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Struggling to write a high school resume? Use our free high school resume templates to write a great resume, even without work experience.

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Resume Keywords: 80+ Verbs and Power Words to Use

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Power words, verbs, and keywords to use in a resume - plus why you shouldn’t use generic buzzwords like “hard working,” if you want to get more interviews.

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Resume Keywords: List of 170+ Key Examples

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Got all the right qualifications? Without the right resume keywords, your application might still get rejected. Here's a list of 170+ keywords for your resume.

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How to Make a Logo in 5 Minutes | Canva Tutorial - Free Logo Maker for Business

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Write an Incredible Resume: 5 Golden Rules!

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How To Write A Resume With Little or No Work Experience - Resume Template

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So, let's dive right in!

How to Make a Resume (The Right Way!)

Before you even start working on your resume, you need to decide how you're going to build it.

And no - you shouldn't use a basic text editor. While this IS the most popular method for creating a resume, it's very far from the best.

With a basic text editor resume, you'll need to spend hours playing with the formatting. You make a minor change and BAM! Your entire resume layout gets messed up.

Instead of using a text editor, we recommend choosing a resume builder, such as Novorésumé. Our resume builder is fast, easy, and to put the icing on the cake, a Novorésumé looks much better and can fit more information than your average, cookie-cutter resume...

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

How to Pick the Right Resume Format?

There are three types of resume formats: reverse chronological, functional or skills-based, and a combination of the two. The choice depends on the type of job you are applying for and your level of experience.

The 3 resume formats are:

1) Reverse chronological resume format - This is the most popular resume format and is ideal for people with plenty of work experience that is relevant to the position they're interested in.

2) Functional/skills-based resume format - If you lack relevant work experience because you are a student/recent graduate, or you are looking to make a career change, the skills-based format is a better choice.

3) Combination resume format - The combination resume is a great choice for job-seekers with a very diverse skill-set. It's useful if you're applying for a role that requires expertise in 3-4 different fields, and you want to show all that in your resume. Say, for example, you're applying for a senior management role, and the requirements are expertise in Management, Sales, and Software Development.

So, which one do you go for?

In 90%+ cases, you'd want to stick to the reverse-chronological resume format. This is the most common one, and most HR managers are used to this. Hence, in this guide, we're going to focus on this specific format.

If you're a recent graduate, or possess a diverse set of skills & work experience, you might want to pick one of the other 2 formats. Check out our guide to resume formats to learn how to write either.

What is the Best Resume Layout?

The first thing a job recruiter notices about any resume is the layout.

Does it look organized or cluttered? Is it too short or too long? Is it boring and easy to ignore, or does it scream out "Read me!"?

Here are some of the best practices when it comes to your resume layout:

One more thing you need to consider in terms of resume layout is whether you're going for a traditional-looking free resume template or something a bit more modern:

If you're pursuing a career in a more traditional industry - legal, banking, finance, etc. - you might want to stick to the first.

If you're applying to a tech company, though, where imagination and innovation are valued, you can go for something more creative.

Resume Content - What to Mention on Your Resume

Now that we've got the basics out of the way, let's dive into the essentials of how to write a resume.

The most popular sections for a resume are:

Contact Information

Professional Resume Summary or Objective

Work Experience (and Achievements)

Education

Skills

Optional Sections - Languages, Publications, Hobbies, etc.

Below, we'll explore each resume section from top to bottom. We'll explain what to write and how to write it so that you stand out and get the job you deserve.

The most critical section in your resume is the "contact information." Even if you get everything else right, you're not going to go far if the HR manager can't get in touch with you because you misspelled your email.

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

Must-have Information
‎
Optional Information
‎

All clear? Good! Now, let's examine what a successful example of the contact section looks like:

Resume Summary or Objective

It's not a secret for anyone that first impressions matter, whether they're in your personal life, or your career.

If you leave a bad first impression, chances are, it's there to stay. After all, it's very hard to change someone's opinion of you.

The same applies to your job search - the HR manager spends around 6 seconds scanning each resume. Yep, your carefully-worded, hand-crafted resume only gets 6 seconds of attention. Unless, of course, you manage to leave an amazing first impression.

