build a simple resume

Free simple resume builder.

Showcase your achievements and unique experiences with a stunning simple resume made using Adobe Express. No experience required.

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Stand out with the Adobe Express free simple resume builder.

Showcase your experiences, skills, and knowledge with the Adobe Express simple resume builder. With a wide collection of professionally designed resume templates to choose from, it’s easier than ever now to make, save, and print an impressive resume that’ll help you land your dream job. No experience required.

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Letter Cover

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Creative Resume

Graphic Design Resume

High School Resume

Modern Resume

Acting Resume

How to make a simple resume.

Personalize your job applications with the simple resume builder.

Confidently send off an eye-catching resume made in Adobe Express. Browse from a wide collection of free, contemporary resume templates in the online editor until you’ve landed on one that represents you and your professional experiences the best. Can't decide on which font to use? You’ll get recommended font pairings curated just for your project. Personalize even further when you drag and drop icons to your project. The sky is the limit when it comes to creating the perfect resume with Adobe Express.

Easily get feedback on your simple resume design.

Save time and do even more with the Adobe Express simple resume builder. Present yourself in an authentic and unique way when you apply color schemes that represent who you are as you weave in your achievements and experiences. To keep things consistent, duplicate your simple resume design to create a cover letter that showcases your experience in a visual way. Before sharing your resume with recruiters, send a share link to colleagues so they can leave feedback before you wrap things up.

Tips for creating a show-stopping resume design.

A captivating resume is one that’s simple to read. Since hiring managers and recruiters typically skim through the content of your resume, you’ll want to make sure the way you showcase your experience. Use bullet points to lay out your responsibilities and italics to highlight your achievements. Remember to include your contact information including email, phone number, and location.

Showcase your skills in a memorable way.

Your professional background and achievements already look the part for your dream role. Now it’s time to ensure that you use your resume as an opportunity to provide recruiters with a clear and succinct narrative about your accomplishments and experiences. Be sure to keep the content and keywords in your resume relevant to the industry or profession you’re applying for. And if you plan on including a cover letter, you can easily duplicate your resume page in the same project to keep the design looking consistent.

Create easier with the Adobe Express simple resume builder.

Whatever vision, style, or aesthetic you imagine, you can easily bring it to life with tons of free simple resume templates by your side. Make something you're proud of that's 100% you when you drag and drop icons, graphics, shapes, and borders to build your simple resume design. Edit every detail of your project exactly how you envision it. Once you're done making your simple resume, save and share it anywhere or send an editable share link to others and receive feedback or co-edit in real time together. The Adobe Express simple resume builder makes designing the perfect resume a breeze, so all you need to do is bring your “A-Game” to the interview.

Frequently asked questions.

Resumes are the perfect opportunity to tell recruiters who you are before you chat with them. At first glance, your resume should include:

• Your contact information.
• A professional summary that shows them who you are.
• All of your professional experiences, aligned to the job you’re applying for.
• Skills, education, and notable projects.
• Any certifications or qualifications.

• ResumeBuild

Make a Job-Winning Resume in Minutes With Our Simple Resume Builder

• Customizable, HR-approved, ready-to-use resume templates
• Step-by-step guidance and expert tips to create a targeted, job-scoring resume
• Free industry-specific, pre-written examples you can add with the click of a button

Our Resume Maker Has Secured Jobs at the World’s Best Companies:

Professional Resume Templates that Hiring Managers Love

Blending a classic single column layout with helpful color accents and dividers for ease of reading, the Simple CV template is a balanced choice.

Professional

If you’re looking for a design that is subtle, elegant, and combines the best of the old and new, the Professional CV template is the perfect choice.

This interesting Cool resume example uses a twin-column format and charming icons to differentiate sections.

This Modern resume example displays define sections with a traditional black-and-white color pattern.

Contemporary

This Contemporary resume example counts with thin lines and a classic single-column format that will make the perfect first impression on any hiring manager.

For a balance between lighthearted creative and serious profesional, the Creative CV template offers visualizations and a functional two column design.

Lacking a single header, the Unique resume template is a strikingly original yet still somehow classic two-columned option.

Chronological

Resume templates for every job, choose from our best resume templates.

This Stylish resume template has a single-column format, with thin dotted lines. Perfect to win-over any employer.

