resume writing 2022

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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TOP 8 Tips on How to Write a Resume in 2022

Posted on 03 dec 2021.

Resume writing is far from a static or two-dimensional practice. In fact, like a true art form, it evolves with the times, so trends may work in the past may no longer be effective in today’s job market environment. If your resume fails to keep up with the times, you could soon find your application filed away in favor of another candidate. If you want to get hired quickly next year, here are eight “worth it” tips on how to write a resume in 2022.

1. Include a LinkedIn profile

Potential employers will want to know more about you beyond your resume. Make the research easier for them by including a link to your LinkedIn profile in your resume. As the social media platform of choice for professionals, LinkedIn has become an essential component in how to write a resume. By linking your LinkedIn account, you allow interested recruiters to learn more about you and make it easier to confirm that you are a good fit for the company. So make sure your LinkedIn profile is polished and professional, then attach a working link to your resume heading.

2. Write a compelling summary

Yes, you’re supposed to showcase your accomplishments in your resume summary, but you don’t want to sound too arrogant, otherwise, your resume will only serve to annoy rather than impress. It’s all about mastering how to ‘humblebrag’, a method of how to write a resume wherein you communicate your achievements in a confident instead of a conceited manner.

3. How to write an objective for a resume

Writing a summary objective is one of the most challenging aspects of resume writing. To make your summary compelling, it has to provide three key pieces of information:

• The challenges you resolved

• The skills you used

• The results you achieved

Focus on answering these before you start developing your resume summary objective. If you find it difficult how to write an objective for your resume relating to your qualifications and achievements, an expert resume writer like the ones we have here at Resumeble can help you develop the right words to say this coming 2022.

4. Quantify your achievements

One effective way to humblebrag is to let numbers do the talking for you. Good numbers immediately tell potential employers how effective you’ve been at your previous roles and responsibilities. Use percentages, statistics, and ratios to help them understand your work performance better. For instance, instead of simply saying that you “managed a team,” you can say something like “led a team of five in planning and executing skills monthly training seminars that boosted employee retention by 45 percent and profits by 25 percent.”

Here are further examples of how to quantify your achievements this 2022.

• Developed and launched a Mathematics curriculum that resulted in a 92 percent passing rate for students, while helping them achieve a 4.5 average on AP testing.

• Oversaw five-man HR staff responsible for upholding the relationships, retention and production of 450 employees.

• Introduced innovative policies that yielded a 20 percent year-on-year profitability improvement for the company.

5. Make it two pages long

Though the one-page resume is still the widely accepted format, more and more recruiters and hiring managers are preferring application papers to be two pages long , with a prominent career expert calling it “the new norm.” Not only that, recruiters today are more inclined to read resumes that are two pages in length, study showed.

Especially if you have plenty of relevant work experience, a two-page resume should provide you with enough space to expound on your skills and experience and provide concrete, quantifiable examples. Of course, not everyone will benefit from a two-page resume—recent graduates, those with lengthy employment gaps, and career changers will still be better off limiting their resume to just one page.

6. Use modern font and formatting

Are you still using the Times New Roman font for your resume? You could very well be killing your chances of getting interviewed or hired. This 2022, using modern fonts and formatting not only gives your application a youthful vibe, it also tells the reader that you are excited about your career. Some of the best modern fonts to use on your resume include Avenir, Garamond, Avant Garde, and of course, Calibri.

With regards to format, the safe bet is to list your work experience in reverse chronological order, beginning with your latest job role. Try to strike a good balance between print and white space to give your resume a neat and orderly appearance, and practice proper use of sections to effectively sort out details and information.

7. Use similar keywords as the job posting

Now more than ever, it’s important to write prominent words and phrases in your resume exactly as they appear in the job posting. Today’s businesses are increasingly relying on automated applicant tracking systems (ATS) to shortlist resume applications, which rely mainly on keywords. Unless these systems detect specific terms in your resume, they will think that you don’t have the qualifications sought after by the company, and your application will end up getting rejected.

To avoid this particular problem on how to write a resume, comb over the job posting thoroughly for important keywords, and use them “as is” in your resume. Of course, you shouldn’t include skills and experience that you don’t have. Ultimately, you want every piece of info to be honest and accurate as possible.

8. Tailor for the job

Sending out a generic resume will only hurt your chances of getting hired. You need to make sure your resume is customized solely for the job and company you’re applying to. And once again, to customize your resume successfully, you’ll have to thoroughly research the job requirements, making sure to only include information that is relevant to the job in question. Additionally, make an effort to use words that clearly describe and define your expertise, qualifications, and skills. This will help get your resume over the hurdle of getting shortlisted as the HR people assess the value of your resume.

Want more resume writing tips for next year?

As a leading professional resume writing service, Resumeble has plenty of other articles and blog posts filled with tips to make your application stand out in 2022. Feel free to browse through our website for more articles relating to resume writing tips including how to write references on a resume, how to write skills on a resume, how to write a resume summary, how to write an objective for a resume, and more.

Better yet, you can have us write your resume 2022 for you. Just send us your current resume for a free, no obligation evaluation and let’s get you started on your way to getting landing your dream job next year.

• 7 seconds: this is how long your resume has either to impress or be ignored by the recruiter
• 300+: average number of applications one corporate job opening posted online receives
• 3%: number of sent resumes that result in interviews

Transform your career and beat the odds!

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How To Build a Professional Resume (Plus Examples and Templates)

Understanding the Basics of a Professional Resume

Steps to build a professional resume, detailed guide to filling out each section, tips for making your resume stand out, free professional resume templates and examples, frequently asked questions about building a professional resume.

A professional resume is a crucial tool in the job search process, serving as your marketing document. It showcases your qualifications, experiences, education credentials, and skills to potential employers and is most likely their first impression of you. Exploring our professional resume writing tips will help improve your chances of landing an interview and, ultimately, the job you desire. This resume writing guide will cover the essential steps, provide examples, and offer templates to help you craft a standout document.

Definition and purpose

A professional resume is a formal document that presents your educational background, work experience, skills, and accomplishments. Its primary purpose is to demonstrate your qualifications to a potential employer. Effective resume writing can make a strong initial impression and set you apart from other candidates.

Key elements of a professional resume

A professional resume should include at least the following elements: contact information, education, experience, and skills. If applicable, additional categories may also be included, such as volunteerism, licenses, certifications, affiliations, and others, which will be described in more detail later in this guide.

Select the right format

There are three formats from which to choose when building a resume:

Chronological: Lists work experience in reverse chronological order. Ideal for those with a consistent work history.

Combination/Hybrid: Blends chronological and functional elements. Best for those with diverse work experience and relevant skills. If you are unsure which format is best, you can decide later, and a free resume builder tool may also help.

Functional : Focuses on skills and experiences rather than chronological work history. Suitable for those with gaps in employment or changing careers.

Gather necessary information

Once you have determined which style suits you best, gather the important information needed to start building. Compile personal details, work history, education, skills, certifications, and achievements. You will need to know dates, titles, outcomes, names of courses or papers, and possibly additional details.

You can begin to brainstorm by creating a list of duties at each job. Think about why and how you did each task and the results. If you have less experience but recently completed education or training related to your field, you can prepare a list of the names of the classes you took, assignments or projects completed, or research papers written.

Select a professional template

Choosing a polished and suitable template is essential to make a good impression. There are many professional styles available online that you can customize to suit your needs.

Contact information

Every professional resume begins with your contact information.

What to include: name, phone number, email, LinkedIn profile, optional address

The full street address is not necessary. Some applicants include city, state, and zip code since some employers use a radius or zip code search from the location of the office as a way to screen candidates. The further you live, the less likely to be contacted; conversely, the closer you live, the more likely, in these scenarios. It is also a good idea to include your LinkedIn profile , which is important to have.

Writing a compelling summary or objective

A summary statement at the top of the page helps focus the reader on who you are and what you do. This powerful piece of information is in the most valuable place on your resume, the top of the page. Objectives such as “To obtain a position as an entry-level accountant” used to be fairly common. These phrases were about stating your (the job seeker) goal.

In recent years, the objective has transformed into a summary, a more substantive statement geared toward the employer’s needs rather than your wants. It is three to five sentences. Introduce yourself by explaining your background and what you can offer while also connecting to the role you are applying.

“Recent graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, and CPA eligible with knowledge of managerial and cost accounting. Advanced Excel, Oracle, QuickBooks, and SAP skills developed through honors-level coursework and an internship at a Big 4 accounting firm.” One of the best ways to build a strong summary is to know the top skills needed to be successful in a role you are seeking and mention them in a compelling way.

Detailing your work experience

Most people opt for the chronological style resume. Even if you use another format, include your work history in reverse chronological order. The order is reversed because employers like to see what you are currently doing. You must use action verbs to describe how you performed your duties. Each resume bullet point should begin with a strong verb, as opposed to “Duties included.”

The majority of what we do can be broken down into a handful of categories: technical, administrative, communication, managerial, financial, research, creative, and helping. Dig deeper into describing that skill beyond the broader “communication.” Drill down on communication and use words like write, edit, speak, listen, negotiate, influence, address, advise, interpret, translate, present, lecture, and more. Choose your verbs carefully because the nuances matter.

Being more specific in the skill demonstrates experience, and it’s best to use the keywords most likely found in the job description. Also, add quantifiable achievements as often as possible. This makes a resume go from good to great.

Finally, be sure to tailor your resume to the job you are applying to. This could be as simple as reordering information, such as listing technical skills first or revising some of the language used in your resume. Perhaps you swap “managed a team” for “supervised a team” or “led a team,” depending on the employer’s language.

Example: Building and curating content for Salesforce Philanthropy Cloud users increased donor engagement by 34%.

Some achievements are more difficult to quantify than others. Depending on the field you are in, this may be common, but you can still highlight your accomplishments without hard numbers.

Example: Assist the public policy team with logistical planning of a virtual advocacy training and Capitol Hill Day, scheduled for October 2024. Since the event has not occurred yet, you do not have data on registrations, learning outcomes, or other success measures. Yet you can show you are part of the planning process and detail other things, such as securing four speakers for a panel, “A Day in the Life of a Congressional Aide.” Go further by describing your method of outreach and how you secured them. 

Highlighting your education

If you have less than three to five years of experience, present your education at the top of the page. Those with more experience should put it toward the bottom. Your education section should include the name of the institution. You may also include location, but it is not necessary. Add the type of degree earned and graduation (or expected) date.

If you had a concentration in your major and also had a minor, include that as well (if relevant). Also include academic awards or honors, such as the dean’s list. Add relevant coursework, particularly if your work experience is light. You can incorporate more substance into a coursework section by going beyond a laundry list of classes. Include descriptions and learning outcomes. If you had a study abroad experience, add that as well.

Showcasing your skills

Demonstrate both “hard” (job-specific or technical) and “soft” (transferable, work style) skills on your resume. The skills you highlight should be aligned with the company and the job you are seeking. It’s important to do this because it is likely your resume will first be screened by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) in which the software reads your resume looking for matches based on the job description. Thus word choice is imperative. Also, the human reviewer can catch more nuanced information that may show how much of a fit you are for the team.

Adding extra sections

You may need additional sections to round out your experience and skills. Consider the following:

• Affiliations: You can include organizations in which you are a member, and if you hold a position or serve on a committee, feel free to include that information as well. Similar to the volunteer section, if you are using a combination or functional resume, this information may help you advance or pivot your career.
• Awards : These may be academic, but they can also be industry — or community-based. When considering information for your resume, the less relevant and older it is, the less necessary it is, especially if space is running low.
• Certifications : If you are licensed or certified to practice, include that here. If you completed a training course and earned a certificate, that is different from being a certified public accountant or Licensed Series 7 Stock Broker. If applicable, include the organization, date, and license number you earned.
• Languages : Include languages you are proficient in. If they are required for the job, you may want to highlight this skill at the top or in your summary: “Bi-lingual school social worker…”
• Presentations: If you have shared scholarly work or industry developments, strategies, or insights at a conference, training day, or related, you may highlight this achievement in its own category, Be sure to include the name of the function, where it was held, the date, and the topic.
• Publications : Should you be published in a scholarly or industry journal, or if you have written a book, add the title, publisher, and date.
• Training and professional development: If you have attended classes, completed LinkedIn learning, or participated in training through your employer, and feel it has value for your next potential employer, include it. You may note you earned a certificate, as that indicates you successfully completed a learning outcome.
• Volunteerism: You can include community service or volunteer work on a resume. Mention the organization, dates, and your role (other than volunteer, if applicable). For those using a combination or functional style, this experience may serve as a conduit to your next role.

