How to Write a Resume: Examples & Guide for 2025

⚠️ STOP. BEFORE YOU WRITE A SINGLE WORD…

Let’s be real.
Your resume is either:

✅ A golden ticket to your next job
❌ Or a one-way trip to the rejection pile.

Which one do you want?

This guide’s the difference between getting ghosted and getting hired.

How to Write a Resume for a Job: Step-by-Step Guide

Create your resume now

1. Prepare Your Career and Education Information

Before you dive into how to make a resume, collect all the essential details about your work history, education, and achievements. This step makes resume writing smoother and ensures you won’t miss key information.

How to make a professional resume:

✅ Include:

• Work Experience: Job titles, company names, locations, dates, and key responsibilities.
• Achievements: Use numbers to show impact (e.g., "Increased sales by 20%").
• Skills: Focus on relevant hard and soft skills tailored to the job.
• Education: Degree, school name, graduation year, and honors.
• Certifications & Awards: Relevant titles, issuing organizations, and dates.
• Volunteer Work & Extracurriculars: Roles, organizations, and contributions.

❌ Avoid:

• Listing every job you’ve ever had—stick to relevant experience.
• Overloading with generic buzzwords like “team player.”
• Adding unrelated coursework or activities.

By preparing these details, you’ll make resume writing faster and more effective—ensuring you know how to make a good resume for a job that impresses employers.

💡Pro Tip: You might be tempted to write your resume in ChatGPT. While AI can be helpful, you still need to put a lot of work to make it right.

2. Format Your Resume Correctly

Once you have all the details, you should decide how to organize them on your resume. Let me show you how to do it.

✅ Choose the best resume format:

• Reverse-chronological (Best for most candidates): Lists work experience from most recent to oldest, showing career growth.
• Functional (Best for career changers or creative roles): Focuses on skills rather than job history.
• Combination (Best for career transitions & gaps): Blends skills and work experience equally.

❌ Avoid:

• Using a functional resume, if you have relevant work experience—they’ll think you’re hiding something.
• Overcomplicating your format—keep it clean and professional.

✅ Knowing how to make a professional resume equals following these key resume formatting rules:

• Margins & Spacing: 1-inch margins, single or 1.15 line spacing.
• Resume Font: Use Calibri, Verdana, or Arial (10–12 pt for text, 13–14 pt for headings).
• Resume Length: A one-pageresume is ideal, but a two-page resumewill work better for extensive experience
• Resume Header: Place your name, job title, and contact details at the top.
• Resume Sections (order for the chronological format): Profile → Work Experience → Education → Skills → Extra Sections.
• Bullet Points: Keep the bullet points in your resume concise—limit to six per entry.
• File Format: Unless stated otherwise, save your resume as a PDF to keep formatting intact.

File Name: Name your resume Job-Title-Resume-Your-Name.pdf for clarity.

Recruiters spend mere seconds on an initial resume scan, so keeping it concise is crucial. A well-structured template helps you format your resume efficiently, ensuring it stays within the ideal length—one page for less-experienced candidates and up to two pages for seasoned professionals.

Setting up your resume correctly ensures it looks professional, is easy to read, and passes applicant tracking systems (ATS).

💡Pro Tip: Consistency is key in resume writing—format dates the same way throughout to maintain a polished look.

3. Add Contact Information and Personal Details

Your contact information is the first thing employers see on your resume, so keeping it clear, professional, and relevant is key to writing a professional resume.

Here’s what to include and what to skip when making a resume:

✅ Include:

• Full Name: Start with your first and last name.
• Job Title: Use your current or most recent job title.
• Phone & Email: Provide a professional email address (avoid casual ones like “[nickname]@gmail.com”).
• LinkedIn Profile: A link to an optimized LinkedIn profile is a great addition to a well-written resume, especially since it’s the leading social platform for recruitment, with 71% of recruiters already using it or planning to do so.
• Personal Website: Add one if relevant (e.g., portfolio, blog).

❌ Skip:

• Home Address: Including a home address on a resume is unnecessary for most applications.
• Date of Birth: Avoid potential age bias.
• Photo: Not required in the US unless applying for acting or modeling jobs.

Take a look at how you can present your personal details and contact information when writing a resume:

💡Pro Tip: Before hiring managers look you up, sanitize your online presence. Remove inappropriate content and update your LinkedIn to ensure it matches your resume.

