resume format experienced professionals

• Resume Templates

Choose a free Resume Template and build your resume. Use our intuitive drag-and-drop resume builder and save it as a PDF in minutes. Start building your resume right now.

Double Column

Free, Two Column resume template. The most popular choice for most roles, including programming & marketing.

The classic Harvard template, updated for the 21st century with a refined design that recruiters love and an optimized structure for improved ATS performance.

Elegant template with a beautiful design and compact, easy-to-read layout that highlights your strengths and achievements.

The most popular template for upper management roles, project managers and product owners.

A refined template, especially great for positions where presentation is paramount: business development managers, sales leaders & other customer-facing roles.

A creative template that accents your header and makes recruiters want to read the rest. Built for any industry.

A timeline resume template. Organized neatly with a Timeline to show your career progress. For experienced professionals.

Are you a software engineer or a data scientist with a lot of skills & projects to list on your resume? This template allows you to create a perfect one-page resume.

Single Column

Free, simple resume template. Easily readable by both humans and ATS bots.

Designed as a one-page resume template for mid-level roles with 3-10 years of experience.

Multicolumn

Multicolumn resume template. Made for executives to fit additional info in a third column.

Traditional resume template. Fitting for conservative industries.

High Performer

Data-focused resume template. Perfect for project and product managers.

Minimalistic resume template. Blends whitespace and content, without clutter.

Resume Templates by job

Unleash the full potential of your career with professionally vetted resume templates. Take a look at samples from real resumes that helped people get hired at top companies in your field, and build a job-winning resume yourself.

Search more resume examples by job

Software Engineer

Project Manager

Product Manager

Account Manager

Business Development

Marketing Manager

General Manager

Operations Manager

Business Analyst

Managing Director

Full-Stack Developer

Data Scientist

Resume templates by experience.

(1-3 years of experience)

(3-7+ years of experience)

10+ years of experience)

Entry Level

(no prior experience)

Career Change

Resume templates by format.

Combination Resume Templates

Corporate Resume Templates

Infographic Resume Templates

One Page Resume Templates

Timeline Resume Templates

Chronological Resume Templates

Functional Resume Templates

Minimalist Resume Templates

Two Column Resume Templates

• Modern Resume Templates

• Simple Resume Templates

• Create Resume
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Preferences
• Resume Examples
• AI Resume Builder
• Resume Summary Generator
• Resume Formats
• Resume Checker
• Resume Skills
• How to Write a Resume
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Resume Guides
• Cover Letter Guides
• Job Interview Guides
• Job Interview Questions
• Career Resources
• Meet our customers
• Career resources
• English (UK)
• French (FR)
• German (DE)
• Spanish (ES)
• Swedish (SE)

© 2024 . All rights reserved.

Made with love by people who care.

Best Resume Formats [Ultimate Guide for 2024]

Want to choose the best resume format? First, you must understand the differences between the three main types. See examples of various resume formats and make an informed choice.

Recruiters don’t read resumes carefully. They skim them for the most relevant information. So, how do you make them love your resume in mere seconds? Through elegant and professional resume formatting!

Let me show you an easy way to choose the best resume format for you.

In this guide, you’ll get:

• Examples of three all-time standard resume formats.
• How to choose the best format for your resume.
• Details on proper resume formatting so it lands you an interview.
• A curated selection of pre-formatted resume templates.

Save hours of work and get a job-winning resume like this. Try our resume builder with 20+ resume templates and create your resume now.

Create your resume now

What users say about ResumeLab:

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your resume.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan  My previous resume was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George

Looking for a specific part of the article? Click on the section that interests you:

The 3 Main Resume Formats

• 1. Reverse-chronological Resume Format

2. Functional Resume Format

3. combination resume format, which resume format is the best, general resume formatting rules.

• Sample Pre-Formatted Resume Templates

Frequently Asked Questions About Resume Formats

The three main resume formats to choose from are:

• Reverse-chronological resume format —Highlights work experience and career progression.
• Functional resume format —Emphasizes transferable skills.
• Combination resume format —Focuses on both skills and experience.

Most of the time, you’ll want to use the reverse-chronological resume format. It’s regarded as the best format for a resume and is preferred by most recruiters, HR professionals, and career experts such as myself.

But “most of the time” doesn’t mean “always,” and choosing the appropriate resume format is yours to make. I made a handy decision tree to help you with this process:

You can also approach choosing a resume format from a slightly different perspective. Since the reverse-chronological style is the best one, let’s start from it and work backward to determine if it's the best choice. If you answer “Yes” to all the following questions, you should use the reverse chronological format.

• Have I achieved measurable results in my work history?
• Have I held consistent employment without gaps?
• Am I staying on my career path?

I recommend you also use the reverse-chronological resume if you have no work experience at all. In that case, focus on your academic and extracurricular achievements rather than work experience.

If there were any “No” answers, see the next set of questions:

• Do I have zero relevant work achievements?
• Am I looking to emphasize my skills over my work achievements?
• Do I prefer to highlight my resume sections without strict chronological order?

A functional resume format might be your best choice if you answered “Yes” to the above questions. If there were any “No” answers, consider using a combination format instead.

Now, I’ll show you all the details about all of these resume formats:

1. Reverse-Chronological Resume Format

The reverse-chronological resume format is the most common and widely accepted resume style . In this format, you present your work experience in reverse chronological order, which means your most recent job is listed first, and you work backwards through your employment history.

This format is like telling your professional story in a timeline that starts with the present and goes back in time. The main advantage is its familiarity to employers and hiring managers. Recruiters encounter it most frequently, so they know exactly where to find the information they need. This format excels at highlighting your career progression and growth over time.

Here’s what a reverse-chronological resume format looks like:

The structure of a reverse chronological resume is as follows:

• Resume Header
• Resume Profile ( Professional Summary or Career Objective )

Work Experience

• Additional Sections

Pros & Cons of Reverse-Chronological Resume Format 

Let me give you some great tips to make your reverse-chronological resume stand out :

• To show the importance of your skills, don’t just list them in a resume skills section . Make sure also to mention them in your job achievements.
• Additional sections on your resume really make a difference. Consider adding 1-2 of them. Some of the best choices are certifications on the resume , known languages, publications, or volunteering experience .
• If you’re showing multiple degrees in your resume education section , apply the reverse-chronological format to it as well.
• Write a targeted resume . Include specific resume keywords you can find in the job ad.

Chronological Resume Format Example #1

Christopher Panattoni

281-951-6550

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/panattonichris

Dedicated bartender with over 5 years of experience creating memorable experiences for patrons in high-paced establishments. Managed busy bars with an average nightly volume of 200 customers, consistently exceeding sales targets. Adept at fostering a positive and energetic atmosphere, contributing to a 25% increase in repeat business. Seeking to bring proven mixology skills and a commitment to excellence to a dynamic team at Spirited Haven.

Bartender Cheers & Chill Lounge Houston, TX August 2019–Present

• Skillfully crafted a variety of cocktails and drinks, catering to diverse customer preferences.
• Managed a high-volume bar, serving an average of 150 customers nightly, ensuring prompt and accurate orders.
• Created and maintained a welcoming atmosphere, resulting in a 20% increase in repeat customers.
• Collaborated with the kitchen staff to ensure seamless coordination between food and beverage service.
• Implemented upselling techniques, contributing to a 15% increase in beverage sales.

Bartender Sip & Savor Bar Houston, TX May 2017–August 2019

• Assisted in preparing and serving a wide range of beverages, including cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Maintained cleanliness and organization behind the bar, adhering to health and safety regulations.
• Engaged with customers to understand their preferences and provided personalized drink recommendations.
• Supported the bartender in managing inventory and restocking supplies, contributing to efficient operations.

Willowridge High School, Houston, TX Graduated in 2014

• Mixology and cocktail crafting
• Customer service excellence
• High-volume order management
• Knowledge of various spirits and beverages
• Inventory management
• Up-selling techniques
• Team collaboration
• Excellent communication skills
• Spanish—Bilingual
• Italian—ACTFL Advanced High

Chronological Resume Format Example #2

Sophia Rodriguez

Junior Data Analyst

Phone: (555) 123-4567

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sophiarodriguez

Analytical and detail-oriented Junior Data Analyst with a solid statistical analysis and data interpretation foundation. Proficient in extracting, cleaning, and transforming data to provide valuable insights for informed decision-making. Possesses strong skills in data visualization and a commitment to accuracy. Eager to contribute to forecasting and analysis projects at Just Data.

Bachelor of Science in Data Science

University of Maine, Orono, ME

September 2019–May 2023

• Relevant Coursework: Statistical Methods in Data Science, Machine Learning, Predictive Modeling, Big Data Analytics
• Completed projects on Sales Forecasting Models and Customer Segmentation Analysis

Data Analyst Intern

ABC Tech Solutions, Orono, ME

January 2023–Current

• Assisted in data collection, cleaning, and analysis for client projects.
• Enhanced data cleaning processes, reducing data errors by 7%.
• Automated weekly reports using Python scripts, saving an average of 15 hours per month for the analytics team.

Research Assistant

Department of Statistics, University of Maine, Orono, ME

September 2020 – May 2022

• Contributed to three published research papers in peer-reviewed journals.
• Assisted in data collection and interpretation.
• Contributed to the successful acquisition of research grants totaling $50,000 for ongoing projects.
• Data Analysis
• Statistical Modeling
• Data Cleaning and Transformation
• Python (Pandas, NumPy)
• Excel (VLOOKUP, PivotTables)
• Data Visualization (Tableau, Power BI)
• Problem-Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Team Collaboration

Certifications

• Data Science MicroMasters Certification, edX, September 2022
• SQL for Data Science Certification, Codecademy, March 2021

Expert Hint: If you’re looking for a job outside the USA or one in a scholarly field, you might have to apply using different documents. If that’s the case, check out our guides on how to write a CV and how to create a biodata format .

The functional resume format focuses on your transferrable skills rather than your work history. Also known as a skill-based resume format , it's handy when you have employment gaps, are changing careers, or have a diverse set of skills that may not be evident in a chronological list.

In this type of resume , your work history is mentioned but in a condensed way. It emphasizes the skills used or acquired in each position rather than the timeline itself. The functional format can be particularly beneficial for people with non-linear career paths or those who have taken career breaks, such as parents returning to the workforce.

Let me show you what a functional resume format looks like:

The structure of a functional resume is formatted this way:

• Personal Information
• Resume Objective

Skills Summary

Additional Skills

Pros & Cons of Functional Resume Format 

If you’re considering using the functional resume format, here are my amazing tips to enhance your resume :

• Pick up to 5 soft and hard skills that are crucial for the job you’re trying to get. Explain them in detail, giving examples of when you used them to great effect.
• Think about adding relevant coursework to your education section. These classes you’ve taken will prove your skills further.
• Don’t focus on your work experience. You don’t need to think of what strong resume bullet points to add to your job description.
• Include links to sites that can prove your skills, such as a personal blog or online portfolio.

Functional Resume Format Example #1

John Anderson

(123) 456-7890

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/johnanderson

Resume Summary

Results-driven accountant with extensive experience in financial management and compliance. Proven track record of optimizing accounting processes for efficiency and accuracy. Seeking to contribute expertise to Financial Dynamics Inc. Reduced financial discrepancies by 15% through meticulous auditing at XYZ Corporation. Managed end-to-end financial reporting for 10+ projects, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Financial Management

• Streamlined financial processes at ABC Ltd., resulting in a 20% reduction in reporting time.
• Oversaw budgeting and forecasting activities, contributing to a 10% increase in overall cost efficiency.

Audit and Compliance

• Conducted thorough financial audits, identifying and rectifying discrepancies, leading to a 15% improvement in accuracy.
• Ensured compliance with accounting standards and legal requirements, preventing potential financial risks.
• Project Accounting
• Managed financial aspects of 10+ projects, from initiation to completion, ensuring adherence to budgets and timelines.
• Implemented effective project accounting procedures, resulting in streamlined financial tracking and reporting.

Work History

Senior Accountant

XYZ Corporation, Belforest, AL

March 2018–Present

Staff Accountant

ABC Ltd., Mobile, AL

June 2015–February 2017

Bachelor of Science in Accounting

University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL

September 2011–June 2015

• Financial Reporting
• Budgeting and Forecasting
• Auditing and Compliance
• Microsoft Office Suite

Certification

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), CPA Institute, July 2015
• Running a financial blog and contributing to forums

Functional Resume Format Example #2

Emily Carter

Creative Event Planner

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/emilycarterevents

Dynamic event planner with a passion for creating memorable experiences. Proven success in managing events from concept to execution. Seeking a challenging role at Dream Events Inc. Orchestrated 15+ successful events, exceeding client expectations. Implemented efficient vendor management strategies, reducing event costs by 10%.

• Event Coordination
• Planned and executed 15+ events, ensuring seamless logistics and exceeding client expectations.
• Collaborated with vendors to negotiate contracts, resulting in a 10% reduction in event costs.
• Client Relations
• Built strong client relationships, understanding their visions and translating them into successful events.
• Conducted pre-event consultations to align strategies and expectations, resulting in high client satisfaction.
• Budget Management
• Developed and managed event budgets, ensuring financial efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Implemented cost-saving measures, contributing to a 10% reduction in overall event expenses.

Senior Event Planner

Elite Events Management, Lafayette, LA

March 2020–Present

Event Coordinator

Perfect Occasions, Lakeshore, LA

June 2015–February 2018

Bachelor of Arts in Event Management

University of Louisiana, Monroe, LA

Graduated June 2020

Publications

• "Crafting Memorable Moments: A Comprehensive Guide to Event Planning Success." EventPro Journal, August 2020.
• “Strategic Vendor Management: Enhancing Efficiency in Event Execution.” Event Insights Magazine, November 2018.
• "Client-Centric Event Planning: Building Lasting Relationships in the Industry." Event Professional Quarterly, March 2017.
• Vendor Negotiation

Expert Hint: While writing, keep an eye out for these common resume mistakes . Don’t let them mess up the content and formatting of your resume.

The combination resume format is often called the hybrid or chrono-functional resume . It blends elements of both previously mentioned resume formats. This format allows candidates to highlight their skills and qualifications from the start while showcasing a detailed work history.

The combination format benefits candidates with diverse skills and experience who want to emphasize their qualifications for a specific job, are changing career paths, or have gaps in employment.

A finished combination resume will look like this:

The layout of a hybrid resume is as follows:

• Summary of Qualifications

Pros & Cons of Combination Resume Format 

If you’re set on using this resume format, here are my tips to make it work:

• Maintain a balance between your skills and work history sections. Your skills should reflect the job's requirements, and your work history should showcase your professional accomplishments .
• Begin your resume with a compelling qualifications summary. This section should clearly demonstrate how your skills align with the job.
• The skills section is the heart of a combination resume. Customize it for each job application by selecting skills that match the specific job requirements. Be concise and prioritize relevant skills.
• Quantify achievements whenever possible. Utilize power words and action words to strengthen your qualifications.

Combination Resume Format Example #1

Randy A. Mitchell

Senior Software Engineer

[email protected]

555-789-1234

linkedin.com/in/randymitchell

Professional Profile

Results-driven Senior Software Engineer with over 8 years of experience in full-stack software development. Proficient in designing, implementing, testing, and maintaining complex systems. Led a cross-functional team in the development of a scalable e-commerce platform at TechSolutions, resulting in a 30% increase in sales and improved user experience. Excited to contribute technical expertise and leadership skills to elevate software engineering initiatives at TechnoGen.

Software Development

• Led the development of a robust e-commerce platform, increasing sales by 30% and enhancing user experience.
• Collaborated with a team of engineers to design and implement scalable and maintainable software solutions.
• Spearheaded the migration of legacy systems to modern technologies, improving system efficiency by 25%.

Technical Leadership

• Directed a cross-functional team of developers, ensuring timely project delivery and adherence to coding standards.
• Mentored junior engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative development environment.
• Implemented agile methodologies, resulting in a 20% increase in project delivery efficiency.

Full-Stack Proficiency

• Developed and maintained backend services using technologies such as Java, Spring Boot, and Node.js.
• Designed and implemented responsive front-end interfaces using React.js, contributing to a seamless user experience.
• Integrated third-party APIs and services, enhancing overall system functionality.
• RESTful APIs
• Microservices Architecture

TechSolutions, Sacramento, CA

July 2018–Present

• Led a cross-functional team in developing a scalable e-commerce platform, resulting in a 30% increase in sales.
• Implemented DevOps practices, improving deployment frequency and reducing time to market by 20%.
• Conducted code reviews and implemented best practices, ensuring high-quality code and system stability.

Software Engineer

CodeCrafters, Eugene, OR

January 2014–July 2018

• Collaborated with product managers and designers to implement new features and improvements.
• Participated in the design and architecture of software solutions, contributing to the overall system scalability.
• Resolved complex technical issues and bugs, ensuring the reliability and performance of software applications.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

University of Oregon, Eugene, OR

September 2010–June 2014

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate, Amazon Web Services, July 2015
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) - Scrum Alliance, August 2013

Combination Resume Format Example #2

Linda Reynolds

Construction Project Manager

[email protected]

555-987-6543

linkedin.com/in/lindareynolds

Dedicated Construction Project Manager with over 10 years of experience overseeing complex construction projects. Adept at managing project timelines, budgets, and resources while ensuring high-quality workmanship. Led to the successful completion of a major commercial development project, resulting in a 15% increase in client satisfaction. Eager to bring strong leadership and project management skills to advance construction initiatives at Dynamic Builders.

Project Management

• Successfully managed the full lifecycle of construction projects from planning and design to completion.
• Oversaw project budgets ranging from $5 million to $20 million, ensuring cost-effective resource allocation.
• Implemented project management methodologies, resulting in on-time and within-budget project deliveries.

Team Leadership

• Led cross-functional construction teams, fostering collaboration and ensuring efficient project execution.
• Conducted regular project meetings, providing clear communication and maintaining team morale.
• Trained and mentored construction teams, resulting in increased productivity and skill development.
• Coordinated with subcontractors, architects, and vendors, ensuring seamless project coordination.

Quality Assurance

• Implemented rigorous quality control measures, resulting in a 10% reduction in rework and project delays.
• Conducted regular site inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards and construction specifications.
• Collaborated with quality assurance teams to develop and implement construction best practices.

Construction Expertise

• Managed the construction of commercial buildings, including office complexes, retail spaces, and industrial facilities.
• Oversaw the construction of residential projects, ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations.
• Coordinated with architects and engineers to address design modifications and ensure project feasibility.
• Construction Scheduling Software
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Dynamic Builders, Boulder City, NV

July 2016–Present

• Managed the successful completion of a major commercial development project, resulting in a 15% increase in client satisfaction.
• Oversaw project budgets, ensuring cost-effective resource allocation and adherence to financial constraints.
• Coordinated with subcontractors, suppliers, and construction teams to ensure project milestones were met.

Project Manager

Solid Structures, Reno, NV

January 2013–June 2016

• Assisted in the planning and execution of construction projects, ensuring compliance with project specifications.
• Conducted regular site visits to monitor progress and address any construction-related issues.
• Coordinated with project stakeholders, including architects and subcontractors, to facilitate smooth project execution.

Bachelor of Science in Construction Management

University of Nevada, Reno, NV

September 2006–June 2010

Expert Hint: A summary of qualifications pairs well with a resume headline . Try it out to instantly draw attention to your application.

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your resume in our resume builder now .

CREATE YOUR RESUME NOW

Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, and highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You're the perfect candidate, and we'll prove it. Use our resume builder now .