Customizing your resume

With the amount of competition for each job posted, it is crucial to customize rather than use one general resume for all jobs.

Using keywords

Review the job description, identify the keywords, and check your resume for those same words. Resources such as Jobscan help you run your resume and the job description to assess how close of a match you are.

Highlighting achievements over duties

Describing what you have done on a job is important for context, but focus on your accomplishments over duties. This will help you stand out and likely get through ATS.

Proofreading and editing

Always proofread your resume and have someone else also do so. Spellcheck is not sufficient to identify all errors. After you have worked on your resume, step away for a while. Return and slowly read it aloud to help spot any errors.

• Entry-level resume example
• Mid-career professional resume example
• Senior-level resume example

Meera Patel (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio San Francisco, CA 12345

A passionate UX designer with three years of professional experience specializing in developing accessible technologies to promote empathy and understanding. Adept at collaborating with diverse teams to incorporate different viewpoints and ensure technological solutions meet the needs of all users.

Professional Experience

UX Designer, Black Cat Apps, San Francisco, CA November 2021 – present

• Oversaw UX design for the development of three mobile apps with over 10 million downloads to date, resulting in coverage of applications from Mashable and Techcrunch
• Collaborate with designers, developers, research managers, and producers to develop creative solutions accessible to users with diverse needs
• Conduct front-end programming using HTML 5, CSS, and JavaScript to develop and build web-based prototypes

Junior UX Designer, Excelsior Design Solutions Inc., San Francisco, CA May 2020 – November 2021

• Performed user research to identify opportunities for improving client’s web presence, which included intuitive site navigation to decrease bounce rates by 27%
• Supported with usability testing for landing pages in preparation for website redesign
• Produced wireframes that contributed to user-centered design efforts for the development of four new mobile applications
• User-centered design principles
• Wireframing
• Agile development

Certifications

• Google UX Design Professional Certificate, 2020

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Computer Science University of San Francisco, California, CA September 2016 – May 2020

This IT resume example effectively captures the candidate’s comprehensive understanding of UX design principles. The content also tells a story, emphasizing a commitment to developing accessible technologies. These unique details can sometimes make all the difference in grabbing the hiring manager’s attention during the job search.

Detailed descriptions of coursework and how you applied your learning can also be helpful if you lack experience in your field. Any work experience is good; do not discount your summer job as a lifeguard or your part-time role during the school year at the bookstore. However, you need to be strategic with where you place it and how you discuss those positions.

Roberta Alexander (987) 654-3210 [email protected] LinkedIn San Diego, CA 12345

Dedicated High School Teacher with seven years of experience teaching science and technology. Use varied education methods to optimize learning experiences and outcomes for every student. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish. Master’s Degree in Education.

• Cross-Functional Coordination
• Curriculum Development
• Differentiated Learning
• Process Streamlining
• Student Counseling & Mentoring
• Test Preparation & Delivery

High School Science Teacher, The STEM School, San Diego, CA | August 2020 to Present

• Adapt lesson plans and teaching methods to students with different learning styles
• Introduced new ways to prepare students for standardized tests, resulting in higher average scores
• Organized annual tennis fundraiser that generated $5K for the math department
• Designed and implemented a new science curriculum

Technology Teacher, Lincoln School, San Diego, CA | August 2016 to July 2020

[High school with 400 students and an award-winning math and science program]

• Educated classes of up to 28 students in grades 9 and 10
• Served as student adviser, offering social, academic, and emotional support to 9th graders
• Promoted a positive, interactive learning environment at all points
• Created and delivered tests to gauge students’ progress and grasp of complex topics

University of California San Diego

• Master of Science (MS) — Education | 2016
• Bachelor of Science (BS) — Education Studies | 2014

Certification

California Professional Educator, State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing | 2022

Fluency in Spanish | Proficiency in Italian

A mid-career professional will likely use a chronological format, but you may consider a combination one depending on your background and where you envision your next role. Generally speaking, mid-career professionals will list their work experience first, and education is toward the bottom of the page. You can also list additional skills, languages, certifications, and affiliations before education.

Robert Chen (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Your Street, Philadelphia, PA

A Senior System Administrator with 10+ years of professional experience, specializing in Azure, Agile methodology, technical project management, and IT services. A strong background in building and leading high-performance technical teams to execute IT initiatives and technology transformations for enterprise clients.

Senior System Administrator, Pennsylvania Tech Solutions Inc, Philadelphia, PA May 2016 – Present

• Lead the implementation, design, and deployment of cloud solutions for medium-sized business and enterprise customer accounts generating $500K-$3M in annual revenue
• Manage a cross-functional team of system administrators, network engineers, and technical personnel to execute 30+ technical projects
• Oversee project budgets valued at up to $2M and coordinate with vendors to secure network equipment, software, and hardware
• Spearhead initiatives to enhance project delivery cycles by integrating a hybrid Agile-Waterfall approach to reduce delays and roadblocks

System Administrator, North Philadelphia Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA May 2011 – May 2016

• Delivered technical support to 150+ end users for a high-volume hospital, which included installing printers, desktops, laptops, and mobile devices
• Monitored system performance with the IT team and maintained a 99.99% server uptime
• Resolved 10-15 tier III trouble tickets for users related to hardware and software issues and achieved recognition for resolution times

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Information Technology Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA September 2007 – May 2011

• Technical Project Management
• Microsoft Azure
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Agile Methodology
• Process Improvement
• Project Management Professional (PMP), 2017
• Certified Project Management Associate (CAPM), 2015
• CompTIA A+, 2011

Senior-level professionals have similar resumes as mid-career professionals. However, they may have board experience or involvement in professional associations and may have a longer (two-page) resume. It is common for senior-level candidates to also have additional credentials and possible publications or presentations.

If I am still fairly early in my career, do I need to include my variety of experiences? -

It depends on the length of each position, how long ago they were, their relevance to the field you wish to pursue, and the skills used in each. For example, say you were a server for multiple restaurants that were similar level or type and you only stayed at each place for a few months (unless it was strictly a summer job). You might not want to list all, as not only will it show how often you “job hop,” but it will likely read repetitively.

I recently graduated. Should I include my GPA on my resume? -

If your GPA was 3.5 or higher, most sources agree to include it. When a job description states a GPA as a requirement or preference, and you meet or exceed it, definitely add it. If you graduated more than three years ago, despite having a high GPA, it is not necessary. 

What if I have employment gaps? -

If the gaps are short and you have been steadily employed or in school, there is nothing to do. Address any gaps longer than a year by showing what you did with your time. Keep it concise. If you have been looking for a job since you graduated six months ago, for example, you do not need to clarify this.

Example: Traveled throughout Europe, 2021-2022. Illness and recovery, 2022. Family caretaker 2019-2024.

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For the last 20 years, Carolyn Kleiman has helped individuals identify and achieve their career goals. Carolyn has held positions in recruiting and training and has helped countless numbers of job seekers craft high-quality resumes and cover letters, prepare for interviews, and eventually land their dream jobs! Carolyn is a Nationally Certified Counselor and a Certified Professional Resume Writer and is a member of the National Career Development Association and Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

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8 Resume Writing Tips for 2022

Are you sitting down to write your resume for a 2022 job search and you’re not quite sure where to start? No worries—I can help. Every year I put together a list of my top resume writing tips. It includes the tips, strategies, techniques, and trends that will be most effective in helping you in your job search in the coming year. This year’s list includes eight different practical strategies with examples and lots of actionable advice that you can implement right away. I’ve included strategies for writing better accomplishment bullets and giving your resume more “wow” and impact, and I’ve also pointed out lots of things you definitely want to avoid. My favorite is the list of 10 cringeworthy words that repel recruiters. Check out this year’s list of eight resume writing tips for 2022.

2022 Resume Writing Tip #1: Answer These 5 Questions Before You Start

Before sitting down to update your resume, ask yourself the following five questions. They’ll help you to zero in on what matters as you write about your accomplishments and focus on the future role you’re targeting.

What role am I targeting?

Your resume needs to be geared towards one specific position. Employers want to hire specialists, not generalists. 

What companies am I targeting?

Knowing the type of company you are targeting helps to narrow down your research and be more specific in your writing. You can speak to the company’s pain points when you’ve researched them and know what they need.

What challenges are they facing?

Write resume bullets that show you’ve faced and overcome similar challenges. Include the results.

What skills are critical to success?

The answer to this question tells you exactly what keywords and hard skills you need to include on your resume. If you don’t know where to look, start by searching for the position on LinkedIn. LinkedIn will give you the top 15 skills/keywords needed for the role.

How do I add value?

Your resume must show how you can add value in a way that means something to the employer. Focus on accomplishments that will resonate with the company you’re targeting and meet their needs.

2022 Resume Writing Tip #2: Write to the Future

Before updating your resume, make sure you’re positioning yourself correctly for the job you’re targeting. That’s why the above questions are so critical to your success. 

Your experience, achievements, and qualifications are all a part of your resume but equally important is what information you include, how, where, and why—all of which are based on your goals for your next career move. 

When you write your resume, you’re not just writing about your past. You’re writing to the future. You’re positioning yourself for your next career move. 

A resume is not a historical career narrative. It’s a marketing tool. The content on your resume needs to point to where you want to be, not simply where you are right now. 

To do this:

• Review job postings to gather data and insights. Where do you have related skills, experiences, or educational qualifications?
• Identify your top skills that match the opportunities that you’re interested in. 
• Reweight your skills and accomplishments. Put the emphasis on the professional, technical, and academic skills that align with your goal for your next career move. 
• When you write about your accomplishments, give a prominent position to those that are relevant to the role you’re targeting now. 
• Integrate critical keywords, specifically the professional, technical, and academic hard skills that are essential to the role you’re targeting. 
• Do not be vague in your objective. I don’t even recommend including an objective on your resume. Instead put the target position title at the top of your resume in bold. It’s specific and leaves no question about the role you want.

2022 Resume Writing Tip #3: Avoid Cringeworthy Words

One of the quickest ways you can improve your resume is to replace passive language with active language. This top-ten list of cringeworthy words and phrases includes mostly passive phrases or terms that don’t show the employer the value and contribution you can make, thereby lessening the impact of your resume on hiring managers. If you want your resume to make a good first impression, swap out these useless words with more meaningful alternatives.

• Demonstrated success in . . .
• Proven results . . .
• Successful/success
• Results-driven/results-oriented
• Excellent communication skills
• Responsible for . . .
• Duties included
• Accomplished
• Worked with / served as

And lastly, I strongly advise that you use this term with caution: team player. Studies have shown that including the phrase—or its synonyms—once in your resume is okay, but to use it or similar phrases more than once can actually give employers a negative impression.

What Words and Phrases to Use Instead

Instead of “demonstrated success in” or “proven results ,” show the employer the results using data, numbers, and metrics. You can do this by writing bulleted statements about your accomplishments using the CAR formula. 

CAR stands for Challenge, Action, Result. 

Share the challenge that you faced, the action you took to address the challenge, and the data/numbers that go with the result. This provides proof to the employer of the value you can add and is much more specific than saying you have proven results. 

The same goes for using the term successful, success, results-oriented, or results-driven. Instead of using these vague terms, simply tell the story of the results you’ve achieved using the CAR formula. 

Replace the phrases “excellent communication skills” and “team player” with examples of how you’ve used your communication skills and how you’ve been a team player. Words that can help you lead into these examples might be “influenced,” “empowered,” “negotiated,” “advocated,” “advised,”  or “enabled.” You always want to show—not tell. Paint a picture for the employer of what you’ve achieved in the past by giving them examples just like you would in an interview.

Instead of the phrases “responsible for” and “duties included,” focus on sharing accomplishments. Look at the job description you’re applying to. What are the main requirements of the role? Contract negotiation? Budget management? 

Replace “responsible for budget management” with “managed $3M annual budget.” That way you’re showing the employer not just what you can do, but you’re giving them concrete examples of what you have done. 

“Seasoned” and “accomplished” are two very overused resume phrases that are often interpreted negatively. These terms can be construed as over-experienced, out-of-date, or worse, implicit age bias takes over and the candidate is assumed to be too old. I’m not condoning this, and I rather abhor that it even exists, but I bring it up because it’s out there, it happens, and I see it way too often. So, until things change and companies come up with progressive ways to guard against bias in the hiring process, safeguard your resume by avoiding these terms.

It’s more effective to discuss the areas you’re experienced in, listing industries, hard skills, functions of the role, professional or technical skills, academic credentials, etc. These terms are specific and communicate with more clarity than a general statement like seasoned sales executive or accomplished professional. Both of which I see on a great deal of resumes but which tell me little about who you are or what you’re capable of doing. 

