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How to Make a Resume for Your First Job (+ Template)

Learn how to build your first resume, even with no prior work experience.

If you’re looking for your first job, you may be wondering what to put on your resume. While you may not have any formal job experience yet, you almost certainly have gained skills and other experiences through your education and extracurricular activities. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to write a resume for your first job when you have no experience. Learn how to identify your most marketable skills and experiences, and how to format your resume to show them off.

What is a resume?

A resume is a formal document that presents your background, accomplishments, and skills to potential employers. When you submit a job application, your resume is typically the first thing a recruiter or hiring manager looks at to evaluate whether you’re a good fit for the role.

Did you know?

Outside of the United States and in academic settings, a resume is often referred to as a Curriculum Vitae, or CV for short. The Latin term means “course of life.”

How to write a resume with no work experience

Many job listings ask for relevant experience. But just because you haven’t had a job before, doesn’t mean you don’t have experience. Your experience happens to come from outside the workplace. For a first job, your resume should concentrate on your academic achievements, as well as any informal work, volunteer experience, or extracurricular activities.

Here are some steps you can take to create a resume for your first job.

1. Pick the right layout.

The bulk of many resumes focuses on job experience, listed from latest to oldest. If you don’t have job experience to list, pick a resume format that includes an education section closer to the top.

2. Match your experiences to the job listing.

Writing a solid resume begins with studying the job description for the role you’re applying for. You want your resume to match up with what the company is looking for, so start by making a list of the key terms from the job description. 

Go through the job description, and write down or highlight all the abilities, skills, and values listed within. Pay close attention to those listed as required. 

Now, think about experiences in your own life that match up with the items on the list. If the job listing asks for someone with strong organizational skills, think about times when you’ve had to be particularly organized. Maybe you helped plan a school event or led a group project.

It’s okay if you don’t have something for every item. Keep this list nearby as you begin to fill in your resume template.  

3. Focus on your education.

You may find it helpful to start with the education section of your resume. List your school and dates attended, as well as:

Relevant coursework: Have you taken classes that relate to the job you’re applying for (or from your job description research)? Be sure to list them.

GPA: A strong GPA (typically a 3.5 or higher) can show employers that you have the skills and work ethic to succeed in the job.

Academic achievements: Also include anything else that demonstrates your ability to succeed academically—making the dean’s list or the National Honor Society for example.

Extracurricular activities: Focus on the activities that align with the job listing. Involvement in student council, for example, could demonstrate leadership skills, collaboration, and problem-solving. Playing a team sport shows that you can collaborate and manage your time.

Certifications or online courses: If you’ve taken any training, bootcamps, courses, or certification programs outside of school, include them here if relevant.

If you’re still enrolled in a program, list it as “in progress” with your anticipated graduation date.

Read more: How to List Education on a Resume

4. Highlight volunteer work and extracurricular activities.

Next, add in an experience section. While you may not have formal work experience, you should include any volunteer work, community activities, internships, or informal work experience (like tutoring, blogging, or helping with a family business) that’s relevant to the job. 

As you fill in this section, refer back to the list you created in Step 2. You don’t have to include everything; instead, focus on your experiences that align with terms that appear higher up in the job description, or those listed as required rather than preferred.

5. List your technical and human skills.

Include a list of skills as bullet points on your resume that highlights both your human skills and any technical skills you may have.

Technical vs. workplace skills

Human skills, sometimes called soft skills or workplace skills, are those that apply to just about any job. Some examples include communication, decision making, leadership, time management, and problem-solving. Technical or hard skills tend to be more job specific. These might include programming languages, software proficiency, or knowledge of a foreign language.

Read more: Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: What's the Difference?

The skills you list in your resume should reflect what’s listed in the job description. For technical skills , also include your level of proficiency. If you’re still developing a skill, for example, you could write, “Familiar with Excel spreadsheets.”

It’s okay if you don’t have many technical skills to list. A study from job site LinkedIn found that 80 percent of companies value candidates with better workplace or human skills, which can be harder to teach [ 1 ]. The five most in-demand human skills in 2020, according to LinkedIn, were [ 2 ]:

Collaboration

Adaptability

Emotional intelligence

Build job-ready skills

Looking to add technical skills to your resume? Prepare for an entry-level job, develop in-demand skills, and get hands-on experience with a Professional Certificate in social media marketing, IT support, data analysis, project management, UX design, or cybersecurity on Coursera.

6. Write your resume objective.

This short statement goes at the top of your resume to summarize your skills. It’s usually a good idea to write this last once you have a better idea of what’s in your resume. Keep it to one or two sentences that state who you are, what you want, and what you can offer the employer.

Tips for preparing your first resume

Now that you’ve filled in most of your resume, here are some tips to help make it stand out:

Keep it to a single page. This is especially true if you’re not including work experience. Include what’s relevant to the job, and leave out the rest.

Use action verbs when describing your skills and experiences. Try to start sentences with verbs (e.g. designed, guided, led, improved, established, managed).

Include the same words and terms from the job listing. Many companies use what’s called an applicant tracking system (ATS) to sort applications by keywords. When you use the same words and phrases as the job description, you might increase your chances of getting your resume noticed.

Customize your resume for each job. Each job posting will have different keywords and requirements. You don’t have to start over each time, but make sure to adjust your resume for each job you apply to.

Proofread. Make sure your resume is free of any spelling, grammatical, or punctuation errors. If possible, ask a friend or family member to proofread for you as well.

Include your contact information , including your full name, phone number, and email address.

Student resume example

Here’s a resume sample for a high school graduate applying for a job as an IT technician:

First job resume template

When you’re ready to build your own unique strengths, experiences, and skills into your own resume, feel free to use this first job resume template as a starting point. 

Get job ready with Coursera

Whether you’re a high school student, college graduate, or working professional looking to switch careers, start building the in-demand skills you’ll need for a digital job with a Professional Certificate on Coursera. Explore options for data science, cybersecurity, IT support, and project management.

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Article sources

1. LinkedIn. " LinkedIn 2019 Talent Trends: Soft Skills, Transparency and Trust , https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linkedin-2019-talent-trends-soft-skills-transparency-trust-bersin/." Accessed August 10, 2022.

2. LinkedIn. " The Most In-Demand Hard and Soft Skills of 2020 , https://www.linkedin.com/business/talent/blog/talent-strategy/linkedin-most-in-demand-hard-and-soft-skills." Accessed August 10, 2022.

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First Job Resume Examples + Samples for 2022

This page provides you with First Job Resume Examples + Samples for 2022 resume samples to use to create your own resume with our easy-to-use resume builder . Below you'll find our how-to section that will guide you through each section of a First Job Resume Examples + Samples for 2022 resume.

If you’re a new graduate worrying about how to write your first ever resume, you’re not alone! When you don’t have a lot of past work experience, resumes can be pretty intimidating. It’s easy to wonder how you’ll fill all the space, especially if you’ve never even held down a part-time job before.

Don’t panic! Even if you’re totally new to the world of work, you almost certainly have enough relevant experience behind you to build a great resume for your first job. If you think laterally, it’s perfectly possible – and very much allowed! – to include things like club activities, school-based responsibilities, and volunteering work on your first job resume.

To get you started, we’ve put together this helpful guide to writing your first job resume. We’ve put together some example resume sections, some do’s and don'ts for writing your resume, and some advice on what to expect from the job application process – including some tips you may not hear from your college careers office. Read on, and you’ll be building your first job resume in no time!

If you’ve never worked before, chances are that you’ve never had to write a resume before, either. Don’t worry – it’s not as complicated as you think! As a general rule, a resume contains the following sections:

• A summary and/or objective
• A record of your past work experience
• A list of your qualifications, certifications, and licenses
• A list of your relevant skills

It’s important to remember that your resume needs to show a hiring manager two things, particularly when you have no work experience. The first is that you have relevant qualifications for the role you want – whether that’s an academic qualification in a relevant field, or just some volunteering-based or extracurricular experience. The second is that you have the skills you will need to do great work in the role.

What this means is that it’s okay if your experience section feels a little thin on the ground. As a current student or a new graduate, you won’t be expected to bring a ton of professional experience to the table. What matters is how you present yourself – which means making the most of the skills, qualifications and experience that you do have, so hiring managers can see a good reason to take a chance on you.

We’ll cover each section one at a time, so you have all the information you need to make your resume as strong as possible.

The Best Format for a First Job Resume

Before you get started on actually writing your resume, you’ll need to choose your resume format! This dictates what hiring managers will notice first when they take their first look at your application. The right format will draw their eyes to your strongest assets, and away from the places where you’re not as strong as you’d prefer.

When you choose your professionally-designed first job resume template from our selection, make sure you keep that in mind. Since you won’t have much prior work experience, it makes sense to choose a format that will call attention to your qualifications and skills instead. This will give recruiters an opportunity to see the best side of you, first and foremost!

Remember, this is just your first job resume – you will be able to create a brand new resume once you have more experience behind you. After you’ve built up a stronger work history in your field of choice, you’ll be able to opt for a resume format that balances your skills and qualifications with your work experience. We have a range of resume guides for a variety of different fields and industries, to help you pick the best resume format when the time comes!

• Applicant Tracking Systems

You may not know that some companies use an applicant tracking system (or ATS) to sort through the resumes they receive when inviting applications for a position. ATS software filters resumes based on keywords (usually drawn from the job description) to help winnow out resumes that are generic, not qualified for the role, or otherwise unsuitable to move to the next stage of the process. This is great for hiring managers, as it saves them valuable time and enables them to speed up the hiring process.

But for candidates, it isn’t always such good news! If your resume doesn’t make it past the ATS software, it is likely to be rejected before a human gets to see it and make informed decisions about your application. That can be a blow, particularly if you’ve spent a lot of time and effort on your resume.

You can maximize your chances of beating the ATS software by paying close attention to what the job description is asking for. Try to use the exact words used in the job description when describing your skills and experience: for example, if a job description asks for ‘strong time management skills,’ use that exact phrase when writing about your history of meeting deadlines for school. If you don’t treat the job description as your guide, you risk losing the role before the hiring process has truly begun.

ATS software can also be confused by complex and intricate resume formatting. That’s why all of VisualCV’s resume templates are designed to make your resume easy for ATS software to read, regardless of the layout they provide. That means you don’t have to worry about the software getting confused by your resume format – you can just focus on making sure your resume is as strong as it can be.

How to Write a Summary for Your First Job Resume

Most resumes begin with a summary. It’s the first thing most recruiters will see when they pick up your resume, and it’s intended to give them a clear, concise picture of your best qualities. Writing a good summary is all about brevity – think about your biggest strengths in relation to this particular role, and write them down in three sentences or less.

Remember, your summary should be tailored to the specific role you’re applying for. You can’t write just one summary, then reuse it across multiple applications! Recruiters will notice, and it will hurt your chances of getting the job.

Because you’re applying for your first job, you won’t be able to talk about your prior work experience in your summary. However, you can mention your educational background, your skills, your best qualities, and any relevant non-work experience you have. Later in your career, you can use your summary to describe the trajectory of your career so far, so recruiters can see at a glance where you’re coming from. 3 First Job Summary Examples

• Current student at NYU majoring in International Relations. Secretary of the NYU Tea Society, with experience in planning, communication, and working to deadlines. A quick and adaptable learner with a strong work ethic.
• Maintaining a 3.8 GPA at Williams College. Former editor at the Williams Record, with experience of project management and collaborative work. Dedicated to learning new skills without compromising on the quality of my output.
• Majoring in Computing at UT Austin. Three years of volunteer experience in a residential care home, delivering enrichment activities to residents. Strong customer service skills with a compassionate mindset and a drive to deliver the best.
• How Not to Write a First Job Resume Summary

It can be tempting to turn your summary into a second cover letter – a long-form piece of writing focusing on the story behind why you want the job. Don’t give in to that temptation! It’s the number one thing to avoid when writing a resume summary.

Remember, your summary needs to be clear and direct, focused on what you can offer an employer in the role you want. Keep it brief, keep it focused, and keep it professional. You can talk more about yourself in your cover letter – don’t give up valuable resume space for the sake of a more in-depth summary than you need.

Summaries can be tricky to get right. Not every recruiter agrees that you need one – in fact, opinion is pretty divided – so don’t despair if you’re struggling with it! Leave it out for now, and consider coming back to it later.

• For the past three years, I have worked as a volunteer at the Shady Pines Residential Care Home, delivering enrichment activities to residents every weekend. I am excited to apply my experience with customer service to the role of Cashier. I believe I have the customer-focused mindset and the work ethic to really succeed in this position.

Do You Need a Resume Objective?

We’ve covered summaries pretty thoroughly – but what about your resume objective?

When you’re applying for a first job, an objective is a great way to give a hiring manager a little more information about your long-term goals. It’s a single-sentence statement about where you want to work or what you want to do in the longer term. Needless to say, your objective should have some relevance to the role you’re applying for!

Keep in mind that you won’t always need a resume objective. They’re not so useful when you already have an extensive work history, as your career so far can go a long way toward telling a hiring manager about your long-term plans. But at the beginning of your career, they’re generally considered to be worth including on your resume. First Job Resume Objective Example:

• International Relations major at NYU, hoping to build a career in the communications industry.

How to Describe Your Experience on Your First Job Resume

By definition, you probably don’t have any previous experience of holding down a paid job – after all, this is your first job resume! But that doesn’t mean you don’t have any relevant experience. Here are just a few of the things you can include in this section of your resume, provided you’ve participated in them in the past:

• High school clubs
• College extracurriculars
• Volunteering experience
• Internships
• Work experience placements
• Relevant hobbies and achievements

As long as you can draw on the experience to show why it makes you a good fit for the role you want, you can include it! It’s worth sitting down and listing all of the skills you used or learned during your non-work experience. Then you can include any experience where those skills align with the skills listed on your job description – generally a good sign that the experience is relevant to the role.

Remember, you don’t have to include everything you’ve ever done on your resume. If you have a lot of experience, be selective. On the other hand, if you don’t have much experience, don’t even think about lying to bulk it out – if you get caught (and you are likely to get caught), it will throw up red flags that recruiters won’t be able to ignore.

• Describe Your Experience Effectively

Each ‘item’ of experience on your resume is usually accompanied by a bullet-pointed list of things you achieved while carrying out the job. But as you’ll see in the example below, it’s not as simple as all that! Every bullet point you write should prove that you have at least one of the skills or qualities listed in the job description.

That’s why you should make sure to write about what you actually achieved – not just about the bare bones of what you did from day to day. Instead of ‘answered emails,’ try ‘addressed client queries promptly via email, ensuring clear communication and building trust.’ Doesn’t that sound so much more impressive?

As a rule, hiring managers will want to see evidence that you were able to succeed in your previous work – whatever it was. Point to the results you achieved by completing each task, and hiring managers will be more likely to believe that you can achieve results again in a future role.

Do: Editor, The Williams Record | 2019-20

• Responded to pitches for articles and columns from fellow students, selecting pitches for content in line with the mission and tone of the newspaper
• Supported writers in delivering their articles on time and to a high standard
• Liaised with other members of the editorial team to ensure that each issue went to print in good time
• How Not to Describe Your Experience

Don’t just write a list of the tasks you completed! Without any further context, a straightforward list of responsibilities assigned to you won’t tell a hiring manager anything. They won’t have any reason to believe that you excelled at those tasks, or that you might excel at similar tasks in a new job.

When writing a resume, you need to show hiring managers that you have the skills it takes to succeed. Be clear and explicit about those skills and how you applied them – don’t assume that they will make those connections for you.

Don’t: Editor, The Williams Record | 2019-20

• Answered emails
• Edited articles
• Worked with other editors

How to List Skills on Your First Job Resume

Your skills section should be a list of the skills you possess that will help you in the role you want. You can usually refer to the job description for the skills necessary for the job! Most of the time, they include a list of qualities that applicants should have – use that as a guide when listing skills on your resume.

It’s useful to distinguish between ‘hard skills’ and ‘soft skills.’ Hard skills are the practical skills you’ll use from day to day in your role – things like the use of particular software packages, or the ability to use a cash register. If you don’t have all the hard skills listed as necessary for the role you want, don’t panic – you can write, either in your cover letter or as part of your skills section, that you are willing to learn on the job.

On the other hand, you probably already have some relevant soft skills! We’ll cover those in more detail below.

For general information about skills on your resume, check out our resume skills guide here!

Important Soft Skills for Your First Job

Soft skills are the skills that you use in every aspect of your professional life. Skills like communication, organization and attention to detail are vital in almost every line of work, and will give you an advantage in navigating a new work environment. Plus, when you don’t have much prior work experience, a strong portfolio of soft skills can show an employer that you have what it takes to succeed.

Here are some of the most important soft skills to include on your first job resume, regardless of the job you’re applying for!

• Communication

Can you get along with people and make yourself understood, whether in person, in writing, or over the phone? Communication is foundational to almost every job – being able to communicate effectively will make you a better team member, as well as better at liaising with clients or customers.

• Organization

In the world of work, it’s vital to be organized. That means balancing all your commitments, showing up on time, looking presentable, and managing your working hours effectively. Prove that you can do all that, and your application will be that much stronger as a result.

• Willingness to Learn

This one is particularly important for people looking for their first job, as they’re likely to need more on-the-job training than more experienced candidates. Being willing and able to take in and adapt to new information is a crucial skill!

Very few jobs will need you to work in perfect isolation. You’ll have to get along efficiently with people from all walks of life, regardless of your personal feelings about them, in order to do most jobs to the best of your ability. That means being able to take on your share of responsibilities, all while keeping the wellbeing and morale of your colleagues in mind.

Final Thoughts

Landing that first job can be a daunting prospect, but it’s not impossible! With a well-written, well-constructed resume, you’ll be on your way up the career ladder in no time. Use what you have, think laterally about your experience, and don’t be deterred by rejection – keep pushing, and you’ll get there.

For a little extra boost to your resume, consider a VisualCV Pro membership! Pro membership allows you to customize every aspect of your resume, so you can show hiring managers your very best self from the outset of the application process. Sign up today, and get the head start you deserve on that first job.

Copyright © 2024 Workstory Inc.

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How to Make a Resume for First Job In 6 Steps (+ Examples)

• Julia Mlcuchova , 
• Updated January 12, 2024 15 min read

“How to make a resume for first job,” you ask?

In this highly competitive job market, even the most experienced professionals can struggle for success. So how can you, a fresh graduate with no experience , stand out from the rest? Believe us, you can. 

We'll show you how to highlight your skills and academic achievements , and other relevant experiences you might have, in a way that makes up for the lack of experience and catches an employer's eye.

In this article you'll find how to make an effective resume with no experience and land your first job. You'll also find out:

• If you need a resume for your first job;
• How to make a resume for first job in 6 steps;
• How to know what is relevant;
• First job resume examples.

