How to Write a Resume (Examples & Guide)

How to Make a Resume for a Job From Scratch

STEP 1

Gather your professional information

Preparation is key to writing a resume that stands out. 

Start with this resume prep checklist: 

Writing a customized resume is a great way to impress employers and secure interviews.

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.  

 

– CJ Johnson, veteran people manager for Silicon Valley startups and unicorns

A compelling, tailored document that effectively highlights your qualifications increases your chances of securing your desired job.

STEP 2

Pick the best resume format for your needs

Now that you’ve prepared your information, it’s time to choose a resume format that effectively showcases your skills and qualifications.

See which of the three main resume formats aligns with your experience level and career goals: 

Chronological resume

The chronological resume format is the most commonly used. It’s ideal for candidates with a consistent work history and no employment gaps because it places their work experience front and center.

 

Functional resume

The functional resume format showcases your skills and training. It’s designed to highlight the abilities that make you a valuable addition to any team, even if you’re writing a resume without experience or changing careers. This format is especially beneficial for those with employment gaps or limited professional experience.

 

Combination resume

The combination resume format combines the best of the functional and chronological formats. This format allows you to showcase your skills while also highlighting your relevant work experience. It’s an excellent choice for job seekers changing careers and those seeking to move up in their careers.

STEP 3

Add your contact information

One of the most important steps in writing a resume is clearly displaying your contact information so that hiring managers can reach out to schedule an interview.

Here’s what to include in your contact information: 

Here is a sample of how to write a resume header:

STEP 4

Write a compelling resume summary

A resume summary is a concise and impactful overview of a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and career goals.

According to Simon Murray, co-founder and director of the 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.” 

Murray emphasizes that a resume summary should “hook the reader and entice them to explore your resume further,” avoiding generic clichés while highlighting what sets you apart from other applicants.

Here is an example of an attention-grabbing resume summary:

If you are a first-time job seeker, changing careers, or returning to work after a long absence, write a resume objective instead. 

If you choose to include a resume objective, ensure that you focus on the company’s needs rather than your own. Here’s an example:

STEP 5

Write your work history section

Employers want to know what they can gain by hiring you. They want to see how you have used your skills and knowledge to make an impact in the workplace on your work history section. 

For each job, display three to five work accomplishments in bullet points and quantify them when possible. Including quantifiable achievements in your resume gives employers a tangible idea of how you’ve positively contributed to the organization or company in past roles.

A 2018 survey conducted on behalf of CareerBuilder found that 34% of hiring managers identified a lack of quantifiable results in a resume as an instant deal breaker.

For example, a teacher might write: “35% of the senior class improved end-of-semester test scores by 25% within three months.” 

Format this resume section by listing jobs in reverse-chronological order, with the most recent position at the top.

Include your title, the company name and location, employment dates, and bullet points with your top achievements and responsibilities. For example:

STEP 6

Create a skills section to highlight your strengths

When writing a resume, always include a bulleted list of soft and hard skills to show recruiters you are well-rounded.

Aim for an average of six to eight of your most relevant skills to include in your skills section.

For even better readability, you can organize your skills into categories such as technical skills, communication skills, etc.

Try our AI Resume Skills Generator tool below to get started! Search for your current or target job title and generate a tailored list of industry-specific skills.

AI Resume Skills Generator

STEP 1

Enter job titleEnter the job title you are applying for

Create resume skills section

Your list of resume skills is below

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STEP 7

Include your educational background

An important step in learning how to write a good resume for a job is learning how to list your education credentials.

Every resume education section should include the following information:

For example:

You may also include:

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STEP 8

Add relevant certifications, licenses, and training

Some jobs, like nursing, accounting, and teaching, require candidates to have certifications and licenses. Some job seekers go the extra mile and get additional training or certificates to establish their expertise in their chosen fields.

When making a resume, create a separate resume section directly below your education section for certifications, licenses, or professional training you have completed.

Here’s how to make a good certifications section:

Listing certifications and licenses on your resume

Example of current certification:

Example of “in progress” certification:

Example of a nursing license:

STEP 9

Include optional resume sections

Effective resume writing is taking advantage of every opportunity to convince hiring managers you’re the perfect candidate for the role. 

Adding optional sections, such as volunteer work, awards, honors, and publications, can be an excellent tool for further showcasing your qualifications. 

Follow these guidelines when deciding whether to create additional resume sections: 

Listing volunteer experience on your resume

Volunteer experience is generally included in a separate section toward the bottom of your resume, ensuring that the focus of your resume is on relevant work experience. 

Format this section the same way you formatted your work history section, with a clear heading (“Volunteer Experience”) and your volunteer position titles with a few bullet points describing your responsibilities. 

However, if you have minimal or no professional experience, you might consider adding relevant volunteer experience to your work history section. For clarity, make sure to include “volunteer” in the job title (e.g., “Volunteer Program Manager”).

See this example:

Listing awards on your resume

Include your awards in bullet points, beginning with the most recent:

Listing honors on your resume

Follow the same guidelines for an honors section:

Listing publications on your resume

For published work, include the title, publication name and volume, and the date of publication:

STEP 10

Proofread and save your resume

Typos and grammatical errors are the most common resume-writing mistakes — and they are deal-breakers for about 80% of hiring managers.

When making a resume, read it carefully to ensure everything is perfect and all your dates and company names are correct.

And that sums up how to write a professional resume! The sample below exemplifies what a strong professional resume looks like.