how to make my resume pdf format

Resume templates

Most jobseekers use resume formats & templates while building their own. It is a quick and secure way to create your very own top-notch resume without inventing the wheel (a professional resume format) yourself.

Free PDF Resume Format Templates

Check out the free resume templates, up and below, for your own use. Or go straight to the resume  tool  to customize your own. The  first  resume is for free, so are ALL cover letters!

Technologic

All the PDF resumes have been made with  Resume.io , an easy tool to build your resume online in minutes that come with many designs. You are welcome to scroll down to all our free Word Resume Templates.

Despite the arguments of the naysayers, you can make your resume fully stand out from the crowd, even while it’s based on a template. For that, we suggest premium templates. Classic to edgy or modern, we have a resume design for you. A great starting point toward your next dream job!

Free Microsoft Word Resume & CV Templates

The free resume formats made in Word are easily adjusted to your needs and personal situation. Clicking the link is the immediate MS Word file download. No catches!

Photo Format

Chronological

Formal Long Profile

Word template 5

Simple and Basic

Simple and Formal

Modern word resumes samples.

Three Shades of Grey

Robert Grey

Andrea Rowland

Charlotte Anderson

Purple & Pink

Green & Green

Creative word resume samples.

In this world, there are many wonderful things. So are our free creative resume samples! (Only for personal use)

Thomas Earland

Charlotte Webb

Harvey Ross

Georgia Fleck

Yellow Resume

Orange Resume

Golden Brown Resume

Mint Resume

Montserrat Resume

Three colors resume

Resume Blue

Purple Resume

Stolzl Resume

Tomato-Purple

Red-Blue Resume

Google's free resume format templates.

Google Doc’s is a great place to work on your resume. They have a small set of resume templates you can choose from and then easily edit to your needs. Google docs is great, becaus it saves all your files as whish: .docx, .pdf and many more extensions.

Coral Template

Modern Template

Serif Template

Spearmint Template

Swiss Template

Get the most out of our free resume formats.

Here are a few short tips for using curriculum vitae/cv templates, as they are also called, resourcefully. With these tips, you will get to your own and original resume in minutes:

• Your touch Just because a template of a resume example is set up a certain way, does not mean you have to keep it this way. Play by your own rules and provide the document some of your creativity. For example, play with the font, and add or remove a border. Divide sections of start combining them. By seeing more and more templates, you will get more ideas flowing through your brain.
• Make your set-up Many people use the standard Microsoft Word samples and formats, so to stand out you should use other templates (for example one of ours!). While you work your way through different ideas, you could take the best bits of all CV templates and combine them with your very own.
• Use resume builders Job boards generally offer their resume generators as a service for their subscribers. For some instances, this might be a good way to go, as quite some job applications go through these platforms. However, a fair resume generator can build you a more than a decent resume that will also not lose its shape when rendered to different sites and employers.

We crafted some basic and edgy templates for you to have a great starting point for your next dream job.  The examples are all made in Word , so they are easily adjusted to your needs and information.

Professional Resumes & CV's

You are not certain if or what kind of style to use? A professional resume or CV template is always a good choice. For any role, floor, manager, or CEO, with a professional resume, you show that you are correct, punctual, and doing the right thing. The perfect format for businesses that pre-auto scan their candidates.

• Formal industries such as finance, banking, healthcare government, semi-government, law.
• Workers with either a long or short work history.
• All other industries are also a perfect match for a professional resume

Avenir Resume

Grey Resume

Modern resumes & cv's.

A modern template does well in industries and positions that have to be current with time. Great for non-traditional businesses and young people working environments.

• Technology-, news-, media-, marketing-, culture-, branding- and sales sectors.
• Consulting, finance, science and technical environments

Creative Resumes & CV's

A creative template is there for creatives in the creative sectors, where a positive impression of your work is necessary. What is a better way than to start off by showcasing a creative resume? It serves the purpose of getting you noticed and not discarded before your resume is even being read.

Ideal for: 

• Creative positions in all area’s and industries
• Entertainment sectors
• Content creators

Muller Resume

What our customers says.

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Good page. Great help.

More Word samples please

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gracias por el ejemplos. Hay en Espanol tambien?

Time saver! Thanks

Free always does it well for me!

good resume!

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How to Edit a Resume in PDF Format (For Free)

3 key takeaways

• PDFs are meant to be static, read-only documents, but there are still ways to edit them.
• You can edit PDFs using Adobe Acrobat, a variety of online tools, or Teal’s Resume Builder.
• The AI Resume Builder is the best option to not only edit but also optimize your PDF resume.

There’s a lot to love about using a PDF format for your resume . It’s polished, intuitive, and accessible, and your content and design stay consistent across programs and devices—without turning into a jumbled mess. 

But when it comes time to edit that PDF resume? Well, suddenly PDF files don’t seem quite so friendly. Unlike Word files, PDFs are typically static and read-only documents. They aren’t meant to be changed, which means you’ll need the right software—or another workaround—to edit PDF files.

Rest assured, it’s doable. This guide covers what you need to know about how to edit a resume in PDF form, along with an introduction to Teal’s AI Resume Builder and how it can help you create and edit your existing PDF resume, or create one from scratch (without all of the cursing at your computer):

How to edit a resume in PDF format

• How to save a resume as a PDF

The easiest way to edit and format PDFs

• FAQs about PDF resumes

Struggling to update your resume and land interviews? Get started with Teal’s AI Resume Builder today.

One of the biggest perks of a PDF resume is that it locks your content and formatting in place. But that also means it’s not easy to edit text or other aspects of your finished document. It’s not as simple as opening a word processor and jumping into the editing process like you would with a Word file or Google Docs.

PDF editing might not seem intuitive, but it’s still possible. Here are three of the simplest and most common methods you can use to edit a PDF. 

1. Using Teal’s Resume Builder

Ultimately, you’re not just trying to figure out the logistics of a PDF file. You’re trying to create your very best resume—one that gets you a step closer to your desired job.

That’s where Teal’s AI Resume Builder comes in. Sure, it will help you do the basic job when you need to edit PDF files. But unlike the other document formatting and PDF editors out there, it’s made specifically for resumes, which means it has prompts, guidance, and features to help your resume stand out from the competition.

Here’s how to get started when you have a PDF resume you want to edit with Teal:

• Login to your Teal account (or create one if you don’t have one already)

• Navigate to the Resume Builder in the left pane

• Click the “New Resume” button

• In the top right, click “Menu” and then “Import Resume or LinkedIn”

• Upload your resume by dragging and dropping it into the designated space or finding it on your computer and clicking “Open”

Teal will bring all of the text from your PDF resume into the platform, where you can edit the content within labeled text sections in the left pane and use the checkboxes to easily add or remove content from your resume. 