The reverse-chronological resume format is the best choice for most candidates. This resume format puts your most recent work experiences first. Recruiters also prefer it because it's easy to read. This format shows how your career has moved forward, highlighting your skills and experience.

Also, the recruiters’ perceptions of the applicant’s academic qualifications, work experience, and extracurricular activities were critical in determining their decisions. And all of these resume sections can be found in a reverse-chronological resume.

Expert Hint: The perfect resume needs to be accompanied by an equally perfect cover letter. Since cover letters are necessary for most jobs, learn how to write a cover letter and unlock your job application’s full potential.

Outside the specific characteristics of each of the mentioned resume formats, there are general formatting rules that are pretty much universal. I'll list them now: 

• Use a clean and professional resume font .
• Organize content with clear headings.
• Set one-inch margins on all sides of the resume .
• Include adequate spacing for readability.
• Keep the resume length appropriate (up to a two-page resume ).
• Use bullet points to list achievements.
• Include contact information at the top, but don’t include photos on your resume unless it’s a bona fide occupational qualification .
• Use a professional email address.
• Proofread for grammar and spelling.
• Save the resume as a PDF rather than DOC unless specified otherwise.
• Avoid using excessive jargon or abbreviations.
• Ensure that dates and details are accurate and consistently formatted.

Seems like a lot of points to remember. Fortunately, you can help yourself by using pre-formatted resume templates.

Pre-Formatted Resume Templates

Here are a few resume format examples. Our online resume builder formats the templates for you, so you can focus on writing great descriptions of your experience. Trust me, it saves a lot of time.

Cubic is a modern resume format designed for confident professionals who aren’t afraid to showcase their achievements. It’s neat, organized, and can hold a ton of information without looking crowded or overwhelming.

Modern uses subtle color accents to guide the reader’s eye straight to the key sections. This is what a great resume looks like . It's perfect for creative and professional, office based fields. No wonder this professional resume format is so popular among our users, and it's my personal favorite as well.

You just can’t go wrong with Nanica! This simple resume format is like a Zen garden: it creates a minimalist, lightweight look with lots of white space. This is one of the best resume formats for professionals who prefer sleek, distraction-free resumes.

If you want a simple resume template that oozes confidence and authority, try Squares. It’s the ideal resume format for business jobs because it gives your resume a calm yet assertive look. As a nice bonus, you also get a personal logo with your initials.

Some things never go out of style. The Vintage resume template is one of them—this professional resume format is as timeless as a power suit. It relies on subtle accents to create structure and highlight what’s important.

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

Here’s a recap of what is the best resume format:

• The best resume format is the reverse-chronological resume format.
• It works best for experienced employees but also benefits entry-level candidates.
• This format showcases your experience from the most recent one and going backward.
• The reverse chronological format is preferred by recruiters and easily parsable by the ATS.

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The  editorial team  of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with  editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning  recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

What is an ATS-friendly resume format?

An ATS-friendly resume format is compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems software. This resume layout ensures that your application can be easily parsed by ATS. Things like images and infographics drastically reduce ATS compliance, while using resume keywords increases your chances.

Which resume format is the most ATS-friendly?

The reverse-chronological resume format is the most ATS-friendly. Its clear structure, focusing on work history and experience , aligns well with ATS systems. Make sure to use standard resume fonts , section headings, and bullet points for optimal ATS compatibility.

What is the best resume format for a resume with no experience?

A reverse-chronological resume is the best choice when writing a resume without experience . It highlights your relevant experience , even if it's limited. This can include internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer work . And if you have zero experience, you can allow your education section and bonus resume sections to be your selling point.

What resume format do employers prefer?

Employers typically prefer the reverse-chronological resume format . It's the most common and familiar format, making it easy for recruiters to find the information they need. It also allows them to see your career progression, the relevance of your experience, and how up-to-date your skills are.

Can I use a creative resume format?

Although tempting, many creative resume formats are overdesigned. This makes a lot of them confusing for both ATS scans and human recruiters. But if you’re applying for a job in the creative field, you may opt for an unorthodox resume design, such as an infographic resume .

Is a simple resume format a good choice?

Yes, a simple resume format is often the best choice. It offers a clean and easy-to-read layout, which can make a positive impression. This format is particularly suitable for those in traditional industries or roles, where a straightforward and professional appearance is preferred.

Is a resume template the same thing as a resume format?

A resume template and a resume format are related but not the same. A resume format refers to the overall structure and organization of your resume. Meanwhile, a blank resume template is a pre-designed document to help you create a resume in a specific format more easily.

Is there a special resume format for students?

The reverse-chronological format is best for a student's resume . Just put the education section of your resume above the work experience section . But if you’re applying for an academic position or writing a grad school resume , forget what you’ve just read. Instead, go with an academic CV rather than a job resume.

How do I format a resume in Word or Google Docs?

If you want to make a resume from scratch without relying on resume templates for Word or resume templates for Google Docs , these are the resume formatting rules to follow:

• Set the page margins to 1” on all sides.
• Pick a classic resume font in 11–12 pts.
• Create the following resume sections: header, profile, work experience, education, skills, and additional sections.
• Leave lots of white space between the resume sections.
• Follow the best practices for resume length .

What is the best resume format for freshers?

The best resume format for freshers  is the reverse-chronological resume format , but with a few changes. Instead of using a resume summary , start with a resume objective . On top of that, put your education section above your work history section (if you have any work experience at all.)

What is the best resume format for remote workers?

The best resume format for remote workers is still the reverse-chronological format . To enhance it, consider emphasizing your remote work skills like self-motivation and communication skills . Remember to tailor your resume's content to showcase your ability to excel in a remote work environment.

Mariusz is a career expert with a background in quality control & economics. With work experience in FinTech and a passion for self-development, Mariusz brings a unique perspective to his role. He’s dedicated to providing the most effective advice on resume and cover letter writing techniques to help his readers secure the jobs of their dreams.

Was it interesting? Here are similar articles

Free Resume Templates From Multiple Sources to Try

The best things in life are free. That applies to free resume templates, too—browse our hand-picked free resume template collection and download your favorites straight away!

Maciej Duszyński, CPRW

Career Expert

Resume Layouts: Best Examples for 2024 (+Writing Tips)

Your resume layout needs to be clean and scannable. Otherwise, recruiters will reject your resume in 7 seconds. Luckily, this guide will show you how to do it right.

20+ Modern Resume Templates [Examples for 2024]

You’ve just come across a modern resume template treasure trove. Now, take your time, look around, pick the modern resume you like most, and make a job-winning resume.

Best Resume Format for 2024 [Examples + Templates]

Choose the best resume format to showcase your achievements, ensuring recruiters and ATS systems quickly recognize your potential. Learn which of the three main resume formats works best for you.

by Don Sjoerdsma, CPRW | Career Advice Expert

Last Updated: January 03, 2024

Table of contents

The 3 best resume formats

What’s the best resume format for you, 6 resume formatting tips, resume format examples to use in your job search, resume formats — key takeaways.

Getting your resume format just right? It’s a big deal.

Think about this: The first thing recruiters see isn’t what’s on your resume, but how it looks. A cluttered or confusing format? Not a great start.

But a perfectly organized resume with a clear and coherent layout? It instantly captures their attention and dramatically boosts your chances of getting an interview.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• The three main resume formats.
• 6 resume-formatting tips everyone should know.
• How to decide which format is right for you.
• Format examples to use in your job search.
• Key resume format takeaways.

Need to make a resume quickly? Easily create a great resume with our builder in just minutes. Start by picking your favorite resume template .

There are three resume formats, and each has a unique edge.

By shining a light on different parts of your work and skills, the formats ensure your career path is illuminated just right. Let’s find the one that’s best for you. The formats are:

• Chronological resume : This popular and widely accepted format lists work experience in reverse-chronological order, making it ideal for showcasing a clear career progression.
• Functional resume : Known for focusing on skills over work history, this format is great for those with limited experience, emphasizing what they’ve learned and can do.
• Combination resume : A blend of the chronological and functional formats, it equally highlights both skills and work experience, making it suitable for those with a varied or midlevel background.

Next, let’s see each format side by side and what makes them special:

The 3 main resume formats

Chronological resume.

Perfect for:

• Individuals with a consistent employment record without any significant breaks.
• A role that values rich experience, like a restaurant manager or pharmaceutical sales specialist .
• Experienced professionals in a particular field looking to move up, like an accounting assistant becoming a financial analyst .

Functional Resume

• Candidates with virtually no work experience , like a high school student .
• Beginner roles like a cashier or executive assistant .
• Positions that prioritize a specific skill set, like a graphic designer or data analyst .

Combination Resume

• Individuals rejoining the workforce or with gaps in their employment history.
• Professionals with moderate experience in their field, like a claims adjuster or digital marketing manager .
• Those shifting careers bring transferable skills and relevant experience.

Chronological resume format

The chronological resume is always a popular choice.

Also known as the reverse-chronological format, you start with your most recent job and work backward. The layout is a hit with recruiters because it clearly lays out the steps in your career journey.

Here’s how to structure a chronological resume

• Contact Information

Professional Summary

Work history.

• Additional Sections, like Projects, Certifications, and so on.

After the header, the chronological resume format kicks off with a professional summary — a one-paragraph overview of your career high points. Then, you have a substantial work history section, beginning with your most recent job and working backward.

Skills and education are also included, although less prominently than work history.

Here are a few tips to make your reverse-chronological resume stand out:

• Emphasize career progression when you put work experience on your resume . Start with your current or most recent role, then list your previous roles. Put each job title in bold so the reader’s eyes are drawn to them.
• Quantify your achievements throughout your work history. It’s one thing to describe your job duties — it’s even better to show exactly how you made an impact.
• Use bullet points to make your achievements easier to spot at a glance. Each bullet should start off with an action word like “managed,” “developed” and “led” to make your achievements feel even more dynamic.

Finally, let’s consider the good and bad of choosing this format.

Chronological resume: pros and cons

• Ideal if you’ve had stable and continuous employment.
• Great for showcasing how you’ve advanced in your career over time.
• Perfect for showing off your experience.
• Most effective if your skills closely align with the job description.
• Not ideal if you have no work experience.
• Can highlight gaps in your job history, which might raise questions.
• May not be the best format if you’re switching industries or roles, as it emphasizes industry-specific experience.

Functional resume format

With this format, your skills take center stage.

Also known as the skills-based resume, this format turns the focus on your abilities and achievements, not your job history.

Ideal for those starting out, like new graduates or first-time job seekers. It puts your skills and education in the spotlight — perfect if your work experience is limited.

Here’s how to structure a skills-based resume

• Resume Objective
• Summary of Qualifications
• Work Experience (if any)
• Additional Sections, like Languages, Hobbies, and so on.

In a functional resume format, a resume objective usually follows the contact info. Objectives are more goal-oriented than a professional summary. The centerpiece is your skill set, which you can further highlight in a summary of qualifications or multiple skills sections. Work history is included but takes a back seat.

Finally, you might want to build out your education section with relevant coursework and even your GPA if it’s impressive.

Here are a few tips to make this format stand out:

• Provide examples of how you used each skill in your skills section. On a functional format, skills are everything, so it’s important to show how you applied the skill in or outside the workplace.
• Add a brief work history if you’ve held a job or two. Just because the resume is skills-focused doesn’t mean you should leave out your time in the workplace. Whether you’ve held a job or simply a short-term volunteering gig, add it to your resume.
• Customize your resume for every role. This goes for all three formats, but it’s even more important for a skills-based resume. Read the job description closely for important skills and abilities. Add those skills to your resume. They’ll be different in each application.

Next, we’ll consider the pros and cons of a skills-based format.

Skills-based resume: pros and cons

• Helps minimize the impact of gaps in your work history.
• Good for highlighting transferable skills.
• Ideal for those just starting their career or currently studying.
• Works well when you have little to no experience or many short-term roles.
• Some hiring managers may be less familiar with this format, potentially affecting its effectiveness.
• Doesn’t showcase upward career movement and job advancements.
• Functional resumes can sometimes be less compatible with employer systems, which could impact the ATS screening process.

Combination resume format

Ever heard of the hybrid resume? That’s this one.

Also known as the hybrid resume, this format merges the best of chronological and functional resumes. It balances your work history with your skills, showing how they complement each other.

Perfect for those with a mix of experience or at a midcareer level, it allows you to present a complete, well-rounded professional story.

Here’s how to structure a combination resume:

• Professional Summary or Resume Objective
• Work History and Skills (given equal weight)
• Additional Sections, like Awards, Volunteer Experience, and more.

In a combination resume format, a resume objective or a professional summary usually follows the contact info, depending on whether you have relevant experience or not yet. The centerpiece of this format is both your skill set and work experience.

You can highlight your skills in their own section, in a summary of qualifications and in your work achievements. List your work experience in reverse-chronological order and display your responsibilities, impact and achievements in bullet points under each role.

Finally, if you’ve recently graduated, you might want to build out your education section with relevant coursework and your GPA if it’s 3.5 or higher.

• Emphasize transferable skills . Link your previous experiences to your target role by citing skills you found in the job listing.
• Give equal weight to skills and experience . The combination format brings the best of both worlds, which means your work history and skills section should get a similar amount of space.
• Show off your adaptability in different roles and environments . You can do this by placing your skills section and Summary of Qualifications near the top of the page.

To wrap up, we’ll look at the positive and negative aspects of using a combination format.

Who should choose a combination resume?

• You’re a midcareer professional with both a strong work history and unique skills.
• You have a consistent work history but want to highlight specific skills like leadership.
• You’re returning to work after a short break.
• You have substantial gaps in your employment history.
• Your experience includes some job-hopping.
• You lack the relevant experience for the position.
• You do not have the required skills to perform the job.

Sample resume format to copy and use

Get a head start on your resume format with this text template. Simply copy, paste and fill in your details, then move the sections around to showcase your unique career path.

Peter Adams

Arlington, TX 76015 | 555-555-5555 | [email protected]

Seasoned senior financial analyst with a proven track record of over 10 years in financial planning, analysis and strategic decision-making. Adept at translating complex financial data into actionable insights that drive business growth and profitability. Highly skilled in budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis and trend identification to optimize financial performance. Recognized for exceptional attention to detail, strong analytical prowess and a collaborative approach to cross-functional teams.

Senior Financial Analyst OneMain Financial Arlington, TX | January 2020 – Current

• Lead a department and provide guidance to a 12-member team.
• Collect, analyze and manage quantitative data, creating reports to lead business improvements and reduce costs by 40%.
• Conduct meetings with directors to analyze spending and provide financial recommendations.

Financial Analyst Booz Allen Hamilton Arlington, TX | January 2018 – January 2020

• Identified budget variances and recommended corrective actions, avoiding overruns and maintaining a positive cash position.
• Provided administrative support to the senior analyst with seven clients.
• Helped clients plan for and fund retirements using mutual funds and other options to manage, customize and diversify portfolio.

Finance Assistant Service First Mortgage Arlington, TX | November 2013 – December 2017

• Researched and drove integration of Sage50 Cloud to increase efficiency of accounting systems.
• Reconciled statements of 27 accounts and resolved variances.
• Led financial planning and analysis by managing key metrics, analyzing data and providing support and insight for strategic planning.

Bachelor of Science Finance. The University Of Texas Arlington, TX

Certifications

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), 2016

Professional Affiliations and Memberships Active Member, Financial Analysts Association (FAA) – Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute

Association for Finance Professionals (AFP) – active member

English – first language French – upper intermediate

• Financial statements expertise
• Financial planning
• Audit coordination
• Strong mathematics skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• GAAP and statutory reporting

Once you know the resume formats in and out, the question remains — How do you know which one is right for you?

We’ve created a chart to make this decision as simple as possible:

Choose a chronological resume format if:

• You have a steady work history and stable employment.
• You want to show your career progression.
• You have had more than one job.
• Your skills closely match the job description.
• You have been employed for at least one year.

Choose a functional resume format if:

• You are making an entry-level or student resume .
• You have little to no experience or many short-term roles.
• There are gaps in your work history, or you’re applying outside your field.

Choose a combination resume format if:

• You’re a midcareer professional with both strong work history and unique skills.

After you’ve decided which resume format is right for you, you might need to do some additional formatting.

Generally speaking, you want 1-inch margins on all sides. While you can adjust them a little, be cautious because unusual margins can hamper the effectiveness of your resume.

To ensure your resume is ATS-friendly , choose a standard resume font like Arial, Calibri or Garamond in an 11- or 12-point size. ATS systems may struggle with unusual fonts, so keeping it standard helps your resume get read correctly.

Keep your resume concise. Early in your career, your resume length should be one page. Extending to two pages is perfectly acceptable after you accrue 10 or 15 years of experience.

Bullet points

Use bullet points to list achievements and responsibilities clearly and concisely. Make sure they are uniform in style all the way down the page. Consistency helps maintain a neat, professional look.

You can experiment with your color palettes if you’re a graphic designer or a digital marketing manager. Most other job seekers should stick to the basics, using safe, neutral colors.

Set your line spacing between single space and 1.5 to ensure your resume isn’t cramped. Leave about half an inch to 1 inch of space between different sections, like Education, Work Experience, Skills, and so on.

Check out our resume-formatting guide for more advice on making your resume look professional.

Want to up your game even more? Use a professional resume template.

These templates work perfectly with all three resume formats and are designed to be ATS-friendly. They’re designed by professionals, so they look better than a resume you’d cobble together on your own, with styles ranging from straightforward and professional to creative and unique.

For even more inspiration, we have resume design ideas and an entire library of resume examples .

Meet Aster, a modern template well suited for any resume format. Its clean lines and streamlined design present experience and skills in a contemporary, professional manner. Perfect for candidates in industries that value modern aesthetics and clarity.

It also has a matching cover letter template .

Embrace minimalism with a simple resume template . This straightforward, uncluttered design can be applied to any format because it focuses on content over style. Ideal for job seekers who want their qualifications to speak for themselves.

This is one of our creative resume templates , which brings an artistic flair to any formatting style. It’s designed for individuals in creative fields who want to showcase their originality and stand out.

Looking for an unconventional layout that truly sets you apart? Consider a unique template tailored for those who want to make a bold statement with an innovative style. Despite the flair, you can use this template in any style.

A headshot template always has space for a professional headshot, making it a good choice for roles where personality and presentation are key — or if you live in a country where headshots are common. You can use this template in any format.

By the way, if you’re applying for an academic role in the U.S., you may want to use a CV instead. Learn how CVs differ from resumes , then use a CV maker to put it together.

Choose the right format

Chronological, functional or combination — pick a resume format that best presents your experience, skills and education.

Consider your career stage

Each resume format caters to different career stages, whether you’re a seasoned professional, a newcomer or transitioning careers.

Highlight your strengths

Select a format (reverse-chronological, skills-based or hybrid) that accentuates your strongest assets.

Make sure your format is ATS-friendly

Opt for simple formatting and avoid complex graphics or images to ensure your resume passes through applicant scanning software.

Consistency is key

Maintain uniform font size and header styling for a clear, professional, ATS-compatible look that’s easy on the eyes.

What is a nontraditional resume format?

The nontraditional resume format is the shiny new toy in the employment world. These newer formats for a resume, ranging from video resumes to infographics, are well-suited for job seekers in creative roles, such as a fine artist, musician or television personality. If done well, a nontraditional format will help you grab an employer’s attention.

On the other hand, they may not be the best format for resumes being used in more conservative industries like finance or medicine. We recommend sticking with the standard resume formats for traditional industries like those.

