changes. Most employers need more than a resume to decide, making your cover letter essential.

To ace your cover letter, tailor it to the job ad, starting with a captivating introduction. Mention the company's name, highlight your achievements, and explain why the position is perfect for you.

Conclude enthusiastically with a strong call to action. Keep it concise, no longer than one page. A great cover letter matching your resume gives you an advantage over other candidates.

Use our Cover Letter Builder  and professional examples to create an attention-grabbing cover letter in minutes.

You're almost there, but don't send it off just yet!

Proofreading your resume  is crucial to ensure it's free of typos  including spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, which can make a negative impression on hiring managers. It also helps verify that all details, such as dates, company names, and contact information, are accurate. A well-proofread resume demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, increasing your chances of making a strong impression and securing an interview.

Resume proofreading tips

• Take a break:  Step away from your resume before proofreading to come back with fresh eyes.
• Read backward:  Review your resume from the end to the beginning to catch errors.
• Print it out:  Reading a hard copy can help you spot mistakes you might miss on a screen.
• Use tools:  Utilize spell-checkers like Grammarly  to find spelling and grammar errors.
• Check consistency:  Ensure formatting, fonts, and bullet points  are consistent throughout.
• Verify details:  Double-check dates, company names, and contact information for accuracy.
• Get feedback:  Ask friends, family, or colleagues to review your resume.
• Read aloud:  Hearing your resume can help identify awkward phrasing or errors.
• Simplify:  Remove unnecessary words and consolidate sections to maintain brevity.

A professional resume writer can help you proofread and consolidate your resume. Here at Enhancv, you can take advantage of our expert coaching services  as well!

A two page resume may be acceptable if you’re applying for high-level positions or industries like health care or academia. Also, be sure to personalize your email with the name of the person reading your resume. Sending a resume is much more compelling when you avoid To Whom It May Concern.

One of the main reasons that recruiters reject a resume— 59% of recruiters to be precise —is because of poor grammar or a spelling error. Though these mistakes seem small, they indicate that the candidate is sloppy and hasn’t taken the time to proofread their resume.

Writing a resume can be a challenging task, but following these 10 steps will guide you toward success. By meticulously crafting each section, showcasing your skills, and tailoring your resume to each job, you're setting yourself up for career advancement. Stay confident, keep refining, and remember that your dedication to presenting your best self will pay off. Good luck!

A great resume doesn't just tell them what you did. It shows them how well you did it and how you can do it for them.

Martin Yate, career expert and author

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How to write a competitive resume in 2021.

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Here's what you need to know to make your resume stand out in 2021.

Tell me if this sounds familiar: You’ve been on the job search for a while. You’ve been coming across a lot of listings that you are interested in. You know that you have qualifications and the right profile for these jobs, but you’re just not getting any follow-through or calls back. 

The problem here could very well be in your resume. You may be exactly right that you’re a good fit for the potential jobs to which you are applying, but you may not be nailing your resume.

You may think creating an effective resume is as simple as hitting the marks with your relevant experience. Think again.

You may imagine a benevolent hiring manager leaning back in their chair with a printed copy of your resume, smiling and circling relevant details. In fact, your resume is more likely to meet the cold, unfeeling algorithm of an AI before it ever makes it to a human. In fact, only around 25% of resumes ever make it through the algorithm to a HR professional. 

The good news is that, these days, there are so many amazing resources to help you write a killer resume that is certain to hit the mark when it comes to beating the algorithms and setting you up for job-seeking success.

Here is what you need to know about writing an effective resume, as well as some of the best online tools to get the job done. 

What is an ATS?

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The first thing to keep in mind about navigating resume-writing in 2021 is that before your resume ever gets in front of a recruiter or a hiring manager, you’re likely to have to pass through an ATS.

So, what is an ATS? I’m sure if you’ve been navigating the online job search, you’ve seen this term floating around. 

ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System . An Applicant Tracking System is a software program utilized by hiring professionals to streamline the process of screening candidates. 

Sometimes referred to as a talent management system, ATS software programs handle many aspects of the hiring process from using algorithms to sort applications and resumes to collecting information and scheduling interviews. These days, 90% of companies are using ATS software in their hiring processes. 

But what does this mean for a candidate? Well, the most important feature of an ATS that job applicants must consider is the resume scanning tools. ATS systems are often the first stop for your application and resume. The ATS will scan your resume for relevant information, especially keywords, and determine whether or not to advance your application to the next phase. 

All of this can happen before your resume ever makes it to a hiring manager, meaning before you can even be considered, you have to beat the algorithm. 

Before I jump into some of the great online resources available to help you write an ATS-compatible resume, let’s start with some of the basic boxes to check to make sure that your resume is up to snuff.

A recent study by Cultivated Culture analyzed over 125,000 resumes in hopes of determining the most important aspects of an effective resume.  Here are some great takeaways, as well as some tips I’ve learned by guiding my clients through generating resumes that will play nice with an ATS:

• Keywords are key: When it comes to ATS, keywords are the name of the game. ATS will usually compare your resume against a job description in order to determine how well you meet the criteria for certain positions. The Cultivate Culture study found that the average resume only utilized 51% of relevant keywords. Scan job descriptions to make sure that you are hitting keywords in the description in your resume. 
• Include your LinkedIn profile in your resume. Many people don’t think to include their LinkedIn profile link in their resume. In fact, only 48% of resumes reference a LinkedIn profile. Including your LinkedIn profile has been shown to boost your chances of landing an interview.
• Don’t get too wordy. A lot of people exceed the ideal word length for their resume, which research shows to be between 475–600. Data shows that resumes over 600 words are 43% less hireable . And yet 77% of resumes are outside the ideal range. So, when it comes to word length, sometimes less is more. 
• Formatting and word choice matter. You may be tempted to show off your InDesign skills or your English-major vocabulary, but when it comes to creating a resume that will pass the ATS test, simplicity is your friend. Simple formatting and headers such as “skills” and “experience” will help to ensure that your resume is processed right. The Muse offers some more helpful tips on formatting.

With all this in mind as you embark on writing your new resume, here are some great online tools that will help you put your best foot forward in the first steps of the hiring process.

ResyMatch.io

ResyMatch is an awesome free service created by Cultivated Culture. I love the simplicity of its functions. 

You upload or paste your resume on one side of the page, and input the job descriptions and simple metrics on the other side. It’s as simple as that. 

From there, ResyMatch uses technology very similar to an ATS system that would represent the first step of your resume’s journey to the eyes of a hiring manager. 

From there, ResyMatch will generate a score based on how closely your resume matches up to the job description. You also get a breakdown of areas that you could improve your resume to better align with the job description. 

The best part: ResyMatch is truly free. You’ll never have to set a reminder to cancel after your first free month. For a great free software that is simple and intuitive, ResyMatch gets my vote. 

If you’re looking for a resume scanner that boasts some more robust features, Jobscan is an excellent tool. 

Similar to ResyMatch, Jobscan can help you analyze your resume alongside a job description, and assess areas for improvement, including in-depth breakdowns of how the skills on your resume match the skills posted in a job description. 

But the Jobscan features go above and beyond. Not all ATS software is created equal, nor will they necessarily behave the same way. Jobscan has data on which ATS software companies are using, and can provide specific tips for how to best align your resume for a certain company’s hiring software, including the majority of Fortune 500 companies!

Jobscan is also a great place to organize your job search, by allowing you to keep track of jobs you’ve applied for, and create data based on how your job search is going. 

The list of excellent Jobscan features for your job search goes on and on. They have excellent resume templates, really great cover letter writing features, and even tools to help you optimize your LinkedIn profile. 

Overall, Jobscan is an excellent choice as a one-stop-shop for streamlining your resume building, job search and application process.

If you’re looking for an excellent tool to help compare your resume in real time as you are going about your job search, JobSeer is one of my recent favorite tools. 

One of the reasons I love JobSeer is that it works as a browser extension for Chrome, thereby allowing you to integrate it into your existing workflow when it comes to job searching on your favorite career platforms. 

Here’s how it works: you create a profile on your new JobSeer account, and upload your resume. Then you can head to your favorite place to look for jobs, and open the JobSeer extension. 

To start a search, you will input some of your desired job titles, your skills, location, and other metrics related to potential job listings. Once you’ve inputted this information, JobSeer will conduct a scan of job listings and provide a customized search based on your individual metrics. 

Here’s where it gets interesting: for each of the jobs in a given search, JobSeer will provide you with a score based on how well your resume matches a certain job listing, including a breakdown of which skills you have listed on your resume are relevant for a certain job, and which skills are missing. 

This data gives you the opportunity to see exactly what matches and doesn’t match about your resume, helping you to create a resume that is a better fit for a given job description by adding the skills you might be missing to your resume—provided that you really have those skills of course!

JobSeer also offers other amazing features, such as an estimated salary generator, and up to five free email addresses per day related to your job search to help you connect with potential recruiters or even other employees with whom you might have a connection. JobSeer even offers a “company insights” section, which gives you data based on a company's size, revenue and other relevant information. 

I love this program, because it offers such functionality, while still allowing a user to navigate their job search on their favorite platforms such as Indeed, LinkedIn or Google.

One downside of the program is that it is designed to work only with the Google Chrome browser. So if you are a Safari or Firefox loyalist, you may have to cave and download Chrome. All in all, though, I think it’s a small price to pay for such excellent job search and resume-writing functionality.

In many ways, the advent of online job searches has made life for job seekers and recruiters alike more streamlined. However, it can also be very intimidating, especially when you consider all the ways in which AI-based recruiting tools such as ATSs can trip up your job search.

But fear not, with a good understanding of how these systems work, and a little help from some of the many excellent online resume and job seeking tools, your resume writing and online job search can be more informed and targeted than ever before.

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How to Write a Resume That Stands Out

• Paige Cohen

It takes hiring managers less than 10 seconds to decide if you’re qualified.

• PC Paige Cohen (they/them) is a senior editor at Harvard Business Review.

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

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

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

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

Well, you’ve come to the right place!

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

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

….and more!

So, let’s dive right in.

How to Make a Resume (The Right Way!)

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

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

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

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

#1. Pick the Right Resume Format

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

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

Start by choosing the right resume format.

There are three types of resume formats out there:

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

So, which one should you go for?

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

Fix Your Resume’s Layout

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

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

Here are some of the best practices you should apply:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#2. Add Your Contact Information

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

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

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

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

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

Must-Have Information

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

Optional Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is where the resume headline comes in.