I’m also not a fan of “worked with” or “served as.” Both are passive terms. If you collaborated on a project or headed the budget committee, be specific about who you worked with and what you accomplished as part of your work with them. 

Improve Your Resume with Action Verbs

Action verbs are one of the quickest and easiest ways you can improve your resume. Starting each bullet with an action verb not only communicates achievement, action, etc., but it also opens the sentence to lead right into the challenge you faced and the result you achieved. It’s hard to start a sentence with “transformed,” “increased,” or “achieved” without following it up with something specific, measurable, and relevant. 

You can download a complete list of 170+ action verbs and high-impact phrases for your resume here . It’s a free PDF that I created to help you sharpen your resume, remove overused phrases, and convey your performance and achievements to potential employers. 

2022 Resume Writing Tip #4: Write Better Accomplishment Bullets

The number one challenge I hear from job seekers when it comes to writing their resumes is how much they struggle to write about their accomplishments. 

Being able to tell your story to potential employers in a way that conveys what you’re capable of achieving is not easy. 

Most people struggle to write about themselves. To help you make the process of writing about accomplishments easier, there’s a formula that I encourage you to use (and that I mentioned in the above tip as well). It’s called the CAR formula and it stands for Challenge, Action, Result. 

• Start with an action verb that describes the steps you took to resolve a specific problem or challenge. (For a downloadable list of 170+ action verbs and high-impact phrases you can use visit this page. )
• Describe the challenge you faced using industry-specific keywords. Think professional, technical, and academic hard skills. 
• Share the quantifiable or measurable results of the action you took to resolve the problem that you faced. 

If you’re struggling to find quantifiable data that you can use, try comparing and contrasting past and present performance—either your own, a competitor’s, or the company’s previous numbers.

Ask yourself questions like how much, how many, when, before/after, to what end . . . these questions will help you discover data you can use. 

2022 Resume Writing Tip #5: Give the Reader Context

Providing the reader with background information will help them to understand and appreciate your accomplishments. It simply makes your achievements even more impressive. 

You could say that you increased annual revenue 32% but when you give the situation context:

Increased annual revenue 32%, in spite of the 2020 economic downturn. 

Now, the reader can understand the depth of the accomplishment and how truly impactful it was.

It’s also a good idea to let them know if you were recruited into a role for a specific reason. Perhaps you were recruited into the role to reverse declining sales, improve company culture, or revamp the operational processes. Add meaning and impact to your resume by sharing the context of the situation that existed when you were brought on board. 

2022 Resume Writing Tip #6: Give Your Resume More Wow

We’ve all been there . . . the place where you want employers to read your resume and say “Wow.” But what exactly is a wow factor and how do you give your resume a striking wow factor ? Your wow factor is the most important, impressive, and valuable information about you as a candidate. It’s the top two or three things you want the employer to immediately know about you so they’ll be impressed and keen to learn more.

Your wow factor is part of your personal brand. It’s what distinguishes you from other similarly qualified candidates. It must be prominent throughout your resume, especially at the top so that it won’t be missed and will instantly put your best foot forward. 

Your wow factor or personal brand statement must include a few specific elements to ensure it’s memorable and impressive. 

It must be specific. Your wow factor must tell about what you’ve achieved, not what you were responsible for or might have done. Include quantifiable or measurable data, if possible. 

Here’s an example of a vague statement:

• Responsible for contract closings and revenue growth.

Here’s an example of a specific statement:

• Grew contract closings 68% and increased gross revenue 40% for 2019.

It needs to show action. The easiest way to do this is to replace passive language like “responsible for” and “duties included” with action verbs like “grew,” “developed,” “pioneered,” or “transformed.” 

You can download a list of 170+ resume action verbs to help you craft better resume bullets here. 

Where to Include Your Wow Factor

You can include wow content throughout your resume. It can go anywhere, but here are a few specific places to include it:

Resume Summary

I’ve never been a big fan of a bland, generic resume summary. I’m a huge proponent of what I call a career snapshot. It’s basically a snapshot of two to three of your wow statements. The most impressive and noteworthy information about you as a candidate. It gives readers a quick glance at what you’ve accomplished. 

I recommend limiting it to two to three wow statements for your summary. You don’t want to overdo it, but you also want to grab the reader’s attention and impress them. Alternatively, you can include one wow statement at the top of your resume as part of your personal branding statement and then add one or two into your summary. That way you’re giving them three memorable pieces of data about the value you can create. 

When writing your wow statements, be concise. It’s easy to be verbose, it’s harder to say what you mean in the fewest words possible. However, fewer words make a bigger impact. You’re giving them a quick snapshot of content—you’re not giving them the full story quite yet. You can go into the details further down in the work experience section of your resume. 

Don’t forget to incorporate hard skills. These are the industry-specific keywords that hiring managers will be scanning your resume for, and including them in your wow statements is a great way to capture attention. 

Here are three examples of wow statements we used on a client’s resume who was a CEO, board member, and chairman.

✓ Transformed the MRC Companies’ operating model into a technology-enabled global contact services company with 30 locations in 7 countries. 

✓ Defined the strategies to grow revenue from $20M to $400M+ and EBITDA from $500K to $42M+. 

✓ Co-founded and built a dedicated customer service business model that reached 3K employees in 3 years.

Experience Section

Instead of listing out the responsibilities for the role, jump straight into your top accomplishment in the position. You’re immediately conveying success in the role when you start with your top achievement. 

I recommend including at least two to three major wins under each role. If you’re struggling to come up with impressive content for a certain role, ask yourself when you have been first or best in relation to the role. You can also think about the number one thing you achieved in the position. Make these answers to these two questions your first two to three bullets.

Here are examples of bullets from the same CEO client’s resume under the experience section:

• Established a value-added board of directions that were fully aligned with the mission and vision of the organization and primed to take the business into the future. 
• Produced consistent gains across NPS and customer service, sales conversion, and quality with a largely Fortune 500 client base. 
• Navigated the sale of the organization to a private equity group—creating a successful exit for investors with a return of 3.5x investment. 

Education, Honors, Awards

I recommend including honors and awards at the top of your resume if they’re relevant to the role you’re targeting. We’ve worked with many sales executives who were recognized in President’s Club but had never included this at the forefront of their resume. Prominently position your honors and awards. If you have a collection of accolades, create a section to show them off. It can be a powerful wow factor to impress hiring managers. Employers love hiring winners. 

If you’re seeking a role that requires an MBA or certain type of degree or certification, don’t bury the information at the bottom of your resume. Reference it at the top of your resume, then give the details in the education section at the end of your resume or in a separate technical skills section if you’re in a tech-related field. 

Additional Wow Information to Consider

Other content that might be relevant to include on your resume that would be impressive for hiring managers to see:

• Media mentions
• High-profile clients
• Publications
• Board positions
• Public speaking engagements
• Special affiliations

If you’re struggling to uncover content for your wow statements here are some questions to help you get started:

• When have I contributed to a business’s success? What were the results?
• How have I been publicly recognized? What do people come to me for?
• Which of my accomplishments have quantifiable data?
• Have I turned around a difficult situation or made a failure into a success?
• What am I most proud of in this role?
• What am I most proud of in my career?

For examples of resumes written with personal branding and wow factor statements, head over to our resume samples page on our website. There you’ll find examples of client resumes that we’ve created that include wow statements.

2022 Resume Writing Tip #7: Be Specific

It’s really easy to use the words “accomplished” and “proven track record.” The problem is that these overused words are generalities that do not provide credible or distinctive information to a prospective employer.

Here’s an example of bullets that are specific:

• Boosted employee satisfaction 15% despite headcount reductions—transformed the team culture with renewed focus on training and professional development while breaking down barriers and silos.
• Produced $4M in annual cost savings—deep dived into cost and risk assessment to balance the area’s cost and risk profile and devise forward-action strategies.

This resume is for an accomplished vice president of operations, but now we have a clearer picture of what she’s accomplished and how. Two things that will distinguish her from other candidates. 

When you’re tempted to use phrases like “accomplished,” “results-driven,” or “proven track record,” instead, stop and gather the data about your accomplishments, results, and track record and share that information instead. It will have more meaning and impact on hiring managers—which means you’ll get more interviews.

2022 Resume Writing Tip #8: Avoid Common Pitfalls

Before I wrap up this post, I want to touch on a few common resume mistakes that I see repeated on far too many resumes. 

Write in first person without the use of “I” statements. Resume writing is a form of concise writing. It’s written in implied first person. You get the personal tone without the “I” statements. So instead of writing “I directed the hiring practices for three major Fortune 500 companies,” you would say “Directed hiring practices for three Fortune 500 companies.” It’s an abbreviated form of writing. 

Proofread your resume. Use Grammarly and get a wordsmith friend to review your resume or—even better—hire a professional copyeditor to proof your documents. You do not want to send off a resume that includes grammar or spelling errors. 

I’ve talked a lot about overused phrases in this post. That’s because it’s serious and a resume killer. Avoid overused terms and opt for high-impact phrases instead. 

Leave out objective statements. They’re outdated and useless. A generic objective will not tell the hiring manager why they should interview you over another candidate. Instead, show them what you’re able to accomplish.

Don’t use the phrase “team player” more than once. It’s overkill and recent studies have shown it can have a detrimental effect on your chances for an interview. Most employers want to hire team players. Instead use an accomplishment statement to show them you’re a team player vs. using the phrase “team player.”

Soft skills are important so don’t forget to include them. I’m not advising you to list excellent communication skills front and center on your resume. However, employers are finally catching on to how critical EI is in the workplace. Share the soft skill within the context of an accomplishment. Then you’re knocking out two birds with one stone.  If you incorporate each of these strategies into your resume, you’ll have a strong and effective marketing tool for your job search.

Thanks for reading! Want more job search and resume tips? Check out these 6 free resources on my website that have helped more than 25,000 job seekers land their next job.

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About the author

Jessica hernandez, president, ceo & founder of great resumes fast.

Hi, I’m Jessica. I started this company back in 2008 after more than a decade directing hiring practices at Fortune 500 companies.

What started as a side hustle (before that was even a word!) helping friends of friends with their resumes has now grown into a company that serves hundreds of happy clients a year. But the personal touch? I’ve kept that.

You might have seen me featured as a resume expert in publications like Forbes, Fast Company, and Fortune. And in 2020, I was honored to be named as a LinkedIn Top Voice of the year!

I’m so glad you’re here, and I can’t wait to help you find your next perfect-fit position!

Great advice! As a Career Coach, I constantly seek out the latest and greatest information regarding resume writing. Much gratitude for your experienced suggestions. Best regards.

Thank you for more information about the tips of resume……..

Thank you for pointing out that it’s a good idea to be specific when writing up your resume. I’ve been thinking it’s time to update my resume. It’s been a while and I don’t really know where to start, so I’ll be sure to use your advice.

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40+ Resume Tips to Help You Land a Job in 2024

When you haven’t updated your resume in a while, it can be hard to know where to start. What experiences and accomplishments are relevant for the jobs you’ve got your eye on? What new resume rules and trends should you be following? And seriously, one page or two ?

Well, search no more: We’ve compiled all the resume tips you need into one place. Read on for advice and tricks that’ll help you craft a winning resume—and land your next job.

Maximize your chances by looking for more open jobs on The Muse »

Basic resume tips

Let's start with the basic do's and don'ts when putting your resume together. Listing your skills is not the only thing that matters—choosing the right format and sections is equally crucial. Here are some tips for writing a resume from scratch:

1. Don’t try to cram every skill and work experience onto your resume

Think of your resume not as a comprehensive list of your career history, but as a marketing document selling you as the perfect person for the role you’re applying to. For each resume you send out, you’ll want to highlight only the accomplishments and skills that are most relevant to the job at hand (even if that means you don’t include all of your experience ).

This is called tailoring your resume and it helps anyone who reads it see exactly why you’re a match for a specific position.

2. But keep a resume outline with a full list of your qualifications

Since you’ll be swapping different information in and out depending on the job you’re applying to, save a resume outline —or maybe our resume worksheet —on your computer with old positions, bullet points tailored for different applications, and special projects that only sometimes make sense to include. Think of this as your brag file. Then, when you’re crafting each resume, it’s just a matter of cutting and pasting relevant information together.

3. Ditch the objective statement

The only time an objective section makes sense is when you’re making a huge career change and need to explain from the get-go why your experience doesn’t match up with the position you’re applying to. In every other case, resume objectives just make you look old-fashioned or out of touch.

Read More: 3 Reasons You Should Ditch That Resume Objective—and 3 Things You Can Do Instead

4. Put the best, most relevant information first

In journalism speak, “above the fold” refers to what you see on the front half of a folded newspaper (or, in the digital age, before you scroll down on a website)—basically it’s your first impression of a document. In resume speak, it means you should make sure your most relevant qualifications are visible on the top third of your resume.