You’ll quickly see that it’s a lot more user-friendly than trying to adjust the content of a locked PDF. Click “Save” on each section when you make any changes and watch them automatically update on your document in the right pane. 

When it comes to the content itself, Teal does more than make surface-level changes to things like font and punctuation. You’ll find additional features to strategically tailor the substance of your document, including:

• Detailed analysis to point out issues and improvement areas
• Comparison to a specific job description, so you can tailor your information, get past applicant tracking systems, and impress hiring managers
• Expert-backed suggestions, examples, prompts, and AI to help you generate more impressive bullets and achievements

Unlike other PDF editors, Teal can also help you improve the overall aesthetic of your resume. Navigate to the “Design” menu at the top of the page to easily adjust your styling, alignment, and layout. Click “Add template” to choose from an assortment of resume templates. Select one and it will automatically apply that theme to your document so you can choose the best resume format for you. 

Once you’re ready, click “Export PDF” at the top to download your newly polished resume PDF. All resume versions live directly within Teal, so you can easily revisit, rework, and redownload them as needed.

Looking for more advice on resume editing? Check out this complete guide to resume editing to polish your document and land your dream job. 

2. Using Adobe Acrobat

Anyone can view a PDF document on their computer (that’s part of the appeal), but editing requires premium software.

While there are plenty of software programs dedicated to editing PDFs, one of the first places people turn is to Adobe, the original creator of PDFs (“portable document format,” in case you want to impress at your next trivia night).

Adobe Acrobat is a tool specifically for PDFs. You can merge and split PDFs, add comments and mark up documents, rotate and crop pages, and most importantly, edit text and images. This software isn’t free, though, and there are several plans and pricing options. Both Adobe Acrobat Standard and Adobe Acrobat Pro will give you basic editing capabilities. However, to access all Acrobat editing tools, you’ll need the “Pro” option for $19.99 per month. 

If you decide to pay for the software, it’s pretty straightforward to edit PDF documents: 

• Open your file in Acrobat (you can use it on your browser, desktop, or mobile) 
• Select “Edit” at the top
• Edit your text, add new text, change your font (including your font size, color, and type), organize pages, and more
• Click the three dots in the top menu, select “Download this file,” and then choose your file format

Even though it’s built specifically to help you edit a PDF, it’s not a perfect system. Changing text can quickly lead to messy formatting on your document, which can be clunky to fix within the platform. 

3. Using an online PDF editor

If you can’t stomach the price tag of Adobe Acrobat, there are plenty of other software options and online tools that fit the bill as PDF editors. And, even better, they’re completely free. Some of the most popular include:

• PDF24 Creator

There are some nuances to each of them, but in general, PDF editors work like this: You upload your PDF document directly to the tool and it will turn the text blocks in your document into a collection of text boxes you can edit. 

All of the above PDF editor options have capabilities to change PDF text, so you can adjust your content or add entirely new information (like listing new jobs or adding more bullet points for your quantifiable bullet points). You can also tweak the appearance as you edit your resume, whether you want to update fonts with a new font style, add images, or choose an accent color. 

When you’re happy with your resume PDF you can download your resume .

3. How to save a resume as a PDF

PDFs are polished and professional, making them the top file format choice for resumes. Fortunately, it’s easy to make pretty much any document—regardless of where you created it originally—into a PDF.

When you’ve made your edits and are ready to save your resume as a PDF, here’s how to do so in a variety of popular platforms: 

• Canva: Click “Share” in the top right corner, select “Download,” select “PDF Standard” or “PDF Print” as your file type, and click “Download.”
• Indeed: Click “Download Resume” (to the right of your resume if you’re on a computer or at the bottom of the page if you’re on a mobile device) to save your resume in PDF format.
• Google Docs: Click “File,” select “Download,” and then select “PDF Document.”
• Microsoft Word: Click “File” at the top left of your Word document, select “Save As,” choose “PDF” from the file format dropdown, and then click “Export.”
• Teal: Click “Export PDF” at the top of the page and your resume will automatically download as a PDF.

To learn more about the logistics of tweaking your resume, check out this detailed post about how to edit a resume . 

PDFs have a lot of advantages, but they weren’t made for editing. That’s frustrating when you have a PDF resume—and it’ll leave you longing for an easy “edit PDF” button. Here’s the good news: While editing a resume PDF isn’t quite as straightforward as a Word document, it’s still doable. Whether you want to use Adobe’s dedicated software or find a PDF editor or other online tool, you have options to tweak and tailor the content of that seemingly frozen PDF.

But your best choice is Teal’s Resume Builder . It’ll help you go beyond editing your resume to strategically improving it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can you find a free editable resume template.

Teal has a variety of free and paid resume templates to choose from in the AI Resume Builder . You can also find free resume templates directly through Microsoft Word (simply open the program and you’ll see templates or the option to start with a blank document) or Canva (select “Create a Design” and then “Resume” to see all of the templates).

How can you edit an existing PDF resume?

You have several options to edit an existing PDF resume: 

• Teal’s Resume Builder to upload your PDF document and easily change your content and design
• Adobe Acrobat for direct PDF editing (but be aware the program isn’t free)
• An online PDF editor

How can you edit a resume in PDF format for free?

While Adobe’s software comes at a cost, there are several online PDF editors (like PDF24 Creator and PDF Candy) that are free. Teal’s Resume Builder is another free way to edit PDF content, as well as access expert tips and guidance to create or improve your resume.

Kat Boogaard

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How To Make A Resume PDF (And When To Use It)

• Resume Tips
• Best Resume Writing Services
• Things To Avoid On A Resume
• Resume Paper To Use
• What To Include In A Resume
• How To Write A Bio
• How To Write A Personal Statement
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• How Many Jobs To List On Resume

Before computers, people used to print their resumes and submit them in person or through the mail. Now, most people submit their resumes by uploading them to a website or emailing them. As a result, saving your resume as the right file type is important for making sure employers can read it as you wrote it.

One of the best ways to do this is by saving your resume as a PDF, and in this article, we’ll talk about what that means, why you should make a resume PDF, and how to do this.

Key Takeaways

A resume PDF is simply your resume saved as a PDF file.

Saving your resume as a PDF protects your formatting, resists alterations, and plays well with automation.

Use a resume PDF file when it’s requested or when you’re sending your resume as an email attachment.

What Is a Resume PDF?

Benefits of using a pdf for your resume, how to create a resume pdf, how to choose a resume file format, when to use a resume pdf file, tips to make sure you always send your resume in the right format, resume pdf faq, final thoughts.

