tips for writing a good resume

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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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.

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• 17 Resume Tips to Get Seen...

17 Resume Tips to Get Seen and Hired Faster

13 min read · Updated on February 13, 2024

Your resume is only as good as the message it delivers

Are you struggling to write the perfect resume? If the answer is yes, you're not alone. Unless you've had a lot of experience creating resumes, chances are that you're unsure about what to include and how to create a truly compelling message that can capture an employer's interest. If so, then you could almost certainly benefit from some incredibly useful resume tips.

In this post, we'll explore 17 of the top resume tips and tricks used by many of the most accomplished resume writers in the industry. By incorporating these tips into your resume creation strategy, you should be able to craft the type of resume that can help you to win more interviews and land a fantastic job.

The basics: top 10 resume tips you need to know

We'll begin with the top 10 resume tips every job seeker needs to know to craft a compelling resume. One of the reasons that so many job seekers struggle with resume creation is that they just don't know what employers expect to see in a solid resume offering. These 10 tips can help you to ensure that your resume meets those expectations in a way that captures their attention.

1.     Gather your resume information before you begin

Our first tip may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how many job seekers fail to follow it. Before you even begin to lay out your resume, start by gathering all the information you'll need to spin your resume narrative. Try to keep it as organized as possible, so that you have the facts you need readily available as you create each part of your resume.

That information includes:

All the contact details that an employer will need to reach out with an interview or job offer

A comprehensive list of your skills

Your work history, including company names, job titles, and employment dates

A list of your most notable achievements in each role

Your educational history, including certifications and continuing education

Information about any volunteer activity

Details about relevant awards

Any other relevant information that can demonstrate your qualifications

2.     Select the right format for your resume

You should also focus on picking the right format for your resume - a decision that will largely depend on your experience level and career needs. There are three formats available:

Reverse-chronological. This format option is simple to use and the most popular choice for job seekers. It simply requires you to list your employment history and education in reverse-chronological order, starting with the most recent position you've held. As for why it's so popular, the answer is simple: most employers prefer to see resumes using this format.

Functional. The functional resume format is sometimes used by job seekers who have little experience or who are trying to switch careers. It focuses most of its attention on your skills, rather than career experience. Unfortunately, many employers view it with a skeptical eye, so make sure that it's the best option for you before you use it for your resume.

Combination . The combination, or hybrid, resume offers a balanced mix of those two extremes. It focuses equally on experience and skills, while also employing the reverse chronological technique in its employment section. It can be used by career-changers, those with gaps in their work history, and veteran workers who have a great deal of experience.

Related post : The Best Resume Format to Get Hired

3.     Use a clear structure

When it comes to useful resume tips, we'd be remiss if we failed to note the importance of using a clear and easy-to read structure. To achieve that goal, you need to separate distinct types of information into their own sections, so that employers can quickly identify the information they want to see. Every great resume includes the following sections:

Contact information

Summary paragraph

Skills section

Work experience

You can also include additional optional sections like awards, volunteer work, and other relevant information. Just make sure that those sections contain details that add to your resume narrative by further highlighting your qualifications for the job you're seeking.

Related post: 11 Key Things to Put on Your Resume

4.     Include all relevant contact information

Speaking of contact information, it's important to include multiple ways for employers to reach you for interviews. So, in addition to your full name, you'll want to provide a phone number, email address, and professional social media URL (for example, LinkedIn). You may also benefit from including your professional website, if it contains examples of your work that employers need to see.

5.     Create a compelling resume headline

It's also helpful to add a headline right below your contact information. Many job seekers just list the job title that they're seeking. However, you can use this headline space to create a more compelling message that can help your resume to stand out from the competition. To do this, create a headline that includes that job title along with descriptive language that can capture the employer's attention.

For example, if you're applying for a position as an Office Manager, you can add more flavor to your headline by writing something like:

Dynamic Office Manager with 7 Years of Experience in Productivity Enhancement and Cost Management

6.     Use a resume summary instead of an objective statement

If you're used to including an objective statement on your resume, then this tip is for you: try a resume summary instead. While an objective statement can be a wonderful way to outline your career goals, it's not really something that captures an employer's imagination. After all, employers are more interested in what you can do for them.

A properly constructed resume summary paragraph can be the best way to make that case in the briefest way possible. This short, three- to five-sentence paragraph should help you to highlight your relevant experience, top skills, and quantifiable achievements, creating the job search equivalent of a salesperson's elevator pitch.

Related post : 27 Great Resume Summary Examples to Get Hired

7.     Don't forget to include soft skills

As you craft your core competencies or skills section, make sure that you include more than just the key hard skills listed in the job posting. Those job-specific skills are important and need to appear in your resume, but they typically won't be sufficient to help you differentiate yourself from rival candidates. To do that, you will also need to include relevant soft skills. In fact, those soft skills may be the thing that separates your resume from everyone else's.

Related post : Soft Skills Explained - and the Top 7 for Your Resume

8.     List relevant jobs in your professional experience section

Start with your most recent job and work your way backward. The perfect resume should detail all your relevant professional positions within the past 10 to 15 years. If you recently graduated from college, include your internships and any work experience that took place since you entered college.

For each role, list the following information:

• Company Name.

Job Title.   If your title is specific to your organization, you can include a translation of sorts in parentheses next to your official job title.

Start and End Dates.   Include the month and year for each of these dates.

Achievements.   Brainstorm a list of your accomplishments and major contributions that benefited the organization during your tenure.

9.     Focus on achievements, not responsibilities

You'll notice that we advised you to include achievements for each job listing, rather than your job duties or responsibilities. The reason for that is simple: employers know that every worker has responsibilities, so including that information on its own in your resume won't impress anyone. However, if you can include actual achievements, and quantify them with real numbers, it will help employers to understand the type of value that you can provide if they hire you.

For example, how did you help save the company money, generate revenue, improve customer satisfaction, or increase productivity? Include real numbers, along with dollar and percentage signs to highlight that value.

10.  Include the right educational details

Create a record of all your education, beginning with your most recent degree. List the institution, its location, the name of your degree, your major and minor, your graduation year, and any honors associated with the degree, such as summa or magna cum laude. Do the same for any relevant certifications you've obtained or additional training opportunities or workshops you've attended.

Five tips for writing a resume that gets seen

While the preceding ten resume tips are vital for ensuring that you create the most compelling resume possible, the following five tips can take your resume from average to exceptional if you use them correctly.

11.  Use the right keywords

Let's begin with keywords. Many employers use applicant tracking systems, or ATS, that scan your document to rank candidates. That system will look for specific keywords in your resume. If it finds those keywords, you'll have a better chance of passing the screening and moving on to the next stage of the review process. If the ATS doesn't find those keywords in your resume, your candidacy will be at an end.

So, what are keywords and what should you do with them? You can typically find the right keywords by reviewing the job posting and job description. Pay careful attention to required skills, experience, and educational credentials. The terms used to describe those required qualifications will usually be the same words and phrases that the ATS searches for.

You can create a list of those keywords and simply insert them in your resume - in the summary statement, skills list, and other sections. Always be sure to use the exact terminology you find in the job posting, to ensure that you have the right keywords in your resume.

12.  Make sure that employers can easily skim your resume

It's also vital to think about how employers review resumes. The fact is that few resumes are read from beginning to end, unless they manage to somehow capture an employer's interest in the first few seconds. Most hiring managers only skim through each resume until they find that point of interest. Knowing that, your job is to make sure that their attention is grabbed as early as possible, to entice them to spend more time on their review.

Make sure that your resume can be easily skimmed by keeping it well-organized and tightly focused on your qualifications and value as a potential employee. You should pay attention to the details - like using power verbs to start your bullet points, to ensure that the first few words in each of those achievements draws the reader in and captures their attention.

13.  Skip the fancy design elements

You'll also want to make sure that your resume uses a simple, basic design. Don't try to incorporate tables, text boxes, images, or unusual fonts. Many applicant tracking systems struggle to read those types of design elements, which means that your complex resume design may never be seen by human eyes.

Stick to simple formatting tricks like bullet points, bold or italicized text, and clear section labels.

14.  Save your resume in the right file format

One of the most important resume tips you need to learn involves the document format that you use when you save your resume. Most employers will want to see either a Word document or PDF file, so stick to one or both of those options. Most ATS can read these files. Of course, if a company requests a certain file format, you should always follow those instructions.

15.  Name your file correctly

It's also important to ensure that your file doesn't get lost when you submit it to the company. That's why it's so important to give your resume file a name that can be easily found by any prospective employer. Don't send a file named “My resume,” since that document may be difficult for hiring managers to manage. Instead, provide more details by using a file name like:

“John Doe's Office Manager Resume”

Two tips to help you avoid immediate rejection

Our last two tips are designed to help you avoid being immediately rejected by employers. Both are critically important for ensuring that you avoid making a bad impression on your readers.

16.  Proofread the document

If you want to get your resume rejected as quickly as possible, filling it with misspellings, poor punctuation, inaccurate information, and bad grammar is one of the best ways to do it. Naturally, that's the last thing you want to do when you're hoping to land an interview and job offer. Fortunately, there's a straightforward way to avoid that fate: proofread your resume. In fact, you should proofread it several times to ensure that it's as perfect as possible.

We also recommend that you take that proofreading to the next level by having someone else review it after your edits are done. Find a friend or family member with strong English skills and ask them to read it several times. Make sure that it's someone who won't be shy about critiquing your work!

17.  Update your resume and tailor it to each job

The last of our resume tips is all about freshness and proper targeting for the job you seek. As a rule, you should try to update your resume every few months, even if you're not changing jobs that often. That will allow you to update your achievements and skills in real-time, so that you don't struggle to remember your accomplishments the next time you're looking for a job.

In addition, you need to make sure that you modify your resume every time you submit it to another company, to ensure that it specifically targets the job you're seeking. Effective tailoring will require you to adjust your included keywords to match the job posting, add or omit relevant skills to ensure that you meet the job's requirements, and potentially change your headline and resume summary to align with the company's needs.

Using these resume tips can maximize your chances of job search success!

There's no one-size-fits-all strategy for landing more interviews and job offers. After all, every employer has its own unique needs, and the hiring process can vary from industry to industry. Nevertheless, learning how to employ these resume tips in your resume creation process can help to increase your odds of success and ensure that the right decision-makers see your resume.

Need help with your resume? Our TopResume professional resume writers can assist you! Get your free resume review today!

