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• How to Make a Resume:...

How to Make a Resume: Beginner's Writing Guide with Examples

30 min read · Updated on March 22, 2024

Your dream job is one resume away!

Your resume is arguably the most important financial document you'll ever own. And before you think, “Yeah – right” let's consider for a moment. Without a resume, you don't get the job, so you can't pay bills, support a family, go to the big game, have that weekend trip, or plan for retirement. Your resume is the doorway to your future, so let's make sure it's perfect. 

Part of making it perfect is remembering that it's a targeted career marketing document – not a chronicle of your life. So, how do you write a resume? In this beginner's writing guide, we'll show you how to make a resume and provide examples of what each section should look like. 

Grab a cup of coffee and strap in, because you're about to learn everything you need to know about how to make a new resume!

Table of contents:

The purpose of a resume

Avoid rejection by the ATS

What is your career target?

Build your personal brand, what should your resume look like, how to make a resume – the layout.

How long does it take to put together a resume?

A major resume no-no: typos

How to make your resume more professional

Theory in practice – resume examples

The most basic purpose of a resume is to sell your skills , achievements , and qualifications to prospective employers. This one document can financially make or break you. Let's take a quick look at what being unemployed costs you per day (assuming a five-day workweek):

If you make $40,000 per year, you lose about $155 every day that you're out of work

If you make $50,000 per year, you lose about $190 every day that you're out of work

If you make $75,000 per year, you lose about $288 every day that you're out of work

If you make $100,000 per year, you lose about $385 every day that you're out of work

Clearly, finding out how to make a resume for a job is critical so that you can properly sell your skills, qualifications, experiences, and achievements to prospective employers. 

The job market is tough and highly competitive; you have to stand out in a sea of qualified candidates by creating a compelling narrative that tells a story of value, keeping in mind that your resume is supposed to do a few things for you:

Introduce you to a new company

Underscore how your experiences and education are relevant

Showcase how your skills and competencies will benefit the new company's team

Win interviews

Avoid rejection by the ATS 

What do you know about applicant tracking systems? Job seeking can be compared to throwing your resume into a black hole. You can go through 100 listings on any job search website and complete the online application with zero results. 

Ever had that happen? It's okay, it happens to everyone at some point or another! 

The problem is that you're probably not putting the correct keywords into your resume. When you hit “Submit” on an online application, it isn't magically emailed to the hiring manager. 

Oh, no! 

It goes through a computer system that scans your resume for specific keywords that can be found in the job description posted by the company. And, just so you know, approximately 90% of companies use ATS scans , including everything from mom-and-pop shops to Fortune 500 companies. 

The companies use these programs because they just don't have time for a human to go through all the resumes they receive. Depending on the job opening, a company can get between  250 and 500 applicants . Can you imagine being the person who has to sift through all those resumes? 

Here is where the ATS steps in. It's designed to weed through candidates to narrow the applicant pool, so that the human hiring manager has a more reasonable resume load to go through. It ranks the remaining candidates in order based on how much of a match they are for the position that's open. 

Being overlooked by the ATS is one of the number one reasons job seekers get ghosted by companies.

Once your resume makes it through the ATS and gets into the hands of a hiring manager, don't think they're going to sit down and read each one. Who has that kind of time? You should expect that the first round of resume sorting will consist of them flipping through the stack to pick the ones that stand out within about 6 seconds of glancing at them. 

PRO TIP: Put your resume on a table, stand up, and look at it from a little distance. Is it eye-catching? Can you tell the position you're seeking just by glancing at it? Set a timer if you have to, but no more than 10 seconds.

Speaking of eye-catching, don't make the same mistake as a lot of your rival job seekers by being too generic with your resume. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that being non-specific will open doors to more opportunities. The problem is that the hiring manager won't be able to tell exactly where you'll fit within their organization. 

The first step in winning an interview is being sure that your resume actually makes it into the hands of a human being at the company you apply to. Start by defining what you want to do.

So the first, and most important, step in crafting the perfect resume is to narrow down your target career path. The more specific you are with this first step, the more response you'll receive from hiring managers because they'll be able to tell exactly how you fit within their organization. There are four areas to focus on as you begin to chart your career path:

Industry: Do you want to work in private sector, nonprofit, government, or public roles?

Geography: This one is more in-depth than choosing rural vs urban. It also includes whether you want to work in a dynamic or static environment.

Company size: You may not think it, but having an idea about whether you want to work in a small company or one with thousands of employees is important. 

Role: Saving the best for last, you have to know what position you want.

On the surface, it may seem like these things are only important for the job search aspect of landing a new position, but you have to know what voice to write your resume in, too. Part of that is knowing your audience. When you understand your audience, you can build a personal brand that resonates with what they're looking for in a new staff member.

Now that you've gotten your target career path nailed down, the next step is to brand you. Think of yourself as a product and your resume is the packaging. Companies spend a lot of time on their branding and packaging - you have to do the same thing.

The best place to start is with a  career assessment . Taking one of these tests can help you to identify your strengths, what sets you apart from others, and key themes of your professional identity. Just like Nike and Coca-Cola have timeless taglines and catchphrases that succinctly define what they have to offer to consumers, your personal brand has to tell a concise, yet compelling, story. This is where your resume comes in.

Your resume isn't just a piece of paper you give to a hiring manager or upload to a website that says, “I'm interested in this job.” Your resume is a personal marketing tool. You shape that tool with words that describe your experiences and achievements, to impress and grab the attention of the hiring manager. 

Unlike Nike's “Just Do It” phrase, your personal brand isn't something you build and forget. It is fluid and should be revisited and refined as you gain new skills, experiences, and achievements. Weave the elements of your brand into every section of your resume.

There is a common misconception that entry-level resumes look different than executive resumes. The reality is that the only difference is how much content is available to write about. 

Obviously, someone who has little to no experience will have a  short resume  – generally one page. 

When you start to get up to 10 years of experience, then you've earned the second page, so go ahead and use it. 

It's not incremental though

Just because you have 20 years of experience doesn't mean you can have a three-page resume. As you work through how to make a resume, remember that a three-page resume should be avoided, unless you have a lot of career extras like publications, research, patents, publications, or public speaking engagements to talk about. 

Other than the number of pages, your resume should use the same format and layout no matter if you're applying to a job as someone fresh out of college or seeking to be the CEO of a company. 

Chronological resume 

The  reverse-chronological  is the most popular, traditional, and well-known resume format. Its focus is placed on achievements from your career history and is defined by listing your work history starting with your current or most recent job and working backward 10-15 years. 

Employers like this type of resume because it tells them what, when, and where you worked. It's best to use this if your work history is steady and shows growth and development. If you're looking to make a career change, have had frequent job changes, or if you're seeking your first job, this may not be the best format to use.

Pro Tip: You could also get lost in the ATS if your  resume is over-designed . Many resume writers will tell you that you need to stand out in the sea of sameness by adding some personality to your resume through design. While that's true, you need to avoid heavily formatted resumes which are often rejected by computer scanners as being illegible.

Functional resume 

This resume type focuses more on skills and experiences rather than on your work history. It's more of a “what you know and how you apply that knowledge” than a simple list of where you got the knowledge. It plays down gaps in work history and makes frequent job changes less noticeable. If it isn't done properly, though, it can be confusing for the hiring manager to read and understand. There's also a bit of a stigma behind it, because employers know that job seekers use this style to downplay job-hopping. So, the first thing they do when they get a functional resume is check employment dates. If you can avoid using this style, it's best to do so.

Combination resume 

There is another resume format that focuses on skills first and then experience last. It's the combination resume, which is sometimes called a hybrid resume. This is the most complex resume type and the best resume for mid-career professionals who are transitioning into another career or for people who have special skills and a strong track record of accomplishments. These types of resumes do take a long time to read and some hiring managers won't take the time unless they're looking to fill a hard-to-fill position.

Curriculum Vitae

Curriculum Vitae (CV) is Latin and means “course of life.” It's a little different from a resume, but some positions require a CV over a resume. The first thing you would notice is that a CV is significantly longer than a resume.  A resume is a self-branding document meant to portray your experience and achievements in a concise and easy-to-read format. A CV goes much further into the depth of your education and accomplishments (think publications, awards, and honors) and even has a section for you to include "Areas of Interest."

The best way to describe a CV is that it's a career biography. The biggest significant difference is that a CV is arranged chronologically in a way that gives a complete overview of your full working career. It also doesn't change based on the career or position for which you're applying.

Layout 

To make things easier for the hiring manager to digest the content of your resume, it should be laid out in a specific way to ensure that the right information is in the right place. 

Hiring managers don't  READ  resumes. They skim through until they find something that piques their interest and then they stop to read

Contact information

Title 

Professional summary , core competencies, experience , education and credentials , awards, certificates, and volunteer work .

Since the reverse-chronological resume is the one that the majority of people will use to apply for jobs, and because it's the format that hiring managers want to see, we'll focus this article on showing you how to make a resume using that style. 

Current contact information 

Location | Phone | Email | LinkedIn | Portfolio (if applicable)

You can be creative and use bold font in your  contact information  and even put a border under it to separate it from the body of your resume. 

• Name: Be sure to list your name the same across all professional documents (e.g., resume, cover letter, thank you note, LinkedIn profile). Don't get hung up with whether to use your legal name (i.e. the name on your birth certificate or driver's license). Write your name in the manner you want people to address you. Also, if you use any abbreviated credentials after your name (e.g. Jane Smith, MD), remember to include them on all professional documents.  You can also include any shortened versions of your name in quotations (e.g. Christopher "Chris" Smith). Just make sure to list it the same way everywhere you put your name.
• Address: It is no longer customary to include your full address on your resume. There have been instances of discrimination against job seekers based on their address. As far as your address is concerned, all you need is the City, State, and Zip Code. A lot of people leave off the Zip Code; however, hiring managers can query the ATS for all resumes within a radius of a Zip Code. If you exclude the Zip Code or put something like, "Greater New York Metro Area," your resume won't be included in the query.
• Phone and email: Put the telephone number and email address where you can easily be reached. Also, be sure that your email address is professional. Using something like [email protected] just won't cut it. The best idea is to use some form of your name. If you're paranoid about having your name in your email address, then you can use some form of the type of position you seek, like [email protected].
• LinkedIn URL: You don't have to spell out the entire URL on the contact line. You can put the words “LinkedIn URL” and hyperlink those words. Before you include your LinkedIn URL, be sure that your LinkedIn profile is optimized for the career you want - because you can bet if they have access to it, the hiring manager will look at it. 
• Portfolio: If you're applying for a position like Graphic Designer or Software Designer, you may have a portfolio of work that you want to make available to someone reviewing your application for employment. Include a hyperlink to the portfolio in your contact information. 
• Headshot / photo: There is no reason to include a  headshot on your resume . Actually, it's seen as taboo and could be the thing that gets your resume rejected, because the hiring manager might assume you think you can get the job based on your looks. However, there are some exceptions, like if you're applying to be a model or actor. 

Do you want a hiring manager to be able to tell immediately what type of candidate you are? Put a title at the top of your resume. Center the text on the line, put it in bold font, and put a blank space above and below. The white space and the small amount of words will help it to jump off the page and immediately be noticed. It will also be the first step in helping you stand out in the sea of sameness.

Also, be sure the title on your resume mirrors the title on the job description that you're applying to, but add a bit of panache to it so that it's not too boring. For example, instead of writing “Financial Services Associate,” write “Client-Centric Financial Services Associate Dedicated to Customer Engagement and Revenue Growth.” Just remember to keep it on one line. 

The very next thing on the page should always be your Professional Summary. But how do you write a summary for a resume?

It's a three to five-sentence statement about you. Where you've been in your career, where you're going, and how you'll use your experience to get there. 

While the professional summary is sometimes referred to as the resume objective , you must remember that the days of writing a  resume objective are dead . Never, ever include an objective on your resume. They are a waste of space and don't relay any information that markets you as the best candidate for an open position. 

Let's take a look at an example of each:

Sales Representative seeking a challenging position that will use my skills and provide opportunities for growth in a dynamic and rewarding company. 

As you can see, the objective is very inward-facing and only talks about what you want out of your career. It provides no value to the hiring manager and eliminates any possibility for them to be able to tell what you bring to the table for them. 

Professional Summary:

Ambitious sales professional offering 10+ years' experience in customer retention and aggressive revenue growth. Conquers goals and quotas through a keen awareness of the human buying motive that allows for quickly overcoming objections. Used historical data and consumer trends to reach new customers and grow territory by 24%. Innate ability to work independently or as a member of a cross-functional team.

The best use of resume space is to write a summary of your career. The effectiveness of this summary comes from the fusing of three things:

Relevant keywords – customer retention, revenue growth, and quotas 

Hard and soft skills – overcoming objections and working independently

An achievement – 24% territory growth

With this professional summary, the hiring manager will be able to tell in an instant what you have to offer their team. 

Even though the skills section of your resume is small, it packs a powerful punch! The skills you list in this section highlight your key abilities and show potential employers what you bring to the table. 

It should contain approximately 12 ATS-friendly keywords and phrases that align with the keywords in the job description. Meaning, this is a fluid section that will need to be  tailored to every job  that you apply to. Technically speaking, your entire resume should be customized to align with each job description. That's one thing that will help you get past the ATS. 

Be sure to include a good mix of  hard and soft skills  because prospective employers not only want to know that you can perform the tasks related to your job (hard skills), but they also want to gain a clear understanding of how you'll fit within the culture of the company (soft skills). 

