What should a resume look like?

Your resume should be well-formatted with clear sections, easy-to-read fonts, and a professional design. We recommend exploring our page on what a standout resume looks like for examples and guidance.

How do you write a resume on Google Docs?

Here’s how to write a resume for a job application in Google Docs: Go to the Google Docs website and log in with your Google account. Click on the “Template Gallery” button in the top right corner of the page. Select the “Resumes” category and browse through the available templates. Once you choose a template, click “Use Template” to open it in a new document. Edit the text to include your information, such as your name, contact information, work experience, education, skills, and achievements. Once you finish editing your resume, save it by clicking “File” and then “Save.” For a more user-friendly experience, we recommend using one of our Google Docs resume templates. You can also write a resume from scratch in MyPerfectResume’s Resume Builder and import it into Google Docs.

How do you make a resume in Microsoft Word?

Here’s how to write a resume in Microsoft Word: Open Microsoft Word on your computer and select “New Document” to create a new document. In the search bar, type “resume” and browse through the available templates. Select the template that best suits your needs. Once you choose a template, begin editing the text to include your information, such as your name, contact information, work experience, education, skills, and achievements. Once you finish editing your resume, save it by clicking on “File” and then “Save.” We have a variety of Microsoft Word resume templates that you can use. For expert content suggestions and resume writing advice, we recommend writing your resume in our Resume Builder.

How many jobs should you list on your resume?

It is recommended to list the most relevant and recent jobs that showcase your skills and experience. A good rule of thumb is to include the last 10-15 years of your work experience or the three to four most recent jobs, whichever is greater.

How has AI impacted resume screening?

AI-powered tools can quickly analyze resumes, allowing companies to process more applications in less time. Machine learning algorithms can learn from past hiring decisions and identify patterns in successful candidates, which can help recruiters identify the best-fit candidates. There are several steps you can take to ensure your resume stands out in the era of AI, machine learning, and automated resume screening, such as customizing your resume for the job by incorporating relevant keywords and proofreading carefully. You can also use our AI Resume Writer to improve your chances of your resume standing out in the era of AI by creating a well-structured, targeted resume.

Should I put my address on my resume?

In general, if you are comfortable sharing your address and it is relevant to the job you are applying for, you can include it on your resume. However, if you prefer to keep your address private or it is irrelevant to the job, leaving it off is perfectly acceptable. You can always provide your address during the interview process if necessary. Remember that you only need to include your city and state (and zip code if it is relevant), not your full mailing address.

How to Write a Resume: Guide & Examples

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By Elizabeth Muenzen, CPRW, Career Advice WriterLast Updated: April 07, 2026

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Around 75% of resumes are rejected by applicant tracking systems (ATS) before a human ever sees them. If your resume isn’t optimized, it may never reach the hiring manager—and even if it does, it needs to stand out fast to compete with other applicants.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a resume from start to finish—from choosing the right sections to optimizing for ATS and making a strong impression in seconds.

Check out this video walkthrough of MyPerfectResume’s Resume Builder to see how you can speed up the process and create a resume right from your phone, tablet, or computer:

Video: How to Make a Resume in 3 Minutes With MyPerfectResume

How to Write a Resume for a Job in 6 Steps

To write a resume for a job, add your contact information, a professional summary, relevant skills, work experience, education credentials, and optional sections tailored to the role.

Below, we’ll break down how to make a resume step by step. You can start with a professional resume template to easily fill out each section while you follow along.

Step 1: Add Your Contact Information

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

Here’s what to include in your resume header:

Your full name
A reliable phone number
Your professional email address
Your city, state, and zip code
A link to your professional profile, website, or portfolio

Explore our library of professional resume examples to see effective ways to display your contact information. Here’s an example to help you get started:

Resume contact information header layout

Step 2: Write a Professional Summary

Directly under your header, add a three- to five-sentence resume summary highlighting your most relevant skills, experience, and measurable achievements.

Start with your job title or area of expertise, followed by years of experience and key strengths. Include one or two accomplishments (e.g., “Increased revenue by 25%”) to demonstrate impact.