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

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

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

Resume Summary

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

Here’s what your resume summary should include:

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

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

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

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

Resume Objective

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

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

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

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

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

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

#4. Prioritize Your Work Experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s a real-life example:

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

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

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

Focus on Achievements Whenever Possible

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your day-to-day responsibilities probably include:

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

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

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

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

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

Tailor Your Resume to the Job

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Include the Right Amount of Work Experience

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

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

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

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

Consider Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Software

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#5. List Your Education

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

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

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

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

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

Resume Education Tips

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

Just follow these expert tips:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are a few essential steps you need to follow:

Always List Hard and Soft Skills Separately

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

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

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

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

Methodologies & Tools

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

Soft Skills

• Team Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Negotiation

Tailor Your Skills to the Job

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

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

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

Qualifications:

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

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

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

List Hard Skills with Experience Levels

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

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

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

Include Transferable Skills

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

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

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

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

#7. Leverage Optional Resume Sections

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

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

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

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

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

• Intermediate

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

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

Hobbies and Interests

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

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

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

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

Volunteering Experience

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

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

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

Certifications

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

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

Certifications can also show employers how much expertise you have.

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

Awards and Recognitions

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

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

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

Publications

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Extracurricular Activities

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

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

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

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

11+ Expert Resume Tips

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

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

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

FREE Resume Checklist

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

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

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

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

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

9 Resume Templates for Different Industries

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

#1. Traditional Resume Template

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

#2. Modern Resume Template

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

#3. Creative Resume Template

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

#4. Minimalistic Resume Template

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

#5. IT Resume Template

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

#6. Tech Resume Template

Good for the tech industry and everything it encompasses.

#7. College Resume Template

Good for college students and recent graduates alike.

#8. General Resume Template

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

#9. Executive Resume Template

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

17+ Resumes for Different Jobs

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

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

#1. Nurse Practitioner Resume Example

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

#2. Data Scientist Resume Example

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

#3. Business Analyst Resume Example

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

#4. Digital Marketing Resume Example

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

#5. Software Engineer Resume Example

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

#6. Construction Project Manager Resume Example

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

#7. Customer Service Resume Example

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

#8. High School Resume Example

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

#9. Student Resume Example

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

#10. Server Resume Example

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

#11. Actor Resume Example

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

#12. Web Developer Resume Example

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

#13. Engineering Resume Example

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

#14. Computer Science Resume Example

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

#15. Architect Resume Example 

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

#17. Remote Job Resume Example

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

#18. Sales Associate Resume Example

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

#19. Receptionist Resume Example

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

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

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

Next Steps After Your Resume

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

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

#1. How to Write a Convincing Cover Letter

The companion piece to every resume is the cover letter.

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

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

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

Just follow this structure:

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

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

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

#2. How to Ace Your Next Interview

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

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

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

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

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

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

FAQs on How to Make a Resume

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#5. What kind of resume do employers prefer?

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

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

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

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

You should only include relevant job positions on your resume.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#9. Is a resume a CV?

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

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

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

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

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

#10. Should I write my own resume?

Yes, you should always write your own resume.

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

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

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

#11. Can a resume be two pages?

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

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

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

#12. Is a simple resume okay?

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

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

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

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap!

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

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

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

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The Ultimate Guide on How to Write a Resume in 2021

Posted on 21 jul 2021.

We are now in the second half of 2021. Have you found meaningful work yet? If your resume is not getting you the results you want, it may be time to clean it up a bit with a few key resume writing tips 2020 . Make sure to use these tips to get ahead of the competition and finally get your foot in the door toward the career path you’re aiming for.

1. Plan your resume

Perhaps the most important of all resume writing tips 2021—before you begin writing a resume in 2021, you must first decide which type of resume works best: chronological, functional, or combination. Here’s the definition for each one so you’ll know the right one to write for your career situation.

• Chronological resume – the traditional type of resume, with the work experience listed in reverse chronological order.

• Functional resume – the type of resume that prioritizes skills over experience in order to take away attention from problematic career decisions.

• Combination resume – picks the best qualities of both the chronological and functional resume and merges them.

After choosing your resume type, you need to plan your resume sections according to the position and your specific career situation. Most people arrange their sections like so:

• Summary Statement

• Work Experience

• Professional Organizations

• Education

• Skills and Certifications

You can personalize these sections according to your needs, but avoid deviating too much from what recruiters and hiring managers expect to see.

2. Begin with a personal branding statement

For 2021 resume tips, well-crafted personal branding is not only important but crucial. Just like the “Bio” section of your social media pages, your resume’s personal branding statement gives a better understanding of who you are and your mission. Below your job title, write a sentence or phrase that best encapsulates your passion, profession, and/or accomplishments. Here are some tips to keep in mind: Use active verbs, focus on what you’re good at, and think over the keywords and make sure they feel fresh, not overused. Here are some examples:

• I build brands with small businesses.

• I make B2B transactions simpler and more cost-effective.

• Helping IT professionals achieve technical mastery over integrated management systems.

As one of the key resume writing tips to use for resume writing 2021 , keep working on your bio statement until you’re convinced that it conveys you as the ideal candidate for the job.

3. Write an impactful professional summary

A professional summary serves as an appetizer for the rest of your resume. Write it effectively, and your reader will be encouraged to read the rest of your application. As you write your summary statement, consider your unique strengths, experiences, and accomplishments that you believe are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

• Customize it specifically for the job position.

• Apply keywords used in the job listing.

• Quantify your achievements with solid numbers and figures.

• Sum up all that you have to offer.

Read the job posting carefully, then evaluate your own skills and experiences to identify the value that you can bring to the job and organization.

4. Keep it simple, clean, and modern

Your resume serves as your professional first impression, so you need to make sure it looks well-organized. It represents you formally, so here are a few of the more important resume writing tips you must remember: only use high-quality paper, and print only in black and white, because it helps establish you as a serious applicant. Choose a contemporary font, such as Calibri, Garamond, or Helvetica. Strive for the perfect balance of white space and print. Keep the size of the text between 10 and 12 for legibility, and only use single spacing for your paragraphs. Finally, keep the side margins one inch wide on both sides, as this is the universally accepted standard for formal letters.

5. Hit the right keywords

Many companies and business enterprises today employ an applicant tracking system (ATS), a type of computer program that basically scans and screens resume before they are read by recruiters and hiring managers. The way these applications work is that they basically pore through resumes looking for keywords specific to the job posting. Needless to say, if your resume doesn’t contain these keywords, your application has no chance of reaching the eyes of those who will supposedly hire you.

One of the crucial resume writing tips this year: the way to beat ATS is to ensure your resume possesses the right keywords and phrases, and this requires reviewing the job post carefully and taking note of prominent terms used. For a resume tips example, let’s say you were applying for a warehouse manager position, some of the keywords you’re likely to come across include:

• Trucking inventory

• Shipping and receiving

• Cycle counting

• Vendor management

By using job-specific keywords in your resume organically and naturally, you increase your chances of passing ATS screening, getting you closer to landing that ever-important job interview.

6. Be direct and concise

As you refine your resume, you need to make sure your document emphasizes the qualities that can help you stand out from the competition. This means you need to focus on skills, experiences, and accomplishments that are relevant to the job. Avoid peppering your resume with unnecessary and irrelevant information, as these may make you appear as someone who has very little to offer to the position in question. Recruiters will appreciate a lean resume more than that has been stuffed with unrelated experience.

7. Link to your LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn has become the preferred platform for brands and organizations to engage with a professional demographic. With over 87 percent of recruiters regularly using the platform, it is now considered a huge mistake for job hunters to not have a LinkedIn profile—even more so if they fail to link it to their application.

By linking your LinkedIn profile to your resume, you provide potential employers with a way to “get to know” you beyond your document. Expect them to go through your profile and posts to see if your skills and professionalism are up to par with what they’re looking for in a candidate. Likewise, you should also expect them to look for sensitive content that may put their branding at risk. Take the time to clean up your social media pages by hiding or deleting any inappropriate posts.

8. Present your accomplishments in a quantifiable manner

Recruiters love to see hard, solid numbers on a resume because it confirms to them that you were successful at your previously held jobs. Whenever you list your accomplishments, make sure you display them using percentages, proportions, or monetary amounts. For a resume tips example, if you worked as a salesperson at your old job, don’t just say that you regularly met the company quota—let your potential employer know what the quota was, how many months were you able to meet or exceed it, and how much your previous your company profited from your efforts. Here are some resume writing guides 2021 examples of what you could say:

• Generated over 20 percent of the company’s sales total over a four-year period.

• Met and exceeded delivery targets over a 2-year period, resulting in zero production downtime for the manufacturing company during the said period.

• Created and carried out skill workshops that improved employee productivity by 20 percent.

9. Be honest

It’s easier today for employers to research a candidate’s references and work history, so don’t conflate your achievements in an attempt to impress. If a recruiter finds contradictory information when they look you up on the Internet, you may just lose the chance of getting hired. Worse, you could even get blacklisted, and no recruiter will want to work with you. For resume writing 2021, this means that your resume will never be read by a hiring manager, and finding the next job or career opportunity only becomes that much more out of reach. Be truthful and avoid such consequences.

Need more tips on resume writing 2021?

Resumeble’s Career Advice section has many useful articles to help you develop your resume into the best application document it can possibly be. If you need help with your resume, we have expert writers who will work with you one on one to chisel your resume into a top-caliber application that showcases your best qualifications and highlights the value that you can deliver as an employee. Take advantage of our highly in-demand resume writing 2021 services today.

• 7 seconds: this is how long your resume has either to impress or be ignored by the recruiter
• 300+: average number of applications one corporate job opening posted online receives
• 3%: number of sent resumes that result in interviews

Transform your career and beat the odds!

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How to Write The Perfect Resume in 2024 (With Examples)

The ultimate guide to learn how to quickly create a resume utilizing best practices to help you land your next job.

Introduction to writing a resume

We’ve all been there. You’re ready to apply for a new job or looking for a career change, and you haven’t updated your resume in quite some time. Or it’s your first job, and you’re not sure where to start. Resumes are a standard part of the job application process. Not having one - a good one - makes it very difficult to near impossible to land your dream job.

Unless you have some incredible connections that can help you bypass the interview stage, which is pretty rare, we highly recommend you give your resume a second look (or first!).

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

Why do you need a good resume?

Your resume is a way for you to market yourself and promote your career experience. Creating a resume lets hiring managers see how you'll bring value to their company.

It's important to know that your resume doesn't need to present all there is to know about you. It should summarize the most important aspects of your professional experience. As well as your education, interests and activities - when applicable. We recommend you tailor your resume to the position you're seeking. This means highlighting specific accomplishments and skills to the job you're applying for.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the following sections to help you craft the perfect resume:

• Understanding the basics of creating a resume
• Breaking down the resume layout and formats
• Maximizing information on your resume to provide the most value

What tools should you use to build your resume?