4. Benefit From a Resume Summary or Resume Objective

According to our HR statistics report, recruiters spend only 7 seconds scanning a resume—so the top section is prime real estate. A strong resume summary or objective grabs attention fast and gives you a competitive edge.

📣 Why This Matters:

• Only 38.11% of resumes created in 2024 included this section—meaning you can instantly stand out by adding one.

✅ Choose the Right One:

• Resume Summary (Best for candidates with 1+ years of experience): A 2–3 sentence overview highlighting your top skills and achievements to prove you’re the right fit.
• Resume Objective (Best for entry-level candidates): Focuses on your skills, ambitions, and what you can bring to the company instead of past jobs.

❌ Avoid:

• Generic, vague statements like "Hardworking professional seeking a job."
• Overloading it with buzzwords—keep it clear and specific.

Want to know how to write a good resume profile that grabs attention? Follow these simple formulas:

Resume Summary Formula

Objective Statement Formula

Now, I’ll show you how to write a professional resume summary with right and wrong examples for clarity: 

Resume Summary Example

This summary highlights quantifiable achievements, demonstrating the candidate’s ability to drive sales and lead a team. It’s tailored to the company and showcases specific contributions rather than generic skills. 

Unfortunately, this example is too vague and doesn’t offer any concrete achievements. Instead of stating general skills, a strong resume summary should emphasize measurable impact and unique value.

Now, let's look at another set of right and wrong examples for writing a resume objective:

Resume Objective Example

This objective works because it focuses on relevant skills and achievements despite limited experience. It also mentions a past accomplishment with data, making it more compelling.

I’m sure you can tell that this candidate clearly has no idea how to write a perfect resume objective. This version lacks specificity and impact. While enthusiasm is important, the candidate should provide real examples of skills or achievements to make their resume stand out.

💡Pro Tip: If you have enough experience, consider writing a summary of qualifications instead.

5. Design a Strong Work Experience Section

According to our 2025 Future of Work Report, your work experience section is the first thing 37%of recruiters check 🔎 If you want to know how to write a resume for a job that gets you noticed, you need to present your experience strategically and tailor it to the job.

✅ How to format work experience:

• Job Title: Bold and at the top for easy scanning.
• Company Name & Location: List employer and location (city, state, or country if applying internationally).
• Employment Dates: Use Month Year–Month Year format (March 2021–February 2025).
• Key Responsibilities: List 5–6 main duties aligned with the job ad, using action verbs. Use present tense for your current job and past tense for previous roles.
• Key Achievements: Prove your impact with metrics (e.g., Increased revenue by 30%).

❌ Avoid:

• Listing every task—focus on relevant responsibilities.
• Vague descriptions like "Handled customer service." Instead, write "Resolved 30+ customer inquiries daily with 95% satisfaction."

Now check out some of the action verbs you can use to make your resume more compelling:

‼️ Remember to tailor your work experience to the job ad to make your resume ATS-ready:

• Match keywords from the job posting to pass ATS scans.
• Identify keywords for your resume related to duties, skills, qualifications, and qualities the employer seeks.
• Naturally incorporate these into your responsibilities & achievements.

A generic resume won’t get you far in today’s job market. Tailoring your resume to each job application shows employers you’ve done your homework and highlights how your skills match their specific needs. This small effort can make a huge difference in landing interviews.

❗ One common mistake when writing a resume is including too much or too little work experience. The general rule is that your resume should go back at most 10–15 years, focusing on the most relevant roles. However, the amount of detail you include depends on your experience level.

✅ How much experience to include?

• No Experience? Add internships, volunteer work, or student projects to show transferable skills.
• Entry-Level Candidate? List all paid work, focusing on relevant responsibilities and achievements.
• Mid-Level Professional? Highlight key roles, summarizing older or less relevant positions.
• Senior-Level Applicants? Focus on the past 10–15 years, emphasizing leadership, strategy, and impact.

Creating a resume with our builder is incredibly simple. Follow our step-by-step guide and use content from Certified Professional Resume Writers to have a resume ready in minutes.

Create my resume now

When you’re done, our AI resume builder will score your resume, and our resume checker will show you exactly how to improve it.

6. Present Your Educational Background

Many job seekers underestimate the importance of the education section. Don’t make the same mistake when learning how to make a professional resume! It’s a key resume part that proves your qualifications. Even if you have extensive work experience, this section adds credibility to your background.