Focus on aligning your background with the job requirements so hiring managers can quickly see your value and why you’re a strong fit. Here’s an example of how to write a resume summary:

Image showing an example of a resume summary section

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

A resume objective focuses on your transferable skills and career goals that relate to the role and company. Here’s an example of how to create a resume objective:

Visual representing resume objective examples

You can use our AI Resume Summary Generator to instantly get a professional summary tailored to your skills and experience.

Step 3: List Job-Relevant Skills

List six to 10 job-relevant skills on your resume, combining hard skills, soft skills, and in-demand technical abilities like AI or automation. Prioritize keywords from the job description so your resume passes ATS filters and quickly shows hiring managers you have the right qualifications.

Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities or knowledge you’ve gained through education, training, or experience (e.g., data analysis, cybersecurity, programming, or AI tools like prompt engineering and automation platforms).

Soft skills are personal qualities and interpersonal abilities that affect how you work and interact with others (e.g., communication, leadership, adaptability, and teamwork).

Focus on the skills most relevant to the role to create an ATS-friendly resume that passes automated screening tools and clearly aligns with what hiring managers are looking for.

You can use your AI Resume Skills Generator to search for your current or target job title and generate a tailored list of industry-specific skills:

AI Resume Skills Generator

STEP 1

Your list of resume skills is below

Step 4: Create Your Work History Section

Create your work history section by listing relevant jobs in reverse-chronological order, focusing on accomplishments and impact rather than duties. For each position, include your job title, company name, location, and dates of employment.

Under each role, write three to five bullet points that highlight your measurable achievements. Start each bullet with a strong action verb and include metrics when possible (e.g., “Increased customer retention by 18%” or “Reduced processing time by 30%”).

Tailor your experience to the job description by emphasizing your most relevant contributions. Here’s an example of how to prepare a resume work history section:

Work history section of a professional resume example

Step 5: Add Your Education

Your resume’s education section should list your highest level of education first, including the degree earned, the school’s name, and its location (city and state). Here are a few tips:

You can include your graduation year if it was within the last five to 10 years. If you haven’t graduated yet, then write your expected graduation date.
Include the full name of your degree on your resume or the degree you expect to receive. For example, “Bachelor of Science in Nursing” or “Bachelor of Arts in English.”
Only include high school if you’re a high school student, you didn’t attend university, or if it’s requested in the job description.

Here’s an example of how to write a resume education section:

EDUCATION

Columbia University | New York, NY

Bachelor of Science in Social Work

Step 6: Include Optional Sections

Including optional sections—like certifications, volunteer work, languages, or awards—can help you stand out and showcase additional strengths. Explore optional sections and examples below.

Certifications & Licenses

Create a separate certifications section below your education section to list certifications, licenses, or professional training relevant to the role.

Here’s an example of a current certification on a resume:

Certification icon indicating current credential status

Here’s an example of an “in-progress” certification on a resume:

Software developer resume example with coding experience

Here’s an example of a nursing license on a resume:

License section example on nursing resume

Volunteer Experience

You can include volunteer experience on your resume if it’s relevant to the job, shows transferable skills, or helps fill employment gaps.

Format it like your work history section, highlighting your responsibilities and accomplishments. Here’s an example of how to make a resume stand out by listing relevant volunteer experience:

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer Builder, 2018–Present

Contribute to the construction and repair of eight homes, helping provide safe, affordable housing for low-income families.
Collaborate with a team of 10–20 volunteers and staff to complete projects on schedule and within budget, supporting efficient build timelines.

American Red Cross, Volunteer Blood Donor Ambassador, 2017–2018

Supported 15+ blood drives, assisting 30–50 donors per event with check-in, registration, and donation guidance.
Helped create a positive donor experience, contributing to high donor satisfaction and encouraging repeat donations.

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

Awards, Honors, & Publications

Include awards, honors, publications, or projects on your resume if they’re relevant to the job or demonstrate exceptional achievement.

These sections are especially valuable in academic, creative, or research-focused fields.