But let's start with the basics...

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What even is a resume?

Do you need a resume for your first job, how to make a resume for your first job in 6 steps, how to know what is relevant, resume example for first job.

• Key takeaways: How to make a resume for first job?

In short, resume is a document which presents your career history in a succinct way. It provides an overview of your most relevant achievements (professional and educational):

• the skills you've acquired; 
• any qualifications, awards, or certificates you've gained; 
• your education;
• and work experience. 

Stylistically speaking, resumes are formal, brief, and packed with information . 

The aim of a resume is to present a summary of everything you need to convince the hiring managers that you are the right person to fill the open position in their company.

Who is the resume meant for? 

The target audience of your resume are the recruiters or the hiring manager . 

Resume serves as the initial point of contact between you and the people who decide whether you get invited to a job interview . With a good resume, you can make a strong first impression which will get you on the list of promising candidates.

Recruiters like brevity and efficiency, so make sure you communicate with them in clear and concise language .

What does a resume consist of? 

Given the volume of information included in a resume, you must organize it into appropriate and clearly distinguished resume sections . This will prevent your resume from looking cluttered and chaotic.

Generally speaking, there are two types of resume sections: necessary and optional .

The necessary resume sections include:

• Personal/contact information
• Resume summary or resume objective
• Work experience

From the optional sections , the most frequent include:

• Hobbies and interests
• Awards and achievements
• Certificates
• Volunteering
• References (though this one is mainly used in CVs, rather than resumes.)

How long should a resume be?

Choosing the right resume length can be tricky, believe it or not. Luckily for you, there is only one correct answer. 

Our recommendation to keep your resume to only one page probably won't surprise you. 

Absolutely. 

Whether it's your first or fiftieth time, you always need to attach a resume to your job application . 

Your resume is something like an ID card in the workforce – it tells people who you are, what you can do , and how they can reach you . Without a resume you won't get invited to a job interview; and without a job interview, well, you won't get a job. 

Maybe you feel that since you have no practical experience, writing a resume is pointless - this statement couldn't be further from true. 

After all, you would have to create a resume at one point in your life, so it may as well be now.

The simple fact of having a well-done resume already displays a certain level of professionalism and readiness for the workplace. 

Knowing how to best present yourself and your abilities – especially when you have no previous experience to vouch for them – is a skill in itself. And every skill needs practice. 

So let's practise!

Writing a good resume for your first job can be intimidating; but following these 6 steps will make the process much easier.

Instead of a resume summary, opt for a resume objective. In 3-5 sentences, focus on your career goals and academic achievements. Express your enthusiasm for the job, your goals, and your desire to grow professionally. 

This might be the most important section of your resume. Write your education entries in detail. You can mention relevant coursework, projects, or awards.

If you lack professional experience, you can build on your relevant internships, volunteering, independent projects, your teen jobs , summer jobs, or part-time jobs. Especially highlight those that are at least somewhat relevant for the job.

Highlight hard skills, like languages, computer skills , or other tools. Also, don't forget to include soft skills , which are personality traits and are transferrable from your old jobs or school. You can also organize your skills section into smaller categories and use infographics.

Include your contact information in your resume header. Make sure they are clearly visible and easy to find with the first glance. Don't forget to include your LinkedIn profile.

If you feel that there's still relevant information to be mentioned, but you lack separate resume sections – create them. For instance, create a separate 'Independent Projects' section and boast about your endeavours.

Now, let's go through these steps in detail.

Step 1: Create a compelling resume summary/objective 

What is the purpose.

What separates a good resume from a great one is its ability to immediately capture the attention of whoever is reading it. A nifty piece of text called a resume summary does the trick. 

This brief text placed near the top of your resume, close to your contact information, condenses your resume highlights into 3-5 sentences . 

It provides an overview of your most impressive professional qualities:

• Most significant achievements
• Most relevant skills
• Experiences that cater to specific needs of the job you want

What can you do?  

Obviously, you can't really do all that. But you can still create a persuasive short text that will make the recruiters keep on reading the rest of your resume. 

Instead of writing a resume summary, try to compose a resume objective . 

Instead of past experience and achievements, you can highlight your:

• Career goals 
• Enthusiasm to learn and grow professionally
• Educational achievements

Look at this example:

What makes this resume objective good?

• Anita shows the recruiters her qualifications by informing them of her bachelor's degree.
• She states exactly what she can offer to her future employer: proactive approach, problem-solving, critical thinking. 
• She expresses her desire to “ grow professionally ”

Step 2: Flash out your education

The education section is where you list your degrees and your academic accomplishments. To be honest, candidates with years of professional experience need this section only as a way to show that they hold an academic degree. Simply because such is the convention. 

In their case, an education entry contains the following:

• The name of the institution
• Location of the school
• Years of study
• Level of study 
• Name of their degree

What can you do?

For fresh graduates, the education section of a resume is often the most significant part . Make sure to put some meat on the bones … a lot of it actually.

At this point in your professional life, your academic achievements are probably the only way to showcase your most relevant abilities and substantial qualifications . Throughout your academic journey, you've likely gained and achieved a multitude of things, use this section to show your range. 

Apart from the information shown above, you should elaborate on your education entries by detailing your:

• Relevant coursework. Being fresh out of school does have a certain advantage – all the theoretical knowledge is still in your head. 
• Final thesis. Your final thesis is the climax of your studies. It's by far your most elaborate project. It requires a lot of effort, good time management, dedication and long-term commitment – all the qualities highly desired by employers. Not to mention if the subject of your thesis directly links to the job you're applying for!
• Extracurricular activities. It's good to demonstrate your interest in things outside of the prescribed curriculum – this might suggest similar tendencies in work environment. 
• Projects you've worked on. Apart from the knowledge, you've gained valuable teamwork experience.
• Scholarships.  
• Academic awards. Make the recruiters recognize your hard work. 
• GPA . Include it only if it's higher than 3.5.

In short, make note of every relevant information that will make your future employers see your potential.

Keep in mind that your education entries should be listed in reverse-chronological order .

Consider this example:

What makes this education section good?

• By mentioning the acknowledgements for her academic performance, Hannah shows the recruiters that she is focused, hard-working and consistent. 
• Her membership in various societies and clubs suggest that she's developed strong communication and networking skills.

Step 3: Camouflage your work experience.

Normally, the work experience section takes up the most space on a resume. It is here where candidates demonstrate their acquired skills and know-how with practical examples from real-life professional situations.

One of the defining characteristics of those just entering the workforce, such as yourself, is the lack of practical work experience. 

This doesn't have to mean that you have no experience whatsoever. 

Instead of dealing with this section in the traditional way, you can make for your lack of experience by focusing on:

• Internships. You can treat your internships as if they were regular jobs. In a few bullet points, note your responsibilities and accomplishments. Include any projects or studies you've participated in. What problems did you solve? What outcomes did you contribute to?
• Independent projects . Feel free to add any kind of projects you've worked on. These can be academic, personal, work-related, freelance projects, etc. For instance, if you created a website for your college society, include this along with the transferrable skills you gained and a URL link.
• Volunteering. Volunteering is as valid as any other work experience. Just because something wasn't paid, doesn't mean that it didn't bring you anything valuable. Plus, if the company you're interested in shares your passion for volunteering, this can be your greatest weapon. 
• Part-time jobs. What relevant tasks did you undertake? What were your responsibilities? 

If you pick one, two, or combination of all – keep in mind that all the information on your resume should be relevant! This means that everything you decide to put on this document has to connect to the job you're applying for in some way.

If none of your experience aligns with the demands of your target job, you can still include it. Just make sure to focus on all the transferable skills you’ve gained because of it. 

Here is one example of how to deal with the feared “work experience” section:

What makes this work experience section good?

• Despite not having any full-time experience, Nathan utilized his internship to the maximum. 
• He clearly states the competences and tasks he undertook.
• He details the accomplishments and skills he employed with specific examples . 
• To make the text more readable and organized, he used bullet points and bold fonts . As a consequence, the whole entry feels less dense.

Step 4: Show relevant skills

It's quite straightforward, really – the skills section on your resume is there to highlight any skills that can help you get the job. 

Your abilities fall under one of two categories: hard or soft skills. 

Hard skills are those you can obtain through education or training – they can be easily measured and quantified. The most prominent hard skills are:

• Foreign language proficiency
• Computer skills (coding languages, spreadsheets, etc.)
• Completed training (forklift operation, driving licence, etc.)

Soft skills , on the other hand, aren't so easily defined. We can say that these are the interpersonal and social nuances one cultivates throughout years and years of experience. You can also know them under the term transferable . Some of the most sought-after soft skills include:

• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Leadership 
• Reliability
• Time management 

Since soft skills aren't strictly tied to a particular job position, you can apply them across all industries. Yes, even you .

Although both hard and soft skills can be included in the skills section , we recommend you to do this:

• Use the skills section to mark your hard skills . Since these can be objectively measured, you can mark down the level of your proficiency by using infographics. Your resume will be sleeker and visually more interesting.  
• Sprinkle your soft skills throughout other parts of your resume . Don't just write communication skills and blackout three out of five circles – that doesn't say much. We aren't saying that this is necessarily wrong; but you can do better!
• Instead of just writing teamwork , mention your participation in various projects when you talk about your education. 
• Don't just write reliable, show how many responsibilities and competences you were able to handle during your internship.
• Instead of just writing leadership skills , mention the fact you led multiple group projects in your resume objective. 

Let's look at Anita's resume again. Focus on her skills section:

What makes this skills section good?

• She included hard skills only, which allowed her to include more of them. (all relevant to the job position though!)
• Anita organized her skills section into two categories . This made it more readable. 
• By including infographics, she elevated the overall look of her resume.

Step 5: Provide up-to date contact information

A good resume is incomplete without your personal contact information. The recruiters need to know how to get in touch with you as soon as they look at your resume. Don't forget to clearly state your:

• Full name; 
• email address;
• phone number;
• and links to your LinkedIn, online portfolio of social media account (only if relevant!)

Make your contact info stand apart from the rest of the text. Place it in the topmost part of your resume (also called the resume header ). 

You can use a bigger font size to draw immediate attention to your name. 

And for the love of God, don't use unprofessional-sounding emails such as [email protected] . 

Step 6: Enhance your resume with optional sections

Optional sections in a resume are those that are not essential but can be included to provide additional context about your skills, experiences, or personal interests. 

These sections can be particularly useful for highlighting aspects of your profile that might not be evident from the standard sections.

When it comes to organizing your resume sections, there really is only one rule. The more important the information, the sooner it should be accessible . 

If you want to draw the recruiters' attention to all the certificates you've gained – create yourself a stand-alone certificate section . 

Maybe you have both internship and volunteering experience, but you only went into detail on your internship – create a volunteering section . 

Or, you may want to create a separate Projects section where you provide links and descriptions of your independent endeavours you did as a freelancer or just for fun.

Your additional section can look like this:

What makes this example good?

• By organizing all certificates under one section, you draw attention to your qualifications head on. 
• Each certificate is explained in detail with 1-2 short sentences.

If you'd like some more inspiration, breeze through our resume samples and have a look at resumes that have actually helped our customers to land the job they'd wanted. 

Congratulations. Now you know how to make resume for first job. 

Just one more thing.

If you've read carefully you might've noticed how often the word relevant pops up in this post. (Could be a good drinking game actually.)

By relevant we mean pertaining to the job you're applying for . 

Knowing what your job demands allows you to tailor your resume to each job posting you wish to reply to. The closer your resume aligns with these requirements, the better chance to land a job interview you'll have.  

Go to the job posting and read it again. Which key words and phrases catch your eye? 

In this example, we've highlighted them for you: 

Job posting example:

 Entry-Level Customer Service Representative

XYZ Tech Solutions is looking for a motivated Entry-Level Customer Service Representative to join our team in Miami, FL. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills , basic computer proficiency, and a strong command of both English and Spanish . This role involves addressing customer queries, solving problems with a proactive approach, and contributing to team efforts in a fast-paced environment. No previous experience required, making it perfect for those starting their professional journey. If you’re passionate about delivering exceptional customer service and ready to grow your skills, apply now and kickstart your career with us!

When constructing your resume, make sure that you've managed to tick as many boxes as possible . Just don't lie!

Have a look at the following resume example.

Now, let's have a look at a great example resume for first job belonging to a student intern.

She highlights her skills and education, effectively camouflaging the lack of work experience.

She makes use of the skills-based resume format , which focuses on your skills rather than professional experience – also a great way to make up for the lack of experience.

The best thing is you can use this resume as your first draft.

Student Intern Resume Sample

This resume was written by our experienced resume writers specifically for this profession.

K ey takeaways: How to make a resume for first job?

Even without formal work experience, a resume is crucial. It serves as the initial point of contact between you and potential employers .

To make your first resume land with a bang, follow these simple steps:

• Create a compelling resume objective. Focus on career goals and academic achievements.
• Flash out your education. Highlight relevant coursework, projects, or awards.
• Camouflage your work experience. Utilize internships, volunteering, and part-time jobs to adequatly compensate for your lack of experience.
• Show relevant skills. Include both hard and transferabe skills. For better readability use infographics if possible. 
• Provide up-to date contact information. Ensure it's up-to-date and prominently displayed.
• Enhance your resume with optional sections. Add any other relevant sections as needed.

Don't forget the golden rule – always customize your resume to align with the specific job requirements, focusing on relevant skills and qualities .

Finally, a good resume should always be accompanied by a good cover letter. It can lend you more space to show the recruiters your passion and personal motivation to work for their company. As a fresh graduate, this is how you write a cover letter with no experience .

Is your first resume any good?

Scan your resume for issues and see how it compares against other resumes in our database.

Julia has recently joined Kickresume as a career writer. From helping people with their English to get admitted to the uni of their dreams to advising them on how to succeed in the job market. It would seem that her career is on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

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

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

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

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

Well, you’ve come to the right place!

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

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

….and more!

So, let’s dive right in.

How to Make a Resume (The Right Way!)

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

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

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

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

#1. Pick the Right Resume Format

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

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

Start by choosing the right resume format.

There are three types of resume formats out there:

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

So, which one should you go for?

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

Fix Your Resume’s Layout

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

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

Here are some of the best practices you should apply:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#2. Add Your Contact Information

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

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

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

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

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

Must-Have Information

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

Optional Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is where the resume headline comes in.

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

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

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

Resume Summary

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

Here’s what your resume summary should include:

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

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

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

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

Resume Objective

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

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

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

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

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

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

#4. Prioritize Your Work Experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s a real-life example:

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

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

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

Focus on Achievements Whenever Possible

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your day-to-day responsibilities probably include:

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

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

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

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

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

Tailor Your Resume to the Job

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Include the Right Amount of Work Experience

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

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

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

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

Consider Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Software

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#5. List Your Education

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

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

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

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

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

Resume Education Tips

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

Just follow these expert tips:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are a few essential steps you need to follow:

Always List Hard and Soft Skills Separately

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

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

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

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

Methodologies & Tools

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

Soft Skills

• Team Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Negotiation

Tailor Your Skills to the Job

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

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

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

Qualifications:

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

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

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

List Hard Skills with Experience Levels

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

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

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

Include Transferable Skills

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

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

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

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

#7. Leverage Optional Resume Sections

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

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

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

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

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

• Intermediate

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

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

Hobbies and Interests

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

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

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

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

Volunteering Experience

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

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

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

Certifications

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

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

Certifications can also show employers how much expertise you have.

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

Awards and Recognitions

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

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

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

Publications

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Extracurricular Activities

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

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

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

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

11+ Expert Resume Tips

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

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

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

FREE Resume Checklist

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

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

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

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

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

9 Resume Templates for Different Industries

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

#1. Traditional Resume Template

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

#2. Modern Resume Template

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

#3. Creative Resume Template

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

#4. Minimalistic Resume Template

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

#5. IT Resume Template

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

#6. Tech Resume Template

Good for the tech industry and everything it encompasses.

#7. College Resume Template

Good for college students and recent graduates alike.

#8. General Resume Template

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

#9. Executive Resume Template

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

17+ Resumes for Different Jobs

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

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

#1. Nurse Practitioner Resume Example

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

#2. Data Scientist Resume Example

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

#3. Business Analyst Resume Example

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

#4. Digital Marketing Resume Example

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

#5. Software Engineer Resume Example

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

#6. Construction Project Manager Resume Example

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

#7. Customer Service Resume Example

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

#8. High School Resume Example

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

#9. Student Resume Example

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

#10. Server Resume Example

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

#11. Actor Resume Example

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

#12. Web Developer Resume Example

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

#13. Engineering Resume Example

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

#14. Computer Science Resume Example

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

#15. Architect Resume Example 

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

#17. Remote Job Resume Example

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

#18. Sales Associate Resume Example

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

#19. Receptionist Resume Example

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

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

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

Next Steps After Your Resume

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

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

#1. How to Write a Convincing Cover Letter

The companion piece to every resume is the cover letter.

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

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

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

Just follow this structure:

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

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

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

#2. How to Ace Your Next Interview

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

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

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

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

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

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

FAQs on How to Make a Resume

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#5. What kind of resume do employers prefer?

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

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

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

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

You should only include relevant job positions on your resume.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#9. Is a resume a CV?

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

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

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

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

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

#10. Should I write my own resume?

Yes, you should always write your own resume.

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

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

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

#11. Can a resume be two pages?

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

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

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

#12. Is a simple resume okay?

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

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

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

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap!

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

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

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

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How to Make Your Resume for a First Job (the Easy Way)

If you were to look at the news or social media, you might feel discouraged at the prospect of landing your first job. Reading story after story about mass layoffs can be difficult when you haven’t even had the chance to put your toes in the water. 

But if you’re new to the professional market, don’t worry. 

Because in this post, you’ll learn how to write a resume for a first job in a way that stands out to hiring managers. 

Even if you don’t have years of working experience, you can still focus on your education, skills, and other key areas of your resume to make yourself a stronger candidate.   

Writing your resume for a first job: 9 keys to success

So, you're about to create your first job resume with no work experience , but you know you have the skills and resources to build a well-crafted, impressive, and impactful document.

All that’s left is sitting down and actually doing it, so where do you start?

1. Get the education section right

Your “Education” section isn't just a list of qualifications, relevant coursework, or academic achievements; it's the foundation of your professional journey, particularly if you're seeking your first job. 

A detailed “Education” section tells a potential employer more than where you went to school or what degree you earned. And it does even more than show your baseline knowledge when stepping into a new role. 

On top of all that, your “Education” section concretely demonstrates that you can take on a long-term goal with varied obstacles and see that goal through to the end. 

But the question is, how do you showcase these educational experiences effectively on your resume? 