Recommended reading:

47 Accomplishment Examples for Your Resume: Expert Picks

How to Advance Your Career (plus 10 Insightful Tips)

4 Types of Sentences: Definitions, Examples and Tips

Related Articles:

7 Signs Your Resume is Making You Look Old

Why a Simple Resume Layout is a Successful Resume

Software Developer Top Needed Skills

See how your resume stacks up.

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40+ Resume Tips and Advice for 2024 [with Expert Insights] | Enhancv

In This Guide:

Structure and formatting resume tips, content resume tips, tailoring and customization resume tips, tips for using ai to write your resume, additional resume tips.

Crafting the perfect resume can feel like a daunting task, but with the right advice, you can create a stand-out resume  that captures the attention of potential employers.

Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to update your resume or a recent graduate stepping into the job market, our comprehensive guide will help you demonstrate your skills and experiences effectively. From structuring your resume to highlighting key achievements, these tips will make your resume shine and increase your chances of landing that dream job.

So you’re already familiar with what a resume is —all the different and possible parts of a resume , maybe some typical resume mistakes  to avoid, and perhaps even exactly how to write a resume .

In that case, the next step is to familiarize yourself with the following tips. They’re sure to help you in the final stretch to get your resume ready to impress!

Structure and formatting are crucial on a resume because they ensure your information is easily readable and accessible to hiring managers. A well-structured resume puts the spotlight on your key qualifications, skills, and achievements, making it easier for employers to quickly see why you’re a strong candidate.

Good formatting also helps your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) , which many companies use to screen applicants.

By organizing your resume clearly and professionally, you make a positive first impression and increase your chances of landing an interview.

1. Study the job posting

Tailoring your resume to match the job description  is crucial in catching the eye of recruiters and passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Begin by thoroughly reading the job posting to understand the specific skills and experiences the employer is looking for. Highlight the keywords and phrases used in the job description, especially those listed under "Responsibilities," "Qualifications," or "Requirements." These keywords should be seamlessly incorporated into your resume, reflecting your qualifications in a way that matches the employer’s expectations.

For instance, if the job posting mentions proficiency in “project management” and “ budgeting ,” ensure these terms are included in your resume where relevant.

Is your resume good enough?

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

If you’re applying for a marketing manager position , your resume might include a bullet point like:

• Managed a team of 5 in the successful launch of a $50,000 marketing campaign, increasing brand awareness by 30%.

2. Structure your resume properly

A well-structured resume makes it easier for recruiters to find the information they need. Typically, an application should include the following resume sections : Header, Summary/Objective, Employment History, Skills, and Education.

The header should contain your contact information; the summary should provide a brief overview of your professional background; employment history should list your previous jobs in reverse chronological order; the skills section should highlight your relevant abilities; and education should detail your academic background.

Resume structure example

• Header : Jeffery Holmes | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johndoe
• Summary : Experienced Marketing Professional with 5+ years in digital marketing, specializing in SEO and content strategy.
• Employment history :

Marketing Manager, ABC Corp, 2019-present : Increased web traffic by 40% through SEO improvements.

• Skills : SEO, Content Strategy, Google Analytics
• Education : Bachelor’s in Marketing, XYZ University, 2014

3. Create an eye-pleasing header

Your resume header  is the first thing potential employers will see, so it should be clear, attractive, and professional. Ensure it includes your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile .

You may also include your city and state, but avoid unnecessary details like your full address unless required.

Use a larger font size for your name to make it stand out and ensure the contact information is easy to read.

4. Choose the right resume format

Selecting the appropriate resume format  is essential for presenting your information effectively.

• The reverse chronological format , which lists your work history starting with the most recent, is ideal for those with a steady career progression.
• The functional format  focuses on skills rather than job history, making it suitable for those with gaps in employment or changing careers.
• The hybrid or combination format merges these two, highlighting skills and work history, which can benefit professionals with a varied work background.

5. Keep it concise

A concise resume is more likely to be read and appreciated by recruiters. Aim to keep your resume length  to one page  if you have less than ten years of experience. This forces you to prioritize the most relevant and impactful information, ensuring that every word adds value.

Among the most effective ways to shorten your resume  is using bullet points to clearly present your achievements and avoid long paragraphs.

Instead of detailing every job duty, focus on key achievements:

• Reduced page load time by 40% through optimization techniques.

6. Use a professional font

Using a clean, sophisticated resume font  makes your document easy to read and ensures it looks professional.

Stick to ATS-friendly fonts , like:

• Times New Roman

Also, remember to keep the size between 10-12 points for body text, however, for headings, a slightly larger size (13-14 points) can be used to help differentiate sections.

7. Maintain consistent formatting

Consistency in formatting makes your resume look organized and professional. Ensure that all headings, bullet points, and text align properly.

Use the same font and style throughout your resume, and keep the resume layout  clean and uncluttered.

8. Use appropriate margins

Typically, one-inch resume margins  on all sides are ideal for a resume, but don’t go less than 0.5”. This provides enough white space to make the document easy to read while fitting in all the necessary information.

If you find you have too much white space, consider spacing your lines by 1.15 or 1.5.

9. Quantify your achievements

Quantifying your achievements with numbers and statistics  helps substantiate your accomplishments and gives a clear picture of your impact. This makes your resume more compelling and provides concrete evidence of your success.

Increased website traffic by 50%  through strategic SEO improvements.

10. Proofread and get feedback

Typos and grammatical errors on your resume  can leave a negative impression on recruiters. After proofreading yourself, have friends, family, or colleagues review it to provide additional insights and catch mistakes you might have missed. This extra step ensures your resume is polished and professional.

Consider using the  Enhancv resume builder  to avoid typos. The built-in Content Suggestion software automatically checks your work for errors. It also provides specific feedback and language to improve your resume.

You can also  enable grammar-checking on Microsoft Office  or Google Docs  to proofread as you write. Another excellent option is Grammarly , which provides plug-ins to further enhance the grammar check on Microsoft or Google Docs products.

11. Save as PDF or Word

Unless a job posting specifically requests otherwise, save your resume as a PDF or Word document .

These formats are easily opened and can be read by ATS. PDFs are particularly useful as they preserve your formatting across different devices and programs.

12. Name your file clearly

When saving your resume, use a clear and professional filename . This makes it easier for hiring managers to find your document and reflects a professional attitude.

Simple formula:

FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf.

13. Resume icons

Using icons on your resume can enhance visual appeal and readability, making key sections easier to identify and creating a strong initial impact. However, overuse can clutter your resume and affect ATS compatibility.

To balance aesthetics and functionality, use icons sparingly for contact information, skills, and section headers. Ensure consistency in style and size, choose simple, recognizable icons, and keep the majority of your content text-based to avoid parsing issues with ATS.

14. Using lines on a resume

Using lines on your resume can enhance readability and visual appeal by clearly separating different sections. Place lines purposefully to divide major sections like Contact Information, Professional Summary, Work Experience, Education, and Skills.

Opt for thin, light-colored lines to maintain a clean, professional design and ensure consistency in style and thickness throughout. Maintain adequate spacing around lines to avoid clutter, and use them sparingly to highlight key sections without disrupting the flow of information.

Thoughtful use of lines improves organization and clarity, making it easier for recruiters to quickly find and understand your qualifications.

15. Be honest

Honesty on your resume is crucial. Exaggerating or lying on your resume  about your qualifications can be easily uncovered and can damage your credibility. Be truthful about your skills and experiences!

16. Update regularly

Regularly updating your resume  ensures it reflects your latest achievements, skills, and experiences. This keeps you prepared for new opportunities and ensures your resume is always current.

17. Include a cover letter

A cover letter  is an essential accompaniment to your resume. It allows you to introduce yourself, explain your interest in the position, and elaborate on key aspects of your resume. A well-written cover letter can distinguish you from other candidates.

For more on what your cover letter should consist of, click here .

Content is imperative on a resume because it underlines your qualifications, skills, and experiences, directly influencing a hiring manager's decision. High-quality content effectively communicates your achievements and capabilities, demonstrating your suitability for the role. It helps you stand out in a competitive job market by highlighting what sets you apart from other candidates.

Moreover, well-crafted content tailored to the job can help your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), ensuring it reaches the recruiter. Clear, relevant, and impactful content is the hallmark of a strong, positive impression.

1. Write a compelling introductory

There are three options to choose from when it comes to your introduction.

Resume summary

This is a brief statement at the beginning of your resume that underlines your key qualifications and career goals. This section should succinctly convey who you are as a professional and what you bring to the table, helping potential employers quickly see your value. A well-crafted summary can set the tone for the rest of your resume and make a strong first impression.

• Resume summary formula

A strong resume summary should be concise and tailored to highlight your most relevant qualifications. Here’s a formula you can follow:

[Job Title/Professional Identity] with  [Number] years of experience in  [Industry/Field] .   Proven track record in  [Key Skill/Responsibility] ,  [Key Skill/Responsibility] , and  [Key Skill/Responsibility] . Adept at  [Specific Task or Tool] . Seeking to leverage expertise in  [Relevant Area] to  [Achieve a Specific Goal or Contribute to Company] .

Here’s an example of the formula in use:

Objective statement

This is another similar variant, designed primarily for entry-level candidates or career changers with little to no experience. It highlights your biggest strengths, relevant experiences, and how you plan to add value to the specific job or company you're applying for. In just three sentences, the objective statement demonstrates to prospective employers how your skills and work history will contribute to their business.

• Objective statement formula

To create a compelling resume objective statement, use the following formula:

[Adjective + Job Title]  + [Years of Experience]  + [Key Skills/Qualifications]  + [What You Want to Achieve/Contribute]  + [How It Aligns with the Company's Goals/Values]

We illustrate below:

Resume profile

This type provides a brief snapshot of your professional identity, emphasizing your skills, experiences, and career objectives. This short paragraph combines elements of a summary and an objective statement, offering a holistic view of who you are as a professional, what you’ve accomplished, and what you aim to achieve.

Breakdown of the example

• Professional identity:  "Dedicated project manager with over 8 years of experience in the IT industry"
• Skills and experiences:  "Specializing in software development and team leadership. Successfully led cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and within budget. Skilled in Agile methodologies, risk management, and stakeholder communication."
• Career objectives:  "Committed to continuous improvement and passionate about leveraging technology to drive business success. Seeking to apply my expertise and leadership skills to a dynamic team at ABC Corporation to enhance project outcomes and foster innovation."