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A resume PDF is simply your resume formatted as a PDF file. PDF stands for portable document format, and it’s a type of file for your computer. It was created in 1993 by Adobe and has been used ever since to present documents, text, and images in a universally compatible manner. This means that what you create can be opened by just about anyone, and they see it the way you intended it to appear.

Writing your resume on a Word document is excellent. In fact, it’s a good starting point for anyone. It’s an easy platform to manipulate, and you can make changes until you have the wording just right. Then it’s time to put it into a PDF.

Wait a minute – you’ve seen that before. It’s true. If you’ve been looking for jobs on Zippia , you may have seen employers asking for a resume PDF.

Why would you want to use a PDF for your resume? It’s a little extra work, after all. Well, the benefits might be worth it.

No spelling and grammar highlights. Once your resume is in tip-top condition, meaning there are no actual spelling and grammatical errors, you can move it to a PDF. In a Word doc, you’ll see that terms can be highlighted, even when they’re correct. Anyone out there with an unusual spelling for their name knows what I’m talking about.

Universal and clean formatting. First of all, PDFs can be opened by all systems. This is true of Word docs, too (basically). The problem is that Word documents don’t retain their formatting if a different program is used to open them, but PDFs do. So, all the hard work you put into making your resume look amazing is intact with a PDF. Your Word document may come out all jumbled and, frankly, look horrible.

Safe and secure. PDF attachments are very safe and not prone to viruses. This makes the person receiving it feel much better about opening it. What good is a resume if someone is afraid to look at it?

PDFs resist alterations. A couple of wrong clicks while distracted and your entire Word document resume can be erased or altered. Not so with a PDF. Sure, this doesn’t happen often, but it could.

Plays well with automation. This isn’t something you want to hear, but most resumes don’t even get viewed by human eyes. Ugh – all that work, and they go right into an automated program. The program then picks out resumes best suited for the job based on the keywords in them.

Then, if you’re lucky, you get moved along to a human. It’s the sad and very true state of applying for a job these days. The good news is that a PDF resume works well with these automated programs.

If you now feel that you need to have a functional resume in a Word file and a PDF file, then you’re probably right. Having both is so useful when applying for jobs and even when filling in resume forms online.

Tip: Upload the Word document resume for online form auto fill-ins. It tends to work better.

A Word document is easy to make. You use the program all the time, and it’s second nature. But creating a perfect resume for your next job interview on a PDF is new for many people. It’s also different, depending on the program or system you’re using. In general, the following should help you convert your resume into a PDF.

Microsoft Word Resume to PDF

With resume document open

Click on “File” in the upper left-hand corner

Click on “Export” in the dropdown menu

It will then let you export your resume into a PDF

Name the file

Click “Publish”

Google Docs Resume to PDF

With your resume open in Docs

Scroll down and click “Download”

It will open another dropdown that will have the PDF option – click that

Apple Pages Resume to PDF

Select “File” from the menu

Pick “Export To” from the menu

Select “PDF” from the menu

Okay, so there are many benefits to formatting your resume in a PDF file so you can boost your chances in your job search . But is that really the way to go? It depends. So, pay close attention to these tips.

Job posting. Did they ask for a PDF? If so, you obviously use one, but if the job listing asked for another type of resume formatting, then that’s what you want to use. Some of them do specify, so it pays to look for that detail.

Your structure. Your preferences can also make a difference. If you have a structure that’s not straightforward, it will work best when it’s in a PDF. As mentioned above, the PDF holds its formatting, so all your effort in creating a great resume doesn’t go out the window.

Only Word doc or PDF. Did you have a friend with graphic design skills make a professional resume for you? It looks amazing, but they used InDesign, Photoshop, Pages, or one of many other formats. We’re sorry to say that you should dump this resume and pick either Word or a PDF. It’s the automation again; images simply cannot be read.

In person. Wait, are you actually dropping off a resume in person ? That’s awesome! Almost no one does that anymore, and it can really be impressive. Even mailing one can surprise some hiring managers. In these situations, you might want to use that snazzy resume from your graphic designer friend.

It comes down to using a PDF or a Word document. Those are the two best options in virtually every situation. So how do you decide?

It’s requested. If the employer says that you need to supply them with a resume in a PDF, then this is what you’ll do. If the job listing doesn’t specify, you can try to call and ask someone in their HR department . Or you can just choose whichever one you prefer.

You’re sending an email attachment. Many resumes are sent as email attachments . A PDF is safer and usually won’t be flagged with a warning. A Word document may not pass the company security muster, and rather than getting to the desk it needs to, it’ll be ignored.

Still not sure how to send your resume? Here are some of our tips to make applying for a job more manageable, and save you some time, too.

Create a Word Resume

Convert that resume into a PDF

Keep both on file

Update them (yes, both of them) every time something changes professionally

Date updated resumes in the file titles, so you always know which one is most recent

Use the Word document when you need to fill in an on-website application that gives you an auto-fill feature when you upload your resume

Use the PDF when a job listing specifically asks for one

Use a PDF when you’re attaching your resume to an emailed cover letter

If you’re using a recruiter or a headhunter , ask them what format they prefer

When in doubt, if it’s possible, ask what format the prospective employer prefers

If you still can’t decide, it might be time to flip a coin. It’s best not to send both, even though it’s tempting. Pick one and go with it.

How can I edit my resume in PDF format?

You can edit your resume in PDF format by editing the original document and then converting it into another PDF.

For example, if you wrote your original resume on a Word document, you’d need to make changes in that Word document and then export it as a PDF again. Just make sure you clearly label your most recent PDF with the date so you don’t accidentally submit an old version.

What color looks best on a resume?

Black, white, and blue look best on a resume. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use any other colors, but if you’re in doubt, blue, white, and black are all safe and professional colors.

Should I submit my resume in Word or PDF?

You should submit your resume in Word if you’re uploading it online and as a PDF if you’re emailing it.

Many automated systems read Word documents better, so uploading your resume in this format is the best bet if you’re submitting an online application — as long as the company didn’t request a PDF.

If you’re emailing someone your resume, a PDF is typically the best choice since it will protect your formatting.

Resumes really haven’t changed much, ever. An awesome resume is still going to knock the socks off your prospective employer.

In a typical resume , you’re going to have an area that gives your personal information so they know who you are and can contact you. A part of the resume will be dedicated to your education and training. And the most important section will detail your past jobs, duties, and qualifications .

One of the most significant changes to resumes in the last three or four decades is the format. Resumes were once meticulously typed on luxurious paper that was thick and spoke of quality.

If you were feeling a little bold, you chose a slightly tinted color for your resume and cover letter , and, of course, you had to have a matching envelope. The stationary alone could get quite expensive, especially for a new graduate looking for their first job .