Tips for building your Core Competencies section:

Include skills that are relevant to the job that you're applying to

Avoid creating a laundry list of everything you know how to do – be selective so that the section is more impactful

Group similar competencies together using categories – technical skills, soft skills, and languages

Prioritize your top skills based on their relevance to the job you want

Update frequently

Be consistent with the formatting

Here is a sample Core Competencies list that contains both hard and soft skills:

Core Competencies

Project Management | Data Analysis | Cross-Functional Collaboration | Digital Marketing Strategy | Python Programming | Customer Relationship Management (CRM) | Negotiation | Team Leadership | Business Development | Financial Modeling | Articulate Communication

This section is meant to show how your career history lends itself to the skills you have that make you the perfect candidate for a given job. There are some general rules of thumb on how to make a resume with a great professional experience section:

Don't go further back than 10 to 15 years

Use no more than 3 to 5 bullets per work listing

Incorporate at least 5 measurable achievements per 10 years of experience (the more the better)

Use stacking for companies where you held more than one role

10-15 Years

The 10-15 years of experience is the most relevant – you can list more than that, but avoid using bullet points for roles over 10 years old. Begin by listing your most recent position first and work your way backward to your oldest position, within that 10-15-year range. If you have 30 years of experience, you can use achievements or skills you learned during that time as talking points during the interview. Listing those older experiences on your resume will only dilute the content.

As you write out your bullet points, keep two words in mind: “so what?” The hiring manager is going to be thinking it, you might as well be thinking it, too. Every time you write something on your resume, think, “So what? Why am I writing this? What value will it bring to my new employer? Will this be THE THING that lands me an interview?"

Achievements

Remove “Responsible for…” from your resume-writing vocabulary. That's because it's crucial that you talk about what you achieved, instead of just what your responsibilities were. Let's face it, there are a lot of things that people are “responsible for” that never get done. So, be sure to talk about things you actually accomplished, as that will be the proof the hiring manager needs to take the next step and call you for an interview.

1. Use numbers whenever possible

The best way to call attention to your career accomplishments is to use numbers. Numbers add credibility to your claims and provide a clear picture of what you bring to the table. 

Don't write this:

• Conducted cold calls to expand client base

Write this instead:

• Increased sales by 15% by making approximately 20 cold calls per day to expand the client base

The latter makes an unmistakable assertion that you had a positive impact, not only in your role but on the company as a whole. You can take it a step further and talk about things like problem-solving skills and how you addressed challenges to lead to team success. These types of  soft skills are highly valued by employers  and could be the thing that lands you an interview.

PRO TIP: Use the  CAR method  for building achievement statements into your resume.

2. Use action words to convey accomplishment

A lot of people make the mistake of copying bullet points from the job descriptions of the roles they've held. This practice makes you sound detached from achievements and focuses more on responsibilities. Using passive language is too generic and doesn't allow a hiring manager to see what you'll be able to accomplish in the new role. 

It's better to use action language to show that you're an achiever rather than a doer. Here are some examples of action words you can use on your resume: 

Worked with others: Advised, Aided, Assisted, Chaired, Coached, Collaborated with, Consulted with, Helped, Instructed, Interacted with, Mentored, Motivated, Supported

Communicated: Addressed, Advertised, Answered, Briefed, Corresponded with, Debated, Explained, Facilitated, Informed, Interpreted, Interviewed, Persuaded, Responded to

Analyzed data: Assessed, Appraised, Audited, Calculated, Computed, Estimated, Evaluated, Forecast, Inspected, Measured, Researched, Surveyed, Tested

Operated equipment: Installed, Maintained, Programmed, Ran, Serviced, Used

Worked with money or contracts: Administered, Appropriated, Authorized, Balanced, Controlled, Directed, Enforced, Financed, Funded, Governed, Invested, Monitored, Oversaw, Purchased

Organized something: Arranged, Assembled, Catalogued, Compiled, Coordinated, Itemized, Routed, Scheduled, Stocked, Tracked

Created: Composed, Customized, Designed, Directed, Established, Founded, Illustrated, Originated, Shaped

Researched: Analyzed, Collected, Criticized, Detected, Diagnosed, Evaluated, Tested

How to make your professional experience section: The formula

There's a formula for writing your professional experience section in a way that focuses on achievements. You'll start by asking yourself these questions about every job you've had:

What was the name of the company?

What was the title of your role?

What dates were you employed? (*Hint: use the MM/YYYY format for your dates)

What did you do every day? (*Example: Leveraged management skills to direct operations of 5 separate but concurrent projects by delegating tasks to staff based on employee acumen and monitoring / controlling budgets)

What is one thing you did at the company that you're really proud of?

What is another thing you're really proud of?

What is one more thing you did that you're really proud of?

When you put all of that together, it should look like this:

Company Name | MM/YYYY to Present

Position Title

Balanced competing priorities on multiple and concurrent projects and program management initiatives using data-driven strategies in Agile environments. Managed key accounts, onboarded new accounts, and oversaw organizational process adoption for nursing facilities, emergency departments, and pharmacies.

Developed $2M Provider Incentive Program that increased community provider partnerships

Saved $800K by using Six Sigma skills to implement DMAIC approach

Coached and mentored 2 direct reports, creating an open environment of communication that facilitated future-facing decision-making

Many people will create separate sections for education history and certifications. That's not necessary. You can include all of it in one section. You can also include extras like  relevant coursework , projects, and achievements. These extras can be truly beneficial for your application if you have little to no work experience. 

There are some general rules of thumb for the education section: 

Spell out acronyms (BS, MS, PhD) and school abbreviations

It is no longer customary to include graduation dates unless you're still in school or graduated within the last year

Never include high school, unless you're still in high school - listing high school doesn't say “ I finished high school, ” it says, “ I didn't go to college .” 

List your degree first and then your school, unless you've obtained multiple degrees at the same institution. 

Here's what a regular education section looks like:

EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS

Master of Business Administration (MBA) | ABC University

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) | XYZ University

Six Sigma Black Belt | Council for Six Sigma Certification

If you don't have a lot of experience and need to include some relevant coursework or major projects to inject relevant keywords into your resume, then this is what that would look like:

Relevant coursework:  Marketing, Operations Management, Accounting, Corporate Finance

Capstone project:  Let a team of 4 to execute a market analysis project to expand the Brooms and Handles company into new regions. Used market and consumer analysis data to identify gaps and achieve a 15% projected revenue increase and a 20% increase in customer satisfaction within the pilot program. 

You can include educational information about a degree program even if it's still in progress. Here's what that would look like:

Expected completion:  05/2024

Capstone project:  Let a team of 4 to execute a market analysis project to expand the Brooms and Handles company into new regions. Used market and consumer analysis data to identify gaps and achieve a 15% projected revenue increase and a 20% increase in customer satisfaction within the pilot program.

It is important to list what you do outside of work and school. It helps to demonstrate that you're a well-rounded person. 

Were you the president of a fraternity or sorority? 

Did you get involved with showing new students around campus? 

Have you headed a sales team that produced top awards? 

Were you an employee of the month? 

Do you speak multiple languages?

Did you volunteer for an organization?

Did you perform some major research that ended up being published?

All of these extras allow prospective employers a sneak peek into your life outside of work. They can also go a long way to breaking the ice during an interview, especially if something you do outside work is important or interesting to the hiring manager. 

Keep in mind to list only those volunteer positions, projects, or affiliations that are related to your career goals. 

How long does it take to make a resume?

If you're going to use the resume wizard that MS Word has, you can slap your information together in a day or two. It will get to employers. The bad thing is that it probably won't get a whole lot of attention. 

The "just right resume" can take weeks, because of how much background work goes into it. You'll write it, rewrite it, and write it again, and may even have multiple versions. Ultimately, the exact amount of time that goes into putting your resume together depends on your level of experience, how complex your history is, and the specificity of the job you're applying to. 

Entry-level resumes take the least amount of time, simply because there's less information to include

Mid-level resumes take a few days because of the amount of detail in your work history

Executive resumes, or those for specialized positions, can take weeks - especially if you have to do some digging to come up with accomplishments from your previous positions

Updating an existing resume that's well-maintained can be done in just a few hours

While the time spent can seem like a lot, if you're truly marketing yourself for that “just right” position, do you want your resume to say “This was thrown together in a couple of hours using a template” OR do you want it to say “I know this document is important and a significant amount of time was spent on it to make it perfect?”

The first and foremost thing that will get your resume tossed in the garbage can are typos. The number of resumes with errors that are turned in every day to employers across the globe is so astounding that it bears discussing. 

You must proofread your resume!

The major problem with typos and grammatical boo-boos is that your eyes will read what you intended to type. So, after you've read through your resume a few times and think it's perfect, get a friend to read it. Make sure the friend is one of those brutally honest types. It's better to get it back marked all over with bright red ink so you can fix it before you send it out, than to send it out and then realize there's a mistake in it.

How to make your resume seem more professional

Lazy words: Do you see words like "etc" or “other duties as required” on your resume? Delete them immediately. If you take shortcuts in the language of your resume, hiring managers will wonder if you'll be taking shortcuts at work. 

Cookie cutter resumes: Your resume has to stand out. Because of that, you should avoid throwing something together that you find a sample of online. Make it yours, make it represent you. Many people rely on the resume wizard that comes loaded with MS Word and, while that is a good tool to use to help you remember the sections to include, it shouldn't be the end-all-and-be-all of your resume design. 

Specificity: You've had three jobs in the last 10 years and you've listed every detail of everything you've done during your tenure at those jobs. That makes you a Jack (or Jackie) of all trades, but a master of nothing. You have to be specific to the job for which you're applying. What value do you bring to that employer for that job? What achievements can you highlight?

Tailoring: Considering the rampant use of ATS by companies big and small, you have to take the time to customize your resume so that it gets past those scanners. Remember to use relevant keywords from the job descriptions throughout your resume. 

PRO TIP: You can check to see how to make your resume better! Have it checked against an ATS and get a free, personalized, and  professional resume review . 

Theory in practice – 10 resume examples

It's one thing to have someone tell you how to make a resume, it's another thing to see an example – proof that all of this information can come together in a practical way that makes sense. 

1. Software Engineer resume example

Click here for an example of a Software Engineer resume.

2. Data Scientist resume example

Click here for an example of a Data Scientist resume.

3. Cybersecurity resume example

Click here for an example of a cybersecurity resume.

4. Digital Marketing Manager resume example

Click here for an example of a Digital Marketing Manager resume.

5. Nurse Practitioner resume example

Click here for an example of a Nurse Practitioner resume. 

6. Finance Director resume example

Click here for an example of a Finance Director resume. 

7. Attorney resume example

Click here for an example of a Attorney resume.

8. Administrative Office Assistant resume example

Click here for an example of an Administrative Office Assistant resume. 

9. Information Technology Expert resume example

Click here for an example of an Information Technology Expert resume. 

10. Chief Executive Officer resume example

Click here for an example of a CEO resume. 

Now you know how to make a resume for your next job!

It may seem like it takes a lot of work to make a good resume, but if you've followed along this far there are a few things that should be ingrained in you that will help you write a professional resume:

Know what you want to do – be specific

Make your resume with the right format 

Use a standard layout, whether you are writing your first resume or 50th

Use action words to make your resume stand out

Quantify your achievements to prove that you have what it takes to succeed in a new role

Tailor your new resume to each job

Double and triple-check for errors, typos, and grammar mistakes

If you're still unsure how to make a perfect resume, TopResume has you covered. Our team of  professional resume writers  has the know-how and experience to write a resume for you that will win interviews.

Recommended reading: 

Resume Tricks That Don't Work

What Does Your Resume Really Say About You?

Bad Resume Advice You Should Completely Ignore

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

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• Resume Help

What Are the Best Resume Layout Examples for 2024?

Our customers have been hired by:

Welcome to the only resume layout guide you’ll ever need. Read it, apply the advice, and your resume will make a great first impression.

And first impressions matter: employers don’t read resumes, they scan them. The right resume layout will help them find what they need to decide you’re the right person for the job.

In this guide:

• 5 great resume layout examples you can personalize right now.
• What's the best layout for a resume and what makes is so great.
• How to create the best resume layout all by yourself.

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here .

Create your resume now

Sample resume made with our builder— See more resume examples here .

Looking for other type of advice on resume writing? Here’s a selection of our guides:

• Free resume templates
• Best resume templates
• How to make a resume for first job
• Resume writing tips: modern resume template
• Resume Tips

Okay. Time to dive in!

Resume Layout Example

Dylan O'Sullivan

Office Assistant

123-456-7890

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/dylan.osullivan

Detail-oriented Office Assistant with 5 years of experience. Eager to support Pro Solutions by implementing advanced administrative skills to enhance efficiency. Reduced office supply costs by 20% through meticulous inventory management.

Efficient Services, Hattiesburg, MS

March 2015–Present

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities

• Streamlining office operations, improving workflow efficiency by 30%
• Serving as the main point of contact for 20 clients and vendors.
• Maintaining office equipment, saving 10% on repair costs.
• Training two junior assistants.

Key Achievement:

• Reduced office supply costs by 20% by researching cheaper alternatives.

Junior Office Assistant

Workspace Inc., Hattiesburg, MS

January 2013–February 2015

• Assisted with daily administrative tasks to support the team.
• Helped manage the agendas of executive meetings.
• Managed filing systems, improving document retrieval times by 10%.
• Implemented a new document organization system that increased operational efficiency by 15%.

