Statistics suggest that only 3% of resumes result in getting an interview. 1 out of 5 recruiters will reject a candidate in under 60 seconds without finishing reading their resume. [5]
So, creating a compelling resume is essential in today’s competitive job market. Whether you are a recent graduate, a career changer, or an experienced professional, having a well-structured and impactful resume can open doors to exciting opportunities.
This guide will walk you through the latest tips, tools, and templates to help you craft a standout resume.
How To Make a Resume? Step-by-step Guide
Creating a good resume might feel overwhelming to beginners but breaking it down into manageable steps can make the process straightforward.
But what is a good resume?
According to CJ Johnson, veteran people manager for Silicon Valley startups and unicorns, “Make me (the hiring manager ) believe you are interested in our job, not just any job. Specifically, try to use the language of the job posting in your resume. This will also make sure your application makes it past any automated screening software designed to toss out irrelevant applicants.” [1]
This is a step-by-step guide for your assistance :
- Choose the Right Resume Format
- Chronological. Are you the consistent one? Then this is for you. This is best for those with a consistent work history.
- Functional. Gaps in employment? Don’t worry, use a functional resume. Focuses on skills rather than work experience, ideal for those with gaps in employment or changing careers.
- Combination. Mixes chronological and functional formats, suitable for showcasing both skills and experience.
- Start with a Strong Header
Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile (optional).
Example: Jane Smith
janesmith@example.com | (555) 123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/janesmith
- Craft a Compelling Summary or Objective
Which one should you choose? A Summary or an Objective. Let’s find out!
Summary: It is a brief statement highlighting your experience and key skills. It is ideal for those with work experience.
According to Simon Murray, co-founder and director of fleet safety and performance company Cameramatics, the best way to create a great resume is to “Craft a captivating professional summary that succinctly highlights your most valuable skills and accomplishments.” [2]
Objective: It focuses on your career goals and what you aim to achieve in the role. It is suitable for entry-level applicants.
- Highlight Your Work Experience
- List your most recent job first, followed by previous positions.
- Include the company name, job title, location, and dates of employment.
- Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements. Start each point with an action verb and quantify achievements where possible.
Example: Marketing Specialist, ABC Corp, New York, NY
June 2020 – Present
– Increased social media engagement by 35% through targeted content strategies.
– Led a team of five in executing a successful product launch, resulting in a 20% increase in sales.
- Emphasize Your Skills
List relevant skills that align with the job you are applying for. Include both hard and soft skills.
Example:
– Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite
– Strong project management skills
– Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
- Include Education
- List your highest degree first, followed by any other relevant educational qualifications.
- Include the name of the institution, degree obtained, and graduation date.
Example:
Bachelor of Science in Marketing, University of New York, May 2019
- Add Certifications and Awards
Include any relevant certifications, licenses, or awards that enhance your qualifications for the job.
- Include Optional Sections
- Volunteer Experience: Showcase any relevant volunteer work, especially if it adds to your professional skills.
- Languages: List any languages you speak fluently.
- Interests: Include only if they are relevant to the job or company culture.
Powerful AI Resume Tools
Leveraging technology can streamline your resume-writing process. There are many AI resume tools that can help you optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS) and ensure it stands out to recruiters.
Are you aware that 75% of recruiters and hiring managers use applicant tracking systems during the recruitment process to facilitate the hiring process? [3] If you want to get more understanding about ATS, read our latest ATS statistics here.
Why AI tools?
Because they can,
- Analyze job descriptions and suggest keywords to include in your resume.
- Provide tailored resume templates that highlight your strengths.
- Offer grammar and style suggestions to improve readability and professionalism.
Write a Cover Letter that Complements your Resume
83% of recruiters agree that attaching a cover letter with a job application is crucial. [4] So, it is an essential part of your job application. It complements your resume by providing additional context and showcasing your personality.
Below we have described how to craft a compelling cover letter:
- Start with a strong opening, introduce yourself, and explain why you are interested in the position.
- Highlight your key qualifications. Discuss your most relevant experiences and skills here.
- Show enthusiasm by explaining why you are excited about the opportunity and how you can contribute to the company.
- End your resume with a call to action. Express your eagerness to discuss your application further in an interview.
What should you put on a resume with no experience?
If you are just starting your career or switching fields, you might worry about not having enough experience. Here’s how to build a strong resume:
- Focus on your transferable skills. Highlight skills gained through education, volunteer work, internships, or extracurricular activities.
- Include relevant coursework. List courses that are relevant to the job you are applying for can help you get the job even without course experience.
- Showcase your achievements. Include any awards or recognitions you have received. There is a very high chance that your recruiters will be impressed.
- Emphasize your soft skills. Skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are very valuable to employers.
An Effective Resume Example
General Resume Templates
Here we have curated some templates for your use. Just customize them based on your requirements and you are done!
Classic Chronological Resume Template
This format is ideal for those with a consistent work history and is the most commonly used resume format.