The way you accomplish this is through either a good resume summary or objective. Both are placed at the top of your resume, right around the contact information section:

So, here's what you need to know about the two:

What's a Resume Summary & When to Use it

A resume summary is a 2-3 sentence summary of your career. You should use a resume summary in basically any situation, unless you're a recent university graduate or switching careers (in that case, you use a resume objective. More on that later!).

In your resume summary, you need to mention:

1. Your job and years of experience. E.g.: Customer support representative with 5+ years of experience in the IT industry.

2. 1 or 2 top achievements (or core responsibilities). E.g.: Specialized in technical support, customer care, and user retention.

3. Desired goal (generally, passion for working at a specific company). E.g.: Looking for new opportunities as a support lead for a SaaS company.

What's a Resume Objective & When to Use it

A resume objective is, in a nutshell, the goal of your resume. It communicates your motivation for getting into a new field. As with a resume summary, a resume objective should be around 2-3 sentences.

As we've mentioned before, a resume objective is the go-to for anyone that either has no work experience or is going through a career change.

Work Experience

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

This is where you really sell yourself, displaying your past accomplishments and responsibilities.

If you manage to master this section alone, you'll know 80%+ of all there is to know about how to make a resume.

There are a lot of best practices for writing your work experience. Before we dive into all the nits and grits, though, let's start with the basics...

How to List Work Experience in a Resume

The standard format for your work experience is as follows:

Job Title/Position - Your job title goes on top of each work experience entry. When the HR manager scans your resume, you want them to know, at a glance, that you have relevant work experience for the job.

Company Name / Location / Description - Then, you mention the name of the relevant employer, as well as the location of the office you work/have worked in. In some cases, you may also want to briefly describe the company, if the organization is not a famous household name.

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. We'll get more into the how's and why's of this in a bit.

Dates Employed - The timeframe of your employment in each company. Not sure about the exact dates you worked somewhere? Don't worry - you don't have to be accurate by the day, as long as it's close. The standard format expected by recruiters and employers is mm/yyyy (this is especially important when your job application will be parsed by an Applicant Tracking System).

Here's a real-life example:

As you can see, the work experience listings should be mentioned in reverse-chronological order - starting with the most recent job, going all the way back into the past.

Now that you know how to list your experience, we're going to talk about how to write about your experience in such a way that you stand out from the competition.
Are you a student with no work experience? We've got you covered. Check out our guide to writing an internship resume here.

List Achievements When Possible

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

Here's the thing - in most cases, the hiring manager knows what, exactly, your responsibilities were. Let's say you're a sales manager, for example. 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.

Coincidently, this is exactly the same list of responsibilities for every sales manager. 90% of all other resumes probably mention just about the same thing.

So, to stand out, you want to focus on mentioning achievements in your resume instead. Or in simple terms, how exactly you helped the company grow, reach quarterly quotas, and so on.

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

Did you know that over 70% of resumes submitted to job boards are never read?

Yep, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) keep your resume from being read by HR. An ATS (for resume) is software that helps companies filter through hundreds of resumes they receive per day.

So you're probably wondering, "What gives?! What's the point of perfecting your resume, if a robot can just say "No" and single-handedly destroy all the effort you put in?"

Well, don't worry - getting past the Application Tracking System is not hard, as long as you know how to do it.

The key here is to tailor your resume to each job you apply. To do this, you need to mention the right keywords from the job ad in your resume.

So, let's cover a simple example on how to do this. Let's say that after reading the following job ad for the position of a digital marketer, you discover that the most critical requirements for the job are:

5+ years of experience in online marketing

Social media marketing experience, with good knowledge of Facebook advertising

B.A. in Marketing or Business Administration

Experience managing 20,000 USD monthly advertising budget on Facebook

Now, to tailor your resume to these requirements, simply mention each in your resume, considering you have the relevant achievements and qualifications!

How much work experience do you include in your resume?

If you've got over a decade's worth of work experience, you're probably confused about how much of it you mention in your resume. After all, If you had to list everything you've ever done, you'd end up writing a mini-novella.

Or, on the other hand, if you're a newcomer to the job market, you probably don't have ANY experience and are wondering what could you even mention.

Here's how much information you'd mention in your resume depending on your level of experience:

Job hunters with no experience - If you don't have any experience, it might be a bit hard to fill in your work experience section. You can either keep it empty and focus on all the other sections, or fill it up with work experience in student organizations, non-profits, etc.