Associate Degree in Office Administration

Hattiesburg Community College, Hattiesburg, MS

September 2010–June 2012

Relevant extracurricular activities

• Member of the Student Council

Academic achievements:

• Graduated with Honors.
• Office Administration
• Time Management
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Customer Service
• Inventory Management
• Interpersonal Communication
• Problem-Solving
• Attention to Detail

Certifications

• Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), International Association of Administrative Professionals, 2012
• 2018, Employee of the Year, Efficient Services
• English—Native proficiency
• Volunteer at a local non-profit organization, organizing fundraising events and managing social media presence.
• Passion for photography, capturing landscapes and portraits for personal enjoyment.
• An active member of Toastmasters International, honing public speaking skills through regular meetings and competitions with other members.

Basic Resume Layout Design Rules: Margins, Spacing, Fonts, and More

Let’s walk through creating the best resume layout step by step.

Set the Margins

Pick the right font, choose proper line spacing.

Go for single or 1.15 line spacing (double line spacing after subheadings.)

Create a Resume Header That Pops

Make the header on the layout of a CV or resume visually distinct. Include your name, job title , and contact information.

Learn more here: Resume Header Layout: Examples & Full Guide

Divide Your Resume Layout Into Proper Sections

Make smart use of bullet points, how long is too long know the ideal resume length, the best resume layout examples and templates (gallery).

Getting the resume or a curriculum vitae layout right in word processing software is a challenge. You make one change and the whole layout breaks.

You don’t have to struggle to create the best resume in the pile. You can simply pick a well-formatted, neat resume layout template and just fill it in with your information. But what is neat? Click here to learn what a resume should look like . Even better, just use our app.

Our resume builder offers 20+ beautiful blank resume layouts you simply update with your details and download in PDF.

Check them out!

(Note: Each of the resume layouts below is easily customized. You can change fonts, colors, add, remove, and re-order sections.)

Professional Resume Layout Sample

We called this resume layout “Crisp,” and crisp it is indeed. The resume side column on the left is for your personal information and skills, allowing you to save space. Big section headings draw recruiters’ eyes to what’s important.

This resume layout is very universal: will work for candidates in traditional, conservative fields, as well as those applying to more relaxed companies.

Creative Resume Layout Sample

“Cubic” is one of our takes on creative resume layouts and designs.

With a three-tone background depending on the section, different areas of this CV layout stand out easily from each other. The header is sharply distinct from the rest of the template, making your name and job title more prominent and, thus, memorable.

It's the best resume layout for tech, graphic design, and creative jobs.

Simple Resume Layout Sample

This one’s called “Vibes.” And what sort of vibes does it send, huh?

Simplicity, they say, is the ultimate sophistication and here you can witness simplicity at its finest.

Tiny, elegant icons next to section headings are eye-catching but not too invasive. Simple bar charts for your skills let you describe your proficiency level easily.

A fantastic resume layout for corporate jobs, as well a good CV layout for academic positions.

Basic Resume Layout Sample

“Nanica” by Zety.

Nanica is a basic resume layout using a lot of white space. It allows space on the left side to serve as a timeline for the work and education sections . A full-width area for your heading statement allows you to grab the recruiter’s attention with a captivating resume summary or resume objective .

Elegant Resume Layout Sample

Last but not least, here’s “Concept.”

A very dynamic and unique resume layout with a dark stripe for the timeline on the left-hand side. Recruiters will love this one, no doubt!

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a  professional resume template here for free .

When you’re done, our easy resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

What Goes Where on a Resume Layout (Infographic)

For most candidates, the reverse-chronological resume layout is best.

The structure of this simple resume layout comprises:

• Contact Information
• Summary or Objective
• Work Experience
• (Optional) Additional Categories

Here’s an infographic to illustrate the proper layout of a resume:

The Best Resume Layout, Outlined

If you’re ready to start working on the contents of your resume, check out How to Write a Resume That Gets Jobs

The 3 Main Formats of a Professional Resume Layout (Infographic)

There are three standard resume layouts for you to choose from:.

• Chronological
• Combination

They differ slightly in their setup and purpose.

Here’s how to structure sections in each of the main resume formats:

Again, the reverse-chronological resume format is common standard. This professional resume layout is easy to scan and compare to other resumes. The two main sections in a reverse-chronological resume layout are education and experience. Either can come first.

You will list both your jobs and degrees in reverse-chronological order . This means you start with the most recent position.

If you have relevant job experience , lead with the work history section.

Fresh out of school? Your education comes first.

The functional resume layout has a detailed skills summary at the top.

If takes the pressure off of your work history and emphasizes your skills (hence why it's also called the skills-based resume ). The combination layout also focuses on skills but its main purpose is to link those skills with your work history and verifiable achievements.

Below the summary of your skills, you also list work history in reverse-chronological order. This layout combines the best features of the reverse-chronological and the functional resumes, hence the name.

Learn more about each of the 3 standard resume layouts:

• Reverse-Chronological Resume Layout Writing Guide
• Functional Resume Layout Writing Guide
• Combination Resume Layout Writing Guide

Or, see this overview of all the 3 resume formats and get tips on how to pick the right one for you: Resume Format: How to Pick the Best One

BONUS: Extra Resume Layout Tools and Ideas

To get inspiration for designing your resume or CV layout, see: The Best Resume Design Ideas and Examples

We’d love for you to give our builder a try, but if you insist on messing around with MS Word layouts, at least pick the best of the best: Free MS Word Resume Templates and Layouts (15+)

also check  How to make a resume on word.

Want to give Google Docs resume layout a shot? We’ve got you covered: Google Docs Resume Layout Templates

Going to an interview or a job fair and need to print a resume? Make sure your layout will look good on paper: Resume Paper: How to Choose The Best One (10+ Photos)

Finally, see some of our galleries and compilations of layouts for a good resume you’ll ever find online:

• Creative Resume Templates
• Infographic Resume Templates
• Simple Resume Templates
• Professional Resume Templates

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

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaway

Here’s how to have the best resume layout out there:

• Use professional fonts, single line spacing, clear section headings.
• Pick one of the three standard resume formats.
• Divide your resume into sections in the correct order.
• Make your resume brief and relevant.

Follow the above strategies, and you’ll soon set your sights on any job you want.

Got further questions? Need assistance with making a layout of a good resume? Let me know in the comments, I’ll get back to you double-quick!

About Zety’s Editorial Process

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

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• English (UK)

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.

First impressions are important.

That's why you need to choose the best resume layout there is.

Truth be told, hiring managers don't read all resumes, they scan them. That's why if you want the job, your resume needs to help them to make the right choice.

In this guide we’ll show you:

• Three most popular resume layouts for different types of jobs. 
• How to pick the best resume layout for your needs.
• Different layout templates - simple, professional, creative, basic, and modern 

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.

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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 more information on resume writing? See our other articles:

• How to Start a Resume
• How to Tailor Your Resume
• 50+ Resume Power Words
• 50+ Best Resume Tips, Dos & Don'ts

Looking for more resume examples ? Check out these ones:

• Engineering Resume Example
• Entry-Level Resume Example
• IT Resume Example
• Marketing Resume Example
• Resume With No Experience Example
• Student Resume Example
• Teen Resume Example

1. Basic Rules for Resume Layout

There are certain basic formatting rules that can help you create a good resume layout in no time.

Set the Document Margins

If the resume is a picture of your professional life then the margins are the frame—you need to make sure they don’t dominate the whole. The best size for resume margins is 1 inch all around. If you need more space, don’t make the margins smaller than 0.5 inch.

Prepare an Eye-Catching Header

The resume header is the topmost section of a resume that includes your contact details. See to it that it has all the relevant (and up-to-date) info. Make it pop out so that the recruiter won’t have to fumble for your phone number if they want to give you a call.

Pick the Best Resume Fonts

Comic Sans, Papyrus, Neuland Inline. None of those should end up on your resume. Not even if you go for the most creative resume layout. So what resume fonts to use ? Simple and legible. Your resume is a professional document, so don’t spoil it with a theme park font that’s difficult to read.

Also, you need to strike the right balance between the font size and document length. Don’t make the font look minuscule to be able to fit in as much as you can on a single page (if you have too much information, write a two-page resume ). For body text use the font size of 11–12pts. For section headings, use 2–4pts larger fonts.

Expert Hint:  Studies reveal that it’s recommended to avoid extremes when it comes to line spacing. So stick to single-line and if your text looks too dense increase the spacing to 1.15. But avoid double-spaced lines.

Use Relevant Section Headings

The most important thing about your resume layout? It has to be scannable. One way of making it easy for the recruiter to scan is to use appropriate resume section titles. So, put the word Experience above the experience section, don’t call this section My Life in Numbers , for example. With simple headings, you can rest assured that both the ATS and recruiter will know exactly where to look for the information they’re after.

Pick a free MS word resume template  or a Google Docs resume template if you want to speed up the process. 

Include the Right Sections in Your Resume Layout

Typically, resume layouts consist of several separate but interrelated sections . Here’s a list of most commonly used ones:

• Resume Header
• Career Summary (or Objective)
• Professional Experience
• Skills for Resumes
• Extra Sections (e.g. Languages, Certifications, Hobbies, etc.)

Depending on the section, you will want to use different formatting to make the most of the space you have. For example, the career summary works best as a short paragraph, whereas a list of bullet points is perfect for presenting your experience and key achievements .

Set the Right Limits on Length

Einstein famously said everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler. As to the length of a resume , it should be as long as necessary, but not longer. Don’t try to squeeze everything into a single page and don’t write a novel. Two pages should be more than enough to present your expertise.

2. How to Choose a Good Resume Layout for Your Professional Needs

Now that you know how to format your resume layout properly, let’s have a closer look at how to make the most of your document.

There are three common resume layouts: chronological resume, functional resume, and combination resume. Each of them has certain strengths and weaknesses, and you should be aware of them before you start making your resume .

Resume Layouts: Three Most Popular Types

The chronological resume  is the most universal type of resume layout. It’s suitable for job seekers at all stages of their careers: from students to entry-level applicants to seasoned pros. This kind of layout recounts your professional life in a reverse-chronological manner. However, since it’s based on a timeline of your employment history, it may not be the number one choice for those with employment gaps.

Here’s a chronological resume layout example:

The functional resume  brings your skills to the fore. In contrast to the previous resume layout type, this one isn’t preoccupied with chronology or dates. In fact, you can skip dates entirely if you’re not comfortable using them. Functional resumes are a good choice for creatives who treat a resume as an addition to their portfolio, or those who want to mask gaps in employment.

Here’s a functional resume layout example:

The combination resume , as the name suggests, brings together the best elements of each of the other resume layouts. It usually consists of a large section that summarizes your skills and smaller experience and education sections.

Here’s a combination resume layout example:

Now you know the three most popular resume layouts. 

However, if you're still struggling with resume writing, read our comprehensive guide on how to write a resume . 

You may also want to check our resume examples for different types of jobs and industries. It'll definitely help you get started. 

Let's now move to the gallery of resume layout examples 

Expert Hint : When should you use a resume, and when is it better to use a curriculum vitae? It depends. CV and resume actually have a different meaning across languages. Read about the difference between a resume and a CV.

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 .

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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 .

3. Best Resume Layout Examples: Gallery

Have a look at these resume layout ideas:

Professional Resume Layout

This resume layout consists of three distinctive sections—each of a different color. The main part of the resume is where the resume profile , experience, education, and certification sections are. The gray sidebar on the right gives you extra space for presenting your contact details and extra skills.

Simple Resume Layout

This single-column resume layout is versatile enough to appeal to both experienced and inexperienced candidates writing an entry-level resume. Simple resume icons next to each section’s heading make it easy to navigate. The bars representing your level of proficiency make the resume skills section pop out.

Creative Resume Layout

This creative resume layout incorporates an infographic-like timeline that guides the reader’s eye from section to section. The prominent resume header makes it easy for the recruiter to quickly find your personal details.

Expert Hint: Not all Free Resume Builders are ATS friendly. To make sure your creative resume reaches a human reader, send it directly to the recruiter's inbox.

Modern Resume Layout

This two-column resume layout combines modernity with classical elegance. The main resume section gives you a lot of space for the details of your experience and education. Notice how visible the job titles are. The sidebar is where you can put your contact details and accentuate key skills.

Expert Hint: Studies show that recruiters only spend about 7 seconds scanning a resume. In this time they look at specific areas and search for particular information. Use bold and italics to direct their attention to the most important bits.

Basic Resume Layout

This layout is minimal in form but utilizes the space on a single page to the maximum. Also, the qualifications summary section stretches from margin to margin giving you plenty of room to highlight your top achievements.

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 .

The best resume layouts highlight just the information recruiters look for as they’re scanning the resume for the first time.

• See to it that your resume layout is simple and clear. Mark resume sections clearly and add relevant section titles.
• Stay away from fancy fonts. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
• Make sure your job titles stand out. They’re one of the things the recruiters are most interested in.
• Do add a resume summary or objective. They serve as a short overview of the entire document.
• Avoid messy look. Write short sentences and leave plenty of white space.
• Pick the right resume format. Chronological resumes are the most versatile but you may want to consider functional or combination too.

Do you have any questions? Would you like to share your observations on the best resume layouts? We’d love to hear from you! Give us a shout out in the comments below.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Resume Layouts

What is the best layout for a resume.

You need to choose one of the three main resume layouts, depending on several factors:

• The reverse-chronological resume is the most popular layout and fits most applications. Use it if you’re an entry-level candidate or are making a resume for a position and field of work similar to your previous one. This layout works if you have no gaps in employment .
• A functional resume is a great layout for hiding gaps in employment. It also showcases your transferable skills as your strongest suit. It’s great for industries that treat portfolios as the most important part of your application.
• Combination resumes ( chrono-functional resumes ) are a hybrid of the previous two. They are usually used for writing career-change resumes . They work for industry professionals and can also hide gaps in your employment.