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Your Email] [Your Phone Number] [LinkedIn Profile (optional)] Objective: [Brief statement summarizing your career goals and what you aim to achieve in the position.] Professional Experience: [Job Title], [Company Name], [City, State] [Month, Year] - [Month, Year] - [Responsibility/Achievement] - [Responsibility/Achievement] - [Responsibility/Achievement] [Job Title], [Company Name], [City, State] [Month, Year] - [Month, Year] - [Responsibility/Achievement] - [Responsibility/Achievement] - [Responsibility/Achievement] Education: [Degree], [Field of Study] [University Name], [City, State] [Month, Year] Skills: - [Skill 1] - [Skill 2] - [Skill 3] Certifications (if applicable): - [Certification Name] Awards and Honors (if applicable): - [Award/Honor Name] References: Available upon request
Functional (Skills-Based) Resume Template
This format focuses on skills and abilities rather than a chronological work history, making it ideal for career changers or those with gaps in employment.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[LinkedIn Profile (optional)]
Objective:
[Brief statement summarizing your career goals and what you aim to achieve in the position.]
Skills:
- [Skill 1]: [Description of how you have applied this skill]
- [Skill 2]: [Description of how you have applied this skill]
- [Skill 3]: [Description of how you have applied this skill]
Professional Experience:
[Company Name], [City, State]
[Job Title], [Month, Year] - [Month, Year]
- [Brief description of job responsibilities and achievements]
[Company Name], [City, State]
[Job Title], [Month, Year] - [Month, Year]
- [Brief description of job responsibilities and achievements]
Education:
[Degree], [Field of Study]
[University Name], [City, State]
[Month, Year]
Certifications (if applicable):
- [Certification Name]
Volunteer Experience (if applicable):
[Organization Name], [City, State]
[Role], [Month, Year] - [Month, Year]
- [Brief description of responsibilities and achievements]
References: Available upon request
Combination Resume Template
This format combines elements of both the chronological and functional formats, highlighting relevant skills and experiences while also providing a chronological work history.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[LinkedIn Profile (optional)]
Summary:
[Brief summary highlighting your professional background, key skills, and career achievements.]
Key Skills:
- [Skill 1]
- [Skill 2]
- [Skill 3]
Professional Experience:
[Job Title], [Company Name], [City, State]
[Month, Year] - [Month, Year]
- [Responsibility/Achievement]
- [Responsibility/Achievement]
- [Responsibility/Achievement]
[Job Title], [Company Name], [City, State]
[Month, Year] - [Month, Year]
- [Responsibility/Achievement]
- [Responsibility/Achievement]
- [Responsibility/Achievement]
Education:
[Degree], [Field of Study]
[University Name], [City, State]
[Month, Year]
Certifications (if applicable):
- [Certification Name]
Professional Affiliations (if applicable):
- [Organization Name]
References: Available upon request
Creative Resume Template
This format is ideal for creative industries such as graphic design, marketing, or media. It allows for a more visually appealing layout and can include elements like color, unique fonts, and graphics.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Website/Portfolio Link]
Objective:
[Creative statement reflecting your personal brand and career goals.]
Professional Experience:
[Job Title], [Company Name], [City, State]
[Month, Year] - [Month, Year]
- [Responsibility/Achievement]
- [Responsibility/Achievement]
- [Responsibility/Achievement]
[Job Title], [Company Name], [City, State]
[Month, Year] - [Month, Year]
- [Responsibility/Achievement]
- [Responsibility/Achievement]
- [Responsibility/Achievement]
Skills:
- [Skill 1]
- [Skill 2]
- [Skill 3]
Education:
[Degree], [Field of Study]
[University Name], [City, State]
[Month, Year]
Awards and Recognitions:
- [Award/Honor Name]
Creative Projects:
- [Project Name]: [Brief description of the project and your role]
References: Available upon request
FAQs
What is the right length of resume?
An average resume should be one page long only. For the candidates having 10+ years of experience, a resume can be 2 page lengthy too. Read 60+ Resume Statistics & Trends Job Seekers Must Know [2024] curated by us to ace your resume in one go!
Should I include a photo on my resume?
Generally, it’s best to avoid including a photo unless it’s common in your industry (e.g., modeling, acting).
How far back should my work experience go?
Typically, include the last 10-15 years of work experience, focusing on the most relevant positions.
Can I use color in my resume?
Yes, but keep it minimal and professional. A touch of color can make your resume stand out, but it should not distract from the content.
How should I handle employment gaps?
Be honest and consider including a brief explanation in your cover letter. Focus on how you have stayed productive during gaps, such as through volunteer work or skill development.
What file format should I use for my resume?
PDF is the safest format to ensure your resume’s formatting stays consistent. However, some ATS may prefer Word documents (.doc or .docx).
Conclusion
Writing a resume involves more than just listing your previous jobs and education. It’s about presenting yourself as the best candidate for the job, using the latest tools and techniques.
Whether you are just starting out or are an experienced professional, our guidelines will help you create a resume that stands out.
Remember to tailor each resume to the specific job you are applying for, and don’t forget to pair it with a compelling cover letter.
Source
- LinkedIn. CJ Johnson, Cisco Systems
- LinkedIn. Simon Murray
- Jobera.com. 30+ ATS statistics
- Jobera.com. 40+ Cover Letter Statistics
- Jobera.com. 60+ Resume Statistics
Manisha is a digital writer providing guidance in career development and growth. She facilitates skill development and implementation of the right strategies for advancement. At Jobera, She documents content around the latest market trend analysis, insights, and career planning.