Today, resumes are designed and built online, tweaked routinely, and emailed without any expense at all. You can flood the market with thousands of them if you want. But, just because they’re cheap, doesn’t mean thought shouldn’t go into the delivery method. Just like in the past, how it’s received can matter.

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Kristin Kizer is an award-winning writer, television and documentary producer, and content specialist who has worked on a wide variety of written, broadcast, and electronic publications. A former writer/producer for The Discovery Channel, she is now a freelance writer and delighted to be sharing her talents and time with the wonderful Zippia audience.

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What Is Resume Paper? (And How To Choose The Best Kind)

How To Make Your Resume Stand Out (With Examples)

Words And Phrases To Avoid Putting On Your Resume

• Career Advice >

Create a stand-out resume with Acrobat

In today’s job market, your resume is one of the most important resources for job seekers. Learn how to get noticed with tips from Adobe.

In today’s digital job market, your resume is one of your most important resources. For most job applications, it’s your first impression, your pitch, and your personality all rolled into one. If it’s strong, it could also be your ticket to the next stage of the interview process.

That’s why it’s critical to put time and effort into creating and maintaining your resume before you ever start applying to jobs. And by sending your resume as a PDF, the most widely used and universally trusted file format, you can feel confident that hiring managers will see the content exactly how you intended, on whatever device they use. Adobe Acrobat makes converting your resume to PDF quick and painless with our online PDF conversion tool you can try for free.

Tips for creating a resume

Before diving into specific resume recommendations, there are a few important things you should keep in mind about what an effective resume looks like.

• Length: Regardless of how much experience you have, hiring managers have a finite amount of time. As a result, a resume should be no longer than two pages, to only present the information that is most relevant and important for prospective employers to know.
• Typefaces and font size: There are endless fun and creative typefaces out there, but your resume is not the place to use them. The typeface should be plain and easy to read. Calibri or Helvetica are safe sans-serif options, while Georgia or Garamond are good serif choices. In addition to choosing the right font, make sure that it is sized appropriately. Many experts adhere to the 24/12/10 rule: your name in 24-point font, headers and titles in 12-point font, and bulleted descriptions in 10-point font. Nothing on your resume should be smaller than that.
• Margins: Your resume margins should be between ½ inch and 1 inch, no smaller or larger. While you might be tempted to make them smaller to fit more information, it will end up making your document look less professional.
• File format: The PDF format ensures that your resume content will appear exactly the way you created it regardless of the device used to view it, which is not true of other file formats. No matter the program you’ve created your document on, you can easily convert your resume to PDF, and Acrobat online tools are here to help. You can use our Word to PDF tool if you’ve created your resume in Microsoft Word. You can also take advantage of free Adobe Spark resume templates that you can download directly as a PDF or our Compress PDF tool if you need to reduce the size of your final PDF.

Choosing the right resume structure

Most resumes fall into one of three styles: chronological, functional, or hybrid. They each have their strengths and purposes. Knowing which one is right for you will depend on where you are in your career, as well as what types of jobs you’re looking for.

• Chronological resumes: This is the most common type of resume, and it does exactly what it sounds like — list your work experiences and education in reverse chronological order. A chronological resume is a good style for those people who already have industry experience and want to highlight their growth and success.
• Functional resumes: A functional resume highlights the specific skills and knowledge that make you a strong candidate for a specific job, regardless of your work history. This style is more appropriate for people who either don’t have a lot of significant work experience (like new graduates) or those trying to switch careers or industries.
• Hybrid resumes: This style is mainly for those with extensive work experience or industry expertise who are either applying for a very specific role or trying to switch career paths. This flexible style allows applicants to highlight a variety of skills that qualify them for a position, as well as the roles and positions that best demonstrate proficiency in these skills.

Choosing the right resume content

Once you’ve chosen your resume format, you need to select the specific content you want to share. Depending on which format you’ve chosen, you may include some or all of these content categories.

Contact Info: At the top of your resume, regardless of its format, you should include your:

• Current address
• Phone number
• Email address
• LinkedIn profile or online portfolio URL if you have one

Education: Your education section should include:

• Name of your college, university, or high school (only list your highest educational attainment) and its location
• Month and year of your graduation or anticipated graduation
• Type of degree attained
• GPA if you’d like employers to know it
• Award title and a single-sentence description of any academic awards earned

Work experience: This is the largest and most important section of most resumes, sharing details of the work experience you have that is relevant to the position for which you are applying. Each entry should contain:

• Company name in bold
• Job title and dates of employment
• Three to five bullets that describe your responsibilities and accomplishments, tailored to the job you’re applying for. Whenever possible, include quantitative proof points that demonstrate your success.

Skills: This is where you list specific skills and abilities you have that will help you succeed in the desired position. Generally, you should list two types of skills:

• Technical skills you’ve gained through experience or education that are directly applicable to the position, such as programming languages, software or system proficiency, and professional licenses or certifications
• Additional skills, such as a foreign languages or soft skills like writing or communications

Keep your resume up to date

To avoid completely rewriting your resume every few years, keep it updated regularly with new contact information, job titles or promotions, and professional achievements or skill certifications. You may also want to remove information from your resume over time to make it as relevant and impactful as possible to the role you’re applying for.

Acrobat also allows you to edit a PDF of your resume. Subscribe to Adobe Acrobat or sign up to try Adobe Acrobat Pro DC for free for seven days to add, remove, or edit PDF text.

With the help of Acrobat Pro DC or Acrobat online PDF tools , you can put your best foot forward in your job search and once you’ve landed your ideal position.

https://blog.adobe.com/en/publish/2021/02/16/combine-pdf-files-with-ease-using-acrobat-online-tools#gs.yebefj

https://blog.adobe.com/en/publish/2021/04/08/split-your-pdf-into-smaller-files-with-adobe-acrobat#gs.yebdf0

https://blog.adobe.com/en/publish/2021/03/03/go-paperless-in-the-workplace-with-acrobat-online-pdf-tools#gs.xhw3yp

Convert Your Resume to an ATS-Friendly Format

Making your resume ATS-compatible is one step you can take to ensure your resume doesn’t get lost in the ATS.

Customers Interviewed by:

A study by Harvard Business School revealed that more than 90 percent of employers use recruitment software such as applicant tracking systems ( ATS ) to screen candidates and rank them.

Even if you’re the most qualified for the job, your chances of getting interviews are slim if:

• You don’t match the criteria set in the ATS .
• The ATS cannot correctly parse your resume.

To make sure the ATS doesn’t reject your application, you need to convert your resume to an ATS -friendly format.

In this guide, we will help you optimize your resume, be visible to recruiters, and increase your chances of getting interviews. You can also quickly scan your resume through our free resume converter to see if it’s optimized for the ATS .

Why is having an ATS -friendly resume format important?