As a rule of thumb, the best resume layout is the reverse-chronological resume . This layout is the most ATS-friendly. It emphasizes your work experience, clearly showing the recruiter your strengths and the benefits you would bring to the company.

How to layout a resume?

Apart from choosing a fitting resume template, there are a few things you must do to create an appealing resume layout:

• Choose a professional resume font , and make the headings larger than the rest of the text.
• Make each resume section clearly separated from the others.
• Utilize bullet points to segregate information in a clear, visible way.
• Set proper resume margins , and utilize white space on your application.
• Maintain consistent resume formatting across the entire document.
• Don’t go overboard with the length of the resume . Aim for 2 pages maximum.
• Pick a fitting resume template .

How to improve your resume layout?

To improve your resume layout, apply the following tips:

• Prioritize Readability: Use a clean resume font with appropriate size and consistent formatting throughout.
• Simplify and Streamline: Avoid excessive graphics or unnecessary information that can distract the reader.
• Quantify Achievements: Numbers not only draw the reader's attention, but they also add credibility to your resume.
• Optimize for ATS: Use an ATS-friendly resume template to pass the automated scanning stage of recruitment.
• Customize for each application: Create a targeted resume to fit the specific job or industry you're targeting.
• Proofread and Edit: Thoroughly review your resume for any typos, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies.

Remember to format your resume properly: Use a readable font, set 1-inch margins to create white space, use clear and bold section headings and utilize bullet points to present information in a scannable format.

What kind of resume layout do employers prefer?

Most employers prefer the reverse-chronological resume layout. It’s the most common resume style and works well with ATS software. It’s also the most familiar style to recruiters, making it the easiest one for them to read.

Should my resume and cover letter layouts be the same?

Your resume, cover letter (and, in some cases, your portfolio) are all parts of your job application. And all of them should maintain visual cohesion. It's recommended to maintain a consistent visual style and formatting between them. This primarily applies to the chosen visual template, fonts, and their sizes, resume header & contact information, and the overall structure.

How to layout references on a resume?

Including references directly on a resume is not a common practice. Instead, creating a separate document, known as a "References Page," is more typical, which you can provide to employers upon request.

Remember to always ask for permission from your references before including their information on your resume or sharing it with potential employers. Also, don't include the phrase "References available upon request" on your resume. It's generally understood that you will provide references if requested.

What is a portrait layout resume?

A portrait layout resume refers to a resume format that is designed and formatted vertically, with the longer side being the height of the page. In contrast, a landscape layout resume is formatted horizontally, with the longer side being the width of the page.

In such a resume layout, the various sections, such as contact information, summary, work experience , education, and skills, are arranged in a top-to-bottom sequence.

Experienced in the education management industry, Maciej shares his knowledge for every step of your job hunt, from landing an internship to moving to an executive position. Maciej has helped job candidates at all stages of their career paths, from interns to directors to C-suite members, to thrive in their job. His mission is to help you find the right opportunity and create a job application that gets you the career you deserve. Maciej holds a Master’s degree in English with a specialization in communication and education management.

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Best Resume Layout For 2024 [Free Template]

HR managers receive a ton of resumes each day.

And going through every single one of them is a slow and time-consuming process they’re not going to commit to.

So, in most cases, they simply glance through them instead, for as little as 6 seconds .

Now, let’s be real, 6 seconds is really not enough time to take in a resume and decide if they’re going to make for a good candidate or not. If anything, 6 seconds is hardly enough time to read one section of a resume. And that’s the point, HR managers are not reading your resumes.

That’s right. 

They simply scan through them and then decide if it’s actually worth reading or not.

This is why your resume layout is so important.

Because let’s face it, even if you have the best resume in the world, the HR manager is just going to put it away and never come back to it unless it looks easy to read at first glance.

They typically check if the resume layout looks simple , well-organized and if it’s easy to scan through, and then go from there. 

And if they don’t see the simple resume layout they’re looking for - it’s definitely getting discarded, no matter how good it is.

So, read on to learn how to get your resume layout right.

How to Take the Easy Way Out - Use a Resume Builder

Resume layout design rules: margins, spacing, fonts, font size, and more, 3 best resume layout examples and templates (updated for 2024), how to format your resume - 3 main formats.

• Content to Put on Your Resume
• Key takeaways

Why use a resume builder?

Well, if you’ve used the default Word resume template before, then you’re probably all too familiar with what it’s like to craft something presentable, only for the whole layout to go haywire with just a single tweak.

With a resume builder, the formatting is done for you right off the bat. And if you want to handle the formatting on your own - you’re in charge of all of the sections and elements that go in a resume as well.

So what are you waiting for? Give the Novorésumé resume builder a try!

If you’re still interested in formatting the resume on your own, though, that’s fine too! Read on to learn how to get your resume layout right.

You don’t have to be a designer for this, but by the end of it, you should have an idea of how your resume layout should look like. 

First, let’s take a look at what the design part includes:

• The right font
• The right font size
• The right line spacing
• Consistent design
• The right length

As general advice, aim for consistency , try to have white space around the margins, and include fonts that stand out , but not too much .

Now, let’s take a look at the design sections in more detail:

You’ll want your resume to have some space in between the sections so that everything is spread out evenly. There needs to be spacing throughout the resume so that it’s easy on the eyes and there is enough room to breathe.

Using the Right Font

Sounds pretty obvious, right?

The font you choose has a direct effect on the readability of your resume.

So, as a rule of thumb, stick to fonts that won’t give the HR manager an eyesore. Instead, pick something easy to read on PDF as well as on paper, 

We recommend using Ubuntu , Roboto , and Overpass .

And, of course, never use Comic Sans .

What’s the Right Line Spacing

To save space, go with a 1.0 or 1.15 line space for most text.

Keep Your Resume Design Consistent

The resume design includes things mentioned until now: margins, font, font size, spacing, colors and more. 

Once you stick to a design choice, make sure it’s the same throughout the whole resume.

Use Bullets in Each Section (Up to 6-10)

You can use bullet points to sum up your work experience in each section. 

Just make sure you don’t overuse them - stick to up to 6-10 bullet points in each.

Keep Your Resume The Ideal Length

The best resumes are 1 page in length.

HR managers get thousands of resumes per month - when an extra page for every resume adds up, they’re not going to spend their valuable time going through them.

Whether you’re an experienced CEO with 20 years of experience, or an intern looking for your first job , you should always try to keep your resume to the 1-page max.

Creating your own resume layout from scratch can be a tough and slow process. Instead, if you want a smoother alternative, you can use a creative resume template to speed it up.

Using a resume builder also gives you the advantage of being able to customize your resume based on your profile and the job you’re trying to get. 

If you’re not sure what your resume layout should look like though, here are a few examples to get you started:

Looking for a simple resume layout for all industries?

This functional resume template will emphasize your strengths and work experience professionally, while still managing to stand out from the masses.

This is a great approach if you want to emphasize your skills and abilities. As a skill-based resume format , it allows you to focus on what you’re good at, while also allowing you to list your work experience in a structured way.

Depending on where you’re applying, you can opt-in for a more creative resume layout. 

For example, if you want to get a job at an online startup where imagination and innovative thinking are valued, feel free to let your creative side shine. 

Simple doesn’t mean bad.

If you’re applying for a job in a more conservative industry, this minimalistic resume layout might be the way to go.

It’s a step up from the traditional resume, and professional enough to stand on its own.

Once you’ve got the best resume layout down, depending on where you’re applying, you also need to do some formatting,

What does this mean?

Well, essentially, there are 3 main formats your resume can follow. Each one is ideal for a specific case, and they are as follows:

Reverse-Chronological Resume Format

This is the resume layout most job seekers go with and probably the one you’ve been using so far. It’s pretty much the industry standard.

With this format, you’re putting more emphasis on the work experience section than all the other ones.

99% of the cases, you’d want to stick to this format. You might want to consider the other two if you’re either a student / recent graduate (functional) or very senior in your field (combination). 

Functional Format (skill-based)

Feeling unsure about your work experience?

If you’re a recent college grad or someone who doesn’t necessarily have a whole lot of work experience, a functional resume format might be the one for you.

The functional resume format, often also called a skill-based one, focuses on your skills and abilities . 

The functional format often has the following sections:

• Resume objective 
• Skills summary
• Work experience

Combination Resume Format (Hybrid)

Finally, the combination format, as the name implies, is a hybrid of the other two resume formats. 

It is a very middle-ground approach as it gives equal weight to your skills as well as your experience by combining the two formats above.

The combination resume is rarely used, as it’s mainly good for experienced professionals in very specific situations. 

If you have 10+ years of experience in different fields, and are applying for a position that requires skills / experiences in 3-4 different fields, that’s when you use the combination format.

Otherwise, we recommend sticking to reverse-chronological or functional.

What Content to Put on Your Resume

Now that we got all the formatting out of the way, it’s time to get started with the contents. 

Here’s what you should put on a resume :

Contact information

Even if you have the best resume in the world, it’s not going to matter a lot if the hiring manager can’t contact you

Make sure your full name , professional job title , email address , and any relevant social media handles (LinkedIn, Twitter, Medium, etc.) are all spelled correctly, are accurate and sound professional.

Resume summary or objective

What’s the difference?

Basically, if you have more than 2 years of experience, then you need a resume summary that describes what you have done in the past.

If not, you need a resume objective that defines your motivations and what you hope to gain from the job.

This is your attempt at an elevator pitch within your resume. It should be 2-3 sentences at most and in a very straightforward manner, explain why you’re the best applicant for the job.

Here’s what a brief resume summary might look like:

Work Experience

Arguably the most important section of any resume.

This is where you get to brag a little about your qualifications and past job achievements .

If you want to convince the HR manager you’re the right fit (as you should), try to list your experience in a more actionable way.

Well, look back on your time at the previous job.

Did you somehow move the company from point A to point B? Did you increase social media engagement by a certain number? Did you generate more leads in record time?

These are all things the hiring manager might want to know.

Chances are, they already have an idea of what your daily responsibilities were (they are the HR manager, after all). So, try to look for ways to make your work experience more presentable.

Here’s what this would look like in practice:

With that said though, there are some positions where you just can’t make a huge impact and you have to list your daily tasks instead. If that’s the case, don’t exaggerate and be straightforward within your responsibilities.

There are 2 types of skills: soft skills and hard skills .

Hard skills simply mean skills gained through any technical knowledge or training. They are often specific and essential for completing particular tasks (e.g. specific machine skills, tools, software, etc.)

Soft skills , meanwhile, refer to skills that can be gained from life experience and working with people (e.g. leadership, communication, adaptability, etc.).

Most job ads typically list what skills they’re looking for in candidates. So, be sure to tailor your skills section in your resume based on that.

The education section is fairly straightforward, but can be easy to mess up as there are a few optional sections you can include.

Here’s what you should include:

• University name
• Program name
• Year attended

Here’s what you can include (optional):

• GPA - if it’s high (3.5+)
• Honors - if you have any noteworthy ones
• Academic achievements - again, if anything stands out
• Minor - if it’s relevant

Now, here’s what that might look like:

If you don’t have a lot of professional work experience, feel free to place your education on top of the work experience section.

Some of the other nice-to-have sections include:

• Hobbies and interests
• Volunteering Experience
• Certifications and Awards
• Publications

Key Takeaways

There is no such thing as the best resume layout. 

There are a lot of things you can customize, and still leave an awesome impression. What counts, though, is whether the HR manager can read your resume at a glance.

If they were to look at your resume for 6 seconds would they be able to get a general idea of who you are and your experience?

If your resume is simple , follows a clear format , and is easy to scan through - then the answer is most likely - yes .

To recap, here’s what you should keep an eye on when working on your resume layout:

• Resume layout design: is everything consistent and does it give the reader enough space to breathe?
• Resume layout templates: is your resume going to be functional? Creative? Or simple? Use a resume template so that you don’t have to build everything from scratch
• Resume format: reverse-chronological if you have plenty of work experience and are not afraid to show it. Functional if that’s not the case and you prefer to let your skills shine, and finally, the hybrid format if you know what you’re doing and want to show off both.
• Content on a resume: include your contact information , resume summary or objective, work experience, skills, and education.

Now that you have the resume layout down, the job search continues.

After all, getting your resume layout right is only the first step. There’s a lot more to learn if you want to land that dream job .

So, check out our career blog for the latest advice on job search and keep learning!

Suggested readings:

• CV vs. Resume - What are the Differences & Definitions [+ Examples]
• How to Write a Resume & Land That Job [99+ Real-Life Examples]
• How to Pick the Best Resume Format in [+Examples]

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Resume Layouts: Examples and Design Tips

by Hailey Brophy | Career Advice Expert

Last Updated: December 14, 2023

Table of contents

The best resume layout for most candidates

Resume layout guide: margins, font size, line spacing and style, resume layout examples in every style, how to choose the best resume layout for you.

Want to improve your chances of landing a job? Let’s make sure your resume makes the best possible impression on potential employers. The content of your resume is important, but even the best-written resume won’t make a strong impact unless you use the best resume layout for your needs.

Resume layouts help you structure your resume for maximum impact. If you put every section in the right place, recruiters can simply scan your document to glean the critical details in just a few seconds. A great resume layout makes your resume easy to read and draws focus to your strengths as a candidate.

Job seekers who master the art of the resume layout achieve more success in their job search. Learning how to lay out a resume is an opportunity you don’t want to pass up!