All of these professional statements should come first on your resume, just under the header and headline.

2. Highlight key achievements and honors

Instead of merely listing job duties, focus on your accomplishments in each role. This approach demonstrates the impact you've made and your ability to deliver results. As we’ve already mentioned above, quantifying your achievements with numbers, percentages, or other metrics can make them more compelling and concrete.

If you have received an award for outstanding performance, you might write:

3. Showcase your skills

Include a dedicated resume skills section  to shine a light on the hard skills  relevant to the job you're applying for. Soft skills , on the other hand, should be embedded within different areas of your resume, such as your work experience, education, and summary.

Hard skills, also known as core competencies , encompass a wide array of technical abilities  and knowledge specific to your profession. In contrast, soft skills are interpersonal and behavioral abilities that influence how you work and interact with others.

4. Provide contact information

This is related to your resume header, please refer back to the example above if needed. Ensure your contact information  is up-to-date and prominently displayed. Include your name, phone number , email address, and LinkedIn profile. Including your physical address on your resume  is optional but can provide context about your location.

One thing to avoid, however, is having your photo on your resume . This may incur unconscious bias and it’s rarely expected.

5. Include relevant links

Providing links on your resume  to your professional website, work portfolio , or LinkedIn profile allows employers to see more of your work and accomplishments. Ensure all links are up-to-date and relevant to your professional image.

6. Resume adjectives

Using the right adjectives on a resume is important as it can effectively convey your strengths and qualities to potential employers. Well-chosen adjectives can make your skills and experiences stand out, giving a clear impression of your professional identity and work ethic.

Tips for using adjectives include being specific and relevant to the job you're applying for. Avoid overused or vague adjectives, and instead, opt for those that accurately describe your abilities and achievements. Balance the use of adjectives to maintain professionalism and avoid exaggeration. This enhances your resume's impact and readability.

Read our post on resume adjectives  for more information and an extensive list of examples.

7. Use action verbs

Starting bullet points with strong action verbs  makes your resume more dynamic and engaging. Words like “developed,” “managed,” and “implemented” effectively describe your contributions and responsibilities.

Managed  a team of 10 sales representatives, increasing overall sales by 25% within one year.

8. Showcase career progression

Showing your career progression by displaying promotions and increased responsibilities demonstrates your growth and capability to take on more challenging roles. This helps employers see your potential for long-term value.

Promoted from Junior Sales Associate to Senior Sales Manager within two years, managing a team of 10 sales associates and increasing regional sales by 30%.

9. Highlight relevant education

List your educational background in a dedicated education section on your resume , including degrees, institutions, and graduation dates. Also, include any professional certifications and training relevant to the job although separate sections are also acceptable.

• • Minor in Graphic Design.
• • Relevant Courses: Digital Marketing Analytics, Social Media Strategy, Content Marketing.
• • Certification in Digital Marketing,

10. Include volunteer work

Volunteer work  can demonstrate additional skills and dedication. It's especially valuable if it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for or helps fill employment gaps.

Many candidates place this after their work experience or under a separate section if it's extensive and relevant.

• • Organize food drives and manage a team of volunteers. Increased donation levels by 20%

11. Mention professional development

Listing workshops, courses, and professional development activities— training skills , in general, shows your commitment to continuous learning and improvement. This can be particularly valuable in fast-evolving industries.

• Completed Advanced SEO Strategies Course, HubSpot Academy, 2021.
• Attended annual Digital Marketing Conference, 2019-2023.

12. Add additional sections if relevant

Additional sections can make your resume unique and provide more context about your skills and interests. Include sections like hobbies and interests, professional affiliations, awards, languages, projects, and publications if they add value to your application.

These additions should be placed after the main sections, like work experience, education, and skills.

Here are a few examples:

• Language section

This section shows your communication skills and cultural adaptability, which are valuable in today's globalized workforce. Multilingual abilities can differentiate you from others by making you more attractive for roles that require interaction with diverse clients or colleagues.

It also indicates your capacity for learning and flexibility. Employers often seek candidates who can bridge language barriers and contribute to international business operations, enhancing team dynamics and expanding market reach.

• Hobbies and interests

Including this element on your resume can provide a more well-rounded view of your personality and help you stand out from other candidates. They can underline soft skills like teamwork, creativity, and time management, which are valuable in a professional setting.

Additionally, hobbies can act as conversation starters in interviews, helping to build rapport with potential employers. If relevant to the job, they can also demonstrate a genuine passion or additional expertise that complements your professional qualifications.

• Resume awards

Awards demonstrate your achievements and recognize your excellence in your field. They illustrate your competence, dedication, and the value you bring to your work.

These distinctions also add credibility to your skills and experience, reinforcing your qualifications for the position.

• Professional affiliations

They demonstrate your commitment to your field and show that you stay updated with industry trends and best practices. Associations also highlight your professional network and can indicate your involvement in ongoing education and development.

This can be particularly impressive to employers, as it suggests you are proactive in maintaining your expertise and are connected with other professionals in your industry.

• • Participated in PMI Global Congress and local chapter events.
• • Engaged in continuous learning through PMI webinars and courses.
• • Active member of the Scrum Alliance community.
• • Attended annual Global Scrum Gatherings and local meetups.
• • Contributed to ACM Special Interest Groups (SIGs) on software engineering.
• • Published articles in the ACM Digital Library.
• Publications on resumes

Publications demonstrate your expertise, thought leadership, and contributions to your field. They provide context for your research skills, ability to communicate complex ideas, and commitment to staying updated with industry developments.

Including publications is particularly beneficial in academia, research, and technical fields, as it shows your active engagement with current knowledge and practices. Ensure the publications listed are pertinent to the role, as this can strengthen your application by showcasing your qualifications and professional accomplishments.

• Resume projects

Including projects demonstrates your practical experience and ability to apply your skills in real-world situations. Projects showcase your problem-solving abilities, creativity, and achievements, making your resume shine to employers.

They provide concrete examples of your work, which can be especially valuable if you lack extensive professional experience. Adding relevant projects also shows your initiative and dedication, whether they are from work, school, or personal endeavors.

Overall, projects add depth to your resume, illustrating your competencies and contributions effectively.

• • Implemented secure user authentication and payment processing.
• • Increased site traffic by 30% through optimized SEO strategies.
• • Collaborated with a team of designers and developers to ensure seamless user experience.

13. Include relevant licenses and certificates

Licenses and certifications on your resume  can be crucial in certain industries, as they demonstrate that you have the necessary qualifications and have met industry standards. Including these on your resume can set you apart from other candidates, especially if the job requires specific credentials.

Make sure to list any relevant licensures and certificates prominently and include the date of issuance.

Certification example:

Licensure example:

Tailoring and customization on a resume  are crucial because they show employers you have the specific skills and experiences they seek. By aligning your resume with the job description, you demonstrate that you’ve researched the company and understand their needs.

This increases your chances of standing out among applicants and getting selected for an interview. It also highlights your attention to detail and dedication, qualities valued by employers.

Tailor your resume for the job you want, not just the job you have.

1. Tailor your resume

Customizing your resume for each job application is essential to stand out in the competitive job market. This means you should carefully read the job description and identify the key skills and experiences that the employer is looking for. Then, adjust your resume to emphasize those qualifications. This not only shows that you have the required skills but also that you’re genuinely interested in the specific position.

Tailoring your resume involves reordering your skills, experiences, and achievements to align with the job requirements. For example, if a job posting for a marketing manager emphasizes digital marketing and data analysis, make sure to highlight your expertise in those areas prominently in your resume.

2. Make multiple versions

Creating multiple versions of your resume allows you to be prepared for various job opportunities without starting from scratch each time. This is particularly useful if you’re applying for different types of roles or industries.

Keep a master resume that includes all your experiences, skills, and accomplishments. From this master resume, you can create targeted versions that focus on specific aspects of your career that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. This approach saves time and ensures that your resume is always tailored to the specific job.

If you are applying for both project management and business analyst roles, you might have two versions of your resume. The project management version would emphasize your experience in leading projects, while the business analyst version would focus on your analytical skills and experience with data analysis.

3. Use relevant keywords

To increase your chances of getting noticed, identify the key words and phrases  in the job description and naturally incorporate them into your resume. This shows the hiring manager that you understand the job's requirements and are able to fulfill them.

4. Curate your bullet points and experiences

Limiting bullet points to the most relevant achievements ensures that your resume remains concise and focused. Each bullet point should demonstrate a significant accomplishment or responsibility that is directly related to the job you’re applying for.

Avoid cluttering your resume with less relevant information that might dilute the impact of your most impressive achievements. Instead, focus on specific, quantifiable accomplishments  that highlight your skills and experience.

5. Show transferable skills and experiences

Highlighting transferable skills on your resume  is especially important if you are changing careers or applying for a role that differs from your previous positions. Transferable skills are abilities that you have developed in one context but can apply to another, such as leadership, communication, or project management.

By showcasing these skills, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed in a new role even if you don’t have direct experience in that field.

If you are moving from a teaching role to a corporate training position, you might highlight your skills in public speaking, curriculum development, and mentoring.

For example, you could write:

Designed and delivered engaging educational programs, resulting in a 30% improvement in student test scores.

6. List recent and relevant work experience

Focusing on your recent and relevant work experience on your resume  helps demonstrate your current skills and qualifications. If you’re asking yourself how far back you should go , typically, employers are most interested in your work history from the past 10-15 years. Older roles can be summarized or omitted if they are not directly relevant to the job you are applying for.

This approach keeps your resume concise and ensures that the most pertinent information is highlighted.

Keep your work history relevant

Instead of detailing a job you held 20 years ago, you might summarize it briefly if it is still relevant. " Previous roles include various marketing positions, contributing to a solid foundation in brand management and customer engagement”.

Using AI to assist with writing your resume can be highly beneficial. Here are some pointers to make the most out of AI tools:

1. Leverage AI resume builders

• Ease of use:   Enhancv’s free AI-powered resume builder  simplifies the creation process, guiding you through each section with prompts and suggestions.
• Customization:  Use these tools to tailor your resume to specific job descriptions by inputting keywords and skills relevant to the job.

2. Optimize keywords

• ATS optimization:  Run your current resume through Enhancv’s free AI resume checker  to identify and incorporate keywords from job descriptions, increasing your chances of passing ATS scans.
• Relevance:  Ensure that the keywords align with your actual skills and experiences to maintain authenticity.