This top section is what the hiring manager is going to see first—and what will serve as a hook for someone to keep on reading. If your most recent position isn’t the most relevant piece of your candidacy, consider leading with a skills section (such as in a combination resume format ) or writing a resume summary .

5. Choose the right resume format for you

There are lots of different ways to organize the information on your resume—like the functional resume or combination resume. But the good old reverse chronological —where your most recent experience is listed first—is usually your best bet. Unless it’s absolutely necessary in your situation, skip the functional or skills-based resume—hiring managers might wonder what you’re hiding.

6. Keep it concise

The two-page resume is a hotly debated topic, but the bottom line is this—you want the information here to be as short as possible, and keeping it to one page forces you to prioritize what really matters. If you truly have enough relevant and important experience, training, and credentials to showcase on more than one page of your resume, then go for two. But if you can tell the same story in less space? Do it.

Read More: 6 Pro Tips for Cutting Your Resume Down to One Page

7. Include relevant links

Can’t figure out how to tell your whole story on one page, or want to be able to include some visual examples of your work? Instead of trying to have your resume cover everything, cover the most important details on that document. Then, include a link to your personal website , your online portfolio , examples of your work, or a relevant, professional social media profile , where you can dive more into what makes you the ideal candidate.

Just avoid hyperlinking over words that are key to understanding your resume, since it can throw off the tools employers use to store and parse resumes.

8. Be aware of the ATS

You may have heard that employers are using computers to “read” your resume and decide who to hire and reject. That’s not exactly true. But most employers do use software called an applicant tracking system—or ATS—to parse resumes and organize them so that recruiters and hiring managers can search for the most relevant applications.

You should assume your resume will pass through an ATS at some point during your job search, so understanding how it works will help make your hunt more efficient. (All of the tips for resume writing in this list keep ATSs in mind as well!)

Read More: Beat the Robots: How to Get Your Resume Past the System and Into Human Hands

Resume formatting tips

Your resume's format matters as much as the content it holds. Aim for a simple and minimalist layout, without overwhelming columns, colors, or graphic elements. Here are some key resume formatting tips to help you stand out:

9. Keep your resume format simple

We’ll talk about getting creative in order to stand out in a minute. But the most basic principle of good resume formatting and design? Keep it simple. Make your resume easy on hiring managers’ eyes by using a reasonably sized default font like Helvetica or Arial and leaving a healthy amount of white space on the page. Your main focus here should be on readability for the hiring manager (and that pesky ATS).

Read more: The Best Resume Font and Size (No More Agonizing!)

10. Stand out with ATS-friendly design elements

Really want your resume to stand out from the sea of Times New Roman? Yes, creative resumes —like infographics, videos, or presentations can set you apart, but you have to make sure they actually get read. If you’re uploading your resume to a job application site or online portal, use ATS-friendly formatting elements like:

• Bold and italic text
• Underlining (in headings or over hyperlinks)
• Different text alignments
• Columns that can be read straight across

11. Avoid design elements that can’t be “read” by computers

On the flip side, it’s best to avoid design elements that ATSs are known to have trouble with such as:

• Logos and icons
• Images and photos
• Graphics, graphs, or other visuals
• Headers and footers
• Less common fonts
• Columns that can only be read from top to bottom

12. Make your contact info prominent

You don’t need to include your address on your resume anymore (really!), but you do need to make sure to include a phone number and professional-sounding email address (but not one affiliated with another job!) as well as other places the hiring manager can find you on the web, like your LinkedIn profile, plus your pronouns if you’d like to.

Read More: Here's Exactly What Should Be Included in Your Resume's Header

13. Design your resume for skimmability

You’ve probably heard before that hiring managers don’t spend a lot of time on each individual resume. So help them get as much information as possible in as little time as possible, by making your resume easy to skim .

Work experience resume tips

Recruiters nowadays want to know more than a simple description of your responsibilities. They're looking for the results and impacts of your work, as well as the connection between your experience and the position you're applying for now.

That said, let's take a look at some resume writing tips for describing your work experience:

14. Keep your work experience recent and relevant

As a rule, you should only show the most recent 10-15 years of your career and only include the experiences that are relevant to the positions you’re applying to. Remember to allocate real estate on your resume according to importance. If there’s a choice between including one more college internship or going into more detail about your current role, always choose the latter (unless the internship was more relevant to the role you’re applying for).

15. Don’t forget your transferable skills and experiences

Don’t panic if you don’t have any professional experience that fits the bill. Focus your resume on your relevant and transferable skills along with any related side or academic projects , and then make sure to pair it with a strong cover letter telling the narrative of why you’re ideal for the job.

Read more: What to Put on Your Resume When You Have No Relevant Work Experience

16. Write strong, achievement-focused bullet points

The bullet points under each job entry are arguably the most important part of your resume. They tell whoever’s reading it what skills you have, how you’ve used them, and how you’ve helped your employers in the past.

So start with a strong action verb , include relevant skills from the job description , and frame your bullets around your achievements—don’t just list your job duties . Tell them how your work benefitted your boss or company so they know what they stand to gain by hiring you.

Here’s a simple formula to follow:

• Compelling verb + job duty + key skills used = tangible result

So you might say: “ Developed an upgrade to the employee database, ensuring the smooth flow of critical operations, which led to a 35% increase in efficiency. ”

17. Curate your bullet points and experiences

No matter how long you’ve been in a job, or how much you’ve accomplished there, you shouldn’t have more than eight bullet points under it—and that’s only for your most recent and relevant job. Jobs further back should generally be limited to four to six bullets.

Read More: How Many Bullet Points Should Each Job on Your Resume Have?

18. Use as many numbers as you can

Use facts, figures, and numbers whenever possible in your bullet points. How many people were impacted by your work? By what percentage did you exceed your goals? Quantifying your accomplishments allows the hiring manager to picture the level of work or responsibility you needed to achieve them.

19. Don’t neglect non-traditional work

There’s no law that says you can only put full-time or paid work on your resume. So, if you’ve volunteered , worked part-time or as a temporary or contract worker , freelanced, or interned? Absolutely list these things as their own “jobs” within your career chronology—as long as they’re relevant to the job you’re applying for. The same goes for career breaks . Yes, really.

Read More: 4 Things You Didn't Know You Could Put on Your Resume

20. Use important keywords from the job description

Scan the job description, see what words are used most often, and make sure you’ve included them in your bullet points. For example, does the job description list “CRM” or “Salesforce”? Make sure your resume matches. Not only is this a self-check that you’re targeting your resume to the job, but it’ll also make it easier to search for your resume in an ATS.

Read More: How to Pick Resume Keywords That'll Get Your Job Application Past the ATS

Resume tips for including your education

Most hiring managers will want to know your education level, even if it's not necessarily relevant to the position you're going for. This section is especially important for those changing careers or applying for entry-level jobs—as your education can be an indicator of the skills you have.

Here's some resume tips and tricks for this section:

21. Put experience first, education later

Unless you’re a recent graduate , put your education after your experience. Chances are, your last couple of jobs are more important and relevant to you getting the job than where you went to college.

22. Also keep it in reverse chronological order

Generally, you should list your educational background with the most recent or advanced degree first, working in reverse chronological order. But if older coursework is more specific to the job, list that first to grab the reviewer’s attention.

23. Remove the dates from your education section once you’re a few years into your career

Unless you’re early in your career, don’t list your graduation dates. The reviewer cares more about whether or not you have the degree than when you earned it. And you don’t want to inadvertently open yourself up to age discrimination , which is an unfortunate reality in some job markets.

24. Highlight honors and achievements, not GPA

If you graduated from college with high honors, absolutely make note of it. Showcase that summa cum laude status, the fact that you were in the honors college at your university, a relevant project you completed, or an award you won. You don’t need to list your GPA —employers don’t care as much about GPA as they do what skills you gained in school.

Read More: How to (and How Not to) List Education on Your Resume

25. Include continuing or online education

Feel free to include continuing education, professional development coursework, or online courses in your education section, especially if your resume feels a little light on relevant experience.

Best resume tips for showing off your skills

You shouldn't wait until you get an interview to showcase your skills—your resume can and should have a specific section for them. You can also leverage other sections of the document to incorporate what's relevant for the position.

Here are our tips for making a resume that effectively highlights your skills:

26. Don’t forget your skills section

Be sure to add a section that lists all the relevant skills you have for a position—especially those mentioned in the job description. Include technical skills like software and project management tools or specific knowledge of how to perform relevant tasks. Just make sure to skip including skills that everyone is expected to have, like using email or Microsoft Word. Doing so will make you seem less technologically savvy.

27. But don’t only put your skills in your skills section

Your skills section is an easy way for anyone reading your resume to confirm that you have required qualifications, but that shouldn’t be the only place that your important skills appear. Any skill that’s vital to you being hired should also be in your bullet points—where you can show how you’ve used it in the past.

28. Divvy up your skills for readability

If you have lots of skills that would help you with a job but aren’t necessarily in the same category—say, foreign language, software, and leadership skills—try breaking up your skills sections. Below your “Skills” section, add a subsection titled “Language Skills” or “Software Skills,” for example. Again, we’re going for skimmability here!

29. Show—don’t tell—your soft skills

Describing soft skills on a resume often starts to sound like a list of meaningless buzzwords. But being a “strong leader” or an “effective communicator” are important characteristics you want to get across. Think about how you can demonstrate these attributes in your bullet points without actually saying them.

Read more: The Non-Boring Way to Show Off Your Soft Skills in Your Job Search

Other resume section tips

Resume sections are not fixed like stone-written texts; they can change according to the job position you're applying for or the requirements listed by the company. Here are some examples of sections you can add—and more tips on writing a resume that stand out:

30. Include relevant certifications and licenses

If you have a certification or license that proves you can do some aspect of the job you’re applying for, include it on your resume. This is especially important if that certification or license is legally required to do the job—for example, in nursing, teaching, or driving jobs.

31. Show some (relevant) personality

Feel free to include an “Interests” section on your resume, but only add those that are relevant to the job. Are you a guitar player with your eye on a music company? Definitely include it. But if you’re considering including your scrapbooking hobby for a software developer job at a healthcare company? Best to leave it out.

32. Beware of interests and activities that could be controversial

Maybe you help raise money for your church on the reg. Or perhaps you’re dedicated to canvassing during political campaigns. Yes, these experiences show a good amount of work ethic or possibly other relevant skills—but they could also open you up to be discriminated against by someone who disagrees with the cause. So weigh your decision to include them carefully.

33. Add awards and achievements—when they’re relevant

Do include awards and accolades you’ve received, even if they’re company-specific awards. Just state what you earned them for, e.g., “Earned Golden Salesperson Award for having the company’s top sales record four quarters in a row.” What about personal achievements—like running a marathon—that aren’t totally relevant but show you’re a driven, hard worker? Consider the best way to include them (and if you should).

Resume tips for navigating employment gaps and other sticky situations

If you're an experienced professional, you might have some tricky information to explain. Job hopping, career gap, and short term jobs are examples of things that can make an applicant feel insecure when drafting resumes.

Is that your situation? Check on these good resume tips to explain sticky situations without jeopardizing your chances to get an interview:

34. Cut the short-term jobs

If you stayed at a (non-temporary) job for only a matter of months, consider eliminating it from your resume to avoid looking like a job hopper. Leaving a particularly short-lived job or two off your resume shouldn’t hurt, as long as you’re honest about your experience if asked in an interview. But if the short-term job is super relevant to this job, consider including it anyway.

35. If you have shorter gaps, be strategic about how you list dates

If you have gaps of a few months in your work history, don’t list the usual start and end dates with months and years for each position. Use years only (2018–2020), or just the number of years or months you worked at each position. Just keep it consistent throughout your resume and don’t lie if asked about gaps during an interview.

Read more: How to Explain the Gap in Your Resume With Ease

36. Explain serial job hopping

If you’ve job-hopped frequently, you can include a succinct reason for leaving next to each position like “company closed,” “layoff due to downsizing,” or “relocated to a new city.” By addressing the gaps, you’ll proactively illustrate the reason for your frequent job movement and make it less of an issue.

37. Explain a long break in jobs

Re-entering the workforce after a long hiatus? This is the perfect opportunity for a summary statement at the top, outlining your best skills and accomplishments. Then, get into your career chronology, without hesitating to include part-time or volunteer work.

38. Be intentional about career gaps

While career gaps are becoming increasingly common, you should still frame them in a way that’s relevant to a future employer, by talking about skills you gained or any professional endeavors you took on. If you didn’t focus on professional development, that’s fine too! But not every employer will appreciate it if you get too cutesy about that section of your resume.

