How to Write a Resume

Laptop screen showing resume document

A well-crafted resume highlights your skills and experience, helping you stand out to potential employers. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to write an effective resume.

How to Write a Resume: Step-by-Step

Choose the Right Resume Format

  • Select from chronological, functional, or combination formats based on your experience.

  • Chronological lists work history by date, functional focuses on skills, and combination blends both.

Include Contact Information

  • Add your full name, phone number, professional email, and LinkedIn profile (optional).

  • Place this at the top of the resume for easy access.

Write a Strong Summary or Objective

  • Summarize your career goals and key qualifications in 2-3 sentences.

  • Tailor this section to the specific job you’re applying for.

List Your Work Experience

  • Include job title, company name, location, and dates of employment.

  • Use bullet points to describe responsibilities and achievements.

  • Focus on quantifiable results and relevant skills.

Add Education and Certifications

  • List degrees, schools, and graduation dates.

  • Include relevant certifications or training.

Highlight Skills

  • Include hard skills (software, languages) and soft skills (communication, teamwork).

  • Match skills to the job description when possible.

Proofread and Format

  • Check for spelling, grammar, and formatting consistency.

  • Use clear fonts, headings, and bullet points for readability.

Tips for Writing a Resume

Helpful Tips

  • Tailor your resume for each job application.

  • Keep it concise—ideally one page, two if you have extensive experience.

  • Use action verbs to describe your achievements.

  • Avoid including irrelevant personal information.

  • Save and send your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.

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