Instead of simply listing your qualifications, delve deeper:

• Did you lead a successful project in a business class?
• Did you take extracurriculars that demonstrate collaboration and teamwork? 
• Did your degree require a heavy amount of research work? 

Even if this is a high school student resume or your degree doesn't directly relate to the job you're applying for, you've likely picked up soft skills throughout your education. The key is to highlight these skills in a way that will resonate with the hiring manager and the job you're eyeing.

When crafting your resume's “ Education” section, Teal's AI Resume Builder is your new best friend. Because if you're a current student working on your first resume or a newbie in the professional world, conveying the value of your academic background in a professional setting can be challenging.

But Teal’s AI Resume Builder intuitively prompts you to enter all the educational details you need in a simplified manner. 

Then, it helps you connect your academic learning with the job you're applying for by targeting both hard and soft skills in the job description:

This gives you an advantage as you add text-based additional information to your resume: 

With Teal's AI Resume Builder, you can ensure your “Education” section isn’t just a rundown of your degrees but a testament to the skills and knowledge you bring to the table. 

It's all about making the right first impression, and Teal is here to help you do just that.

Try Teal’s AI Resume Builder today!  

2. Focus on creating a clean resume format

You've probably heard the saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover," but that's exactly what happens with job applications. Your resume format is a testament to your professionalism and attention to detail, so it’s worth paying attention to.

Plus, it shows the hiring manager that you’re taking the process seriously and, consequently, being more respectful of their time. 

But how do you make a good first impression with your resume format? Consider the following tips:

Keep it to a single page: One page is plenty to tell your story effectively for your first job. An overcrowded resume can come off as cluttered and difficult to navigate. Stick to the essentials, highlight your most important achievements and experiences, and ensure every word earns its place on your page.

Use a chronological format : Starting with your most recent experience or education and working backward is a tried-and-true method. This format gives the hiring manager a clear view of your journey. Remember, your resume is a narrative of your professional life. Make sure it reads smoothly and logically.

Prioritizer readability : The best resume format in the world won't help you if it's not easily readable. Be mindful of your layout and design, making it easy for the hiring manager to skim. Consistent bullet points, clear headers, and ample white space go a long way in enhancing readability. Choose a professional, clear font , and use it consistently.

Your resume is a reflection of you, even before the interview. Don't underestimate the power of a clean, sharp format. It's more than for fluff and aesthetics. It's about making your skills and experiences as accessible and engaging as possible for your potential employer.

Creating a professional, easy-to-read resume format with Teal's AI Resume Builder is easy. You can quickly customize your first job resume template: 

Resume templates settings (font, font size, line height, etc.):

And quickly re-arrange the sections of your resume:

In the end, this gives you more control over the look and style of your resume. That way, you can determine the best way to stand out to the hiring manager. 

3. Include internships

Starting your career might seem like a catch-22: you need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get experience . That's where internships, field studies, and other practical experiences come into play.

They serve as stepping stones into the professional world, providing you with valuable experience that can make your resume stand out. 

Here's why and how you should highlight your internships:

Internships showcase your professional aptitude . They're essentially a trial run of a real job, providing you with exposure to the professional world. 

But don't just list the role and company name under your internships section. Make sure you're painting a picture of your role and contributions. Detail the projects you tackled, your responsibilities, and the skills you honed during your time there.

When describing these experiences, consider the transferable skills you gained. 

• Did you learn to manage your time effectively? 
• Did you have to navigate team dynamics or solve complex problems? 
• Did you multi-task by juggling many projects simultaneously? 

Even if your internship wasn't directly related to the job you're applying for, these skills are universally valued in the workplace.

Highlight the outcomes and achievements of your internship. Concrete results demonstrate your ability to make a meaningful impact, which is exactly what employers want to see in potential candidates.

So, remember, internships aren’t just resume fillers .

They are testimony to your professional development and potential. Highlighting them properly can reassure employers that despite being a first-time job applicant, you're already well on your way to becoming a seasoned professional.

4. Highlight any projects, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities

When it comes to writing your first resume, follow this golden rule: every experience counts . 

Don't limit yourself to formal work or academic experiences, it can be very valuable to include projects in your resume as well. Whether it's a coding project you worked on in your free time, a charity event you organized, or a club you led at school, these experiences can tell potential employers a lot about you.

Here's how to use your projects to enhance your first job resume:

First, these experiences exhibit initiative and passion . They show you're a go-getter, willing to push above and beyond what's required. You're not just waiting for opportunities to knock but actively seeking them out .

Volunteer work further signals your commitment to community and causes , reflecting your values and character. Employers appreciate individuals who contribute to their communities. Plus, volunteering often involves desirable skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, all of which are transferable to the workplace.

And extracurricular activities, especially leadership roles, show your ability to manage responsibilities, work in a team, and even guide others. Maybe you were captain of a sports team or a club president, or perhaps you were the lead actor in a school play or organized the school activities.

These roles can showcase your leadership, teamwork, creativity, and time management skills.

When including these experiences on your resume, focus on the skills and resume accomplishments associated with each role. Describe the projects, explain your role, and, if possible, quantify the impact you made. It helps the employer understand the value you could bring to their company.

With Teal's AI Resume Builder , highlighting these experiences becomes an easy and effective process. The platform allows you to customize each resume, emphasizing different aspects of your experiences based on the job you're applying for.

For instance, if you're applying for a job that values leadership, Teal can help you emphasize your relevant experience as a project lead in a college club or a community project. 

And guess what? It assists you in structuring these experiences professionally and provides AI-generated content to make your descriptions impactful.

Don’t restrict your potential to just professional work experiences. With Teal, showcase your vibrant range of experiences and show potential employers the unique value you can bring to their team.

Get started with Teal’s AI Resume Builder today!

5. Include certifications if you have them

When you're fresh out of school, and your work experience is lighter, featuring certifications on your resume can be the ace up your sleeve to get a foot in the door. They are an official testament to your skills and dedication and could give you an edge over other candidates.

Certifications vary widely depending on your field of interest. 

They could range from technical qualifications, like a certification in Google Analytics or Python coding, language proficiency certificates, or project management credentials like the Scrum Master Certification. 

These certifications all share the clear message they send to hiring managers: you're committed to continuous learning and enhancing your skill set.

To get the most out of your certifications:

• Choose relevant certifications : Align your certifications with your career goals and the job you're applying for. This ensures the relevance of your learned skills and validates your commitment to the industry.
• Place them prominently : Include them in your resume's “ Education ” or “ Certifications ” section. Remember to provide the certificate's name, the awarding body, and the date you obtained it.
• Highlight them in your cover letter : If a particular certification is especially pertinent to the job you're applying for, it deserves mention in your cover letter or the summary section of your resume. This draws the recruiter's attention to your most job-relevant skills right away.

Earning certifications requires time, dedication, and often an investment, but the payoff can be well worth it. 

They equip you with valuable skills and demonstrate your motivation, self-discipline, and drive to potential employers, invaluable qualities to any workplace.

6. Don’t overlook your “Skills” section

The skills section of your resume is your personal spotlight. It's where you articulate your abilities and demonstrate the unique blend of talents you bring to the table.

When populating your skills section, divide it into technical and soft skills.

a) Technical skills: These are job-specific, hard skills you've garnered through your education, internships, or personal projects. They're measurable and often tied to specific tools or knowledge. 

For instance, you might include proficiency in a specific programming language, a knack for using data analysis software, or your adeptness with digital marketing tools. 

The keyword here is 'specific .' Be precise about what you can do.

b) Soft skills: These are less tangible but equally important. They're your “people” or interpersonal skills and often transcend the job or industry. Whether you're applying for a software developer or marketing analyst, skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and showing initiative will always be in demand. 

They show an employer that you're a well-rounded candidate who can navigate the complex dynamics of a workplace.

But here's the secret to a really good resume: customization . 

Avoid the pitfall of having a 'one-size-fits-all' skills list. Instead, tailor your skills section for each job you apply for. Scrutinize the job description, look for the specific skills they seek, and ensure they are showcased on your resume.

By doing this, you're not just stating that you have certain skills, you're demonstrating that you're the perfect candidate for this specific role. And that's something employers will find hard to ignore.

Again, Teal analyzes job descriptions for you, helping you identify the right keywords to add. And if you use Teal’s generative AI for sections on your resume, you’ll automatically have these keywords inserted to get an advantage with ATS software. 

7. Write a resume summary 

Your resume summary is often the first piece of information on your resume (after your contact information, of course). It’s also the first thing a hiring manager will read. 

As such, it needs to be engaging and encapsulate your professional persona. It's not a place for your life story but a snapshot of your key skills, experiences, and aspirations.

For a first-time job applicant, this is your golden opportunity to communicate your drive and ambition. Keep in mind that while your work experience might be limited, your potential is boundless.

Take this sample summary, for instance: 

"A freshly minted Journalism graduate with a flair for investigative storytelling. Honed research and editing skills during an internship at a regional newspaper. Passionate about leveraging my knack for digging into stories to drive social impact. Looking forward to bringing my abilities to a dynamic newsroom."

Note how this summary covers the person's skills, experiences, and career objectives. It doesn’t just focus on the past but includes a promising glimpse into their future contributions.

If writing about yourself feels a bit daunting, don't sweat it.

Teal's AI Resume Builder offers AI-generated content for resume summaries. That means you get assistance in crafting an engaging, professional summary that captures your skills, experiences, and career ambitions.

8. Include a cover letter

Here's something to remember: while your resume gives an overview of your skills and experiences, your cover letter offers insight into your personality and motivation. 

It's like the opening act that sets the stage for your resume, so never underestimate its importance.

A compelling cover letter helps you stand out from other applicants, particularly when you're applying for your first job. It lets you articulate why you're interested in the role, the company, and how you believe you can contribute.

In your cover letter, weave in all of your experiences. But it's not just about narrating what's already on your resume; it's about connecting the dots and highlighting the relevance of these experiences to the job you're applying for.

It's also your space to show you've done your homework about the company. 

Mention why you're excited about their work and how you envision growing along with them.

Finally, make sure your cover letter is well-structured, error-free, and professional yet personable. First impressions matter, so craft a cover letter encouraging potential employers to delve further into your resume.

Creating a unique cover letter for each job you apply to might feel like a monumental task, but with Teal's AI Resume Builder, it couldn’t be simpler. Teal offers a cover letter builder that generates a custom cover letter for each job application:

It ensures that your cover letter is in sync with your resume and tailored to the job description.

With Teal, you create targeted, meaningful introductions that capture the hiring manager's attention and show them why you're the perfect fit for the role. 

9. Leverage action verbs and power words

It's time to let your experiences make an impact. One effective but often overlooked tip is to start each bullet point in your experience or project descriptions with a resume action verb  or power word.

These aren't just simple verbs; they're engaging, dynamic words that pack a punch and highlight your skills and achievements. Think " spearheaded ," " engineered ," " championed ," " orchestrated ," or " galvanized ."

These words can boost your resume and convey your ability to bring about significant change or results. They are particularly useful for those crafting their first resume, helping to enhance even limited experiences.

For example, rather than saying, " Assisted in a project to improve website usability ," revise it with a power word: " Contributed to a website usability project, enhancing user experience and boosting site traffic by 25% ."

These power words don't just make your resume sound more professional and impactful, they also help the hiring manager visualize your actions and their outcomes. 

The goal? To seize their attention and make them curious to know more about you. So, as you pen your resume, remember the power of power words.

Resume examples for first jobs

Example 1: marketing coordinator.

About Me/Resume Summary: "Dynamic Business and Marketing graduate fueled by a passion for consumer behavior and creative communication. Honed skills in digital marketing, content creation, and brand management through internship experiences and rigorous academic projects. Eager to leverage these skills as a Marketing Coordinator to drive audience engagement and growth."

Education: "University of California, Berkeley, CA Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Concentration in Marketing | GPA 3.8 | Graduated May 2023 Dean's List, Beta Gamma Sigma Honors Society"

Skills: Digital Marketing, SEO, Google Analytics, AdWords, Content Creation, Brand Management, Brand Positioning

Volunteer Work: "Social Media Volunteer, Berkeley Animal Shelter, Berkeley, CA | September 2021 - Present

• Developed and implemented a social media strategy that increased online engagement by 45%.
• Created engaging content, including success stories of adopted pets and updates on available animals.
• Increased social media followers by 23% in 3 months, increasing engagement by 17%. 

Note that we made the above example in under five minutes with Teal’s AI Resume Builder ! 

Example 2: Mechanical Engineer

About Me/Resume Summary: "Analytical Mechanical Engineering graduate with a knack for problem-solving and a keen interest in product design. Acquired hands-on experience in CAD design, project management, and product development during a transformative internship and through university project work. Aspiring to apply these skills to optimize product design and performance as a Mechanical Engineer."

Education: "Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | GPA 4.0 | Graduated June 2023 Recipient of the 'Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis' award"

• AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Project Management, Problem-Solving.

Volunteer Work: "Engineering Mentor, Girls Who Code, Cambridge, MA | January 2022 - Present

• Mentored high school girls in introductory coding and engineering principles.
• Assisted in organizing 'Girls in Engineering' fair, inspiring young women to explore careers in STEM.
• Mentored 3 engineering students in 6 months to build and launch a website, resulting in 80% increase in online donations.

For more job-specific examples, check out our mechanical engineer resumes

These examples should provide a clear picture of how to tailor a resume to showcase your unique skills and experiences while also conveying your career aspirations. The key is to align your profile with the job you're applying for and let your personality shine through.

Starting your professional journey right here, right now

And there you have it, the roadmap to building a standout resume for your first job.

It's no secret that stepping into the job market for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience. With countless other hopefuls applying for the same opportunities, the challenge lies in distinguishing yourself from the crowd, and that begins with a top-notch resume.

But the journey becomes significantly less terrible with Teal's AI Resume Builder by your side. 

Teal understands that your journey is unique, and your resume should reflect that. By transforming your experiences, skills, and aspirations into an enticing resume, Teal empowers you to narrate your story with confidence and clarity.

So gear up, take a deep breath, and let's turn that job search stress into job search success . 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should i include in my resume if i have no formal work experience, how long should my resume be if it's for my first job, can i use a template for my first resume, and if so, what should i look for in one.

Nathan Thompson

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Resume Examples For First Job: Learn How To Craft An Entry-Level Application That Gets You Hired

So how do you land your first job? That’s a multifaceted question. Previously, we shared some tips on getting an entry-level job . But what about your first job ever? This might be your first job as a high school graduate , or a job you pursue as an adult after staying home to raise a family. In any case, the following advice assumes that you are entirely new to the workforce and that you are starting from scratch.

Where exactly do you begin? Take a look at our roaster of entry-level resume examples. The, check out the resume tips we have below. These are tailored to completely inexperienced job seekers, strong attestations to how someone with a lack of experience can still show how they can be valuable to an organization.

Three Compelling Entry-Level Resume Examples 

The best way to learn anything new is to follow an example. Thus our team prepared several different variations of an entry-level resume you can use as a reference for writing.

Resume Template For Entry-Level (Word version)

Download resume example (.docx)

Resume Example For a First Job (text version)

Seeking a job opportunity that will allow me to use my computer skills, personality, and organizational skills in an entry-level position as an assistant, clerk, or receptionist in an office or retail environment.

Relevant Skills

• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Typing And Data Entry
• Fluent in Both English And Spanish
• Direct Sales Experience
• Team Building

Professional Experience

Pampered Chef Intern: Direct Sales Representative June 2016 – April 2017

Sold kitchen related accessories and supplies direct to consumers. Organized and hosted sales parties both online and in customer’s homes. Recruited other sales representatives. Delivered items to customers, kept track of inventory and order sheets.

Volunteer Work Girl Scouts of America Troop Leader April 2017 – Present

Maintained membership roles, recruited parent volunteers, attended leadership training seminars, planned activities, and mentored troop members. Led activities, and conducted troop leadership training. Coordinated fundraising efforts. Partnered with other troop leaders to plan events and activities.

West Side University Business Management BA May, 2005

Example of High School Student Resume with No Work Experience

Resume objective.

I am a high school student with a strong work ethic and organizational skills, willing to take direction, punctual, and friendly. I’m interested in pursuing a part-time position that will allow me to learn on the job while gaining real-life work experience.

Washington Highschool 2018-Present  GPA:3.75 Activities: 

• Student Service Organization
• Science Fair
• Future Business Leaders Of America
• Junior Achievement

Work and Volunteer Experience

Babysitting 2018-2020

Established a trusting and nurturing relationship with my neighbor’s young children while they were at work during the summer. Tasks would include cleaning rooms, feeding, changing, and giving small children a safe environment until their mother returned. Volunteer Work: Humane Society 2020-Present

Took time to nurture animals in the shelter under supervision. Fed animals, cleaned kennels of any debris, ensured paperwork was properly processed during adoption. Answered questions about concerns on animal welfare, and care participation.

Volunteer Work: Counselor at Girlscouts camp 2019-2020

Lead groups of young girls on adventurous outings in a safe and nurturing environment. Ensured the safety and wellbeing of a group of children ranging in age from 10 years to 14 years of age. Prepared meals for the campers and myself. Took a leadership role in a wide range of activities such as swimming, hiking, and fishing. Relayed information to both campers and other counselors in a calm manner. Worked as an assistant to the camp’s art instructor.

Skills and Accomplishments

• Treasurer of the Honors society
• MVP: Varsity Field Hockey Team
• Proficient in Math
• Proficient in Microsoft applications.
• Proficient leadership skills

Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume Example 

Objective statement .

I am an honors BS engineering student with high digital literacy skills, entry-level programming, and UI/UX design skills. Looking to gain entry-level experience at a software engineering firm where I can contribute my front-end software development skills and obtain mentorship.

• Object-Oriented Programming
• Software Testing
• Communications Skills
• Google And MS Suites
• Team Player

City College: Albany New York Bachelor of Science Degree: Software Engineering, 112/120 Credits completed.

• Academic Honors: Deans List (4 semesters)
• National Honor Society

Upstate Tech Institute- Albany, NY Associate of Computer Science, May 2017

• Graduated Magna Cum Laude, May 2017

Work Experience

Front-End Developer — Freelance  May 2019- Present

• Developed several UI components for an eLearning app 
• Coded landing page design for a WordPress resto website 
• Provided manual UX/UI testing services for an eLearning portal 
• Portfolio available at [insert your portfolio URL here]

City College College- Albany, NY Administrative Assistant (Work-Study), September 2017- Present

• Took Phone calls and messages
• Answered inquiries on behalf of students, faculty, and other staff members
• Kept an organized and well-functioning workspace. 
• Assisted other members of the office in a variety of tasks.

ABC Bakery Courtesy Clerk: April 2016- March 2017

• Provided excellent customer service while serving customers a wide range of baked goods and drinks. Performed bussing duties as needed. Drummed up excellent PR that ended up attracting returning customers.