For example, if you took time out of the workforce to raise kids, you might not want to creatively describe this parenting experience on your resume, à la “adeptly managed the growing pile of laundry.” Instead state what you did plainly and include any professional skills you may have grown or activities you may have done.

Read More: Stay-at-Home Parent? How to Kill it on Your Comeback Resume

Tips on resume finishing touches

Writing a good resume alone isn't the only thing that matters. How you save and send it can also determine whether the recruiter will even take a look at it. To wrap things up, here are our resume formatting tips and other suggestions to boost your chances of getting noticed:

39. Ditch “References available upon request”

If a hiring manager is interested in you, they’ll ask you for references—and will assume that you have them. There’s no need to address the obvious (and doing so might even make you look a little out of touch!).

40. Proofread, proofread, proofread

It should go without saying, but fully edit your resume and make sure it’s free and clear of typos. And don’t rely on spell check and grammar check alone—step away for a few hours, then read your resume closely again, and ask family or friends to take a look at it for you.

41. Save it as a PDF or Word document

Unless a job posting specifically requests that you do otherwise, your resume should always be submitted as either a PDF or Word document (.docx not .doc). These are the formats that can be most easily opened and most easily parsed by an ATS.

The choice between the two is up to you (again, unless the company you’re applying to requests one format over the other). If you’re emailing your resume, however, PDFs are a bit more likely to maintain your formatting across different computers and programs.

42. Name your file clearly

Ready to save your resume and send it off? Save it as “Jane Smith Resume” instead of “Resume.” The hiring manager is going to have plenty of “Resumes” on their computer, so make it super easy for them to find what they’re looking for. You can even go a bit further and put the position title in your file name (e.g., “Jane Smith Marketing Analyst Resume).

Read More: The (Simple) Guidelines You Should Follow When Naming Your Resume and Cover Letter Files

43. Keep your resume outline fresh

Carve out some time every quarter or so to pull up your resume outline and make some updates. Have you taken on new responsibilities? Learned new skills? Add them. When your resume is updated on a regular basis, you’re always ready to pounce when opportunity presents itself. And even if you’re not job searching, there are plenty of good reasons to keep this document in tip-top shape.

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The Best Resume Writing Services Of 2024, Chosen By Our Editors

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A good resume can make a lasting impression on a potential employer, and the best resume writing services can help you get your foot in the door that much faster. Sure, you can tackle the task yourself, but between navigating computerized application tracking systems and adapting to their ever-changing standards, building a modern resume that stands out in the crowd is no easy feat. That’s why we researched dozens of resume writing services to help you land the role you deserve. Our overall favorite is TopResume , which lets you choose from four different packages, but we included seven more options below.

The best resume writing services can help you make a lasting impression on employers.

When selecting our favorite resume services, we considered how easy each was to use, customization options available and turnaround times. Whether you’re looking for a little polish or have no idea where to start, there’s a service on this list for you. After all, why wouldn’t you hire a professional to handle one of the most important documents standing between you and your dream job: a finely-tuned resume? Below, the best resume writing services that cover everything from editing to one-on-one career counseling. And once you get the job, make sure you’re set up for WFH success with our favorite office chairs , standing desks and business laptops .

• Best Overall Resume Writing Service: TopResume
• Best Resume Writing Service With Custom Bundles: Resumeble
• Best Resume Writing Service With Career Consulting: TopStack Resume
• Best Resume Writing Service For Executives: ZipJob
• Best Resume Writing Service Built By Recruiters: ResumeSpice
• Best Quick-Turnaround Resume Writing Service: Craft Resumes
• Best Value Resume Writing Service: ResumeCompanion
• Best Free Resume Building Service: Resume.com

Best Overall Resume Writing Service

A popular service for professionals.

I am an assistant editor for Forbes Vetted currently residing in Austin, Texas. I primarily cover deals and consumer shopping, and previously worked as a deals staff writer for Wirecutter. My byline has also appeared in the New York Times. I have over four years of experience writing in the e-commerce sphere, and spend most of my time scouring the web for the latest consumer news and best discounts. 

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Tiers: Starter, Premium, Ultimate and Executive Elite | Turnaround time: 4 to 7 days

Pros: 

• Free resume review
• Customizes your resume by writers certified in 65+ industries 
• 60-day guarantee; double the job interviews or they’ll rewrite it for free

Cons: 

• Limited to two revisions 

TopResume is a popular option for mid- to high-level professionals seeking resume advice. You can choose from four different packages (Starter, Premium, Ultimate and Elite) that range in price from $149 to $699 and offer a variety of services. No matter which package you choose, you’re guaranteed a professionally written resume from an expert in your chosen industry. If you already have a resume, you can also opt to get a free review on it, and receive feedback on its layout, language and how effectively it communicates your skills.

Best Resume Writing Service With Custom Bundles

A great combo service for your resume and cover letter.

Tiers: Standard, Professional and Premium | Turnaround time: 4 days

• Standard package includes resume and cover letter
• Customizable based on your industry
• 60-day guarantee; receive an interview or rewrite for free
• No refunds on Standard and Professional packages (however, Premium packages include a Money Back Guarantee)

Resumeble offers three package tiers: Standard, Professional and Premium. If you’re just starting your career, the Standard package offers bang for your buck, since it includes a resume and cover letter (most services require you to at least upgrade to the mid-level package for both). Next up, the Professional package is geared toward mid-level employees looking to promote or pivot and includes a LinkedIn profile refresh; and the Premium package, designed for seasoned executives, offers all that plus a back-up resume, cold emails to recruiters and more. While no refunds are offered on Standard and Professional packages, the Premium package comes with a Money Back Guarantee if clients don’t receive at least one job offer within 180 days.

Best Resume Writing Service With Career Consulting

A global platform that focuses on the full professional picture, topstack resume.

Tiers: Basic, Standard, Professional and Premium | Turnaround time: 1 to 2 weeks

Pros:  

• Can view final resume before paying 
• Provides advanced career consultations and interview prep
• Donates 5% of profits to the Fisher House Foundation
• 60-day guarantee limited to Professional and Premium packages
• Longer turnaround time; takes 1 to 2 weeks

TopStack offers four different packages that range from $139 for your basic professional resume to $649 for a more robust selection of services (including career consulting plus help with your resume,​ cover letter and LinkedIn profile). It also focuses on ensuring your resume is ATS-optimized, a must in the modern hiring world.

Best Resume Writing Service For Executives

A service built with leaders in mind.

Tiers: Launch, Fast Track, Premium, Executive | Turnaround time: 3 to 7 business days

• Comprehensive; includes resume, cover letter, thank-you note and LinkedIn profile
• Resumes are ATS-optimized
• 60-day interview guarantee
• On the pricier side

ZipJob is a great choice for professionals at all levels, but its comprehensive executive package makes it especially suited for those at the top of their game. Offerings include an executive-level resume and cover letter, LinkedIn profile optimization and a customizable thank-you letter. To ensure everything is up to standard, you also get a phone consultation with your writer and multiple revisions for all of your documents. And just like ZipJob’s other packages, the executive bundle checks that your resume is ATS-ready (Applicant Tracking Systems), so you can pass early screenings with flying colors.

Best Resume Writing Service Built By Recruiters

A highly rated platform developed by hr and hiring managers, resumespice.

Tiers: Entry Level, Professional and Executive | Turnaround time: 2 days

• Wide range of services offered including for resume, cover letter, Linkedin profile, interview prep and career coaching 
• Quick 2-day turnaround
• 60-day guarantee; rewrite if you don’t get an interview 

Cons:  

• Expensive; $479 for an entry-level resume

ResumeSpice is more expensive than other services. That said, it was developed by recruiters, aka people who’ve truly homed in on what prospective employers are seeking. It’s also one of the highest-rated services on Trustpilot . The company offers a quick two-day turnaround, pre-built packages depending on your experience and the option to tack on its highly rated career-building services. ResumeSpice also has free resume resources and a selection of sample templates, if you’re more interested in the DIY approach.

Best Quick-Turnaround Resume Writing Service

A platform that gets you the fastest first draft, craft resumes.

Tiers: Resume Writing, Basic, Optimal, All-In-One | Turnaround time: 1 day

• 24-hour turnaround time for first draft 
• Writers are PARWCC- or NRWA-certified
• International service; some users experience grammar issues due to language barrier

If you’re in a time crunch, this writing and editing service has a 24-hour turnaround for the first draft of your resume. Craft Resumes features an easy-to-navigate website and delivers resumes tailored to your experiences and desired career path. Like a few other services, Craft Resumes offers a series of à la carte options, such as LinkedIn profile writing, thank-you letters and follow-up letters.

Best Value Resume Writing Service

A subscription-based diy resume builder, resumecompanion.

Tiers: Monthly or 2-week access | Turnaround time: Self-paced

• Affordable; subscription costs $8 a month or 14-day access for $3
• Choose from dozens of professional resume templates
• Offers cover letter, job search and tracking tools
• Self-directed; no hands-on help from writers

This resume builder is a great budget option for a self-starter who wants to learn the ropes and take things into their own hands. You can select from a variety of templates, narrow down the type of job you’re seeking and follow a step-by-step process to perfect your own resume. However, because it’s subscription-based, you’ll have to renew the service if you want to edit your materials in the future.

Best Free Resume Building Service

A robust resume and cover letter resource—at no cost to you.

Tiers: Free | Turnaround time: Self-paced

• Free with dozens of templates to choose from
• Integrated with Indeed; easy to apply to jobs
• Some users say it’s difficult to cancel subscription

If your budget is tight and you don’t mind going the DIY route for your resume, Resume.com is a great resource. It has an intuitive user interface and offers over 20 different resume and cover letter templates to choose from. There’s also an open career advice portal where you can read about career development, interview tips and more.

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The 8 best sunrise alarm clocks to wake you up gently and naturally, why trust forbes vetted.

The Forbes Vetted team has published a large library of tech guides , including reviews on a variety of online tools and home office essentials like the best document scanners and all-in-one printers .

• Consumer tech editor Rebecca Isaacs and executive editor Dave Johnson oversee this guide and its iterations; they have over a decade of experience in the industry and both enjoy testing and reviewing the latest in tech.
• Assistant editor Jordan Thomas has over four years of experience covering deals and consumer shopping. For this guide, she scoured the web for the most reputable resume writing services and compared each option to find the best.
• We continue to monitor the best resume services and routinely update this guide to provide the most current information about pricing and offerings. It was last updated in May 2024 by tech updates writer Alexandra Garrett to expand our buyer’s guide.

How We Chose The Best Resume Writing Services

To compile this list, we sought out well-known resume writing services with overwhelmingly positive customer reviews and compared key offerings.

• We looked for reputable resume writing services with proven results; each service had to meet our standards in terms of overall value, turnaround time, professionalism and satisfaction guarantees.
• We evaluated each service side-by-side to determine which performs better at writing a robust resume in an accurate, timely manner.
• Everyone has unique needs when it comes to searching for a job, so we made sure to recommend options that span different career goals and budgets, whether that includes getting career consultation or polishing up an existing resume.

What To Look For When Choosing The Best Resume Writing Service

Resume writing services come in a wide range of prices, and the best options for you will largely depend on your needs and budget. Affordable services like ResumeCompanion offer a step-by-step process for building your own resume for $8 a month, while other services provide a more hands-on approach for around $150. Packages typically go up to $250-$300 when you add Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)-optimization, cover letter writing, interview prep and career coaching.

Turnaround Time

If your job application has a set deadline, take a look at the service’s turnaround time before committing. Most services take anywhere from two days to two weeks to provide a finalized resume. Some promise a draft in 24 hours, like Craft Resumes .

Ease Of Use

When deciding on a resume writing service, take a look at how easy the website is to navigate. Is it difficult to browse different templates, download your files or customize your resume? The job application process is often stressful, so a resume writing service should alleviate—not contribute to—some of that stress.

Customization Options

A resume needs to accurately reflect your unique qualifications, skills and industry standards. For this reason, consider which customization options the service provides. Many of our recommendations use writers, recruiters or HR professionals to tailor your application documents to your unique needs.

Writer Qualifications

With AI solutions like ChatGPT readily available, you’ll want to check whether or not your resume writer is qualified to provide the help you need. To do this, take a look at the service’s writer qualifications. Some services use writers certified by the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches (PARWCC) or National Resume Writers Association (NRWA), while others are run by recruiters or HR professionals.

Privacy Policies

Because some websites and apps collect your personal information, it’s important to check the privacy policies before signing up. Look for whether the site stores or shares that information with third parties, and whether you can adjust your privacy settings to opt out of this setting.