3. Enhance formatting

• Consistency:  AI can suggest and implement consistent formatting, making your resume visually appealing and easy to read.
• Modern layouts:  Utilize AI recommendations for modern and effective resume layouts that attract recruiters' attention.

4. Draft multiple versions

• Role-specific resumes:  Create multiple versions of your resume tailored to different job roles or industries using AI suggestions.
• Experimentation:  Use AI to experiment with different wording and structures to see which versions resonate best with job postings.

Integrate AI into your resume writing process. It’ll enhance the quality, relevance, and effectiveness of your resume, increasing your chances of landing the job you desire.

1. Keep a resume outline

Maintaining a resume outline  is an essential organizational strategy that helps streamline the resume writing process. A resume outline is a comprehensive list of all your qualifications, including work experience, education, skills, certifications, and achievements.

By keeping this information readily available, you can easily tailor your resume to specific job applications without starting from scratch each time. This approach not only saves time but also ensures consistency and completeness in the information presented.

2. Avoid personal information

In short, do not put your  age , marital status, or social security number as they can lead to potential bias or identity theft. Employers are primarily interested in your professional qualifications and skills, not personal details that do not impact your ability to perform the job.

Excluding this information keeps your resume focused and professional, aligning with modern resume writing standards.

3. Avoid unnecessary phrases

Phrases like “References available upon request” are outdated and take up valuable space on your resume. Employers assume you will provide references if requested, so there is no need to state this explicitly. Instead, use this space to highlight additional skills or accomplishments that can make your resume stand out.

4. Explain career gaps

Being upfront about gaps in your employment history is crucial. Employers appreciate honesty and transparency. Use your cover letter or resume summary to briefly explain any significant gaps and focus on what you did during that time that contributes to your professional development.

If you took a year off to care for a family member, you could write, “ Took a career break from June 2020 to June 2021 to provide full-time care for a family member. During this time, I developed strong time management and organizational skills. ”

This explanation is straightforward and emphasizes the positive skills gained during the gap.

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Your guide to writing the perfect resume.

When you’re getting ready to dive headfirst into the workforce, there’s one tool that will help you more than any other: a truly stellar resume .   

Writing a great resume is an art, but if you familiarise yourself with the formulas, preferred templates and necessary sections, it doesn’t have to be hard. Thus, we’ve dedicated today’s blog post to helping you craft the perfect resume (and, subsequently, land the job of your dreams)!  

How to Write a Resume  

Trust us, sitting down to write your resume is one of the hardest parts of the job-hunting process (especially when you haven’t written one before). However, learning a few key rules of thumb before actually getting to it makes the whole thing a lot easier! The following tips are our non-negotiables when it comes to writing a resume , so you’ll want to take them seriously!  

Tailor Your Resume to The Job You’re Applying For  

We know, we know. This tip probably isn’t one you want to hear. However, if you really want to land the job you’re applying for, your best bet is to tailor your resume to the unique job listing. By inserting keywords from the posting into your resume , you’ll demonstrate your commitment and position yourself as an ideal candidate.  

Only Use 1-2 Pages  

There is absolutely no reason why any resume should be longer than 1-2 pages (especially when you’re in high school or university). By keeping it short and concise, you’ll keep the hiring manager happy while demonstrating your prioritisation skills and ability to identify what’s important.   

In fact, the only people who should use three or more pages in their resumes are senior professionals or academics. For most of you, this should come as a welcome tip. However, if you need to cut down on words, try fixing your formatting, re-editing, or removing unnecessary sections.   

Be Honest  

While it’s always tempting to embellish the truth a little when you’re going for a job that you really want, when it comes to resumes , honesty is always the best policy! Imagine if you’d been hired for a skill that the hiring manager thought you had, and when the time came to use it, you had no idea where to start. A bit embarrassing, right?  

Instead, if you think your resume is lacking that je ne sais quoi, the best option is to just invest time in actually learning a new skill. That way, both you and your future employer are winning: it’s a true win-win situation!  

Choose the Right Resume Format For You  

Reverse chronological order is generally regarded as the preferred resume format in this day and age. This type of format doesn’t just showcase your professional and academic experience, but it also lists your most recent (and thus, most impressive) role first. That way, you’ll be impressing hiring managers from the get-go!  

However, if you haven’t quite managed to lock down any work experience just yet, it might be best to use a functional resume format where your skills and education are listed first. Basically, the resume format you use depends on where you are in your career journey.   

Nail Your Resume Sections  

Once you have those top tips under your belt, it’s time to start writing! There are four main sections in any resume ; a personal summary, a list of work experience, a list of volunteer experience and an education section. Knowing how to write each of these well is key for constructing a successful resume !  

Personal Summary  

The personal summary is widely regarded as the trickiest resume section to write. Supplying this statement can feel similar to being asked to introduce yourself at the start of the school year and having all coherent thoughts escape you. However, if you stick to a formula, it really isn’t that tough.  

The purpose of a personal summary is to grab the hiring manager’s attention and explain why you’re the perfect candidate in three sentences or less. Try to integrate keywords from the job listing and start with a great hook to capture attention!  

Personal Summary Example:  

I am a proactive individual with one year of experience in the customer service industry and a proven record of hitting sales targets. Through my professional and personal endeavours, I have gained strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills that have proved extremely valuable in the workplace. I aim to progress in my career by undertaking a full-time role in the service industry where my abilities can be fully utilised.  

Work Experience  

If you have work experience to list, it should definitely be placed above everything else (besides your personal summary, of course). While some resume templates encourage you to simply list your job title and where you worked, it’s much better to be descriptive and explain your responsibilities. That way, your new workplace will know exactly what you’re capable of and how it relates to the job listing that you’re applying for.   

For those of you with more than one work experience listing, you’ll want to remember that reverse chronological resume format we talked about before! Trust us, it makes a world of difference!  

Work Experience Example  

The Coffee Room Café | Melbourne, VIC  

Barista/ Coffee Specialist  

JAN 2023- MAR 2024  

• Crafted specialty drinks for over 100 customers per day  
• Supervised and trained new hires  
• Developed new drink recipes   
• Was solely responsible for opening and closing the store  

The Green Tea Machine | Melbourne VIC  

Waitress/ Barista  

OCT 2022 – JAN 2023  

• Took orders and served food and drinks to customers  
• Ensured customer satisfaction   
• Assisted in coffee-making duties  
• Made sure that all facilities were clean at the end of each day  

Volunteer Experience  

If you don’t have any professional work experience and want something to fill that pesky resume gap, volunteering experience works extremely well! All you need to do is include the organisation you were working with, where it was located, the timeframe, and a list explaining your responsibilities. In short, it’s almost identical to your resume’s work experience section.   

Don’t forget—just because your volunteering experience wasn’t paid doesn’t mean that it doesn’t count for anything! Having volunteering experience on your resume shows employers that you’re eager to help others, have a great attitude, and are serious about your future!  

Volunteer Experience Example  

Helping Hands Opportunity Shop | Melbourne VIC  

Retail Assistant  

FEB 2022 – DEC 2022  

• Managing and pricing incoming donations  
• Assisting customers in finding pieces that suit their needs  
• Maintaining the store’s cleanliness and organisation  
• Facilitating charity events  

Education  

If you’re creating a resume without work experience , your education section, along with your volunteering section, will be extremely important! For this section, you’ll want to include the name of your school, the location, what certification you have obtained or what year you’re in, and your expected graduation year.  

If you want to make this a little showier, feel free to include your GPA (if it’s impressive). You could also highlight some of your electives so that the hiring manager gets a clearer idea of who you are!  

Education Example  

Riverdale High School, Melbourne VIC  

Expected Diploma, 2025 (GPA 4.0)  

Drama Leader, Riverdale Drama Society  

The Best Websites for Resume Templates  

Ok, so you have all of your resume content down pat, but you still need a stellar resume template to wow the hiring manager. When you get to this stage, it can be tempting to go a little crazy and opt for an unconventional, graphic design-y resume . However, we’re here to tell you to absolutely not do that .   

The best resume is a simple resume ; in this case, less really is more! Keep your resume design super minimal so that the hiring manager isn’t visually overwhelmed. That way, your experience and writing will be able to shine through!  

FAQ: All Things Resume -Related  

We think we’ve almost covered everything you need to know about resumes , but just in case you’d like a little more info, we’ve put together a FAQ section to answer your burning resume -related questions like:  

Question: Why are Resumes Needed?  

Answer: Resumes are the documents that can either land you a job or result in you being rejected. They showcase your skills, talents, qualifications and experience so that you can stand out against other applicants. In short, resumes are the best tool to help you land the job of your dreams!  

Question: Why do Resumes Get Rejected?  

Answer: There are multiple reasons as to why a resume might be rejected. For instance, the applicant may have included an unprofessional email address or photo, the format might be distasteful, or their qualifications and experience might not be what the hiring manager is looking for.   

Question: Which Resume Type is Best?  

Answer: If you asked 100 hiring managers which resume template is best, you’d get 100 different answers. However, it’s generally agreed upon that reverse-chronological, ats-optimised resumes are the best.  

Question: What Shouldn’t You Include in Your Resume ?  

When submitting your resume, you shouldn’t include:  

• Your date of birth  
• An unprofessional email address   
• A full mailing address  
• Political preferences  

Without Further Ado: It’s Time To Get Writing!  

We’ve done our part to prepare you for the wonderful world of resume writing and now it’s time for you to put it into practice! We wish you the best of luck in all your future job-hunting pursuits, and remember: any great resume needs a great cover letter to go alongside it!  

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How To Write a CV: Tips, Tools, & Examples for 2024

3 key takeaways

• A CV is a comprehensive record of your professional experience.
• There are nine steps and several best practices for writing a good CV.
• Teal's CV Builder can help you create and store multiple CVs that align with each unique opportunity.

A strong CV has long been one of the best ways to advance in specialized fields.

In areas like academia, research, law, and even when applying to graduate school, your CV isn't just a thrown-together document of responsibilities or courses—it’s a comprehensive record of your academic and professional journey. And you have to get it right because a poorly constructed CV can derail opportunities before they even start.

But CVs aren’t limited to specialized fields anymore—companies and organizations now ask for them when they need a more thorough record of specific experience.