✅ How to list your education:

• Degree: Start with your highest degree (skip high school if you have a college degree).
• University Name & Location: Clearly mention where you studied.
• Dates Attended: Use Month Year–Month Year (no need for exact days).

📝 If you have limited work experience, you can expand this section by including:

• Completed credits (if your degree is unfinished).
• Relevant coursework, major, and minor to showcase expertise.
• Honors & Awards (Dean’s List, summa cum laude).
• Extracurricular activities that demonstrate job-related skills.
• Academic projects or memberships (e.g., Phi Beta Kappa).

❌ Avoid:

• Listing irrelevant courses that don’t match the job.
• Excessive detail—keep it concise and relevant.

Education Section Example

This example follows the correct structure and highlights academic achievements, leadership, and relevant skills. 

💡Pro Tip: Include your GPA only if it's 3.5 or higher and you’ve graduated recently. Never round it up—accuracy matters in resume writing. If your GPA isn’t strong, focus on honors, coursework, or extracurriculars instead.

7. Add Relevant Skills That Match the Job Requirements

Your skills section is one of the most crucial parts of your resume. When learning how to write a good resume, don’t forget about tailoring your skills to match the job ad. This not only makes your resume more relevant but also increases your chances of passing ATS scans and impressing recruiters.

📌 Types of skills to include:

• Hard Skills: Technical abilities like project management, coding, software proficiency etc.
• Soft Skills: Interpersonal strengths like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, etc.

Your resume isn’t a biography—it’s a marketing tool. Prioritize experience and skills that align with the job you’re applying for. This keeps your resume impactful and makes it easier for recruiters to see why you’re the right fit.

✅ How to pick the right skills:

• Make a Master List: Write down all your hard and soft skills.
• Analyze the Job Ad: Highlight skills mentioned in the job description.
• Research the Company: Check their website & LinkedIn for key competencies they value.
• Match & Prioritize: Select 10 skills that overlap with the job ad.
• List Them Clearly: Group hard and soft skills separately for easy scanning.

❌ Avoid:

• Generic soft skills without proof (e.g., "team player"—unless backed by achievements).
• Listing outdated or irrelevant skills (e.g., "Microsoft Word" unless it’s an advanced requirement).
• Overstuffing skills—focus on quality over quantity.

🚀 Upskilling = a must
With 39% of today’s skills becoming obsolete by 2030, according to the latest report by the World Economic Forum, staying updated is crucial. Fortunately, platforms like Coursera & Udemy make it easy to learn new skills and stay ahead.

8. Boost Your Resume with Bonus Sections

A standard, professional resume covers work experience, education, and skills—how to make a resume that grabs attention like a magnet? By adding extra sections that showcase your unique qualifications.

✅ Here are some additional sections to consider when making a resume:

🏆 Awards & Recognitions: Prove you're a top performer.

📜 Certifications & Licenses: Show verified expertise in your field.

🤝 Professional Memberships: Highlight industry involvement.

🌍 Language Skills: Essential for global workplaces.

📝 Publications & Speaking Engagements: Establish thought leadership.

🚀 Projects: Showcase key accomplishments & problem-solving skills.

🎤 Conferences & Workshops: Prove continuous learning & networking.

🎨 Hobbies & Interests: Add personality while demonstrating soft skills.

❤️ Volunteer Work: Studies show it boosts employability by proving dedication & teamwork.

❌ Avoid:

• Listing hobbies that aren’t relevant (e.g., “Watching Netflix”).
• Adding outdated or low-impact certifications.

💡Pro Tip: Should you include references on your resume? Most experts say no—hiring managers will request them later if needed. Instead, use that space for stronger content.

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

Create my cover letter now

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

9. Proofread and Send Your Resume

Your resume looks great—but is it perfect? Before hitting send, polish it like a pro to avoid mistakes that could cost you the job.

✅ Final Resume Checklist:

✔ Review Formatting: Ensure everything is clear, structured, and easy to read.
✔ Check for Completeness: Make sure all essential sections are included.
✔ Scan for Errors: Use Grammarly or a spell-checker to catch typos.
✔ Get a Second Opinion: Ask a friend or mentor to review for clarity.
✔ Personalize Your Email: Address the hiring manager by name—skip “To Whom It May Concern.”