This Trendy resume uses bright, blue color blocks to break sections. It's guaranteed to catch the eye of hiring managers.

Imaginative

This Imaginative resume template displays a visually pleasing dual-column design to highlight the candidates' skills.

7200+ Professional Resume Examples & Samples

This Vintage resume example incorporates a single-column layout with a traditional black-and-white color scheme.

Use the latest style with this Fresh resume template. Its modern dual-column design uses visual elements to highlight a candidate's skills.

For those creative professionals, this Visionary resume template is an ideal choice. The template is the perfect mix of professional and artistic. It allows job-seekers to display their skills in an aesthetic manner.

How to Create a Resume?

• Select your favorite template.
• Add your contact information.
• Fill out your work history and education.
• Select from our hundreds of job descriptions and skill examples, or input your own!
• Review your resume & download it.

How Resume Build Will Help You Land The Job You Want

1. gain access to hr-approved & ats-friendly resume templates.

Making a professional resume is a breeze with our HR-approved resume templates. Forget about spending hours formatting your resume—our resume templates will do the heavy lifting for you. Each one is designed not only to exceed hiring managers’ expectations, but also bypass pesky Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) that flags poorly formatted resumes.

2. Get the Guidance You Need to Make the Perfect Resume

Our easy-to-use online resume builder has been fine-tuned by HR experts to create a resume that lands you the job you want. You’ll find step-by-step guidance throughout the entire builder, expert tips, and dozens of industry-specific job description bullet points to make your resume shine. Thanks to its streamlined design, you’ll be done and dusted in just 15 minutes.

3. Our Resumes Are Easily Customizable and Downloadable

Adding a personal touch to your resume couldn’t be simpler with our resume builder. Whether you want to change your resume’s font, text size, header size, or add or delete sections, our resume builder has you covered. Once you’re done, instantly download your brand new resume in MS Word and PDF formats at the click of a button. It’s really that easy!

4. Discover What Hiring Managers Really Want With Our Resume Samples

Do you ever wish you could see what a professional resume in your industry looks like? At Resume Build, we truly believe your successes are ours. That’s why we asked our HR experts to create hundreds of industry-specific resume samples for you to freely view. Go on, take a peek today.

The Rage is All About Us.

Easy to follow prompts and beautiful templates to choose from!! Started getting calls for job interviews a few days after submitting and applying the resume that I created with the help of this amazing website. It definitely stands out!

George Holand

Found this website really very helpful since I wanted to make my resume look super professional and eye-catching too…Finally, I was able to set up a perfect resume!!!

Allison Doman

Download took 2-3 seconds…..I made my CV while waiting in the queue to attend my interview! I loved the professional resume templates. Thanks for this useful website.

Camille Ryan V

Went for a job interview and the potential employers were very impressed with my CV. I must say that Resumebuild comes with so many interesting templates and also, creating a resume with it is super easy.

Have Questions About Writing A Perfect Resume?

Resume Templates FAQ

Is Resume Build the best resume builder?

Are you after a resume builder that is: a) proven to help score jobs at the world’s best companies, b) quick, easy, and affordable to use, and c) equipped with HR-approved resume templates and pre-written job description bullet points?

If you answered “Yes,” then you’ll understand why thousands of job seekers believe that Resume Build is the best resume builder on the market. 

Our online resume maker is designed to help job seekers just like you to create a professional resume in mere minutes. 

Considering that many other options—particularly free resume builders— are incredibly clunky and difficult to use, this is no easy feat. Worse still, many of our competitors’ offerings simply spit out generic resumes that aren’t formatted or written to be HR-friendly.

These are a few of the many reasons why so many people have turned to Resume Build to help them transform their job prospects.

Can I build my resume for free using this resume builder?

Are you wondering “Can I really build my resume for free with Resume Build’s resume software?” or “Is this a free resume builder?” The answer is that it’s free to try. Once you sign up, you’ll also gain access to plenty of free resume templates, free resume job description bullet points, and free resume tips to help you create an unforgettable resume.

What’s the best resume template to use?

The truth of the matter is that there isn’t just one template to suit everyone. That’s why we provide a wide variety of professionally made resume templates to ensure that there’s something to suit each person’s unique situation, goals, and aesthetic preferences.