Entry-level candidates - List all the work you've done up to now.

Mid-level professionals - ONLY mention work experience relevant to the position you're applying for.

Senior professionals - List up to 15 years of relevant work experience MAX. If your recent experience is as a CEO, no one cares about how you started your career as a cashier in your teenage years.

How to List Education on Your Resume

The next section we're going to cover is your Education. Let's start with the basics - how to format the education section & what to mention there. Then, we'll move on to tips & tricks that'll help you stand out...

Program Name. E.g.: "B.A. in Business Administration"

University Name. E.g.: "New York State University"

Years Attended. E.g.: "08/2008 - 06/2012"

(Optional) GPA. E.g.: "3.9 GPA"

(Optional) Honors. E.g.: Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude.

(Optional) Academic achievements. Any interesting papers you've written, courses you've excelled in, etc.

(Optional) Minor. "Minor in Psychology"

Here's an example:

Emphasize Your Know-How with the Skills Section

Another must-have section in your resume is the "Skills" section. Here, you want to mention all your know-how that makes you the perfect candidate for the job.

There are 2 types of skills you can include when writing your resume:

Hard Skills (Measurable abilities). This can be anything from coding in Python to knowing how to cook Thai cuisine.

Soft Skills (Personal skills). These are a mix of social skills, communication skills, personal traits, career attributes, and so on. Leadership, critical thinking, management, and communication, just to name a few.

A good resume should cover both.

How to List Skills in Your Resume

When mentioning skills in your resume, there are 3 essential steps to follow:

Step #1 - List Hard Skills with Experience Levels. For each hard skill you list, you want to mention your proficiency level:

As a rule of thumb, you can divide them by:

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 a good level of understanding.

Advanced - You're the go-to person for the skill in your office. You can coach other employees, and understand the skill on a high level.

Expert - You've applied this skill in more than a handful of different projects & 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.

Make sure to NEVER lie about your skill levels. Otherwise, it's going to be pretty awkward both for you and your employer.

Imagine your first task at work as an Illustrator - to create a graphic vector to go nicely with an article. If you end up delivering a hastily drawn stick figure colored with a paint bucket tool in Microsoft Paint, you'll be out of the job before your probation period ends.

Step #2 - Tailor Your Skills to the Job. You might have some super rare, awesome skills, but they're not always going to be useful. For example, it's awesome that you know accounting, but would you really need it at your new job as a line cook? Exactly!

Take a look at the job ad and list 2-3 essential skills required for the job.

Qualifications
Systems:

As you can see, the must-have skills here are Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Keynote and Pages. A good-to-have is WordPress. You can also mention Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Outlook, but it's pretty much assumed that you know how to use them, as they're required for most office jobs.

If you're qualified, make sure to mention all relevant skills with respective proficiency levels in your "Skills" section.

Step #3 - Include Some Universal Skills - "Universal Skills" are the type of skills useful for almost any job out there. These are both soft skills (leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, etc.) and hard skills (Excel, Powerpoint, Photoshop, writing, etc.). Whatever job you're applying to, chances are, these skills will in one way or another come in handy, so feel free to include them, even if they're not specifically required for the position.

Not sure which skills to mention for your field? It might be one of these 100+ essential skills to put on any resume!

Other Important 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.

The following sections, though, can really give you a boost here and there.
Languages
Are you bi-lingual? Or better, multi-lingual? You should ALWAYS mention that on your resume!

Even if the position doesn't require you to know the 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, simply write them down and assign them the appropriate level:

Native

Fluent

Proficient (Enough knowledge to pass by in a professional environment)

Intermediate

Basic

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 & Interests

Want to add some spice to your resume? The hobbies and interests section, while not a game-changer, can help show who YOU are as an individual. Who knows, maybe you and your interviewee have some hobbies in common?

If you end up with some extra space in your resume, don't hesitate to show off your personality with a hobbies/interests section.

Volunteering Experience

If you're the type of person to use your free time 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. It leaves the impression that you're a devoted, loyal employee.

Several studies show that you can boost your chances of getting hired simply by listing your volunteering experience. This holds especially true if you're a student with next to no work experience.

Certifications & Awards

Do you have any awards that make you stand out in your field? How about certifications from industry experts?

Whichever the case is, as long as it's relevant for the position you're applying for, feel free to add it to your resume.