Below, you'll learn how to write a CV. From the best practices for creating your base and writing your personal statement to how to add grants and incorporate fellowships. Whether updating an existing CV or starting from scratch, this guide will help you construct a document representing your expertise and potential.

Looking to write or update a CV? Try Teal's CV Builder to create one that aligns with every unique opportunity.

Basics of a CV

A CV is a comprehensive record of your professional experience. Also known by the Latin "Curriculum Vitae," a CV tells a thorough story of your career, academic accomplishments, and intellectual contributions—unlike the snapshot approach of a resume. CVs are often used in fields like academia, research, and international job applications, where a detailed understanding of your qualifications is needed.

All of that to say, companies (and even institutions) requesting CVs over a resume are looking for a more complete picture of your background.

Difference between a CV and resume

A CV and resume are different in length and scope.

A resume is a concise, one to three-page, high-level summary focused on your most relevant skills and experiences for a specific job.

In contrast, a CV can be longer and include additional sections like research or presentations. The structure of a CV also varies with certain sections—like a Personal Statement replacing a resume's Professional Summary. 

You should opt for a CV over a resume when applying for academic positions, research roles, grants or when specifically requested.

It's also important to note that even though a CV is more detailed when applying within the US, you should still emphasize the experiences and skills most relevant to the position.

‍ Essential elements of a CV

It's vital to include the right sections in your CV, as missing key info can weaken your application. A job-winning CV with clear, organized sections offers a holistic view of your qualifications. Missing parts might not provide a good picture of your experience.

To make sure your CV is strong (and competitive if you're using it for a job search), ensure it's thorough and covers all the necessary details.

Here are the CV sections you need:

• Contact Information
• Personal Statement
• Career Experience
• Certifications

Optional sections:

Teaching Experience

Publications and presentations.

• Professional Associations or Volunteer Work

How to write a CV

Whether you're writing your CV from square one or updating an outdated document, streamlining this process all comes down to clear steps.

Below, you'll learn the right way to:

• Prepare for making a CV
• Select a CV format
• Present your contact info
• Write your personal statement
• Build your career experience 
• Focus on your education and certifications
• Include specific hard skills
• Incorporate other optional details

Now, when it comes to how to write a CV, you can do this in one of two ways:

• Create a base CV with every job, achievement, metric, skill, etc., which you then customize for each application by pulling the most relevant details.
• Create your CV from scratch each time you apply, tailoring it specifically to the role you're targeting.

While a base CV takes more time on the front end, it can help significantly cut the time it takes to apply for every unique job.

For ease, the content below is focused on creating your CV for a unique job—something you'll need to know how to do regardless of how you opt to build your CV.

Managing multiple CVs

As you apply for different opportunities, you'll need to find the best way to manage multiple versions of your CV.

As each prospect requires a slightly different emphasis on your skills and experience, version control becomes not just important but crucial in managing multiple CVs.

You can do this in two ways:

• Opt to save each CV to a specific folder (whether on your computer or in a cloud). In addition to the unique CV, you need to manually save the JD or the overview so you know which CV goes with what opportunity.
• Use a comprehensive platform (Teal, for example) that allows you to save as many CVs and opportunities as you need to. You'll want to be sure the platform permits you to attach specific CVs to specific opportunities, so you've never left scrambling to remember what application materials you sent where.

Step 1: Get organized

Getting organized is crucial before you start writing your CV.  Here are four things to do before you start:

• Gather career details: Make sure you have current and accurate company details, start and end dates, each job title, quantifiable contributions, and a list of skills.
• Document education: Take note of schools attended, degrees earned, and all current certifications. If you're a recent graduate, jot down courses, awards (or qualifications if you're outside the US), your GPA, and projects.
• Compile online profiles: Create a list of online profiles, including LinkedIn, websites, or portfolio links.
• Build your base: If you're planning on creating a base CV, you'd then put all of this information into a CV builder, doc, or CV template.

Step 2: Choose your format

The layout of your CV is the foundation. The format you use helps shape the presentation of your experience.

The best CV formats ensure you highlight your qualifications clearly and thoroughly.

Here are a few things to consider:

• The most widely recognized format is the reverse chronological CV. It presents your career experience in a clear, linear progression.
• If you're just starting out, pivoting careers, or working in an industry where tools and software are a focus, a skills-based CV might be appropriate, as the Skills section sits just above your Career Experience section.
• In choosing your format, consider your career, what you're applying for, and which design best conveys your accomplishments.

Best CV design

Your CV presentation goes beyond content. The look, feel, and readability shape a first impression. As you make it, you need to consider elements like spacing, font, margins, and more. Traditionally CVs are also two columns, so planning for this is a must.

If you're using a CV builder, a lot of these pieces are considered and customizable after you've input your details—saving time and skipping manual work. But if you're building a CV outside of a streamlined builder, here are some tips:

• Use a template: Free CV templates help maintain a consistent format and make your CV visually appealing right from the start.
• Keep it clear: Clarity is key. Use simple fonts and consistent formatting to make your CV easy to read. Avoid overcrowding the page with text.
• Include white space: Adequate spacing between sections makes your CV easier to scan and prevents it from looking cluttered.
• Use bullet points: Bullet points are a great way to highlight your professional success without a block of overwhelming text.

Once you've organized your assets, potentially uploaded them all in one central location (depending on the method you've chosen), and selected a format, it's time to learn how to write a CV for a specific job.

Step 3: Add contact details

The first section is your Contact Information section. It might sound simple, but one wrong number or character in your email address could potentially prevent a committee, hiring manager, or recruiter from being able to reach you for a follow-up or job interview.

Your CV Contact Information section sits at the top and should include:

• Phone number
• City and State (If you're outside the US, consider opting for your full physical address.)
• Professional email address
• LinkedIn profile URL 
• Portfolio or personal website URL (if applicable)

Example of how to write a CV Contact section

Full name as your CV header Location | Phone number | Email address | LinkedIn URL | Portfolio or website URL

Step 4: Write your personal statement

Your personal statement (the equivalent of a resume professional summary) is a brief snapshot of your most impressive outcomes.

Rather than a CV objective that talks about your goals and isn't relevant in the US, this section is a highlight reel—zeroing in on top accomplishments, skills, and qualifications.

Your personal statement should be tailored to the job application, using language and keywords from the job description to highlight your relevant skills, impact, and qualifications. 

Here's how to write one:

• Keep it brief; between three to five sentences
• Use the first-person voice
• Use action verbs that indicate movement. For example, words like "developed" and "executed"
• Avoid generic buzzwords or clichés
• Align your statement with the rest of your CV

When creating academic CVs, a personal statement might align more with a research statement or statement of teaching philosophy.

Here's an academic CV example of a personal statement:

With 10+ years of experience in cognitive psychology, my teaching philosophy centers on fostering critical thinking and inclusivity. I developed a focused approach to research, executing over 10 studies using mixed-methods methodologies to explore cognitive development in diverse learning environments. This work resulted in three peer-reviewed publications and a 15% increase in student engagement through active learning strategies while mentoring over 20 graduate students in applying evidence-based research methods to their studies and professional growth.

Writing a personal statement with no experience

If you're new to your career, writing a CV personal statement without relevant work experience means you need to concentrate on other achievements.

Consider focusing on:

• Coursework with tangible skills
• Projects and the outcome
• Relevant volunteer experience
• Leadership roles in clubs or organizations
• Certifications you've obtained
• Software and tools you've used

If you're your personal statement with no experience, it could look something like the graduate CV example below.

As a recent biology graduate with a minor in statistics, I bring hands-on experience in cutting-edge genetic research techniques. While at Purdue, I developed a novel CRISPR gene editing approach that improved editing efficiency by 18% in model organisms. I'm proficient in PCR, gel electrophoresis, and next-generation sequencing, with practical application through advanced lab courses and a summer internship at Purdue's Genomics Center. I'm also experienced in research communication, having presented findings at two regional conferences and co-authored a peer-reviewed article on emerging gene therapy technologies.

Step 5: Build your Career Experience section

If you're following reverse chronological order, next is your Career Experience section. This is the equivalent of a resume's Professional Experience. The job of this CV section is to bridge your background with the opportunity you're applying for—emphasizing your career's depth, relevance, and impact.

Here's what you should focus on:

Every position and achievement you highlight should be relevant to the role.

For example, if you're applying for a research role in computational sciences, your experience in optimizing algorithms to reduce processing time by 40 percent would be highly relevant. However, the same experience might need different emphasis when applying for a professor position, where your ability to simplify complex concepts for college students would take priority."

Quantifiable bullet points

Focusing on metrics, numbers, and impact in your Career Experience section provides concrete evidence of your contributions. Quantifiable bullets demonstrate the actual difference you made in your roles.

Why metrics matter:

• Provide concrete evidence of success
• Demonstrate value
• Show clear impact

This can look like increased efficiency, time-savings, increase in publication rate, grant funding outcomes, and other measurable results.

The core of your experience is your accomplishments and their impact. The best way to write each bullet is by using the following formula:

Action Verb + Noun + Metric + [Optional Strategy] + Outcome = 1 bullet point

Here are some CV examples of bullet points:

Developed a data analysis pipeline using Python and Pandas that improved the accuracy of experimental results by 15%, leading to more reliable findings and 3X publications in peer-reviewed journals. Developed and implemented a laboratory management system using LabArchives that optimized resource tracking and utilization, reducing lab material waste by 15% and lowering operational costs by $20,000 annually.

Consistency

Consistency is key in the Career Experience section of your CV. Every relevant role should showcase the same type of information:

• Company name
• Dates of employment
• 3-5 achievement-based bullet points

Teal Note:   If you're applying outside of the US, your career experience section may be more comprehensive and include additional details like job responsibilities. It also might need to cover other non-relevant experiences in a specific order. These details depend on the best practices in the region you're applying and your specific industry.

Step 6: Add your educational background

Next up is your CV's Education section. This section is pretty straightforward and highlights your academic background and the foundational knowledge or specialized training needed for a specific position.

Start your list with your highest level of education first (this usually flows in a reverse-chronological format), then move backward, listing each subsequent degree or educational qualification. 

Here's what you should include:

• Year graduated
• For international applicants, spell out the location and institution's name

Recent grads:

• Honors (outside of the US, these are called qualifications)
• Your expected graduation date if you're pursuing a degree

Teal Note: The Education, Certifications, and Skills sections should be displayed in the right column of your CV. A CV builder or template should handle this formatting for you. And the order of the sections will vary based on your preference and the importance of each section in your industry.