Is It Worth Paying For A Resume Writing Service?

Professionally-written resumes through a reputable service can help you stand out from the competition. They’re often designed to highlight your best qualities, and are keyword-optimized for most applicant tracking systems. If you’re struggling with employment gaps or career changes, a resume writing service can help give you a leg up. And some services will also provide reviews for custom cover letters, Linkedin profiles, interview prep and career coaching.

What’s The Best Resume Writing Company?

The best resume writing company is affordable, offers high-quality review and writing services and is easy to use. Our top pick overall— TopResume —provides the professionalism and quality most mid- to high-level job seekers need, from its free resume review to its customizable options.

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• Forbes Accolades

10 Best Resume Writing Services for 2024

22 min read

Every month, there are over 5,000 searches for phrases like "best resume writing service."

You’ll find results for local and national options, as well as professional resume writers in different industries.

While browsing the listings, you’ll notice hundreds of companies and freelancers offering resume writing services that appear to be quite shady. Since your resume can get your foot in the door and help you land the right job, it’s important to select a quality service that gets you results.

To help take the guesswork out of choosing the right resume service for you, our team of career experts researched more than 200 resume services for job seekers in the US and Canada. This post discusses our top picks, as well as an overview of each resume service.

At the end of this post, we have some valuable advice about how to tell if other service reviews are legitimate.

Top resume writing services

CareerPerfect

Capstone Resume Services

iHireFinance

ResumeSpice

Before you buy: how to find legitimate service reviews

This list does not include any affiliate links or paid placements.

Should you use a local or national service?

While searching for resume services, you will find both national and local results. The only time you would choose to use a local service is when you are meeting the writer face to face.

The majority of local services will work with you virtually (not in person) so you may be better off hiring a national company that has access to a wide network of writers and an  ATS resume test  built into the process.

We found that the average cost of a quality resume is around $157 . This number doesn't reflect add-on offers like LinkedIn profiles, career advice, or cover letter services.

Pricing : $139 – $299

Turnaround : 3 to 7 days

Writers : 100+ professional resume writers with backgrounds in HR, Fortune 500 recruiting, career coaching, job placement, and professional writing.

Industries : 65+ industries including Business, Finance, IT, Healthcare, Sales, Marketing, and more.

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You didn't think we were going to put a different service here, did you? Yes, our team may be biased...but we also live and breathe resume writing, so we know why our service is top-notch.

ZipJob uses a tech-informed, expert-designed protocol to create resumes that appeal to hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems : the same technology used by more than 90% of employers to screen and parse resumes.

ZipJob’s resume writing services are designed for companies hiring in the USA and Canada, which is where all of the writers are located. Most companies use applicant tracking systems to manage and sort through job applicants. A single job post averages 250 applicants, so the ATS helps employers keep track of those applications.

However, the ATS has another important job: filtering out the resumes that don’t meet the pre-set requirements. On average, applicant tracking systems filter out 75% of the resumes submitted. Here are the most common reasons applicants get rejected automatically:

Improper resume formatting

Incorrect use of keywords

So if the ATS can mistakenly reject otherwise qualified candidates, what does that mean for you? That's exactly what ZipJob is here to help with.

Resume writers experienced in resume keyword optimization add an extra step at the end of the process to ensure your new resume will be parsed correctly by an ATS scan.

Pros of using ZipJob

Professional writers  — ZipJob only hires professional resume writers with experience and ATS training.

60-Day interview guarantee — ZipJob guarantees that you’ll get at least 200% as many interviews or we will rewrite your resume for free.

ATS technology —  ZipJob uses the same ATS technology employers use to help ensure every resume gets through to a hiring manager.

Direct communication  — One of the few services that allow you direct, unlimited access to your personal resume writer until your project is complete.

Reputation  — ZipJob’s reputation speaks for itself. ZipJob has been featured in  Forbes ,  Reader’s Digest ,  Marketwatch ,  Glassdoor ,  The Muse , and other big-name media outlets. ZipJob is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. In addition, ZipJob has earned more than  800 five-star reviews and 10,000+ happy clients.

A ZipJob review

"I spent a lot of time researching resume writing services. That was quite a feat and stressful with everything out there. I finally decided on ZipJob...After several revisions we hit on a resume that appears to be working. Prior to my latest revision I had sent out close to hundred resumes and had one interview. I've put out about another 40, and I've had movement in making it past the ATS system to pretesting with 2 jobs and an initial interview with another job. Considering this is the holidays and we're in a pandemic I'm heartened by the response. Thank you ZipJob and Julie!" -Floyd, verified ZipJob customer

Note: this review was edited slightly for length and clarity.

How ZipJob works

Upload your resume and answer a few questions. If you don't have a current resume, these questions will help your writer get started on your new resume from scratch.

Get matched with a resume expert in your field who will overhaul your resume. Each project focuses on ATS-friendly formatting, keyword optimization, and value-focused language.

Collaborate directly with your writer through multiple revisions until you're satisfied with your resume. 

Approve a final draft. This will trigger the last step in ZipJob's resume writing process: the ATS resume test . Your new resume will go through our in-house system to ensure that your resume will pass through recruitment software used by more than 90% of employers.

Start using your new resume and watch your interview requests triple!

You can contact ZipJob by phone at (888) 944-9929 or via live chat from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. You can also email customer service any time at  [email protected] .

2. LinkedIn

Pricing : $250 – $700+

Turnaround : 3 to 14 days

Writers : 100+

Industries : All industries including Finance, IT, Healthcare, Marketing and more.

Most people use LinkedIn to search for jobs and career-related information. However, many are unaware that it offers a “service marketplace” called LinkedIn Services (formerly LinkedIn ProFinder) for interviewing, career coaching, and resume writing.

Technically, yes, this is a platform and not a resume writing service. However, we are rating this option highly because LinkedIn takes steps to ensure its pros are legit. For example, each professional submits an online application that must be approved by LinkedIn, and past client reviews are readily available for anyone considering a certain resume writer.

Pros of using LinkedIn

Time efficient  — Receive proposals quickly from your potential resume writer.

Person to person  — Pick from a number of resume critique and expert review professionals whom you want to work with, based on their LinkedIn profiles and other information they provide.

Cost effective  — Since these are resume critique and expert review freelancers, the prices may be more competitive than a company. Still expect to pay $150+ for a quality resume, but know that your money is going directly to your writer.

Local options  — You can opt for local-only professionals, making this a great option if you feel strongly about meeting with your resume writer in person.

Speaking of LinkedIn, do you know  how to include your LinkedIn URL on a resume ? Most employers will look you up on LinkedIn before interviewing you anyway, so it's common to include a link to your profile in your resume's contact section.

Working with LinkedIn

Answer a couple of questions about the services you’re looking for.

Within 24 hours (and likely much sooner), get up to 5 proposals from professionals on LinkedIn’s list. Each proposal will include a price quote.

Research and select your resume writer. Every writer will have a different system to process from there.

LinkedIn helps you find freelance resume writers, but doesn’t have a company-wide standard for resume writing. Instead, you should look into multiple freelancers based on their proposals and pick the resume style you like best as not all freelancers are created equal.

If you need any help, LinkedIn offers a concierge team, which is essentially tech support and customer service for hiring a pro. You can use live chat or a contact form to reach out.

3. TopResume

Pricing : $149 – $349

Turnaround : 7 to 14 days

Writers : 1,500+ professional writers including certified career coaches, recruiters, and experienced hiring professionals.

Industries : All industries including Military transition, Academic, and Federal resumes.

This list would not be complete without TopResume. TopResume is technically one of our direct competitors, but any list of the best resume writing services would be incomplete (and misleading) if we omitted them. Their writers do great work--as evidenced by their Trustpilot reviews --and the company does belong on this list.

One of the most common questions is if TopResume is legit. The answer, from our professional perspective, is that they are legit. Look at real reviews on unbiased review sites and check out our tips later in this article on how to spot a resume writing service scam.

TopResume’s website includes many compelling statistics about working with a professional resume writer. According to its research, a professionally written resume makes you:

38% more likely to be contacted by recruiters 

31% more likely to land an interview

40% more likely to land a job

Pros for TopResume

Large, well-established company  — TopResume was founded in 2014 by Jeff Berger and has a network of 1,500+ resume writers across the country as well as an international network through their sister brand, TopCV , specializing in professional CV rewrites.

History of success  — According to its website, TopResume has helped 600,000+ professionals “land more interviews and get hired faster.” You can check out some of their success stories here .

Positive reviews  — Given how big it is, TopResume has had the opportunity to help thousands of people. It has more than 7,000 five star reviews on Trustpilot .

TopResume review

"Fantastic service that gave 100% to get my resume in a professionally formatted, scan friendly format / content - saw great increase in activity from headhunters and recruiters post TopResume’s assistance. My professional writer was intelligent, understood my personal situation and desired objectives - and delivered the goods!" -Joseph, TopResume customer

Working with TopResume

Upload your resume and get matched with an expert writer from its vast network.

Collaborate one-on-one with your writer via TopResume’s dashboard to revise your resume.

Receive a resume tailored to your goals.

TopResume guarantees that you’ll receive two times more job interviews or they’ll rewrite your resume again one time, free-of-charge.

There is also the option to add on a phone call for an additional fee--otherwise, your communication happens online. If you need to contact the company, you can email them at  [email protected]  or call 800-604-1929 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET on weekdays. There is also have a live chat option from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

4. The Muse

Pricing : $119 – $1,699

Turnaround : 4 to 7 days

Writers : 80+

Industries : All industries including HR/recruiting, fitness/health, and fashion.

The Muse offers a different model to provide resume help. Instead of a text-based collaboration, The Muse has a resume review coaching service that includes a resume update. Depending on the coaching service you purchase, you get 30, 45, or 60 minutes for a video call or phone call with your career coach.

Pros of using The Muse

Highly interpersonal  — If you are looking for a conversation about your resume, this coaching service is a great option.

Lots of options  — The Muse has a wide network of experts in a range of fields. Mentors, coaches, and master coaches are vetted and backed by The Muse.

Working with The Muse:

Choose a service such as “Resume Review” coaching, “Resume and LinkedIn Review” coaching, or the “Ultimate Job Search” Kit.

Book a coach, based on filters like your industry and years of experience.

Schedule your coaching call. Your coach will contact you within one business day of your booking.

After your coaching session, you will get an updated version of your resume that is designed to be “eye-catching” and “ATS-beating.” Depending on your service, you may get one, two, or unlimited rounds of edits within a two week time period.

This is a highly personalized service, so you need to do your research before picking a coach. If you have any problems with your service, you can contact the company at  [email protected]

Pricing : $129 – $349

Turnaround : 2 to 5 days

Writers : 50+

Industries : All industries including Finance, IT, Healthcare, Marketing, and more.

Although Monster is primarily a job board, it also offers resume writing services. Like many of these resume companies, there are tiers of services with additional add-ons for cover letters and LinkedIn profiles.

Monster stands out as a recruiter-focused resume writing service. Based on their decades of job searches and working with recruiters to source talent, their resumes are easy for recruiters to filter and scan.

Pros of using Monster

Established  — Monster has been around for 20+ years and has earned a positive name recognition.

60-day guarantee  — If you aren’t completely satisfied with your resume or other products, you can get it rewritten for free.

Additional services  — Monster has a job board so you can take your new resume and upload it quickly to apply for jobs.

International reach  — Monster provides services for the US and Canada as well as the UK, France, Germany, and The Netherlands

A review of Monster

"I had the pleasure of using Monster to update my resume and cover letter. They asked relevant questions, formulated a concise and thoughtful resume and cover letter that played to my strengths and goals. The thing most worth noting was that I felt like a person in my industry wrote my resume - as she was able to extrapolate all the necessary verbiage as it specifically related to my experience and field. It was a very positive experience - one that landed me my first interview within my field that will take me in the direction that I was hoping to pivot into."

-Joann, verified Monster customer

How it works

Upload your resume and answer additional questions via a brief questionnaire.

Get a resume draft with additional keyword opportunities.

Provide feedback for up to one revision.

Monster resume writing services have limited revisions: only one draft and one revision. The modes of communication with your writer is also limited to text-based messages through email. They don’t offer phone services.

If you’re having trouble communicating with your writer, you can email  [email protected]  or call Monster at (978) 461-8000 . Its website also has a live chat function that can connect you with a real person within a few minutes.

6. CareerPerfect

Pricing : $179.95 – $499.95

Turnaround : 4 to 5 days

Writers : 5+

Industries : All, including Federal, Executive, and Entry-Level

CareerPerfect is an online resume writing service with additional cover letter, interview, job search, and career planning services. It offers resume writing services in four categories: student and entry-level, professional and mid-career, executive, and federal and military. Since CareerPerfect’s start over 30 years ago, it has helped plenty of job seekers with both advice and career services.