Let's say, for example, you're a Microsoft Cloud Engineer. Assuming you specialize in Microsoft Technologies, you'd definitely want to include all essential certifications, such as the Azure Solutions Architect Expert one.

Publications

Are you a freelance writer? Maybe a distinguished academic?

If you have any published works (online, or in an academic journal), you might want to include them in your resume. Make sure to include a URL, so the HR knows where to check your work!

Projects

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

Let's say, for example, you worked on a mock software product as part of a competition in university. You went through every step of product creation, from ideation to creating a marketing strategy.

You can mention the project in your resume and stand a better chance at landing that business internship!

Or on the other hand, maybe you manage an Etsy store, selling hand-made arts & crafts to customers online. Mention all of it!

Hiring managers love employees who do cool work in their free time.

Perfecting Your Resume - FREE Checklist

Already done with your resume? Interested in seeing how it holds up? Go through our checklist for perfecting your resume and see where you stand!

If you ☑'d all the points? Congrats! You've mastered all there is to know about how to write a resume, and you're good-to-go to move on with your job search! If you missed some points, though, just go through your resume one more time and perfect it as much as possible.
Wondering how to write a CV instead of a resume? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to write a CV (31+ examples included)!

4+ Effective Resume Examples

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

Check out the following effective resume examples to get a better sense of what a good resume looks like...

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

Next Steps After Your Resume

Now that we've covered everything you need to know about how to create a resume, let's talk cover letters & interviews.

After all, your resume is only the first step in your job search. To really land that job you deserve, you also need to craft a killer cover letter, and ace that upcoming interview.

How to Write a Convincing Cover Letter

Every job application consists of 2 parts - the resume and the cover letter. Now that we've covered the first, let's briefly explain the latter.

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 writing job!

In reality, though, writing a cover letter is pretty simple, if you know its purpose.

You should think of a cover letter as a direct message to the hiring manager. You get to briefly explain why you're such an awesome fit for the position. When we put it that way, it doesn't sound as hard, does it?
Here's a format you could follow:

Introduce yourself (and leave an impression) - As a start, give a brief run-down on your work experience and mention why you're interested in working for the company you're applying for. You can also mention 1-2 of your top professional achievements to leave a good first impression.

Explain how you'd excel at the job - Identify the top 3 requirements in the job ad. Then, dedicate one paragraph to explaining how you fulfil each requirement. So for example, if the requirement is "Facebook Advertising Experience," mention how you have done Facebook ads in the past and how you've excelled at it.

Wrap it up and say thanks - Thank the reader for reading your cover letter and propose the next steps. For example, "If you'd like to know more about my experience with Project XYZ, I'd love to chat!"

All clear? Just in case, you can also check out a real-life example below:

Does writing a cover letter still seem a bit complicated? Well, it is - to really explain everything you need to know about cover letters, we'd have to write a completely new guide on the topic. Which we did - thank us later! If you want to learn more about writing a cover letter, check out our full guide. Or if you need some extra inspiration, check out these 5+ cover letter examples.

How to Ace Your Next Interview

You've perfected both your resume & cover letter. Now, it's time for the next (and final) step - the dreaded job interview.

Whether you're an extrovert or an introvert, you probably hate the interviewing process. After all, sitting there while someone's prodding into your past experiences and judging the hell out of you isn't the most fun experience.

Did you know, though, that most interviewers ask the same questions? Yep - 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!

Want to learn more? Check out our complete guide to Job Interview Questions and Answers.

...And let's wrap it all up!

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

To wrap it all up, let's brush up on some of the most important lessons we've learned so far...

Use the right resume builder. You don't want to mess around with formatting for hours before even starting to work on your resume!

Focus on achievements. Mention your achievements instead of responsibilities, so that you stand out from all the other applicants.

Include the must-have sections. That is, resume summary, work experience, education, and skills.

Tailor for the job. Everything listed on your resume should be relevant for the job you're applying for.

Perfect your cover letter. It's as important as your resume, so make sure you pay as much attention to it!

At Novorésumé, we're committed to helping you get the job you deserve, every step of the way! Follow our career blog to stay up to date with industry-leading advice. Or, check out some of our top guides:

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How to Make a Resume in 2022 | Beginner's Guide

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So, let's dive right in! Before you even start working on your resume, you need to decide how you're going to build it. And no - you shouldn't use a basic text editor. While this IS the most popular method for creating a resume, it's very far from the best.