When browsing resume templates in our resume template library, it’s always helpful to keep in mind the message you want to send to hiring managers about yourself. If you’re still stuck, here’s a quick guide that will help you make the right choice:

• Do you want to appear creative and cutting-edge? Opt for the Cool or Awesome template. 
• Do you want hiring managers to focus on your professionalism? The Professional or Contemporary template will do the trick. 
• Do you want to play it safe with a more standard template? Try the Simple or Modern resume template.

What should I include on my resume?

There are a number of key pieces of information that you need to include in your resume. The following six resume sections cover the most pertinent information hiring managers are looking for:

• Contact information: Your name, address, phone number, and email address.
• A Resume Summary or Resume Objective: A section that succinctly conveys why you’re a standout candidate for the given position.  
• Employment history: An overview of your most relevant professional experiences, with an emphasis on your key achievements. 
• Education: Provide details about your degree or diploma.
• Training and certifications: Note any training courses and certifications that are relevant to the job here.
• Skills: List both hard (technical) skills and soft (interpersonal) skills you offer. 

But before you get writing, keep in mind that you will need to tailor your resume to the given role you are applying for. 

A simple rule of thumb is to stop thinking, “I can build my resume in a way that lets me apply to any position I want,” and start thinking, “I need to build my resume in a way that highlights how suitable I am for the specific position I’m after.”

This simple switch in thinking will help you to address the precise qualities a hiring manager is after. Remember, hiring managers look to your resume to see if you’re an ideal fit for the specific role they’re hiring for. So if your resume is too generic, they’ll simply think, “Next!”

That’s why it’s vital to analyze the advertisement of the role you want for keywords that indicate what the hiring manager is after. Once you identify these keywords, you should integrate any that are relevant to you throughout each of the sections we mentioned above.

How long should my resume be?

The length of your resume will depend on how long you have been working for. Our experts recommend one page for every 10 years of work. 

So if you’re a high school or college student, wish to apply for an internship, or have 10 years or fewer of professional experience, a one page resume will be sufficient. However, if you have been working for 10 or more years, you may add a page for every decade you’ve been in the workforce.

How should I format my resume?

The resume format you choose can influence the way a hiring manager perceives your job application. While there are a handful of different resume formats to choose from, the good news is that there’s one that will suit most professionals: the reverse-chronological resume format. 

This resume format emphasizes your professional experience, as this is the part of your resume hiring managers are generally most interested in. It formats your work history from most to least recent, so hiring managers can clearly see your career progression. Smart, right?

If you're an applicant who wishes to take the focus off of your limited work experience, it may be wise to opt for the combination resume format. Also referred to as the hybrid format, this resume format is a blend of the aforementioned reverse-chronological resume format and the functional format. The functional format aims to de-emphasize your lack of experience by instead putting your skills front and center.

Find Everything You Need Here.

Land Your Dream Job Straight Out of College with a Resume Building Tool

Networking and Your Resume: How to Get Your Foot in the Door

What to Put on Your Resume If You Don’t Have Job Experience

Enhancv’s Resume Builder helps you get hired at top companies

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Resumes optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS)

Enhancv resumes and cover letters are vigorously tested against major ATS systems to ensure complete parsability

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Resume tailoring based on the job you’re applying for

Quickly ensure that your resume covers key skills and experiences by pasting the job ad you’re applying for

20+ Professionally designed resume sections

Express your professional history without limitations or worry about how your resume looks

The resume builder that’s right for your job and experience

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Get an understanding of how good your resume really is – Enhancv’s AI-powered resume checker performs over 250 different checks and provides you with actionable insights

A feature-packed resume builder

Easily edit your resume with Enhancv’s drag-and-drop resume builder. Choose from different templates, various backgrounds and sections.

Enhancv Executive has changed my life: One week & four interviews later, I will be making 150% more doing the job I chose.

Your resume is an extension of yourself – make one that’s truly you, frequently asked questions about enhancv, what makes enhancv the perfect tool to prepare your job application.

• Drag-and-drop Resume Builder with professional resume templates for every career situation.
• Resume and CV Examples written with modern CV templates for international jobs and academic applications.
• Cover Letter Builder , with matching cover letter templates and hundreds of cover letter examples for inspiration.
• Resume and CV examples written by experienced professionals in their field, with real resumes of people who got hired.
• Choosing how to get started - you can upload an old resume, your LinkedIn profile, or with a blank page.
• Built-in content improvements according to your job title and experience, as well as proofing suggestions.
• Resume Tailoring feature that helps you customize your resume to the job application.
• A free Resume Checker that evaluates your resume for ATS-friendliness, and gives you actionable suggestions.
• Downloading your resume in PDF or TXT formats, or saving them in US letter format or A4 format.
• Cloud storage with 30 documents to edit, duplicate or update .