This resume layout guide will show you:

• The best layout for most candidates.
• How to format your layout.
• Layout examples in every style.
• How to choose an ideal layout.

Related Guides & Tips

• 55+ Best Resume Tips for 2024
• CV vs Resume: What’s the Difference Between the Two
• How to Make a Canadian Resume (Format + Examples)
• Resume Design
• Resume Profile Examples: 20+ Summaries for Any Job
• What Your Resume Should Look Like in 2024

Before we get into the complete list of layout options, we want to show you a resume layout that works perfectly for most job seekers, regardless of their career field or experience level.

The layout below is a chronological resume, which puts work experience at the forefront. The organization makes it very clean and easy to read, which is essential when recruiters only spend about seven seconds looking at a resume. Organizing your work experience in reverse-chronological order is a fantastic way to guide the reader through the story of your career, no matter your industry or goals.

If you are gearing up to apply for a job and need a resume quickly, this layout would be an excellent selection.

Make Your Resume

Now that you’ve seen the perfect layout, let’s dive into why this resume layout works so well, particularly the choices in margins, font size and other formatting options.

Craft your resume effortlessly using a template from our certified professional resume writers .

A great resume layout is clean, well-organized and easy to read. Organizing your resume effectively is one of the most important ways of impressing an employer and getting your document through those pesky applicant tracking systems (ATS).

All you need to do is follow a few basic formatting rules to create a professional layout. Once you’re done reviewing the tips here, you can find even more in our resume formatting guide .

Set your margins

Resume margins should always be about 1 inch on all sides. Going above or below 1 inch will quickly make a resume look too cramped or too padded. 1-inch margins strike the right balance.

However, in the event that you’re trying to get your resume length down to one or two pages, feel free to adjust the margins on the sides to about .6 inches. Never make them smaller than that, and only do so cautiously. If you aren’t confident in your formatting abilities, we recommend sticking to the basic 1-inch margins for the sake of simplicity.

Another vital consideration is line space. Line spacing should be set between single space and 1.5 spacing. The important thing to remember here is consistency. Your line spacing should be the same throughout your document. Finally, every section must have a line break after the section header.

Choose a professional font

No matter how well you lay out your resume, a poor choice of font can make you look unprofessional. Limit yourself to safe, reliable font types.

Any of these fonts would be appropriate on a resume:

• Times New Roman

On that note, be careful about font size. Your font should be no smaller than 10 points and no larger than 12 points.

Keep the design simple

While it may be tempting to try to stand out with a complicated design, you’re much better off sticking with one of our simple resume layouts. Unless you are applying for a graphic design role, employers will mainly consider whether your resume is easy to read. They won’t care as much about your use of color or impressive design tricks.

We offer templates in a variety of styles, including creative , simple and professional, all of which are compatible with Google Docs and Microsoft Word . Peruse our library of resume templates to find the perfect resume for you!

Make an eye-catching header

Contact info is one of the most essential parts of your resume, so you’ll want to make it easy to spot. The last thing you want is for recruiters to have a harder time contacting you because of a wonky header.

Prioritize having a prominent header with clear and accurate contact information at the top of your document. As long as you don’t overdo it, a simple pop of color can help your header stand out on the page.

There’s no need to go overboard — we still advocate for a simple design — but you do want to be noticed . Here’s an en example of a fittingly attention-grabbing header:

Organize content into easy-to-scan sections

A well-organized layout will draw the eye from section to section using clearly defined headers, all using the same line spacing and font size and type.

As for which sections to include, every resume should have:

• Contact info
• Professional summary or resume objective
• Work experience
• Skills , featuring hard/technical skills and soft skills
• Education credentials

Depending on what you have to offer, you may want to consider including additional sections like certifications, volunteering, languages, awards and professional associations.

Use bullet points effectively

Bullet points are a great way to make your document easily scannable. You can use them in the following areas:

• Four to six bullet points for each job in your work experience section
• Listing your skills in your skills section

Ultimately, use bullet points whenever you need to break up the text to highlight key points. Just be mindful of the length of your bullet points. If your resume layout uses columns, longer bullet points can take up a lot of lines.

Be mindful of length (no more than two pages)

Unlike CVs , which list your entire professional history, resumes don’t need to be exhaustive. Instead, they should focus on the most recent (and relevant) history.

If you have fewer than five or six years of experience, your resume should be no longer than one page. After that, you can consider adding a second page if you need more space for your accomplishments.

In the end, never go longer than two pages. Prune more distant work experience or shorten your skills section — whatever you need to do (within reason) to get your resume to the appropriate length.

It can be tempting to throw in any detail that you think might help your job search, but your resume isn’t intended to tell your entire professional story. It’s meant to be a concise overview to give potential employers an idea of how well you match their needs.

Resume layouts come in many different flavors. From clean and crisp to colorful and creative, there’s a layout style perfect for anyone.

Each layout serves a different type of job seeker. For example, if you work at an investment bank or a law firm, you should pick a professional resume layout that is neat and understated. On the other hand, if you’re an on-set photographer in the film industry or a wedding DJ, the best resume layout for you might use a more colorful style.

Here are four of the most popular resume layout examples to choose from.

1. Professional resume layouts

With an eye-catching blue header and plain white background, this professional resume layout is notable for its elegant design. The sections are laid out on top of one another, making the page easy to scan from top to bottom, and the use of bullet points in the skills and work experience sections brings a sharp focus to the applicant’s accomplishments.

This design is ideal for candidates who want to come off as professional, straightforward and highly accomplished.

See more professional resume layouts.

2. Creative resume layouts

With creative layouts, you get to have a little more fun. The layout above creates a balance between light and dark. The gray sidebar includes the contact info, summary statement, skills and profile photo. In the U.S., putting a photo on your resume is rare, but in creative fields, particularly film, it can add a human touch. Additionally, the geometric patterns in the background are a texture the employer is unlikely to find in other candidate resumes.

On the right, work experience and education credentials take center stage, with the text extra easy to read over the white background. There’s plenty of spacing and judicious use of bullet points to make the whole document breathe.

This layout is great for anyone in a creative field who wants to stand out from the competition.

See more creative resume layouts.

3. Simple resume layouts

Choosing a simple resume layout helps bring attention to your core skills and accomplishments. This layout in particular leaves plenty of white space between the resume sections, making for an uncluttered design. By putting the sections in a single column, one on top of the other, the page is also streamlined and easy to read. Finally, notice the line on the left side of the work experience section that makes it even easier to walk through the candidate’s work history from job to job.

This layout is perfect for anyone who wants a no-frills resume design.

See more simple resume layouts.

4. Modern resume layouts

Modern resume layouts offer a contemporary twist on classic styles. Take this one, for example. With sections placed one after another, going from professional summary to work history to skills to education, this is structured like several other layouts on this page. However, while the style remains clean and crisp, the font is less standard, giving the resume a unique quality as if it’s been made on a typewriter.

This layout is an excellent choice for job seekers who want to be polished yet unique.

See more modern resume layouts.

Now that we’ve shown you how the style can vary dramatically from layout to layout, let’s see the three ways you can structure a layout. Knowing where to place each resume section is a significant part of creating a winning layout.

There are three primary resume layouts based on section structure. Each differs slightly in its purpose:

• Chronological
• Combination

You need to understand the nuanced differences between these resume layouts to choose one that is appropriate for you and the role you seek. Now, let’s see the three options for formatting your resume and how they differ:

As the image illustrates, chronological resumes focus on work experience. This format is by far the most widely used in the job market, so recruiters and employers have come to expect it.

The functional resume layout template places an emphasis on skills, downplaying a candidate’s work history. In some cases, this style will include a second or even third skills section. Combination resumes do precisely what the name suggests — combine the qualities of the chronological and functional by giving equal weight to experience and skills.

Now, who should use each of these formats?That depends on where you are in your career.

Let’s run down which job seekers are suited for each format.

Use a chronological resume layout if:

• You can showcase a clear career trajectory.
• You’ve held more than one or two jobs.
• You’ve been employed for at least one year.

Use a functional resume layout if:

• You recently graduated high school or college.
• You have no work history.
• You’ve held a series of short-term positions.

Use a combination resume layout if:

• You are returning to the workforce after a break.
• You are in the middle of your career and want to highlight your experience as well as skills.
• You have a solid work history but want to showcase specific skills.

Once you decide which one of these core layouts best serves your career, you can finalize the look, feel and structure of your resume.

Browse our layout library to find a look that works for you. Then, if you’d like more information about any of the layouts above, see our guides:

• Chronological resume layout writing guide
• Functional resume layout writing guide
• Combination resume layout writing guide

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

Hailey Brophy

Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.

Read more articles by Hailey Brophy

More resources

We hope our resume layout guide has helped you understand the importance of structuring and styling your resume.

While we highly recommend using our Resume Builder to lay out your resume quickly and professionally, you can always download a Microsoft Word resume layout if that’s more convenient.

Now, if you’re in the middle of a job search, we have plenty more resume and cover letter guidance to share:

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The Best Resume Layouts & When to Use Them (+Examples)

For many job seekers, writing a resume is hard enough. Do you really have to lay out your resume, too? If you want to stand out in the job market with a professional-looking resume, the answer is yes.

Your resume layout—or the way you organize the information in your resume—makes a big difference in the way this information is perceived. For best results, you’re aiming for a resume that’s professionally formatted and visually appealing. And the best resume layout presents your skills, experiences, and qualifications to potential employers in a way that ideally helps you get the job.

3 key takeaways: 

• What your resume layout is and why it matters 
• The best types of resume layouts
• How to use Teal’s AI Resume Builder to create yours

What a resume layout is and why it matters

A resume layout is simply the way your resume is “laid out” or organized, including the resume sections you’ve included, the information they have, and the order they’re in, along with formatting, white space, and other design elements that contribute. There are a few key types of common resume layouts or formats—including a chronological layout, functional layout, or combination layout—that you’ll learn more about later in this article.

Your resume layout is important because it helps you make a good impression. A good resume layout makes the resume easier to read and scan (which is crucial for busy hiring managers). And your layout choices also affect how your resume and your experience is perceived.

Overall, resume layout has more of an impact on your job prospects than you might think. 

Tools like Teal’s AI Resume Builder can help you experiment with professional resume layouts until you find the right one. Use the Resume Formatting feature to “try on” each modern resume layout, rearranging the information in your resume with just a few clicks. Then customize your resume as much as you’d like, dragging and dropping resume sections to reorder them as desired. 

Basic rules for resume layout design

When it comes to the best resume layout, a big part of how to lay out a resume is knowing what information to include and how to group or categorize it. 

Will you organize your work experience and employment history by company, position, or by skills? Should you add a section for certifications or awards? In what order should you list past roles? In many cases, these questions will be answered by the resume layout you choose (you'll read more on popular layouts for a great resume, including resume examples, in a minute). 

Once you’ve got that down, you can move on to other aspects of the document. For example, margins and spacing are something you can’t overlook—including the proper amount of white space makes your resume much easier to read. Often, a medium-sized margin (about a half inch) is best.

Improve readability by choosing one of the best resume fonts, like Times New Roman, Poppins, or Roboto.

It’s also good practice to use bullet points so busy hiring managers can quickly scan through need-to-know information like your past job titles or relevant accomplishments.

And finally, if your resume is longer than, say, two pages, the best resume format is irrelevant. Most job seekers should keep things concise and stick with a single page for the best results (but if you have more than ten years of experience, you might need to bump that to two pages).

Types of resume layouts

Curious about the layout of a good resume? Dig into these common resume layouts to get a feel for the main resume formats a hiring manager is accustomed to seeing. 

Chronological layout

Chronological resumes list your work experience in reverse chronological order. So, you’ll start with your current or most recent position at the top of the document and then work backward to show the progression of your career. (If you’re creating a Canadian-style resume layout, chronological is your best bet.)

When to use it: If you have a consistent work history in a single industry or field. 

Functional layout

With a functional resume format , you showcase your accomplishments and skills instead of your work history. Most of the real estate on a functional resume is dedicated to your skills, not your past roles.

When to use it: If you want to highlight your skills and achievements—particularly if you’re a career changer or have gaps in your work history.

Combination layout

As the name suggests, a combination resume format includes elements of both a chronological and a functional resume. With a combination format, you’ll list your work history in reverse chronological order, but will also highlight your skills as you would with functional resumes.

When to use it: If you have a strong work history and diverse skills (such as a mid-career job seeker). 

Targeted layout

A targeted resume is a resume that you write with a specific job posting in mind. You’ll highlight or emphasize any of your skills that are most relevant to that one certain job. (To some extent, you should be doing this for every job you apply for—but a targeted resume layout takes it to the next level.) 

When to use it: If you’re applying for a dream job. 

Best resume layouts for 2023

The most popular resume layout for 2023 is a chronological layout. This chronological format is popular for the best resume because it’s common (making it easily recognizable), easy to scan, and demonstrates a consistent job history. 

Another tip if you’re looking for a job in 2023: Include data-driven accomplishments. Many companies are feeling worried about the economy and business growth. It’s a smart idea to use your simple resume layout to bring in numbers and metrics that prove you can help.

Finally, for best results, keep your resume simple. This isn’t the time and place for Comic Sans or multiple bright, contrasting colors. Instead, present yourself as a professional by creating a minimal resume with a basic resume layout that focuses on you and your relevant skills and work.

Step-by-step guide to crafting your resume layout

Once you’ve chosen the format that’s right for you, here’s how to design resume layouts using the Teal AI Resume Builder

Step #1: Start a new resume

Log in to your free Teal account , open the Resume Builder from the left navigation menu, and click "New Resume." 