Technology Summary

Adobe Studio, Photoshop, XML/HTML, Javascript, Windows, Linux, Apple, MS Office suite.

Don’t be shy to include any paid or unpaid, internship, or volunteer work as your experience, just like our candidate did here.  Even if it was a few years ago, go ahead and add it to your resume as this still can show the skills you have developed. Also, you can make your resume “pop” by using a creative resume template . We have a wide array of those listed on our website for free!

How to Make a Resume with No Experience

No experience — no good resume? Wrong! 

Even if you are fresh to the workforce, you still have some important qualities and even qualifications to offer a prospective employer. Be it traditional education, alternative online learning certifications, strong soft skills, or even informal work experience such as volunteering, freelance, or even home-based work. What you have to do though is communicate the above in a marketable way. 

Here are step-by-step instructions for writing a resume with no experience:

• Go for a functional resume format 
• Create a list of accomplishments
• Drop the cutesy add-ons 
• Write an objective statement 
• List all your education 
• Add a great cover letter 

You can complete all of the above steps in our free resume generator and instantly download your resume copy.

1. Choose A Functional Resume

A functional resume emphasizes your skills first, rather than starting with your work experience. This is the best choice for inexperienced workers. After all, you can pick up marketable skills through your schooling, hobbies, and just life experience in general. Create a list of hard and soft skills that you have that would be valuable in the entry-level position you’re after.

Hard skills might include:

• Internet Research
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Social Media Content Creation 
• Typing and Data Entry
• Cash Handling

Check this extra list of in-demand skills employers look for . 

Soft skills are:

• Written communication
• Listening 
• Negotiation
• Multi-Tasking

Need more ideas? Browse the following lists we’ve made:

• Universal soft skills examples for a resume 
• Core interpersonal skills for a resume  
• Best organizational skills for your resume 
• Transferable skills to put on your resume 

2. Make A List Of Your Accomplishments

Create a master list of the notable things that you’ve done over the years. You won’t include the entire list on your resume , but you can mine the list for items to add depending on the job for which you are applying. Think about organizations you’ve been part of, hobbies that you’ve pursued to the point of expertise, volunteer work, etc. List any awards and accolades as well. Most importantly, list the skills you’ve developed along the way.

Read more about how to list your accomplishments on a resume . 

3. Avoid Unprofessional Or ‘Cutesy’ Additions

Professionalism is going to be key. Anyone looking at your resume will need to believe that you can enter any work situation, and understand the basics of business ethics and conduct yourself appropriately in a work environment. Your resume shouldn’t contain any cringe-worthy elements, including:

• An unprofessional email address. The best choice is an email address using your college or university, Gmail, or some other widely accepted domain. Use a combination of your first name/first initial and last name.
• Rambling ‘explanations’ for your lack of work experience . It’s perfectly acceptable to have spent your time pursuing an education, or focusing on other things.
• Cutesy terms such as ‘momtrepreneur’ or ‘CEO of my home and family’.
• Hobbies or interests that don’t contribute to your fitness for the position you are after.
• Any type of buzzword you’ve heard others using, but do not fully understand yourself. 

4. Use An Objective Statement

Since you don’t have work experience, a personal statement or professional summary won’t work. Instead, write an objective statement , but focus on what you can do for your employer. Avoid language that focuses on what you want the employer to provide for you.

5. Add All Of Your Education

Take advantage of any educational experience that you have. This includes formal education, but also other forms of schooling. Have you taken online classes, finished self-study courses, or attended seminars or bootcamps? Add those to your resume!

6: Add A Great Cover Letter

A good cover letter can really fill in a lot of gaps. You can use it to show your passion for a particular job, to explain your lack of employment history, and go into detail about why you would be a great fit.

FAQs about Entry-Level Resumes

Below are answers to some common questions about entry-level resume writing and job search. 

What do you say when applying for a job with no experience?

Don’t draw attention to the fact that you have no experience at all. Instead, build your narrative around the soft and hard skills you possess, plus your personal quality. Instead of saying that “I am a high school student with no experience”, try this “I’m a motivated, organized, and digital savvy high school student, looking to gain further experience with X, Y, Z.” 

How do I pass a job interview with no experience?

Double-down on the preparation and company research. Try to learn as much as you can about the company and the role you are after. Specifically, try to find information on the main duties, company values, history, and overall culture. Then think which of your personal attributes and experiences would make you appear like a good add-on to the team. Then, during the interview, focus on describing the “matching points” between you and the company, instead of talking about your lack of experience. 

Can I get hired without a resume?

Yes, sometimes you can get hired without a resume. Mostly, this is the case for informal, part-time jobs such as babysitting, delivery work, or waitering jobs. Yet, the employer may ask for a personal reference letter instead. Also, most freelance jobs don’t require you to file a formal resume. And so do popular gig platforms. 

Should I put beginner skills on resume?

If that’s all you have as an enty-level worker, sure, put down your beginner-level skills on your resume. But don’t try to pass them off as full proficiency. Instead, add a quick note about your actual levels of expertise. Also, omit any beginner-level skills if these are irrelevant to the position you are after.

Updated on September 2021.

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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• how to write a resume for your first job
• Who are you?
• I'm a young person
• Work & study

This page will cover:

• What is a resume?  

What to include in your first job resume

What to leave out of your resume for your first job, how to format your resume for your first job, how to order your resume.

• Should I include references/referees on my resume?  

Tips for writing your first job resume with no job experience

How to highlight your skills on your resume, examples of good first job resumes.

• Where can you get support?

Your resume is an opportunity to showcase your skills, experiences, and potential. In this guide we will walk you through the process of writing a resume specifically tailored for you, from understanding what a resume is, to formatting, highlighting skills, and avoiding common mistakes. This guide will equip you with the essential knowledge to create a standout resume that captures the attention of employers. 

What is a resume? 

Before diving into the details, let's start with the basics. A resume (you might have heard this called a CV) is like your personal introduction to potential employers. It's a document that showcases your skills, experiences, and qualifications, providing a snapshot of who you are and what you can bring to a job.

When creating a resume, it's important to remember that employers often receive numerous applications, so your resume needs to stand out. It's your chance to make a strong first impression and grab their attention, which can increase your chances of being invited for an interview . 

When writing your first resume, make sure that you: 

Match experience to job listing

Review the job description and key requirements for the job you are applying for, then tailor your resume to match it. You could also include any key words that are listed in the job description in your resume where appropriate. Focus on the skills and experiences that are relevant and highlight your achievements and how they demonstrate your abilities. For example, if the job ad says something like ‘you will provide exceptional customer service and create authentic experiences in store’, try and use words like ‘exceptional customer service’ somewhere in your resume if appropriate.

Include education

Highlight your education, including the name of your school, any relevant coursework or subjects, school events or projects you participated in, and academic achievements. You certainly don’t have to include your education, but it can help to create a timeline for the employer so they can see how you have spent your time while looking for work.  

If you have received any certificates or awards, be sure to mention them as they demonstrate your hard-work and commitment to your studies.  

Highlight volunteer and extracurricular activities

Even without formal work experience, you may have participated in volunteer work or been actively involved in other school or personal interests. Highlighting these experiences on your resume gives you an opportunity to emphasise any skills you have gained from that experience, such as your initiative, dedication, and ability to work as part of a team. Whether it's volunteering at a local charity, participating in school or sporting clubs, or organising community events, these activities can showcase your skills and make you a well-rounded candidate. 

Think outside of the box and consider other things you may do, such as babysitting, helping neighbours or family friends with chores around their house or helping out with the family business!  

List technical and human skills

It is good to include at least 4-5 skills on your resume, with a mix of both technical and human skills.  

Technical skills refer to specific abilities related to technology, software, or tools that are relevant to the job you're applying for. For example, if you're skilled in using graphic design software or have experience coding, be sure to include these skills.  

Human skills, also known as soft skills, include qualities such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. These skills are highly valued by employers, so it's important to emphasise them on your resume.  

This is another opportunity to think outside of the box – think of things you've done or learned to do as part of your everyday life. For example, have you grown up with younger siblings? Perhaps you have gained some skills like leadership, conflict management, and time management. Participating in sports or other group activities can give you skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving.  

Write a resume objective

An objective statement on a resume is like a little note at the top that tells the person reading your resume what job you want and what you're all about. It's like saying, "Hey, I'm looking for a job in this field, and here's what I'm good at." It helps the person hiring know what you're interested in and what you can bring to their team. If the job ad asks for a cover letter as part of your application, you may like to remove the objective statement from your resume and include that information in your cover letter instead.

Your objective should be a short statement that shows what you want to achieve in your career and what you can bring to the table. Remember to customise your objective for each job you apply for, using words from the job ad to show you're a great fit. By writing a catchy resume objective, you'll get the attention of employers and show them that you're ready to take on your first job with confidence and a can-do attitude. 

While it's important to include relevant information on your resume, there are certain things you should leave out: 

Avoid using overly casual language 

Your resume should be written in a professional and formal tone. Avoid using slang or abbreviations. Keep the language concise, clear, and respectful. 

Focus on relevant information

Avoid including irrelevant personal details, such as your favourite hobbies or unrelated experiences (you could talk about that kind of stuff in your interview!). You could include seemingly unrelated experiences to the job if they highlight the transferrable skills that are relevant and make you a strong fit for the specific position you’re applying for instead of excluding them altogether. 

Be mindful of sharing too much personal information

You don’t need to include your full street address or date of birth on a resume. If the job you are applying for directly asks you to include your location, you could include your state and/or suburb.  

A common question that a lot of young people ask is, ‘do I need to have a photo on my resume?’. People have different opinions on this matter, but we suggest not to use a photo.  One of the biggest reasons not to use a photo is because many companies use Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) to sort through resumes from online job applications, and this software can have issues properly scanning resumes that have graphics or images.   

The formatting of your resume is vital to its overall appearance and readability. Here are some tips for formatting your first job resume

Keep it simple and organised. Use headings and bullet points to make it easy to read. Avoid the use of columns if possible, because ATS may not be able to pick up information in columns.  

Pick a common font

Choose a clear and easy-to-read font like Arial or Calibri and avoid fancy or hard-to-read fonts. It can be tempting to jazz up your resume by using a fancy font or bright colours, but this could actually decrease the chances of an employer reading your document as it makes it harder to read.  

Stick with an appropriate font size as well (size 11 or 12), and don’t try to unnecessarily fill up space by increasing the font size.

Use bullet points to describe your experiences

Instead of long paragraphs, use 3-4 bullet points to highlight relevant skills and achievements. These bullet points may describe a certain project you worked on or key tasks that you completed in that role. This approach not only makes your resume more engaging but also helps employers quickly identify relevant information. 

Keep it short

Unless you have extensive work experience, keep your resume to one or two pages. Focus on the most important experiences and skills that relate to the job you're applying for. Keep it brief and avoid unnecessary details. If you’re finding that your resume only just pushes over to a second page, try re-formatting it to bring it back to one page. 

• Full name 
• Contact information (such as phone number and email address) and make sure your email address is professional and appropriate. You might consider creating a new email address specifically for job applications. 
• Objective statement 
• Skills (including personal attributes, technical and human skills) 
• Employment and/or volunteer experience in chronological order, from most recent to least recent. 
• Education information 
• References/referees (if requested) 

Should I include references/referees on my resume? 

If the job ad directly asks you to provide references on your resume, then yes – you should include them. It’s still a good idea to organise these referees before applying even if you don’t list them on your resume. That way if you progress to the final stage of your application, you’ve got that information ready to go. You can check out this article from Indeed for more information on references .

If you don't have any formal job experience , don't worry. You can still create a great resume by following these tips: 

Use action verbs when describing your skills and experiences

Start your bullet points with action verbs to describe your accomplishments. Words like achieved, solved, collaborated, organised or improved can make your skills stand out and show that you were actively involved in activities. 

You could also look up synonyms for some words to avoid repeating the same verbs over and over. 

Include the same words and terms from the job listing

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) to sort through resumes based on keywords. To increase your chances of getting noticed, incorporate keywords and phrases from the job listing into your resume. This shows employers that your skills and experiences align with their requirements. 

Check your resume for any spelling, formatting or grammar mistakes. Ask a trusted friend, family member, or teacher to review it as well. A well-proofread resume shows attention to detail and professionalism, which are highly valued by employers. 

Quantify your accomplishments

Whenever possible, use specific numbers or metrics to quantify your achievements. For example, instead of saying you ‘improved sales,’ say you ‘increased sales by 20%.’ Instead of saying you ‘improved grades’, say you ‘improved in the subject I find most challenging, mathematics, by sticking to a structured study schedule and increased my grade from a C in grade 11 to an A in grade 12.’ 

Highlight transferable skills

Include skills that are transferable to different jobs, such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, or leadership. These skills are valuable in any work environment. 

Here are some templates that you can use to build your first resume. These templates are ATS friendly and include some examples under each heading to give you a head start. 

Template 1: Resume template for first job - no work experience example (Word Document - 24kb)

Template 2: Resume template for first job - some employment or volunteer experience example (Word Document - 25kb)

Remember, your resume is your opportunity to make a positive impression on potential employers. By following these tips and guidelines, you can create a resume that showcases your strengths and increases your chances of landing your first job .

Get support

If you're aged 15 - 25 and want some advice on building your first resume, job searching, applying for work, and everything in between, get free and confidential support from headspace Work and Study and   sign up for one-on-one support .  

For support with your mental health and wellbeing, find your nearest  headspace centre  or access online and telephone support via   eheadspace . 

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Last reviewed 17 October 2023.

Herrity, J. (Updated 2023, July 8). 70+ Resume Objective Examples (With Tips and How-To Guide). Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/resume-objective-examples

Indeed. (N.D). What Is ATS (Applicant Tracking Software)? https://www.indeed.com/hire/c/info/what-is-ats  

Kennedy, J. L. (2011). Resumes for Dummies, 6 th edition. Wiley Publishing, Inc. https://books.google.com.au/books?hl=en&lr=&id=G7JgqqQcf6cC&oi=fnd&pg=PT1&dq=writing+your+first+resume&ots=JPLmqK5vjm&sig=DhuGniaXbJlMlQRSE5UwZkVplb0&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=writing%20your%20first%20resume&f=false

SEEK. (N.D). How to get your resume past the robots. https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/article/how-to-make-sure-a-human-reads-your-resume

SEEK. (N.D). Writing your resume. https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/article/resume-cv

SEEK. (N.D). 7 signs your resume is just right. https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/article/7-signs-your-resume-is-just-right

SEEK. (N.D). How to create a transferrable skills resume. https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/article/how-to-create-a-transferable-skills-based-cv

SEEK. (N.D). 5 ways to talk to achievements in your resume. https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/article/how-to-talk-about-achievements-in-your-resume

SEEK. (N.D). Transferrable skills checklist. https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/article/transferable-skills-checklist

Youth Central. (N.D). How to write a resume . https://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/jobs-and-careers/applying-for-a-job/what-is-a-resume/how-to-write-a-resume

Youth Central. (N.D). How to stand out without work experience. https://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/jobs-and-careers/applying-for-a-job/how-to-stand-out-without-work-experience

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Entry-Level Resume Writing Guide

Get a headstart with an entry-level resume format

Certified Professional Resume Writer

Entry-level resume writing involves studying the candidate and their goals in order to construct an effective, customized resume for a new or different line of work.

When it comes to  creating an entry-level resume , the case may be that the applicant does not have very much or  relevant work experience  for the position they’re interested in.

It’s also important to understand the difference between first resumes for teenagers, for college students and freshers, a first job resume, and  entry-level . The latter focuses more on  building a career  in that specific area.

This means that  standing out in the application process for an entry-level position  can be somewhat difficult, which is why we’ve created this  writing guide to help entry-level jobseekers compile a comprehensive, tailored resume  to kick start their career.

But do not worry! There are many ways of  catching the eye of potential recruiters  through a  resume without work experience  by inviting the reader to get to know your character, skills, potential, and other achievements that make you the ideal entry-level candidate.

Tips for writing your entry-level resume

Due to the general nature of  entry-level candidates  having little to no work experience, the content and layout of these types of resumes are crucial to attracting potential employers.

Check out the following guide to find some tips and tricks of the trade for  writing entry-level resumes :

The hardest thing about  writing an entry-level resume  is deciding what the goal is; which direction the applicant wants to go in. Once that is clear, the rest will practically write itself.

If you need help figuring this out, try answering the following questions to get a clearer  idea of the target audience for your resume :

• What work or projects have I done in the past that motivate me?
• In which field or profession can I see myself in 10 years?
• What skills do I have that can be applied to an occupation?

With the objective in mind, the candidate can start by choosing  which format is best for an entry-level resume  and specifically the ideal resume structure for each position or company they apply to.

There are 3 main  resume formats  which include the most popular  chronological resume, the functional (skills-based) and combination or hybrid resume .

Depending on each individual’s background and skills it may be preferable to use one of the less  traditional resume types  such as the functional or  combination resume  which either focuses more heavily on the qualities and attributes of each candidate or  emphasizes both skills and work experience  without highlighting one more than the other. These are often  optimal for applicants with little to no professional experience  such as students or individuals seeking entry-level positions.

• To  complete a winning entry-level resume , applicants should demonstrate various  marketable skills and relevant industry knowledge  through the different areas they include in their document, detailing the ways they’ve earned or developed these qualities.
• Another top tip when writing a resume for freshers or graduates with little to no work experience is the inclusion of keywords. The importance of keywords cannot be stressed enough as it is the  best method for passing  Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)  and grabbing the attention of hiring managers  who are looking for specific attributes for each position.

Use the job description as a guide to find the best keywords for each vacancy

• Finally, before sending an entry-level resume, it is essential that all candidates  review their final resume  to ensure that it is correctly adapted for the position offered. This means including the appropriate keywords and relevant information. Perhaps most importantly, check that the  polished entry-level resume does not have any typos or mistakes , because even a small error can lose the applicant the chance at an interview for their dream job!

Remember, if you’re not sure of  how to write an entry-level resume  from scratch, you can either choose from a  selection of entry-level resume templates  to help or even use an online resume builder as a guide.

Writing your first resume: Sections to include

No matter the resume format chosen, each  entry-level resume should include the following sections  as standard and provide all the relevant information to the prospective employer clearly and concisely in one place.

At the  very beginning of all entry-level resumes , candidates should supply a brief statement regarding their  career objective  which should be no more than 3-4 lines.

This part is vital to  capture the attention of the Hiring Manager or HR personnel  who will be reviewing resumes to find suitable candidates for the interview stage.

To make it through this first step, it is essential to include in these few lines the most  important skills that a candidate will bring to the position , making sure to use keywords from the job description, a reference to their relevant experience, and if applicable, their credentials.