Tip: Use an online resume builder . Don't use Microsoft Word. Always use an online resume builder. You'll never have to worry about finding files and you can export your resume as a PDF.

So you’re ready to get started on your resume. The most obvious of choices is to open up Microsoft Word, create a new document and get writing. If you haven’t already done this before, formatting in Microsoft Word is a painful experience.

You'll end up with an ugly resume template that has poor legibility and incorrect margins. Or due to the lack of design options, you’ll end up with a resume that looks standard and boring. In both cases, the chances of potential employers overlooking your resume are pretty high!

Crazy isn’t it? You've spent years building job experience but have to use Microsoft Word to tell that story. And if you can’t navigate around complicated tools, it'll lead to poor results. You might miss the opportunity to land your dream job. That doesn’t sound fair, and it isn’t.

Why should you use a resume builder?

Luckily, there are other options that exist. We’ve created the fastest and easiest resume builder available online. With a variety of pre-existing templates that are professional and field-tested. And there’s no messing around with font sizes, margins or colors. We’ve taken care of all that for you.

The benefits of using an online resume builder like the one we’ve created are much higher. Here are some of the top reasons to use a resume builder:

• Hosting your resume online (in the cloud)
• This means you can access your resume at any time and anywhere. Your resume will always be available through our website. You'll never worry about having the right computer programs installed. Or finding files on a messy desktop.
• Creating unlimited resumes at no cost
• We manage it for you and make finding your resumes super easy, so you never have to worry about things getting lost. Go ahead and create unlimited versions of your resumes!
• High-quality resume designs
• This is where we specialize. Our design team has tested the exact elements required for perfecting resume templates. We sweat the details so you never have to. We’ve spent countless hours choosing the most appropriate font and color combinations. Including ones that pass the stress tests of relentless Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

The other benefits of using Easy Resume’s online resume builder are:

• Download your resume as a PDF. We recommend this file format so your resume always looks consistent.
• Share a direct link to your resume. We’ll even host it for you at no cost.
• Get exclusive access to guides, tutorials, and tips from career and industry professionals.

Understanding the 3 types of resume formats

Let’s break down the different types of resumes that employers generally look for.

• Reverse Chronological
• Combination

Tip: When in doubt, use a reverse chronological resume format. - About 95% of resumes use the reverse chronological format. Hiring managers are used to this as it lets employers see how your career has progressed.

1. Reverse Chronological Format

The most common is the Reverse Chronological format. It’s the most used and formatted to tell the story of your work experience in a chronological way. Employers prefer this format, as it gives them a historical overview of your career. Including the different job titles and responsibilities that you’ve had.

When should you use a reverse chronological resume template?

• You have had a lot of prior work experience. This means either the number of jobs or the amount of work experience you’ve had.
• You want to show how your career has progressed. For example, if you started as an associate and worked your way up to a senior-level position. The reverse-chronological format is a great way of showing your progression.

What if you have gaps between your work experience?

This is a very common question that we often receive. It’s usually in the form of:

“I’ve been out of work for 6-7 years after a certain life situation (i.e. having kids). The last job I had was in 2012, but recently I'm starting to apply for jobs again in 2019. What’s the right resume format for someone like me?”

First of all, no worries. This is a very common situation and happens with many people. As a hiring manager, having a gap like this can lead to questions and uncertainty about your resume. Which is why we recommend that you use a combination format.

2. Functional Format

The second type of resume format is the Functional or Skills-Based resume. This can be common for students and recent graduates starting to apply for their first job.

When should you use a functional / skills-based resume template?

• You’re a student or recent graduate applying for jobs for the first time with no prior work experience.
• You’re looking to make a career change.

Reasons why this is common for students and recent grads is due to their lack of prior experience. Given the fact that they’re starting to enter the workforce and apply for their first job. It’s well understood amongst employers that students won’t have a huge depth of work experience. There are other ways to let them know what you can help bring to the role you’re applying for by showcase the list of skills that you excel at.

It usually depends on the role you’re applying for. But there are some common ones that you can try to focus on like: Communication, Organization, Customer Driven, Effective Listener, Teamwork, etc.

What else can you add to your resume besides skills?

We recommend adding some extra activities for your career. Even if you haven’t attained any professional work experience yet. The few ways you can do that as a student is:

• Find internships
• Help volunteer at student-led or non-profit organizations
• Participate in extracurricular activities
• Take on side-projects

Not only will you have more examples of experience to show on your resume. You can show employers how much initiative and leadership you’ve performed on your own. This helps you stand out much better than a candidate who only lists generic skills.

For example, instead of only listing skills like:

• Communication
• Collaborative

An employer might prefer to move forward with a resume that looks like this:

• Summer Intern at XYZ
• Volunteered for non-profit at XYZ
• Ran student organization for XYZ

What if you’re unable to get any kind of experience?

Fear not, your chances towards landing your first job can still be within grasp. We recommend taking an approach that explains the skills you’ve acquired. And how you’ve applied them in real-world settings.

Here’s an example of adding depth to your skill sets:

• Demonstrated effective teamwork and leadership in various class projects by taking the initiative to organize group’s goals, objectives, and tasks.
• Received consistent praise and admiration from course professors and team members as being highly collaborative, an effective communicator and group leader with clear presentation skills and abilities.
• Organization
• Meticulous about even the smallest of details. Always taking the extra effort towards making sure that filenames, folder hierarchy and labeling are descriptive, versioned, tagged and easily discoverable.
• Received constant praise from past and present team members who were able to jump into any collaborative project and accurately trace back previous versions to see how decisions were made.

Do you see how this can be more effective than listing out a set of skills? Taking this approach will let employers know that you’re not only listing skills. But have also demonstrated how you were able to apply these skills and put them into action.

3. Combination Format

The final type of resume that we mentioned earlier is the Combination or Hybrid format. This combines concepts from both reverse chronological and functional/skills-based formats.

We recommend this format for jobs that expect relevant experience and technical skills. An example might be a Graphic Designer who has experience working in design agencies. As well as necessary skills like Branding, Sketching, Illustration, and Adobe Creative Suite.

Take a look at our in-depth guide on how to select the right resume format .

Choosing the best resume template

Now that we know which software to use and the most common resume formats, let’s break down the actual template. This is the make-or-break deal. Picking the right resume template can be the deciding factor if a hiring manager gives you a call. Or if they skip past your resume and never bother to read it.

Our mission here at Easy Resume is to make sure that never happens to you! We’re working hard to make sure your resume is high quality and presented in a way that will impress recruiters.

When speaking with hiring managers, we found that 78% of the time they skip your resume is because of the design. Again, we don’t think that’s fair.

Here’s a checklist to use for your resume

We always use this checklist whenever creating any new resume template.

Use a clear heading structure

Incorrect : Don’t make all headings and body copy the same size.

Correct: Do use typographic hierarchy by using varying heading sizes and font weights.

Use legible, friendly and professional font combinations

Incorrect : Don’t use quirky and eccentric fonts like comic sans or papyrus.

Correct : Do use professional fonts that are easy to read and familiar. Fonts like Georgia, Helvetica, Calibri, and Cambia.

Use an ample amount of spacing

Incorrect : Don’t go overboard with spacing. Using a lot of white-space might spark joy, but not when your resume becomes three pages long because of it.

Correct: Do keep your margins tight but spaced even enough that your text isn’t hugging the borders of the page.

Incorrect : Don’t try to write your entire life story with every single job responsibility you’ve ever had. Recruiters on average spend about 7-8 seconds skimming through resumes. If it's two pages, the chances of them not spending even more than 2-3 seconds reading the second page is pretty low.

Correct: Do keep your information brief, relevant, and clear. If you REALLY need another page, make sure it’s valuable information. Otherwise, choose the right template that can fit the most words on a single page.

Use bullet points

Incorrect : Don’t write very long paragraphs about your work experience. Remember, your resume is a summary and a brief overview of your career. Your resume is not an autobiography of everything you’ve ever done.

Correct: Do use 3-4 bullet points to briefly describe your responsibilities. Feel free to add more bullet points if you have worked at only one or two jobs to fill up some more space.

Overview for writing a resume

Whew, that was a lot of information. Let's quickly summarize what we've learned.

1) Always use an online resume builder, instead of Microsoft Word

• It’s always better to use an online tool instead of Microsoft Word.
• Creating a resume template on Easy Resume will allow you to access your resume at any time. And access to unlimited resumes and a great selection of professional design templates.

2) There are 3 types of resume formats

• Reverse Chronological -This is the most common. Use it if you have a lot of work experience and want to show your career progression over the years. ‍
• Functional - If you lack work experience, use this format to emphasize your skill set. It’s great for students or recent graduates entering the workforce for the first time. ‍
• Combination - If you have a lot of experience and a diverse skill set that is relevant to your job, use this advanced technique. For example, a web developer who has worked at a few technology startups. And has programming skills in languages like Python, PHP, and Javascript.

3) Follow our resume design guidelines

• Utilize clear heading hierarchy, don’t make all fonts the same size. This will help your resume be easy to parse. Remember, recruiters spend an average of 6 seconds scanning your resume. Highlight the most important sections! ‍
• Use legible fonts that are easy to read . Using professional fonts will make your resume more legible. Choose from fonts like Georgia, Calibri, Garamond, Arial, Helvetica, Cambria, Times New Roman, Verdana, Trebuchet, Gill Sans, and Tahoma
• ‍ Use white-space conservatively . If you rely too much on white-space, you might end up with a 2-3 page resume. Keep your margins tight but spaced evenly to make it easy on the eyes for the reader. ‍
• Use 1 page . As previously mentioned, hiring managers and recruiters spend an average of 6 seconds. They might look at hundreds of resumes and applications every week. The chances of them reading every single page from top to bottom is pretty slim. ‍
• Use limited amount of color depending on your industry. Hiring managers need to notice the right parts of your resume. Using the right amount of color on your resume can help. ‍
• se bullet points . As previously mentioned, hiring managers and recruiters spend an average of 6 seconds. They might look at hundreds of resumes and applications every week. The chances of them reading every single page from top to bottom is pretty slim.

Resume sections and details

Let’s take a closer look at the resume itself now. Resumes are typically broken down into the common sections:

Common sections to add on your resume

Resumes tend to have some common sections that employers are used to seeing. Here's a list of what's generally expected as best practice:

• Heading / Name
• Additional Contact Info
• Your Objective
• Your Education
• York Work Experiences
• Your Skills

Of course not all people are alike. There’s no one-size-fits-all model for resumes. Depending on your job, you might want to include more unique sections. Remember any information you include on your resume should have valuable insight into your experience. Employers want to know why you would be a great hire.