If you're creating your CV without a streamlined tool, you'll need to ensure the formatting aligns with standard CV practices to maintain a professional and organized appearance.

Step 7: Include relevant certifications

A dedicated CV Certification section highlights your credentials, offering insight into your commitment to professional development.

To incorporate certifications into your CV, you need:

• The name of the certification and any common acronyms or abbreviations (like CRA or TEFL)
• The certification agency with business, institution, or organization name
• The date the certification was completed

CV Certifications should look something like this:

Certified Research Administrator (CRA) Research Administrators Certification Council June 2023

Step 8: Add your skills

Your CV Skills section comes after your certifications (or education if you don't have relevant certificates). Think of this as a snapshot of your strengths, allowing hiring managers to assess your fit for the role without reading your entire CV. 

The best skills for this section are tangible ones (think technical abilities, tools, languages, methodologies, and analytical techniques). To make it even easier to read, consider organizing them even further in categories.

Pro Tip: While soft skills are an important part of your skillset, there are better places for them than this dedicated section. Things like communication, collaboration, organization, and time management are hard to measure objectively. The best way to show skills like those is to weave them into your other CV sections to show how you used them for impact.

Step 9: Add optional sections

Now that you have all of the necessary CV sections, you might have additional relevant details you want to include, like publications and presentations or additional teaching experience. Creating dedicated sections for this information is the key to keeping everything clear and readable. 

CVs are often used for research positions like academic research roles, postdoctoral fellowships, or research scientist positions. These positions require more in-depth experience and expertise than listed on a traditional resume—which is why a CV is often preferred.

In your Research CV section, highlight the following information:

• Projects completed : Detail the scope and objectives
• Your role(s) in each : Specify your responsibilities (e.g., principal investigator, co-investigator, or research assistant)
• Methodologies and frameworks : Describe the research methods and theoretical frameworks applied
• Findings or outcomes and impact : Summarize the key results, publications, or contributions
• Funding details or sources (if applicable) : Include information on grants or funding sources that supported your research

If you're applying for an academic position, like a graduate school instructor or law school lecturer, your teaching background should be the focus of your Career Experience section.

On the other hand, an additional Teaching Experience section might be worthwhile if you have positions that complement your background or if you're applying for roles where instruction is not the direct focus but still plays a relevant role.

Here's an example of a situation where this optional CV section makes sense:

Imagine you're an attorney applying for a graduate program in legal education, and you've also led workshops in your field. Including a Teaching Experience section allows you to highlight this instructional role, demonstrating your ability to lead and communicate complex ideas—skills crucial to success in a graduate program focused on legal education.

In this section, include the following:

• Courses, workshops, or seminars
• Institutions or organizations
• Specific accomplishments and results

Publications and presentations provide tangible evidence of your expertise, especially in fields like healthcare and medicine, research, law, and education. More than just accomplishments, they prove your abilities through the recognition and validation of your work by others.

Here are some ideas to help you get started:

• Peer-reviewed journal articles showcase your ability to conduct high-quality, rigorous work that experts have validated.
• Book chapters demonstrate your capacity to synthesize complex information, provide new insights, and contribute to broader academic or professional conversations.
• Conference presentations indicate you aren't just absorbing information but actively participating in and contributing.
• Technical reports highlight your ability to document and communicate specific research projects' methodologies, findings, and implications.

Adding awards to a CV offers additional concrete evidence of your skills, dedication, and exceptional performance. And whether the award is a scholarship for academic excellence or recognition for professional accomplishments, if it's relevant to the role or opportunity you're applying for, consider adding it.

In your CV Awards section, add:

Academic awards like making the Dean's List or earning honors

Research grants speak to the value of your research and your ability to write persuasive proposals

Fellowships are competitive and often prestigious

Scholarships underscore your dedication and achievements, reinforcing your qualifications

Professional honors like industry recognition or awards from peers highlight your impact and reputation

A CV awards section could look something like this:

Young Researcher Award (2023) International Synthetic Biology Symposium

Professional Associations and Volunteer Work

Professional associations and volunteering are an important part of your career profile.

Being part of professional associations shows you stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, which is crucial in any industry experiencing rapid change. Meanwhile, relevant volunteer work highlights your commitment to giving back to your field and developing leadership or team-oriented skills.

By including these on your CV, you not only show that you are equipped with up-to-date skills and knowledge but also that you are proactive in contributing to your industry or community.

When listing your professional associations, they should look something like:

• Organization names
• Membership status
• Titles or leadership roles held
• Contributions to the organization and impact, if applicable

Tailoring your CV for different applications

In the US, your CV should be comprehensive, but that doesn't mean including everything you've ever done. It's important to keep your content relevant to the opportunity.

Whether you're targeting a job in a specific industry or applying for a graduate program, a well-tailored CV shows you understand what's required and have the right skills and experience. 

Customizing your CV makes it easier for the person reading it to see why you're a strong fit and increases your chances of standing out in a competitive pool of applicants.

How to tailor your CV

If you’re starting from scratch, don’t worry. The process is similar to the one below, but you’ll need to spend a bit more time building out each section following the steps above while keeping the information below in mind for each specific opportunity.

If you started with a base CV, then half of the work is already done. Here’s how to tailor it for a specific job or program:

• Read the JD or application overview : Carefully review the job or program description to understand what the employer or committee is looking for. Identify the top skills, experiences, and qualifications.
• Choose your most relevant details: Go through your base CV and pull the skills and experiences that directly align with the job or program requirements. These are the aspects of your background you want to emphasize.
• Tweak the language to match : Adjust the wording in your CV to mirror the language used in the job description or overview. This doesn’t mean copying it word for word but reflecting the important terms and phrases the reader is likely looking for.

Pro Tip: If you tailor your CV with clarity instead of murky guesswork, the Teal CV Builder has a Match Scoring tool that compares the language and skills in your CV to any unique JD—giving you a breakdown score of how well they align. It also offers suggestions for improvement and customizable keyword options to help improve your original score—and your alignment with the position.

CV ATS compatibility

When applying for jobs through online portals in the US, it's important to understand how Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) work.

An ATS is a digital filing system recruiters use to streamline hiring. These systems scan and organize applications. But, if your CV isn't formatted correctly and can't be parsed or doesn't contain the right keywords a recruiter is searching for once it's scanned into the system, it'll be hard to get in front of a human.

How to make your CV ATS-friendly

• Keep the design simple : Use a straightforward CV layout that's easy for the ATS to scan. Avoid complex formatting that might confuse the system.
• Avoid pictures or graphics : In the US, including images or graphics can cause issues with ATS software, which might not be able to parse them correctly.
• Opt for consistent, clean formatting: Use a consistent font and style throughout your CV, with clear headings and bullet points. Plenty of white space makes your CV easier to scan for both the ATS and recruiters.
• Save as a PDF : Some ATS systems have trouble with different file formats. A PDF is usually the safest bet.
• Include relevant keywords : Review the job description and include keywords matching the required skills and experience. This increases your chances of being found by a human hiring professional searching the ATS.

Write your CV with Teal

A well-crafted CV communicates your professional value and increases your chances of landing more interviews and opportunities. By following the guidelines above, you'll present your achievements and expertise in a clear and organized manner relevant to the person reading it.

If you need help getting started, Teal's CV builder offers customizable sections, keyword optimization, and version control. Create and store as many CVS (and opportunities) as you need, store your entire career or academic history, and streamline your applications—all in one dynamic platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a cv the same as a resume.

A CV is not the same as a resume. While both document your professional background, a CV is typically more comprehensive, detailing your academic and research achievements, publications, and presentations. Resumes are shorter, focusing on relevant work experience for a specific job.

What are the 7 basic steps to writing a CV?

The 7 basic steps to writing a CV are: 1) Gather your information, 2) Choose a format, 3) Add contact details, 4) Write a personal statement, 5) Detail your career experience, 6) List your education and certifications, and 7) Include relevant skills and optional sections like research or publications.

How do you write a good CV for beginners?

To write a good CV as a beginner, focus on your education, relevant coursework, internships, and any volunteer or extracurricular activities that demonstrate transferable skills. Highlight academic achievements, projects, and technical skills. Use a clear format and tailor your content to the position you're applying for.

Kayte Grady

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Tips for writing the perfect post-military resume

By Angela Caban

Updated on Aug 16, 2024 10:42 AM PDT

4 minute read

Industry research shows that recruiters spend six to eight seconds reviewing a resume before they decide whether the candidate is suitable for the position or not. So, what is the point of spending so much time writing the perfect resume, if recruiters will not even bother to invest 10 seconds in reading it?

Your resume is the single most important professional document you own, as it will determine your future earning potential. As military spouses and transitioning service members, we can be easily overwhelmed and confused when it comes to writing our resumes. What do we include? Is it ok that we have so many employment gaps? Will being a military spouse help me gain employment? How do I translate my military experience for the civilian sector?

Spending the right amount of time writing your resume, and ensuring it is clear and reflecting dedication in past roles can help you secure that job.

• Keep it plain and simple: Recruiters who are looking at your resume do not want to read a short story, and many have little to no experience with the military. Use words that keep it short and to the point, remove acronyms, and explain clearly what past work experience you bring. When it comes to length, this topic is always up for debate. The rule of thumb is to not be longer than one page long. I will explain below how to get your resume one page long, but if you need to, staying at two pages max is fine.
• Target your resume: With a targeted resume, this will only focus on the job you are applying to. This resume will focus on the skills and experiences of that job. Once you send your resume, it is as if you are bidding for this job hundreds are applying for, and you are proving that you are the best out of all the candidates. By writing a targeted resume, you are highlighting why you are qualified for the position. This will also give you the ability to delete unnecessary roles from your resume and keep it simple and short.

Overall, writing a targeted resume is where you are going to have to use the “copy, paste & delete” mechanism. Some recruiters appreciate the experience but try to keep your resume and employment history relevant to the position and no older than 10 years old.

Quick Resume Tip: Do not know what to include in your targeted resume? Look at the job description and skills listed of the job you are applying to. Make sure to utilize the target keywords they are looking for. For instance, if you are applying for a marketing assistant job, look back at other positions you have had where some of the experience may match. And remember to use those specific keywords. Most companies use “Applicant Tracking Systems” that pull keywords from resumes, so the more keywords that match, the better chance you have of landing that interview.