Step #2: Import your information

If you need to fill out your resume from scratch, you can do that now. But an easier method is to import information from your LinkedIn profile or from a preexisting resume. Click "Menu" and then select "Import Resume or LinkedIn."

You’ll walk through each of the resume sections, starting with a resume heading or header and going through:

• Contact information
• Target titles
• Professional summaries/ Resume summary
• Work experience 

Step #3: Choose your layout or format

Click "Formatting" from the menu of icons above your resume. You can click through four modern resume layout templates to see which basic formatting rules you like best. Then further customize your resume’s layout by tweaking elements such as: 

• Accent color
• Date alignment
• Date format
• Work experience groupings
• Work experience date range

Each of these settings can be changed with a clickable drop-down menu. You can also reorder your resume sections as desired. Regardless of which sections you choose to add, the information should be clearly divided with bolded, underlined, or different color section headings for each one. 

Here you can also change the order of your sections with a drag-and-drop editor. Remember, for a chronological resume layout; you’ll list your past roles in reverse chronological order, using bullet points to list your responsibilities. (Or, if you choose to do a functional resume layout instead, start with relevant skills beneath your professional summary.)

After completing these three steps, your professional resume layout showing your past career paths will be ready to go. 

Resume layout examples

Take a look at our custom-designed resume templates to use them for your own resume, or to better understand how to create yours.

Chronological resume layout example

If you decide to use a chronological layout, you’ll list your prior work experience in reverse chronological order (see how the most recent position is at the top?). Then include your soft skills and other information underneath. Because this is a highly recommended layout, you may want to check out these reverse-chronological resume templates when you're ready.

Functional resume example

This functional resume layout example shows how to group your prior roles according to the biggest skills you used or accomplishments you reached in each one. Use a functional format to show a hiring manager the value you can bring. Check out these 9 functional resume templates if this layout is a good match for you.

Combination resume example

A combination resume takes the best parts of a chronological resume and a functional resume and brings them together. Just like this example, you’ll list your work history in reverse chronological resume format, then pull out and highlight your key skills. 

Targeted resume example

Last on the list of resume layout examples: Grab a potential employer’s attention with a targeted resume like this one. Each skill or other element you mention on a targeted resume layout should be closely aligned with the job description (of course, just make sure they’re skills that you genuinely have). 

Resume layout ideas and personalization tips

Want to get creative with your resume arrangement after seeing these best resume layout examples? Here are a couple of additional tips and ideas to try for the best resume layout:

• Add some personality. Infuse your personal brand into your resume layout. For example, pick an accent color that matches your website or your alma mater or simply expresses your personality through a creative resume layout. 
• Include a footer. Not all resumes (especially one-page resumes) need a footer. But when it comes to resume layout, a footer can pair nicely with your resume header to visually bracket the rest of the information. If you add one in the course of your resume writing, consider including your name and some sort of visual divider, such as a line.

Teal’s Resume Formatting feature is a great way to implement these basic resume layout ideas. You’ll find this feature within the AI Resume Builder .

Click through the layout templates and use the template settings to edit each one, changing graphic design elements like resume fonts, colors, or margin size using a simple drop-down menu. The Resume Builder makes it easy to play around with common resume formats and options to get a visual and decide which one you like best.

Use Teal’s AI Resume Builder for effective resume layout creation

Whew! You’ve covered a lot of creative resume layout ideas—and now, it’s time to take them and run with them, creating the best resume layout for your experience and skills to make hiring managers sit up and take notice of your job application.

But the support doesn’t stop here.

Sign up for Teal’s free AI Resume Builder to start building a new resume with the right resume layout (or to edit the one you currently have). Teal’s Resume Formatting feature can help you find the best format for a perfect resume with just a few clicks. And when you land that dream job, the love you poured into a professional resume layout will all be worth it. Get started today .

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i decide which resume layout is best for a career change, can i use a creative resume layout if i'm not in a design-related field, what's the best way to present gaps in employment on my resume layout.

Hailey Hudson

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Best Resume Layout: 9 Examples and Templates That Recruiters Approve

In This Guide:

What's the best resume layout?

3 Resume Formats That Will Define Your Resume Layout

Resume layout examples for specific jobs [gallery with hr notes], so what makes a good resume layout recap.

The power of a well-planned resume layout is unlimited. No joke.

Great resume layout forces recruiters to literally devour your resume.

From top to bottom, without a single yawn.

A great resume layout emphasizes your strengths and eliminates any weaknesses in your work history.

And if that’s not enough, a great resume layout helps you stand out from hundreds of other applicants .

There’s only one question left…

What does this superb resume layout look like and how do you actually create one? Glad you asked!

What's the best resume layout?

An image is worth a thousand words. Compare these two resume layout examples:

The left resume layout is your typical clunky chronological resume. According to eye-tracking studies , recruiters spend on resumes like these around 6 seconds.

On average day recruiters scan and filter through dozens and hundreds of resumes like that.

Until they stumble upon the resume layout on the right.

The combination of formatting, clever white space usage, and section order encourages recruiters to study critical parts of your resume in the order you need.

A job-winning resume layout has three main qualities:

• The job-winning resume layout is easy to read. No one enjoys reading a wall of text, especially recruiters. On the other hand, if your resume is enjoyable to read, there’s a higher chance that recruiters will spend more of their time learning about you and your qualities. At the end of this section, we’ll share a checklist with 7 tips to boost the readability of your resume  and increase the chance that recruiters will like you.
• The job-winning layout is easy to scan. When recruiters scan your resume, it’s important to control where their eyes will go first. Every job is unique — depending on whether it’s an executive resume or a tech resume, recruiters will be looking for different things. Check the “Examples” section of this guide where we share the best performing resume layout examples for every job type.
• The job-winning layout is easy to remember . When recruiters like you, that’s great. But when they remember you, that’s a whole different level of appreciation. Most resume layouts are too similar to be remembered, so even a slight adjustment in section orders may pique the recruiter’s interest. Don’t go for an overkill though. We’ll share the most common resume formats and how you can use them to your advantage in the next section.

Readability and scannability checklist for best resume layout.

• #1. Check your margins. Make sure there’s   at least a 1-inch margin on all sides to ensure your resume looks good in PDF or when printed.
• #2. Use white space . The proper use of white space on your resume can increase the reader’s comprehension by as much as 20%. Make sure there’s enough space between sections and text blocks.
• #3. Utilize bullet points.  Presenting your experience and skills in bullet points improves both the scannability and readability of your resume.
• #4. Create headers . Headers help organize your resume sections into a clear hierarchy.
• #5. Use colors . Colors add visual interest to your resume and let the recruiter’s eyes rest from the all-black text. The more creative your job the more colors you might use.
• #6. Check your font size . For the best readability pick a serif or sans-serif font. The size should be between 10.5 and 12 points to ensure you pass ATS scanners.
• #7. Add icons when you can.  Icons both add visual interest to your resume and indicate a critical section of your resume. Check out the “Examples” section.

Last, but not least, is #8: Section Order.  What sections should come first on your resume? Which ones recruiters are paying the most attention to?

It depends on your resume format and job specialty.

Let’s cover both with specific examples.

There are three main resume formats: chronological resume  (also known as reverse chronological), functional resume , and combination resume .

• Chronological resume. With a chronological resume format , the main focus of your resume is the Experience section. The section starts right after Contact details and sometimes is preceded with a short summary or objective . Your experience typically starts with the most recent position at the top, that’s why this resume format is also called reverse-chronological format.
• Functional resume . The functional resume  is all about your skills. You list your skills and portfolio in detail, whereas your Experience section becomes shorter and more concise. Functional resume layout is rarely used on its own, and often is combined with other layouts.
• Hybrid / Combination resume. A combination or hybrid resume is a combination of chronological and functional resume layouts. A hybrid resume layout is typically used for targeted resumes when you want to tailor your skills and experience to a specific job.

The reverse chronological resume format is the most commonly used by candidates, but not the most effective.

If you want to increase your chances of engaging recruiters, you might want to modify a typical resume layout to your job specialty .

Below are templates and examples of the most effective resume layouts for different job types.

Best Technical Resume Layout

When looking at technical position resumes, recruiters are often searching for keywords and “big” company names, thus hiring people who already worked at “cool” companies.

This resume layout helps to balance your chances and prove to recruiters you are a viable candidate even if you didn’t work at Google before.

Why it works :

• Custom colored header  to stand out from the competition and form a lasting first impression
• Github link at the top to guide technical recruiters
• Relevant education, certifications, and tech skills are at the same level as the experience section to build more relevance and engage recruiters
• Tech skills can be put higher if certificates and education is not highly relevant to the position [try our resume builder to quickly rearrange sections]

Great for :

• Technical positions with a strong focus on skillset
• Highly-competitive IT jobs
• Tech specialist who apply for several jobs [easy to adjust and tailor to multiple positions]

Best soft skills and sales resume layout

When applying for positions that require soft skills (sales, support, service industries) a resume can quickly become filled with cliches and generic phrases (e.g. hardworking team player) that put recruiters to sleep.

This resume layout helps keep recruiters engaged and stand out from dozens of candidates who use traditional resume layout.

• Specific projects and achievements instead of a generic list with soft skills
• Custom and catchy headline to stand out from dozens of other marketers
• Icons to improve readability and grab recruiter’s attention to custom sections
• Applying for positions at known and “hot” companies
• Standing out from candidates with the same skillset
• Making sure recruiters remember you

Best Executive Resume Layout

The majority of executives have rich work experience, so it’s hard to impress recruiters with Experience alone. This resume layout demonstrates the unique value the candidate can bring to the company and helps build up additional relevancy.

• Custom “most proud” section to demonstrate exclusive skills right from the start
• Header with personal values that resonate with company mission
• Engaging Skills section to create additional value on top of rich work experience
• Middle level and high-level managers applying for competitive positions
• Executives with long work history they’re trying to fit into a one-page resume
• Candidates who spend time researching the company they apply for can adjust resume sections for a better fit

Best Creative Resume Layout

Do creatives even need resumes? You bet. Between two creatives with great portfolios, recruiters will favor the one with a better resume layout.

• Clever use of color, icons, and graphics to increase visual interest while keeping the resume clean and professional
• Experience and skills sections can be easily rearranged. For established positions, experience is more important, for new niches (e.g. VR, AI) the skill section might be the dealmaker.
• Link to the portfolio at the header to help recruiters find your work online and bookmark you

Best No Experience and Entry-Level Resume Layout

How do you write about your experience when you have none?

When recruiters fill entry positions, they know that candidates won’t have much experience. What they don’t like is when candidates are bloating things out of proportions or faking experience.

Great resume layout doesn’t create experience history out of nothing. But it can help recruiters understand your potential without looking artificial.

Why it works:

• The lean simple layout fits entry positions better than showing off
• This layout fills the page without too much text. Recruiters will appreciate that
• Custom sections like Strengths, Passions, and Most Proud helps recruiters to understand qualities that might be helpful in your job

Best All-Around Resume Layout Sample

This resume layout is a combination of all the best practices we used when we were helping our clients score jobs at companies  such as Spotify, PwC, and Verizon.

If none of the above resume layout templates work for your specific position, feel free to use this resume outline as a baseline.

• A combination of reverse-chronological and functional resume layouts to stand out from the competition
• The soft skills section is not a generic list but rather a project-based demonstration of your competence
• Monochrome color to keep things interesting, yet professional
• Icons, white space, and text formatting to help recruiters scan and read critical resume sections without skipping
• The best resume layout is easy to read, scan, and memorize
• The best resume layout is targeted to the specific position
• Great resume layouts use color, headers, and visual elements to keep recruiters engaged
• Good resume layout follows the principle “less is more”, balancing between concise text blocks and white space
• Sections of your resume can be rearranged to emphasize strong points
• Traditional resume layouts are hard to read and scan thus recruiters tend to skip critical information
• Enrich resume layout with a custom headline, portfolio links, and custom sections to stand out from the competition
• Use resume layout templates that you can quickly adjust to the specific position

Did you like the guide? What’s your preferred resume layout? Have you used any of the above before and how did it play out with your application? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Best Resume Layout Examples + How to Choose Tips

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

The best resume layouts examples

The best resume layout structure, how to choose the right resume layout, basic resume layout design rules: margins, spacing, fonts and length, key takeaways.

• Resume Layout FAQ

A resume layout refers to how the information on your resume is organized and presented. It includes elements such as the order of sections, the use of headings and subheadings, the choice of fonts, spacing and overall design aesthetic.

You can check out the top layouts below and edit them in our Resume Builder . It’s a fully automated tool to help you complete a professional resume in 15 minutes! See our professional resume examples for inspiration on what to include in your resume.

Make your resume now

Professional resume layout sample

Here’s a modern, clean-cut resume layout that presents you in a polished light. It fits a wide variety of administrative, corporate or professional jobs.

See more: Professional layouts

Modern resume layout sample

Here is a layout example that uses cutting-edge design principles to show you’re up-to-date. It’s ideal for candidates pursuing roles in modern fields like technology, PR or marketing.

See more: Modern layouts

Creative resume layout sample

This unique layout has a sense of adventure and uses bold design features. It’s best suited for work in creative fields like graphic design, fine art or media.

See more: Creative layouts

Simple resume layout sample

Simple resume layouts are clean and straightforward, focusing on your content rather than elaborate design features. They work well for many industries!

See more: Simple layouts

Basic resume layout sample

This basic layout avoids visual distractions and focuses on your words. It’s the perfect layout for anyone seeking entry-level or blue-collar work.