The education section plays an important role when writing resumes for freshers or those just out of college , as the candidate may have little to no experience in the workplace and will rely more heavily on their academic achievements. According to the  AACU , 95% of recruiters give hiring preference to candidates with college degrees.

Each degree, course, or diploma should be separated and detailed individually with corresponding names, dates, awarding bodies, and grades if applicable,  beginning with the most recent and following a chronological order . We only recommend including your GPA if it is 3.0 or higher.

Also, this is the best area to  show off your academic awards and accolades  that you’ve gained through research, investigation, participating in school or college societies, or through extra-curricular courses. Here you will find a complete guide on  how to write and format the education section  on a resume.

Within the  Work Experience section of an entry-level resume  candidates should detail any paid or unpaid previous jobs they have held whether full or part-time, temporary or permanent contracts as well as internships and voluntary positions, indicating the dates, roles, companies and locations for each.

Additionally, an  entry-level applicant should include in their resume any leadership positions  they have undertaken and describe the responsibilities, achievements and improvements accomplished through their participation.

This area should be adapted to fit the role or sector that the applicant is applying for using specific keywords and including  action verbs to identify areas of expertise  and general abilities. Only supply relevant  work experience  that can be tailored to fit the vacancy.

In  entry-level resumes the skills section is vital . It helps to market a candidate and allows potential employers to understand each individual profile. It is essential to make this part of an entry-level resume because an applicant needs to highlight their suitability for the position through their abilities.

In this section,  entry-level candidates  can showcase their  technical and practical skills  including IT programs, languages, and ‘soft skills’ which allure more to the individual character, professional manner, and their working methods. A study by  LinkedIn  suggests that  80% of employers  want to see good soft skills from potential hires.

It is also important to  include keywords from the job description  and vacancy advert as well as adapt the top skills to fit the role adequately.

Luckily for entry-level candidates, Hiring Managers are often used to seeing resumes from freshers who do not have much professional experience. This means they will be paying more attention to the skills sections to find out if the candidate possesses the correct skill set for the job.

First Resume for a Teenager

As young students reach an age where they start to look for  first jobs or summer work , they come up against the first challenge in the job hunt: resume writing!

And although  resume writing for teenagers can be tough  at times, nothing is impossible!

Read on for  tips on how to write a teenager’s first resume .

• First things first, as young people often have little to  no paid work experience  to detail, it is recommended that entry-level candidates use a functional or skills-based resume format to showcase a  blend of skills and activities that benefit teenage jobseekers .
• Secondly, as an extra support there are hundreds of specific first job or teenage resume templates to use which are hugely advantageous  providing a structure, advice and examples for first resume writers .
• The next step is to consider the  content of a teenager resume , including the headings and texts. Teenagers are often active participants in social and athletic groups which allow them to develop  skills and experiences that are crucial to mention on a first resume . These activities can be detailed under the headings ‘education,’ ‘experience,’ ‘extra activities,’ ‘achievements,’ etc.
• Finally, when the content is compiled, it is vital that a  teenager ALWAYS edits and reviews the first resume  as much as possible; even ask a teacher, coach or parent to take a look for you to ensure 100% that there are  no grammar or spelling errors , confusions or irrelevant information which could put a hiring manager off contacting you.

Whether you’re looking to go straight into work from school or need a  first resume for an internship  or college application or an entry-level position in a business where you’d then like to work your way up the ladder, a general rule to follow is use your  unique knowledge and individuality  to stand out so that the potential employer gets a feel for what kind of worker you will be.

Entry-Level Resume Templates

Take a look at our  entry-level resume template library  for the  best resume samples  for entry-level positions and choose the one that can be best customized to your needs.

A useful tool for learning  how to make a resume for entry-level positions  is to use a  resume example  which can serve as a basis for all the positions you apply for.

Although these samples give  examples of what to put in each resume section , it is essential that all candidates remember to  adapt their resume to their chosen field  and the specific vacancy available.

Templates like this offer you a tried-and-tested  structure to take as a starting point  and also provide advice on  how to complete each resume section  with guides as to what to include and what you should avoid in order to attract the right employers.

Making an entry-level resume which stands out  in the search for a job can be made simpler also by employing an online resume builder.  Resume creators  allow jobseekers to make and download their finished resumes straight from the internet to start applying right away.

These  expert-approved resume templates  for professionals  highlight the skills and experience  that each individual includes and allows the jobseeker to improve the impact of their application.

Struggling with Resume Writing?

Ease the process with our templates

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Free Resume Examples for 2024 (+How-to Guides)

Below you'll see resumes for 500+ professions grouped by industry. Scroll down and you'll get a breakdown of a perfect sample and suggestions for resume designs.

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 18 resume templates and create your resume here .

Sample resume made with our builder—See more templates and create your resume here .

One of our users, Nikos, had this to say:

[I used] a nice template I found on Zety. My resume is now one page long, not three . With the same stuff.

Categories:

• Accounting & Finance
• Construction
• Creative & Cultural Fields
• Education & Learning
• Teaching & Learning
• Engineering & Scientific
• Food Service
• Hospitality Travel & Transportation
• Information Technology (IT)
• Law Enforcement & Emergency Services
• Legal Services
• Maintenance & Repair
• Management & Leadership
• Media and Entertainment
• Medicine Healthcare & Wellbeing
• Office & Administrative
• Real Estate
• Retail & Customer Service
• Sales & Marketing

Professional Resume Builder

Zety makes writing less time-consuming and easy with its resume builder. Choose one of our 18 beautiful, customizable templates recommended by HR pros to impress recruiters.

Accounting & Finance Resume Examples

The art of money management is your key asset. But you haven’t dabbled in assessing the risk of a messy resume. Limit the uncertainty with our business sample resumes.

• Accounting Assistant
• Accounting Clerk
• Accounting Manager
• Accounts Payable
• Accounts Payable/Receivable
• Accounts Receivable
• Bank Manager Resume
• Bank Teller
• Billing Specialist
• Branch Manager Resume
• Budget Analyst
• Business Analyst
• Business Intelligence
• Certified Public Accountant / CPA
• Claims Adjuster
• Collections Representative
• Credit Analyst
• Entry Level Accounting
• Entry Level Business Analyst
• Entry-Level Financial Analyst
• Finance Manager
• Financial Advisor
• Financial Analyst
• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
• Internal Auditor
• Investment Banking
• Loan Officer
• Loan Processor
• Medical Billing
• Mortgage Underwriter
• Personal Banker
• Private Equity
• Salesforce Business Analyst
• Senior Accountant
• Staff Accountant
• Tax Accountant
• Tax Preparer

Construction Resume Examples

You’re a builder, and writing a resume is just something that gets in the way. Craft your own resume with our step-by-step guides that’ll wow recruiters and get you back to the building site.

• Architecture
• CNC Machinist
• Construction Manager
• Construction Project Manager
• Construction Superintendent
• Forklift Operator
• General Labor
• Landscape Architecture
• Logistics Coordinator
• Maintenance

Creative & Cultural Fields Resume Examples

Creativity is often messy but employers want structure. Use our resume samples to as an outline so you don’t miss the important stuff but add a personal touch to make it shine.

• Art Director
• Beginner Acting
• Brand Ambassador
• Cinematographer
• Content Creator
• Creative Director
• Creative Writer
• Dance Teacher
• Event Coordinator
• Event Planner
• Fashion Designer
• Fashion Stylist
• Freelance Photographer
• Freelance Writer
• Game Design
• Grant Writer

Graphic Designer

• Hair Stylist
• Illustrator
• Interior Design
• Interpreter
• Makeup Artist
• Performing Arts
• Photographer
• Product Designer
• Production Assistant
• Production Coordinator

Senior Graphic Designer

• Social Media Coordinator
• Stage Manager
• Technical Writer
• UX Designer Resume & UI Developer
• Video Editor
• Video Producer
• Videographer
• Web Designer

Education Resume Examples

Think of our sample resumes as an open book test to write yours. Want to ace it? Follow our guides and you'll pass with flying colors.

• Academic Advisor
• Accounting Intern
• College Graduate
• College Student
• Education & Teaching Jobs
• Graduate Assistant
• Graduate School Resume/Resume for PhD Programs
• High School On Resume
• High School Student
• Kindergarten Teacher
• Law Student
• MBA Application
• New Teacher
• Research Assistant
• Resume Examples for Teens
• Resume for College Application
• Resume for College Freshman
• Resume for High School Graduate
• Resume for Internship
• Scholarship
• School Principal
• Special Education Teacher

Student Resume

• Student Teacher

Engineering & Scientific Resume Examples

Replicate the same positive results tested in the field thanks to our engineering resume samples.

• Audio Engineer
• Automation Engineer
• Bioinformatics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Cable Technician
• Chemical Engineer
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Database Developer
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronic Technician
• Engineering
• Engineering Internship
• Engineering Manager
• Engineering Student
• Entry-Level Mechanical Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Industrial Engineer
• IT Technician
• Lab Assistant
• Lab Technician
• Machine Learning
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Mechanical Engineering
• Process Engineer
• Project Engineer
• Python Developer
• Quality Control
• Quality Engineer
• Software Engineer
• Solution Architect
• Supply Chain
• Systems Engineer

Food Service Resume Examples

Our samples for food service resumes will help spice yours up. Transform your resume from a hole-in-the-wall to a three-star Michelin in no time.

• Banquet Server
• Bar Manager
• Chick-fil-A
• Fine Dining
• Kitchen Hand
• McDonald's
• Pastry Chef
• Restaurant Manager
• Restaurant Server
• Waiter / Waitress

Hospitality Travel & Transportation Resume Examples

You've got white line fever and live for the road. The problem is you need a resume to get you there. Use our resume template to land jobs and get back in the driver's seat.

• Delivery Driver
• Event Manager
• Flight Attendant
• Hospitality
• Hotel Front Desk
• Hotel Manager
• Night Auditor
• Receptionist
• School Bus Driver
• Truck Driver
• Uber Driver

Information Technology (IT) Resume Examples

Programmers fix problems we don’t know we have in a way we don’t understand. Now it’s our turn to clear out any bugs you have in your resume with tips from our experts.

• .NET Developer
• Active Directory
• Agile Coach
• Agile Project Manager
• Android Developer
• Angular Developer
• Back-End Developer
• Business Intelligence Developer
• Business System Analyst
• Cloud Engineer
• Computer Science
• Computer Science Internship
• Computer Technician
• Cyber Security
• Data Analyst
• Data Center Technician
• Data Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Desktop Support
• Entry Level IT
• Entry-Level Software Engineer
• ETL Developer
• Front End Developer
• Full Stack Developer
• Informatica
• Information Security Analyst
• iOS Developer
• IT (Information Technology)
• IT Director
• IT Help Desk
• IT Project Manager
• IT Specialist
• Java Developer
• Junior Java Developer
• Junior Web Developer
• Manual Tester
• Microservices
• Network Administrator
• Network Engineer
• PHP Developer
• React Developer
• Salesforce Admin
• Scrum Master
• Senior Java Developer
• Senior Software Engineer
• Software Engineer Intern
• SQL Developer
• System Administrator
• System Analyst
• Tableau Developer
• Technical Project Manager
• Technical Support
• UI Developer
• UX Designer
• UX Researcher
• Web Developer
• WordPress Developer

Law Enforcement & Emergency Services Resume Examples

You need to know what resume mistakes classify as misdemeanors or felonies. Do so with our resume samples for different law enforcement positions.

• Correctional Officer
• Criminal Justice
• Firefighter
• Military to Civilian
• Peace Corps
• Police Officer
• Security Guard

Legal Resume Examples

You need to meet a standard of proof before you’ll win a new legal job. The necessary evidence is a pristine resume. Use our sample resumes to help build your case.

• Associate Attorney
• Contract Administrator
• Legal Assistant

Maintenance & Repair Resume Examples

It’s time for Extreme Makeover: Resume Edition! Use our resume samples to repair your own and get it back to excellent working condition.

• Automotive Technician
• Building Maintenance
• Electrician
• Facility Manager
• Housekeeping
• Journeyman Electrician
• Landscaping
• Maintenance Supervisor
• Maintenance Technician

Management & Leadership Resume Examples

You’re a natural-born leader. You know how to follow expert advice. Think of our guides as executive summaries and our resume samples as perfect benchmarks. Follow our advice and you’ll craft the perfect executive resume.

• Account Executive
• Account Manager
• Assistant Manager
• Assistant Project Manager
• Business Consultant
• Business Manager
• Business Owner
• Chief of Staff
• Chief Operations Officer
• Communications Director
• CTO (Chief Technology Officer)
• Customer Success Manager
• Director Of Operations
• District Manager
• Entrepreneur
• Entry-Level Marketing
• General Manager
• HR Director
• Management Consultant
• Marketing Director
• Nurse Manager
• Operations Manager
• Operations Supervisor
• Product Manager
• Product Marketing Manager
• Production Manager
• Program Coordinator
• Program Manager
• Project Coordinator

Project Manager

• Restaurant General Manager
• Safety Manager
• Senior Project Manager
• Shift Manager
• Sports Management
• Store Manager
• Team Leader
• Technical Program Manager
• Training Manager
• Warehouse Manager

Media and Entertainment Resume Examples

Whether you craft compelling copy, take two on television, or report rumors and revelations, you know how to send a message. Send the hiring manager a powerful message about how you're the best fit for the job with a great resume.

• Public Relations

Manufacturing & Warehousing Resume Examples

We'll give you resume samples that'll do the heavy lifting. Use our industrial-strength resume templates to get you on your way to manufacturing a winning resume.

• Assembly Line Worker
• Factory Worker
• Heavy Equipment Operator
• Inventory Manager
• Logistics Manager
• Machine Operator
• Manufacturing
• Material Handler
• Production Supervisor
• Shipping and Receiving
• Supply Chain Analyst
• Supply Chain Manager
• Warehouse Associate
• Warehouse Supervisor

Medicine Healthcare & Wellbeing Resume Examples

The small details are what matters in this field—the same applies to making your healthcare resume better than all others.

• Athletic Trainer
• Case Manager
• Charge Nurse
• Clinical Research Coordinator
• Cosmetology
• Dental Assistant
• Dental Hygiene
• Dental Receptionist
• Dietary Aide
• Disability Support Worker
• Emergency Nurse
• EMT/Paramedic
• Entry-Level Nurse
• Esthetician
• Experienced Nurse
• Health Coach
• Home Care Assistant
• Hospital Volunteer
• Labor and Delivery Nurse
• Massage Therapist
• Med-Surg Nurse
• Medical Assistant
• Medical Coder
• Medical School
• Medical Scribe
• Medical Technologist
• Mental Health Counselor
• Nail Technician
• New Grad Nursing
• Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing Student
• Occupational Therapy
• Operating Room Nurse
• Optometrist
• Patient Care Technician
• Patient Service Representative
• Pediatric Nurse
• Personal Assistant
• Personal Trainer
• Pharmacy Assistant
• Pharmacy Technician
• Physical Therapy
• Physical Therapy Aide
• Physicial Assistant
• Psychologist
• Public Health
• Radiologic Technologist
• Registered Nurse
• Respiratory Therapist
• School Nurse
• Sonographer
• Speech Pathologist
• Student Esthetician
• Surgical Tech
• Telemetry Nurse
• Travel Nurse
• Veterinarian
• Veterinary Assistant
• Veterinary Receptionist
• Veterinary Technician
• Yoga Teacher

Office & Administrative Resume Examples

You’re the lifeline at the office. Now’s the time to let us manage your administrative resume with expert tips from our guides.

• Administrative Assistant
• Administrative Coordinator
• Business Administration
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Entry Level Administrative Assistant
• Entry-Level Human Resources
• Executive Assistant
• Front Desk Receptionist
• Healthcare Administration
• HR Assistant
• HR Coordinator
• HR Generalist
• HR Specialist
• Human Resources
• Medical Administrative Assistant
• Medical Receptionist
• Office Administrator
• Office Assistant
• Office Clerk

Office Manager

• Recruiting Coordinator
• Resident Assistant
• School Secretary
• Social Work
• Virtual Assistant

Real Estate Resume Examples

Before you get that career helping people build or buy their dream home, you've got to build the best real estate resume the agency manager's ever seen.

• Assistant Property Manager
• Leasing Agent
• Leasing Consultant
• Property Manager

Retail & Customer Service Resume Examples

One bad customer experience, you lose them for life. One mix up on your resume, it’s thrown in the trash. Use our sample resumes to craft one that’ll leave the hiring manager 100% satisfied.

• Car Salesman
• Customer Service
• Customer Service Manager
• Grocery Store
• Insurance Agent
• Merchandiser
• Pharma Sales
• Retail Assistant
• Retail Manager
• Retail Sales Associate
• Sales Associate
• Service Advisor
• Visual Merchandising

Sales & Marketing Resume Examples

The best salesperson offers a solution to a problem. We offer the same for your sales resume. Just follow our expert advice and use our resume template to land multiple interviews.

• Brand Manager
• Business Development
• Business Development Representative
• Call Center
• Call Center Supervisor
• Communication Specialist
• Digital Marketing
• Market Research
• Marketing Analyst
• Marketing Coordinator
• Marketing Intern
• Marketing Manager
• Product Development
• Product Owner
• Sales Consultant

Sales Manager

• Sales Representative
• Social Media
• Social Media Intern
• Vendor Management

Teaching & Learning Resume Examples

You’re more than an educator but they won’t know that unless you show them. Study up on the best practices of resume writing with our guides to ace your job hunt.

• Art Teacher
• Assistant Headmaster
• Basketball Coach
• Camp Counselor
• Corporate Trainer
• Elementary Teacher
• English Teacher
• ESL Teacher
• First Year Teacher
• Instructional Designer
• Library Assistant
• Math Teacher
• Music Teacher
• Paraeducator
• Paraprofessional
• Preschool Teacher
• School Counselor
• Secondary School Teacher
• Substitute Teacher
• Teacher’s Aide

Teaching Assistant

Other Resume Examples

These guides aren't geared for a specific industry but are examples for different scenarios you'll find yourself at different stages of your career.

• American Resume
• ATS-Friendly Resume
• Best Resume
• Biodata Format
• Career Change
• Entry-Level
• Eye-Catching Resume
• Internship Resume
• Plain Text Resume
• Political Science
• Professional Pilot
• Resume Ideas
• Resume Styles
• Resume With No Experience
• Security Officer
• Self-Employed
• Stay-at-Home Mom
• Targeted Resume
• The Perfect Resume
• Traditional Resume
• Undergraduate
• Video Resume
• Volunteer Coordinator

Examples of Resume Templates

Jane Ahlgren

Personal Info

555-212-5551

[email protected]

Passionate healthcare PMP with 10+ years experience managing various projects in a high-volume hospital. Cut costs by 32% in 6 months, dropped stockroom waste by 65%, and reduced wasted foot traffic by 88% across all nursing staff and departments. Seeking to leverage strong leadership skills and expertise to increase profitability for C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.