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Landing the job you want in 2021 isn't easy. Many parts of the economy are still recovering from the lasting impact of COVID-19, and there's plenty of competition for good positions.

However, the best way to get a job hasn't changed. Writing a professional resume that advertises your relevant skills, experience, and achievements is the key to attracting the attention of employers and earning an interview.

But writing a good resume is easier said than done, especially if you lack formal work experience.

To help you succeed on your job hunt, we explain exactly how to write a good resume in 10 basic steps, and provide detailed examples along the way:

1. Choose the best resume format

2. List your contact information

3. Write a winning resume introduction

4. Highlight your relevant work experience

5. Create a clear education section

6. Add relevant skills for the job

7. Tie in key certifications, awards, & honors

8. Pick the ideal resume layout

9. Write a matching cover letter

10. Proofread your resume

From industry-specific resume formatting and writing suggestions to proper fonts and margins, we outline every detail of writing a resume.

Ready to learn how to make a resume that lands you your dream job?

1. Choose the most suitable format

Before you start writing anything, the first step is to decide on the right format for your resume. There are three basic resume formats used by job seekers today: reverse-chronological, functional, and combination. Each format has advantages and disadvantages based on how the resume sections are arranged:

Chronological resume format

A chronological resume is the most popular format, and is appropriate for nearly all job seekers. It lists your work history in order of when you held each position, with your most recent job listed toward the top of the page.

Functional resume format

A functional resume focuses on your skills rather than your chronological work history, and is mostly used by people who are changing careers or trying to de-emphasize a gap in their employment. The biggest feature of a functional resume is that it groups your experience under skill categories instead of job titles.

Combination resume format

A combination resume mixes elements of both a functional and chronological resume. Combination resumes are typically used by experienced candidates with extensive, specialized skill sets. This resume format features a chronological work history section along with a highly detailed skills section.

However, just because the chronological format is the most common doesn't mean it's ideal for everyone. If you're switching careers, a highly trained specialist in your field, or trying to downplay a gap in employment, you may be better off using the less traditional functional or combination resume formats.

Now that you know the format you're going to use, it's time to start your resume. First thing's first, employers need to know who you are and how to contact you.

List the following contact details in your resume header at the top of the page:

Name (largest font on the page, middle initial is optional)

Telephone number (check that you have an appropriate voicemail message)

Email address (make sure it's appropriate, don't use your happyypanda45@gmail.com account)

Link to online portfolio (optional, include if relevant)

LinkedIn profile (make sure your LinkedIn summary is up to date)

Traditionally, you would also include your mailing address on your resume. However, this is no longer mandatory because most job applications are sent via email.

Here are two examples of how you can format your contact information section:

Example 1

Example 2

3. Write a winning resume introduction

Placed at the top of your resume, a well-written resume introduction briefly introduces your key qualifications and skills, and convinces employers to continue reading your application.

There are many different types of resume introductions used by job seekers today, including the:

1. Resume objective (also known as a career objective)

2. Resume summary (also called a professional summary)

3. Summary of qualifications (or qualifications summary)

4. Resume profile (sometimes referred to as a professional profile)

5. Resume personal statement

6. Resume "About Me" section

However, the two most commonly used introduction styles (and the ones we recommend most candidates use) are the resume objective and the resume summary.

Resume objective

A resume objective (or career objective) is a 2-3 sentence statement that provides an overview of your skills and experience, and explains why you're interested in the position. This introduction is best if you're an entry-level candidate because it focuses on your career ambitions.

Resume summary

Resume summaries (sometimes referred to as "professional summaries") include four to five sentences (either in paragraph or bulleted format) that highlight your past achievements and skills.

This type of introduction is good for job seekers with some experience and an idea of how to tie numbers into that experience.

4. Highlight your relevant work experience

Your work experience section is the most essential part of your resume because it's the best representation of your qualifications.

If you lack formal work experience, however, don't worry. Simply title this section "Relevant Experience" and use it to highlight details about your volunteer work, extracurriculars, or relevant school coursework.