Other sections to include on your resume

If you don't have enough information for the sections described above, you can try to add some of these sections below. Keep in mind that you should only add it if it's relevant to the position you're applying for.

• Volunteering
• Achievements
• Organizations
• Certificates
• Publications

As you can see, there are many sections to add depth to your resume. So don’t be alarmed if you’re lacking skills or experiences, there are other ways to let employers learn of your potential.

Tip: Only add information that’s relevant to the job you’re applying for. As a best practice, always remember that the most valuable details is the information that recruiters are specifically looking for in the job description that you’re applying to.

Let’s break down each of these sections and how to add the most value to them.

Adding contact information

Information about yourself is a critical element for your resume. It provides a brief description of who you are, where you're based and how to get in touch with you.

The most necessary contact information to add on your resume

There are quite a few ways to add your contact details, but here's what's most necessary.

• Your First & Last Name . You may use a preferred name if that's what you'd rather go by. So for example, someone named "Robert" might prefer to go by a nickname like "Bob". You may also optionally include your middle name or initial. ‍
• Your Email Address. Your email address is necessary if employers want to be able to reach you. Email is generally the most common way that recruiters use to get in contact with applicants.

Always use a professional email address.

Incorrect : Don't use an email address that sounds like you're still in grade school. Something like [email protected] will not look professional on your resume.

Correct : If you don't already have one, create a professional email address with your name on a service like Gmail. An email like [email protected] sounds much more professional.

• Your Phone Number. Adding a phone number will let recruiters know that they can also reach you via phone call if that proves to be more convenient for them. If possible, use your work or cellphone number instead of your home number. ‍
• Your Location. Adding your location lets employers know that you'll be able to physically make it to work. It's preferred that you list your city and state. Some people like to add their full mailing address. However, based on our research, we learned that it's not always important to add in your entire street address.

Let employers know where you're based, not your exact address.

Incorrect : Don't list your entire mailing address like 305 Main St, Apt#25. It's not always necessary. If an employer needs to know your mailing address, ask them and only provide if required.

Correct : You can simply list your city state and sometimes zip code, for example: New York, NY 10010. This will let employers know that you live and work in this geographic location. If you need a work visa or are looking to relocate, be sure to call that out.

Secondary contact information to add on your resume

• Your Website or Blog. If you have a website or a blog, feel free to add it on your resume. Having a website can add to the professionalism of your experience.

Unnecessary contact information for your resume

• Your Photo or Headshot. Adding a photo to your resume is a bit of a controversial topic. While it's not always recommended, and most ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) will ignore it - some countries like South Korea may prefer it. However, in most cases, it's not necessary. ‍
• Your Date of Birth. To avoid any kind of age-based discrimination, it's best to leave your birthday out of your resume.

Adding social media profiles

If you have accounts on social networks, you might want to include them depending on how relevant it is. This will let employers know that you're active and knowledgeable about commonly used platforms online.

• Linkedin is the most popular platform for networking amongst professionals. We recommend that you create a Linkedin profile if you don't already have one.
• If you use Twitter for professional reasons, adding your Twitter handle can be a good way to show off your personality and interests for topics that you like to talk about. However, if you use it purely for personal reasons, you shouldn't add it.

Tip: Only add social media profiles if they showcase your professional experience. Normally, you shouldn't add your personal social media profiles on your resume. Unless you're using social media networks like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest to demonstrate your expertise and interests, there's no reason to include them on your resume. For example, if you're a web developer, you might want to include your Github or if you're a designer, you can include a link to your Behance portfolio.

Writing the perfect resume objective

Your resume summary or objective gives employers a very brief overview of your goal and what kind of position you're looking for. It should always be at the very top of the resume. Usually placed directly below your name and contact information. It's always important to leave a great first impression. Remember, hiring managers are spending only 6 seconds scanning your resume.

Here are the key pieces of information that your resume objective should include:

• Your Job Title = e.g. Server
• Your Experience (in years) = e.g. 10+ Years
• Your Achievements = e.g. Managed parties and events upwards of 250+ guests and maintained customer satisfaction rate above 98%
• Your Desired Goal = e.g. Looking for new opportunities to bring expertise to fine-dining establishments
• Your Desired Goal (Personalized) = e.g. Looking to gain new skills and further develop fine-dining expertise at an upscale establishment like Janes Riverside Restaurant

Personalizing your resume objective to the specific company you're applying for can be a great way to make a first impression. We highly recommend tailoring each resume objective to the specific job and company you're applying to.

Follow these tips to write a great resume objective

This checklist will help summarize your experience into a resume objective that leaves a good first impression.

Avoid writing your resume objective in first person.

Incorrect : I am a server and have lots of experience working in various restaurants. I love working with customers.

Correct : Dynamic and engaged server with over 10+ years of experience who loves to provide warm and friendly customer service.

Quantify your achievements.

Incorrect : I worked many catering events and parties, and provided good customer service.

Correct :  Managed parties and events upwards of 250+ guests and maintained customer satisfaction rate above 98%.

Be clear about your desired goal.

Incorrect : I'm looking for a new job to get better at managing people and stores.

Correct : Looking for new opportunities to further develop hospitality and personnel management experience at fine-dining restaurants.

Putting all this together, a bad example of a resume objective might be the following:

Bad example of a Registered Nurse's objective

I am an experienced registered nurse, that has worked at large hospitals with experience taking care of patients and providing medical expertise. I'm looking for a position to help grow my nursing career.

Let's turn that into a better example of a resume objective, based on our guidelines:

Good example of a Registered Nurse's objective

Experienced and veteran RN with 12+ years of experience taking care of patient health. Skilled in providing high quality patient care in ER situations under intense pressure. Hired and trained a staff of 27 nurses and nurse assistants. Looking for a new role to bring empathetic care to the patients at Lincoln Hospital.

Take a look at our guide on how to write a killer resume summary or resume objective to learn more.

Summarizing your job experience

Your resume experience section is the most important aspect of your entire resume. It's a summary of your career experience and progression that outlines your responsibilities and achievements.

This is the section that you'll most likely spend most of your time on. It's good practice to make sure you consistently jot down any new experiences you've had, even if you're not looking for a job.

For example, if you recently landed a $200,000 deal by bringing on a new client at your firm, write that down somewhere you can remember. Over time, you'll have dozens of bullet points you can copy over to your resume when you are ready for a new job.

Here's a simple example of work experience

Server, red lobster.

November 2018 - Present • New York, NY

• Greeted incoming guests and directed them to comfortable seating.
• Memorized and informed guests of daily menu specials.
• Made recommendations about food and beverages as well as other services provided by the restaurant.
• Provided exceptional and friendly customer service by taking food and beverage orders and entering them in our PoS system.
• Job Title = e.g. Server
• Company Name = e.g. Red Lobster
• Start & End Dates = e.g. November 2018 - Present
• Location = e.g. New York, NY
• Responsibilities & Tasks = e.g. Made recommendations and answered questions about our food, beverages and other restaurant functions and services.

This is a simple example, but it can be improved by adding more detail.

Follow these guidelines to really maximize your career experience

These principles will make your resume look more professional, relevant and attractive to hiring managers. This is where most job-seekers have the toughest time when writing their resume.

We highly recommend emphasizing your experience section with these guidelines:

• Focus on achievements and outcomes. Instead of just writing about all of the tasks you did. Try your best to quantify some of the most key and impactful achievements you've made at the company. Using actionable verbs can help. ‍
• Use keywords from the job description. If you're applying to multiple jobs, make sure you tailor each resume to the job description . A great way to tailor your resume is to use keywords from the job description itself. Not only will this feel more relevant to recruiters, but it significantly increases the chances of your resume passing an ATS which scans for common keywords. ‍
• List only key responsibilities. Your experience section isn't meant to be a huge list of every single task you've ever done. Try to narrow your responsibilities to the ones that most relevant ones.

Here's a better example of work experience

• Implemented Happy Hour pre-dinner special that drove an extra $7,500 in weekly revenue.
• Trained and onboarded 6 servers to help increase waitstaff.
• Promoted to Team Lead after receiving exceptional feedback from repeat customers.
• Made food recommendations to customers that helped increase ordering by up to 15% for select items.

Adding skills to your resume

Showcasing skills on your resume lets employers understand the variety of your strengths. While skill sets can vary, the best approach is to use keywords from the job description to show how your skills are relevant.

In general, there are two types of skills you should consider adding to your resume.

• Soft or Transferable Skills
• Hard or Technical Skills

What are soft skills?

Soft skills (sometimes known as "transferable skills") are self-developed skills that will be valuable to employers to many different types of jobs. Some examples of these include communication, teamwork, organization and leadership. Listing soft skills is recommended if you're thinking about a career change where your skills would serve both industries.

For example, there might be a job that requires candidates to be very strong in teamwork skills. If you’ve worked in team settings, and enjoy collaborating with other group members, this is a skill that you might want to call out.

Here's a list of common soft skills:

• Taking Initiative
• Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Collaboration
• Time Management
• Critical Thinking
• Decision Making
• Presentation
• Facilitation

What are hard skills?

Hard skills (also known as "technical skills") are specific skills that are learned to perform a certain task or master a craft. These skills are often completed during your job, and sometimes require specific education or training to learn and master. For example, some technical skills can include computers or hardware for jobs like a Web Developer or an IT person.

Adding technical skills to your resume will let employers know how you can solve different challenges using these skills you've acquired. We recommend using your career experience, as described above, to show real examples of how you applied your hard skills at your job. Make sure to keep them relevant to the job you're applying for.

Here's a list of hard skills for specific roles:

Web Developer

• Ruby on Rails
• HTML & CSS
• Cross Browser Testing

Graphic Designer

• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe InDesign
• Adobe Illustrator
• Wireframing

Data Analyst

• Database Management
• Google Analytics
• Microsoft Excel

We have come up with a list of over 100 skills that you can include on your resume .

Listing your education

The education section of your resume is an important call-out for showing your school experience and the degree(s) you've received. It's important that the education section of your resume is relevant to fit the position you're applying for.

Here's an example of the information you should add for your education.

• School / University Name = e.g. Harvard University
• Degree & Major = e.g. B.F.A in Arts & Literature
• Minor = e.g. Minor in Spanish
• Years Attended = e.g. Fall 2004 to Spring 2008
• GPA ( optional ) = e.g. 3.8/4.0 GPA
• Honors ( optional ) = e.g. Magna Cum Laude

The most important information to include is your degree (multiple if you have more than one), the schools you attended and during which dates. If relevant, providing more specific pieces of information like your major and minor can also help.

Tip: Always be truthful on your resume. It's not worth lying on your resume. Employers will quickly find out whether you're telling the truth or lying during an interview if they ask specific questions that you are unable to answer. Same goes for your Education. Employers can request a transcript to verify that your school information is correct.