Seton Hospital, ME

2006-05 - 2017-01

• Oversaw all major hospital projects for 10+ years, focus on cost reduction.
• Oversaw the “Just in Time Restock” project. Cut stockroom waste by 65%.
• Implemented the highly successful Lean Training and Six Sigma projects for all employees. Cut costs by 32% in less than six months.
• Created our popular supply room relocation project. Cut wasted foot traffic by 88% across all nursing staff and departments.

Chief Nursing Officer

2002-09 - 2006-05

• Nursing leader for all 87 nurses with multiple project management duties.
• Switched nursing staff to new scheduling system for better cost management.
• Implemented a new cost tracking project to ratchet down stockroom waste.
• Managed project for lean training of all nurses.

Charge Nurse, Maternity

2000-03 - 2002-09

• Led team of 15+ Maternity Ward nurses for two years.
• Organized and coordinated a project to donate expired supplies and equipment to overseas charities. Recouped over $32,000 in tax deductions.
• Implemented a new patient tracking system to cut redundant data collection.
• Initiated project for better gloving/gowning techniques. Infection-related complications dropped 15% after project's end.

Project Management Institute

2008-10 - 2008-07

• Received Project Management Professional certification from PMI.

University of Southern Maine, BSN

1996-09 - 1999-05

• Andersen Postgraduate Fellowship to study advanced nursing techniques.
• Graduated Summa Cum Laude

Certificates

Conferences

2014-10 Guest Speaker, Northeast Shingo Lean Conference

• Leadership, Agile and Scrum, Business Process Improvement, Skilled in Keynote, MS Office, Project Scheduling, Strategic Planning, Communication Skills

Chinese – advanced

Spanish – intermediate

General Resume

A great resume is a tailored resume. Proving your experience and skills match the position is crucial Save time while you’re at it with help from this resume template.

Billy Patvi

Software Developer

501-872-2516

[email protected]

Results-driven software developer, seeking to use proven Python and Ruby skills to deliver coding excellence to Cryptoconic, Inc. Have developed 3 webapps and 5 mobile apps. Contributed to 7 GitHub projects and debugged 17 apps. Wrote back-end code for 40 working business websites.

Skills Summary

• Built a Python-based stock tracking webapp with 545 interactive, real-time graphs. Site gets 8,000 visits/month and was cited in "Fortune."
• Created and maintain a Python-driven Python Programming Tutorials website.
• Developed Python app for voice control of lights, thermostat, and garage door. Integrated smart home devices, Raspberry Pi, and a webcam.
• Designed a 3D Maze game using Python and MySQL.
• Developed an online exam system for a continuing education site.
• Built 5 mobile apps, including an alarm app and a reminder app.
• Solved 55 Ruby problems at codewars.com.
• Contributed to 7 Ruby projects on GitHub, including Homebrew and Fastlane.
• Created chat functionality for a SaaS website.
• Debugged 12 webapps written in Python.
• Conducted comprehensive debugging on 5 mobile apps.
• Cut errors 20% for a SaaS site through extensive debugging.

Houlton Renno Inc. New York

2014-03-2018-02

• Led a team of four designers in a fast-paced graphic design firm.
• Wrote back-end code for 40 client projects.

Kibula Designs, Boston

2011-06-2014-03

• Led daily meetings for an initiative to increase revenue.
• Wrote scripts to update client databases. Cut billing errors 35%.

Bachelor's Degree, University of Maine

• Excelled in computer science classes.
• Worked as TA for computer science department.
• Microsoft Build 2017, spoke on a panel about cloud computing.

Additional Activities

• Took first place in 3 Ruby challenges at codewars.com.
• Member, IAENG Society of Software Engineers.

Tech Skills

• Python, Java, C#, PHP, Ruby, SQL, MySQL, HTML5, CSS3, Javascript, JQuery, Debugging

Soft Skills

• Leadership, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Time Management

Career Change Resume

People change their jobs every five years. Not always for the better. See our resume sample and learn how to make the jump a success.

Rick Grimes

Junior Editorial Assistant

202-555-0115

[email protected]

MA Student in English at Stanford University, made the Dean’s List for three consecutive years (2014-2016), with two study abroad experiences and a semester-long research internship in Oxford, UK looking to use my strong research and writing skills, as well as my expertise in contemporary literature in the position of Editorial Assistant at Penguin Random House.

Work Experience

Editorial Intern

Faber and Faber, Stanford

2015-06-2017-09

• Assisted in hiring and managing a pool of freelancers as needed, including development editors, copy editors, proofreaders, indexers, recipe testers, and technical editors, including remote and on-site employees.
• Assisted in the development, design, and preparation of sales materials.
• Provide general and editorial support to the Stanford staff as requested.

MA in English, Stanford University

Expected to graduate in 2018

• Favorite fields of study: American Poetry: From Modernism to Postmodernism, Creative Expression in Writing, Creative Nonfiction
• Thesis title: "An Analysis of the Impact of 1940s Blues Culture on the Poetic Expression of the Members of Harlem Reneissance"
• Key achievement: Awarded $15,000 2017 Drue Heinz Literature Prize for a collection of short stories "Your Latest Trick."

BA in Comparative Litarature, Stanford University

2013-08-2017-06

• Favorite fields of study: Introduction to Literary Study: Comparison, Cosmopolitanism, and the Global Novel, Literature Gone Viral, Digital Humanities, Radical Arts, Re-thinking Derrida, Being as a Spectacle
• Thesis title: "Towards the Derridian Decostruction of the Notion 'Biography' on the Basis of Julian Barnes' 1984 novel 'Flaubert's Parrot'"

Extracurricular activities and achievements:

• Dean's List 2014-2016.
• President of the undergraduate student board from 2015 to 2016.
• Chief Editor of the University Blog from 2015 to 2017.

Awards and Honors

2017-02 2016 Drue Heinz Literature Prize

2016-06 Dean's List, Stanford University

2015-06 Dean's List, Stanford University

• Academic Writing, Research, Editing

Russian – Billingual

French – Advanced

Spanish – Advanced

Life as a student is challenging but finding a job as a student is downright frustrating. With stiff competition, you need to show your best self to get your foot in the door. Use our student sample resume to get you there.

Michelle Muller

424-260-4793

[email protected]

Energetic office manager with 5+ years experience, seeking to leverage proven management and training skills to grow efficiency at Prescott Global. Oversaw eight office assistants in a high-volume tech business. Grew new contracts by 22% per year. Cut lead times 53%, cut costs 22%.

Block Island Digital

2013-07-2017-08

• Coordinated and organized office operations in a high-volume tech business. Oversaw eight office assistants to ensure organizational efficiency.
• Achieved revenue goals through effective management of job scheduling. Decreased lead times by 53% by cutting out processing waste.
• Stimulated new contract growth by supporting promotional and marketing programs. Grew new clientele at a rate of 22% per year.
• Built all work schedules. Grew the team through direct performance feedback and annual appraisals. Decreased turnover by 35%.

ReviewGull Productions

2009-08-2013-06

• In charge of 7 office employees in a busy marketing firm.
• Decreased turnover 15% through improved communication.
• Sourced new suppliers and saved 20% on supplies.
• Scheduled all client work with operations staff.
• Used better double-checking to cut accounting errors 15%.
• Boosted company revenue 18% through better work flow.
• Through improved feedback program, increased customer retention 10%.
• Trained 3 new employees in correct office procedures.

Doherty Phair Inc.

2005-06-2009-07

• Managed a staff of 6 office employees in a high-volume legal firm.
• Implemented a "Lean for the Office" Program.
• Trained all 6 office employees in Lean principles.
• Pulled in 10 new contracts per year on average during staff downtime.
• Cut inventory waste 15%.
• Slashed accounting errors by 25% through new accounting software.

Takacs Medical Clinic

2003-05-2005-06

• Responsible for daily non-clinical operations in a small medical practice, including patient satisfaction and operational performance and development.
• Provided superior patient service, with sensitivity to resolving patient complaints. Increased customer retention rate by 35%.
• Handled all supply management, including ordering and sourcing vendors. Implemented a pull system that cut costs by 22%.
• In charge of hiring and training temp office assistants to handle busy times. Trained six different temp assistants. One became part-time.

BA, Bowdoin College, Maine

• Pursued a passion for Business Administration coursework.
• Excelled in management classes.
• President, Bowdoin College Cycling Club.
• Supervised winter fund drive 2008.

Volunteer Work

St. Francis Soup Kitchen

Volunteer Organizer

• In charge of training and scheduling of 20+ volunteers.
• Decreased lost time from scheduling conflicts 25%.

Habitat for Humanity

Group Leader

• In charge of regular fundraising drives. Increased donations 45%.
• Managed teams of 5-10 volunteers during construction projects.

Technical Proficiency

Typing Speed: 95 WPM

MS Excel: 97% on Isograd MS Excel Test

• Member, American Management Association.
• Run a small cycling club for fun and fitness.
• Walk dogs once a week at the local shelter.
• Organize school bake sales 2x per year.

2017 Acquire Office Management Conference: Spoke on Panel about Leadership

2015 Annual Conference for Administrative Excellence: On Panel re Databases

2014 Office Dynamics Conference: Spoke on Panel about Emotional Intelligence

2012 OfficeNinjas Admin Week

Publications

2017 Weekly office management podcast "ManageU" has 1500 subscribers.

2017 Article on leadership published in BusinessWeek Management Blog

2016 Article on PowerPoint published in Presentation Zen

2015 Disgruntled employee ideas featured in Ask a Manager.

2012 Article on data management cited in Fortune.

• Office Kaizen - GBMP
• Successfully Managing People - American Management Association
• Emotional Intelligence Training Class - IHHP
• Microsoft Office Training, New Horizons Center. Scored 99% in all areas.

Hard Skills

• Performance Evaluations, Training New Employees, Business Operations, Scheduling, Conflict Resolution
• Leadership, Communication, Administrative, Time Management

Spanish – Fluent

Two Page Resume

About 77% of recruiters expect to see two pages from more experienced candidates. Do you meet that threshold? Can a resume be two pages long and still look good? See this resume sample to find out.

Jill Santos

Elementary Education Professional

(555) 555-5555

[email protected]

Engaging Elementary Education Teacher with over five years of experience guiding individualized instruction and meeting state standards. Proficient in English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Seeking to bring intelligent, enthusiastic solutions to your students at Smith High School.

Fourth Grade Teacher

West School District, Smith Elementary

2013-08-present

• Increased standardized test score for students in science (30%) and reading (24%) by implementing creative coursework into the curriculum.
• Established an extracurricular book club that resulted in 50+ students joining and reading an average of 9 books a year.
• Integrated technology into learning with Smart Boards, iPads, • and computers.
• Built a collaborative and friendly classroom environment using and enforcing behavior guides, team teaching, and interactive learning.

West School District, Jones Elementary

2012-08-2013-08

• Worked in both a kindergarten and first grade classroom.
• Collaborated with classroom teacher to administer tests and curriculum instruction to students.
• Maintained constant communication

Interactive Field Experience

South School District, Wilson Elementary

2011-08-2011-12

• Provided teacher and classroom support.
• Led educational games and group activities.
• Leveraged knowledge in special education to support teachers and students within self-contained (resource) and inclusion classrooms.

University of Texas at Austin Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

2008-08-2012-05

Graduated Cum Laude; asked be commencement speaker at graduation.

Active member of Alpha Phi.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters

Active Volunteer

2014-01-present

• Connected and built a relationship with talented 9-year old girl.

2015 Certified in First Aid & CPR (American Red Cross)

2014 TX Teacher Certified

• Curriculum Design, Time Management, Differentiated Instruction, Student Safety

Teacher Resume

What makes this resume example stand out? Highlights why you’re more than just an educator:

• Details various methods of teaching for different scenarios.
• Shows outside involvement in other areas of school activities.

Lydia Manzo

757-729-1432

[email protected]

Passionate Sales Manager and CSE with 4+ years' experience, seeking position with Carlson Stoves. For Pilla N.A., grew business 15% per year. Boosted revenue 30% through targeted training of 50 reps. Slashed response time to 30 minutes companywide and cut turnover by 25%.

Regional Sales Manager

Pilla North America

2014-10-2017-11

• Developed new business with point-of-sale stores and mobile reps. Worked with 50 sales reps to grow business 15% per year over 3 years.
• Increased revenue 30% through targeted sales rep training.
• Used applied technologies to slash lead response time to 30 minutes.
• Cut turnover by 25% through team morale and motivation program.

Capital Home & Hearth

2013-08-2014-09

• Head of sales for high-end home & hearth store.
• Pushed sales revenue from $750,000/yr to $1.1 million in 1 year.
• Increased staff training to drive lead conversion up 20%.

Manager Experience

2010-06-2012-08

• Led the customer outreach team at Hubert Shoe.
• Was the go-to conflict resolution employee at The Weathervane Restaurant.
• On-boarded three new employees at Trent Landscaping.

BS in Management, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Excelled in budgeting and sales coursework.
• For a one-year senior project in leadership, built the new campus blog.
• Head of the Anime Club. Increased membership 75%.

Certifications

CSE (Certified Sales Executive) - SMEI.

Sales Leadership Certificate - Cornell University.

2017 Rainmaker Conference. Headed a Panel on Budgeting.

2016 Pulse Conference. Spoke on a Panel about Cross-Selling.

• Article on How to Manage a Sales Team Published in "Sales Hacker."
• Interviewed for the Accelerate! Podcast about Staff Coaching.
• Organize yearly fundraiser for local PTA.
• Regular volunteer to recruit helpers for local Habitat for Humanity Chapter.
• Leader of weekly cycling group.
• New Business Development, Budgeting, Conflict Resolution, Finance, Coaching
• Leadership, Teamwork, Communication, Planning, Work Supervision

Manager Resume

What makes this example of a resume great? Emphasizes deliverables and shows a good fit:

• Uses numbers to prove her credentials.
• Focuses on experience that matches the job description.

Registered Nurse (RN): 2263731

774-987-4008

[email protected]

Multi-lingual Pediatric RN with 5+ years of experience in neonatal care units. Supervised the medication schedule of up to 15 patients. Taught new nurses how to use the EMR system. Maintained accurate medical records that contributed to successful audits of the pediatric unit.

RN Case Manager, In-patient Pediatrics

Northwest Community Hospital, ME

2014-05-present

• Facilitate initial screen of patients within 24 hours upon admission to determine proper care procedure and minimize discharge delays.
• Supervise all patient care provided by Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Nurse Technicians handling 25-bed unit.
• Interview potential nurses to ensure their experience and skills meet the demands of our unit.
• Manage the transition of pediatric patients between outpatient and in-patient services.
• Direct and supervise CNAs.

Staff Nurse

2011-04-2014-03

• Worked under direct supervision of RN to provide optimum care to 5 patients.
• Facilitated nursing care, transfer, and discharge of up to 30 patients a day.
• Inserted catheters, IVs, tracheotomy tubes, as needed.

Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing, Bachelors of Science in Nursing

2007-09-2011-01

• Coursework includes classroom and clinical on nursing care for adults and children, including women during the reproductive process.

2015-05 Basic Life Support (BLS) - The American Heart Association

2015-01 Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) - Pediatric Nursing Certification Board

2014-10 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) - American Association of Nurse Anesthetists

2011-02 Registered Nurse (RN): 2263731 - Nurse License Compact (NLC), Maine State Board Licensing

• Wound dressing and care, Monitoring mother’s vital signs and fetal heart rate, Phlebotomy – IV therapy and blood drawing, Electronic Medical Record (EMR)

Portuguese – Basic

Nurse Resume

What makes this sample resume shine? This sample resume shows all job requirements are met.

• Highlights licenses and certification.
• Double-downs on soft and critical skills.

Perfect Resume Sample

• List your contact details the right way.
• Craft a professional summary or career objective .
• Tailor your resume in the work experience section - use achievements to impress employers.
• Highlight your unique value with a list of skills ...
• ...and back them up with volunteer experience and certifications in the extra sections .

Examples of Resume Formats

Reverse-chronological Resume

Highlight your experience and key professional achievements with this resume format. List your latest position at the top and the previous ones follow.

Functional Resume

If you lack experience relevant to a specific position, use this resume example. Focus on your key skills and target them to the position.

Combination Resume

A hybrid resume lets you highlight your best skills in a creative way and gives you space to present your work history.

Frequently Asked Questions about Resume Examples

Should i use a resume example or not.

By using a ready-made resume example written by career and Human Resources experts, you can be sure your resume will meet the current HR standards . If you choose not to use a resume sample, you will waste a lot of time writing a resume on your own – while you could use this time to write a cover letter , or prepare for the job interview instead. You also risk making mistakes on your resume that can kill your chances of getting that job.

Are these the best resume examples for 2024?

All of our 500+ free resume examples were written by Certified Professional Resume Writers, who have extensive experience in creating resumes for candidates from all industries and career paths . Each guide provides a professional resume sample along with a set of tips & practical examples to help you make your own resume with ease, for any job title or position. To help you win the job, your resume must also look good and have a proper format, so we strongly advise you to also pick a professional resume template you can quickly fill in online and download in PDF or DOC.

How do I adjust these resume examples to my needs?

When copying a resume sample for your job application, all you need to do is pay attention to the contact, work experience, and education details . If you have different skills than those included in the resume example, be sure to replace them and list your skills on your resume the right way . The more complex your job history is, the more you'll need to adjust the resume sample . While you can keep most of the information from our ready resume examples, we encourage you to read our guide on all resume sections , so that you can be sure all parts of your resume have the right information presented in the right way.

What to do if I can't find a resume example for my application?

While we've done our best to cover nearly all possible jobs and industries with our resume samples listed on this page, we are aware that some candidates may not find the perfect match. In such cases, you can either pick a resume sample targeting a similar job in the same industry , or go with a general resume sample that can serve all job application purposes . Alternatively, you can go directly to our online resume builder that features built-in resume content for thousands of jobs, or start entirely from scratch with our article on how to write a resume .

Is it OK to use the same resume example for every application?

Sending the same generic resume to all companies is a huge no-no. Recruiters and hiring managers will spot it immediately, and it will significantly lower your chances of getting a job interview invite. We strongly recommend that you tailor your resume to every application . Note that in our online resume builder , you can easily duplicate your resumes, adjust them, and store them in the cloud for as long as you need.

Can I use a resume example in the Zety Resume Builder?

You can use our examples directly in our resume builder by selecting a resume template, and filling in all the required sections in the online app. Our wizard will guide you through all the steps of the resume creation process. Inside the Zety resume app, you will find expert tips and ready-made content tailored to the job title and industry you've selected. Once you're done, you will be able to download your resume in PDF or Word. If you're in doubt as to which file type to use, read our guide on the PDF VS Word resume format .