What is the standard resume format?

A standard resume is another name for the chronological resume. This resume format is also called the reverse-chronological resume format, which recruiters often agree is a great simple resume format for most people. It is typically the best resume format for experienced applicants.

What is the best format for a resume?

Choosing the proper resume format for you depends largely on your experience level. Many people choose the chronological format, but if you’re changing careers, lack experience or have large gaps in your experience, then you may want to consider a functional or hybrid format.

Which resume format is most versatile?

The combination resume, sometimes called a hybrid resume, is the most versatile. You may want to use it if you’re changing careers or don’t have extensive experience in the field yet. The advantage of the hybrid format is that it highlights your relevant skills while preserving the familiar chronological layout.

What resume is best for an entry-level position?

It’s best to use the functional resume format for an entry-level position if you do not have any relevant experience. A functional resume will allow you to display your relevant skills front and center while downplaying your lack of work experience.

What format do recruiters generally prefer?

Recruiters generally prefer chronological resume formats. Why? Because chronological resumes highlight work experience, and previous success is the best way to tell whether you’d be a good fit for the role. A strong, easy-to-scan work history gives the recruiter a quick snapshot of the candidate.

There are, however, some candidates who would benefit from using a combination or functional resume, both of which put more emphasis on skills and abilities. These formats are well-suited for first-time job seekers and career changers.

Remember: choosing the right resume format will help you land a job interview, but it’s just the first step. You must give your full attention to every step, from choosing the best layout to creating a matching cover letter. Cover letters serve an important purpose ; don’t neglect them. If you aren’t sure where to start, our Cover Letter Builder can help.

What should a resume look like in 2024?

Most job seekers should use a reverse-chronological resume format. This format is popular because it lists a candidate’s work history, beginning with their most recent position and working backward. Employers like this format because it allows them to view professional experience at a glance.

Readability is also extremely important. A simple and well-organized resume lets your qualifications shine. Additionally, it’s beneficial to avoid wasting space with unnecessary jargon like “ references available upon request .”

Finally, in 2024, your resume is expected to look professional. Use a resume template that is polished and well-organized to have the best chance of getting an interview.

Was this information about Resume Formats helpful? Let us know!

Don Sjoerdsma, CPRW

Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.

Read more articles by Don Sjoerdsma, CPRW

More resources

How to Format a Resume

Make a good impression with a properly formatted resume. Learn...

Resume Layouts: Examples and Design Tips

Resume layouts help you structure your resume for maximum impa...

The Perfect Resume: A Detailed Guide for 2024

The perfect resume will be well-formatted, expertly written an...

How to Make a Resume With No Experience in 2024 [+ Examples]

Learn how to make a resume with no experience in this detailed...

55+ Best Resume Tips for 2024

Access gateways to articles on resume and cover letter writing...

150+ Action Verbs, Synonyms and Adjectives for Your Resume

Resume action words describe the tasks you perform on the job....

Resume Format Guide, Tips, and Templates

Create a resume quickly, easily, and for free with our resume maker! In just minutes, build a resume to take your career to the next level.

• 30% higher chance of getting a job‡
• 42% higher response rate from recruiters‡

As seen in: * Foot Note

The three top resume formats are the chronological resume , the functional resume and the combination resume .

While these resume formats have standard elements, such as a summary, skills and education sections, each format structures those sections differently to focus on one in particular. The right resume format for a job will depend on your years of work experience, your skill set and how your qualifications match the job you want.

In this article, you’ll learn the differences between each resume format and how to choose the right one for you. Use our examples to understand the different resume styles and create an organized, polished resume that appeals to employers.

You can also save time by using a preformatted resume template in our  Resume Builder .

• Pick the best resume format
• How to format a resume

The three main resume formats

Chronological resume format.

Best resume format for:

• Jobs that emphasize experience (such as creative director or retail manager ).
• Candidates with multiple years of experience in the same field who’re seeking a job in the same industry (for example, moving up from a construction worker position to a construction project manager position ).
• Job seekers with no employment gaps in their work history.

FUNCTIONAL RESUME FORMAT

• First-time job seekers or candidates with no work experience .
• Entry-level jobs (such as administrative assistant or warehouse associate ).
• Jobs that place heavy importance on skills (such as a machinist or web developer position).

COMBINATION RESUME FORMAT

• Midlevel candidates with some experience in their industry (such as a nurse practitioner or marketing manager position).
• People switching to a different career with some transferable skills and work experience.
• Candidates who are re-entering the job market or have employment gaps in their career.
• Chronological resume format

The chronological resume (also known as the reverse-chronological format) is the most popular format and the best resume format for experienced candidates. The chronological resume emphasizes your work history section, where you list information about current and past jobs with the most recent job first.

Name: Leighton Evans

Address: San Diego, CA 92111

Phone: H: 555 555 555, C: (555) 555-5555

E-Mail: [email protected]

Professional Summary

Goal-oriented warehouse manager with 13 years of distribution industry experience focused on delivering practical strategies to drive productivity, personnel retainment and process efficiency. Excellent skills overseeing warehouse operations, data management and logistics to meet business needs. Well-coordinated and decisive leader with expertise in program management, team building and operational optimization.

Work History

Warehouse Manager 11/2018 – Current

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics – San Diego, CA

• Handle day-to-day shipping and receiving for more than 2,500 packages per week and keep documentation and records with 99% accuracy.
• Oversee and motivate a team of 60 employees in the warehouse and increase efficiency by 40%.
• Negotiate with 12 freight companies and receive annual contracts resulting in cost savings of 25%.

Assistant Warehouse Manager 09/2013 – 10/2018

Costco Logistics – San Diego, CA

• Evaluated supplies and product inventory to check for quality and quantity issues and returned inappropriate materials to vendors.
• Managed benefits for an office team of 55 employees and trained new staff on job duties, company policies and safety procedures for rapid onboarding.
• Designed a comprehensive $10,000 office budget and oversaw the upkeep of equipment and the physical condition of the warehouse.

Warehouse Clerk 01/2009 – 08/2013

BAE Systems – San Diego, CA

• Checked over 350 packages and merchandise for damage and notified vendors.
• Loaded approximately 100 boxes each hour into trucks.
• Answered around 50 calls daily, greeted visitors promptly and kept documentation and records accurate and up-to-date with the latest data to prevent errors in processing or delivery.
• Documentation and reporting
• Warehouse logistics
• Shipping and receiving
• NetSuite WMS
• Attention to detail
• Time management and multitasking
• Communication and teamwork

BBA: Business Management

San Diego State University – San Diego, CA

Certifications

• Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) – 2018

To make the most of this resume format, focus on unique, detailed work achievements that show you’ve made steady and significant progress in your career. You should also highlight key skills that fit the job description. Follow the lead of our chronological sample resume format above and these tips:

Writing tips for the chronological resume format

Resume summary :  In a few sentences, give an overview of your top qualifications for the job, emphasizing career longevity and achievements. See our resume format example above, which emphasizes 13 years of distribution industry experience and expertise in an important area such as database management.

Work history :  This is the heart of a chronological resume format. Don’t list standard, mundane tasks — instead, detail  accomplishments  that make you stand out.

Work history example:

• Designed a comprehensive $10,000 office budget to handle supply, labor and maintenance requirements.
• Maintained 99% accuracy while updating databases with qualifying data and verifying continuous changes.
• Managed benefits for office team of 55 employees.
• Answered around 50 calls and greeted visitors promptly every day.

Skills :  Feature skills you have that are most relevant to the specific job you’re applying to, including practical skills (such as documentation and reporting) and soft skills (such as customer service or attention to detail).

Education:  Present your highest academic credential (e.g., name of college and degree) and any specific certifications or courses you’ve taken that apply to the job you want.

Chronological resume format pros and cons

• Preferred resume format of recruiters and hiring managers.
• Provides a concise snapshot of your work history.
• Easy to see your career progression and important skills.
• Any employment gaps are noticeable.
• Not the best resume format if you don’t have much experience (e.g., you’re a first-time job seeker or are switching over from a different career).
• Might not be the proper resume format if you haven’t had steady, standard career progression.
• Functional resume format

When you think of “function,” you think of skills and abilities that fulfill your work duties — in other words, your work functions. The functional resume format thus focuses on all the skills and training you have that fit the job description, like this functional resume format example below:

Name: Tom Larson

Address: City, State, Zip Code

Phone: 000-000-0000

E-Mail:  [email protected]

Summary Statement

Skilled Dental Hygienist offering four years of experience caring for underserved and uninsured patient populations. Expert in providing preventive and restorative care while working to raise awareness of dental hygiene and oral care. Compassionate and understanding when treating and talking with individuals and families. Patient-focused and quick to build long-term relationships with patients and colleagues.

• Medical office administration
• Sealant application
• Problem-solving skills
• Root planning and scaling expertiseDigital radiographs
• Preventive oral health education
• Infection control and aseptic procedures

Company Name, City, State

Associate of Science Dental Hygiene

Licensed BLS/CPR – 2018

Summary of Qualifications

Good at working with hands in tight spaces and part of the body.

Proven ability to work without direct supervision of a Dentist.

Excellent interpersonal skills; advocate of patient care, being sensitive to them, their emotions, and worries.

Professional Skills

Dental Care and Evaluations

• Exposed, developed, and mounted both intraoral and extraoral dental x-rays.
• Maintained accurate medical and dental records by documenting essential patient data in Curve Dental.
• Carried out advanced dental cleaning services, including Gross debridement scaling and root planing in more than eight patients daily.

Continual Learning

• Continuous research and studies resulted in screening two to three patients for signs of oral cancer, lesions, or disease by visually and manually inspecting mouth and gums each month.
• Improved and developed knowledge through continuing education courses and seminars.
• Confronted by situations and emergencies and be able to assimilate and start using new information quickly.

Oral Communication

• Educated patients on the importance of oral hygiene and demonstrated flossing techniques, brushing, and using mouthwash.
• Actively listened to patients, handled concerns quickly, and escalated significant issues to the Dentist.
• Served 15+ patients in a friendly, efficient manner following outlined steps of service every day.

February 2018 to Current

Dental Hygienist

January 2017 to February 2018

Dental Hygienist Assistant

Are functional resumes bad?  Some experts discourage using functional resumes because they’re organized differently from chronological resumes, and thus might confuse recruiters. Our advice: As long as your situation fits the format, a functional format is a good resume format for presenting your qualifications.

In this latest resume format, your skills are broken into important subcategories (e.g., “Technical Skills” or “ Soft Skills ”). Be sure to tailor your skills sections to fit the skills that the specific job needs.

Your education section should also feature any specialized classes or training that match the job you want. For more tips on this resume format, see below:

Writing tips for the functional resume format

Resume objective  or summary statement:  If you’re seeking a job in which you’re expected to define your career goals, start off this professional resume format with an objective statement (also known as a career objective). In it, write two to three sentences explaining your employment goal, along with your best skills and qualifications. If your experience places more value for the role, go with a standard summary statement.

Resume objective example:

Recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, seeking a position that uses analytical, decision-making and problem-solving skills. Thoroughly versed in Microsoft Excel functions, including pivot tables, and proficient in Hyperion and Oracle. Brings a collaborative, positive, deadline-focused approach to work.

Skills:  Unlike the other resume formats, a functional resume has several skills sections:

• The “Summary of Qualifications” section describes your best skills and how these skills were put into action. You can refer to internships, projects or extracurricular activities relevant to the job.
• “Professional Skills” or “Relevant Skills” sections are used to explain hard skills further — abilities acquired through practice, education and repetition that are job-specific (such as data management, editing, translation or budgeting).
• Make sure to also feature “soft” skills: intangible traits that lead to better job performance, such as organizational skills, problem-solving or interpersonal skills.

Work history:  Keep this section concise, listing any previous positions or professional experiences, names of the companies you’ve worked for and your dates of employment, as seen in our resume format example above. If you don’t have  formal work experience , include any relevant internships, volunteer work or extracurricular activities.

Education:  In addition to your academic credentials, supply details about relevant additional training or certifications (e.g., a certification in Adobe Creative Suite for graphic design work) to complete this resume format.

Functional resume format pros and cons

• Useful resume format for recent graduates or first-time job seekers.
• Excellent resume format for jobs with a premium on specific skills, particularly transferable skills across jobs or industries.
• Good format for presenting a wide range of qualifications.
• Emphasis on skills rather than work history is not a great fit for jobs that require experience.
• Not the best resume format for job seekers who can show off consistent career development and achievements at previous jobs.
• Applicant tracking systems (ATS) can have difficulties scanning this format.
• Combination resume format

The combination (or hybrid) resume format, as its name suggests, combines elements of both the chronological and functional resume formats, marrying a meaty skills section with details on work achievements. Check out the sample resume format below and use it as inspiration:

Name: Kaia Williams

Address: Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Phone: 555 555 555, (555) 555-5555

Professional business analyst with advanced knowledge of business operations, data analysis, portfolio asset management systems and skill in driving positive outcomes. Exceptional organizational, project management and leadership skills. Adaptable assessor of business health and product success with expertise in optimizing solutions for changing industry landscapes.

Relevant Skills

• Well-versed in new market identification and functional analysis methodologies.
• Vast knowledge of business best practices and regulatory standards.
• Diligent and detail-oriented with strong communication and task prioritization skills.

Business Analyst, 06/2021 to Current

UPMC – Pittsburgh, PA

• Work with a team of 12 and analyze key aspects of a business to evaluate factors driving results and summarized them into quarterly presentations.
• Perform competitor benchmarking analysis to identify manufacturing savings opportunities and potential product enhancements boosting 35% of revenue.
• Derive conceptual designs from business objectives to deliver software and applications according to specifications for usability, performance and functionality.

Assistant Operations Analyst, 09/2017 to 05/2021

Dice – Pittsburgh, PA

• Designed three plans to improve operations and suggested changes to systems for the overall organization and 150 team members.
• Scanned system for frequent technical issues, employing troubleshooting techniques for resolution and generated monthly reports of findings to help management with making key decisions.
• Drove operational improvements which resulted in savings and improved 50% of profit margins.

Junior Data Analyst, 06/2014 to 08/2017

• Installed 60% of system updates to address vulnerabilities and reduce security issues.
• Synthesized current data to produce monthly reports and polished presentations, highlighting ROI estimations, findings and recommending changes.
• Improved systems with the addition of new features and infrastructure and resolved 75% of issues regarding the integrity of data flow into databases.
• Technical design documentation
• Strategic planning
• Industry trend analysis
• BI tool and system design
• Critical thinking
• Decision making

MBA, Business Administration & Business Analytics, 06/2019

University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, PA

Bachelor of Science, Business, 06/2014

• Business Administration in Business Information Systems

The combination resume format can work for a variety of circumstances. If you have a few years of experience in a particular field and are applying for a higher-level job, this is the best resume format to feature career progression and key skills. It’s also a good option if you’re switching careers but can feature “transferable” achievements and skills from previous jobs.

Writing tips for the combination resume format

Summary:  Provide a two- to three-sentence summary of your best skills and work experiences. If you’re coming from a different field, this is also your opportunity to explain how your skills and experiences from previous positions fit your new career path.

Skills:  A combination resume format gives you the option of splitting your skills into two sections: a summary of qualifications and a key skills section. In your summary of qualifications, describe your prime abilities, referencing how you’ve used them in previous jobs. Your key skills section will focus on specific abilities that address the requirements from the specific job.

Summary of qualifications example:

• Ability to synthesize and relate program information in an effective, positive way.
• Proficient at using databases and spreadsheets and performing office management.
• Efficiently uses software and CMHC to achieve successful outcomes.
• Understands cognitive behavioral therapy, theories of addiction and dynamics related to criminogenic risk factors.

Key skills example:

• Referrals and networking
• Case management
• Crisis intervention
• Life skills development

Work history:  As with the chronological resume format, focus on unique achievements from previous jobs, quantifying your results whenever possible (e.g., “Improved on accounting processes, gaining $4 million for the company in the last fiscal year”). Zero in on accomplishments that can be applied to your new job or career (e.g., highlight your mathematics skills and attention to detail from an accountant job if you’re applying for a statistician position).

Education:  Present your top academic achievements (e.g., high school diploma or graduate degree) and additional training that has a bearing on the job you want (e.g., first aid and CPR training for a medical assistant job).

Combination resume format pros and cons

• Spotlight skills and work experience equally in this resume format.
• Emphasize relevant work highlights from your career.
• Contextualize your skills with work achievements.
• Not the best resume format for first-time job seekers or workers who lack experience.
• Skills and work achievements must complement each other for the format to be effective.
• Resume format can be difficult for applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan.

What is the best resume format for you?

Selecting the best resume format can spell the difference between having a resume that wows recruiters and one that leaves them cold. For example, if you don’t have any experience but use the chronological resume format, which focuses on work history, you’ll end up with an underwhelming resume.

To pick the best resume format for you, just answer these questions.

Are you a first-time job seeker or applying for an entry-level position?

If yes, then go with a functional format. If no, move on to number two.

Do you have more than five years of experience and are applying for a job in the same field?

If yes, then use a chronological format. If no, move on to number three.

Are you changing careers?

If so, do you have experiences that can apply to the new job? If so, go with a chronological resume. If you’re short on related experience but have skills that match the new job, then a combination resume is your best resume format option.

Check out our 5-Star Reviews

8 resume formatting tips.

Having a professional resume format is only one major piece of the puzzle — the other is making sure your finished resume is laid out correctly.

1. Margins.

Stick to 1 inch on all sides of your resume. If you’re trying to make room on your resume for more information, you can take it down to half an inch if needed, but 1 inch will give your document the best look.

2. Font size.

Your font size should be large enough to read but not so large as to look unprofessional. Typically, most fonts look good with a point size of 11 or 12 — just take a look at our resume format examples.

3. Font style.

Keep it professional. This isn’t the time to use a flamboyant font or a font that an employer might have a hard time reading.  Well-used fonts  like Arial, Times New Roman or Verdana are your best bet.

4. Bullet points.

Use bullet points and short, punchy phrases to describe your skills, certifications, work experience and achievements.

5. Spacing.

Make sure the spacing between your sections is consistent, and go with single or 1.5 line spacing between lines.

6. Headings.

Follow the lead of our resume format examples and use standardized headings for each section. Writing “My Career” rather than “Work History” runs the risk of confusing readers, especially if your resume is submitted through an ATS.

Your resume format will determine how sections on your resume are organized. In short:

8. File format.

Most employers welcome resumes in PDF or Microsoft Word format. If you use our Resume Builder to create your resume, you can download it in these formats or check out our  PDF template  and  Word template  sections for more resume examples.

Resume format templates

Get started on your resume using our preformatted resume templates . We have a number of options for different industries and plenty of free downloadable templates with all three resume formats you can edit on your own.

Functional modern resume template

This functional modern resume template includes a summary of qualifications that highlights your top qualifications and abilities, despite not having a lot of work experience under your belt.

Combination creative resume template

As you can see from this creative resume template , combination resumes are a great option for people switching careers who have transferable skills and experience. This job seeker utilizes the work history and skills sections to show the employer that they’re well-rounded and have the qualifications that it takes to excel.

Chronological professional resume template

This chronological professional resume template demonstrates why this format is both common and popular. The work history section follows your professional summary, highlighting extensive experience and career achievements before diving into the skills you possess.

Chronological simple resume template

As you can see, the focus on work experience makes this simple chronological template the best resume format for people with years of relevant experience in their field. However, note that if you have an employment gap, it will be quickly noticeable in this resume format.