You'll notice we also added GPA and Honors as optional. For GPA, it's not necessary nor required, and should be generally avoided unless you have a high GPA (greater than 3.8). Adding honors and achievements is also likely to be ignored by recruiters. Only add it if you have plenty of extra space on your resume. Otherwise save that space for more important and relevant information.

Additional sections for your resume

Now that we've learned about the most important sections to add on your resume, let's explore some other ways to demonstrate your full potential to future employers.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all model. Every person, every situation and every job is different. Your resume should be tailored based on a variety of these circumstances.

Here are some sections you can include on your resume:

Keep in mind, that you should only add these sections if 1) you have extra space or 2) it's very relevant to the job you're applying for.

• Hobbies & Interests. This is a great way to show off your individual personality. Employers often care about maintaining company culture. Showcasing your different hobbies and interests can be a great way for them to get to know you, before even meeting you! Our advice on how to include hobbies on your resumes will be helpful.
• Languages. Do you speak multiple languages? This is a skill that can become useful, even if it isn't required for the job. When listing languages, you may also write a proficiency level (native, fluent, basic) to show how skilled you are at communicating in that language. ‍
• Volunteering Experience. If you spend time volunteering at different organizations, this can demonstrate to future employers that you're mission-driven and passionate about solving problems for others. If you're a student, acquiring volunteer experience can be a great way to substitute (with real impact!) for any lack of work experience. ‍
• Certifications & Awards. Have you received any certifications and awards that celebrates achievements you've made in your career? If it's relevant to the job you're applying to, then this could be a great way to level up your expertise and skills. Take a look at our guide on including achievements and awards on your resume as well as including certifications on your resumes.

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Professional resume templates to help land your next dream job.

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Resume and Cover Letter Writing Guide

• What's the Difference?

Getting Started

How to build your resume, review resume writing techniques, review resume samples.

• More Resume Examples

How to Write a Cover Letter

Review cover letter writing techniques, review cover letter examples, more cover letter examples, the end game.

Resumes and cover letters alone won't get you a job; rather, they'll help you win an interview. Here is comprehensive information that will guide you through the process of writing a targeted resume and cover letter.

What's the Difference?

What should you communicate on a resume versus a cover letter? Before you begin, review the  key differences between the two  and information on what each should focus on.

Keep in mind that the more specifically you can tailor your resume and cover letter to address the requirements of the position, the better your chances of earning an interview.

Below, you'll find step-by-step information on how to create your resume, along with formatting tips and insight into which words to use, and which words to avoid. The guide also features techniques for writing cover letters that showcase your accomplishments and form a clear connection between your experience and the position you are applying for. If you follow these steps, you'll increase your chances of securing job interviews.

Before delving into writing a resume, ask yourself some basic questions that will shape your direction.

• Are you seeking an entry-level job?
• Changing careers?
• Are you re-entering the workforce after a lengthy time off?
• Do you need to refresh and update your current resume?

The first step to writing an eye-catching resume is determining what you're trying to accomplish. While you might not include an "Objective" section on your resume, write one just for yourself to serve as a guiding principle for your overall resume.

Build your own professional resume quickly and easily with this step-by-step guide . It will help you through every step of the resume writing process.

A resume includes information on your education, work history, and skills . Get started writing your resume by creating a list of your accomplishments in each job that you have held.

From there, you can decide which details are most important to highlight and work on phrasing information in a way that will get the attention of both hiring managers and searchable databases. These resume writing techniques will help you write an interview-winning resume .

There are power words you can use to enhance your resume , and there are others that won't make a good impression . Write your resume so it focuses on the attributes that best qualify you for the job.

You may simply read the resume sample below or download the Word template by clicking on the link. Also see below for more examples.

Resume Example (Text Version)

Bethany Booker 3242 Magnolia Avenue • Memphis, TN 38108 • (123) 456-7890 • bbooker@email.com  www.linked.com/in/bethanybooker

SCHOOL LIBRARIAN

Dedicated to supporting the literacy and growth of children grades K-8

Highly organized and engaging School Librarian and Information Specialist experienced in instructing and mentoring students in the use of library resources including instructional media and educational technology.   

Partner well with teachers and staff to plan cooperative lessons and class activities, identify curricular needs, and order new library materials. Fluent in written and spoken English and Spanish.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

MEMPHIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS, Memphis, TN

SCHOOL LIBRARIAN (September 2008 – Present) Optimize library programs for multiple public elementary schools. Plan and implement library media programs, supporting students in the use of print and digital materials. Ensure available library resources comply with school district’s curriculum standards.

Selected Contributions:

• Developed highly successful visiting children’s author program and after-school book groups.
• Coordinated Scholastic book fairs and other fundraising events that raised over $10K earmarked for new book and media purchases.

KNOXVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY, Knoxville, TN LIBRARY AIDE (September 2006 – June 2008) Concurrent with graduate education, supported children and adult patrons of public library. Helped with book location and selection, shelved materials, and assisted in issuing library cards and collecting overdue fines.

• Selected to lead well-attended semi-weekly story times in children’s library.
• Willingly worked overtime and on weekends to ensure adequate library staffing.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE , Knoxville, TN

Master’s Degree in Library Science EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY , Johnson City, TN

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts (Major: U.S. History) Valid Tennessee State Teacher certificate with library science endorsement

More Resume Examples 

Get inspiration for your own resume by  reviewing these sample resumes , including  chronological ,  functional , and mini, as well as templates for resume writing.

A cover letter typically accompanies each resume you send out. Your cover letter may make the difference between obtaining a job interview and having your resume ignored. Where a resume focuses on your work experience and accomplishments, a strong cover letter will make a connection between what the company needs and what you can offer .

There are several different types of cover letters , including  application letters ,  inquiry letters ,  referral cover letters , and prospecting letters . Here's where you'll be able to see examples of different kinds of cover letters used to apply for jobs or inquire about open positions.

The body of your letter tells the employer what position you're applying for, why the company should select you for an interview, and how you will follow up.

Grab the reader in your first paragraph with some specific information about the job you're seeking and a few core strengths that demonstrate your suitability for the position.

Then delve into what you have to offer the employer by highlighting examples of the work performed and achieved results. Detail your knowledge of the company based on your research and the ways in which you can contribute to their goals. Finally, close the letter by suggesting a meeting or next steps.

It makes sense to devote the necessary time and effort to write an effective, targeted cover letter. Your letter should convey how your skills and accomplishments will benefit the company. These tips will help you craft a cover letter that's a strong match for the job for which you're applying.

You may review the cover letter sample below or download the Word template by clicking on the link. Also see below for more examples.

Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Bethany Booker 3242 Magnolia Avenue • Memphis, TN 38108  (123) 456-7890 • bbooker@email.com  www.linked.com/in/bethanybooker

March 11, 2019

Ms. Harriet Williams, Principal Liberty Bell Middle School 718 Morningside Drive Johnson City, TN 37604

Dear Ms. Williams:

Please accept the accompanying resume as a sign of my sincere interest in the School Librarian / Media Specialist position that has opened at Liberty Bell Middle School. As a school librarian with eleven years’ experience optimizing elementary and middle school library programs in Memphis, Tennessee, I can offer you strong capabilities in lesson and activity coordination, materials sourcing and acquisition, and student advocacy.

My qualifications for this position include:

• Proven effectiveness guiding students in the use of library resources, instructional media, and educational technology.
• A proactive stance in developing supplemental after-school literacy programs for students and their parents.
• Annual success in planning book fairs and other major fund-raising activities that have raised thousands of dollars for library programs.
• A Master’s Degree in Library Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and a valid Tennessee State Teacher certificate.

Supporting the growth and welfare of young people through reading and literacy has been my life-long passion. Eager to return to my hometown of Johnson City, I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my candidacy for this role in greater detail. Thank you for your time, consideration, and forthcoming response.

Bethany Booker

With about 100 sample cover letters and templates to choose from , you will get plenty of guidelines on how to write the perfect cover letter for your situation, regardless of your occupation and employment situation.

When you've finished perusing the step-by-step guide, you'll have a resume and cover letter(s), which will be polished, professional, and ready to send to prospective employers.

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How To Write A Resume That Wins A Job In 2024 [7+ Free Templates & Examples]

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Ready to learn how to write a resume that gets you hired? Look no further!

If you want a resume template that will help you land more interviews, head over to our free resume builder !

In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover the strategies and methods behind taking your template and transforming it into a job-winning resume!

Let's Be Honest: Writing A Resume Is The Worst

Writing a great resume is one of the most frustrating parts of the job search. We sift through dozens of articles and compare conflicting advice to make our own decisions on what to follow:

One article says “one page MAX” while another says “use two or three and include all of your experience.”

And yet another tells you to “write a quick summary highlighting your personality and experience” while a different article claims that “summaries are a waste of space.”

You scrape together your best effort and hit “Submit,” sending your resume into the ether. When you don't hear back, you wonder what went wrong:

“Was it the single page or the lack of a summary? Honestly, who gives a s**t at this point. I'm sick of sending out 10 resumes every day and hearing nothing but crickets.”

Writing a resume sucks, but it's not your fault!

The real reason it's so tough to write a resume is because most of the advice out there hasn't been proven against the actual end goal of getting a job. If you don't know what consistently works, you can't lay out a system to get there.

It's easy to say “one page works best” when you've seen it happen a few times. But how does it hold up when we look at 100 resumes across different industries, experience levels, and job titles?

That's what this article aims to answer.

Over the past five years, I've personally applied to hundreds of companies and coached hundreds of people through the job search process. This gave me a huge opportunity to measure, analyze, and test the effectiveness of different resume strategies at scale.

This article is going to walk through everything I've learned about the best ways to write a resume over the past 5 years, including:

• Mistakes that 95%+ people make, causing their resumes to get tossed immediately
• 3 things that consistently appear in the resumes of highly effective job searchers (who go on to land jobs at the world's best companies)
• A quick hack that will help you stand out from the competition and instantly build relationships with whoever is reading your resume (increasing your chances of hearing back and getting hired)
• The exact resume template that got me interviews and offers at Google, Microsoft, Twitter, Uber, and more

The strategies you're about to learn have helped people just like you land jobs at Google, Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, ESPN, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, and more.

Before we get to the unconventional strategies that will help set you apart, we need to first make sure our foundational bases are covered. That starts with understanding the mistakes most job seekers make so we can make our resume bulletproof.

Resume Mistakes That 95% Of People Make

Most resumes that come through an online portal or across a recruiter's desk are tossed out because they violate a simple rule.