What is the best resume format for 2024?

The best resume format to use in 2024 for nearly every job application is the reverse- chronological resume format . It allows recruiters to skim through your work and education history in the order that matters most to them: from your most recent professional experience to your oldest jobs. But there are several other formats that you may find suited to your career or objective, such as the functional resume format or the skills-based resume format . If you're confused which format will work best for you, read our guide on all resume formats and when to use them .

How long should my resume be?

Your resume should be one-page long, but in specific situations it is still acceptable to have two-page resumes ( read more on the ideal resume length here ). On average, candidates with fewer than 5 years of experience shouldn't need more than one page for their resumes. If you happen to need more room, pick a two-column resume template – that will increase the amount of information you can display. If you have more experience and can't sum it up on one page, a two-page resume template is perfectly fine.

What should my resume look like in 2024?

To get you hired in 2024, your resume should look professional, modern and simple. The first step toward success is using a resume template that will look good and be ATS-scannable. This way, you can be sure your resume is easy to parse and read, even when recruiters are in a hurry. You should always pay attention to the readability and appearance of your resume, and make sure to highlight the content that matters. Be sure to read our guide on what a resume should look like to help you get the job.

Are these resume examples free?

All our resume examples are free to use, copy, and paste. You can check as many samples as you need to end up with a perfect resume for yourself. If you're building your resume inside our online app, you can create as many resumes for free as you want, and pay to download them only when you're satisfied with the result.

Do you also have cover letter examples?

Apart from sample resumes, at Zety you will find hundreds of free cover letter examples for all jobs and industries. Just like with our resumes, you can easily copy and adjust the cover letter samples to your needs. Covering letters significantly boost your chances of getting hired, and are always a great sign of your motivation for hiring managers (read more on the topic of the importance of cover letters here). Check out the best cover letter format , as the rules are different from the resume formats.

Should my resume example and my cover letter match?

Yes, your resume and your cover letter should match, both in content and appearance . Matching content means that your resume should list your skills and job history, while your cover letter should explain how your employer will benefit from hiring you. Matching appearance means that your resume and cover letter templates should look alike and are tailored to that specific job application. Check out professional cover letter templates here .

Try Zety's professional resume builder now

Celebrating 150 years of Harvard Summer School. Learn about our history.

How to Land Your First Job — Even With No Experience

Trying to get a job in your early career can be a challenge. Here's how to get started.

Melissa Russell

Navigating the job market can be a daunting exercise, even for professionals with long careers and lots of experience behind them.

But whether you’re a recent or soon-to-be college graduate or a high school student contemplating the future , figuring out how and when to start your first job search is even more intimidating.

How are you supposed to get an entry-level job when you have little or no job experience? Even if you don’t have formal job experience, you do have value to offer employers. These tips can help you land an interview and gain the early professional experience that will kick off your career.

What Does It Mean to Have No Experience?

Generally speaking, having no experience in a job means you have not held any positions similar to ones that you are interested in applying for. But, even if you are new to the working world, you have likely gained skills in school, through volunteer work, or through internships that will transfer to the workplace.  

If you are applying for a job that is listed as “entry level” companies already know you have limited or no experience. What they want are candidates who are intelligent and reliable and are quick learners who can soon master the skills needed to do the job.

If you are a high school student thinking about next steps, check out Harvard Summer School’s Career Pathways courses, where you can learn how to prepare for a future career.

What Is an Entry-Level Job?

Although entry-level jobs can vary by industry, for the most part these jobs are the first step on the career path. It is an entry point that either requires no experience or minimal education and experience to apply. They are the lowest ranked jobs — compared to mid-level or senior-level roles — and are meant to help employees develop needed experience and skills. 

It may be the first position you take as you begin your career, and there will likely be training involved. To find out about entry level jobs in your area of interest, go on a job platform and search “entry level” under a company’s name. 

Even if a job posting asks for experience you don’t have yet, apply anyway! You might have a background interesting enough to qualify for an interview.

What Do Employers Look for in New Hires?

A few important traits employers look for in new hires include:

Employers value employees with ambition because they are motivated and focused on what they want to achieve. If you have big dreams, let your future employer know. You’ll be demonstrating you are striving for something beyond just paying your bills.

Communication skills

Employers want employees who show competence in verbal and written communication. Before you send in your cover letter and resume, or an emailed query, be sure your communication is clear, concise, and spell checked. If you land an interview, be sure to speak clearly and demonstrate active listening.

Dependability

A dependable employee follows through on assignments, is punctual, meets deadlines, and has a strong work ethic.

Eagerness to learn

Being willing to learn can help you expand your skill set, adapt to situations, and improve yourself. It also shows your employer that although you have a lot to learn, you’re committed to learning and growing your professional acumen.

Positive people help create healthy work environments and are valuable team members. When you are positive at work, people will likely follow your example.

Employers want people who can work effectively in a group, and are likely to ask in an interview how you work as a member of a team.

Learn more about Career Pathways

How to Make a Job Application Stand Out

There are numerous ways you can optimize your job applications to improve your chances of success.

Inexperience can be an asset

Don’t try to hide your inexperience — embrace it! Show that you are motivated to learn by highlighting your other skills, such as those listed above.  

For example, if you are interested in working in journalism or public relations, let your prospective employer know you developed strong writing skills in a challenging writing class. If you studied abroad , share how the experience enriched you and taught you about cultural differences. 

Share brief personal anecdotes in cover letters and interviews that show how life lessons taught you to be dedicated, hardworking, and motivated; the very qualities employers are looking for in new employees.

Do your research

Learn about the company you are interested in and tie their mission to your personal passions and life experiences. For example, if you want to work for a film studio, be sure to discuss how you loved movies growing up. Explain how that shared passion will enable you to learn quickly once you’re hired.

Build your skills

As you peruse job listings, pay attention to the skills employers are looking for and find commonalities. Do they all seem to use a specific database management system? If so, find out how to gain experience with that platform, through online training or courses at a local college. 

If you are still in college or recently graduated, you might be eligible for an internship in an industry that interests you. Sometimes internships are paid or come with a stipend, and many times, they lead to a job offer with the company after the internship is completed. 

A 2019 study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that more than 70 percent of internships led to a job offer.

Earn a professional certificate or certification

Professional certification can be an invaluable addition to your resume. In technical careers like cybersecurity, IT, or data analysis, holding industry-approved skills will show potential employers you are qualified to do the work — even if you have never held a job in the industry.

Networking involves building relationships with people in the industry that interests you. These people will be immensely helpful as you apply for entry level positions.

Resume and Cover Letter Tips

A resume is your opportunity to highlight the value you bring to an employer. A cover letter makes the argument that you are the best person for a particular job. Employers will have different needs, even for the same type of job, so it is necessary to customize your resume for each application to improve your chances of getting an interview.

Create a “master” resume highlighting the qualifications, experiences, and skills that make you right for this job, including relevant coursework such as computer science, math, economics, or writing. If you have a strong GPA and academic honors, list them. Additionally, if you have relevant volunteer or extracurricular experience — particularly if you held a leadership role — if you worked in internships or attended programs like Harvard Summer School , include those as well.

When you are planning to apply for a particular position, read through the job description and note the skills, experiences, and qualifications they are seeking with those that match your own. Tailor your “master” resume by highlighting the specific skills and qualifications emphasized in the job posting. Mirror the language they use, whenever possible, to help get through an automated scanning tool such as applicant tracking systems.

Tailor your cover letter by elaborating on those same skills and experiences you highlighted in your resume. If you completed projects in classes that would be relevant to a future employer, briefly describe them. Relevant skills will likely vary depending on the industry you are interested in, but could include:

• Microsoft Office, Google Suite, or Adobe products like Word, Google Sheets, and Photoshop
• Computer programing
• Social media
• Multiple languages
• Public speaking

If you are having trouble identifying relevant skills, consider volunteering at an organization that could provide that necessary experience. This will also give you the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the day-to-day workings in the field and build relationships that will be useful to you later on.

How to Leverage Job Boards

Many employers list entry-level positions on job boards such as Indeed , Zip Recruiter , Monster or LinkedIn.  

LinkedIn is a social media platform designed to connect people professionally and you can seek out recruiters at companies you are interested in, as well as industry professionals. The LinkedIn jobs section can give you insight into what sort of careers are available in industries that interest you, the types of skills needed, and the names of recruiters and hiring managers who may be willing to answer your questions. 

You can also use LinkedIn to research relevant professionals to gain insights, research companies, set alerts for entry-level jobs, and find alumni from your high school or college to connect with.Consider using LinkedIn to help build your personal brand to show off what you can offer potential employers.

Increase Your Value

Once you’ve determined what skills are sought out in your ideal first job, identify gaps in your experience so you can invest in becoming the ideal candidate. 

Whether you’re in high school, college, or recently graduated, Harvard Summer School may have a course that can help you build these skills such as Web Programming with Python and JavaScript or Strategic Communication and Public Relations . If it’s the interview you’re worried about, consider a Public Speaking course .  If you have yet to decide what career path to take, consider an exploratory course like these Career Pathways courses to find what’s right for you.

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About the Author

Melissa Russell is an award-winning journalist and editor living in the Boston area. She has written for many news outlets as well as for websites, trade publications and other platforms.

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How Long Should a Resume Be?

By Kelli Mason Updated on April 17, 2024

So you’ve sat down to write your resume. As you list your previous experiences, accomplishments, and skills, you notice the length of your resume is growing…and growing…and growing!

It’s great that you bring so much to the table— but do recruiters really need to know all of this information in the initial stages? 

It can be tempting to include everything that makes you a standout candidate, but it may not be the best way to get your skills and accomplishments noticed.

How long should a resume be?

In general, a resume should be no more than one page.

On average, recruiters only spend an average of six to seven seconds looking at resumes . They have dozens, if not hundreds, of applications to sort through, and there simply isn’t enough time to give each a thorough read.

You want your resume to showcase your career and experience highlights as succinctly as possible. You may have all of right skills, but if it’s buried in irrelevant details, your resume may end up in the wrong pile.

Think of a resume as a summary on the back of a book. It’s designed to hook the reader and get them interested— not tell the whole story. Similarly, a resume is supposed to be a brief overview of your skills and experiences that let a recruiter know whether or not you’re qualified to move on to the next step. 

Of course, there are exceptions to this rule of thumb. If a job description or recruiter asks for an expanded resume, you should include more detail to give the full picture of your experience. But, unless you are instructed to send a long-format resume, a one-pager will suffice.

How can I make the most of resume space?

One page may not seem like a lot of room to get your point across, so it’s important to use the space wisely. Here are some tips for making the most of your one page resume . 

1. Format it correctly.

Make the most of your space by formatting your resume in a way that puts the most important information front and center. 

Always start with your contact information. But beyond that, the best way to format your resume will depend on where you are in your career. For instance, if you’ve recently graduated from college, you’ll probably want to lead with your education and relevant coursework. If you’ve been in the workforce for three or more years, you’ll want to start with your most recent job experience. 

It’s also important to use a clean and professional format that is easy to read. Use consistent spacing, margins, and font sizes throughout your resume. Use bullet points and short paragraphs to break up large blocks of text and make your resume more scannable.

2. Include only information that is relevant to the job you are applying for.

If you’re having trouble squeezing your experience onto one page, look over each role and ask yourself, “Is this relevant to the job I’m applying for?” If the answer is no, consider cutting it.

For example, if you’re applying to a marketing position and have ten years of marketing experience at three companies, it is unnecessary to include your college job at the campus bookstore. That space would be better used elaborating on the experience that directly relates to the position you hope to land. 

Your resume is a snapshot, not an all-encompassing history.

3. Limit the amount of bullet points you include for each job experience.

Recruiters want to see more than the company you worked for and the position you held. Including bullet points that explain the responsibilities and accomplishments for each experience can help provide a look into your skills and experience. 

But it can be easy to get carried away here and create a list that is ten bullet points long. After all, it’s hard to synthesize months or years worth of work into a few sentences!

However, you should be selective with the points that you choose and, again, keep it relevant to the job you want. Three short bullet points per job experience should be enough to provide key details but not waste space.

4. Choose your font sizes wisely.

Need to squeeze just a few more lines onto one page? Look at your font size. Decreasing your font size by even a half point may give you the extra room you need. 

Be careful not to make it so small that it is impossible to read. Anything below 10 points is too small. 

5. Don’t include photos or images on your resume.

You may think that including a photo will help put a face to the name, but including a headshot on a resume is not a good idea for several reasons. For one, they take up a lot of that precious, precious space! 

Secondly, photos aren’t ATS-friendly. Applicant tracking systems, commonly referred to as ATS, help recruiters sort and track applications. These programs don’t always know how to interpret photos and can cause your resume to get overlooked.

Lastly, they provide an opportunity for unconscious bias to creep in. By not including photos, you can help the recruiter can focus on what’s important— the skills and experience you bring to the table. 

Expanding on your resume during your interview

If the recruiter determines that you have the skills and qualifications for the job, your next step will be a phone screen or an interview. 

There, you will have an opportunity to expand upon your resume . This is your chance to provide context to your experience and elaborate on what your duties and responsibilities consisted of. You can also talk about accomplishments that you didn’t have room for on paper. 

The bottom line

Crafting an effective resume is crucial in landing your dream job. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long a resume should be, a one-page resume is the best guideline to follow. Keep in mind that recruiters have limited time to review each resume and need to quickly determine if a candidate is qualified for the job. Therefore, it’s important to make every word count and ensure that your qualifications and accomplishments are clearly and effectively communicated.

10 Best Resume Builders to Create A Great Resume – 2024 Guide

A re you exhausted from investing endless hours into creating an impeccable CV? This article introduces the top resume builders that will revolutionize your job application approach. Bid farewell to monotonous formatting and greet a remarkable resume that distinguishes itself from the rivalry. Prepare yourself to secure your dream job with self-assurance effortlessly!

>> Unlock Your Career Potential With Super Star Resume

10 Best Resume Writing Services

• Super Star Resume - Best overall
• ZipJob - Best for guarantees
• Resumeble - Best with custom bundles
• Let’s Eat, Grandma - Best for range of career service
• ResumeSpice - Best for job seekers of any level
• TopResume - Best customer service
• Resume Writing Services - Best for affordability
• Craft Resumes - Best for quick turnaround
• Resume Companion - Best value resume writing service
• Resume.com - Best free service

When creating this compilation, we considered different elements such as affordability, ease of use, accessibility, the privacy policies of the companies involved, and more. The highest-rated services offer advice, templates, and tools and allow you to consult with experts who can help you craft an impressive resume highlighting your strengths to potential employers.

Our collection comprises free services and those that make use of professional writers’ skills. Some options require a subscription or one-time payment.

>> Secure Your Dream Job With Super Star Resume

Super Star Resume - Best Resume Builder Overall

Star Rating: 4.9/5

Super Star Resume is an innovative resume builder that completely transforms creating professional resumes. By offering a user-friendly interface and a range of powerful features, Super Star Resume enables individuals to produce exceptional resumes that effectively showcase their abilities, accomplishments, and work history.

• Skilled and seasoned writers
• Customized strategy aligned with unique career objectives
• Timely delivery of resumes
• More significant expense compared to certain other resume writing services
• Restricted selection of additional services
• Availability may be restricted depending on demand and geographic location
• Intuitive resume builder: An intuitive interface that simplifies the resume creation process, offering modern templates for a professional look.
• Customization choices: Users can personalize their resumes by selecting from various font styles, colors, layouts, and sections to align with their unique style.
• Comprehensive content suggestions: Access to a collection of expertly curated bullet points, action verbs, and industry-specific phrases to craft impactful resume content.
• Real-time previews and editing: Real-time previewing and editing capabilities ensure a visually appealing and error-free final resume.
• Integration with professional networking platforms: Integration with LinkedIn allows users to maintain consistency between their online presence and resume.
• Tailored resumes for different job applications: The duplication feature facilitates the creation of multiple resume versions, each customized for specific job applications or industries.
• Resume analytics and tracking: Users can monitor the views and downloads of their resumes, gaining valuable insights to optimize their job search strategies.
• Professional Resume : $169
• Resume With Cover Letter : $199
• All-Included : $199

>> Use Super Star Resume to Secure Your Dream Job

ZipJob - Best Resume Builder for Guarantees

Star Rating: 4.7/5

ZipJob is widely regarded as an excellent option for resume creation, especially for those who value guarantees. Their impressive 60-day assurance ensures that individuals searching for employment will experience a surge in interview invitations within this period.

If this desired outcome cannot materialize, ZipJob proactively offers a complimentary review and revision of your resume. This guarantee highlights their commitment to client contentment and showcases their unwavering belief in the superior quality of their resume writing services.

• The starting package is cost-effective
• Complimentary ATS check included
• 60-day interview assurance with higher-tier packages
• The design and layout made it challenging to read the resume
• The summary section was overly lengthy and filled with clichés
• The formatting of the education and training sections was subpar
• Expert resume writers: ZipJob provides access to a team of expert resume writers with the skills and knowledge to review, evaluate, and optimize your resume for compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and hiring managers.
• ATS optimization: Meaning they ensure your resume is structured and formatted to navigate and succeed in ATS filters effectively. Employers commonly use these filters to assess and rank resumes during the initial screening process.
• Keyword optimization: The resume builder online offered by ZipJob assists you in identifying and integrating pertinent keywords and industry-specific terminology. This practice heightens the visibility of your resume, making it more likely to capture the attention of hiring managers.
• Job-specific content suggestions: ZipJob provides valuable advice regarding the most relevant and influential content to include in your resume for different job titles and industries. This guidance is invaluable in customizing your resume for specific roles.
• Cover letter writing assistance: ZipJob supports the creation of impactful cover letters that complement your resume, strengthening your overall job application.
• Unlimited revisions: One noteworthy feature of ZipJob is the option for unlimited revisions and updates to your resume. This ensures that your resume not only meets but continues to meet your specific requirements and mirrors your professional growth.
• Collaboration with resume writers: the platform facilitates direct collaboration with the resume writers, enabling you to share additional information, discuss specific requirements, and seek clarifications at any stage of the resume creation process.
• Launch Package: $139 (or $48/mo)
• Fast Track Package: $189 (or $65/mo)
• Premium Package: $299 (or $27/mo)

>> Use ZipJob to Secure Your Dream Job

Resumeble - Best Resume Builder With Custom Bundles

Star Rating: 4.3/5

Resumeble is a highly efficient and user-friendly resume builder that empowers individuals to create professional and compelling resumes. With Resumeble, crafting a standout resume becomes a streamlined process thanks to its intuitive interface and extensive range of customizable templates.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or someone looking to change careers, Resumeble caters to all needs and skill sets. It offers helpful suggestions and expert advice to ensure your resume showcases your unique qualifications and achievements in the best possible light.