Additional resume help to create the perfect resume

Now that you know what the best resume format is for you, based on your needs and experience, here are other expert resources to make the best resumes:

• How to Write a Resume – From the contact information to the education section, our expert teaches you everything you need to know about writing a resume.
• 800+ Resume Examples – There are a lot of resume examples out there, but we have the best ones for a number of different industries.
• What to Put on a Resume – Check out our comprehensive list of what to put on a resume for tips from career experts.
• How to Write a Cover Letter – Every strong resume needs a cover letter. Use our writing guide to put together a professional cover letter.
• Cover Letter Templates – Make sure your job application looks professional with a cover letter and resume combo featuring a similar design.
• Cover Letter Examples – Need inspiration? We have over 500 cover letter examples made by experts.

For more articles, make sure to explore our Career Center .

Create a resume with the right format using our builder

Our Resume Builder helps you create a resume from scratch. Just pick a template design and we’ll provide you with all the professional formatting and content suggestions you need to fill out your document.

• Professional designs, with formatting taken care of.
• Build and customize as many versions of your resume as you need.
• Create a resume in any resume format.
• Download your resume in all the major file formats, including PDF and Microsoft Word.

Key resume format takeaways

To wrap up, let’s do a quick recap:

• There are three standard resume formats: chronological, functional and combination (or hybrid).
• The chronological format (also known as the reverse-chronological) is the most popular resume format and emphasizes work history.
• A functional resume format is great for highlighting skills rather than work experience and is appropriate for first-time job seekers or people changing careers.
• The combination resume mixes the chronological and functional resume formats and places equal emphasis on work experience and skill set.
• Make sure to apply the standard resume formatting rules: 1 inch margins, professional font, bullet points to describe skills and work history, 11-12 point size and single or 1.5 line spacing.
• Save your resume as a PDF or DOC file format when you’re done.

To make it easier for you to remember everything, we’ve put together this table that summarizes all the differences between the resume formats:

• Main focus Work experience
• Work experience section At the top, after the professional summary
• Skills section In the middle, after the work experience
• Best for Candidates with a lot of steady work experience
• Not ideal for People with employment gaps, little work experience and candidates changing careers
• Main focus Skills
• Work experience section At the bottom, doesn’t have bullet points
• Skills section At the top and divided into different categories
• Best for People with little to no work experience and employment gaps
• Not ideal for Experienced professionals
• Main focus Skills and experience
• Work experience section In the middle, next to or below the skills
• Skills section Next to or above the work experience
• Best for Midlevel candidates with a few years of experience and people changing careers with transferable skills
• Not ideal for Entry-level candidates and people with many years of experience

Resume formats FAQ

Ideally, a resume should be one to two pages in length and contain details about your top skills and qualifications, achievements from current and previous jobs, and information about your educational background — all laid out in an easy-to-follow, organized document.

Just follow the resume examples on this page or use our Resume Builder to create a resume that not only looks like a resume should but also provides all the key information employers want.

See our guide on  what should a resume look like  for additional advice from career experts. 

A resume skills section should display at least five abilities or attributes relevant to the job. Employers want to see hard skills and soft skills, so include a mix of both types. If you are applying for your first job, highlight your transferable skills, such as interpersonal and time management skills.

The functional resume format is a good choice for students and recent graduates with little to no work experience. However, if you’ve had part-time jobs, volunteer work or internships that apply to the job you want, or taken a relevant class, note these experiences in your work history or education sections. This also applies to high school students looking for their first job.

The chronological resume format is best for experienced job seekers. This format focuses on your work history, so you can use the bulk of the page to showcase your past duties and accomplishments. Hiring managers will be particularly interested in specific professional milestones you’ve achieved over the years, so make sure you have an updated resume format and include them in your work history section.

The reverse-chronological job resume format is the most popular resume format in 2023. It’s very easy to read and skim through, as the information is organized in a single column. However, despite this format being the most common, it doesn’t mean it will be the best resume format for you. 

The chronological resume places a big emphasis on work experience, so any gaps or lack of work experience will be very evident. Consider the functional resume format or the combination resume if they might help you better present your qualifications.

Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes before humans read them; it’s estimated that at least 98% of Fortune 500 companies use applicant tracking systems , such as Workday and Taleo. In general, chronological and combination resume formats can be read by ATS with little difficulty. 

However, ATS systems continue to grow more sophisticated and can parse resumes in any format — as long as you use the right template. All the examples and templates on our site are professionally designed with these systems in mind, so you don’t have to worry about your resume not making it to the recruiter’s hands.

The most common resume format is the chronological resume format. This format is also known as the reverse-chronological resume format because work history is written from most recent to backward. It emphasizes work history, so recruiters and hiring managers can see a job applicant’s career progression right away.

While the most popular, you might want to steer away from using the reverse-chronological resume format if you have no experience, are changing careers or have a significant gap between jobs. For these situations, there are other formats from which to choose.

Employers prefer resume formats that show a job applicant’s qualifications clearly, so use a format that highlights what you want them to see. For example, if you are applying for your first job, a functional resume format will showcase your skills and if you have been working in the same profession for more than 10 years or want to move up in your career, then a combination resume is a great choice.

Not necessarily. A resume format establishes how your resume will be organized and what information will be highlighted. For example, the chronological resume format stresses career progression and work experience, so the work history section is front and center. On the other hand, a functional resume format focuses on skills and what you can do, so it’s ideal for first-time job seekers and people changing fields.

That being said, if you’re a candidate with years of experience in one industry, but your potential employer places a bigger emphasis on skills rather than work history, you might want to consider a functional or combination resume format. It all boils down to what you want the employer to know about you and your abilities.

Some jobs in fields such as education, science or entertainment may prefer the CV format and they’ll usually state it in the job description. A CV or curriculum vitae is a comprehensive document that details your top skills and complete work history while providing more detail on your academic background and related accomplishments (such as awards and publications) that are relevant to the job.

No matter which resume format you choose, always format your work experience section in reverse-chronological order. That means start from your current or most recent job and work your way backwards up to 10 years. Include the name of the company you worked for, the location, years you worked there and your title. Our resume templates ensure your work history section is in the correct format.

Yes, resume format definitely matters. A resume format determines the way your resume is organized and how your information is featured. Do you want your resume to focus on your work experience or do you want it to focus on your skills?

Resume formats aren’t one-size-fits-all. So use our handy guide to check which format will work best for your situation and choose accordingly to create the best resume.

Rate this article

Resume Formats

4.6/5 stars with 953 reviews

Kellie Hanna, CPRW

Career advice expert.

Kellie is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with 20+ years of experience in digital media and is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She earned a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.

More resources

How to Create a Targeted Resume

By Nilda Melissa Diaz, CPRW

February 17, 2023

5+ Best AI Resume Builders for 2024 (Tested by Experts)

By Elizabeth Muenzen, CPRW

February 26, 2024

When and How to List References on a Resume

By Kellie Hanna, CPRW

November 27, 2023

Networking Advice

November 16, 2022

Current Resume Trends: Key Strategies for Success

March 22, 2024

Advertisement

‡ Results derived from a study responded by 1000 participants of which 287 created a resume online.

*The names and logos of the companies referred to above are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with MyPerfectResume.

The 3 Main Resume Formats for 2024 With Templates

Learn the differences among the three main resume formats, and select the best format for you with the help of our resume templates and tips.

Make my resume now

As seen in:

You might think there’s only one way to format a resume, but there are three resume formats you can use to organize the information in your resume.

When you picture a resume, you likely visualize a single-page document that follows the usual order of sections starting with the contact information, followed by a professional summary or resume objective and work experience , skills and education .

The resume format we just described is the chronological resume, the most popular format for job seekers and recruiters. However, the chronological format might not be the best option for your specific situation.

The other two formats, the functional and the combination, may help you show off your professional qualifications much better, effectively increasing your chances of getting a job interview and landing the job.

In this article, we’ll teach you about the three resume formats and how to choose the one to maximize your experience and qualifications.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll learn about:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Resume formatting tips

Examples of well-formatted resumes.

• How to choose the right resume format

The chronological resume format

The functional resume format, the combination resume format, what is the best resume format of all.

• How to make your resume pass the ATS

Before we go on a deep dive into resume formats, we should first cover some basic formatting tips that apply to all resumes regardless of their format.

1 Keep one-inch margins.

2 use the appropriate font size., 3 choose an easy-to-read font., 4 pick standard heading titles., 5 use proper line spacing., 6 be careful with bullets., 7 don’t include a profile picture., 8 double-check your attachment(s)..

If you want to skip manually formatting your resume and organizing your resume sections, you can take advantage of our preformatted resume samples below.

These resumes follow the industry’s formatting guidelines and showcase the ideal format for specific job titles and career situations — nicely wrapped in our exclusive, professionally designed resume templates.

Customer Service Representative - Chronological

This resume sample shows how an experienced customer service representative organizes their resume chronologically. The work history section takes center stage because of their 10+ years of experience.

Cashier - Functional

An inexperienced applicant seeking an entry-level cashier position will benefit from organizing their resume in a functional format. This resume format highlights the candidate’s skills instead of their limited work history.

Assistant Manager - Combination

This combination resume perfectly balances the candidate’s work history and skills. This job seeker has some relevant experience but is seeking a promotion to assistant manager; therefore, they need to show a robust skill set backed by an equally solid work history.

Teacher - Chronological

This resume shows off this experienced teacher’s long career in education. However, a traditional resume doesn’t have to be limiting. See how this candidate includes additional sections to boost their application.

Sales Associate - Functional

This resume sample exemplifies how a current student looking for part-time work as a sales associate should build their resume. Despite not having much formal experience in retail, the candidate showcases relevant transferable skills from other jobs.

Project Manager - Combination

This combination resume shows this IT specialist’s career progression into project management, which is the role this applicant is seeking. Notice how the summary of skills demonstrates the candidate’s most relevant skills for this position.

The three resume formats: how to choose the right one?

All three formats contain similar resume sections and information. The main difference among them is the order of the resume sections. The organization helps control how an employer sees you because it changes the focus of your resume. Here’s our general recommendation for the best resume format based on your experience level:

Functional Resume Format

Sometimes called a skills-based format.

Combination Resume Format

A middle ground format, also known as a hybrid.

Chronological Resume Format

Also known as reverse-chronological format.

Best for experienced professionals

The chronological resume is the most popular one. Recruiters prefer it because it puts the focus on your work experience.

How to organize your chronological resume sections

These are the sections and their order in a chronological resume:

• Contact information
• Professional summary
• Work history

Build my resume

Chronological is a good resume format for:

• Job seekers who’ve worked in the same industry for many years (10+ ideally).
• Applicants who want to show off their career progression.
• Anyone who is applying for an executive-level position.

Not ideal for:

• Candidates with less than 10 years of experience.
• Job seekers who are changing to an industry in which they have no work experience.
• People who have long gaps between jobs.

Learn more about how to write each section of this resume in our chronological resume guide .

Create my resume

Best for entry-level applicants

The functional resume is the least common resume format. However, functional resumes are great for inexperienced job seekers because they minimize the work history and focus on your skills.

How to organize your functional resume sections

These are the sections and their order in a functional resume:

• Objective statement
• Professional skills

Functional is a good resume format for:

• Job seekers with little to no work experience.
• Applicants who want to show off their skills and education.
• Those with multiple gaps in their employment history.
• People seeking management or executive positions.
• Candidates with a long and steady work history.

Learn more about how to write each section of this resume in our functional resume guide .

Best for mid-career professionals

Combination resumes, also called hybrid, are a mix between the chronological and functional formats. They do prioritize the skills by putting this section at the top, but it still includes a work history section in the chronological format style.

How to organize your combination resume sections

These are the sections and their order in a combination resume:

• Summary of qualifications

Combination is a good resume format for:

• Job seekers who have had at least two jobs in their field.
• Candidates who are shifting to a new industry from their previous work.
• People who are applying for a job that is a promotion from their current role.
• Those entering a field wherein they have work experience but after an extended leave.
• Candidates with more than 10+ years of experience.
• People with less than three years of work history.

Learn more about how to write each section of this resume in our <arel=”nofollow” class=”underline-link” href=”/resume/formats/combination”>combination resume guide.

Now that you’ve learned the gist of the three resume formats, you might be wondering: “Well, what really is the best one?”

One format isn’t better than the other, but the one you’re almost always better off choosing is the chronological resume format.

Chronological resumes are popular for a reason. Most recruiters evaluate candidates based on their work experience, so that’s the section they’ll go to instantly.

Another reason you should lean towards the chronological resume is applicant tracking systems (ATS). ATS are recruiting software that scans resumes in search of all the necessary information HR needs to hire candidates. These applicant tracking systems are programmed to only read chronological resumes.

Quiz: What is the best resume format for me?

When deciding on a resume format, there are a few factors to consider. Key questions you need to answer yourself before committing to a resume format are:

1. How many years of experience do you have?

• If you have between 0-3 years of experience , the functional resume may be right for you.
• If you have between 3-10 years of experience , the combination resume may suit you.
• If you have 10+ years of experience , the chronological resume may be right for you.

2. What is your career situation or job search motivation?

• If you’re a student or recent graduate seeking an entry-level job , the functional resume is ideal for you.
• If you’re a mid-career professional , someone seeking a promotion or reentering the workforce , the combination resume is ideal for you.
• If you’re an experienced or senior professional with a long and consistent career looking for another job, the chronological resume is ideal.

3. Are you applying to a company that may use an applicant tracking system?

• If yes , you should always use a chronological resume.
• If no , you can get away with a combination or functional formats.
• If unsure , ask! Choosing a resume format is an important decision and it’s best to make an informed decision.

How to make your resume pass the ATS?

As mentioned above, applicant tracking systems are part of the recruiting process for many companies. ATS can make or break your chances of landing an interview, so you should include everything needed to be an ATS-compliant resume.

• 1 Stick to simple formatting and a one-column layout. Avoid photos, graphics, text boxes, tables and multiple columns of text..
• 2 Use an ATS-friendly font such as Arial, Calibri, Georgia or Times New Roman. Stay away from fonts with too much flourish.
• 3 Use traditional section headings like “Summary,” “Work history,” “Skills” and “Education.”
• 4 Include keywords from the job description. The job ad will have resume keywords that hint at the essential qualifications the employer wants.
• 5 Don’t include acronyms by themselves. When writing concepts like “CPR,” always include the full version: “cardiopulmonary resuscitation.”
• 6 Use a widely-accepted file format like PDF or DOC. However, always follow the indications on the job application.
• 7 Proofread your resume to make sure it’s free of errors. Grammatical mistakes and typos are sure to get the ATS (or recruiters!) to reject you.
• 8 Use an ATS-friendly resume template that takes care of everything! Our resume templates are ATS-compliant and provide access to our Builder’s writing tips, database of hundreds of skills and integrated spell-checker.

Want more preformatted resume templates?

Our most powerful tool is our Resume Builder . It comes loaded with 30+ resume templates. You’ll find templates in each resume format! Best of all, it also gives extra help with the writing process in these three ways:

It guides you.

It walks you through the process of making a resume, turning it into a series of step-by-step prompts. It’s like having an expert look over your shoulder!

Prewritten text suggestions.

It provides expert-written phrases that you can select, customize and add to your resume. All the recommendations match the job to which you’re applying!

One-click customization.

You can change your resume’s format or design in a split second with the press of a button! That’ll save you a lot of time from doing it from scratch.

With a resume builder, you can finish your document in just 15 minutes!

Which format do most employers prefer for resumes?

While the chronological resume format is the most commonly used, it’s important to choose the best format for your career history and experience level.

The chronological is perfect for you if you have a strong employment history and career progression. However, a functional or combination resume would be a better fit if you are:

• An entry-level candidate.
• Making a major career change.
• Covering up serious gaps in your employment history.

Can I use more than one resume format?

If you apply to multiple jobs, consider several different resume formats. Choosing a format targeted to each job is a good idea.

Based on how much work history you have in the various roles you’re applying to, you want to choose a resume format tailored to your experience level.

You could be applying for positions outside of your previous industry of employment or are returning to the workforce after a break, so you should change the format of your resume accordingly. For more help, feel free to look at our resume format examples .

How do I change my resume format in LiveCareer’s Resume Builder?

In our builder, you can change your resume format in one click simply by choosing a different resume template for your document. There are 30+ templates to choose from in our Resume Builder . You’ll find templates in all three formats!

You can also customize your document by adding relevant resume format sections.

On the left-hand side of the editing dashboard, click the plus sign that says “Add a Section.” That will direct you to the menu with available add-ons such as Accomplishments, Certifications, and Websites. You can also select “Add Your Own” to create sections like “Summary of Qualifications” or “Professional Skills.”

See more on our FAQ page

Related resources

How to Write a Resume in 2024

How to Write a Resume Headline in 2023

Best Resume Layout Examples + How to Choose Tips

About the Author

Eric Ciechanowski • Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Eric Ciechanowski is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), certified by the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARWCC). He graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans with a B.A. double major in Creative Writing and Philosophy. His career background includes fields as diverse as education, hospitality, journalism, copywriting, tech and trivia hosting.

Please rate this article

As seen in *

*The names and logos of the companies referred to in this page are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with LiveCareer.

Resume Templates

/ 0 - 5 years of experience

Resumes Student/Intermediate

Cover Letters All levels of experience

Pick from 8+ [Free] Resume Templates

Pick one of our free resume templates, fill it out, and land that dream job! Create and download your professional resume in less than 5 minutes.

Traditional

Professional

Skill-Based

See what our customers think

Why Novorésumé?

Free AND Premium

We offer both free and premium resume templates, so whatever your budget might be, you can still take advantage of our resume builder.

Creative & Professional Resume Templates

Whether you’re a creative advertiser looking for an outside-the-box creative resume template, or a banker seeking a more professional resume template, we’ve got a template for you!

NO Hidden Fees

If you’ve tried other resume builders, you’ve probably experienced this: You spend hours creating a resume, and when you click “download,” you get hit with a paywall asking you to subscribe.

At Novorésumé, we don’t do that . We have NO hidden fees - upgrade to Premium ONLY if you LOVE our resumes!

ATS Friendly

All Novorésumé resume templates are built with the most popular Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) in mind. What this means for YOU is that whichever job you apply for, the CV filtering software they use will be able to read your resume (and NOT automatically discard it).

Expert Reviews

Oana Vintila

Career Counselor

For over 10 years now, I've been on both sides of the fence, career counseling, and recruitment, and let me tell you, the writer's block hits hard when it comes to drafting your resume.

Novorésumé not only offers you a smart and modern template for you to fill in, but their team has also crafted a winning combo of aesthetics and functionality that will inspire you to apply for the job you thought was out of your league. Give it a try!

Biron Clark

Former Executive Recruiter

Novorésumé is one of the few resume builders that I recommend online. Their resume templates are modern and eye-catching, and will grab an employer's attention. As a former Recruiter, if a candidate sent me a resume built with one of these templates, I would take notice and be impressed.

The software also makes it easy to enter your info and handles all of the formatting for you, so you can get your resume ready to send out as quickly as possible. I recommend these templates whether you're a recent graduate or experienced candidate.

Gabriela Tardea

Career Strategist, Coach & Trainer

When I consult people on resume writing, the most common question that I am asked it is about the content and what components to add or avoid, when they have less than 5 years of work experience.

On this platform, you not only have access to many options, but you get guidance on what to choose and why. When the work experience is less than 5 years, the other components such as languages, projects, volunteering experiences, hobbies etc, make a huge difference.

Resume Resources

What is a resume.