How to use Enhancv Resume Creator?

• Upload your old resume or select your job title to pick the most appropriate resume template.
• At this stage, you can begin editing your resume or sign up to save your work.
• Fill in your basic contact information details , as well as your resume title headline .
• Drag and drop your resume sections according to the best resume format for your situation. The best one to go with is the reverse-chronological resume format , but if you’re changing careers or just entering the job market, you can choose between the hybrid resume or the functional resume .
• Write a memorable resume summary , or a resume objective , if you’re making a resume for a first job .
• Describe your resume work experience , from the newest to the oldest job.
• Don’t forget to include your education on your resume , with details such as GPA , Coursework , MBA , or Major and Minor , in case you’re writing an entry-level resume .
• Enhancv will encourage you to think beyond the obvious resume layout . Add additional information, such as proudest accomplishments , internships , awards , volunteer work , hobbies and interests , certifications , computer skills , soft skills , language skills , or publications .

Why do I have to make a different resume for every job application?

Should i use a resume template in 2024, should my resume be in pdf or word format, should i send a cover letter with my resume.

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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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Simple Resume Writing Guide

Get to grips with the simple resume format and design an effective resume from simple templates

For some, Resume writing  can be a complex task that takes them out of their confort zone. Perhaps you have worked before but you were lucky enough not to need to present a resume initially or maybe you’re just getting started in the working world and it’s your first time creating one.

Do not worry! The following guide on  how to write a simple resume  will give you everthing you need to know to make sure you produce a resume that will get you noticed by a prospective employer.

To start off, a simple resumes need to be  clean and professional in terms of the design, the formatting, and the content . Usually, simple resumes are used to get straight to the point,  displaying the basic information a hiring manager needs to know about the candidate without any  extra fuss that may come with a more creative resume  or extended,  professional resume  for executives.

Due to it’s simplicity, this type of resume suits someone with limited experience, such as students, recent grads looking for an  entry-level  position or those searching for part-time work, who need less space for their accomplishments. There are many  simple resume templates  available to help jobseekers write a resume that stands out and impresses for their job application.

Sometimes known as a  traditional resume  or a non-creative option,  simple resumes  are often elegant but minimalist in the sense that they do not add extra flourishes that don’t relate directly to the candidate’s profile and the vacancy on offer. There is no need for graphics or fancy color because the applicant wants to  portray only their information in a plain and concise manner .

With this understanding of  what a simple resume is , it is time to look at how to create a simple resume through some standard advice for what to include in order to stand out in today’s competitive job market.

Although the idea of  simple or basic resumes  may bring to mind the notion of a less embellished resume, this does not mean that it does not require planning, investigation, and effort to ensure that the resume attracts attention from the hiring manager.

Check out the following  advice for writing a simple job resume  in order to offer your best possible application:

• To begin a simple resume, candidates should do a little research into their own professional background, listing their main work experience, education and qualifications as well as any outstanding achievements and relevant skills that could be beneficial to a job application. With this information organized, jobseekers can start to form a  first draft basic resume .
• After the initial stage of investigation to establish the information that will be used to  create an effective resume to self-advertise  each candidate’s profile, it is essential to decide on  how to structure a simple resume . More advice for this can be found below in the section on the simple resume format.
• Following this, candidates should take each  simple resume section  in turn and carefully  select the relevant material  that will be displayed in each part. The standard main areas to consider are education and training, work experience, skills and a principle simple  resume objective  section that gives a  short but to-the-point introduction  of the candidate and how they can benefit the position or company they’re applying to. Each area should describe the most relevant and recent experience, whether in work or academia with a  description of the principal achievements  and responsibilities undertaken.
• It is crucial for simple resume candidates to ensure they research and present  relevant keywords in the different resume sections , especially in the  core competencies  or skills and job history components. These keywords can be taken from the job vacancy description, the company website or alternatively from similar candidate profiles. They should  refer to the qualifications and technical or personal abilities required  or desired for the ideal applicant.
• Simple resumes should adapt to each vacancy individually . This means jobseekers cannot create one basic resume to send to various job openings. Candidates must tailor each resume, as they would their simple resume  cover letter , to the position, company or sector they’re applying to.
• Additional resume sections  that simple resumes could include depend entirely on the category of jobseeker and their professional experience. For example, if a candidate has lots of job training,  certificates  or qualifications, these can be added within another section or as their own part, dedicated specifically to these details as long as they are relevant to the vacancy.