Pros of CareerPerfect

Global presence — Specializing in US employers, CareerPerfect has a global reach and partners with several high-profile career websites internationally.

Online career services pioneer  — CareerPerfect started offering career service online in 1996 and has been leading online career services ever since.

Editing service  — In addition to CareerPerfect’s resume writing services, you can also opt for a resume editing service from a professional.

Working with CareerPerfect

Place your order using several payment options including PayPal and most major credit cards.

Provide information by uploading your previously prepared materials or CareerPerfect’s SkillNet tool to identify additional accomplishments and strengths.

Develop your document with the help of a professional resume writer.

Have a keyword-rich personal marketing document in 4 to 5 business days.

CareerPerfect advertises that its team is made up of only US-based writers with four-year college degrees, and collectively have expertise in over 90 industries. The company is a member of the Career Management Alliance as well as the National Employment Counseling Association.

For resume writing inquiries, you can call  1-877-844-5724  between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET. You can also email the support team or your resume writer from within your account after logging in.

7. Capstone Resume Services

Pricing : $149 – $299

Turnaround : 5 to 7 days

Industries : All industries, including Professional, Academic, and Federal.

Capstone Resumes offer a variety of specialized resume services, such as Federal and Executive Level resumes. The company was started by Amy Giles, who has been writing resumes since 2003. Capstone Resumes was formerly called Gies Career Services, but now specializes in the resume writing portion of the business.

Pros of using Capstone Resumes

Conversation-first approach — Capstone Resume services begin with a 15 to 30 minute phone call, instead of the questionnaire approach most companies use.

Certified writers  — The resume writers are introduced with a photo and a certification on the Capstone website. Each member is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with a different background.

Specializations  — Certain resumes, like Executive and Federal, require specialized formats. Capstone Resumes has different payment options for their resume services, as opposed to the more common tiered approach. With the team’s background in HR, recruitment, and the U.S. Navy, it is likely these formats are effective.

Quick delivery time  — Many positive reviewers mention how they received their resumes with 1 to 3 days of their initial phone consultation.

Easy to contact — Amy, the owner of Capstone Resumes, makes her direct email very easy to find. She appears to be quite responsive and open to revisions to ensure client satisfaction.

Working with Capstone Resume Services

Schedule a phone consultation–you can upload your resume at the same time.

Purchase the services you need, selecting your resume format as well as any additional cover letter or LinkedIn services.

Work with your writer to finalize your resume.

You can reach the company by phone at  (650) 445-5301  or through the contact form on its website. You can reach Amy directly at [email protected].

8. iHireFinance

Pricing : $395

Industries : Finance

iHireFinance is a niche job board that focuses on open, vetted opportunities in the financial sector. The resume services they offer integrate well with their job board service.

Because it was built for finance professionals specifically, iHireFinance is a great option for budget analysts, equity traders, tax managers, and all finance specialists. The writers are educated, certified, and trained in modern resume writing especially for finance.

In addition to their resume writing service, iHireFinance has a separate cover letter service. If you only need help with a cover letter instead of a resume/cover letter bundle, this is a good option.

Pros of using iHireFinance

Made for the finance industry — iHireFinance is hyper-focused on people and companies in the financial services industry. 

Optional membership — With a membership, you get a discount on the writing services as well as access to a handy iScore Resume Match tool to use on the job board.

Formatting service — In addition to iHireFinance’s resume writing services, you can also opt for just a resume formatting service to improve the design of your existing resume. This is priced at $99.

Working with iHireFinance:

Create an account. Select a service from entry-level, professional, or executive resume services.

Complete a questionnaire and upload your current resume.

Finalize your resume–your first draft should arrive within 5 to 7 business days–and work with your writer until you are 100% satisfied.

For resume writing inquiries, you can call (877) 840-6217 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET. You can also email the support team through a contact form on the website.

9. LiveCareer

Pricing : $99 – $299

LiveCareer started as a career test site in 2004 and eventually launched a resume builder and a professional resume writing service. It is one of the largest resume builders around, with over 10 million resumes created for people in 180 countries.

In addition to its resume writing service, LiveCareer has a separate cover letter writing option. If you only need help with a cover letter instead of a resume/cover letter bundle, this is a good option.

Pros of using LiveCareer

Established  — LiveCareer has been around longer than most resume services, and features a large network of writers and career experts.

Global  — LiveCareer is headquartered in New York City, and has offices in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. While its employee information on LinkedIn states that most of its workers are located in India, the resume writers seem to be located mostly in the US.

Large resume database  — LiveCareer has 700,000 resumes from various locations, industries, and roles that you can filter and search.

More than just resumes  — This career service company also has a mobile app, job apply tool, job board, and salary calculator.

Working with LiveCareer

Choose from three resume services based on your career stage.

Answer a few additional questions about your background.

One-on-one optional consultation with your writer, ranging from 10 to 20 minutes based on the package you purchased.

Receive your completed resume within 3 business days.

LiveCareer offers many services in addition to the resume writing services. It’s one of the most popular choices for resume building.

If you need to contact the company about your resume services, you can reach customer service by phone at (844) 485-4050 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m CT. There is also a live chat service if you have an account login, or you can email the team at [email protected].

10. ResumeSpice

Pricing: $479-699

Turnaround: 2 days (first draft)

Writers: 5+

Industries: Multiple industries, with services targeting everything from entry-level resume needs to resumes for professionals and executives.

ResumeSpice was launched by a team of recruitment professionals who wanted to create a dynamic job service firm that offered first-class coaching for job seekers.

ResumeSpice’s team of experienced resume writers focuses on crafting expert-level resumes that are designed to pass screening from Applicant Tracking Systems , while delivering the compelling content job seekers need to capture the attention of hiring managers and recruiters.

The company also provides career coaching services to assist job seekers in navigating an increasingly complex job search environment. Their certified experts are there to offer free consultations on resumes, cover letters, interview preparation, optimization of LinkedIn profiles, and more.

ResumeSpice writers utilize the industry’s best practices for resume creation, relying on formats that consistently attract hiring managers’ attention. They are experts in utilizing keywords in an optimal manner, ensuring that the end results can pass those ATS screenings.

While they are one of the newest and costliest services on our list, reviews suggest that ResumeSpice yields the results needed to justify the expense.

Pros of using ResumeSpice

Expert writers and coaches— ResumeSpice’s team is comprised of certified resume specialists and career coaches with years of experience in their field.

60-Day interview guarantee — ResumeSpice provides a guaranteed interview within 60 days, or they will “make it right.”

ATS— ResumeSpice is committed to ensuring that every resume they create has the optimization needed to satisfy any ATS.

Direct communication —ResumeSpice offers a direct line of communication for you to consult with your resume expert, including up to two revisions of the resume.

Reputation — ResumeSpice has been featured by MarketWatch, the Job Network, and the Houston Business journal, and has helped clients land jobs at companies like Nike, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, and Charles Schwab.

A ResumeSpice review

"Caitlin was amazing!! I was changing careers after being in the financial industry for 24 years. She revamped my resume, provided amazing cover letters explaining my transition and also provided me with a Thank You letter and updated my LinkedIn profile. Caitlin totally got me and made me look like a superstar/qualified candidate!!

I worked with Kathy on my Interview skills since I hadn't interviewed in 24 years, to say I was rusty was an understatement lol. Kathy provided me with helpful documents and amazing answers to interview questions I found to be annoying and difficult. Kathy gave me the confidence to nail my interviews!! TOTALLY worth the money!!”

- Donna, ResumeSpice customer

How ResumeSpice works

You start by choosing your preferred resume option, as well as any supplemental services you need like interview prep, cover letters, etc.

ResumeSpice will then email you with a short questionnaire link and a link to help you schedule your consultation.

At your consultation, your resume expert will work with you to identify your career needs and gather information for your resume or other products.

With that information, your writer will create your personalized resume and deliver the draft copy to you within two days.

At that point, you get to review the document and make any requests for modifications. You have up to seven days to make those change requests, and can have revisions made a total of two times.

Once the revision process is completed, you receive your finished resume in both Word and PDF formats.

If you ordered any other services, those are completed only after your resume is finished.  

You can contact ResumeSpice by phone at (832) 930-7378 or using live chat at their website. For more information, you can email them at [email protected].

There are many professional resume writing services to choose from, such as the 10 on this list. Since there is no shortage of fraudulent services out there, do your due diligence before giving your private information to a less than reputable company.

The best resume writing services have good examples, positive reviews, and responsive customer service teams. Remember that resume writing services are mainly digital today, so you don’t need to limit your search to local options. When in doubt, however, keep in mind that if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

We hope this article helps you pick the best resume writing service for your career goals. Good luck with your job search!

What to read next:

How Much Should a Resume Writing Service Cost?

Hiring a Resume Writing Service | Is it Worth the Money?

Caitlin Proctor, CPRW, Certified Professional Résumé Writer

Caitlin joined the ZipJob team in 2019 as a professional resume writer and career advisor. She specializes in strategic advice for executives, career pivots, and remote workers. Read more resume advice from Caitlin on ZipJob’s blog .

Our resume services get results.

We’ve helped change over 30,000 careers.

Get a free resume review today

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• Services & Software

Article updated on September 25, 2024 at 1:20 PM PDT

Best Resume Writing Services for 2024

A resume is the first and most crucial step to getting a job. You should have at least one written and vetted by professionals. We've listed the best resume-writing services you can get today.

Our Experts

• She received the Renau Writing Scholarship in 2016 from the University of Louisville's communication department.

• Apple software beta tester, "Helps make our computers and phones work!" - Zach's grandparents

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

Writing resumes, like any other type of writing, is a formulaic art. However, this art is crucial to getting a job, and the formula to writing a good one is ever-evolving. Since most of us aren't HR experts, it's hard to know when we have the right resume for the current job market. This is why you should use a resume writing service, at least once, to either improve what you have or create something new and increase your chances of landing an interview,

Some of what you'll need to include in your resume will depend on the industry you want to work in. While it can vary, employers will likely look at your education, work history and skills. We've combed through dozens of resume services looking at the most helpful features across a variety of needs. We looked especially closely at the number of custom templates, the amount of guidance the service offered, the ease of navigation and the robustness of the service's privacy policy. Each of these templates and professional writing services will help you create a complete resume that best reflects your skills and experience at an affordable price.

What’s the best resume builder website?

The best resume template and builder should give you a variety of options to customize your resume. Resume.com has many options and customization features that make it a useful tool for almost any candidate applying to any job. You can upload and edit an existing resume, customize an available template from its collection or let the service guide you through creating one from scratch. Resume.com also offers helpful guidance throughout your resume creation process, making sure you include and optimize all your content. Once you're happy with your resume, you can download it for free in multiple formats.

Depending on where you're at in the job application process, you might need more guidance than a template. These professional writing services will pair you with experienced writers and coaches to help you craft and perfect resumes, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters and more. These services include more personalized coaching and features, but they tend to be more expensive. We’ve collected a range of options for your budget and needs. Because your resume likely includes your contact information and some personal information, we've also included information about each service's privacy policy.

Best resume templates and builders of 2024

A well-constructed resume can help you stand out during a job search.

• Can create new resume or customize templates
• Many free features, guidance while writing
• Integrated with Indeed job search site
• Difficulty unsubscribing from paid services

Best free resume builder

Resume.com is a free resume writer offering dozens of templates for creating your resume or cover letter, as well as job boards and career advice. You have the option to upload and edit an existing resume, create a new one, or customize one of the sample resumes offered on the site. It's intuitive and easy to use, and it creates a professional-looking final product.

When starting from scratch, you'll go section by section, entering your education, employment history, hobbies and interests, professional skills, languages and references. Resume.com provides question prompts and tips for guidance, as well as career-specific examples you can add if you're struggling to find the right words. You can also choose to forgo any of these sections, rearrange sections and add custom ones depending on what you need. As you update and save each section, you can see how it will appear on the page on your resume preview to the right. You can also change the template, font style and size, or spacing at any time and see it update in real-time in the preview.

Once you're done, you can download your new resume (in PDF, DocX, RTF or TXT format), create a custom URL or print it out. You also have the option to upload it to Indeed, a job search site that partners with Resume.com . The account you make will work with both Indeed and Resume.com . On the privacy side, the site does collect user information. If you want to delete your account, simply click your profile icon and then Account . Clicking Close My Account deletes your account and your data. If you didn't make an account, you can still choose Delete Guest Data . You can also request your data, and the company will send you an email with what it has collected.