An ATS -friendly format makes it easy for the ATS to read and parse your resume accurately.

This way, your resume has a solid chance of being seen by a recruiter or hiring manager, which can lead to a job interview.

How to make sure the ATS can read your resume

Over 97% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS to simplify their hiring process and sort through resumes quickly and efficiently.

When you submit your resume or cover letter , it goes through the ATS . The ATS then parses your resume, converts it into a format that can easily be searched and filtered, and stores your information in a database.

When looking for a potential hire, recruiters search for candidates through the ATS using keywords and other criteria. The ATS will then scan the database and show the top candidates that match the requirements. But here’s the thing…

Your resume will be passed over by the ATS if:

• It doesn’t have the keywords the recruiter searches for.
• It is not formatted in a way that’s compatible with the ATS .

You can avoid getting lost in the ATS by creating an ATS resume or converting your resume to an ATS -friendly format.

Read more : What Is An ATS ? 8 Things You Need to Know About Applicant Tracking Systems

How to convert your resume to ATS -friendly format

The best way to convert your resume to an ATS -friendly format is to use our free resume converter . But if you want to make manual changes, follow these expert tips.

1. Use a traditional font

For readability, it’s best to use a traditional serif or sans serif font . Some ATS will automatically change unfamiliar fonts, which can alter the design of your resume.

Here are 10 fonts you can use:

• Times New Roman

Font size doesn’t affect your resume’s ATS readability, but we suggest using a 10 or 12-point font . This makes your resume look more professional and readable especially when it gets in the hands of a recruiter.

Check out our list of the best fonts you can use: The Best Fonts for Your Resume .

2. Don’t use headers or footers

A header is the top section of a word document while a footer is the bottom section.

Unfortunately, not all ATS can accurately read information placed in these sections. So you should not include headers or footers in your resume to avoid parsing errors.

Also be sure to use standard resume margins . The standard margin is one inch on all sides of you resume.

3. Use standard resume section headings

Creative section headers may confuse applicant tracking systems, causing them to organize information incorrectly. Stick with standard headings that the ATS can identify easily.

For example, use:

• “Work Experience” and not “Where I’ve Been”.
• “Accomplishments” and not “What I’m Most Proud Of”.
• “Career Objective” and not “Life Philosophy”.

4. Avoid graphics

Although it’s tempting to add your profile photo or slap some fancy graphics on your resume, these might cause parsing errors in the ATS .

5. Use the right file format

After you write your resume , save it as a .docx (Microsoft word) or .pdf. These formats work best with most of the ATS .

You can check our full guide here: Resume PDF vs Word .

6. Format your dates correctly

Most ATS accurately parse dates in the following formats:

• MM/YYYY (06/2023)
• Month YYYY (June 2023)

Once you choose a date format, you should stick with it consistently throughout your resume.

7. Use keywords and phrases from the job posting and match the criteria

Since recruiters use keywords and phrases as criteria to search for candidates through the ATS , you need to include relevant keywords in your resume.

These keywords are usually the job title or key hard and soft skills . These are found in the job description.

If you need help in identifying which keywords to include, you can use Jobscan’s resume scanner . It scans your resume and matches it with the job description.

After scanning, Jobscan generates a resume score and a report with a list of job-specific keywords you should add in your resume to optimize it for the ATS . Here’s what a portion of the keywords section of a resume scanner report looks like:

In this example, the job seeker failed to include several hard skills in the job description. If a recruiter searches for a candidate with knowledge of compliance policies or health information technology , this resume will not appear in the search results.

8. Choose the right ATS -friendly resume format

There are 3 basic resume formats but we recommend using a hybrid resume format . The hybrid format showcases both your core skills and work experience.

If a skills section doesn’t make sense for your particular industry or profession, a chronological format will work just fine, too.

PRO-TIP: Avoid using a functional resume format . The functional resume format focuses on your skills and accomplishments . However, it often leaves out important work history information that recruiters and ATS need to build complete candidate profiles.

9. Use a resume converter

To make sure you don’t commit any ATS formatting mistakes , try using a resume converter. Not only are resume converters easy to use, they also save you time.

What is a resume converter?

A resume converter is a tool you can use to change your resume into a format that the applicant tracking system ( ATS ) can parse and interpret correctly.

Get the most out of Jobscan’s free resume converter tool

Jobscan’s converter tool uses the latest AI technology to scan your resume and match it with the particular job you are applying for.

Jobscan then gives you a comprehensive report on formatting edits you need to make, relevant keywords you need to include, and other necessary changes you need to do. This way, your resume will be visible in ATS searches and will be noticed by recruiters.

Additionally, Jobscan has an ATS Tip feature which identifies the specific ATS the company you are applying to is using. It gives you expert tips on how to optimize your resume for that particular ATS .

Create a great resume through Jobscan’s resume converter in 4 simple steps:

Step 1. Upload a copy of your resume. Step 2. Upload a copy of the job description. Step 3. Wait for the results. Step 4. Convert your resume by following Jobscan’s recommendations.

Make your resume stand out and get noticed

Upload your resume to see what’s missing and get a free match rate.

View full results and optimize your resume

Frequently asked questions

Using a resume converter ensures that your resume is compatible with applicant tracking systems. A resume converter: • Saves you time by removing manual format changes. • Makes sure your resume is free from errors that might occur when manually editing your resume. • Increases your chances of getting job interviews and landing your dream job. • Uses advanced features for ATS formatting and keyword optimization.

You can convert your resume by: • Manually editing your resume using expert ATS formatting tips. • Using an ATS -friendly resume builder and creating your resume from scratch. • Using a free resume converter like Jobscan’s .

When choosing which resume converter to use, look for a tool that is : • Easy to use. • Efficient in converting your resume to an ATS -friendly format. • Packed with advanced features updated with the latest ATS technology. PRO-TIP: Use Jobscan’s free resume converter tool since it uses the latest AI technology.

There are many free resume builders out there that job seekers like you can use. You can try Jobscan’s free resume builder to create a great AI resume that also impresses the recruiter.

To convert your curriculum vitae (CV) to ATS format, all you have to do is follow the formatting instructions found in this guide and tweak your CV accordingly. You can also try an online resume converter.

To edit your resume for free, you can do the following: • Read about resume formatting tips and strategies and manually edit your resume. • Look for a free resume maker and create a professional resume with that. • Use a resume converter.

The best resume format for applicant tracking systems is the hybrid resume format. You can find out more about resume formats , ATS resume templates you can download, and resume examples in Jobscan’s learning center . Want to save time and make sure you don’t miss out on what needs to be in your resume? Optimize your resume through our resume scanner today and take your job application to the next level!

Some of the leading ATS include Greenhouse , iCIMS , and Lever .