An  online simple resume builder  is a great tool for jobseekers – especially first-time jobseekers – to create a winning resume that encompasses all the information necessary to capture the attention of a potential employer. With  ResumeCoach  you can make sure that your resume might be  simple but effective and error-free .

Simple resumes for graduates

Each year the working population is growing exponentially as more and more people graduate college and go on to look for a professional career. This means that it is becoming increasingly difficult to get a job based solely on your academic accreditations.  Recent grads  are having to use new methods to  make their resumes stand out  more than in the past and to add other information that helps convince hiring managers to meet for a job interview.

Whether it is a  first job resume  or as a  fresh graduate , you’ve had previous work experience, simple resumes are a good springboard to launch yourself into the working world. Beginning with a  simple resume objective , graduates can position themselves in the eye of a recruiter by using the right action words and highlighting relevant achievements.

The most important thing to remember is that there will be a large number of jobseekers who will be equally or more qualified, in terms of training. Therefore,  freshman jobseekers should always adapt their simple resume  by adding sections that relate to their specific individual professional profile such as  honors and awards  or  internships .

These additional sections can help provide evidence that you can adapt your training and education to the workplace.  80% of employers  want to see this capacity on your resume according to  research from Ladders , so having this information is crucial

An additional element that is useful for  recent graduate resumes  is social media. This allows the hiring manager to access a site with a more extensive and detailed candidate profile. The optimal way to do this is to  add a link to your LinkedIn profile  or a professional blog where fresh graduates can display more of their extra-curricular activities and even in some cases, where appropriate,  personal interests .

Simple resumes for teenagers

Getting a  first job or part-time work  to accompany your studies as a teenager is the best start you can give your career from the very beginning. As soon as you get the chance to start volunteering or working or even taking part in events, etc. you can  build a simple resume that will outshine many of your peers .

Although you may at first find yourself lacking in paid work experience, there are many other ways of  making your professional qualities stand out in a simple resume for a teenager . It is advisable for teenage jobseekers to start with a  simple resume objective  that briefly details the key points of their profile in order to catch a prospective employer’s attention.

Throughout your years at school, you will most likely be involved in different associations, clubs,  volunteering activities  and various projects that help you to develop different skills and give you experience working independently, in a team, as a leader, with a range of people from assorted backgrounds, ages, etc.  These experiences are very valuable to student resumes  because they offer potential employers an insight into the character of each jobseeker including their interests, passions, and abilities.

Given that the  principal aspect of simple resumes for teenagers is the education section , it is most common to begin a  student resume  with this information as standard and add other sections as corresponds to the vacancy you’re applying to and to your other experience.

Simple resume format

Working within the parameters of  resume formatting , there are several basic resume formats candidates can choose from to create a  simple resume design.  These include all pertinent information for their application, whilst maintaining a simple layout.

There are three widely recognized resume formats that can be used to  create a winning simple resume  for any purpose.

• Chronological resume:  The emphasis of the reverse-chronological resume format falls generally on the work experience section which displays the job history of the applicant in reverse chronological order.
• Functional or skills-based resume:  The focus of the functional resume format is based on the skills of each applicant and explains the principle abilities with examples of accomplishments in different roles.
• Combination resume:  The combination resume format is based on a mix of the two previous resume types, allowing the candidate to highlight both work experience and skills.

Whichever of the three styles a candidate decides to use, it should not affect the  simple resume layout  employed for their individual resume.

The following are some  tips on how to maintain a clear and constant format for simple resumes :

• Simple resumes should not exceed two A4 page. You’re  17% more likely to get rejected  by adding a 3rd page.
• Make sure to use easy-to-read fonts and do not use more than 2 fonts throughout.
• You can use bold, italics, underlining and different sizing to show variations in text, such as the name of an employer, the job title, dates and then the description. But, remember to always use the same format for each job/training course, etc.
• Do not use fonts over size 12 font or below size 10 for the main text. For titles, use a size that is appropriate and suits the formatting well, such as 24.