To create a logical and informative work experience section, list your relevant experience from most recent (at the top) to least recent (at the bottom). For each job, list the following information:

Your title

Company name

Company location (city and state)

Dates of employment (month and year)

If you're still currently working at a company, you can simply write "[month], [year]-present" for the employment dates.

A general rule is that each job title includes about 3-5 bullet points of your main duties and achievements working in that role.
3 parts of a strong bullet point:

1st: Action verb (should always be first)

2nd: Quantifiable point

3rd: Specific and relevant job duty

Example 1:

Trained 5+ cashiers, managing their cash limits and guaranteeing quality customer service at all times.

Example 2:

Spearheaded the development of the first media kit amalgamation for all company projects, increasing national sales by 8%.

One reason the above bullet points are effective is that they use action verbs to grab the attention of hiring managers. Describing your experience using strong action verbs helps illustrate to employers what you've accomplished and what kind of skills you have.

Tailor your experience to the job advertisement

One strategy for making your experience section even better is to create it with a specific job in mind.

Start by looking through the ad for the position you want. Find any skill-related keywords and occupation-specific nouns in the ad, then spread them throughout your resume when possible.

This strategy is a great way to strike a chord with the hiring manager and show them that you're the perfect candidate for their specific advertised job.

Still not sure how to tailor your experience section? Here's an example of a real marketing specialist job ad (with underlines for verbs and for nouns/skills) we took from Indeed.com:

For an aspiring marketing specialist, there are numerous language cues spread throughout this advertisement. It's up to the job seeker to capitalize on them.

Using the ad above, we've created three tailored example experience bullets for a resume where the applicant has one year of relevant experience.

3 Example experience bullets (based on the job ad)

The example below demonstrates how to candidate strategically pepper the and nouns/skills found in the job ad into your work experience section:

Taylord's Marketing Firm, Reno, NV
July 2017 - August 2018

* Collaborated with the outreach department to develop innovative marketing solutions for 6 unique products

* Developed branding materials for a new mobile app, resulting in a 14% increase in sales

* Analyzed weekly performance statistics, ensuring that effectiveness of outbound marketing activities

5. Create a clear education section

Having a clear education section is essential for your resume, especially if you're a recent college graduate or have minimal work experience.

If you lack professional experience but have a good track record in school (high grades, club participation, honors, etc.), your education section should be highly detailed to highlight all of your education-related accomplishments.

On the other hand, if you possess more than a few years of professional experience, then it's appropriate to keep your education section short and sweet.

Additionally, if you're a student or recent graduate, list your education section above the experience section of your resume. This way, you emphasize your most marketable qualifications at the top of the page.

Here are the main points to include in a standard education section:

The names of your university, community college, or technical school (Don't include high school unless you didn't attend college)

Location of the schools (city, state)

Date of graduation (month, year)

Degree(s)

GPA (only include GPA on your resume if you're writing a college graduate resume and your GPA is above 3.0. Round up to the first decimal place, and use this format: 3.5/4.0)

Additionally, include relevant coursework on your resume if you're a recent graduate and don't have much work experience yet.

Here are two examples demonstrating how to format your education section:

Example 1 (experienced candidate)

Example 2 (recent college graduate)

6. Highlight your relevant job skills

Hiring managers are on the lookout for candidates who have relevant, job-specific skills. While listing a heap of skills on your resume doesn't actually prove you're skilled, incorporating your various skills into different sections will catch the eye of whoever is vetting your application.

For instance, you can showcase your hard and soft skills in your introduction and work experience section. And of course, you should also list your most valuable abilities (particularly any software or technical skills you have) in your resume's skills section.

Hard vs. soft skills: what's the difference?

Here's the difference between hard skills and soft skills:

Hard skills

Hard skills are quantifiable, job-specific abilities learned through education, training, or on-the-job experience. Language skills, computer skills, and being able to operate heavy machinery all count as types of hard skills.

Here's a list of 24 popular hard skills to put on your resume:

24 Hard Skills for Resumes

Accounting Tools (SAP, Oracle, etc.)

SEO & SEM

Bookkeeping

Java Development

Business Intelligence

Mac, Linux, and Unix Systems

Perl / Python / Ruby

Vulnerability Analysis

Content Management Systems (CMS)

Data Engineering and Data Warehousing

Adobe Creative Suite

Database Management and Software

Cloud Apps (JSON, Rest, etc.)