A resume is a brief summary of personal and professional experiences, skills, and education history. Its main purpose is to show off your best self to potential employers.

When applying for a job, you’re (in most cases) going to be asked for a resume accompanied by a cover letter.

If you manage to create a “good” resume, you’re going to 2x your chances of getting hired . Want to learn how? Check out our complete guide on how to make a resume .

How to Write a Resume for Your First Job?

The process of writing a resume might seem super scary to you. After all, most resume examples you see on the web are 80% about work experience. So, what the heck can you include in your resume if you have none?

Well, here’s some good news. If you’re applying for an entry-level job or an internship, no one expects you to have ANY work experience.

Instead, you should focus on what you DO have: education, projects, volunteering experience, hobbies & interests.

For a complete guide on how to make a resume with no work experience stand out, check out our article.

What to Put on a Resume?

The most common sections on a resume are:

Contact information

Resume summary or objective

Work experience

If you want to personalize your resume a bit more, you can also include the following sections:

Volunteering experience

Hobbies & interests

For more information on how to place these sections on your resume, check out our article on what to put on a resume .

How to Format a Resume?

There are 3 typical resume formats:

Reverse-Chronological Resume

Functional Resume

Combination Resume

In 99% of the cases, you’ll want to go with the Reverse Chronological resume format. That’s the format most resumes you’ve seen follow - its main focus is your work experience, written down in reverse-chronological order.

Unless you’re looking to create a career change resume , we’d recommend sticking with this format.

If you want to learn more about resume formats , check out our comparison guide.

How Long Should a Resume Be?

Ah, the most popular resume question in the world: “how long should your resume be?”

Short answer: one page. If you have a lot of work experience (10 years +), sometimes it makes sense to make it 2 pages MAX if everything you mention is super relevant for the position you’re applying for.

Long answer: check out our guide on how long should a resume be .

P.S. all of our templates are one-page resume templates, so you shouldn’t have a lot of trouble sticking to the one-page limit!

How to Write a Resume Summary?

Your resume summary is a “hook” that goes on top of your resume. Think of it as an introduction to the rest of your resume. It should, in 2-4 sentences, explain what your background is, and why it’s relevant for the position you’re applying for.

Want your resume summary to stand out? Use this proven formula:

“Professional [job title] with X+ years of work experience in [job responsibility] . In the past Y years, I have [your top 1-2 achivements] . Seeking a position of [job title] at [company name] ”

To learn more about how to create a resume summary that excels, check out our guide.

On the other hand, if you’re a student or just don’t have a lot of work experience, read our article on how to create a resume objective instead.

How to List Work Experience on a Resume

Work experience on a resume is one of those things that’s easy to learn, hard to master.

Each work experience entry should contain the following:

Position title

Company name/description/location

Achievements or responsibilities

Dates employed

Now, if you want to create a work experience section that stands out , you want to focus on quantifiable achievements. What this means is, instead of creating an entry like:

“Carried out sales operations”

You list an achievement:

“Hit and exceeded monthly sales KPIs for 5 months in a row.”

This shows the employer that you’re not just a random candidate, you’re an A-player! To learn more about how to list achievements in your work experience (and land the job), check out our article.

How to List Skills on a Resume?

Simply create a ”skills” section on your Novorésumé resume template, and list your top skills. We usually recommend going for a mix of hard and soft skills.

Not sure what skills to include in your resume? Check out these 101 essential skills for any resume .

How to Make a Cover Letter For a Resume?

Every job application asks for a cover letter (in addition to your resume). Here are some of our tips on how to do this right:

Customize your cover letter to the employer. The more personalized it is, the more likely it is for the recruiter to like you

Outline your general background (work experience, profession, etc.) and mention your top 2-3 achievements to show off your skills

If you really want to stand out, create a cover letter that matches your resume template. To do this, you can use one of our cover letter templates here.

If you want to learn more about how to write a convincing cover letter , check out our comprehensive guide.

What is the Best Resume Template?

There’s no such thing as “the best resume template” - every recruiter/employer has their own personal preference. Our general recommendation is to do your research on the company and what their values are.

For example, if you’re applying for a position at a bank, you’d want a more professional resume template. On the other hand, if you want a job in a startup where they value innovation more, you should stick to a creative resume template .

Finally, if you’re still not sure which type of template is right for the job you’re applying for, you can just use a simple resume template just to be safe.

Get Inspired with Our Resume Examples

Resume templates faq, how to make a resume with novorésumé.

Follow these simple steps:

Choose one of our top resume templates above

Follow the tips & tricks built-in our resume builder

Fill in your work history and other experiences

Hit download and start applying to jobs!

What If I Am a Student?

All of our resume samples are student-friendly! If you’re looking for something a bit more tailored, we’d recommend picking the “college resume template”

Or, if you want to learn how to create a convincing student resume , check out our guide.

Are These Resume Templates Free?

Yep, all of the templates listed above are free resume templates.

However, our resume builder comes with a ton of premium features. So if you want to personalize your resume and make it truly yours, you can upgrade!

Who Created These Resume Samples?

At Novorésumé, we put extensive care in creating each resume template.

We interviewed recruiters and analyzed applicant tracking systems to create resume samples that will maximize your chances of getting hired.

Then, our professional graphic designer worked his magic to make the resume samples compelling, well-designed, and easy to read!

Are These Resume Templates ATS-Friendly?

Yes! All Novorésumé resume templates are created with applicant tracking systems in mind.

Keep in mind, though, that using the right template is step #1. You should also optimize your resume content for applicant tracking systems. For more on that, check out our guide to creating an ATS-friendly resume .

Do You Offer One-Page Resume Templates?

Yep. All the templates you see above are one-page resume templates. They are, however, pretty flexible, so if you decide to go for 2 pages, our templates will get the job done!

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

• Career Blog

Professional Resume Format: Top Examples for 2024

A professional resume format is a structured and concise layout that showcases a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and achievements in a clear and organized manner. It is essential to have a professional resume to secure a job interview and stand out from the competition.

A well-crafted professional resume can make a significant impact on the hiring manager and persuade them to invite an applicant for an interview. It is a vital tool for job seekers looking to market their skills and experience effectively.

In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the top examples of professional resume formats to help job seekers showcase their abilities and secure the job they desire. From chronological, functional, combination to targeted resumes, we’ll cover the essentials of each format and how job seekers can use them to their advantage. Stay tuned to learn more about professional resume format and how you can optimize your resume to land your desired job.

Choosing the Right Professional Resume Format

When it comes to creating a professional resume, choosing the right format is crucial. The three most popular formats are chronological, functional, and combination resumes. Each format has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to understand these differences to choose the format that best showcases your skills, work history, and personal brand.

A. Chronological Resume Format

• Definition:  The chronological resume format is the most common and traditional format. It lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position.
• Advantages:  Employers are familiar with this format, making it easy to read and understand. It emphasizes your work history and growth over time, showcasing your career progression and accomplishments.
• Disadvantages:  This format is less flexible and can highlight long gaps in employment or job hopping. It may also be less effective for those with non-linear or varied work experience.

Professional Summary:  Motivated and results-driven sales professional with 5+ years of experience in exceeding targets and driving revenue growth.

Experience:

Sales Manager  / ABC Company / 2019-Present

• Successfully led and managed a team of 10 sales representatives
• Achieved a 20% increase in sales revenue for Q1 and Q2 of 2020
• Developed and implemented a new sales strategy resulting in a 30% increase in customer retention

Sales Representative  / XYZ Corporation / 2016-2019

• Exceeded quarterly sales targets by 15% on average
• Established and maintained strong relationships with key accounts
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch new products and promotions

B. Functional Resume Format

• Definition:  The functional resume format focuses on your skills and accomplishments, rather than your job titles and work history. It highlights your abilities and achievements in specific skill areas.
• Advantages:  It allows you to showcase your strengths and achievements in a specific area, making it ideal for career transition or those with varied work experience. It can also mitigate employment gaps or emphasize previous accomplishments that may not be reflected in your job titles.
• Disadvantages:  Some employers may view this format as hiding employment gaps or lacking in relevant work experience. It may also be more difficult to read, lacking a clear timeline of your career progression.

Professional Summary:  Results-oriented project manager with 7+ years of experience developing and executing successful projects.

Essential Elements of a Professional Resume

A great professional resume is essential in today’s job market. It’s the first impression you make on potential employers, and it’s important that your resume highlights your skills and accomplishments in a clear and concise format. To help you get started, we’ve outlined the essential elements of a professional resume below.

A. Contact Information

The Contact Information section of your resume should include your name, title, email address, phone number, and mailing address. It’s important to make it easy for potential employers to reach you.

Name and Title: Start with your full name and professional title. This should be the first thing on your resume and should be easy to read and understand.

Email Address: Include a professional email address that you check regularly.

Phone Number: Make sure the phone number you include is accurate and that you have voicemail set up.

Mailing Address: This is optional, but can be helpful if you are applying for jobs in a specific location.

B. Professional Summary

The Professional Summary section should be a brief summary of your experience and skills. It should be tailored to the job you are applying for and should highlight your key accomplishments.

Definition: The Professional Summary is a brief statement that appears at the top of your resume and highlights your strengths and experience.

Tips for Writing an Effective Professional Summary: Keep it short and sweet. Focus on your unique selling points, and tailor it to the job you are applying for. Use keywords that align with the job description.

C. Work Experience

The Work Experience section should showcase your professional experience, including your job title, responsibilities, and accomplishments.

Definition: The Work Experience section is where you can highlight your experience in previous jobs.

Tips for Writing an Effective Work Experience Section: Start with your most recent job and work backward. Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements. Focus on quantifiable achievements, such as increasing sales or reducing costs.

D. Education

The Education section should list your educational background, including your degree or degrees earned, the name of the institution, and your graduation date.

Definition: The Education section is where you can highlight your academic achievements.

Tips for Writing an Effective Education Section: Start with your highest degree earned and work backward. Include any relevant coursework or academic honors.

The Skills section should highlight your key skills and abilities. This can include technical skills, soft skills, and language proficiency.

Definition: The Skills section is where you can highlight your key skills and abilities.

Tips for Writing an Effective Skills Section: Tailor your skills to the job you are applying for. Use specific examples of how you have used these skills in previous jobs.

F. Certifications

The Certifications section should list any relevant certifications or licenses you hold.

• Definition: The Certifications section is where you can showcase any additional qualifications or credentials you have obtained.
• Tips for Writing an Effective Certifications Section: List certifications that are directly relevant to the job you are applying for. Include the name of the certification, the issuing organization, and the date of completion.

Other Important Considerations for a Professional Resume

Creating a professional resume that effectively showcases your skills and experiences requires attention to detail. In addition to ensuring that your content is relevant and impactful, here are other important considerations to take note of:

A. Formatting

Margins Ensure that your resume has standard margins of at least 1 inch on all sides. This creates a clean and readable document that is visually appealing to potential employers.

Font Choose a professional font style that is easy to read such as Arial or Times New Roman, and keep font size between 10-12 points.

Spacing Use consistent spacing between lines and sections of your resume. Consider using bullet points and clear headings to break up large blocks of text.

B. Tailoring Your Resume for the Job

• Tips for Customizing Your Resume When applying for a job, take the time to tailor your resume to the specific position and company. Use language and keywords from the job posting to highlight your relevant experiences and skills. Also, keep the focus on your most recent and relevant experiences, rather than providing an exhaustive list of everything you have done.

C. Proofreading

• Tips for Proofreading Your Resume Ensure that your resume is free of grammatical errors and typos. Take the time to carefully read through your document or ask a trusted friend or family member to review it. It is also a good idea to run your resume through a spell and grammar checker tool such as Grammarly or Word’s built-in proofreading tool.

Taking the time to attend to formatting, tailoring, and proofreading can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of your professional resume. By presenting a polished and targeted document, you will increase your chances of catching the eye of potential employers and landing your dream job.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to creating a professional resume, it’s important to not only focus on what to include but also what to avoid. Here are some common mistakes to stay away from:

A. Using an Unprofessional Email Address

Your email address is often the first point of contact a hiring manager has with you. Therefore, it’s important to use an email address that is professional and relevant to your industry. Avoid using addresses that contain childish language, personal information, or inappropriate words. Instead, opt for an address that includes your full name and a simple domain extension.

B. Including Irrelevant Details

While it’s important to provide relevant information about your work experience, skills, and education, it’s equally important to avoid including irrelevant details. This can include personal hobbies, family information, or unrelated work experience. Make sure to only include information that is directly related to the job and industry you are applying for.

C. Failing to Highlight Achievements

Your resume is a chance to showcase your accomplishments and achievements. Don’t be afraid to highlight specific projects you have completed, awards you have received, or goals you have achieved. This can help distinguish you from other candidates and demonstrate your potential value to the company.

D. Limiting Yourself to One Page

While it’s important to keep your resume concise and easy to read, it’s also important to make sure you aren’t leaving out important information. If you have significant work experience, education, or accomplishments to showcase, don’t be afraid to extend your resume to two pages. However, make sure to avoid unnecessary fluff or filler content.

E. Using Passive Language

Using passive language can make your resume sound boring and can obscure your true accomplishments. Instead, use strong action verbs to describe your experience and accomplishments. This can help demonstrate your confidence and potential impact as a candidate.

By avoiding these common resume mistakes, you can create a professional and polished resume that makes a great first impression on potential employers.

Related Articles

• Assistant Project Manager Resume: Example and Tips
• The Best Job Skills to Include on Your Resume in 2023
• Including Microsoft Office Skills on Your Resume in 2023
• Two Page Resume Format: Examples and Guidefor 2023
• Work Experience in Resume with Employment History Examples

Rate this article

0 / 5. Reviews: 0

More from ResumeHead

• Resume Templates
• CV Templates
• Career Blogs
• Build For Free

World's Best AI Resume Builder for Professionals!

HyreSnap uses cutting edge AI to create a perfect resume for freshers, search and secure jobs best suited to your skill set and experience in less than 10 minutes

Trusted by 1.3M+ job seekers worldwide.

HyreSnap has empowered people to land their dream jobs with some of the best organisations in the world.

HR Experts prefer Hyresnap Users

How HyreSnap creates perfect resume for you

Build your resume in just 10 minutes!

Select from our 200,000 per written statements and build your resume without typing a single word

Use our AI Resume Review

Whatever resume template you're looking for, we've got it! Whether it's a classic black-and-white template, or something a bit more outside the box, we have what you need!

Match the Job

Did you know most companies use resume screening software (ATS) to reject over 80% of applicants? Build a customised resume for each job description in just a few clicks to beat the ATS.

Best Job Discovery Platform in the world

Find the latest jobs that match your resume and increase your interview chances by 3x.

Creative and Professional Resume Templates

How to Write a Resume Fit for Experienced professionals?

1. Use the right resume format

Do you know, HR will scan through your resume in just 7 seconds. If the required information isn't visible at first glance, they will just throw your resume in the rejected pile. That makes the format of your professional resume almost as important as the contents in it. So, how would we know which format is right for us to get the job? HyreSnap has got resume formats for experienced professionals that are ATS friendly and approved by more than 40 HR experts. We make your resume-building process easy and efficient. Not only that, it helps you present your skills and accomplishments in an optimal manner that matches the job description.

2. Use relevant keywords

Today, all the big and known companies use a software called ATS to help streamline their recruitment process. (To know more about ATS, click here) ATS looks for keywords set by company HRs disguised in the job descriptions. The only way to beat ATS and score an interview is to have those exact keywords in your resume. But searching for the keywords and skills required from just a job description can be a tedious job. Lucky for you, HyreSnap’s resume builder has got your back. Our AI Engine extracts the keywords from the job description and automatically includes them in your experienced professional’s resume within minutes.

3. Ditch the Objective

You’ve worked for so many years now. I’m sure you’re clear that the HR and the company don't need or care about your vision for the future. The only thing that matters is whether you have the right skills and experience to get the job done. And that’s what you can highlight right at the top of your resume in a Summary section instead, where you can talk about 2-3 relevant skills and your top accomplishment to inspire confidence in the Hiring Manager. P.S. We’ve done the hard part for you. You’ll get access to Summary examples for over 10,000 job titles inside.

4. Frame your work experience as Accomplishments

Hiring Managers have thousands of resumes to choose from. The only way to stand out is to show that you're outstanding (pun intended). Instead of writing Cold-called clients, you could say Developed relationships with 110 new clients and typically exceeded sales goals by 20%.. Which one stands out? If you're thinking, Obviously the latter, you're absolutely right. The secret is to use numbers to show the impact of your work. P.S. HyreSnap has a library of such amazing pre-written bullet points for pretty much, every job title you can think of.

5. Don’t put your Photograph

Contrary to popular belief, having your picture in your resume as an experienced professional ( unless the Job Description asks for one) is a bad idea. We all agree that it should be your qualifications and skills that should get you a job, not your appearance. But in the end, we are all humans. Having your picture can create unwanted bias in the recruiter's mind. They might not like the way you look or judge you on your appearance. Even if they find you good-looking, they might think you are a party animal and not interested in hard work. It's better to avoid a situation like this. Hence avoid putting your picture while writing your resume as an experienced professional.

6. Stick to 1-Page

Ok, maximum 2-pages if you have more than 10 years of experience. This is the hardest bit and nobody tells you how. Here’s a hack. Any work experience older than 5 years, you can skip descriptive bullet points to explain the work. Instead, you could summarize the entire work in 1-2 lines. Example - Led over 60 high profile events in 1 year with the attendance of 10,000 customers per event for major clients like Maruti Suzuki, Apollo, RBS and several others.

Resume Templates for Experienced Professionals

HyreSnap offers variety of modern, creative resume templates for professionals that are sure to bedazzle recruiters. With a layout that reflects your expertise, you’ll be on your way to interviewing in no time. To get started, click the link below and simply replace the template text with your own. HyreSnap really makes it that easy for you !

Use cool icons and symbols to add some fun to your resume with Iconic resume format. This format makes your resume stand out from the crowd.

Tired of the traditional? Try out Modern Resume Format. This resume format looks professional effortlessly.

Contemporary

Contemporary Resume Format is a perfect fusion of aesthetics and professionalism. This resume format makes you shine as the best.

Tired of being the plain old simple? Try Bold Resume Format. It adds colours to your vibrant resume and makes you stand out from the rest.

Quick , creative and easy. Be sure to make the HR stop and look at your resume with this Savvy template.

Elegant, neat and clean are three words to describe Elegant Resume Format. This resume format makes your skills and work experience shine in the crowd.

FAQs by Professionals about Resume

What is a resume for an experienced professional?

After working in a job for years, you deserve a promotion or an upgrade. But better opportunities ,means you need a resume fit for experienced professionals. A resume is a one page long summary of your relevant work experience, skills and education that helps recruiters know you are the best candidate for a job.

How long should a Resume for experienced professionals be?

As an experienced professional, you have a lot of work experience and accomplishments. An ideal resume for experienced professionals should not be more than two pages. In your resume try to highlight your work achievements. Work experience. Focus on accomplishment and projects that highlight relevant skills in Along with that add accomplishments and projects that highlight your strengths in your resume.

What should you write in your resume as an experienced professional

Here is a list of 6 things a perfect resume should have- 1. Your name, Location, Contact Information 2. LinkedIn/Behance/Github/Portfolio Link 3. Summary for experienced professionals 4. Relevant skills 5. Latest college degree

Should I put Picture in my resume as an experienced professional?

Contrary to popular belief, having your picture in your resume (unless the Job Description asks for one) is a bad idea. Having your picture can create unwanted bias in the recruiter's mind. They might not like the way you look or judge you on your appearance.