• A 60-day interview guarantee is included
• Budget-friendly package deals are available
• It’s more established than some other websites
• Keyword optimization: This feature helps optimize your resume by suggesting relevant keywords aligned with your target industry or job, enhancing your visibility to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and recruiters.
• Content import: Resumeble allows you to import your existing resume or LinkedIn profile, saving you the time and effort of manual data entry.
• Real-time editing: You have the convenience of editing and modifying your resume in real time, providing the flexibility to experiment with various formats, sections, and content.
• ATS compatibility: Resumeble ensures your resume is ATS-compatible, essential for better visibility and a higher chance of being shortlisted by employers using Applicant Tracking Systems.
• Download options: The platform offers various download formats, including PDF, Word, and plain text, ensuring compatibility with diverse application processes.
• Cover letter builder: Resumeble features an integrated cover letter builder, streamlining the creation of professional and personalized cover letters that complement your resume.
• Career Pro Package : $159.00
• Professional Package : $299.00
• Premium Package : $399.00

>> Use Resumeble to Secure Your Dream Job

Let’s Eat, Grandma - Best Resume Builder for Range of Career Service

Star Rating: 4/5

Let’s Eat, Grandma is an inventive and progressive tool for creating impressive resumes. The platform streamlines the resume-building process, making it easier for job seekers to craft exceptional resumes. With Let’s Eat, Grandma, individuals can create unique resumes that catch the eye of employers and set them apart from the competition.

This user-friendly platform offers a range of customizable templates that allow users to tailor their resumes to showcase their specific skills and experiences. Let’s Eat, Grandma also provides expert advice and recommendations to help ensure that your qualifications and achievements are effectively highlighted in your resume.

• Complimentary resume evaluation
• Choices available for individuals from entry-level to executive-level positions
• Extensive collaboration opportunities
• Not specialized in academic CVs or federal resumes
• Relatively higher pricing compared to some other services
• Potential for a longer turnaround time compared to competing services
• Expert choice: You can save your resume in multiple formats (PDF, Word, plain text) or easily share it with potential employers via email or a link, simplifying the distribution of your resume.
• Error highlighting: The builder can identify potential errors, inconsistencies, or missing information within your resume and provide suggestions or alerts for improvement.
• Section prompts: Pre-written prompts for various resume sections (e.g., work experience, education, skills) can help you structure your resume effectively and ensure you include essential details in each area.
• Customizable sections: You can add, remove, or rearrange sections to tailor your resume to emphasize your strengths and relevant experiences.
• Keyword optimization: The resume builder can recommend industry-specific keywords based on the job description, enhancing your resume’s chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and grabbing the attention of hiring managers.
• Starter Package : Priced at $439, but there is an anti-inflation sale price of $389.
• Accelerated Package : $549.
• The premium Package : $689, but the anti-inflation sale price is $614.
• Executive Concierge Service : $1,899 or as low as $119/month.

>> Use Let’s Eat, Grandma to Secure Your Dream Job

ResumeSpice - Best Resume Builder for Job Seekers of Any Level

Star Rating: 3.8/5

ResumeSpice , a renowned online resume builder, streamlines crafting professional resumes. This platform provides job seekers with a user-friendly interface and a wide selection of templates, enabling them to create impressive resumes that align with their career objectives.

With ResumeSpice’s seamless experience, users are guided through each resume section effortlessly while receiving valuable tips throughout the process. From personal details and work history to skills and accomplishments, this platform ensures that all crucial aspects of a resume are comprehensively addressed.

• Additional assistance
• Timely service
• ATS optimization
• Guaranteed interviews
• Restricted revisions
• Insufficient customization options
• Restricted refund policy
• User-friendly interface: ResumeSpice boasts an intuitive and user-friendly platform, simplifying the resume creation process and offering a seamless experience to users.
• Extensive template library: The platform offers a vast selection of professionally designed templates tailored to various industries and job positions. Users can explore different styles and layouts to find the perfect match for their needs.
• Import and export options: ResumeSpice enables users to import their existing resumes in formats like PDF or Word for easy editing and updates. Users can conveniently export their finalized resumes in multiple formats, facilitating sharing with employers or uploading to job portals.
• Mobile-friendly design: ResumeSpice is optimized for mobile devices, allowing users to create and modify their resumes using smartphones or tablets.
• Cloud storage: The platform provides secure cloud storage for users’ resumes, ensuring accessibility and updates from any device with an internet connection.
• Resume tracking: ResumeSpice includes tools for tracking the performance of submitted resumes, such as monitoring views, downloads, and application outcomes. These features empower users to evaluate their progress and make data-driven enhancements to their job search strategies.
• Entry Level Resume : $479
• Professional Resume : $589
• Executive Resume : $699

>> Use ResumeSpice to Secure Your Dream Job

TopResume - Best Resume Builder for Customer Service

Star Rating: 3.6/5

TopResume is an outstanding resume builder explicitly tailored for customer service professionals. It offers a seamless and user-friendly experience, enabling users to create exceptional resumes effortlessly. The platform goes beyond just providing a basic resume template, offering valuable suggestions and tips to optimize the content.

This ensures that each resume created on TopResume is unique and attention-grabbing in the highly competitive job market.

Besides its user-friendly interface, TopResume provides expert review services. These services allow skilled professionals to provide personalized feedback on resumes, helping enhance their overall quality further. By leveraging this feedback and incorporating attention to detail, customer service professionals can create compelling resumes that effectively capture the attention of potential employers.

• Streamlined registration process
• Well-designed and formatted one-page resume
• The summary and Job Scope sections were overly extended
• The training section needed to have prominence
• Skill-based sections: The resume builder features dedicated sections highlighting essential customer service skills, including communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and relationship building.
• Expert review services: TopResume provides expert review services where experienced professionals offer personalized feedback and recommendations to enhance the overall quality of your resume.
• ATS compatibility: The platform ensures that the resumes created are compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which employers commonly use for scanning and filtering resumes.
• Download and sharing options: Users can download their resumes in various formats, such as PDF or Word, and easily share them with potential employers or upload them to job portals.
• Industry-Specific Tips: TopResume offers industry-specific tips and guidance to assist users in tailoring their resumes to the customer service field, helping them stand out among competitors.
• Cover letter builder: Besides resume building, TopResume provides a builder that empowers users to craft professional and compelling cover letters customized for customer service roles.
• Mobile accessibility: The platform is mobile-friendly, allowing users to create, edit, and update their resumes while on the go, using their smartphones or tablets.
• Entry level : Up to 200$.
• Professional level : Up to 200$-400$.
• Executive level : Up to $350-$700.

>> Use TopResume to Secure Your Dream Job

Resume Writing Services - Best Resume Builder for Affordability

Star Rating: 3.3/5

While Resumewritingservices.org may be a different size than its competitors, it stands out due to its team of talented and experienced resume writers. The website is user-friendly and provides exceptional service. However, this service’s true strength lies in its writers’ expertise.

Resumewritingservices.org sets itself apart by offering a comprehensive consultation process and goes beyond expectations by providing unlimited calls with its resume writers. This personalized approach distinguishes them from other companies and guarantees each client receives individual attention and support.

• Experienced resume writers of the highest caliber
• Unlimited phone consultations and revisions
• More expensive than rival services
• A limited range of products
• Skilled and experienced resume writers: Resumewritingservices.org takes pride in its team of highly trained and professional resume writers who possess a deep understanding of crafting effective resumes.
• Personalized service: Resumewritingservices.org offers a personal touch by providing unlimited calls with their resume writers. This unique feature allows clients to engage in direct communication and close collaboration with the writers throughout the resume creation process.
• Competitive job market expertise: The writers at Resumewritingservices.org have knowledge of current job market trends. This ensures that the resumes they create are optimized to excel in today’s fiercely competitive job market.
• Quality Assurance: The service maintains a rigorous quality assurance process to guarantee that the resumes delivered to clients meet the highest standards and align with their expectations.
• Timely delivery: Resumewritingservices.org is committed to delivering resumes within the agreed-upon timeframe, ensuring clients receive their documents promptly.
• Client satisfaction guarantee: Resumewritingservices.org offers a client satisfaction guarantee, assuring clients are fully content with the final resume. The service is ready to provide revisions if necessary.
• Affordable pricing: Resumewritingservices.org provides pricing options that are competitive and transparent, making professional resume writing accessible to a wide range of job seekers.

Resumewritingservices.org employs a pricing system that is clear and easy to understand for their resume-building services. The initial package begins at $270 , including a comprehensive consultation with a skilled resume writer and developing an individualized resume.

They offer extra options that enable customers to personalize their packages based on their unique preferences. This adaptable pricing strategy guarantees that clients can choose the services that align with their requirements and financial constraints.

>> Use Resume Writing Services to Secure Your Dream Job

Craft Resumes - Best Resume Builder for Quick-Turnaround

Star Rating: 3/5

Craft Resumes stand out as a well-established writing and editing service known for its ability to deliver effective outcomes. Our dedication to providing a 24-hour turnaround guarantees you’ll receive the initial version of your resume promptly.

Navigating our user-friendly website is effortless, making it easy to use our services. At Craft Resumes, we specialize in crafting customized resumes to match your skills, qualifications, and aspirations for your career.

• Speedy completion
• Customized CVs
• Intuitive site
• Insufficient details
• Absence of assurances
• Quick turnaround: Craft Resumes commits to delivering the initial draft of your resume within 24 hours, ensuring a speedy and efficient service.
• Expert Writers: Craft Resumes prides itself on its team of experienced writers who possess expertise across various industries and stay up-to-date with current hiring trends. They’re dedicated to making your resume stand out and catch the attention of potential employers.
• Unlimited revisions: We provide unlimited revisions to guarantee your complete satisfaction. If you have specific changes or additions in mind, our team will collaborate with you closely to implement the modifications.
• Confidentiality and Privacy: At Craft Resumes, we prioritize the confidentiality and privacy of your personal information. You can trust that your data will be handled securely and with the utmost discretion.
• Tailored resumes: We specialize in tailoring resumes to align with your career objectives, industry, and job requirements. Each resume is personalized to accentuate your unique strengths and qualifications.
• Resume Writing : $229.00
• Basic : $279.99
• Optimal : $339.99
• All-In-One : $499.99

>> Use Craft Resumes to Secure Your Dream Job

Resume Companion - Best Value Resume Builder

Star Rating: 2.8/5

Resume Companion is a virtual platform and service that specializes in aiding individuals in creating resumes that are professional and impactful. It offers an array of resources and tools to assist job seekers in crafting interesting resumes that effectively showcase their skills, experiences, and qualifications.

A prominent feature of Resume Companion is its user-friendly resume builder. This tool allows users to select from various professionally designed templates and personalize them based on their specific requirements.

Users can effortlessly incorporate their personal information, employment history, educational background, skill set, and other pertinent details to produce a customized resume tailored to their needs.

• Intuitive user interface
• High-quality templates
• Efficiency-boosting functions
• Cost-effective choice
• Restricted editing features without subscription
• Absence of extensive customization options
• Limited availability of extra services
• Cover letter builder: Resume Companion goes beyond resumes and provides users with a tool for crafting customized cover letters tailored to specific job applications. This feature guides users through the process, helping them effectively present their qualifications and make a compelling case to prospective employers.
• ATS optimization: In today’s job market, many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Resume Companion helps users ensure their resumes are ATS-friendly. The platform offers valuable tips and insights on incorporating relevant keywords, formatting the document correctly, and increasing the likelihood of passing through the ATS screening process.
• Educational resources: Resume Companion extends its services by offering an informative blog and educational materials that cover various aspects of resume writing, job search strategies, interview techniques, and career development guidance. These resources provide users with valuable insights and advice to help them create impressive resumes and enhance their job search efforts.
• Download and sharing options: Upon completing their resumes, users can conveniently download their documents in multiple formats, including PDF and Word. Resume Companion also makes it easy for users to share their resumes online or print them offline.
• Customer support: Resume Companion values user satisfaction and offers customer support to assist with users’ questions or concerns while utilizing the platform. Users can access support through email or the platform’s contact form.

Resume Companion provides a cost-effective solution for individuals seeking an all-inclusive service. It’s vital to remember subscription renewal is required to access future editing services. In summary, Resume Companion offers a wallet-friendly option for those who desire a user-friendly resume-building experience without needing advanced writing abilities.

>> Use Resume Companion to Secure Your Dream Job

Our Ranking Methodology for Best Resume Writing Services

To comprehensively and objectively rank the top resume writing services, it is essential to have a thorough methodology. The first step in this process was conducting extensive research and analysis. This involved gathering a comprehensive list of reputable resume-writing services from multiple sources such as online searches, customer reviews, industry directories, and personal recommendations.

• Feature analysis: Evaluate the functionalities provided by each resume builder, considering elements like template variety and quality, customization flexibility, user-friendly editing and formatting options, import/export capabilities, spell check and grammar tools, and integration with job search platforms and professional networks.
• Template collection: Examine the assortment and quality of templates. Look for a wide range that suits various industries, job levels, and design preferences, considering these templates’ aesthetics, readability, and contemporary design.
• Editing and customization: Scrutinize the adaptability and user-friendliness of the editing and customization tools each resume builder provides. Assess the capacity to add or modify sections, reorganize content, and tailor resumes to specific job requirements.
• User interface and experience: Analyze the user interface and the overall user experience each resume builder offers. Evaluate the ease of navigation, instruction clarity, guidance or prompts, and the platform’s responsiveness.
• Integration with job search platforms: Determine whether resume builders offer seamless integration with popular job search platforms and professional networks like LinkedIn or ATS systems. Consider how well the resumes can be transferred and their compatibility with these platforms.
• Additional resources: Evaluate if the resume builders provide extra resources such as sample resumes, tools for creating cover letters, interview tips, or career advice. Consider the breadth and practicality of these supplementary resources.
• Mobile-friendliness: Gauge the mobile-friendliness and responsiveness of the resume builders, recognizing the growing trend of mobile job searching and application processes.
• Customer support: Reflect on the accessibility and quality of customer support services, encompassing options like live chat, email support, or knowledge bases. Assess the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team.
• Pricing and value for money: Appraise the pricing plans presented by the resume builders in terms of the value they offer based on features, usability, and overall service quality.
• Industry reputation: Consider the standing and trustworthiness of the resume builders, considering factors such as awards, recognition, partnerships, and user feedback from reputable sources.

Buyer’s Guide: Why Use a Resume Builder?

Crafting a well-crafted CV comes naturally to particular job seekers. However, even the most seasoned experts may need help in resume writing. If you find yourself in need of help with creating a compelling resume, here are several ways in which the best online resume builder can be beneficial:

Resume builders provide users with pre-designed templates and helpful tips, streamlining the process of writing a resume and alleviating stress.

Offers Writing Tips

Promoting oneself requires considerable effort. Only some people possess writing skills, even if they enjoy self-promotion. To showcase one’s experience and knowledge effectively, a resume builder can help select the most appropriate words and phrases.

Improves Design

In every field, there are unique standards for an impressive resume. If you need to gain knowledge in design or the tools, resume builders can provide free templates to enhance your resume’s visual appeal and quality.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Recruiters often use ATS systems to scan resumes. A good resume builder will help with formatting to ensure that your resume is easy for these systems to read.

What’s the Best Resume Builder?

The ideal resume builder for each individual may differ according to their specific requirements. If you prefer a tool that offers step-by-step guidance in creating your resume, we suggest using a builder that provides helpful tips and recommendations. If you prefer a resume builder that auto-generates a summary, we recommend using a tool that extracts information from your LinkedIn profile.

For those who enjoy having creative control over their resumes, we suggest using a platform with features. By selecting the resume builder that aligns with your needs and suits your industry and personal style, you’ll significantly increase your chances of capturing the attention of hiring managers.

Resume Builder vs. Resume Writing Service: What Matters for You

When it comes to crafting a resume, there are three options available. You can opt to create it independently, use a resume builder tool, or enlist the services of a professional resume writer. Your best choice will depend on your writing abilities, available time, and financial resources.

Do-It-Yourself

You have the choice to construct a resume entirely by yourself. The benefit of this option is that it costs nothing but requires a significant amount of effort. Along with composing all the information, you must possess graphic design skills.

This approach works well if you have these abilities, but with them, your options for creating a resume are unlimited. To overcome this limitation, you can use a resume builder or enlist the help of a resume writing service.

Resume Builder

A tool for creating resumes allows you to input your details into a template, resulting in an original appearance and layout with no design work. The top resume building tools also offer suggestions on enhancing your resume and tailoring it to match the specific job you are applying for.

While you are still responsible for writing the content, once it is written, you can quickly transfer that information into any other template with just a few simple clicks. Some of these services are free and many like to promote themselves as such, but most require a small payment to download your finished resume.

Professional Resume Writing Service

Professional resume writing services are expensive, but they offer the convenience of handling all the work for you. An experienced writer will gather relevant information about your background and transform it into a unique and engaging resume.

The process typically takes a few days, and the level of originality in the outcome largely relies on your choice of company and writer. However, we will not delve into these services further in this guide.

Are Resume Builders Worth It?

Definitely, without a doubt. An effective resume creator will guarantee that your CV is formatted correctly to navigate Applicant Tracking Systems and ultimately reach the hands of recruiters.

Is It Unprofessional to Use a Microsoft Word Resume Template?

Relying on a template will not set you apart, and there is a high likelihood that your application will be dismissed because your resume is identical to those of other job seekers.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right resume builder is crucial in today’s competitive job market. Creating a professional and impactful resume that stands out from the crowd can significantly impact your job search. With the right tool, you can save time, improve your chances of landing an interview, and ultimately secure your dream job.

When selecting a resume builder, consider your specific needs and priorities. Look for features like customizable templates, industry-specific examples, and the ability to export your resume in different formats. Consider user reviews and ratings to ensure you choose a reputable and reliable platform.

Remember, an exceptional tool for crafting resumes should give you the power to present your skills, experience, and accomplishments effectively. It should simplify and expedite creating a resume without hassle. Investing in a reliable resume builder is investing in your professional future.

Therefore, explore the different options available for resume builders. Test out their free trials or demos and choose the best fit for your objectives. Our top recommendation is Super Star Resume . This meticulously designed resume can open doors to exciting career prospects and be a dependable companion on your journey toward success.

Ahad Waseem is a business, blockchain, and cybersecurity writer who often takes on art, politics, and economics too. As a linguistic engineer who writes to solve problems, he’s written for various tech and business publications. When he’s not writing, he’s probably on horseback, caring for his houseplants, or training Bonsai trees. He can be reached at [email protected] . McClatchy’s newsrooms were not involved in the creation of this content. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links.

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