See more: Basic layouts

What’s the best resume layout structure? Every resume is slightly different, but all should contain the same five sections:

• Contact information or resume heading
• Professional summary or objective statement
• Work experience

Here’s a resume layout outline that can work for job seekers of different experience levels.

Simply copy and paste this resume layout template and then fill it out with your details. Each section includes guidelines for how to write your resume :

Contact information 

[First Name] [Last Name]

[example@––.com | (415) 555 555 | [City], [State] [ZIP code] | [Optional: LinkedIn or portfolio link]

Professional Summary

An effective resume professional summary is a two-to-three-sentence statement showcasing how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements. Treat it like the “greatest hits” of your resume. The best strategy is tailoring the summary to the specific job, highlighting your achievements using quantifiable metrics where possible, and incorporating relevant keywords from the job description.

• List your professional skills
• Include six to eight total
• Add both hard and soft skills
• Target skills from the job ad
• Computer skills are beneficial

Work Experience

[Most Recent Job Title] [Company name]  

[City/State Location] [Start Date] – [End date or Current]

• List your top achievements at the job in bullet points.
• Include more bullet points for your most recent job(s) than work you’ve done earlier in your career.
• Include numbers and statistics whenever possible; they’ll attract attention and better show the results of your work.
• Hook your reader by using active language and action verbs .

[Previous Job Title] [Company name]  

• Focus your work history on accomplishments you had and less on day-to-day tasks.
• Tailor the information you feature about each job based on the job post or ad.

[School Name] [City/State] [Degree earned] in [Major(s)/minor]

There are also additional sections beyond these five that you could add, like “Languages,” “Certifications” or “Awards.”

You should factor in your career level to pick the perfect resume layout for your job application. The placement of certain resume sections –– namely, your skills and work experience –– can change how a reader sees you.

There are three different ways to organize a resume; these are called resume formats . The best format depends on your work experience level.

The three standard resume format layouts

So you can see the slight differences in organization between each type of resume layout; here are some examples:

Chronological

Chronological formats organize your information by putting your work experience front and center in chronological (sometimes called reverse-chronological) order, starting with your most recent job first.

Who should choose a chronological resume layout:

• Candidates with 10+ years of job experience.
• People with a long career history in the same industry.

Functional formats are also known as “skills-based resumes” because they showcase your skills and education rather than work experience. They often shrink the space of the work history section and provide fewer job details.

Who should choose a functional resume layout:

• Job candidates applying for their first jobs or with long gaps in their work history.
• People with less than three years of work experience.

Combination

Combination formats are so-named because they combine chronological and functional layouts, giving more equal weight to your skills and experience. This balance combination resumes fitting for most job seekers.

Who should choose a combination resume layout:

• Mid-career professionals with three to 10 years of experience.
• People changing career industries or applying for a role that’s a promotion from their current position.

There are basic design rules your resume layout should follow. Here, we’ll explain how to nail resume formatting.

Check out this sample resume layout, with the five main sections and its formatting features diagrammed:

Clarity, readability and consistency are the main goals of resume formatting!

Here are the basic resume layout rules:

Set one-inch margins

The standard resume margin size is one inch. Your document should follow.

The one-inch margin is the default if you use Google Docs or Microsoft Word to write your resume. But always check to be sure by clicking the File tab and looking for the “Page setup” option. On the right side of the menu, you can adjust the margins.

Messing with the standard one-inch margins may look like you’re trying to cram too much on your resume. It will not be easy to read.

Even worse, it may not pass an applicant tracking system (ATS) scan if the machine can’t read your document because the margins are odd.

Many companies use ATS software to scan job candidates’ resumes. A human being may not see your resume if you don’t pass an ATS scan!

Pick an easy-to-read font

The best fonts for a resume are simple and easy to read without too much decoration.

If you want a modern look, use sans serif fonts like:

They’re all clean, current and appropriate to use.

If you want a more classic look, use standard serif fonts like:

• Times New Roman

Serif fonts can be harder to read for both humans and machines. So, if you insist on using one, stick to these tried and true fonts.

Try to match your resume font to the one the company you’re applying to uses on their website or in marketing campaigns. Reflecting on their branding is an excellent way to show that you pay attention to details.

Make your font size 11-13

On average, a recruiter looks at a resume for seven seconds . That means if you stand any chance of getting noticed, you’ve got to make your text easy to scan by human eyes!

So, your font should be between 11-13 points. The easier it is to read, the better. Avoid using a small font to fit more information on your resume. Less is more!

Plus, it may cause your reader to feel overwhelmed seeing so much text. They may end up skipping your resume and moving on to the next. So, keep your font larger and easier on the eyes.

Apply the proper line spacing

You’ll find the option to change the line spacing of a document under the “Format” tab of most word processors. Usually, the default setting is acceptable.

Keep your line spacing between 1.15 to 1.5. This will make your resume easier to read by providing extra white space.

Create an eye-catching resume header

Your resume header should be pleasing to the eye and add some visual interest.

A clever way to do this is by adding color to the header. It will draw the eye of the person reading your resume.

Lay out your resume in sections

Standard resumes have five main sections: 1) Contact information, 2) A professional summary or objective statement , 3) Work experience section, 4) Skills and 5) Education.

The more your sections are separated and labeled, the easier it is for hiring managers to find what they’re searching for in your resume.

You can also add additional sections to your resume. Just be sure that any custom sections add value and are helpful to your job application!

Use bullet points

Bullet points are great on resumes because they give your words a sense of urgency and activeness and are accessible for the reader to scan.

It’s become more or less standard to include bullet points to list your skills or explain your achievements in the work experience section.

Set the correct length for your resume layout

It used to be standard for all resumes to be one-page maximum.

The rule is that you should have one page for every 10 years of work experience.

So, if you have less than 10 years of experience for the role you’re applying to, keep it under one page.

Otherwise, stretch it out to two pages if you’ve got 10+ years of experience. If you’ve got 20+ years, make it more than two pages, and so on.

You’ve learned everything you need to choose the best resume layout for your job hunt!

To recap some key points about resume layouts:

• Using ready-made resume layouts can help you create your document faster.
• Select a resume layout in a style you like that feels appropriate for the job.
• All resume layouts should contain the same basic sections.
• You can order your resume sections in three ways, also known as resume formats.
• Adding extra sections to your resume layout is beneficial if they fit the job.
• Choose a resume layout that’s in a format that matches your career level, i.e., how much job experience you have.

LiveCareer features a library of 400+ resume examples that you can search by job title. That way, you can see what layouts you like and use the ideas that resonate with you.

If you’re ready to get to brass tacks and create your attention-grabbing resume, use our most powerful tool, our Resume Builder .

LiveCareer’s team of career experts and designers created our Resume Builder. It will walk you through the process of creating a resume step-by-step.

It’s the most help you can get outside of hiring professional resume-writing services .

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Resume layout FAQ

How to improve your resume layout.

Using resume templates is a great way to improve your resume layout. Templates are just preformatted resume layouts that save you the hassle and time it takes to design a document from scratch.

All you have to do is select one that you like and input your information. Since professional designers created the templates, you can rest assured that your resume layout will look snappy!

How to lay out references on a resume?

References don’t belong on a resume unless the employer specifically requests them.

If references are requested, it’s best to include them on a separate document so that they don’t eat up space on your resume where you could be selling yourself.

Check out our complete guide on how and when to include references on a resume .

What resume layout is the best?

There is no single best resume layout overall. The best resume layout for you comes down to three main factors:

• Do you like the resume layout? Does it feel like a reflection of your personality?
• Does the layout seem appropriate to the job that you’re applying for? Are you using a creative design for a role in the arts or a professional layout for a buttoned-up office job?
• Is the layout of the resume in a format that matches your experience level? 

We recommend functional formats for people with under three years of experience. Combination formats are great for people with three to 10 years of experience. Chronological formats are best for people with 10+ years of experience.

Give these questions some thought, and it’ll make selecting the best layout much easier!

• Is the resume layout in a format that matches where you are career-wise?

We recommend functional formats for people with under three years of experience. Combination formats are great for people with three to 10 years of experience. Chronological formats are best used by people with 10+ years of experience.

Give these questions some thought, and it’ll make selecting the best layout for you much easier!

See more on our FAQ page

Related content

How to Write a Resume in 2024

How to Choose the Right Resume Format

400+ Resume Examples

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.

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How to layout a resume

Your resume layout is a hugely important factor in landing job interviews.

A professional and well-structured layout will create a winning first impression, and allow you to highlight your in-demand skills to potential employers with ease.

The following techniques will show you how to layout your resume, and start landing the interviews you need – regardless of your industry or level of experience.

Firstly, here’s an overview of how to layout a resume;

• Name and contact details at the very top
• Head the resume with an introductory summary
• List your work experience in reverse chronological order
• Finish with your education and qualifications
• Hobbies and interests are optional

Resume templates 

The example resume below shows you how this works in practice.

Now let’s dive into the details of how to layout your resume…

Keep it simple

As an ex-recruiter who used to read hundreds of resumes every week, the best piece of advice I can give on layout, is to keep it simple.

Don’t be tempted to use flashy templates with logos, background designs, photos and skills graphs – they simply detract from the content and make your resume a confusing read. A classic case of style over content.

Keep a very simple black and white color scheme throughout (maybe a splash of color in headings at most) and keep any images out of your resume.

A text based resume with a clean and simple font will create a pleasant reading experience for employers, and ensure that your resume doesn’t confuse any resume scanning software

Break text up

Huge chunks of text are a readers’ worst nightmare

Would you want to read something like this?

Recruiters and hiring managers are busy people – so making them hunt through massive paragraphs will not help your job applications at all.

Use short sharp sentences and plenty of bullet points to break your text up, and allow readers to quickly navigate your resume and pick out the info they are looking for.

Use one text column only

Keep your resume layout written across one column for simplicity, and to control what order recruiters view the information on your resume.

If your resume has 2 columns or more, then recruiters’ eyes will dart around the page and they will decide which part they read first.

Writing your resume in a single column will mean they are forced to read from top to bottom – allowing you to decide which parts are seen first.

Start with a persuasive intro

Recruiters do not spend long reading your resume when they review it for the first time.

Holding recruiters’ attention within the first few seconds of them opening your resume is vital for your job search success.

If you fail to do it – they may skip straight on to the next resume in their inbox without reading yours in full.

To avoid this happening, head your resume up with a powerful introductory summary of 4-8 lines that highlights all of your in-demand skills , and enthuses recruiters to read on.

Quick tip: If you struggle with spelling and grammar, try our partner’s resume builder

Order your roles correctly

Your work experience should be listed in reverse chronological order (that’s starting with the most recent job at the top, and working down to the oldest)

Depending on your level of experience, the amount of detail you dedicate to your experience will differ.

Experienced candidates should focus most of the space on their resume to their career summary

Junior candidates (school leavers, graduates) should focus less on their work experience, and more on their education, projects, placements etc.

Tailor your education to your experience level

The amount of page space you dedicate to your education will again be determined by your experience level.

If you are an experienced candidate , then a small section at the bottom of your page will be enough for your education.

However, if you are a junior candidate, then you will need to provide plenty of detail on your education, to compensate for your lack of work experience.

Use clear bold headings

Make your resume easy for recruiters to navigate by clearly dividing all of your sections, and heading them up with bold titles.

This makes for a much more pleasant reading experience and gives the document a professional outlook.

Easy readability is key to making a good resume .

Keep page transitions tidy

Your resume is your marketing material for your services, so you want to keep it looking sharp as possible if you want to appear as a credible candidate

Messy page transitions like this one below may not be the end of the world, but they look a little untidy, so try to avoid them

If this happens when writing your resume, simply move the section onto the next page, or play around with the margins to keep your resume layout neat, and avoid looking sloppy. Our online resume builder automatically stops untidy page transitions, keeping your resume looking immaculate.

2 pages in length is perfect

To convey your message without boring employers, try to keep your resume to around 2 pages in length .

If it comes in a little over, it won’t be the end of the world – bur certainly don’t stray on to the 4 th page.

Lengthy resumes never get read in full, so keep it short and sharp.

Reduce page margins

In order to make the best use of the space on your page, and keep it under the 2 page mark, you should keep your page margins relatively small

As you can see from the picture below, a big page margin at the top of your resume pushes all of the content down the page – and stops the recruiter from seeing important information when they open the resume.

If you decrease this page margin, you will fit more text into the resume, which allow recruiters to see more of your skills as soon as they open the resume.

Quick tip: You can save space and add some design flair to your resume by adding some icons to symbolize the contact details in your header (These are automatically added in our partner’s resume builder)

Minimize contact details

Another common way that candidates waste space on their resume, is by including too many contact details, and formatting them poorly.

The example resume below is how not to do it.

The only contact details you need to include are:

• Email address
• Mobile phone number
• Rough location (i.e Cleveland, Ohio)
• Possibly your LinkedIn profile (if you have a good one)

You never need to include:

• Your date of birth
• Full address
• Marital status

Include a minimal amount of contact details and keep them tucked up into a small space at the top of your resume.

Never hide them at the bottom. You want to make it as easy as possible for recruiters to contact you.

Keep the font consistent

Keep your resume looking slick and professional by using one font consistently throughout the resume

Mixing your fonts about will make the resume look messy, which will in turn make you appear as messy candidate – not a great look.

Keep interests brief (if you add them)

Hobbies and interests are an optional section for your resume and don’t often make a huge impact on hiring decisions.

There are a couple of exceptions to that rule however…

If you have interests that are highly relevant to your line of work , such as a writer who runs a personal blog; then it’s worth mentioning them in your resume.