If the award, honor, publication, or project is tied to your degree, you can include it as a bullet point in your education section below the university or high school name.

Here’s an example of an awards section on a resume:

Here’s an example of an honors section on a resume:

Graphic showing honors or awards section on a resume

Here’s an example of a publications section on a resume:

Publications resume section showing how to list published work

Our Resume Builder simplifies the resume-writing process with industry-specific content suggestions that showcase your strongest skills and qualifications.

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How Do You Choose the Right Resume Format?

To choose the right resume format, match it to your experience level, career history, and the job you’re applying for. Explore the three primary resume formats to learn how to write a good resume that aligns with your goals and effectively highlights your skills and qualifications.

Functional resume graphic used for skills-based resume formatting

Chronological Resume

A chronological resume lists your work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent role.

This format is best for:

Most traditional industries
Candidates with steady work experience
Professionals with clear career growth

Functional Resume

A functional resume focuses on skills rather than work history, grouping your abilities into categories instead of listing roles in detail.

This format is best for:

Career changers
Candidates with employment gaps
Entry-level applicants with limited experience

Combination Resume

A combination resume blends elements of both chronological and functional resumes. It highlights key skills at the top, followed by a detailed work history section.

This format is best for:

Experienced professionals with diverse skills
Candidates switching industries but with relevant experience
Roles requiring both technical and transferable skills

How Do You Write a Resume That Passes ATS & AI Screening?

To pass modern hiring systems, your resume must be formatted for ATS and written with relevant keywords while still appealing to human reviewers.

Focus on clear structure, standard section titles, and measurable achievements so both AI tools and recruiters can quickly understand your qualifications.

How ATS & AI Resume Screening Works

Most employers now use ATS combined with AI screening tools to scan, rank, and filter resumes before a human reviews them. These systems evaluate resumes based on keyword relevance, formatting, experience match, and context, not just exact keyword matches.

AI tools in 2026 are more advanced—they can:

Evaluate experience depth and relevance.
Understand synonyms and context (e.g., “managed” vs “led”).
Flag vague or low-impact content.

What this means for you: Incorporating keywords isn’t enough. You need clear, specific, results-driven content that aligns with the job description.

Common ATS Pitfalls to Avoid

Even strong candidates can be filtered out by an ATS due to formatting and structural issues. To improve your chances, avoid these common mistakes:

Using headers and/or footers (ATS may not read them correctly)
Adding graphics, icons, or images
Using non-standard section titles (e.g., “Career Journey” instead of “Work Experience”)
Submitting the wrong file format (PDF vs DOCX—always follow job instructions)
Overly complex layouts, columns, or tables
Generic content that doesn’t match the job description

Stick to a clean, simple format with standard headings to ensure your resume is readable by both ATS and humans. Tailor your content to each job description to showcase your fit.

A customized resume makes a stronger, more targeted impression and increases your chances of passing ATS and AI-powered resume screening systems.

Tailoring your resume to fit the specific job you’re applying for is crucial and showcases your most relevant experiences and achievements while demonstrating you understand the employer’s needs.
—Jasmine Escalera, Career Professional

AI Resume Tools You Can Use

Before applying, test your resume with tools that simulate ATS and AI screening. These tools can help identify missing keywords, formatting issues, and weak content.

We recommend using our ATS Resume Checker to scan your resume for over 30 common errors and get instant suggestions to improve your resume score.

You can also use ChatGPT to improve your resume by refining bullet points, identifying missing keywords, and turning basic responsibilities into measurable, results-driven achievements.

Avoid copying AI-generated content directly. AI tools can help you write faster, but they often produce generic, repetitive content that recruiters can easily spot. To prevent this:

Customize AI-generated content with your real achievements.
Add measurable results and specific details.
Avoid vague phrases like “results-driven professional” without proof.

How to Make a Resume for Special Circumstances

To make a resume for special circumstances, adjust your format and content to address gaps, career changes, limited experience, or unique backgrounds while still emphasizing transferable skills, relevant achievements, and ATS-friendly keywords.

Limited Work Experience

If you have little or no formal work experience, focus on internships, volunteer work, academic projects, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate responsibility and skill development.