Automotive Services

Statistical Analysis and Data Mining

Public Speaking

Foreign Languages

Software Development

Software QA and User Testing

Data Presentation

Web Architecture

Technical Reporting

Soft skills

Soft skills, on the other hand, are character traits that positively impact how you work and interact with other people. These are usually natural abilities that can't easily be taught in a classroom.

Skills like being a team player, being driven to succeed, or having a great attitude all fall under the umbrella of soft skills.

Below is a table of 24 soft skills that employers are on the lookout for:

24 Soft Skills for Resumes

Technical skills

Some careers, such as those in the IT or engineering fields, require specialized technical skills.

Across the tech industry, the skills you need to succeed will differ from company to company. A technical skills section is helpful in showcasing your knowledge of certain systems, so that employers at a specific company can determine if you're qualified (or not) for the job.

To prevent this section from taking up too much space, try breaking it up into categories and listing your skills within each. For example:

* Software: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Visio, and Oracle

* Programming Languages: Excel at HTML, C++, and Python

Here's an example of how a Java developer organized their long list of technical skills:

Creating a resume skills section

The skills section is an essential part of your resume. However, there are several different ways to approach creating yours.

Here are a few examples demonstrating the different ways you can format your resume's skills section:

Example 1 (standard skills section)

If you have many relevant hard and soft skills, add them to your resume skills section using separate bullet points, like this:

If you're a student or recent graduate and have no significant job skills yet, there are still plenty of things you can list in your resume skills section. Here's an example of a skills section written by a candidate with no work experience:

Example 2 (skill bars)

Another way to organize your skills section is by using bars to provide employers a rough estimate of your proficiency.

This type of skills section is particularly popular with more creative professions, like graphic design or social media management:

7. Tie in key certifications, awards, & honors

By now you've already added the basic essentials to your resume. Below are a few sections you can add (if possible) to help strengthen it.

Certifications/licenses

Certifications and licenses are vital to list for some jobs and unimportant for others. For example, nursing has strict licensing requirements while customer service does not.

Just make sure you know which licenses and certifications to include in your resume before you send it off (if any), because leaving them out could ruin your application by making you seem unqualified.

If you work in a job where certifications are important, consider adding a dedicated "Certifications" section to your resume, like so:

Publications

Adding a publications section to your resume is important for graduate students (if published), academics, and authors because it lets them highlight major examples of their work.

If you're a published academic, list your articles in reverse chronological order by publishing date. And make sure you choose the referencing style that is appropriate to your discipline.

It's also acceptable to add works that have yet to be published. You may label these as "Works in Progress" or "Submitted for Publication."

Here's an example of how to list publications on your resume or academic CV:

Awards/honors/activities

If you've received awards or honors, either through your job or during college, your resume is a great place to show them off. Adding accomplishments and relevant awards on a resume helps you stand out from your competition by showing that you're a reliable, dedicated job seeker.

Here are some awards that you should consider including on your resume:

Grants

Academic honors

Scholarships

Volunteer positions

Professional affiliations

If you have the extra space on your resume, consider adding a dedicated section to highlight your awards, like this:

8. Pick the ideal resume layout

The hard part is over. You've written your resume, and are feeling confident about getting that interview. Now it's time to take a moment and consider your resume's design.

Depending on the industry you work in or the job you want, you may need to adjust your resume layout to fit the expectations of the hiring manager.

Formal resume layout

When it comes to resumes, newer isn't always better. If you work in a highly formal industry like law, finance, accounting, or politics, your resume should stick to a traditional, no-nonsense design.

Using classic serif fonts like Times New Roman or Georgia, simple lines, and dark, printer-friendly colors like navy blue are all great ways to make your resume's layout neat and professional.

Here's an example of an account executive resume that uses a highly formal layout:

Creative resume layout

If you work in a field like graphic design, photography, or social media management, it's important that your resume communicates some of your creative talents. That's where a creative resume layout comes in.

Adding splashes of colors, background art, skill bars, or icons are all great ways to make your resume more creative and better grab the attention of employers.

However, don't add too many style elements. Your resume should still be mostly text-based, and highlight all of your qualifications in a clear, easy-to-read way.