Should I put all my skills and experience in my resume?

Put only skills and experience that are relevant to the job. Your resume should not be more than 2 pages long. So don’t waste the space in your resume for experienced professionals by writing about skills and experience that have no relevance for the job in hand.

Why should I use a resume builder though I am experienced?

As a professional there is always a challenge to miss important skills to highlight that might result in losing good job opportunities. Ever tried building your resume with canva or Word documents? The whole process is a huge pain – you make a TINY change to your resume, and the entire resume layout gets completely messed up. Not only does a resume builder make this process super convenient, it also helps you by suggesting best possible text options and relevant keywords for each position that you want to apply to, adding value to your resume and exponentially increasing your chances of landing any job.

Join Millions of Happy Users

Let your resume do the work.

Join 1,300,000 job seekers worldwide and get hired faster with your best resume yet.

Job Seekers

• Experienced

Our Company

• Help Center

Career Resources

• Interview Blogs
• ATS Compatible Resume
• Resume for Fresher
• Professional Resume
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Refund Policy

Shop for Car Insurance

Other Insurance Products

Types of mortgages

Calculators

Find & Compare Credit Cards

Cards with Rewards

Cards for a Purpose

Cards for Building Credit

Credit Card Reviews

Understanding Credit & Score

Student Loans

Paying for College

Personal Finance for College Students

Life Events

How to Craft a Winning Resume: Step-By-Step Guide

A standout resume showcases your fit for the role and reflects your professional narrative and brand, emphasizing your qualifications, experience and the unique value you bring to the position.

Quality Verified

Updated: April 5, 2024

On This Page:

• Why Your Resume Matters
• Step 1: Job Description
• Step 2: Format
• Step 3: Objective
• Step 4: Work Experience
• Step 5: Skills
• Step 6: Education & Credentials
• Step 7: Optional Sections
• Step 8: Proofread

Additional Resources

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

An effective resume is much more than a simple list of skills and career history. Your resume often makes the first impression on potential employers and is vital to securing an interview during a job search . When crafted correctly, it's a tool that reflects your qualifications, experiences and compatibility with the position you're applying for.

Importance of a Well-Crafted Resume

A well-crafted resume does more than state your work history — it's a strategic way to present your professional narrative in the most compelling light. Here's why a resume is vital in your job application process:

Step 1: Carefully Read the Job Description

The first step in crafting a compelling resume is a thorough understanding of the job description. It sets the direction for how you'll customize your resume to meet the specific needs and requirements of the role. Here's how to approach it:

Read Attentively

Begin by reading the job description carefully. Pay attention to the language used and the listed responsibilities and requirements. This will give you a clear idea of what the employer values most.

Highlight Key Skills and Qualifications

As you read, underline or highlight the essential skills and qualifications mentioned. These are usually listed under sections titled "Requirements," "Qualifications," or "Skills."

Match Your Skills

Compare your experiences and skills to those in the job description. Identify where your background aligns with the job requirements. This step is crucial for tailoring your resume to show you're an ideal fit.

Incorporate Keywords

Integrate keywords and phrases found in the job description throughout your resume. Use them in your summary, work experience and skills sections. This shows that your qualifications match the role and helps your resume get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which screen resumes based on specific keywords.

Step 2: Choose the Best Resume Format

Choosing the right resume format ensures that your application captures the attention of hiring managers by presenting your background in the most effective and relevant way. Below are the three most commonly used resume formats, along with guidance on who should use each and why:

Chronological Resume

This format arranges your work experience in reverse chronological order, beginning with your most recent job at the top. It's ideal for individuals with a solid and steady work history. The chronological resume highlights career progression and is particularly effective for those looking to advance in the same field.

Best for: Seasoned professionals with consistent employment in their field.

Example: A marketing manager with 10 years of experience seeking to become a marketing director.

Functional Resume

This format emphasizes your skills and abilities rather than the chronological chronology of your professional experience. It's beneficial for those with career gaps in their employment, newcomers to the workforce or career changers, as it allows them to highlight how their skills transfer to the position they're applying for.

Best for: Career changers, individuals with employment gaps or those with diverse skill sets not tied to specific roles.

Example: A professional transitioning from a teaching career to a corporate training position, emphasizing skills in curriculum development, presentation and educational technology.

Combination Resume

A hybrid of the chronological and functional formats, this style allows you to showcase your relevant skills and work history. It's perfect for those with a solid employment record who also want to highlight specific skills that are particularly relevant to the job they're applying for.

Best for: Professionals with a robust work history and specific, transferable skills directly applicable to the job opening.

Example: A software developer with extensive experience in project management looking to focus on agile project management roles.

Step 3: Write a Compelling Resume Summary or Objective

Your summary or objective should introduce your resume and encapsulate your professional identity and value proposition, making a compelling case for why you're the ideal candidate for the position. Here's how to differentiate between the two and write them effectively:

Resume Summary

Ideal for experienced professionals, a summary provides a concise overview of your career achievements and key strengths. It highlights your experience, major accomplishments and the value you bring to a potential employer.

Example: "Customer Service Manager with over seven years of experience specializing in improving customer satisfaction and team performance. Achieved a 30% increase in customer satisfaction at XYZ Co., demonstrating proficiency in CRM software and effective team leadership."

Resume Objective

Best suited for those at the entry level, career changers or applicants with gaps in employment, an objective focuses on your career goals and how they align with the company's needs, emphasizing your enthusiasm and potential contributions.

Example: "Recent Computer Science graduate passionate about software development and problem-solving. Aiming to apply academic knowledge and innovative thinking in a Junior Developer role. Awarded university prize for excellence in project development, showcasing strong technical skills and creative solutions."

• Be Concise: Keep your summary or objective brief, targeting three to five lines.
• Showcase Your Value: Mention specific skills and experiences that align with the job description, indicating how you can solve problems or add value to the team.
• Use Active Language: Start sentences with action verbs and use the active voice to convey dynamism and proactivity.

Step 4: Detail Your Work Experience

The work experience section of your resume is where you showcase your professional journey and demonstrate your value to potential employers. Here's how you can effectively list your work experience:

Chronological Order

Begin with your most recent position and proceed backward in time. This format allows employers to quickly understand your current level of responsibility and track your career progression.

Dynamic Action Verbs

Initiate each bullet point with a strong action verb (e.g., led, developed, increased, optimized) to capture attention and actively convey your role in each achievement.

Quantify Achievements

Wherever possible, use numbers, percentages and specific outcomes to quantify your achievements. This approach provides tangible evidence of your contributions and impact on your roles.

Beyond Duties

Focus on your achievements in each position rather than simply listing job duties. Describe how you added value, solved problems or improved processes. This distinction helps employers gauge your potential impact on their organization.

Tailor to the Job

Select experiences and accomplishments most relevant to the position you're applying for. Tailoring this section to the job description ensures you highlight the skills and experiences that align closely with what the employer is seeking.

Step 5: Highlight Your Skills

The skills section can be an opportunity to respond directly to the job description's call for specific competencies. Follow these steps to make your skills section stand out:

Inventory Your Skills

Compile a comprehensive list of your skills, including technical skills and interpersonal skills. No skill is too small to consider.

Prioritize Relevant Skills

From your inventory, select the skills that most closely match the job description. These are the ones you should highlight in your resume.

Balancing Hard and Soft Skills

A well-rounded candidate possesses hard and soft skills . Hard skills demonstrate your specific qualifications for the job, while soft skills illustrate how you interact with others and approach your work.

Presenting Your Skills

When listing your skills, consider using bullet points for clarity and ease of reading. Provide brief examples of how you've applied each skill in a professional setting, either within the skills section itself or elsewhere in your resume.

Integrating Soft Skills Throughout

While it's important to list soft skills, you can also integrate them into your work experience and achievements.

Step 6: Include Your Education and Credentials

This section should highlight your academic achievements and underscore your commitment to professional development. Consider the following tips to showcase your education and credentials effectively:

List Your Highest Education First

Begin with the most advanced degree you've earned, followed by others in reverse chronological order. For each, include the degree type, your major, the name of the institution and your graduation year (or expected graduation year if you're currently enrolled).

Certifications and Licenses

List any professional certifications or licenses you hold, especially those directly relevant to the job. Include the name of the certification, the issuing organization and the date of attainment or expiration, if applicable.

Relevant Coursework, Honors and Awards

Mention any courses, honors or awards directly relevant to the job or that showcase exceptional achievement. Place these details under the appropriate educational entry, keeping the descriptions brief yet descriptive.

Formatting for Clarity

Use bullet points for each element to ensure the section is easily scannable. This helps potential employers quickly grasp your academic and professional learning achievements.

Prioritizing Information

Your educational background will be particularly important if you're starting your career or a recent graduate. In this case, consider placing your education section above your work experience. For those more advanced in their careers, education can follow the work experience section, focusing more on degrees and certifications than on coursework or honors.

• Master of Science in Data Analytics – XYZ University, 2023
• Specialization: Big Data Processing and Visualization Technique
• Honors: Received the Dean's Award for Outstanding Graduate Research

Certifications

• Certified Data Analyst – Data Science Institute, 2022

Step 7: Consider Optional Resume Sections

In addition to the essential components of your resume — such as your career summary, skills, work experience and education — consider including optional sections to further develop your brand, showcase a comprehensive skill set and stand out from other candidates. Select optional sections that add value and are relevant to the position you're applying for. Here are some possibilities:

Volunteer Work

Highlight significant volunteer roles and community service activities. These experiences can illustrate your commitment to social causes, leadership abilities and application of professional skills in a volunteer setting.

Detailing relevant certifications underscores your dedication to professional development and expertise in your field.

Share hobbies that reflect positively on your personality and offer insights into your soft skills, such as teamwork, creativity or leadership. Choose hobbies that are relevant or could contribute uniquely to the job.

Awards and Honors

Include professional or academic recognitions to emphasize your commitment to excellence and achievement in your career or field of study.

Listing language proficiencies can demonstrate your ability to communicate in diverse environments, an essential skill in many global or multicultural roles.

Professional Affiliations

Show your engagement with the professional community through memberships in associations, which can indicate a broader network and up-to-date industry knowledge

Step 8: Proofread and Format Your Resume

Errors, typos and inconsistencies in formatting can significantly detract from your professionalism and attention to detail. Here are some strategies to ensure your resume is polished and professional:

Be Consistent

Use a consistent format for headings, bullet points and fonts throughout your resume. This uniformity helps maintain a clean, professional look.

Choose a Professional Font

Use a professional, easy-to-read font such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman. Maintain a font size of 10 to 12 points for body text and slightly larger for headings.

Bullet Points

Use bullet points to list achievements and responsibilities, improving the document's readability and making it easier for employers to scan.

Margins and Spacing

Set your margins to 1" on all sides to create a balanced, uncluttered layout. Adequate spacing between sections further enhances readability.

Multiple Rounds of Proofreading

Go beyond a cursory spell check. Read your resume several times, each focusing on different elements — first for typos and grammar, then for consistency in formatting and finally for overall flow and persuasiveness.

Get a Second Opinion

Having someone else review your resume can provide valuable insights and catch errors you might have missed.

Use Digital Tools

Leverage grammar and spell-check tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Word's Review features for an additional layer of error checking.

Here's a list of valuable resources for crafting a standout resume that effectively navigates modern job application processes. Each offers unique insights and guidance tailored to different aspects of resume writing and job search strategies:

• GCFLearnFree.org : Features a wide range of guides, including formatting resumes for Applicant Tracking Systems and tailoring resumes to specific job applications​​.
• U.S. Department of Labor : Shares tips for writing a federal resume, including tailoring your resume to the job's requirements and selecting the right format​​.
• Workshops for Warriors : Provides targeted advice for veterans transitioning to civilian work, focusing on showcasing military training, certifications and soft skills​​.

About Nathan Paulus

Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.

Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.

• Top Courses
• Online Degrees
• Find your New Career
• Join for Free

Health Care Resume Skills: What to Include (+ Examples)

Find out which skills are important to include on your health care resume. Discover how and where to write health care resume skills and tips for developing your skills.

Listing critical health care skills on your resume can help distinguish you from your competition when applying for a health-related job. Employers can understand the tangible ways you've learned your skills through your education, work experience, and a list of skills on your resume (that they can follow up on during interviews).

What skills should you include on your resume to stand out? Find out how and where to include them, and use our helpful examples. We'll also share some tips on how you can further develop your skills to enhance your health care career.

What is a health care resume? 

A health care resume is a type of resume specific to professions in the health care field. Health care professions hold particular skills, education, experiences, and training that are different from occupations outside of health care.

Because most positions in the health care field require specific formal training, expect to include a separate section that lists skills specific to the position for which you’re applying. A health care resume may have an area that lists fellowships or clinical experiences that some medical professionals require. These elements are unique to health care and offer employers insight into your skills as a medical professional and how you have relied on these skills to advance your career.  

Jobs that require a health care resume 

If you’re applying for a position within the medical field, you will likely need to structure your resume to effectively highlight critical health care skills. The health care field is broad, with varying job titles and responsibilities. Here are a few of those fields: 

Allied health: Allied health is a field of health care focused on the delivery of health care, rather than clinical care. This includes supporting and diagnostic roles and specific skills will vary by job title. Technical skills for these positions usually require completing certificate programs or other training specific to the role.

Example jobs: Dental hygienists , medical transcriptionists , occupational therapists , sonographers , radiographers , medical assistants , pharmacy techs , home health aides , physical therapists , EMTs , speech-language pathologists  

Administration and management: Administration and management professionals in health care are typically planning, coordinating, and managing a medical facility. Some may specialize in a particular type, such as financial management or ambulatory services. Some managerial positions require leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving, while technical skills will vary depending on the facility, legal parameters, and more.

Example jobs: Administrative assistant, medical staff coordinator, community health director , health care administrator , quality assurance coordinator

Medical providers and nurses: Medical providers undergo extensive training. From a bachelor’s degree to residency, the average duration to become a medical provider is eleven years. During this time, doctors learn technical skills specific to their specialty but also critical personal skills and licenses necessary to the medical profession. 

Example jobs: Primary care physicians, dentists, anesthesiologists , nurses , home health aide , personal care aide

Read more: Is Health Care a Good Career Path? Outlook, Jobs, and More

Key skills to list on a health care resume

Health care is a vast field with many different facets. You can work in health care in many ways, from a supporting position as a medical billing specialist to a patient care provider as a nurse. The skills you’ll need to succeed in health care depend on your career track in the field of health care. 

Technical skills 

Health care professionals who work directly with patients in clinical roles will need different technical skills than professionals who work on the non-clinical side of health care; however, you’ll find overlap in the knowledge of HIPPA laws and basic medical terminology. 

 Clinical (direct patient care; providers, allied health) 

First aid/CPR 

Adhere to HIPAA

Check and monitor vital signs 

Assess a patient’s symptoms 

Diagnose conditions and provide appropriate treatment 

Administer medical treatments 

Interpret lab results 

Develop treatment plans as needed 

Advise patients on treatment options 

Non-clinical positions (supporting health care roles; administration, clerical)

Office skills 

Insurance billing 

Medical codes and terminology 

HIPAA compliance 

Scheduling software 

EMR software 

Data entry 

Record patient history

Personal skills 

Most health care professionals understand the importance of compassion and empathy when supporting or treating patients. 

Good bedside manner

Compassion and empathy 

Good communication 

Listening skills 

Problem-solving 

Critical thinking 

Non-clinical positions (supporting roles in health care; administration, clerical)

Detail oriented

Ability to multitask 

Works well as a team 

Good communicator 

Detail oriented 

Attention to detail 

How to include health care skills on your resume 

Your skills as a health care professional should be immediately evident on your resume and demonstrated in each work experience description. It should be clear to employers how you developed those skills over time with real-world examples.

1. Include skills relevant to the position. 

Employers should be able to quickly assess if your skills fit the job description or not. Tailor your skills to the job description by including specific skills referenced in the job description. This will also improve your chances of applicant tracking software (ATS) picking up your resume. Optimize your resume with these keywords and include only skills relevant to the job posting.

Take advantage of the cover letter 

Cover letters offer an excellent opportunity to explain precisely how your skills would benefit an employer more in-depth. Use the cover letter as your introduction, further unpacking the skills you hold and how you plan to rely on these skills.

How will your qualifications and skills as a health care professional add value to the employer?

Highlight professional experiences or point to achievements or accolades that illustrate how you’ve developed skills and gained professional success due to this skill set.  Be sure to connect your skills to a specific position or job title. 

2. Mention skills in your professional summary.  

Highlight critical skills right away in your resume summary. Use these two to three sentences to give employers insight into your qualifications for a position by highlighting key skills and credentials that make you a suitable applicant. Using adjectives to describe yourself is a great way to pull in your skills concisely. For example, you could begin with “Organized care coordinator with five years experience in….” 

3. Weave skills throughout your resume.

Your health care resume should have a section devoted to your skills as a professional in health care with brief examples. It’s also vital to integrate skills throughout your resume. For example, if you list in the skills section that you are flexible and adaptable, describe in your work history section how you used these skills successfully.

4. Be specific. 

Avoid vague and ambiguous adjectives that are hard to quantify when listing your skills. Instead of listing “good communicator” as a skill, think of a creative way to be more descriptive. Try, “skilled in patient-provider interactions" instead. Tying real-world experiences and examples to the skills highlighted on your health care resume is always helpful.

5. Choose the best format based on your qualifications.

You can format your health care resume in a few different ways. The format you choose depends on your level of experience and education. You can choose the functional format, ideal for entry-level positions; the chronological format, best for management or supervisory positions; and the combination format for mid-level positions. 

With functional formatting , you’re focusing on skills over work history. List skills summary first, just after your resume summary. The skills summary section notes how you have demonstrated proficiency in specific skills through various experiences beyond work history.

The chronological format lists your work history from most recent to least recent. This format is ideal for those with a lot of professional experience. It’s also the preferred formatting for most health care resumes. With this format, you will still have a separate list of your skills, education, and summary.

A combination format gives equal weight to work history and skills. As with the functional resume, have your skills section at the top of the page, just after the summary. List your work experience after the skills section or toward the bottom of the page. These resumes are ideal for health care professionals seeking a mid-level job title.

6. Use a professional layout. 

The layout is as important as the formatting. When creating a health care resume, choose a professional format. Enhance the readability by using headers, bullet points, and bold text where appropriate. As a general rule, lay out your health care resume with: 

12 point font

10-inch margins

Ample use of white space

Headers for each section 

Four to five bullet points per job title 

One page limit (two pages may be appropriate for 10+ years of experience)

Example of a health care resume

Health care resumes typically include a title, personal information, a resume summary, a skills summary, experience, education, and certifications section. You may also have additional sections such as accomplishments, accolades, awards, and publications. Here is a sample template of what to include on a health care resume:

Headline (name and professional title if you already have one) 

Contact information (phone, email, LinkedIn) 

Resume summary (two to three-sentence explanation of your career goals and objectives)

Education (university name and degree awarded in reverse-chronological order; also include residencies or fellowships, if applicable) 

Work experience (organization, job title, responsibilities, skills used, accolades, and so on listed in reverse-chronological order)

Skills ( list of both technical and workplace skills, with brief examples of how you have applied these skills)

You may change the order of these sections based on the format you choose and omit or add to these elements depending on your level of education and experience. 