Explore the tips below on how to write a resume with no experience while still demonstrating your relevant skills and knowledge:

Use a functional resume format to focus on your relevant soft skills and technical skills, and place your work history further down the page.
Write a resume objective highlighting your academic training and aligning your career goals with the company’s needs.
Include certifications, relevant coursework, publications, or projects completed while listing your degree in the education section.
In your work history section, include any volunteer or internship experience that can speak to your workplace abilities and achievements.

Changing Careers

When changing careers, prioritize transferable skills that apply to your new field. Reframe past experience to match the language and priorities of your target industry.

Follow these tips to write a career change resume that effectively showcases your ability to switch to a new industry:

Choose a functional resume format to emphasize your transferable skills and how they can be applied to your new industry.
In your resume objective, discuss your career change and how your current experience and strengths prepared you for this new challenge.
Tailor your work history section to showcase achievements and workplace expertise that apply to your new industry.
Highlight any certifications or online training demonstrating your commitment to learning new industry-specific skills.

Employment Gaps

If you have gaps in employment, focus on what you did during that time that adds value, such as freelance work, volunteering, education, or certifications.

Here are a few tips for addressing an employment gap on your resume honestly and effectively:

Briefly explain your employment gap in your resume summary or objective and how you used that time to expand your industry knowledge or hone your skills.
Create an additional “Core Competencies” or “Key Qualifications” section and list skills gained during your employment gap through volunteer work or personal projects.
If your employment gap was substantial, treat it like a job. For example, if you took six years off to care for a relative, add it to your employment history section.
Include any online workshops, certifications, or academic training you completed during your employment gap to show a commitment to skill development.

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What Are Common Resume Mistakes?

Common resume mistakes include poor formatting, missing keywords, vague job descriptions, and failing to include measurable achievements. Here’s a closer look at what to avoid:

Typos and grammatical errors: Spelling or grammar mistakes can make your resume look rushed or unprofessional. Always proofread carefully and consider having someone else review it before submitting.
Poor formatting: Cluttered layouts, inconsistent fonts, and hard-to-read formatting can make it difficult for hiring managers to scan your resume. Stick to clean, simple formatting with professional resume fonts, clear section headings, and bullet points.
Using a generic resume: Sending the same resume to every employer can hurt your chances. Each role is different—tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that match the specific job description.
Including irrelevant information: Personal details, outdated experience, or unrelated jobs can distract from your qualifications. Keep your content focused on what’s most relevant to the position you’re applying for.
Making it too long: Recruiters spend seconds on an initial resume review. If your resume is too long or packed with unnecessary information, details may get overlooked. Aim for a one-page resume or a two-page resume, depending on your experience level.
Listing duties instead of accomplishments: Don’t just describe your job responsibilities—highlight what you achieved. Use action verbs and include metrics when possible to show the impact of your work.

Proofreading & Finalizing Your Resume

Before sending out your resume, it’s essential to take the time to proofread and polish it. This attention to detail shows professionalism and can give you a valuable edge in a competitive job market.

Start by reviewing your resume line by line, checking for grammar, punctuation, and consistency in formatting, such as font sizes, bullet point styles, and date alignment. Reading your resume out loud can help you catch awkward phrasing or repeated words.

MyPerfectResume’s Resume Builder has a helpful spell-checking tool that scans your document and flags any mistakes. It’s also helpful to step away for a few hours (or even a day) and come back with fresh eyes. Better yet, ask a trusted friend, colleague, or career coach to review it.

Beyond the Resume: Writing Your Cover Letter

A well-written cover letter reinforces your resume and helps you stand out to hiring managers. It allows you to introduce yourself, express your interest in the role, and explain why you’re a great fit. It’s also an effective place to explain employment gaps and career changes.

Align your cover letter with your resume by highlighting the same key skills and experiences, but in a more personal, narrative format. Tailor it to the job by addressing the employer’s needs directly and showing how you can add value to their team.

Once you select the perfect template, you can use our Cover Letter Generator to make a compelling letter in a matter of minutes. You’ll get expert content suggestions tailored to your industry, role, and experience level.