• Job Gaps: As a military spouse or service member you may have job gaps. There is nothing wrong with explaining those gaps; one great way to do this is by using dates. When listing employment dates on your resume you do not need to list the month/year if you were in a position for over a year. For example, use this format: 2014 – 2016 (rather than June, 2014 – October, 2016) which would also serve as a way to give you some room to cover the gaps: Project Manager, ABC Company 2014 – 2016 Marketing Assistant, XYZ Company 2012 – 2014 As you can see, the resume doesn’t specifically say when you started or ended a position, which can easily cover the gap on the resume. Do not use this to lie about dates; many recruiters still verify employment, so always be honest when explaining gaps.

Quick Resume Tip: When you have any employment gaps, you can use the cover letter to explain the gap. Briefly explain why, you do not need to go into excessive detail or bring it to the recruiter’s attention unless asked for details about it. 

• Do not skip over volunteer work – According to the 2023 Blue Star Families Lifestyle Survey, military families volunteer at rates three times higher than the general U.S. population. Volunteer work is just as valuable as working for an employer and a LinkedIn research study found that one in five hiring managers consider volunteer work experience a valuable asset when considering candidates. As a volunteer, you are providing services to an individual or organization. If you have not volunteered yet, find an organization in your field of interest, and find out if you can volunteer your time for work experience.

Working on your resume should take some effort, and by making the time to do so, you are showing that you are indeed the best person for the job.

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Crafting a Python Developer Resume (with Examples)

• Aug 20, 2024

Are you a Python developer looking to land your dream job? Crafting a compelling resume is your gateway to securing interviews in the competitive tech industry.

A well-structured Python developer resume not only highlights your technical skills but also showcases your problem-solving abilities and contributions to past projects.

This guide will walk you through proven strategies and provide concrete resume examples to help you create a standout application.

Python developer resume examples

Junior python developer resume sample, python full stack developer resume example.

Summary Results-driven Python Full Stack Developer with 5+ years of experience in designing, developing, and deploying high-quality web applications. Proficient in Python, Django, Flask, React, and Node.js. Experience Python Full Stack Developer TechSoft Solutions, New York, NY June 2022 – Present Develop and maintain web applications using Django, Flask, and React, improving application efficiency by 25%. Implement RESTful APIs for integration with third-party services, enhancing system interoperability and functionality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and deploy full-stack solutions, achieving a 15% increase in user engagement. Lead code reviews and implemented best practices, reducing bugs by 30% and improving quality. Junior Python Full Stack Developer InnoTech Innovations, San Francisco, CA July 2020 – May 2022 Assisted in the development of backend services using Flask and Node.js, reducing server response time by 20%. Wrote and optimized SQL queries to interact with MySQL and PostgreSQL databases, improving data retrieval times by 30%. Contributed to the development of frontend components using React, enhancing user interface and experience. Implemented automated unit tests, increasing test coverage by 40%. Intern, Software Development Bright Future Technologies, San Francisco, CA June 2019 – August 2019 Supported the development of a Python-based inventory management system, enhancing operational efficiency. Conducted code reviews and debugging, reducing bug incidence by 40%. Assisted in the creation of automated test scripts, improving coverage by 50%. Education Bachelor of Science in Computer Science University of California, Berkeley, CA Graduated: May 2020 Honors: Magna Cum Laude, Dean's List (8 semesters) Skills Programming Languages : Python, JavaScript Frameworks : Django, Flask, React, Node.js Tools : Git, Docker, Jenkins Databases : MySQL, PostgreSQL Others : RESTful APIs, Machine Learning, Data Analysis Projects Inventory Management System (2024) Developed a Python-based management system that reduced processing time by 20%. Utilized Django for the backend and PostgreSQL for the database. Full-Stack E-commerce Platform (2022) Built a full-stack e-commerce platform using Django for the backend, React for the frontend, and integrated with Stripe for payment processing, resulting in a seamless user experience.

Formatting tips

Your resume for a Python developer position must be clear, professional, and easy to read.

Recommendations:

• Standard Fonts . Stick to professional and easy-to-read fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman . Avoid decorative or overly stylized fonts.
• Font Size . Use 10-12 points for the main text and 14-16 for section headers.
• Consistent Formatting . Ensure consistency in styles and spacing throughout your python developer resume.
• Bullet Points . Use bullet points to list responsibilities and achievements within each job entry.
• Section Spacing . Leave enough space between sections to avoid a cluttered appearance.
• Length . Aim for a one-page resume if you have less than 10 years of experience. If you have more, a two-page resume is acceptable.
• Unnecessary Details . Focus on the most relevant and impactful information, avoiding overly detailed descriptions.
• Format . Save and send your python developer resume as a PDF to ensure the document looks the same across different devices and software.
• File Naming . Use a clear and professional file name ( e.g., John_Doe_Resume.pdf ).

Using an online builder like Resume Trick can be an excellent way to avoid formatting issues.

All you need to do is choose a template that suits your industry and fill in your personal information, summary, experience, education, skills, and any additional sections like projects or certifications.

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Python developer resume summary

This is the first thing a hiring manager reads. A well-crafted summary can grab their attention and make a strong first impression, encouraging them to read further.

You can quickly highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements, providing a snapshot of what you bring to the table. This is particularly important in the tech industry, where specific skills and experiences are crucial.

Keep your python developer resume summary brief and to the point, ideally within 3-5 sentences.

Example: Results-driven Python Developer with over 5 years of experience in designing, developing, and deploying web applications and data analysis tools. Proficient in Python, Django, Flask, and machine learning frameworks. Successfully led a project that increased client revenue by 30% through the implementation of an innovative predictive analytics model.

Contact information

This section is a crucial part of a resume for a Python developer because it provides potential employers with the necessary details to reach out to you for interviews , clarifications, etc.

What to include here:

• Name . Use your full legal name.
• Phone . Provide a phone number where you can be easily reached. Ensure that your voicemail message is professional.
• Email . Add a professional address that includes your name, rather than a nickname or informal username.
• Location . Mentioning your city and state can be helpful, especially if applying to local jobs or if the work requires a specific location.
• LinkedIn (Optional). If you have a profile, include it. Make sure the page is up-to-date and matches the information on your python developer resume.
• Portfolio (Optional). Showcasing your code is important. Include a link to your GitHub or another relevant coding portfolio.

This resume section showcases your hands-on experience in applying Python and related technologies to real-world projects. This is essential for employers to gauge your practical skills and problem-solving abilities.

List each job in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position.

Details for each entry:

• Title . Clearly state your professional title. Use a bold font to make it stand out.
• Organization . Include the name of the company and its location ( city, state, or country ).
• Dates . Mention the duration of your employment, typically in the format "Month Year – Month Year" or "Month Year – Present" for current positions.
• Responsibilities . Use bullet points to list your key responsibilities and notable achievements. Start each bullet point with a strong action verb .

Where possible, include numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements ( e.g., improved performance by 25%, reduced response time by 20% ).

Example: Python Developer TechSoft Solutions, New York, NY June 2022 – Present Maintain and develop web applications using Django and Flask, improving application efficiency by 25%. Implement RESTful APIs to integrate with third-party services, enhancing system functionality and interoperability. Collaborate with different teams to design and deploy machine learning models using scikit-learn, achieving a 15% increase in predictive accuracy. Implement and lead code reviews and best practices, reducing bugs by 30% and improving the quality. Junior Python Developer InnoTech Innovations, San Francisco, CA July 2020 – May 2022 Took part in the development of backend platforms using Flask, reducing response time by 20%. Wrote SQL queries to interact with MySQL databases, improving data retrieval by 30%. Contributed to the development of data pipelines using Pandas and NumPy, streamlining processing and analysis workflows. Implemented automated unit tests, increasing test coverage by 40%. Intern, Software Development Bright Future Technologies, Austin, TX June 2019 – August 2019 Supported the development of an inventory management system, enhancing operational efficiency. Conducted debugging and code reviews, reducing bug incidence by 40%. Assisted in creating automated test scripts, improving test coverage by 50%.

Formal education shows that you have acquired the necessary foundational knowledge in computer science or related fields.

Many job listings specify a minimum educational requirement , such as a bachelor's degree or specific certification. Including your details about your academic background ensures you meet these basic criteria and can progress to the next stage of the hiring process.

Here’s a suggested structure for organizing this section:

• Institution . List the name of the educational institution and its location ( city, state, or country ).
• Degree and Major . Specify the degree obtained ( e.g., Bachelor of Science, Master of Science ) and the major or field of study ( e.g., Computer Science, Software Engineering ).
• Graduation Date . Include the month and year of graduation. If the degree is in progress, you can mention the expected date.
• Coursework (Optional). List 3-5 relevant courses that are particularly pertinent to the Python Developer role. This is especially useful for recent graduates.
• Honors (Optional). Mention any honors , awards, or recognitions received. These can include cum laude, dean’s list, etc.
• Certifications . Include any relevant certifications that complement your degree and are pertinent to Python development or related fields.

Example: Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering University of Washington, Seattle, WA Graduated: June 2023 Honors: Magna Cum Laude, Dean's List (8 semesters) Relevant Coursework: Data Structures and Algorithms, Database Management Systems, Web Development, Machine Learning, Software Engineering. Certifications: Certified Python Developer , Python Institute (2023) AWS Certified Solutions Architect , Amazon Web Services (2022)

Tailoring the skills list in your resume for a Python developer to match the job requirements helps demonstrate your relevance to the role. Employers often look for candidates who possess the exact abilities needed to perform the job effectively.

• Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities or knowledge that can be quantified and measured. They are typically acquired through education, training, certifications, and hands-on experience.
• Soft skills are attributes that relate to how you interact with others and navigate your environment. They are often cultivated through life experiences and self-awareness.

Python developer resume hard skills:

• Proficiency in Python . Mastery of Python programming language, including its syntax, data structures, and object-oriented principles.
• Python Frameworks . Experience with popular frameworks like Django and Flask for web development.
• Web Development . Knowledge of frontend technologies ( HTML, CSS, JavaScript ) and backend development.
• Database Management . Ability to design and interact with databases using SQL ( e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL ) or NoSQL ( e.g., MongoDB ) solutions.
• Version Control Systems . Proficiency in using version control tools like Git for collaborative development and code management.
• Data Analysis . Skills in data manipulation and analysis using libraries like pandas, and creating visualizations with tools such as matplotlib or seaborn.
• API Integration . Experience with integrating and consuming RESTful APIs to interact with external services and data sources.
• Testing and Debugging . Ability to write unit tests and debug code effectively to ensure software quality and reliability.
• Deployment and DevOps . Familiarity with deploying Python applications, containerization ( e.g., Docker ), and continuous integration/deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.
• Machine Learning . Basic understanding or experience with machine learning libraries ( e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch ) and applying data science techniques.