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• Resume Templates

Choose a free Resume Template and build your resume. Use our intuitive drag-and-drop resume builder and save it as a PDF in minutes. Start building your resume right now.

Double Column

Free, Two Column resume template. The most popular choice for most roles, including programming & marketing.

The classic Harvard template, updated for the 21st century with a refined design that recruiters love and an optimized structure for improved ATS performance.

Elegant template with a beautiful design and compact, easy-to-read layout that highlights your strengths and achievements.

The most popular template for upper management roles, project managers and product owners.

A refined template, especially great for positions where presentation is paramount: business development managers, sales leaders & other customer-facing roles.

A creative template that accents your header and makes recruiters want to read the rest. Built for any industry.

A timeline resume template. Organized neatly with a Timeline to show your career progress. For experienced professionals.

Are you a software engineer or a data scientist with a lot of skills & projects to list on your resume? This template allows you to create a perfect one-page resume.

Single Column

Free, simple resume template. Easily readable by both humans and ATS bots.

Designed as a one-page resume template for mid-level roles with 3-10 years of experience.

Multicolumn

Multicolumn resume template. Made for executives to fit additional info in a third column.

Traditional resume template. Fitting for conservative industries.

High Performer

Data-focused resume template. Perfect for project and product managers.

Minimalistic resume template. Blends whitespace and content, without clutter.

How It Works

Select a template.

Fill in your details.

Customize your design.

Tailor, Check for Errors, and Download.

Resume Templates by job

Unleash the full potential of your career with professionally vetted resume templates. Take a look at samples from real resumes that helped people get hired at top companies in your field, and build a job-winning resume yourself.

Search more resume examples by job

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Resume templates by experience.

(1-3 years of experience)

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Resume templates by format.

Combination Resume Templates

Corporate Resume Templates

Infographic Resume Templates

One Page Resume Templates

Timeline Resume Templates

Chronological Resume Templates

Functional Resume Templates

Minimalist Resume Templates

Two Column Resume Templates

• Modern Resume Templates

• Simple Resume Templates

Every resume template you see on these pages is free to use, fill in your details, and download until your seven-day free trial ends. Most of the functionalities are free, including:

• Two resumes and cover letters
• All resume templates
• Basic resume sections
• Enhancv branding
• Maximum 15 section items
• Access to all design tools

With Enhancv’s Pro Plans (split into monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual tiers), you’ve got additional access to:

• Unlimited resumes and cover letters
• Real-time content suggestions, including AI features
• ATS check (for the Applicant Tracking Systems)
• All resume sections
• Turn off the branding
• Unlimited section items

Using Enhancv's templates offers a variety of benefits that make crafting a standout resume simpler and more effective. Here’s why you might consider choosing Enhancv for your next resume overhaul:

• Easy to use : Enhancv's templates prioritize great design without the hassle. The drag-and-drop resume builder allows you to assemble your resume easily, letting you focus more on the content than on figuring out the layout.
• Parsable by ATS : all our important sections, such as experience, skills, contact information, summary, and education are all parsable by ATS. This ensures your resume does not end up at the bottom of the pile.
• AI-powered assistance : Enhancv's templates include an AI resume helper that not only suggests powerful language and phrases but also helps craft personalized summaries and cover letters. This tool enhances your creativity rather than replacing it, ensuring your resume reflects your unique professional profile.
• Highly customizable : Every job seeker is unique, and so is every job. Our templates can be easily adjusted to meet individual needs. Modify colors, add photos, or change line spacing with just a few clicks to tailor your resume to the specific job you're targeting.
• Adaptable across all industries : With a wide range of designs from minimalistic to modern and professional, there’s a template suitable for every industry and job level.
• Flexible format options : While Enhancv focuses on providing PDF and TXT downloads, these formats ensure high compatibility and preservation of layout across different platforms and devices.
• Free & premium options : Start with a free 7-day trial to explore the features without any commitment. If you find it suits your needs, you can choose from several pricing plans to continue accessing full features.

Our creative resume templates can be particularly impactful in industries where innovation, design, and visual communication play a significant role. Here's a brief overview of why and where a creative approach might enhance your resume, along with tips on how to use these templates effectively:

Benefits of creative resume templates

• Showcase your creativity: A well-designed resume can demonstrate your creativity and eye for design right from the start.
• Stand out: In competitive fields, a unique, visually appealing resume can help you stand out from other candidates.
• Highlight design skills: For roles in design and multimedia, your resume itself can serve as a portfolio piece.
• Express personality: Creative resumes allow you to inject personality into your application, making it more engaging and memorable.

Tips for using creative resume templates

• Balance creativity with clarity: Ensure your resume is still easy to read and navigate. Avoid overly complex designs that can distract from the content.
• Consistent branding: Use colors, fonts, and design elements that reflect your personal brand and the industry you are applying to.
• Focus on readability: Even with a creative design, the text should be clear and legible. Use contrasting colors and clean fonts.
• Tailor to the role: Align the style of your resume with the job and company. A highly creative resume might be perfect for a design studio but less suitable for a corporate environment.
• Keep it professional: While creative, your resume should still look polished and professional. Avoid using too many gimmicks or overly playful elements.

Suitable job titles for creative resume templates

• Graphic designer
• Marketing specialist
• Web designer
• Art director
• Content creator
• Fashion designer
• Photographer

Considerations for creative resume templates

• Industry expectations: Some fields appreciate creativity more than others. Always consider the norms of the industry you’re applying to.
• Cultural sensitivity: Ensure your creative approach aligns with cultural expectations if applying internationally.
• Tailored approach: Customize your resume template to the specific job and company, making sure it aligns with their brand and values.

Our traditional resume templates can be particularly effective in industries where clarity, professionalism, and straightforward presentation of skills and experience are valued. Here's a brief overview of why and where a traditional approach might enhance your resume, along with tips on how to use these templates effectively:

Benefits of traditional resume templates

• Professional appearance: A traditional format presents your information in a clean, professional manner, making it suitable for most industries.
• Easy to read: Simple layouts with clear sections make it easy for employers to quickly find key information.
• Widely accepted: Traditional resumes are widely accepted across various fields, making them versatile and reliable.
• ATS-friendly: Many applicant tracking systems (ATS) prefer traditional formats, increasing the chances of your resume being seen by hiring managers.

Tips for using traditional resume templates

• Focus on structure: Use clearly defined sections like Contact Information, Summary, Work Experience, Education, and Skills.
• Consistency: Ensure fonts, spacing, and formatting are consistent throughout the document.
• Bullet points: Use bullet points to list achievements and responsibilities, making it easy to scan.
• Simple design: Avoid overly complex designs and graphics; keep it simple and professional.
• Keywords: Incorporate industry-specific keywords to help your resume get noticed by ATS.