When recruiters scan a resume, the first thing they look for are mistakes. Your resume could be fantastic, but if you violate a rule like using an unprofessional email address or improper grammar, it's going to get tossed out.

Our goal is to fully understand the triggers that cause recruiters/ATS systems to make the snap decisions on who stays and who goes.

In order to get inside the heads of these decision makers, I collected data from dozens of recruiters and hiring mangers across industries. These people have several hundred years of hiring experience under their belts and they've reviewed 100,000+ resumes across industries.

They broke down the five most common mistakes that cause them to cut resumes from the pile:

The 4 Most Common Resume Mistakes (According To Recruiters & Hiring Managers):

Mistake #1:  Sloppiness (typos, spelling errors, & grammatical mistakes). Close to 60% of resumes have some sort of typo or grammatical issue.

Solution:  Have your resume reviewed by three separate sources – spell checking software, a friend, and a professional. Spell check should be covered if you're using Microsoft Word or Google Docs to create your resume.

A friend or family member can cover the second base, but make sure you trust them with reviewing the whole thing. You can always include an obvious mistake to see if they catch it.

Finally, you can hire a professional editor on Upwork . It shouldn't take them more than 15-20 minutes to review so it's worth paying a bit more for someone with high ratings and lots of hours logged.

Mistake #2: Summaries are too long and formal. Many resumes include summaries that consist of paragraphs explaining why they are a “driven, results oriented team player.” When hiring managers see a block of text at the top of the resume, you can bet they aren't going to read the whole thing. If they do give it a shot and read something similar to the sentence above, they're going to give up on the spot.

Solution:  Summaries are highly effective, but they should be in bullet form and showcase your most relevant experience for the role. Think of them as a highlight reel – the Sports Center Top 10 of your resume – instead of a paragraph of who you are and what you're looking for.

For example, if I'm applying for a new business sales role, my first bullet might read “Responsible for driving $11M of new business in 2019, achieved 168% attainment (#1 on my team).” I talk more about resume objectives and summaries in this post.

Mistake #3: Too many buzz words. Remember our driven team player from the last paragraph? Phrasing like that makes hiring managers cringe because your attempt to stand out actually makes you sound like everyone else.

Solution:  Instead of using buzzwords, write naturally, use bullets, and include quantitative results whenever possible.

Would you rather hire a salesperson who “is responsible for driving new business across the healthcare vertical to help companies achieve their goals” or “drove $15M of new business last quarter, including the largest deal in company history”? Skip the buzzwords and focus on results.

You can read more about writing highly effective resume bullets in this guide or you can use our free resume bullet analyzer tool .

Mistake #4: Having a resume that is more than one page. The average employer spends six seconds reviewing your resume – if it's more than one page, it probably isn't going to be read. When asked, recruiters from Google and Barclay's both said multiple page resumes “are the bane of their existence.”

Solution:  Increase your margins, decrease your font, and cut down your experience to highlight the most relevant pieces for the role. It may seem impossible, but it's worth the effort. When you're dealing with recruiters who see hundreds of resumes every day, we want to make their lives as easy as possible.

More Common Resume Mistakes & Facts (Backed By Industry Research)

In addition to personal feedback, I combed through dozens of recruitment survey results to fill any gaps my contacts might have missed. Here are a few more items you may want to consider when writing your resume:

• The average interviewer spends 6 seconds scanning your resume
• The majority of interviewers have not looked at your resume until you walk into the room
• Resumes with a link to a comprehensive LinkedIn profile have a 71% better chance of hearing back
• 76% of resumes are discarded for an unprofessional email address
• Resumes with a photo have an 88% rejection rate
• 58% of resumes have typos
• Applicant tracking software typically eliminates 75% of resumes due to a lack of keywords and phrases being present

Now that you know every mistake you need to avoid, the first item on your to-do list is to comb through your current resume and make sure it doesn't violate anything mentioned above.

Once you have a clean resume, you can start to focus on more advanced tactics that will really make you stand out. There a few unique elements you can use to push your application over the edge and finally get your dream company to notice you.

Steal The Resume Template That Got Me Offers At Google, Microsoft, & Twitter > Click here to get free, instant access to the resume template & bonuses <<

The 3 Elements Of A Resume That Will Get You Hired

My analysis showed that in order to write a resume that was highly effective, it typically includes three specific elements:

• Quantitative results
• A simple design
• Quirky interests section

This section breaks down all three elements and shows you how to maximize their impact.

#1: Quantitative Results

Most resumes lack them.

Which is a shame because my data shows that they make the biggest difference between resumes that land interviews and resumes that end up in the trash.

Here's an example from a recent resume that was emailed to me:

❌ Bad Example of Experience Identified gaps in policies and processes and made recommendations for solutions at the department and institution level Streamlined processes to increase efficiency and enhance quality Directly supervised three managers and indirectly managed up to 15 staff on multiple projects Oversaw execution of in-house advertising strategy Implemented comprehensive social media plan

As an employer, that tells me absolutely nothing about what to expect if I hire this person.

They executed an in-house marketing strategy. Did it work? How did they measure it? What was the ROI?

They also also identified gaps in processes and recommended solutions. What was the result? Did they save time and operating expenses? Did it streamline a process resulting in more output?

Finally, they managed a team of three supervisors and 15 staffers. How did that team do? Was it better than the other teams at the company? What results did they get and how did those improve under this person's management?

See what I'm getting at here?

These types of bullets talk about daily activities, but companies don't care about what you do every day. They care about results. By including measurable metrics and achievements in your resume, you're showcasing the value that the employer can expect to get if they hire you.

Let's take a look at revised versions of those same bullets:

✅ Good Example of Experience Managed a team of 20 that consistently outperformed other departments in lead generation, deal size, and overall satisfaction (based on our culture survey) Executed in-house marketing strategy that resulted in a 15% increase in monthly leads along with a 5% drop in the cost per lead Implemented targeted social media campaigns across Instagram & Pinterest, driving an additional 50,000 monthly website visits and generating 750 qualified leads in 3 months

If you were in the hiring manager's shoes, which resume would you choose?

That's the power of including quantitative results.

Note:  Just because you don't work in sales, marketing, or a “numbers-driven” field, doesn't mean that you can't add measurable metrics to your resume. There are other categories that qualify here, including:

• Time – How long did it take you to achieve something? Was that faster that usual or ahead of the timeline? If so, by how much?
• Scope – What was the measurable scope of the project you worked on? How many people did you manage on this project? How many people use the product you work on? What was the budget for this project? Etc.
• Efficiency / Productivity  – Were you able to save budget? Save people time? Improve outcomes?
• Comparison  – How did your results compare to the past? Did you do things faster? Better? Can you quantify and compare that to previous work?

Finally, every single person at a company has a role there because they impact the bottom line, either directly or indirectly. If you don't feel like you have a direct impact, go find the people who leverage your work who do!

For example, let's say you're a designer who made a brand new pitch deck for the sales team. Can you go talk to the team and:

• Ask how many deals they've closed with your deck vs. the previous deck
• Survey them and ask them to rate your deck compared to the previous deck

If your deck has led to more deals, how much are they worth? You played a role in those results! If your deck has better ratings and feedback than previous decks, add that in!

You can always find a quantifiable way to measure your value if you're willing to get creative.

#2: Simple, Aesthetic Design That Hooks The Reader

These days, it's easy to get carried away with our mission to “stand out.” I've seen resume overhauls from graphic designers, video resumes, and even resumes hidden in a box of donuts.

While those can work in very specific situations, we want to aim for a strategy that consistently gets results. The format I saw the most success with was a black and white template with sections in this order:

• Summary/Objective
• Volunteer Work (if you have it)
• Skills/Interests

This template is effective because it's familiar and easy for the reader to digest.

As I mentioned earlier, hiring managers scan resumes for an average of 6 seconds. If your resume is in an unfamiliar format, those 6 seconds won't be very comfortable for the hiring manager. Our brains prefer things we can easily recognize. You want to make sure that a hiring manager can actually catch a glimpse of who you are during their quick scan of your resume.

If we're not relying on design, this hook needs to come from the Summary section at the top of your resume.

This section should be done in bullets (not paragraph form) and it should contain 3-4 highlights of the most relevant experience you have for the role. For example, if I was applying for a New Business Sales position, my summary could look like this:

Sales Executive Summary Drove quarterly average of $11M in new business with a quota attainment of 128% (#1 on my team) Received award for largest sales deal of the year Developed and trained sales team on new lead generation process that increased total leads by 17% in 3 months, resulting in 4 new deals worth $7M

Those bullets speak directly to the value I can add to the company if I was hired for the role.

#3: An “Interests” Section That's Quirky, Unique, & Relatable

This is a little “hack” you can use to instantly build personal connections and positive associations with whoever is reading your resume.

Most resumes have a skills section but sometimes it doesn't offer enough value.

Research shows that people rely on emotions, not information, to make decisions. Big brands use this principle all the time – emotional responses to advertisements are more influential on a person’s intent to buy than the content of an ad.

You probably remember Apple's famous “Get A Mac” campaign:

When it came to specs and performance, Macs didn't blow every single PC out of the water. But these ads solidified who was “cool” and who wasn't, which was worth a few extra bucks to a few million people.

By tugging at our need to feel “cool,” Apple's campaign led to a 42% increase in market share and a record sales year for MacBooks.

Now we're going to take that same tactic and apply it to your resume.

If you can invoke an emotional response from your recruiter, you can influence the mental association they assign to you. This gives you a major competitive advantage.

Let's start with a question — what could you talk about for hours?

It could be cryptocurrency, cooking, World War 2, World of Warcraft, or how Google's bet on segmenting their company under the Alphabet is going to impact the technology sector over the next 5 years.

Did a topic (or two) pop into your head? Great.

Now think about what it would be like to have a conversation with someone who was just as passionate and knew just as much as you did on the topic. It'd be pretty awesome, right?  Finally,  someone who gets it!

That's exactly the kind of emotional response we're aiming to get from a hiring manager.

There are five “neutral” topics out there that people enjoy talking about:

• Geography (travel, where people are from, etc.)

These topics are present in plenty of interest sections, but we want to take them one step further.

Let's say you had the best night of your life at the Full Moon Party in Thailand. Which of the following two options would you be more excited to read:

• Ko Pha Ngan beaches (where the full moon party is held)

Or, let's say that you went to Duke (an ACC school) and still follow their basketball team. Which would you be more pumped about:

• College Sports
• ACC Basketball (Go Blue Devils!)

In both cases, the second answer would probably invoke a larger emotional response because they are tied directly to your experience.

I want you to think about your interests that fit into the five categories I mentioned above.