Consider this example of a health care resume for a patient care coordinator position with five years of experience in her role: 

Jane E. Doe

Patient Care Coordinator 

Personal information 

Phone: 123-456-7890

Email [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janeedoe 

Dedicated patient care coordinator with five years of experience managing patient care, implementing and monitoring treatment plans, and evaluating patient progress. Assisted in the grant writing process to secure funding for Acme Medical Center through the Health Care Coordinators and Navigation Grant. CCCTM certified with a degree in Health Care Administration. Looking to improve patient outcomes by providing support and quality care to patients at ABC Hospital. 

Skills Summary 

Coordinate patient-care services to offer quality care 

Work as a team member to evaluate possible patient interventions

Give compassionate patient care for improved patient outcomes 

Communicate plan of care to family and caregivers of patients 

Accurately record patient history and documentation per HIPAA compliance 

Work History 

Patient Care Coordinator, ABC Medical Center. July 1 to present 

Develop patient treatment plans based on provider’s notes 

Manage patient care coordinators within the medical center 

Advise caregivers of patient progress 

Communicate patient outcomes to medical providers 

Assist other patient care coordinators in the development of treatment plans 

Patient Services Coordinator, Maple Street Hospital, January 2018 to July 2021

Advised patients on viable treatment plan options 

Communicated patient concerns and feedback to medical providers 

Explained treatment options to patients 

Evaluated results of treatment plans and communicated outcomes 

University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 2010-2014

Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration 

Relevant coursework: principles of health care administration, health care marketing, health care human resources, and legal and ethical environment in health care 

Tips for developing key health care skills 

Need to build your skill set as a health care professional? You can find many ways to learn new skills or build upon existing skills in demand for the position you seek. Research the top skills for the job you’re applying for, and choose the best way to gain experience in those skills. Enroll in an online course, earn a certification, or apply for entry-level positions or volunteer opportunities. Developing your skill set can also help you meet your future career goals. 

Courses like Career 911: Your Future Job in Medicine and Health Care offered by Northwestern University can help you learn critical skills to succeed in health care. You can list courses on your resume to demonstrate your breadth of abilities to employers.

Keep reading

Coursera staff.

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

You control your data

We and our partners use cookies to provide you with our services and, depending on your settings, gather analytics and marketing data. Find more information on our Cookie Policy . Tap "Settings” to set preferences. To accept all cookies, click “Accept”.

Cookie settings

Click on the types of cookies below to learn more about them and customize your experience on our Site. You may freely give, refuse or withdraw your consent. Keep in mind that disabling cookies may affect your experience on the Site. For more information, please visit our Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .

Choose type of cookies to accept

These cookies allow us to analyze our performance to offer you a better experience of creating resumes and cover letters. Analytics related cookies used on our Site are not used by Us for the purpose of identifying who you are or to send you targeted advertising. For example, we may use cookies/tracking technologies for analytics related purposes to determine the number of visitors to our Site, identify how visitors move around the Site and, in particular, which pages they visit. This allows us to improve our Site and our services.

These cookies give you access to a customized experience of our products. Personalization cookies are also used to deliver content, including ads, relevant to your interests on our Site and third-party sites based on how you interact with our advertisements or content as well as track the content you access (including video viewing). We may also collect password information from you when you log in, as well as computer and/or connection information. During some visits, we may use software tools to measure and collect session information, including page response times, download errors, time spent on certain pages and page interaction information.

These cookies are placed by third-party companies to deliver targeted content based on relevant topics that are of interest to you. And allow you to better interact with social media platforms such as Facebook.

These cookies are essential for the Site's performance and for you to be able to use its features. For example, essential cookies include: cookies dropped to provide the service, maintain your account, provide builder access, payment pages, create IDs for your documents and store your consents.

To see a detailed list of cookies, click here .

This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. To learn more visit our Privacy Policy

Online Resume Builder: Quick, Easy & Free

Free to use. Developed by hiring professionals.

Hassle-free resume maker that can help you land your dream job in any industry. Trusted by job seekers and HR experts. Build your resume quickly and easily today.

Just four simple steps to download your resume:

Pick a template.

Make your resume in our app.

Customize the design.

Download in DOC or PDF.

Build a resume online. Start by picking a template:

We’ve developed our resume builder with one goal in mind: to help you find a great job faster. Our resume maker comes with ATS-optimized layouts and a wizard that guides you through every step of the process. Plus, you'll get ready-to-use AI-generated suggestions for every section of your resume, personalized to match your desired position. Don’t feel like writing? Just drag and drop the content that suits you and let our resume editor do the rest. Have a hard time choosing which style is right for you? Check out all our resume templates here , and read more about their advantages. Looking to make a CV instead? Try our easy-to-use CV Builder that comes with professional CV templates .

As seen in:

Find what users have to say about our resume maker:

Resume builder 14-day trial.

Don’t want to commit just yet? Take us for a test drive and explore all the powerful features of the resume generator for 14 days.

What’s in it for you? Here’s what our resume maker has to offer:

Make your resume fast

Build your resume fast and easily with our online resume builder. It's packed with professional templates and step-by-step assistance. Just pick a template, and we'll guide you through the whole process with our expert tips. Making a resume has never been easier.

Add ready-made content from experts

Instead of writing your resume from scratch, use pre-rewritten content from Certified Professional Resume Writers. We’ve got you covered for any job or industry. You can use it as is or easily customize content suggestions from our experts to your needs.

Upload and automatically reformat your old resume

Have an old resume with an outdated layout? Upload it to our resume maker, and we’ll transform it into a fresh, contemporary design absolutely free of charge. Save time, and enjoy your new, modern resume in just a few minutes.

Score and fix your resume

Once your resume is ready, our resume builder will score it against other candidates applying for the same jobs. You will get detailed tips on how exactly to fix your resume to have a much greater chance of securing an interview.

Generate unlimited resumes in PDF, DOC, TXT.

Create countless tailored resumes for every job you're applying for. Add or remove sections, change templates, or tweak the content as needed. Our fast & easy resume generator guarantees a flawless layout no matter how many changes you make, or how short or long your resume is. Download your ready resume in PDF, Word or TXT format and start applying for jobs instantly.

Create a matching cover letter in no time

Cover letters significantly increase your chances of landing a job interview. That’s why our resume builder comes with a cover letter generator where you can create a matching cover letter just as easily. Our career experts have prepared thousands of ready cover letters for any job for you to choose from so that you can have your cover letter ready in minutes, not hours.

Build your resume with resume examples created by Certified Professional Resume Writers.

Explore our extensive collection of over 600 tailored resume examples designed for every job and industry. Our team of career experts has crafted each guide to include a comprehensive example and valuable tips for every resume section tailored to your specific profession. For an even easier process, use our online resume builder. Simply input your job title, and let us take care of the rest. Create your resume quickly and easily, and get the dream job you've always wanted.

Project Manager Resume

Customer Service Resume

Teacher Resume

High School Resume

Nursing Resume

Accounting Resume

If you don’t know how to build your own resume from scratch, don’t worry—the website walks you through the process step by step and tells you what information you need to input for each section… Zety is the best online [resume] builder overall.

The Zety resume maker is pretty powerful and offers a great degree of control without being overwhelming.

One word? HIRED

You’ll finally get a job you want, not the one you have to take. Break free from the vicious cycle of lowering expectations just to get any job.

Start picking between offers you actually want. Apply the resume generator’s advice, optimize your application, and get that dream job.

I utilized Zety’s builder app to the fullest, applying everything I learned, and even added some unique touches the resume software offered. Now, instead of stressing over what keyword or language to use on my resume, I can focus on which job offer to accept.

I went from fired to hired in less than 3 weeks. I was let go from my old job due to downsizing. With Zety, I was able to build custom resumes tailored to the jobs I was applying to quickly and easily. My last day was 3/9/18 and I had several offers by 3/25/18. Accepted an excellent job on 3/27/18. I can't thank you guys enough. You really helped save my family from some serious hardship.

Zety is what will make you stand out. In less than a month and a half, I got contacted by six employers and went in for three interviews. They’ve all commented on how my résumé caught their eye, and how “visually pleasant" it is. The cover letter tool has been a tremendous help as well. It has made my life so much easier!

Zety saved my resume and my career. I was applying for jobs with my own made resume and kept failing... until I came to Zety. I enhanced my resume and was amazed how professional the resume builder and the tips are. Guess what? I started to receive phone calls and emails for interviews. I have a job offer in the spring!

…and what will your story be?

Frequently Asked Questions about Zety Resume Builder

What is a resume builder.

A resume builder is an interactive online tool or piece of software that offers different resume templates and allows users to create a resume quickly and easily. Zety resume maker suggests resume tips that can help you build each resume section fast, even if you’re writing a resume with no experience .

In short, online resume creators are a much quicker, more efficient alternative to creating your resume manually. Our resume builder adjusts your documents automatically every time you update your resume . You can swap templates, colors, content, or fonts on your resume dynamically without losing your progress or messing up the resume formatting . Plus, you can always work on an existing resume, as our tool auto-populates your information onto a template you’ve chosen! And it makes sure you create an ATS-friendly resume that includes all the necessary resume keywords and lets the applicant tracking system easily parse your application.

Which resume builder is the best in 2024?

Zety's resume maker is the best resume builder in 2024. It offers more features than any other app of such kind. It also allows you to create as many documents as you want for free, providing:

• 18 professional resume templates with dozens of varied color schemes and fonts
• A feature-rich CV builder
• A cover letter builder (with matching templates)
• The option to upload your old resume to spruce it up in a few minutes
• Built-in content for your resume, CV, and cover letter and suggestions that allow you to tailor your document to your job title
• Real-time and easy resume checker with improvement tips
• Multiple formats to download your resume—Word, TXT, and a PDF resume
• Printing feature directly from the app
• Ability to save an unlimited number of documents in the cloud
• 14-day trial without feature restrictions

Want to see how it compares against other apps? See this ranking of the best resume builders available online .

Is Zety resume maker safe and legit?

Yes, Zety is a safe and legit business! The website and available tools are safe thanks to a secure SSL HTTPS encrypted connection. And your personal data is processed according to stringent policies that you can find out more about on the About Zety page. Learn even more about our policies in terms of use , privacy policy , and cookie policy pages.

Is Zety a free resume builder?

Zety resume builder is free to create resumes, CVs, and cover letters . The app follows the “try before you buy” credo—you pay once you're satisfied with the results. To see if you’re truly satisfied, you can create the entire resume, CV, or a cover letter from A to Z. Once you do that, you can download it for free as a text file or opt for a premium plan, starting at just $1.95, with a 14-day money-back guarantee and download it as PDF or MS Word file.

Can I have my resume reviewed when I've finished writing?

Yes! You can use a resume checker integrated with Zety's resume maker. It’s a perfect and easy way to have your resume reviewed and improve your resume accordingly. The software scores each part of your resume and recommends how to improve it. To score your resume, the resume checker compares your document with thousands of other resumes made for the same job title, so you can predict how well it’ll perform in your job hunt against other candidates.

With the Zety resume app, you'll no longer be sending resumes unsure of whether they're actually any good. If you follow all the creator's tips, you'll only ever send top-notch job applications!

What is a resume?

A resume is a brief document that gives an overview of your qualifications. It includes information about your work history , education , and professional skills relevant to the job. It also shows your achievements , awards, certifications , and other things that will help you impress the recruiter.

In other words, a resume is a document necessary to apply for any job and to convince your potential employer that you’re the perfect fit for their opening. A unique resume template , an ATS-friendly document, and a perfect cover letter can skyrocket those chances.

What's the best resume template to use in 2024?

The best resume template to use in 2024 is a reverse-chronological resume template , as it’s easy to read or skim through by the ATS software and hiring managers. It’s mostly recommended for experienced candidates. If you’re only starting your career, skill-based resume templates will serve you more.

The resume templates available in our resume maker tick those boxes and are fast and painless to fill out online. They are also entirely customizable (section order, colors, fonts, margins, etc.). All the changes are applied in real-time and visible on a preview. Want to take a look at different styles of resume templates? Here are our best resume templates .

What should I include on my resume?

A resume consists of several parts . Here's what you should include on your resume in 2024:

• Contact Details (with a LinkedIn Profile )
• Resume Summary or Resume Objective
• Work Experience
• Education & Diplomas
• Professional Skills (consider listing hard skills and soft skills separately)
• Additional Information

When building a resume in our resume app, you’ll be guided through each step of the resume creation process and given expert tips and even generated content tailored to the job you’re applying for. After you're done, your resume should be one-page long . But there are exceptions, and sometimes it can be a two-page resume . Find more about an ideal resume length .

What is the best resume format to use in 2024?

The best resume format to use in 2024 is a reverse-chronological resume . It displays your information (e.g., work history and education) from the most recent to the oldest of your qualifications, highlighting the most relevant achievements on your resume .

However, depending on your career path, you may need to pick:

• Skills-based resume or functional resume : focus on your skills rather than work experience
• Hybrid/combination resume : a clever mix of chronological and functional resumes
• Student resume format : focuses on studies, volunteering work, soft skills, and internships over work history
• Video resume : for creative candidates and industries (must always be accompanied by an actual resume)
• Targeted resume : created with one specific job posting in mind
• Infographic resume : for a career focused on graphics and design skills
• Simple resume : concentrated strictly on the content

Our online resume maker and all of our templates support these resume formats, so you can try them all and see what works best for you!

Do I need a different resume for every different job application?

Yes, you do! You should make a different resume for every application. Tailoring your resume to each job you apply to can significantly increase your chances of getting hired. Generic resumes simply don't stand a chance against a targeted resume .

For an easy way out, check if the job title and skills section match and are relevant to the job you’re after.

In our resume generator, once you enter the job title you’re pursuing, you’ll get customized suggestions for a list of skills, resume profile , and other areas that can be improved. Also, you can easily duplicate, change, and save every resume you write. That makes it way easier to tailor your resume for each job offer you’re applying for in less than 5 minutes. Now you don't have to mass-send the same resume or spend hours creating a new one for each offer from scratch!

What does an ATS-friendly resume mean?

An ATS-friendly resume is one that is fully and easily scanned and understood by the Applicant Tracking Systems. Format your resume and include relevant keywords to achieve it. Many companies use such software to scan and filter resumes before landing on a recruiter’s desk.

All the templates in Zety resume builder are 100% ATS-compliant. Make your resume using an ATS-friendly resume template , and don’t get rejected.

Are there any good resume examples that I can use?

Yes, there are many great resume examples! See over 500 free resume examples for any job application . There's a guide for everyone, no matter your experience level and industry.

However, even though you can copy and use the available examples, it’s still essential to understand what your future employer is looking for in your resume. Use the examples only as references.

Do I need a cover letter for my resume?

Yes, cover letters are necessary . Your recruiters might need more time to read it carefully, but they will find time to scan them when they consider you as a potential hire.

Submitting a cover letter is one of the best ways to boost your resume and prove just how motivated you are. More than 25% of recruiters consider them critical, and half of them prefer when applicants attach a cover letter to their resume. Of course, a cover letter will only work if it is as tailored and unique as your resume, so it’s important to figure out what a cover letter should say to wow the recruiter.

To learn more about creating a job-winning cover letter, check out our guide on how to write a cover letter . Help yourself with our hundreds of free cover letter examples , or use our professional cover letter templates that match your resume in our resume builder.

Try zety's professional resume builder now

10 Best Resume Builders to Create A Great Resume – 2024 Guide

A re you exhausted from investing endless hours into creating an impeccable CV? This article introduces the top resume builders that will revolutionize your job application approach. Bid farewell to monotonous formatting and greet a remarkable resume that distinguishes itself from the rivalry. Prepare yourself to secure your dream job with self-assurance effortlessly!

>> Unlock Your Career Potential With Super Star Resume

10 Best Resume Writing Services

• Super Star Resume - Best overall
• ZipJob - Best for guarantees
• Resumeble - Best with custom bundles
• Let’s Eat, Grandma - Best for range of career service
• ResumeSpice - Best for job seekers of any level
• TopResume - Best customer service
• Resume Writing Services - Best for affordability
• Craft Resumes - Best for quick turnaround
• Resume Companion - Best value resume writing service
• Resume.com - Best free service

When creating this compilation, we considered different elements such as affordability, ease of use, accessibility, the privacy policies of the companies involved, and more. The highest-rated services offer advice, templates, and tools and allow you to consult with experts who can help you craft an impressive resume highlighting your strengths to potential employers.

Our collection comprises free services and those that make use of professional writers’ skills. Some options require a subscription or one-time payment.

>> Secure Your Dream Job With Super Star Resume

Super Star Resume - Best Resume Builder Overall

Star Rating: 4.9/5

Super Star Resume is an innovative resume builder that completely transforms creating professional resumes. By offering a user-friendly interface and a range of powerful features, Super Star Resume enables individuals to produce exceptional resumes that effectively showcase their abilities, accomplishments, and work history.

• Skilled and seasoned writers
• Customized strategy aligned with unique career objectives
• Timely delivery of resumes
• More significant expense compared to certain other resume writing services
• Restricted selection of additional services
• Availability may be restricted depending on demand and geographic location
• Intuitive resume builder: An intuitive interface that simplifies the resume creation process, offering modern templates for a professional look.
• Customization choices: Users can personalize their resumes by selecting from various font styles, colors, layouts, and sections to align with their unique style.
• Comprehensive content suggestions: Access to a collection of expertly curated bullet points, action verbs, and industry-specific phrases to craft impactful resume content.
• Real-time previews and editing: Real-time previewing and editing capabilities ensure a visually appealing and error-free final resume.
• Integration with professional networking platforms: Integration with LinkedIn allows users to maintain consistency between their online presence and resume.
• Tailored resumes for different job applications: The duplication feature facilitates the creation of multiple resume versions, each customized for specific job applications or industries.
• Resume analytics and tracking: Users can monitor the views and downloads of their resumes, gaining valuable insights to optimize their job search strategies.
• Professional Resume : $169
• Resume With Cover Letter : $199
• All-Included : $199

>> Use Super Star Resume to Secure Your Dream Job

ZipJob - Best Resume Builder for Guarantees

Star Rating: 4.7/5

ZipJob is widely regarded as an excellent option for resume creation, especially for those who value guarantees. Their impressive 60-day assurance ensures that individuals searching for employment will experience a surge in interview invitations within this period.

If this desired outcome cannot materialize, ZipJob proactively offers a complimentary review and revision of your resume. This guarantee highlights their commitment to client contentment and showcases their unwavering belief in the superior quality of their resume writing services.

• The starting package is cost-effective
• Complimentary ATS check included
• 60-day interview assurance with higher-tier packages
• The design and layout made it challenging to read the resume
• The summary section was overly lengthy and filled with clichés
• The formatting of the education and training sections was subpar
• Expert resume writers: ZipJob provides access to a team of expert resume writers with the skills and knowledge to review, evaluate, and optimize your resume for compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and hiring managers.
• ATS optimization: Meaning they ensure your resume is structured and formatted to navigate and succeed in ATS filters effectively. Employers commonly use these filters to assess and rank resumes during the initial screening process.
• Keyword optimization: The resume builder online offered by ZipJob assists you in identifying and integrating pertinent keywords and industry-specific terminology. This practice heightens the visibility of your resume, making it more likely to capture the attention of hiring managers.
• Job-specific content suggestions: ZipJob provides valuable advice regarding the most relevant and influential content to include in your resume for different job titles and industries. This guidance is invaluable in customizing your resume for specific roles.
• Cover letter writing assistance: ZipJob supports the creation of impactful cover letters that complement your resume, strengthening your overall job application.
• Unlimited revisions: One noteworthy feature of ZipJob is the option for unlimited revisions and updates to your resume. This ensures that your resume not only meets but continues to meet your specific requirements and mirrors your professional growth.
• Collaboration with resume writers: the platform facilitates direct collaboration with the resume writers, enabling you to share additional information, discuss specific requirements, and seek clarifications at any stage of the resume creation process.
• Launch Package: $139 (or $48/mo)
• Fast Track Package: $189 (or $65/mo)
• Premium Package: $299 (or $27/mo)

>> Use ZipJob to Secure Your Dream Job

Resumeble - Best Resume Builder With Custom Bundles

Star Rating: 4.3/5

Resumeble is a highly efficient and user-friendly resume builder that empowers individuals to create professional and compelling resumes. With Resumeble, crafting a standout resume becomes a streamlined process thanks to its intuitive interface and extensive range of customizable templates.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or someone looking to change careers, Resumeble caters to all needs and skill sets. It offers helpful suggestions and expert advice to ensure your resume showcases your unique qualifications and achievements in the best possible light.