On the review site Trustpilot , Resume.com only has 38 reviews, but of those, 53% of them awarded the site four or five stars. Some negative reviews speak of difficulty unsubscribing from paid services, so read carefully as you use the free aspects of this service.

• Guided help writing work experience descriptions
• Cover letter and CV help
• Easy to change layout and color styles
• Must pay to download resume

Best option for your first resume

Resume genius.

The website Resume Genius says you can "make a professional resume in 12 minutes." We tested it out and indeed had a solid first draft of an easy resume completed in about 10 minutes. Resume Genius takes you step-by-step through the process, prompting you with questions about your education and work experience to help you fill out the applicable sections. Resume Genius is particularly helpful because you can search for a job and see prewritten text for the description that you can add or edit. When finished, you can easily toggle between different templates to see what looks best for the final product. You also have the option to directly share your resume with Indeed or Resume Library.

The site can also help you build cover letters and curriculum vitae. After you input all your information, you can choose different layout styles and colors. It's easy to move through, but you have to do it in order and fill in all the information before continuing. Resume Genius also offers examples of resumes, CVs and cover letters for specific jobs, as well as recommended jobs near you. You can download the resume you create for $3 (which starts a 14-day trial for Resume Genius Pro), or $8 (which kicks off a monthly subscription plan).

On Trustpilot at the time of this publication, the site has 4.6 out of 5 stars based on more than 38,000 reviews. Note that if you register on the site, Resume Genius does collect personally identifiable information and may share it with third parties for advertising and other purposes, according to its privacy policy. The account deletion process is buried in the Terms of Service . According to Resume Genius, complete data erasure can take up to 30 days, but they may retain "certain information in accordance with privacy laws."

• Easy to customize
• Free downloads
• Optional paid extra assistance with Indeed professionals
• Unclear how to delete personal information

Easiest resume builder to use

Indeed resume builder.

It's free to create a resume or post your current resume on Indeed. If you're building a new one, you can choose between eight templates. The resume sections are highlighted and when you click, each section expands specific text fields. You can swap templates at any time without losing your work, as well. There are also options for toggling sections on and off, in addition to rearranging them. When you're finished, you can download a free PDF of your work history.

Indeed Resume Builder also offers optional professional advice for your new resume. After you download the resume you created, you'll get a prompt and can click Get Resume Help From a Real Person. For $35, you can upload your resume and get feedback from a professional to get you started, and for $55 you can chat with a professional in real-time via a 20-minute video call. If you're really stuck, you can opt for the full resume rewrite for $155.

Indeed's privacy policy says that it does collect and share user data with third-party providers to connect job seekers with employers and improve services. According to Indeed's privacy policy, you can request an account or personal data deletion and request that your data not be shared while your account is active. CNET reached out to Indeed for more information and we'll update when we hear back.

• Guides resume creation
• Free resume downloads
• Paid tier offers interview advice and cover letter builder
• Have to pay for additional downloads

Most affordable paid resume builder

Cv engineer.

CV Engineer is an easy-to-use smartphone app that creates a professional-looking resume. With 16 templates to choose from, you can tap to enter information into all of the usual sections and add custom ones. When you tap on each section, you can tap through the bottom toolbar to get advice on what type of information to add, as well as view resume examples to show you how the section could look.

CV Engineer lets you send or download your first completed resume for free, but upgrading to CV Engineer Pro for a one-time payment of $6 gives you access to unlimited downloads. A Scan My CV feature is also included, which can detect common mistakes and suggest improvements, such as places where you can add more information. The Pro version also offers interview advice and a cover letter builder.

You can download CV Engineer from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store . CV Engineer does collect personal information and can share it with Google Play Services and Firebase Analytics, according to its privacy policy. The app is free to download and ad-free.

• Strong privacy policy
• Example resumes available
• Only one layout available
• Little guidance during creation

Best free iOS resume builder

Resume star 2: pro cv designer.

Resume Star 2 isn't the most visually stunning resume design app for iOS, but it gets the job done. To use, tap each section of the resume, fill in your information and it will fill in a traditional template (you only get one layout). The app offers some example resumes you can start with and edit as needed, including job-specific ones for a: cashier, dental hygienist, receptionist, waitress, mechanic and senior manager.

You can add or delete any sections you like without needing to hit save every time you add information, and you can see your resume update as you go. The autosave feature makes it easy to toggle quickly between the different sections as well. At the end, you'll have a basic resume ready to go. The app's interface doesn't offer as much guidance about how to write your resume or what types of information to include. If you need extra help, tap the information icon in the bottom left and choose the Resume Writing Guide. This will open up a crash course on resume writing in your mobile browser. It also includes a job search feature.

The app collects payment via donations after you use the service. You don't have to pay if you don’t want to. The app connects to iCloud, and you can export your resume as a PDF to any location on your device(s). If you are happy with the service, you pay $25 for it. Resume Star 2 has a 4.8 out of 5 rating, and more than 1,800 ratings in the App Store . The first version, Resume Star: Pro CV Maker, which is the same except for the iCloud connection, had a 4.9-star rating and more than 16,000 reviews. The site does not collect personally identifiable information without user consent, which seems to make it one of the more secure options available.

• 42 templates to choose from
• Easily customizable
• Little to no guidance during creation

Best free Android resume writing service

Intelligent cv resume builder app.

Intelligent CV's Resume Builder App offers 42 resume templates and allows you to change font colors. Each resume section appears on a list, and you can move through sections in whichever order you choose, save and go on to another. You also have the option to add, delete or rearrange sections such as education, experience and skills. There’s a Help icon in each section for a little bit of extra guidance. Once you're finished, you can download your document for free as a PDF, which you can then save on your device or send via email or text.

On the downside, the app is ad-supported and ads for other resume creators do pop up, which can get confusing. The app also offers less guidance than some of the other services, which means it's not a great option if you're new to resumes. Resume Builder App has one of the strongest privacy policies of the bunch. The app does not collect personally identifiable information , though third-party services (including Google Play services and analytics firms) may collect information. The app has 4.6 out of 5 stars and more than 424,000 Google Play Store ratings and is free to download.

• Easy-to-use interface
• Inclusive premium package

Best range of professional tools

VisualCV has an easy-to-use interface that lets you build your resume in the way that works best for you. After signing up, you can upload an existing resume, begin with a prewritten sample or start entirely from scratch. You can use the basic editor to input information in a list form, the visual editor to edit directly on the resume and preview mode to see changes made on either version in real time. Revision history is also available. The free basic edition allows you to select from over a dozen professional templates to create, edit and download one resume as a PDF. You can also create one free cover letter and apply to jobs through its job search feature.

To download or share additional resumes, you’ll need to buy VisualCV Pro for $15 a month quarterly or $24 a month monthly. Upgrading unlocks more templates, unlimited creations, downloading, career tracking and the ability to build a personal resume website. The website URL goes through VisualCV but can be shared online. In terms of privacy, VisualCV's policy says that it does not sell, trade, rent or license personal information to third parties. As of publication, VisualCV has 4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot but only 131 reviews.

Best professional resume writing services of 2024

Depending on where you're at in the job application process, you might need more guidance than a template. These professional writing services will pair you with experienced writers and coaches to help you craft and perfect resumes, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters and more. As these services include more personalized coaching and features, they tend to be more expensive. We've collected a range of options depending on your budget and needs. Best professional resume writing services of 2024.

• Resume writing and career coaching
• Builds your resume from the ground up
• Quick turnaround
• More expensive options

A premium option for a tailored resume

Resume spice.

Suppose you're totally lost and are willing to invest several hundred dollars into your job search. In that case, Resume Spice is a resume writing and career coach service created by recruiters that connects you with a "resume expert" to build your CV from scratch.

Once you choose, you'll fill out a short questionnaire and schedule a phone consultation with a resume expert to discuss your experience, job search and career goals. The expert will take that information and turn around a personalized resume draft within two business days. You can review the draft and request any changes, and you'll get the final version in PDF and Word formats. 

An entry-level resume costs $479, a professional resume costs $589 and an executive resume costs $699. In addition to these packages, you can also add a cover letter, LinkedIn profile, interview coaching or other services to help you be more competitive in the job market.

• 60 day interview guarantee
• Industry-specific advice
• Variety of packages
• Limited non-resume add-ons

A 60-day interview guarantee

Resumewriters.com.

ResumeWriters.com offers a guarantee: If you don't get a job interview with a potential employer within two months of getting your new resume, they'll rewrite it for free. The service claims that in the 20 years and tens of thousands of resumes completed under this guarantee, it averages fewer than five requests for rewrites per year. To use the resume writing service, submit your current resume or career information on the site, and an experienced resume writer will contact you to assess your materials and plan out what you need. You'll get a first draft back within 72 hours and can work with the writer on revisions until you're satisfied with the result.

ResumeWriters offers student, professional, executive and career-change resume services, as well as CV services for those conducting their job search in fields specific to the military, IT and research. The resume services cost $170 for students and $200 for the professional level, with a cover letter, one-on-one consultation and LinkedIn profile. The career change level ($250) is a comprehensive package that includes everything plus a post-interview follow-up letter, and the highest tier is the executive package that guarantees applicants its most experienced writers for $300.

• ATS screening
• Unlimited revisions
• Longer turnaround time (3-7 business days)

A fast pass through HR screening software

ZipJob’s professional resume writers optimize your resume to get through the applicant tracking system (ATS) software used by the majority of employers to automatically scan and sort resumes. An expert writes your resume and scans it through the ATS to ensure it will make it through to the hiring manager's desk. To use the service, upload your resume or fill out a form to start from scratch. You'll be matched with a professional resume writer who will work with you to improve it and will then scan the final product to make sure it passes through the screening algorithms. Depending on which package you choose, your resume will be ready in three to seven days.

You can choose from three packages: Launch (resume writing and unlimited revisions for $139), Fast Track (adds a cover letter and a 60-day interview guarantee for $189) or Premium (adds a top resume writer, LinkedIn profile optimization, future resume updates and expedited delivery for $299).

• Career coaching
• Industry-specific feedback
• Ability to customize packages
• Longer turnaround time (3-5 business days)

An executive resume solution

Find my profession.

Find My Profession offers professional resume writing services as well as career coaching. Every resume gets reviewed by two different consultants. You'll find packages that include entry-level, professional, C-level and executive resume writer services, as well as federal. In each, you can choose a base, premium or VIP package depending on your needs.

For example, the professional resume package starts at $595 for a resume compatible with automated systems but you can also get an entry-level resume for $395. You can also add help with a cover letter for an additional $119 or a LinkedIn profile for $399. You'll get the first draft of your resume within three to five business days after you consult with a writer. Or, upgrade to a priority service for another $149 to get it within 48 hours.

How we tested resume sites and services

When we evaluated the different resume templates and builders, we looked at how each site or app allowed you to create new resumes, browse templates or upload and edit existing resumes. We also looked at how easy or hard it would be to customize different templates and sections, how much guidance was available, how user-friendly it was to navigate, plus reading and understanding each company's privacy policies.

Some of our picks are free, some enlist the help of professional writers and some require a subscription or one-time payment. When it comes to premium or paid services, we evaluated how inclusive its packages were compared to basic or free versions. In many cases for the professional writing services, these paid tiers included more guidance and additional job search support like a cover letter and LinkedIn editing, suggested jobs to apply to and interview coaching.

Factors to consider when choosing a resume writing service

This was a key factor when compiling this list. Whether you're looking for a free service to boost your current resume or interested in professional editing services, there’s something for everyone’s price range.

Ease of use

When looking at each website, we looked at how easy it was to navigate, browse templates and add, edit or remove different sections. We also considered whether you can download and share your resume for free and in what format.

Customization options

Customization options were essential, as everyone's resume is going to look different. Having easy user control over your resume helps you create a resume that meets your industry's standards and showcases your professional experiences.

Privacy policies

Privacy policies were the final important factor to consider, as many of these are websites and apps that can collect and store your personal information. All of the services and websites included on this list have decent privacy settings, and we noted which ones have exceptionally clear use cases and account deletion policies.

Resume writing FAQs

What is a resume builder.

A resume builder is a company that has a website or app that helps you create and customize your resume. You can use preexisting templates or create your own from scratch.

What is a resume writing service?

A resume writing service is a company that pairs you with a coach or writer to work with you to create, perfect and tailor your resume, cover letters and other job application materials. These tend to be more inclusive packages and therefore more expensive than simple resume template websites.

What is the best resume format to use?

The best format for your resume is going to depend on the job you are applying to, along with your work experience. Resume templates can help you format and include all the necessary information like your education, work experience, skills and contact information.

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