Now I want you to write a specific favorite associated with each in parentheses next to your original list. For example, if you wrote travel you can add (ask me about the time I was chased by an elephant in India) or (specifically meditation in a Tibetan monastery).

Here is the exact set of interests I used on my resume when I interviewed at Google, Microsoft, and Twitter:

ABC Kitchen's Atmosphere, Stumptown Coffee (primarily cold brew), Michael Lewis (Liar's Poker), Fishing (especially fly), Foods That Are Vehicles For Hot Sauce, ACC Sports (Go Deacs!) & The New York Giants

If you want to cheat here, my experience shows that anything about hot sauce is an instant conversation starter.

Resume Fundamentals: Format, Fonts, & Pairing With A Cover Letter

Now that you know what mistakes to avoid and what elements to focus on when you write a resume, it's time to get back to the basics. This stuff isn't the sexiest, but you need to make sure that the fundamentals of your resume are on point if you want to edge out the competition and win the job.

What Resume Format Works Best?

This is one of the most common questions I get from people who are planning to write a resume. When it comes to an acceptable resume layout , there are four main templates to choose from:

Resume Format Option #1: Chronological The chronological resume is one of the most common formats, and probably what you're using right now. It focuses on listing out your professional experience starting with your current position and working your way back. If you're leveraging a chronological resume format, you should aim to cap your experience at 10-15 years (when applicable) and don't be afraid to include side projects or part time jobs.

Resume Format Option #2: Functional Functional resume formats emphasize skills and experience over history. This resume is great for people who are chasing new industries that don't have a clear cut path. The blockchain/cryptocurrency space is a great example here – you can't get a degree in blockchain and most of the hires in the industry are brand new to the space so companies prioritize transferable skills over work history. Functional resumes are also great for people who have gaps in their employment. Focusing on your skills and tangible results reduces the spotlight on any lapses you might have and improves your chances of getting hired

Resume Format Option #3: Combination Combination resumes are a cross between functional and chronological. This is typically leveraged by candidates who want to highlight major projects and accomplishments because of their relevance to the position, while showcasing their extensive work history. Combination formats typically split the white space into a section that solely focuses on specific projects and achievements along with a section that highlights experience in a minimalistic fashion (typically the only information listed is the  company name, job title, and dates).

Resume Format Option #4: Creative/Non-Traditional Creative resumes step outside of the 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper and help candidates showcase their experience and skills in a non-traditional fashion. This could be an interactive website like Robby Leondari's , a mock up of the company's website like Philippe's , or a video like Mark's:

When it comes to choosing a resume layout , there is no “best” option for everyone. The smartest thing you can do is reflect on your situation, your experience, and the job you want. Then compare those to the options above and pick one that makes the most sense when you're ready to write a resume.

How To Choose A Font For Your Resume (& Why That Matters)

You might have read that and said, “Font? Seriously!? I've got way more important stuff on my plate right now.”

I used to think the same thing until I came across this article on Font Psychology.  It consolidated information from 75+ academic studies on the subject that all point to a similar conclusion – fonts have a  huge  impact on our perception of the written product be it a paper, a website, or a resume.

There are five main font categories in existence today: Serif, Sans Serif, Monospace, Fantasy, and Cursive. Here's an infographic illustrating the emotions that each of these font families evoke in the reader:

When it comes to the “best” font for your resume , the safest bet is to use something simple and easy to read. In my opinion, Sans Serif fits that bill best so choose from fonts like Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, or Geneva.

How A Great Cover Letter Will Strengthen Your Resume

Many people read this article and come back to me with a single takeaway, “Did you say ONE PAGE??”

How can you possibly fit all of the amazing work you've done in the industry over the past several years along with skills , interests, and references onto a single page?! That's where your cover letter comes in.

The cover letter is your place to expand on the experience, skills, and achievements you highlighted in your resume. Crafting a great cover letter is also going to increase the strength of your overall application. Data shows that 53% of employers prefer candidates who submit a cover letter.

But this article is about how to write a resume that gets results. The main takeaway is that, if done correctly, your cover letter is going to boost your overall application and increase the chances that your (now totally awesome) resume gets a thorough inspection. For a more detailed look into cover letters, check out my guide on Writing A Cover Letter That Actually Gets You Hired .

Finally, when you make it past the final round and the company asks for references , make sure your references match the format and templates you chose for your resume and cover letter.

The Proven Plug & Play Resume Template (With Examples)

Now that we have our fundamentals down, it's time to apply all of these tactics to write a resume. Our goal is to write a resume that increases your chances of hearing back from companies, enhances your relationships with hiring managers, and ultimately helps you score the job offer.

The example below is the exact resume that I used to land interviews and offers at Microsoft, Google, and Twitter. I was targeting roles in Account Management and Sales so this sample is tailored towards those positions. We'll break down each section below:

First, I want you to notice how clean this resume template is. Each section is clearly labeled and separated and flows nicely from top to bottom.

My summary speaks directly to the value I've created in the past around company culture and its bottom line:

• I consistently exceeded expectations
• I started my own business  in the space (and saw real results)
• I'm a team player who prioritizes culture

Next, my Experience section aims to flesh out the points made in my Summary. I mentioned exceeding my quota up top so I included two specific initiatives that led to that attainment, including measurable results:

• A partnership leveraging display advertising to drive users to a gamified experience. The campaign resulted in over 30,00 acquisitions and laid the groundwork for the 2nd largest deal in company history.
• A partnership with a top tier agency aimed at increasing conversions for a client by improving user experience and upgrading tracking during a company-wide website overhaul (the client has ~20 brand sites). Our efforts over 6 months resulted in a contract extension worth 316% more than their original deal.

Finally, I included my education at the very bottom starting with the most relevant coursework.

Steal My Proven Resume Template (For Free!) In order to help you write a resume that gets results, I'm giving away a copy of my proven resume template, access to my Rapid Resume Revamp video course, and a live resume review session. All you need to do is click the link below to get instant access: Click here to get free, instant access to all of my resume resources.

How To Identify Resume Keywords

If you're not already familiar, Applicant Tracking Systems are pieces of software that companies use to help “automate” the hiring process.

After you hit submit on your online application, the ATS software scans your resume looking for specific keywords and phrases.

If the language in your resume matches up, the software sees it as a good fit for the role and will pass it on to the recruiter. However, even if you're highly qualified for the role but you don't use the right wording, your resume can end up sitting in black hole.

Translation? If you want to boost your chances of getting seen and getting hired, you need to write a resume that is optimized the right way, using the right resume template.

This can be a little tricky to figure out on your own, which is exactly why I created a tool called ResyMatch.io !

ResyMatch is a free resume scanner and optimizer that will help you identify the exact keywords, experience, and formatting you need to include on your resume for each job you apply for!

Here's how it works:

First, head over to ResyMatch.io , upload your resume on the left, and paste your target job description on the right:

ResyMatch will scan your resume and compare it to your target job description. The tool will spit out a match score based on four categories – ATS Best Practices, Hard Skills, Soft Skills, and a Sales Index (which essentially grades you on how well you sell your experience in your bullets):

If you scroll down, you'll get a full breakdown of the exact changes you need to make to improve your resume. ResyMatch will show you the keywords you need to include, the formatting you should aim for, and it will show you how to sell yourself through your bullets and content:

When you write a resume, your goal is to include those keywords at the same frequency that you'd find on the job description.

ResyMatch is free so you can scan your resume and track your progress as you make your updates!

While there's no guaranteed way to beat the online application process, this will definitely help improve your chances of getting your foot in the door!

How To Write Highly Effective Resume Bullets

At the beginning of this article, I talked about conflicting advice that you see all the time when you're ready to write a resume. One page vs. two, summaries vs. objectives, this font or that font…

But the truth is, none of those things matter if the content of your resume stinks.

You could have the best template and the best formatting, but if your bullets are vague and generic, you won't get results!

The problem is, most people don't do a great job of illustrating their value in their resume bullets – and I don't blame them!

When I was job searching, understanding how to write “good” bullets wasn't easy. And most of the time I  thought  I'd finally gotten there, but I still wasn't getting any results.

I realized the problem was that the concept of a “good” bullet was abstract. What made a “good” bullet good and what made a “bad” bullet bad?

I spent the next few years working to develop a formula for great resume bullets to help solve that. It looks like this:

That gave me a starting point for structuring my bullets and it made a HUGE difference.

But applying your bullets to that formula still takes some work. You need to figure out what your skills are, what action words you're using, etc. I wanted to take the guesswork out of it, so I created a resume bullet analyzer tool called ResyBullet.io .

All you need to do is copy a bullet from your resume, paste it into ResyBullet, and the tool will analyze your bullet and give you a score along with objective feedback on how it needs to be improved:

The tool will also save your score history so you can track your progress and A/B test different approaches to your bullets as your score improves.

You can check it out at ResyBullet.io.

Write A Resume With Our Free Resume Templates & Resume Builder

If you're ready to start implementing all of the tips and strategies from this article, check out how to write a resume using our free resume builder .

Like ResyMatch, ResyBullet, and all of our tools, they are free to use:

You can choose from 7 resume templates that are ATS-friendly (meaning the resume robots can easily scan and read it) and have been approved by recruiters from the world's best companies including Microsoft, Google, Barclays, and more.

Next, we give you complete control over the content and style of your resume. You can edit the sections, colors, font, sizing, margins, and a whole lot more!

Finally, you can export your resume as a PDF, a TXT file you can import into Microsoft Word, or you can save it to your Google Drive.

Click here to start building a job-winning resume for free!

Resume Statistics

We recently analyzed 125,000+ resumes to answer one question:

“How many candidates are following best practices and where are there opportunities to create a better, more effective resume?”

We looked at file types and formatting. We looked at contact information, education, and interests. We looked at keywords, skills, and experience. We even looked at the specific language used to write these resumes.

The analysis of these resumes led to some pretty interesting results and the goal of this article is to share them with you so that you can understand how to write an effective resume and get an edge on the competition.

Still Have Questions About How To Write A Resume?

No problem! I tried to include as much as I possibly could in this guide, but everyone's situation is unique.

Feel free to leave a comment below or email me with your question or any feedback you have!

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Austin Belcak

Austin is the founder of Cultivated Culture where he helps people land jobs without connections, without traditional experience, and without applying online. His strategies have been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, & Fast Company and has helped people just like you land jobs at Google, Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Twitter, & more.

18 thoughts on How To Write A Resume That Wins A Job In 2024 [7+ Free Templates & Examples]

Thank you Austin. Awesome article! I’m so happy I found Cultivated Culture. The content you’re posting is absolutely amazing. It has helped me with almost any problem I encountered during my job search. I absolutely love your career advice. Thank you.