• A 60-day interview guarantee is included
• Budget-friendly package deals are available
• It’s more established than some other websites
• Keyword optimization: This feature helps optimize your resume by suggesting relevant keywords aligned with your target industry or job, enhancing your visibility to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and recruiters.
• Content import: Resumeble allows you to import your existing resume or LinkedIn profile, saving you the time and effort of manual data entry.
• Real-time editing: You have the convenience of editing and modifying your resume in real time, providing the flexibility to experiment with various formats, sections, and content.
• ATS compatibility: Resumeble ensures your resume is ATS-compatible, essential for better visibility and a higher chance of being shortlisted by employers using Applicant Tracking Systems.
• Download options: The platform offers various download formats, including PDF, Word, and plain text, ensuring compatibility with diverse application processes.
• Cover letter builder: Resumeble features an integrated cover letter builder, streamlining the creation of professional and personalized cover letters that complement your resume.
• Career Pro Package : $159.00
• Professional Package : $299.00
• Premium Package : $399.00

>> Use Resumeble to Secure Your Dream Job

Let’s Eat, Grandma - Best Resume Builder for Range of Career Service

Star Rating: 4/5

Let’s Eat, Grandma is an inventive and progressive tool for creating impressive resumes. The platform streamlines the resume-building process, making it easier for job seekers to craft exceptional resumes. With Let’s Eat, Grandma, individuals can create unique resumes that catch the eye of employers and set them apart from the competition.

This user-friendly platform offers a range of customizable templates that allow users to tailor their resumes to showcase their specific skills and experiences. Let’s Eat, Grandma also provides expert advice and recommendations to help ensure that your qualifications and achievements are effectively highlighted in your resume.

• Complimentary resume evaluation
• Choices available for individuals from entry-level to executive-level positions
• Extensive collaboration opportunities
• Not specialized in academic CVs or federal resumes
• Relatively higher pricing compared to some other services
• Potential for a longer turnaround time compared to competing services
• Expert choice: You can save your resume in multiple formats (PDF, Word, plain text) or easily share it with potential employers via email or a link, simplifying the distribution of your resume.
• Error highlighting: The builder can identify potential errors, inconsistencies, or missing information within your resume and provide suggestions or alerts for improvement.
• Section prompts: Pre-written prompts for various resume sections (e.g., work experience, education, skills) can help you structure your resume effectively and ensure you include essential details in each area.
• Customizable sections: You can add, remove, or rearrange sections to tailor your resume to emphasize your strengths and relevant experiences.
• Keyword optimization: The resume builder can recommend industry-specific keywords based on the job description, enhancing your resume’s chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and grabbing the attention of hiring managers.
• Starter Package : Priced at $439, but there is an anti-inflation sale price of $389.
• Accelerated Package : $549.
• The premium Package : $689, but the anti-inflation sale price is $614.
• Executive Concierge Service : $1,899 or as low as $119/month.

>> Use Let’s Eat, Grandma to Secure Your Dream Job

ResumeSpice - Best Resume Builder for Job Seekers of Any Level

Star Rating: 3.8/5

ResumeSpice , a renowned online resume builder, streamlines crafting professional resumes. This platform provides job seekers with a user-friendly interface and a wide selection of templates, enabling them to create impressive resumes that align with their career objectives.

With ResumeSpice’s seamless experience, users are guided through each resume section effortlessly while receiving valuable tips throughout the process. From personal details and work history to skills and accomplishments, this platform ensures that all crucial aspects of a resume are comprehensively addressed.

• Additional assistance
• Timely service
• ATS optimization
• Guaranteed interviews
• Restricted revisions
• Insufficient customization options
• Restricted refund policy
• User-friendly interface: ResumeSpice boasts an intuitive and user-friendly platform, simplifying the resume creation process and offering a seamless experience to users.
• Extensive template library: The platform offers a vast selection of professionally designed templates tailored to various industries and job positions. Users can explore different styles and layouts to find the perfect match for their needs.
• Import and export options: ResumeSpice enables users to import their existing resumes in formats like PDF or Word for easy editing and updates. Users can conveniently export their finalized resumes in multiple formats, facilitating sharing with employers or uploading to job portals.
• Mobile-friendly design: ResumeSpice is optimized for mobile devices, allowing users to create and modify their resumes using smartphones or tablets.
• Cloud storage: The platform provides secure cloud storage for users’ resumes, ensuring accessibility and updates from any device with an internet connection.
• Resume tracking: ResumeSpice includes tools for tracking the performance of submitted resumes, such as monitoring views, downloads, and application outcomes. These features empower users to evaluate their progress and make data-driven enhancements to their job search strategies.
• Entry Level Resume : $479
• Professional Resume : $589
• Executive Resume : $699

>> Use ResumeSpice to Secure Your Dream Job

TopResume - Best Resume Builder for Customer Service

Star Rating: 3.6/5

TopResume is an outstanding resume builder explicitly tailored for customer service professionals. It offers a seamless and user-friendly experience, enabling users to create exceptional resumes effortlessly. The platform goes beyond just providing a basic resume template, offering valuable suggestions and tips to optimize the content.

This ensures that each resume created on TopResume is unique and attention-grabbing in the highly competitive job market.

Besides its user-friendly interface, TopResume provides expert review services. These services allow skilled professionals to provide personalized feedback on resumes, helping enhance their overall quality further. By leveraging this feedback and incorporating attention to detail, customer service professionals can create compelling resumes that effectively capture the attention of potential employers.

• Streamlined registration process
• Well-designed and formatted one-page resume
• The summary and Job Scope sections were overly extended
• The training section needed to have prominence
• Skill-based sections: The resume builder features dedicated sections highlighting essential customer service skills, including communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and relationship building.
• Expert review services: TopResume provides expert review services where experienced professionals offer personalized feedback and recommendations to enhance the overall quality of your resume.
• ATS compatibility: The platform ensures that the resumes created are compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which employers commonly use for scanning and filtering resumes.
• Download and sharing options: Users can download their resumes in various formats, such as PDF or Word, and easily share them with potential employers or upload them to job portals.
• Industry-Specific Tips: TopResume offers industry-specific tips and guidance to assist users in tailoring their resumes to the customer service field, helping them stand out among competitors.
• Cover letter builder: Besides resume building, TopResume provides a builder that empowers users to craft professional and compelling cover letters customized for customer service roles.
• Mobile accessibility: The platform is mobile-friendly, allowing users to create, edit, and update their resumes while on the go, using their smartphones or tablets.
• Entry level : Up to 200$.
• Professional level : Up to 200$-400$.
• Executive level : Up to $350-$700.

>> Use TopResume to Secure Your Dream Job

Resume Writing Services - Best Resume Builder for Affordability

Star Rating: 3.3/5

While Resumewritingservices.org may be a different size than its competitors, it stands out due to its team of talented and experienced resume writers. The website is user-friendly and provides exceptional service. However, this service’s true strength lies in its writers’ expertise.

Resumewritingservices.org sets itself apart by offering a comprehensive consultation process and goes beyond expectations by providing unlimited calls with its resume writers. This personalized approach distinguishes them from other companies and guarantees each client receives individual attention and support.

• Experienced resume writers of the highest caliber
• Unlimited phone consultations and revisions
• More expensive than rival services
• A limited range of products
• Skilled and experienced resume writers: Resumewritingservices.org takes pride in its team of highly trained and professional resume writers who possess a deep understanding of crafting effective resumes.
• Personalized service: Resumewritingservices.org offers a personal touch by providing unlimited calls with their resume writers. This unique feature allows clients to engage in direct communication and close collaboration with the writers throughout the resume creation process.
• Competitive job market expertise: The writers at Resumewritingservices.org have knowledge of current job market trends. This ensures that the resumes they create are optimized to excel in today’s fiercely competitive job market.
• Quality Assurance: The service maintains a rigorous quality assurance process to guarantee that the resumes delivered to clients meet the highest standards and align with their expectations.
• Timely delivery: Resumewritingservices.org is committed to delivering resumes within the agreed-upon timeframe, ensuring clients receive their documents promptly.
• Client satisfaction guarantee: Resumewritingservices.org offers a client satisfaction guarantee, assuring clients are fully content with the final resume. The service is ready to provide revisions if necessary.
• Affordable pricing: Resumewritingservices.org provides pricing options that are competitive and transparent, making professional resume writing accessible to a wide range of job seekers.

Resumewritingservices.org employs a pricing system that is clear and easy to understand for their resume-building services. The initial package begins at $270 , including a comprehensive consultation with a skilled resume writer and developing an individualized resume.

They offer extra options that enable customers to personalize their packages based on their unique preferences. This adaptable pricing strategy guarantees that clients can choose the services that align with their requirements and financial constraints.

>> Use Resume Writing Services to Secure Your Dream Job

Craft Resumes - Best Resume Builder for Quick-Turnaround

Star Rating: 3/5

Craft Resumes stand out as a well-established writing and editing service known for its ability to deliver effective outcomes. Our dedication to providing a 24-hour turnaround guarantees you’ll receive the initial version of your resume promptly.

Navigating our user-friendly website is effortless, making it easy to use our services. At Craft Resumes, we specialize in crafting customized resumes to match your skills, qualifications, and aspirations for your career.

• Speedy completion
• Customized CVs
• Intuitive site
• Insufficient details
• Absence of assurances
• Quick turnaround: Craft Resumes commits to delivering the initial draft of your resume within 24 hours, ensuring a speedy and efficient service.
• Expert Writers: Craft Resumes prides itself on its team of experienced writers who possess expertise across various industries and stay up-to-date with current hiring trends. They’re dedicated to making your resume stand out and catch the attention of potential employers.
• Unlimited revisions: We provide unlimited revisions to guarantee your complete satisfaction. If you have specific changes or additions in mind, our team will collaborate with you closely to implement the modifications.
• Confidentiality and Privacy: At Craft Resumes, we prioritize the confidentiality and privacy of your personal information. You can trust that your data will be handled securely and with the utmost discretion.
• Tailored resumes: We specialize in tailoring resumes to align with your career objectives, industry, and job requirements. Each resume is personalized to accentuate your unique strengths and qualifications.
• Resume Writing : $229.00
• Basic : $279.99
• Optimal : $339.99
• All-In-One : $499.99

>> Use Craft Resumes to Secure Your Dream Job

Resume Companion - Best Value Resume Builder

Star Rating: 2.8/5

Resume Companion is a virtual platform and service that specializes in aiding individuals in creating resumes that are professional and impactful. It offers an array of resources and tools to assist job seekers in crafting interesting resumes that effectively showcase their skills, experiences, and qualifications.

A prominent feature of Resume Companion is its user-friendly resume builder. This tool allows users to select from various professionally designed templates and personalize them based on their specific requirements.

Users can effortlessly incorporate their personal information, employment history, educational background, skill set, and other pertinent details to produce a customized resume tailored to their needs.

• Intuitive user interface
• High-quality templates
• Efficiency-boosting functions
• Cost-effective choice
• Restricted editing features without subscription
• Absence of extensive customization options
• Limited availability of extra services
• Cover letter builder: Resume Companion goes beyond resumes and provides users with a tool for crafting customized cover letters tailored to specific job applications. This feature guides users through the process, helping them effectively present their qualifications and make a compelling case to prospective employers.
• ATS optimization: In today’s job market, many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Resume Companion helps users ensure their resumes are ATS-friendly. The platform offers valuable tips and insights on incorporating relevant keywords, formatting the document correctly, and increasing the likelihood of passing through the ATS screening process.
• Educational resources: Resume Companion extends its services by offering an informative blog and educational materials that cover various aspects of resume writing, job search strategies, interview techniques, and career development guidance. These resources provide users with valuable insights and advice to help them create impressive resumes and enhance their job search efforts.
• Download and sharing options: Upon completing their resumes, users can conveniently download their documents in multiple formats, including PDF and Word. Resume Companion also makes it easy for users to share their resumes online or print them offline.
• Customer support: Resume Companion values user satisfaction and offers customer support to assist with users’ questions or concerns while utilizing the platform. Users can access support through email or the platform’s contact form.

Resume Companion provides a cost-effective solution for individuals seeking an all-inclusive service. It’s vital to remember subscription renewal is required to access future editing services. In summary, Resume Companion offers a wallet-friendly option for those who desire a user-friendly resume-building experience without needing advanced writing abilities.

>> Use Resume Companion to Secure Your Dream Job

Our Ranking Methodology for Best Resume Writing Services

To comprehensively and objectively rank the top resume writing services, it is essential to have a thorough methodology. The first step in this process was conducting extensive research and analysis. This involved gathering a comprehensive list of reputable resume-writing services from multiple sources such as online searches, customer reviews, industry directories, and personal recommendations.

• Feature analysis: Evaluate the functionalities provided by each resume builder, considering elements like template variety and quality, customization flexibility, user-friendly editing and formatting options, import/export capabilities, spell check and grammar tools, and integration with job search platforms and professional networks.
• Template collection: Examine the assortment and quality of templates. Look for a wide range that suits various industries, job levels, and design preferences, considering these templates’ aesthetics, readability, and contemporary design.
• Editing and customization: Scrutinize the adaptability and user-friendliness of the editing and customization tools each resume builder provides. Assess the capacity to add or modify sections, reorganize content, and tailor resumes to specific job requirements.
• User interface and experience: Analyze the user interface and the overall user experience each resume builder offers. Evaluate the ease of navigation, instruction clarity, guidance or prompts, and the platform’s responsiveness.
• Integration with job search platforms: Determine whether resume builders offer seamless integration with popular job search platforms and professional networks like LinkedIn or ATS systems. Consider how well the resumes can be transferred and their compatibility with these platforms.
• Additional resources: Evaluate if the resume builders provide extra resources such as sample resumes, tools for creating cover letters, interview tips, or career advice. Consider the breadth and practicality of these supplementary resources.
• Mobile-friendliness: Gauge the mobile-friendliness and responsiveness of the resume builders, recognizing the growing trend of mobile job searching and application processes.
• Customer support: Reflect on the accessibility and quality of customer support services, encompassing options like live chat, email support, or knowledge bases. Assess the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team.
• Pricing and value for money: Appraise the pricing plans presented by the resume builders in terms of the value they offer based on features, usability, and overall service quality.
• Industry reputation: Consider the standing and trustworthiness of the resume builders, considering factors such as awards, recognition, partnerships, and user feedback from reputable sources.

Buyer’s Guide: Why Use a Resume Builder?

Crafting a well-crafted CV comes naturally to particular job seekers. However, even the most seasoned experts may need help in resume writing. If you find yourself in need of help with creating a compelling resume, here are several ways in which the best online resume builder can be beneficial:

Resume builders provide users with pre-designed templates and helpful tips, streamlining the process of writing a resume and alleviating stress.

Offers Writing Tips

Promoting oneself requires considerable effort. Only some people possess writing skills, even if they enjoy self-promotion. To showcase one’s experience and knowledge effectively, a resume builder can help select the most appropriate words and phrases.

Improves Design

In every field, there are unique standards for an impressive resume. If you need to gain knowledge in design or the tools, resume builders can provide free templates to enhance your resume’s visual appeal and quality.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Recruiters often use ATS systems to scan resumes. A good resume builder will help with formatting to ensure that your resume is easy for these systems to read.

What’s the Best Resume Builder?

The ideal resume builder for each individual may differ according to their specific requirements. If you prefer a tool that offers step-by-step guidance in creating your resume, we suggest using a builder that provides helpful tips and recommendations. If you prefer a resume builder that auto-generates a summary, we recommend using a tool that extracts information from your LinkedIn profile.

For those who enjoy having creative control over their resumes, we suggest using a platform with features. By selecting the resume builder that aligns with your needs and suits your industry and personal style, you’ll significantly increase your chances of capturing the attention of hiring managers.

Resume Builder vs. Resume Writing Service: What Matters for You

When it comes to crafting a resume, there are three options available. You can opt to create it independently, use a resume builder tool, or enlist the services of a professional resume writer. Your best choice will depend on your writing abilities, available time, and financial resources.

Do-It-Yourself

You have the choice to construct a resume entirely by yourself. The benefit of this option is that it costs nothing but requires a significant amount of effort. Along with composing all the information, you must possess graphic design skills.

This approach works well if you have these abilities, but with them, your options for creating a resume are unlimited. To overcome this limitation, you can use a resume builder or enlist the help of a resume writing service.

Resume Builder

A tool for creating resumes allows you to input your details into a template, resulting in an original appearance and layout with no design work. The top resume building tools also offer suggestions on enhancing your resume and tailoring it to match the specific job you are applying for.

While you are still responsible for writing the content, once it is written, you can quickly transfer that information into any other template with just a few simple clicks. Some of these services are free and many like to promote themselves as such, but most require a small payment to download your finished resume.

Professional Resume Writing Service

Professional resume writing services are expensive, but they offer the convenience of handling all the work for you. An experienced writer will gather relevant information about your background and transform it into a unique and engaging resume.

The process typically takes a few days, and the level of originality in the outcome largely relies on your choice of company and writer. However, we will not delve into these services further in this guide.

Are Resume Builders Worth It?

Definitely, without a doubt. An effective resume creator will guarantee that your CV is formatted correctly to navigate Applicant Tracking Systems and ultimately reach the hands of recruiters.

Is It Unprofessional to Use a Microsoft Word Resume Template?

Relying on a template will not set you apart, and there is a high likelihood that your application will be dismissed because your resume is identical to those of other job seekers.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right resume builder is crucial in today’s competitive job market. Creating a professional and impactful resume that stands out from the crowd can significantly impact your job search. With the right tool, you can save time, improve your chances of landing an interview, and ultimately secure your dream job.

When selecting a resume builder, consider your specific needs and priorities. Look for features like customizable templates, industry-specific examples, and the ability to export your resume in different formats. Consider user reviews and ratings to ensure you choose a reputable and reliable platform.

Remember, an exceptional tool for crafting resumes should give you the power to present your skills, experience, and accomplishments effectively. It should simplify and expedite creating a resume without hassle. Investing in a reliable resume builder is investing in your professional future.

Therefore, explore the different options available for resume builders. Test out their free trials or demos and choose the best fit for your objectives. Our top recommendation is Super Star Resume . This meticulously designed resume can open doors to exciting career prospects and be a dependable companion on your journey toward success.

Ahad Waseem is a business, blockchain, and cybersecurity writer who often takes on art, politics, and economics too. As a linguistic engineer who writes to solve problems, he’s written for various tech and business publications. When he’s not writing, he’s probably on horseback, caring for his houseplants, or training Bonsai trees. He can be reached at [email protected] . McClatchy’s newsrooms were not involved in the creation of this content. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links.

©2023 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.