❌ Avoid:

• Rushing to send before checking for errors.
• Forgetting to attach the resume (yes, it happens!).
• Using an unprofessional email address ([email protected] won’t impress recruiters).

Read more: 10+ Email Examples for Emailing a Resume

Job-Specific Resume Examples for Inspiration

Now that you know how to create a good resume, let’s see what the results can look like! Below are professional resume examples from Certified Professional Resume Writers. Use them as inspiration when writing your own resume.

1. IT Specialist Resume Example

Use this template

Read more: See the full guide for an IT Specialist Resume

2. Manager Resume Example

Use this template

Read more: See the full guide for a Manager Resume

3. Office Administrator Resume Example

Use this template

Read more: See the full guide for an Office Administrator Resume

4. Sales Associate Resume Example

Use this template

Read more: See the full guide for a Sales Associate Resume

If your job isn’t on the list, don’t worry! Here are more resume examples tailored to different experience levels and industries.

• Resume With No Experience
• Teen Resume
• Student Resume
• College Application Resume
• College Student Resume
• Internship Resume
• Resume for a Part-Time Job
• Entry-Level Resume
• Resume With Employment Gaps
• Federal Resume
• US Resume
• Canadian Resume

And if you’re an international reader, you can also switch over to: 

• How to Write a CV
• How to Write a Biodata

💡Pro Tip: Did you know that while a resume is called a resume in the US and Canada, most of the world refers to it as a curriculum vitae (CV)? What’s more, the terms are often used interchangeably in South Africa, India, New Zealand, and Australia. Learn more about the key differences between a resume and a CV.

Read more: The Best Expert Tips for Writing Your Resume

Boost Your Chances With a Cover Letter That Gets You Noticed

Think cover letters don’t matter? 83% of hiring managers say they do—yet many job seekers skip them. That’s your golden opportunity to stand out. A resume lists your qualifications, but a cover letter tells your story—showing enthusiasm and making a personal connection with the employer.

✅ How to write a strong cover letter:
✔ Tailor it: Just like your resume, match it to the job ad.
✔ Start strong: Grab attention with a compelling cover letter introduction.
✔ Make it personal: Mention the company’s name and how you can add value.
✔ Prove your fit: Highlight key achievements that align with the role.
✔ End with impact: Use a confident call to action—suggest a date for an interview.
✔ Keep it short: One page max—anything longer won’t get read.

❌ Avoid:

• Generic, copy-paste templates—make it job-specific.
• Repeating your resume—your cover letter should expand on your value.
• Weak endings—ask for an interview instead of just saying “Looking forward to hearing from you.”

A killer cover letter can set you apart—don’t waste the chance to impress. 🚀

Read more: How to Write a Cover Letter: The Ultimate Guide for 2025

Key Takeaways

Writing a good resume involves more than just listing your experience. Here’s a recap of how to make a resume:

📂 Gather all relevant career, education, and training details.

📄 Choose the right format to highlight your strengths.

📬 Keep contact details professional and up to date.

⚡ Start with a compelling summary or objective to grab attention.

💼 Showcase key responsibilities and achievements in your work experience.

🎓 Include relevant coursework, honors, and activities in your education section.

🎯 Tailor your hard and soft skills to match the job requirements.

🏆 Boost your resume with extra sections like certifications or awards.

✍️ Pair it with a strong cover letter to reinforce your key qualifications.

✅ Proofread carefully and follow application instructions exactly.

Thanks for reading, and best of luck with writing your resume! Do you have any more questions on how to make a great resume? Not sure how to build a resume work experience section or how to prepare a resume list of skills or achievements? Drop a comment below—I’m happy to help!

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This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines. We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

Sources

• Central Connecticut State University, "The Ultimate LinkedIn Cheat Sheet"
• Das.iowa.gov, "Drafting Essential Functions"
• Christopher Spera, Ph.D.; Robin Ghertner, M.P.P.; Anthony Nerino, M.A.; Adrienne DiTommaso, M.P.A., "Volunteering as a Pathway to Employment: Does Volunteering Increase Odds of Finding a Job for the Out of Work?"
• Human Resources Online, “Are cover letters important? 83% of recruiters say yes” 
• World Economic Forum, “Future of Jobs Report 2025”
• Jobvite, “Employ Recruiter Nation Report 2024”
• Harvard Business School, “Transferable Skills”