Suitable job titles for traditional resume templates

• Administrative assistant
• Human resources manager
• Financial analyst
• Project manager

Considerations for traditional resume templates

• Industry standards: Ensure the resume format aligns with industry standards and expectations.
• Tailored content: Customize the content to the specific job you are applying for, even within a traditional format.
• Professional tone: Maintain a professional tone throughout the resume, avoiding casual language or personal anecdotes.
• Updated information: Keep your resume updated with your latest experience, skills, and achievements.

Using a resume template can streamline the process of creating a polished and professional curriculum vitae. Here’s a simple guide to help you effectively utilize a resume template:

• Choose the right template : Select a resume template that suits your industry and professional level. Look for a layout that is clean, professional, and aligns with the job you are applying for.
• Customize your information : Replace the placeholder information in the template with your own details. Be thorough in updating sections such as Contact Information, Work Experience, Education, and Skills.
• Tailor your content : Adapt the content to highlight your most relevant experiences and skills that match the job description. This might involve rearranging sections or adding specific keywords found in the job posting.
• Edit and proofread : Carefully review your resume for any typos or grammatical errors. Accuracy is crucial, as mistakes can detract from your professionalism.
• Format properly : Ensure that the formatting is consistent throughout the document. This includes font sizes, styles, and spacing. Keep the layout clean and organized to make a good visual impression.
• Save in multiple formats : Save your resume in various file formats as required by the application process. PDF is typically preferred to preserve the formatting, but some applications might require Word files.

What's the best resume layout?

According to eye-tracking studies , recruiters spend on resumes like these around 6 seconds.

On average day recruiters scan and filter through dozens and hundreds of generic resumes.

Until they stumble upon a resume layout like this:

The combination of formatting, clever white space usage, and section order encourages recruiters to study critical parts of your resume in the order you need.

A job-winning resume layout has three main qualities:

• The job-winning resume layout is easy to read. No one enjoys reading a wall of text, especially recruiters. On the other hand, if your resume is enjoyable to read, there’s a higher chance that recruiters will spend more of their time learning about you and your qualities. At the end of this section, we’ll share a checklist with 7 tips to boost the readability of your resume and increase the chance that recruiters will like you.
• The job-winning layout is easy to scan. When recruiters scan your resume, it’s important to control where their eyes will go first. Every job is unique — depending on whether it’s an executive resume or a tech resume, recruiters will be looking for different things. Check the “Examples” section of this guide where we share the best performing resume layout examples for every job type.
• The job-winning layout is easy to remember . When recruiters like you, that’s great. But when they remember you, that’s a whole different level of appreciation. Most resume layouts are too similar to be remembered, so even a slight adjustment in section orders may pique the recruiter’s interest. Don’t go for an overkill though. We’ll share the most common resume formats and how you can use them to your advantage in the next section.

Readability and scannability checklist for best resume layout

• #1. Check your margins. Make sure there’s at least a 1-inch margin on all sides to ensure your resume looks good in PDF or when printed.
• #2. Use white space . The proper use of white space on your resume can increase the reader’s comprehension by as much as 20%. Make sure there’s enough space between sections and text blocks.
• #3. Utilize bullet points. Presenting your experience and skills in bullet points improves both the scannability and readability of your resume.
• #4. Create headers . Headers help organize your resume sections into a clear hierarchy.
• #5. Use colors . Colors add visual interest to your resume and let the recruiter’s eyes rest from the all-black text. The more creative your job the more colors you might use.
• #6. Check your font size . For the best readability pick a serif or sans-serif font. The size should be between 10.5 and 12 points to ensure you pass ATS scanners.
• #7. Add icons when you can. Icons both add visual interest to your resume and indicate a critical section of your resume. Check out the “Examples” section.

Last, but not least, is #8: Section Order. What sections should come first on your resume? Which ones recruiters are paying the most attention to?

It depends on your resume format and job specialty.

In today's job market, your resume needs to be both impressive and ATS-friendly to help you stand out. Here are the essential sections you should include:

• Contact information : Include your full name, phone number, and professional email address.
• Professional summary : Offer a brief overview of your skills and career goals.
• Work experience: List your previous jobs, including your role, the company name, and dates of employment.
• Education : Detail your highest degree, the institution's name, and graduation year.
• Skills : Highlight relevant skills that match the job description.

You can also add a few extra sections to provide more insight into your qualifications:

• Certifications : If applicable, list any professional certifications that are relevant to the job.
• Volunteer work : Show any unpaid work that might demonstrate your commitment and skills.

What's the difference between resume sections and a resume outline?

Almost all articles on the topic get the part of an outline and resume sections wrong.

Likewise, you, the reader, get confused.

The difference between resume sections and an outline is that you use, reorder, and match different sections to create an outline.

(Side Note: We’ve made an extensive guide on resume sections so you know how to optimize them and maximize your chances of getting hired. If you haven’t already, feel free to check it out!)

How to choose the right resume format?

Usually, resumes are structured by following one of three formats:

• Reverse Chronological Resume Format
• Functional Resume Format
• Hybrid Resume Format

All three have their purpose when it comes to building a resume that stands out . Whichever format you decide to use should be based on your background, experience, and objective.

So, let’s go a bit more granular.

Reverse chronological order format

This is by far the most popular resume format out there.

One of the biggest advantages of the reverse chronological resume format is that it allows you to spotlight key achievements on a single page. It also provides a clear narrative for your work experience.

The biggest drawback, however, is the fact that gaps in your career are more noticeable.

Functional format

The functional resume format makes your skills the main highlight of your application.

You should still list any professional experience you have, but the format itself focuses on what you’re good at. This type of resume format is best for people who are looking to change careers. Focusing on your skills is specifically valuable for the new position you’re applying to.

Hybrid format

A hybrid resume format is exactly what it sounds like – a combination of both a functional and chronological resume.

It highlights both your skills and your most recent work experience. It’s for people who’d like to play it safe and avoid going all-in on a less popular format like the functional one.

Frequently Asked Questions for Resume Templates

What is a professional resume template, what is the best resume template, should i use a resume template in the first place, should you send your resume template as a doc or pdf, are microsoft word or google free resume templates good, are these free resume templates, what's the difference between enhancv templates and other templates i find online, how do you create your resume templates, which are your most successful resume templates, what would you recommend as your most professional resume template, humans love our resume templates, too.

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CV templates PDF to download

Build your CV on this template 

Writing a good CV can be tricky, but it’s a hurdle you will have to overcome if you want to land that dream job.

One tool that will make life easier for you as a job seeker, is a professional CV template.

I’ve created 9 interview-winning PDF CV templates, which you can access instantly, edit and download.