Key Takeaways

Your resume is your first impression on hiring managers—make it count by showcasing your qualifications clearly and professionally.
Include all essential sections like contact info, a strong summary, relevant work history, skills, and education. Include optional sections if they’re relevant to the position.
Choose the right resume format based on your experience level and career goals to present your background in the best light.
Tailor your resume for each job by using keywords from the job description and focusing on the most relevant accomplishments.
Proofread carefully before submitting—small errors can cost you the interview, so double-check every detail and polish your final version.
Pair your resume with a cover letter to introduce yourself, personalize your application, and show how you align with the role and company.

FAQ

How do I start writing a resume?

To start writing a resume, begin by gathering your contact information, work history, education, and key skills, so you have all your details in one place.

Next, choose a simple, ATS-friendly format, and structure your resume into clear sections like “Summary,” “Skills,” “Experience,” and “Education.” From there, focus on tailoring the content in each section to the job you’re applying for.

What is a good opening line for a resume?

A good opening line for a resume is a concise statement that introduces your professional identity, years of experience, and key strengths.

Your opening line will either be your resume headline or the first line of your professional summary, depending on your approach.

The goal is to immediately communicate your value and align your experience with the job you’re applying for. For example: “Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital strategy and analytics.”

What are the 5 golden rules of resume writing?

The five golden rules of resume writing are core principles that ensure your resume is clear, ATS-friendly, and compelling to hiring managers:

Keep your resume clear and concise.
Tailor your resume to each job you apply for.
Focus on achievements with measurable results.
Maintain a professional and consistent format.
Ensure your resume is free of spelling or grammar errors.

These rules help your resume stand out and quickly communicate your value to employers.

How do you write a simple resume?

To write a simple resume, organize your content into clear sections, such as contact information, a professional summary, work experience, education, and key skills.

Use concise bullet points that highlight achievements rather than long descriptions. Keep the format clean with consistent fonts and spacing, and limit it to one page when possible.

Tailor your content to the specific job you’re applying for, and remove irrelevant details. Always proofread carefully to ensure it’s free of errors.

What are the 7 basic steps to write a resume?

The seven basic steps to write a resume are:

Add your contact information at the top.
Write a brief professional summary.
List your key skills.
Include work experience with achievements.
Add your education details.
Tailor your resume to the specific job.
Proofread carefully to remove errors.

These steps ensure your resume is clear, relevant, and easy for employers to scan quickly while highlighting your strongest qualifications and experience effectively.

What are the 3 C’s of a resume?

The three C’s of a resume are clarity, conciseness, and consistency.

Clarity means presenting information in a simple, easy-to-understand way so employers can quickly see your qualifications.
Conciseness involves keeping content brief and relevant without unnecessary detail.
Consistency refers to using uniform formatting, tense, and style throughout the document to create a professional and polished appearance that’s easy to read.

What does a good resume look like?

A good resume looks clean, well-organized, and easy to scan in under 30 seconds.

It includes clear sections, such as contact information, a summary, skills, work experience with achievements, and education. It uses consistent formatting, simple fonts, and strong action verbs.

Most importantly, it’s tailored to the job, highlights measurable results, and is error-free, making it professional and highly readable for employers. Explore what a good resume looks like for more formatting and layout tips.

How far back should a resume go?

A resume should typically go back 10 to 15 years of relevant work experience, focusing on roles that support the job you’re applying for. Older experience can be shortened or removed unless it’s highly relevant or demonstrates important skills.

For early-career candidates, including all relevant experience is fine, but keeping your resume concise and focused ensures employers can quickly see your most valuable and recent qualifications.

Where can I make a resume for free?

You can use MyPerfectResume’s Resume Builder for free to make a resume with step-by-step prompts, expert insights, and professional content suggestions.

All you have to do is upload your resume or start a new one, answer a few questions, and within minutes, you’ll have a plain text resume that you can download for free.

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Elizabeth Muenzen, CPRW

Career Advice Writer

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Elizabeth is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.

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