Python developer resume soft skills:

• Communication . Ability to convey complex concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders clearly and effectively.
• Teamwork . Collaborating with cross-functional teams, sharing knowledge, and contributing to group projects effectively.
• Problem-Solving . Analyzing complex problems, identifying root causes, and developing innovative solutions using Python and related technologies.
• Adaptability . Flexibility to learn new technologies, adapt to changing project requirements, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Time Management . Prioritizing tasks effectively, meeting deadlines, and managing multiple projects concurrently.
• Attention to Detail . Ensuring accuracy in coding, data analysis, and project documentation to deliver high-quality solutions.
• Critical Thinking . Evaluating different approaches to solving problems and making informed decisions based on data and analysis.
• Creativity . Thinking creatively to design elegant solutions and optimize code efficiency in Python programming.
• Leadership . Taking initiative, mentoring junior developers, and guiding team members in adopting best practices and technologies.

Optional sections

Cover letter

Unlike a Python developer resume, which lists experiences, a cover letter allows you to elaborate on specific skills relevant to the job. You can explain how your expertise matches the job requirements.

A well-written python developer cover letter can differentiate you from other candidates with similar technical skills. It allows you to present your unique strengths, career goals, and personality traits that make you a good fit for the team .

Below is a structured approach to help you write a compelling letter.

Include your contact information at the top, followed by the date and details about the employer (if known).

Address the python developer cover letter to the hiring manager or recruiter. If you don't know their name, use a generic salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager" .

Introduction

Start with a strong opening paragraph that introduces yourself and states the specific position you are applying for. Mention how you found out about the job opening.

Body Paragraphs

In the body of your cover letter, focus on demonstrating how your skills make you a strong candidate for the role.

• Highlight Relevant Experience . Discuss your relevant experience with Python development, emphasizing any specific technologies, frameworks, or projects that align with the job requirements.
• Showcase Achievements . Mention any notable achievements or contributions you've made in previous roles. Quantify your achievements if possible ( e.g., "improved process efficiency by 30%" ).
• Connect to Job Requirements . Address specific skills or qualifications listed in the job description and explain how your experience relates to these requirements.
• Express Enthusiasm . Share why you are interested in working for the company and how your career goals align with their mission or values.

Closing Paragraph

Conclude your letter by reiterating your interest in the position and expressing your readiness to discuss how you can contribute to the company's success.

Aim for a concise cover letter that is one page long ( about 4-5 paragraphs ).

Example of a good python developer cover letter:

Dear Mr. Benitez,

I am writing to express my interest in the Python Developer position at ByteWise. With 10 of experience in developing web applications using Python, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your team and help drive innovation at your company.

Throughout my career, I have successfully delivered high-quality projects that have had a significant impact on business operations. One of my biggest achievements was developing a web application for a client that increased their revenue by 30% within the first year of its launch. This project required strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with the client to understand their needs and deliver the best solution possible.

What sets me apart as a developer is my passion for learning and staying up-to-date with the latest technologies. I have continuously improved my skills by attending workshops, online courses, and participating in hackathons. This has helped me develop a deep understanding of Python and its various frameworks such as Django and Flask.

In addition to technical skills, I possess excellent teamwork and collaboration abilities. In my previous role at DataSphere, I worked closely with cross-functional teams including designers, project managers, and QA engineers to ensure timely delivery of projects while maintaining quality standards.

My proficiency in Python, along with my strong analytical skills and attention to detail, make me an ideal candidate for this role. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise to ByteWise and help drive growth through innovative solutions.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your team further.

Terry Morenoo

The applicant clearly states their interest in the specific position right at the beginning, setting the context for the rest of the document.

The cover letter succinctly outlines the experience , immediately establishing credibility and expertise. Plus, the person provides a specific example of their achievement, which demonstrates concrete results and the ability to deliver impactful projects.

Example of an entry-level python developer cover letter: Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the Python Developer position at ByteWise Technologies, as advertised on LinkedIn. I recently graduated with a degree in Computer Science from the University of Washington, where I developed a strong foundation in programming and a keen interest in Python development. During my academic projects and internships, I gained hands-on experience with Python programming, including developing web applications, scripting, and data analysis. One of my notable projects involved building an inventory management system that streamlined operations and reduced processing time by 20%. What excites me most about joining ByteWise Technologies is your reputation for innovation and commitment to leveraging technology to solve complex challenges. I am eager to contribute my skills in Python, along with my enthusiasm for learning and problem-solving, to your dynamic team. In addition to technical skills, I bring strong communication and teamwork abilities, honed through group projects and collaborating with peers and mentors. I am proactive about staying updated with the latest developments in Python and participating in coding communities to expand my knowledge base. I am confident that my academic background, practical experience, and passion for programming make me a valuable addition to your team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discuss how I can contribute to your projects and goals. Sincerely, John Smith

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Proofreading.

Your Python programmer resume and cover letter need to communicate your qualifications, achievements, and goals clearly and accurately. Proofreading ensures that there are no grammatical errors, typos, or awkward phrasing that could misrepresent your intentions.

Here are tips on proofreading your application papers:

• Take a Break . The break allows you to approach the process with fresh eyes, making it easier to spot errors.
• Read Aloud . Reading aloud can help you identify awkward phrasing, grammatical errors, and typos. It forces you to slow down and pay attention to each word, making mistakes more noticeable. - Use Spell Checkers . Grammar tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Word can catch obvious errors. However, don't rely solely on them.
• Print . Sometimes, reviewing a printed version can make the process easier compared to reading on a screen. Print out a copy and carefully review it with a pen or highlighter.
• Focus on One Aspect . For example, in one pass, check only grammar. In another pass, review for consistency in formatting or style.
• Consistency . Check formatting, font size, spacing, and punctuation as inconsistencies can make your application look unprofessional.
• Feedback . If possible, ask a friend, family member, or mentor to review your documents. A fresh set of eyes can provide valuable feedback on clarity and effectiveness.
• Verify Accuracy . Double-check all factual information, such as dates, names, job titles, and contact details. Incorrect data can harm your credibility.
• Pay Attention to Details . Don't overlook small details like the correct use of apostrophes, hyphens, or capitalization rules.

Crafting a standout Python developer resume requires more than just listing your skills—it's about presenting your experience and achievements in a way that resonates with potential employers.

By following the examples and tips in this guide, you can create a resume that effectively showcases your Python expertise and contributions to past projects.

Remember to tailor each application to the specific job description, emphasizing relevant skills and experiences. With a polished resume in hand, you'll be well-prepared to navigate the hiring process and land the desired position.

Alexandra Meyer

Editor-in-Chief at Resume Trick

Alexandra Meyer is the editor-in-chief of Resume Trick. She was behind the launch of Icecream Apps in 2014 and continues to oversee the high content standards of the company's projects. Alexandra has years of experience writing and editing articles about technology, software and online services, and human resources.

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7 Administrative Aide Resume Examples for 2024

Writing a good resume for an administrative aide position can help you land a job faster. This article will show proven resume examples suited for this role. You will also get strategic advice on highlighting your skills, using industry-specific terms, and structuring your resume effectively. Follow these tips to improve your chances of securing an administrative aide role.

• 21 Aug 2024 - 5 new sections, including 'Education placement on resume', added
• 21 Aug 2024 - 5 new resume templates, including Career Transition to Administrative Aide, added
• 19 Aug 2024 - Article published

  Next update scheduled for 29 Aug 2024

Here's what we see in the best administrative aide resumes.

Highlight Impact With Numbers : Top resumes show results using numbers. For example, increasing time savings by 20% , reducing costs by $5,000 , responding to 100+ emails daily, improving task completion rate by 30% .

Include Relevant Skills : Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are Microsoft Office , data entry , calendar management , CRM software , document preparation . But don't include all of them, choose the ones you have and are mentioned in the JD.

Focus On Organizational Skills : Employers value strong organizational skills. Phrases like managed schedules , coordinated meetings , and maintained records can make a big difference.

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Administrative Aide Resume Sample

Find out how good your resume is.

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Get feedback on your resume

Want to know how your administrative aide resume stacks up? Our resume scoring tool gives you a clear picture of where you stand. It evaluates your resume based on key criteria that hiring managers in office administration look for.

Upload your resume now for an unbiased assessment. You'll get a score and useful tips to make your resume stronger. This helps you understand what recruiters see when they review your application.

Education placement on resume

When you list your education for a job as an administrative aide, think about where it fits best on your resume. If you recently finished school or a training program, put this information at the top. This shows you are ready for the job with fresh knowledge.

If you have been working for a long time, list your work history first. Your experience is a strong point. But still include your education after your experience. Keep it simple – list your highest degree, the school's name, and your field of study.

For any education linked to administrative tasks, like a degree in business administration, highlight this early on. This confirms your good fit for the role. You do not need to list high school if you have higher education or relevant work experience.

Highlight technical skills

In administrative roles, many tasks involve software tools like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and scheduling systems. Highlight your skills in these areas to show you are prepared.

Also, mention any experience with office management software or project management tools, as these are often used in administrative positions.

Administrative Specialist Resume Sample

Ideal resume length.

When you apply for an administrative aide role, keep your resume concise. You generally want to aim for one page. This shows you can communicate your most relevant experience and skills without unnecessary details. It's important to include your top administrative tasks and any special projects you managed. If you have less than 10 years of experience, one page will often be enough.

For those with more experience, especially in diverse administrative roles or with significant achievements, two pages can be appropriate. Use the first page to highlight your most recent and relevant experiences. Ensure every word on your resume serves a purpose and is relevant to the administrative work you're applying for. Extra pages are not necessary unless you have a long career with varied leadership roles in administration.

Administrative Aide with Legal Specialization Resume Sample

Show strong communication.

Good communication is key in administrative aide roles. Highlight any past experiences where you managed internal communications or customer interactions.

Mention your ability to draft and send official emails, manage phone calls, or handle in-person inquiries. This shows you can manage relationships well.

Entry-Level Administrative Aide Resume Sample

Career transition to administrative aide resume sample.

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