Here's an example of a graphic designer resume that manages to balance substance and style with a perfect creative resume layout:

Resume formatting rules

When putting your resume together, there are some essential resume formatting rules to ensure that it's easy to read, easy to print, and looks professional:

How many pages should a resume be?

The short answer is that one page is the ideal resume length for most candidates. However, if you have a lot of relevant work experience, it can be two or even three pages.

Just note that unless you're applying for an upper-management position or an academic post, one page will be enough for hiring managers. Even Elon Musk's resume (if he had to make one) could be tightened into one page.

What's the best font and font size for a resume?

Certain resume fonts are best suited for particular industries. There are general broad do's and don'ts when it comes to choosing your font and sizes:

For sizing, many resumes follow a 24, 12, 10 format. This means that the name is 24 pt, the body headers are 12 pt, and the bullet points are 10 pt. If you're not sure which font to choose for your resume, here are some popular font choices in both serif and sans serif styles:

What margins should a resume use?

One-inch margins are the standard for most job applicants.

However, if you have a lot of experience you need to fit on one page, then it's acceptable to reduce your resume's margins. Just don't go below .5", or your resume will look overcrowded.

9. Write a matching cover letter

Now that you know how to write your dream resume, you might be wondering: is a cover letter necessary? The answer is yes, always include a cover letter if you have the option.

Knowing how to write a good cover letter helps you round out every application you ever send out, and boosts your chances of landing an interview.

Cover letters are a valuable tool in your job-hunting arsenal because they give you an opportunity to provide context to your resume, show off your personality, and express enthusiasm for the job you're applying for.

Here's an example of what a resume paired with a matching cover letter might look like (always use a matching resume and cover letter template):

10. Proofread your resume and finish strong

Once you've written your resume and cover letter, you're in pretty good shape to send out that first application. However, you're not quite done yet.

The most important step before sending out any resume is to read it over and make sure that there are no issues (like spelling errors or formatting mistakes) that could get your application discarded.

To help make that process easier, here's a checklist you can go through to make sure your resume is looking spotless:

Feel free to use our on-page checklist, or make a copy in Google Docs and begin reviewing your resume.

Edit and proofread (more than once)

Even if you're a Harvard-educated doctoral candidate or the state spelling bee champion, proofreading and editing your application documents can still save you from potentially embarrassing mistakes.

Read your resume and cover letter over several times yourself at different times of the day to be sure everything looks good. Something that sounded great the night before might not look as professional in the morning once the sun comes up and you're better rested.

Also, hand your application materials off to a friend or family member who can give them a read. If your friends and family struggle to read your resume and cover letter, it's a good sign that you may need to make some adjustments to ensure the hiring manager can.

Save your files (in multiple formats and multiple places)

Most hiring managers today prefer you send your resume in PDF format. However, some may request a .docx file. If you're beginning a lengthy job search, save your resume in both formats just to save time.

You can also save copies on your computer, print off several for your own records, and even upload your documents to Google Drive. These precautions ensure that if anything suddenly happens to your computer, you won't have any problems accessing your resume when you need it.

Email your application

Now that you've got your resume looking polished and error-free, it's time to send it off.

Often, you'll need to email your resume and cover letter to employers. When sending your application over, make sure you include it along with a professional, courteous email to the hiring manager.

There are four keys to writing an email that gets attention from hiring managers for the right reasons:

1. Use the hiring manager's name. Avoid generic introductions like "To Whom It May Concern" and "Dear Sir or Madam", because they don't sound personable.

2. Make sure your email flows well and has no spelling or grammar errors. Re-read it yourself, and have a friend or family member take a look too.

3. Attach your application documents in the hiring manager's preferred format (use PDF if you're not sure).

4. Let them know you'd be happy to communicate via email, but give them a phone number to reach you at as well. Also, politely let the hiring manager know you'll be in touch after a week if you haven't heard from them by that point.

Additional Resume Writing Resources

In addition to our resume writing guide, we also have many other resources to help you build a competitive job application (no matter your industry or level of experience):

Resume Writing FAQs

If you still have some questions or concerns about writing your resume, here are a few commonly asked questions about resumes that we've answered in greater detail:

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A well-written resume (or CV) will get you more interviews. Our comprehensive writing guide teaches you how to make a resume that turns heads and lands jobs. Our expert's A to Z walkthrough covers every detail of the resume writing process - with this guide, you won't miss a step.

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