Traditional PDF CV template

CV templates 

Key features

• Traditional CV layout and format with simple bold headings and fine border lines
• Minimal design features keep the template uncluttered and make reading stress-free for busy recruiters
• This template is great for formal employers like accountants and law firms

Build your CV now 

Modern CV template PDF

• Bold colourful heading across the top of the document makes it stand out in a crowded jo market and gives a fresh modern look
• CV sections (such as Profile and Work Experience ) are separated by prominent heading on bold blocks for ease-of-reading
• A great CV template if you hoping to create an exciting CV that stands out from the crowd.

Creative CV template PDF

• A two-column layout with a slim left-hand column creates a stylish look and also allows contact details and skills list to be neatly organised.
• Bold headings and borders create distinctive sections throughout the CV, for easy navigation by recruiters and hiring mangers
• This attractive template is great for applying to roles in creative , HR and people-focused spaces.

Simple CV template PDF

• Subtle but effective design features such as the coloured side border and icons give this template a serious but interesting look.
• Line spaces throughout the CV are widened to allow for quick skim-reading and seamless page navigation
• Great for applying to techincal roles like engineer , project manager or developer .

Hybrid CV template PDF

• Simple but elegant CV style with a colour-customisable top border and side bar, where contact details and core skills are made prominent.
• Sections are clearly divided by large bold headings and plenty of white space, allowing recruiters to pinpoint the info they need.
• This CV template has broad appeal but is particularly well suited to business support roles such as executive assistant or administrator .

Ultra-creative CV template PDF

• Eye-catching creative header with icon-filled background and optional octagon framed photo to really stand out from the crowd.
• Core skills are made extremely prominent with highlighted grey boxes surrounding each one
• This template is perfect for anybody looking to get noticed in a crowded job market like digital marketing or creative tech roles.

How to format and structure your CV

Before you start adding content to your CV, it’s vital to get the format and structure right.

Here’s what the format and structure need to do:

• Make the CV look flawlessly professional
• Make it easy for recruiters and hiring managers to read and digest the information quickly

Here’s an infographic that gives you a quick overview of how to achieve this.

How to format your CV

Stick to the following guidelines when formatting the CV:

Use a  basic clear font – anything too elaborate will be difficult to read.

Break the document up into clearly divisible sections using bold headings and borders, so that recruiters can navigate the page seamlessly.

Break text up into bullet points and short sentences to facilitate easy reading. Avoid big chunks of text, they are a reader’s worst nightmare

Also…

• Keep the colour scheme basic, and don’t clutter the page with any images
• Keep the CV at around 2 pages long – that gives you enough space to sell yourself without becoming boring or overwhelming.

CV structure

Your CV needs to be structured in a way that gives recruiters the information they need, in the order they want it. You can always use one our CV templates to get a head start on this.

Here is an overview of the sections your CV needs, in the order they should appear.

Name and contact details

• CV profile – An introductory paragraph
• Work experience – Your previous roles in reverse chronological order
• Education and qualifications
• Hobbies and interests – optional

Note: You do not need to add references to your CV – employers should only ask for them once they’ve made you a conditional offer.

Now. Let’s take a look at each of these sections and how to write them.

Head the CV with your name and contact details tucked up into the top right corner of the document.

It’s important that your contact details aren’t missed, but you don’t want to take up too much room with them – so keep them brief.

You only need to include your name, telephone number, email address , and general location .

Don’t add your full address, date of birth , or anything else that is surplus to requirement at this stage of the application – they will waste valuable space.

Writing your CV profile

To ensure that your CV holds the attention of busy recruiters as they plough through all of the CVs in their inbox, you need a punchy profile to hook them.

Your CV profile (or personal statement ) is a short simple paragraph that sits at the top of your CV, and summarises your abilities as a candidate.

For best results, it should be tailored to match the requirements of your target jobs as much as possible.

The information you include in your CV will obviously differ depending on your profession and experience level, but generally speaking you should be giving a round-up of the following:

• Your industry experience – What types of companies have you worked for and how much industry experience do you have?
• Your professional skills – Are you sales person with talents in lead generation and relationship building? Or are you a data analyst with skills in reporting and number crunching?
• Your qualifications – Are you degree educated ? Do you have any specialist vocational qualifications?
• Problems you solve  – What is the ultimate benefit of your work? Do you help companies save money? Do you provide support to colleagues and customers?

Keep the profile brief to give readers a quick understanding of what you do – save the detail for your work experience.

Avoid using too many cliché terms in your profile (such as hardworking team player) They are generic and don’t give recruiters a proper understanding of your skills .

Quick tip:  If you worry that your spelling and grammar might not be correct, try using our quick-and-easy CV Builder  to eliminate the risk of making mistakes.

Adding your work experience

If you are an experienced candidate, the bulk of your CV should consist of your work experience.

Your roles should be listed from current to oldest, with lots of detail in recent roles, and less details in dated roles. This is because employers will consider your recent work to be much more important in determining your suitability, and so will want more information about your current/most-recent job.

Roles form 5, 10 years ago or longer can be reduced down to 1 line summaries, or even removed if they aren’t relevant.

Structuring your roles

Your recent roles need to be well structured so that recruiters and hiring managers can skim read them and digest the information they need.

Use a structure like the example below to achieve this.

Start with an outline to build some quick context for readers, showing them who the employer is, and what the overall goal of your role is.

Then bullet point your responsibilities to demonstrate your input into the role, whilst displaying as many important skills and abilities as you can.

Round the role off with some notable key achievements to show employers what impact you have made in the role.

Bonus tip: Quantify your achievements with facts and figure to prove how valuable your input has been.

Education section

Your education should be listed towards the end of your CV, simply listing your most relevant qualifications.

If you are an experienced candidate, you can keep this section short because recruiters will be giving your work experience more attention.

If you are a school leaver or graduate with little/no experience, you will need to include more detail on your education to compensate for the lack of workplace skills. On top of your exam grades, it can be helpful to include modules, projects and positions of responsibility taken up within school.

If you have a technical role, such as a developer or electrician , you can also add a technical skills section.

Should you add hobbies and interests?

Hobbies and interests are an optional section which can help you to demonstrate skills gained outside of your work and education.

If you’re a junior candidate, or somebody with work-related interests, they can provide a great boost to the CV.

Check out my video on CV hobbies which will tell you if you should add hobbies to your CV…

Create your own CV in PDF

Hopefully this guide and example CV have given you a good idea on how to write your own CV .

Above all, remember to create a pleasant reading experience which quickly explains why you are suitable for the roles you are applying to. If you can do this effectively, you will get plenty of responses from your applications, and should be able to land the interviews you need.

If you want to get a head start on your CV, download my CV template.

Good luck with the job search!

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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