Readability is key  for a hiring manager to seek out the relevant information as quickly as possible to decide whether your simple resume makes it to the shortlist. Check out more tips on how to write your resume on our  Blog .

The simpler, the better.

When it comes to compiling your perfect job application, don’t forget to include a  simple resume cover letter  too which can give further details on any professional or academic achievements and even be used to explain any discrepancies in a candidate’s work history if appropriate.

Simple resume examples

For some jobseekers, the best way to go about applying for a job is by using a  simple resume template  which shows examples of how to write, format and finish a professional yet basic resume.

Simple resume examples  allow candidates to get ideas for what to include and how to best present their details in a straightforward manner that will give the hiring manager exactly what they want, without having to search through reams of text. A  good simple resume sample  will give jobseekers a visual to see how it’s possible to make themselves stand out without creating a flashy, design led resume, through creating a standard, yet professional layout.

Recent grad resume samples  are also useful for many first-time jobseekers who are just getting started with their career and have yet to experience the recruiting jungle. By employing  clear resume sections that highlight the most relevant and significant information  to the individual job post and candidate profile, simple resumes allow jobseekers to deliver their application without any fuss.

Another  advantage of simple resume examples  is that they can be used as a springboard for all kinds of jobseekers to make a more elaborate, creative resume or to  adapt as necessary for each individual . Simple resume templates are available on  ResumeCoach’s online resume maker , which allow jobseekers to personalize with their professional information as they require.

Struggling with Resume Writing?

Ease the process with our templates

How to Write a Simple, Effective Resume (+20 Examples)

Published: October 04, 2023

A great resume can help get you noticed by prospective employers. But what makes a resume “great”? How do you catch recruiters’ attention, encourage them to read your resume, and ultimately call you for an interview?

Two words: Simple and effective.

In this piece, we’ll offer a step-by-step guide to writing a simple, effective resume . Then, we’ll showcase 20 examples of what this looks like in practice. Ready to level up your resume-writing technique? Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

How to Write a Simple Resume

20 simple resume examples.

While resume specifics vary depending on the type of job you’re looking for and the experience required, there are seven steps that apply in any circumstance to help your resume stand out.

1. Pick a format.

Before you start writing, pick a format that suits both your personal style and works for the position being offered.

For example, if you’re applying for a graphic design position, it may be worth including images on your resume that help highlight your skills.

If the job you’re after is a highly technical engineering role, meanwhile, you may want something more straightforward.

Regardless of the format you choose, the goal is simplicity. Don’t clutter the resume with extraneous information or conflicting colors. Instead, let your experience and interest speak for themselves.

2. Start with your contact information.

No surprise here — prospective employers need to know how they can contact you. Despite the necessity of this contact data, however, it’s not uncommon to see it missed on resumes or left until the bottom of the page.

Best bet? Put your details — including name, phone number, and email address — at the top of the page as a header.

3. Include an overview.

Next is an overview of your professional profile. This may include details about your current position along with any titles or degrees you hold.

Depending on the role, you may also want to include links to digital portfolios or work you’ve published online.

4. List your education and experience.

Education and experience are up next.

This should be a simple list of your educational history, including any degrees or certificates you’ve earned and when you earned them, followed by a list of your previous work experience.

Bullet points work well here: Each bullet point represents a different job and includes details such as job title, responsibilities, and how long you were employed.

5. Speak to your skills.

Now it’s time to talk about your skills as they relate to the job being offered.

Wherever possible, use keywords from the job advertisement itself. This is because many companies now use automated resume analysis and tracking systems that may prioritize these keywords.

6. Highlight any relevant certifications.

Make sure to mention any relevant qualifications or certifications.

For example, if you’re applying with an IT security firm, you could highlight certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) qualification.

7. Add any relevant details.

Finally, add any other details that are relevant to the job, such as volunteer experience in a related field or any professional accolades for your work.

Simple, effective resumes offer the best chance of getting noticed, but there’s no one-size-fits-all template when it comes to design.

Here are 20 simple resume examples .

1. Modern Initials (Word)

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Resume templates to create a killer resume for your job application.

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