As a recent graduate i want to create resume/CV for myself as i am going to start looking for job but didn’t know how and what should i include on resume so started searching over net and found out this article which i think is great help for students like us. Thank You.

Thank you for this informative how-to. I’m recently back on the search for a job after many many happy years at the same place. This is truly helpful for those of us without a tuned-up resume, and will no doubt prove very beneficial.

Thanks again!

>Resume Format Option #4: Creative/Non-Traditional

Just a word of warning – if the job you’re applying to isn’t a creative one, it’s probably best to pass on this option. On the other hand, if you ARE trying to land a job that involves creativity, this might be the best option of them all. Past experience and skills and all that is great, but being able to showcase your talents and genius right there in the resume itself is something that only a few people can do well. And if one of those people is you, then hey, go for it!

Awsome article! It gave me a few ideas of how to re-write my resume. Thanks a lot.

Right on! That’s the whole goal, glad to hear it sparked a few ideas.

Thank you for this wonderful post, Austin! This is extremely helpful.

Do you have suggestions for including or coming up with metrics for your job when it’s hard to quantify the results at your job OR some metrics/numbers are confidential to be published on your resume/cover letter?

My job title is Systems Analyst / Product Owner, and I am looking to apply for Product Management roles.

Do you have any suggestions/templates for coming up with metrics specifically for the Product Owner/Business Systems Analyst role? That is one part of updating my Resume that I am really struggling with. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

You bet Ankit! Thanks so much for reading.

There is almost always some way to spin up metrics or results for what you’ve done. The best questions to ask yourself are:

– Why is the company paying me to do this? How are they measuring success? – What teams/people is my work impacting? How can I leverage their results?

For example, if you release a product, how did that product impact sales, increase efficiency, or drive retention? Or if you fixed a bug, how did that improve satisfaction or usability?

Someone is leveraging your work or paying attention to it and saying “it’s worth keeping Ankit around.” You need to find those people, figure out what results they’ve seen from your work, and add those in.

Austin you are just awesome I don’t read so long content but while I was in your blog, I couldn’t stay away as each point is precise and to the point well explained! Loved it

Nice! I’m super happy to hear it keeps you coming back Razor!

Hey there! I am seeking out some ways to enhance my clients resumes. They are all young adults with disabilities and need some amplification to their entry level resumes. If you have time please send over some tips. Best, Taylor

Hey Taylor, sounds like you’re doing really important work. This article is definitely a great place to start, I’d also recommend checking out this resume builder . It incorporates all of the info above and makes it easy to create a resume that gets results. It’s also 100% free!

Thank you Austin for such wonderful article for job-winning resume templates. Your article is extremely helpful and you can also check out other amazing resume writing templates from one des blog.

Thanks Andy, I appreciate the kind words!

I like how you said that when recruiters scan a resume, the first thing they look for are mistakes. My cousin is looking for a job and he says that it’s been hard to find a good job. Thanks for sharing this article, I will suggest to him to find a professional to help him write a nice resume so that he can get a job faster.

You got it Derek! With companies receiving hundreds, if not thousands, of resumes the easiest way for them to slim it down is by looking for mistakes. Running a resume through tools like Hemingway app or Grammarly is an easy way to make sure yours passes that check!

super useful as usual. I have a question though. I ran my resume through Jobscan. it is currently on 1 page and font size 10 (so rather packed…), however the jobscan analysis says I do not have enough characters on my cv.

I think you said that a 1 page resume is better. Currently based in Europe, I am still hesitating between 1 page and 2 pages. The analysis of Jobscan suggests I should probably have a 2 pages resume.

Any thoughts ?

Hey Xavier,

There is no absolute “right or wrong” answer here. Resumes are all about quality over quantity.

A one page resume full of fluff would be awful and a three page resume that’s jam packed with results and accomplishments would work great. On the flip side, a one page resume with amazing results will beat out a three pager full of fluff.

Instead of worrying about the length, I would focus on making sure your bullets follow the formula in this post . That will ensure that you’re using them to illustrate and drive value!

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Dive Into Expert Guides to Enhance your Resume

Top 10 Tips for Writing a Winning Resume

Getting a new job a can be a long process and there are many stages and they are all important and need careful consideration.

Writing an effective resume is the first step  and it’s crucial to get it right to secure an interview.

Writing a resume is a minefield , hirers judge them in a matter of seconds and are quick to throw them into the wastepaper basket.  There are many traps that people fall into.

How to write a resume: thankfully, these pitfalls can be easily avoided and there are some  resume tips and tricks tips  which will help to put you ahead of the competition.

Use an attractive template that fits you

There is an abundance of  different types of resumes  and it can be difficult to choose. The first impression your resume gives is incredibly important, so it’s best to  choose an attractive, simple design . It’s better to be conservative and tasteful than go for clashing colors or whacky pictures.

The order of information is also important , you can choose a  chronological , reverse-chronological or targeted resume. Choose the one which highlights your strengths. An online resume builder is a quick and easy way of achieving this.

Include all of your contact details

This may sound obvious, but  give the employer multiple ways of contacting you . You can’t always answer your phone and different people prefer different methods of communication.

Make sure you write your full name, address, phone number, and email address, as well as a link to your LinkedIn profile or professional website if you have them.

Tailor your resume

This is one of the most important  tips for writing a resume . If you submit the same resume for every application you are putting yourself at a disadvantage.

The perfect resume doesn’t exist . Each role requires a unique set of skills, normally a combination of ‘hard skills’ (technical, learnable abilities) and ‘soft skills’ (personal skills or characteristics).

Resume advice:  You need to  show each employer why you are the perfect fit  for the vacancy they are filling, tailor your resume to meet the needs of the job. This can be more difficult if you are a student, there are more specific  resume tips for college students .

Choose a basic font

Use a font which is simple and easy to read.  The best fonts for a resume are basic fonts like Times New Roman and Arial . More daring fonts can appear either inappropriate, unprofessional, and sometimes even childish.  Readability is the main concern.

Include accomplishments

Rather than simply writing job descriptions, also  focus on what you’ve achieved in your past jobs . Reaching targets, solving problems, completing projects, and getting recognition are all attractive to potential employers. This is particularly true in technical fields.

Include keywords from the job description

Write a list of the keywords in the job description and work them into your resume . By doing this simple exercise you increase your chances of grabbing the hirers attention and  increase your chances of getting an interview . Don’t simply write the keywords in, think about the times when you’ve demonstrated the required skills.

Online presence

Many employers will look to see if you have an  online presence . This may just be a LinkedIn profile or it may be a professional website. Whatever it is,  make sure that it’s something you would want a potential employer to see . It can be advantageous to have at least a minimal online presence so that the employer can see that you actually exist.

Less is more: be concise

Resume writing tips:  Avoid writing long job descriptions. Hirers scan resumes in a matter of seconds to see if candidates meet the key criteria, they don’t want to read long paragraphs.  What not to include on your resume  is as important as what you do include. You need to  highlight your strengths , don’t let your strengths get lost in long, wordy paragraphs. An  online template  is a simple way to achieve this.

Follow the employer’s instructions

Read the instructions in the job description  very carefully and follow them. If not, you’re resume is unlikely to be considered. Make sure your resume is in the correct file format, write the correct information in the subject line, send it using the correct method (whether it be by email or through LinkedIn etc), include a cover letter if required,  and  make sure you actually attach your resume!

One of the best resume tips. Don’t lie on your resume! Highlight and emphasize your strengths and  tailor your resume to fit the job  but  don’t make things up . Employers will ask you questions and cross-check the information on your resume.  Don’t get yourself into an awkward situation!

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Related Posts

How to Write the Perfect Fresher Resume Templates and Examples

• August 25, 2024

Creating a resume as a fresher can be challenging, especially when you have little to no work experience. However, with the right approach, you can craft a resume that highlights your skills, education, and potential, making you an attractive candidate to employers. This guide will walk you through the process of writing a fresher resume, providing you with an example and a template to help you get started.

1. Choose the Right Resume Format

There are several resume formats to choose from, but the most suitable for freshers are:

• Chronological Resume: Lists your education and experiences in reverse chronological order.
• Functional Resume: Focuses on skills and abilities rather than experience.
• Combination Resume: Merges the chronological and functional formats, highlighting both skills and experiences.

For freshers, the functional resume is often the best choice, as it emphasizes your skills and education over work experience.

Free CV Builder: Moawin.pk 2. Start with a Strong Objective Statement

Your resume should begin with a concise objective statement. This statement should reflect your career goals and what you can offer to the employer. Since you are a fresher, focus on your enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and any relevant skills you possess.

Example Objective Statement:

"A highly motivated and dedicated recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, seeking an entry-level position in software development. Eager to apply my technical skills and problem-solving abilities to contribute to innovative projects."

3. Highlight Your Education

As a fresher, your education is one of your strongest assets. Be sure to list your degrees, institutions attended, and any honors or relevant coursework. If you have a strong GPA, include it as well.

Example Education Section:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science ABC University, XYZ City | June 2024 - GPA: 3.8/4.0 - Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Web Development, Database Management

4. Showcase Your Skills

Example Skills Section:

• Programming Languages: Python, Java, C++
• Web Development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
• Database Management: SQL, MongoDB
• Soft Skills: Problem-solving, Time Management, Team Collaboration

5. Include Internships and Projects

If you’ve completed internships, volunteer work, or academic projects, include them in your resume. These experiences demonstrate your practical knowledge and ability to apply your skills in real-world situations.

Example Experience Section:

Internship - Web Development Intern Tech Solutions, XYZ City | Jan 2024 - Apr 2024

• Developed and maintained the company's website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Collaborated with the design team to enhance user experience.

Academic Project - E-commerce Website

• Created a fully functional e-commerce website as part of a group project.
• Implemented front-end and back-end features using JavaScript and MongoDB.

6. Add Extra Sections

You can add additional sections to your resume to further highlight your strengths. Consider sections such as Certifications, Extracurricular Activities, Languages, or Awards.

Example Extra Sections:

Certifications

• Certified Python Developer, ABC Institute, March 2023

Extracurricular Activities

• Member of the Coding Club at ABC University
• Volunteer at XYZ Charity Organization

7. Keep It Concise and Well-Formatted

8. proofread and customize.

[Your Name] [Your Address] | [City, State, Zip Code] | [Your Email Address] | [Your Phone Number]

Objective A highly motivated and dedicated recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, seeking an entry-level position in software development. Eager to apply my technical skills and problem-solving abilities to contribute to innovative projects.

Education Bachelor of Science in Computer Science ABC University, XYZ City | June 2024 - GPA: 3.8/4.0 - Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Web Development, Database Management

Web Development Intern Tech Solutions, XYZ City | Jan 2024 - Apr 2024

E-commerce Website Project

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