If you are a school leaver or graduate with no experience , then it’s worth mentioning impressive achievements such as fund-raising events, travelling the world , or captaining a sports team.

However, if like me, your interests mainly consist of relatively boring things like socialising with friends or going to the cinema – then there’s no point in adding them to your resume.

If you decide to enter your interests, do so in a small section at the very bottom of your resume.

Resume layout matters

If you want to land the best job offers on the market, then your resume layout needs to be perfected.

A strong layout will allow recruiters to quickly evaluate the benefits you can bring to a role, and will ultimately lead to more job interviews than a poor layout

Good luck with the job search.

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How to Make a Resume for Your First Job (+ Template)

Learn how to build your first resume, even without work experience.

If you’re looking for your first job, you may wonder what to put on your resume. While you may not have any formal job experience yet, you almost certainly have gained skills and other experiences through your education and extracurricular activities. 

In this article, we’ll look closely at how to write a resume for your first job when you have no experience. Learn how to identify your most marketable skills and experiences and how to format your resume to show them off.

What is a resume?

A resume is a formal document that presents your background, accomplishments, and skills to potential employers. When you submit a job application, your resume is typically the first thing a recruiter or hiring manager looks at to evaluate whether you’re a good fit for the role.

Did you know? 

Outside of Canada and in academic settings, a resume is often referred to as a curriculum vitae, or CV for short. The Latin term means “course of life.”

How to write a resume with no work experience

Many job listings ask for relevant experience. But just because you haven’t had a job before doesn’t mean you don’t have experience. Your experience happens to come from outside the workplace. For a first job, your resume should concentrate on your academic achievements and any informal work, volunteer experience, or extracurricular activities.

Here are some steps you can take to create a resume for your first job.

1. Pick the right layout.

Many resumes focus on job experience, listed from newest to oldest. If you don’t have job experience to list, pick a resume format that includes an education section closer to the top.

2. Match your experiences to the job listing.

Writing a solid resume begins with studying the job description for the role you’re applying for. You want your resume to match what the company is looking for, so start by listing the key terms from the job description. 

Go through the job description, and write down or highlight all the abilities, skills, and values listed within. Pay close attention to those listed as required. 

Now, think about experiences in your own life that match the items on the list. If the job listing asks for someone with strong organizational skills, think about times when you’ve had to be particularly organized. Maybe you helped plan a school event or led a group project.

It’s okay if you don’t have something for every item. Keep this list nearby as you begin to fill in your resume template. 

3. Focus on your education.

You may find it helpful to start with the education section of your resume. List your school and dates attended, as well as:

Relevant coursework: Have you taken classes related to the job you’re applying for (or from your job description research)? Be sure to list them.

GPA: A strong GPA (typically a 3.5 or higher) can show employers that you have the skills and work ethic to succeed in the job.

Academic achievements: Also include anything else that demonstrates your ability to succeed academically—making the dean’s honour list or an honour society, for example.

Extracurricular activities: Focus on the activities that align with the job listing. Involvement in student council, for example, could demonstrate leadership skills, collaboration, and problem-solving. Playing a team sport shows that you can collaborate and manage your time.

Certifications or online courses: If you’ve taken any training, bootcamps, courses, or certification programs outside of school, include them here if relevant.

If you’re still enrolled in a program, list it as “in progress” with your anticipated graduation date.

4. Highlight volunteer work and extracurricular activities.

Next, add an experience section. While you may not have formal work experience, you should include any volunteer work, community activities, internships, or informal work experience (like tutoring, blogging, or helping with a family business) relevant to the job. 

As you fill in this section, refer to the list you created in Step 2. You don’t have to include everything; instead, focus on your experiences that align with terms that appear higher in the job description or those listed as required rather than preferred.

5. List your technical and human skills.

Include a list of skills as bullet points on your resume, highlighting both your workplace skills and any technical skills you may have.

Technical vs. workplace skills

Human skills, sometimes called soft skills or workplace skills, apply to just about any job. Some examples include communication, decision-making, leadership, time management, and problem-solving. Technical or hard skills tend to be more job-specific. These might include programming languages, software proficiency, or foreign language knowledge.

Your resume should reflect the skills listed in the job description. For technical skills, also include your level of proficiency. If you’re still developing a skill, for example, you could write, 'Familiar with Excel spreadsheets.'

It’s okay if you don’t have many technical skills to list. A global study conducted by LinkedIn found that 80 per cent of companies value candidates with better workplace or human skills, which can be harder to teach [ 1 ]. The five most in-demand human skills in 2024, according to LinkedIn, were [ 2 ]:

Communication

Customer Service

Project Management

Build job-ready skills

Looking to add technical skills to your resume? Prepare for an entry-level job, develop in-demand skills, and get hands-on experience with a Professional Certificate in social media marketing, IT support, data analysis, project management, UX design, or cyber security on Coursera.

6. Write your resume objective.

An objective goes at the top of your resume to summarize your skills. It’s usually a good idea to write this last once you have a better idea of what’s in your resume. Keep it to one or two sentences stating who you are, what you want, and what you can offer the employer.

Tips for preparing your first resume

Now that you’ve filled in most of your resume, here are some tips to help make it stand out:

Keep it to a single page. This is especially true if you do not include work experience. Include what’s relevant to the job, and leave out the rest.

Use action verbs when describing your skills and experiences. Try to start sentences with verbs (e.g., designed, guided, led, improved, established, managed).

Include the same words and terms from the job listing. Many companies use what’s called an applicant tracking system (ATS) to sort applications by keywords. When you use the exact words and phrases in the job description, you might increase your chances of getting your resume noticed.

Customize your resume for each job. Each job posting will have different keywords and requirements. You don’t have to start over each time, but make sure to adjust your resume for each job you apply to.

Proofread. Ensure your resume is free of spelling, grammatical, or punctuation errors. If possible, ask a friend or family member to proofread for you as well.

Include your contact information , including your full name, phone number, and email address.

Student resume example

Here’s a resume sample for a high school graduate applying for a job as an IT technician: 

First job resume template

When you’re ready to build your unique strengths, experiences, and skills into your resume, feel free to use this first job resume template as a starting point. 

Get job-ready with Coursera.

Whether you’re a high school student, college graduate, or working professional looking to switch careers, start building the in-demand skills needed for a digital job with a Professional Certification Coursera. Explore options for data science, cybersecurity, IT support, and project management.

Article sources

LinkedIn. " LinkedIn 2019 Talent Trends: Soft Skills, Transparency and Trust , https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linkedin-2019-talent-trends-soft-skills-transparency-trust-bersin/." Accessed April 25, 2024.

LinkedIn. " The Most In-Demand Hard and Soft Skills of 2020 , https://www.linkedin.com/business/talent/blog/talent-strategy/linkedin-most-in-demand-hard-and-soft-skills." Accessed April 25, 2024.

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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.

2-Page Resume Guide: Formatting Tips, Examples & Templates

Our customers have been hired at: * Foot Note

Let’s face it: sometimes you need to use a two-page resume. Experienced candidates or high achievers with a long list of job-relevant skills and accomplishments need more space to fit their information. But, a one-page resume has been the known standard.

If you’re wondering, is it ok to have a two-page resume?, we’re here to help you find the answer. 

In this article, we will talk about:

• Is a two-page resume acceptable?
• Choosing the best layout for your two-page resume
• Finding the best two-page resume format for you 
• Pros and cons of a two-page resume
• Essential tips for a one-page and two-page resume

Can a resume be 2 pages?

The short answer is yes. A two-page resume can —and should!— be used by candidates who benefit from a longer format. Unless a job opening clearly asks for a one-page resume, you can consider a two-page resume. 

Who should use a 2-page resume?

A two-page resume is not for everybody. Consider adding a second page to your resume when:

• You have 10+ years of experience : If you’ve been around the block a few times, you will need ample space to present your work history and skills. A two-page resume will showcase your growth throughout your career. 
• Seeking executive and managerial positions : Making it beyond the supervisory ranks means you’ve racked up your accomplishments and skills.
• You’ve achieved extensive accomplishments in your short career : Your career has been strategic and fruitful, even if it hasn’t been long. A two-page resume will highlight your vertiginous ascent and relevant qualifications. 

Deciding when to use a two-page resume

If you’re still undecided about using a two-page resume, answer these questions before writing a resume :

• Does the job ad have a page limit? If an employer requests a one-page resume, sending a two-page resume can disqualify you. Your ability to follow their specifications will be their first impression of you as a candidate.
• Is this a managerial, senior or executive role? Showcase your leadership, achievements and qualifications with a two-page resume focusing on your growth and experiences. 
• I s this information necessary to include in your two-page resume ? Leaving a good impression means showing your very best, not your entire career. Save those additional accomplishments and experiences for your cover letter and first interview.
• Does a two-page resume provide a competitive advantage? Content will always be the most important aspect of your resume. 
• Are the extra achievements powerful enough to add ? Only include achievements if they add value to your experience in relation to the employer. Avoid stuffing your resume. 

Free Templates for 2-Page Resumes

Start your two-page resume by choosing a great template to showcase your qualifications. These professional free templates make every space count.

2-page resume examples

Are you a visual learner? These two-page resume examples show you how to get the job done.

Our resume examples have the right resume for your industry and career level. Find more inspiration and learn how to make your perfect resume.

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Our Resume builder can help you write the perfect resume. Start Now!

Best template for a 2-page resume

The design of your two-page resume includes its looks and content organization. The right resume template uses white spaces to guide the recruiter’s eye and accurate formatting guidelines to fit your career history. 

Wondering if your two-page resume template makes the cut? An ATS resume checker takes the guesswork out of the equation, showing you what works, what needs to be changed and how to improve your resume according to your industry. 

Find the right format for a 2-page resume

Apart from the layout, the resume format determines in which order to show your experience and qualifications. 

A chronological resume format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order. This format is ideal for candidates with 10+ years of experience and clear career progression. On the first page, include your most recent work experience, as well as a brief summary of your skills and qualifications. On the second page, list your earlier work experience, education, certifications, and any other relevant information

A combination resume format is another option for a two-page resume; it combines elements of the chronological and functional format . This format is ideal for candidates with a strong work history and diverse skills and qualifications. 

Whether your two-page resume uses a chronological or a combination format, it will include these sections: 

• A header with your contact information. 
• Career summary — Your introduction to the hiring manager. Include your strongest job-relevant skill, years of experience and one or two important accomplishments to highlight what you bring to the table. 
• Work history — Your career history will show your growth over your career. Include the employer, dates of employment and role. Under each role, add three bullet points with your resume accomplishments and quantifiable achievements. 
• Skills —Showcase your capabilities and demonstrate that you have the necessary qualifications for the role. Include technical skills, industry-specific certifications, language proficiency, leadership abilities, or any other skills that are relevant to the job.
• Education and professional development — Include the employer’s educational requirements and include other professional development, like courses and training you’ve completed. 

Once you’ve completed the essential sections, include optional additional sections that show your commitment to your career and industry. For example, certifications, volunteer work hobbies, awards and additional skills. 

1-page vs. 2-page resumes

• Focus on your achievements, not your tasks. — Highlight what you have accomplished in your previous positions and what you’re bringing to the table. You can use multiple sentences if necessary to show you’re the candidate to watch.
• Use a clean, professional format. — A good resume format is more than a nice-looking document. It helps you fit all the necessary information and draw the eye of the reader to the information you want to highlight. 
• Avoid filler words and pronouns. — Whether you’re using a one-page or two-page resume, do not use pronouns and clichés. Every word matters. Don’t overstuff your resume to add pages, and don’t take away job-relevant accomplishments to fit 
• Create special sections to showcase achievements — Catch the hiring manager’s eye by building a Key Achievements section to list recognitions from employers or organizations. 

Key takeaways

• A two-page resume is a great tool to provide a more comprehensive overview of your qualifications and experience.
• Evaluate your career and use a two-page resume if it helps you leave a better impression by expanding on your quantifiable achievements. 
• Avoid using filler words and unnecessary information to fill both pages. If necessary, condense to a one-page resume with a better-suited template.
• Find the best format for your career: chronological for candidates with 10+ years of experience or combination for jobseekers with under 10 years of experience.
• Choose a template to show your personal style and, more importantly, fit your information comfortably while guiding the reader through your career history. 

How to make a two-page resume?

To write a two-page resume, decide if the application and your career benefit from a longer resume. Once you’re settled in a two-page resume, start your resume by: 

• Writing a compelling career summary, including your strongest skills and an important accomplishment. Write it as if it’s the only section the employer will read. 
• Building a targeted work history, including three bullet points with your accomplishments per each role. Each bullet point can have multiple sentences, but keep it consistent in the entire resume.
• Include your core competencies or skills by matching those in the job description. 
• Incorporate additional sections like certifications, professional affiliations, or relevant projects, if applicable to the role or to make your resume stronger. 

Once you’re done, double-check grammar and spelling with online tools and another pair of eyes. Then, parse through an ATS resume scanner to ensure you’ll make it through.

How to format a two-page resume?

The format of your two-page resume depends on your years of experience.

• Use a chronological format if you have 10+ years of experience in the same industry, as it focuses on your extensive career. 
• Use a combination format if you have under 10 years of experience. This format will balance your skills and experience.

When is a two-page resume ok?

A two-page resume is acceptable when the candidate has extensive experience, relevant qualifications and accomplishments that must be highlighted. If the candidate is applying for a senior or executive-level position, a two-page resume may be necessary to showcase their skills adequately. However, it is important to ensure that the most relevant information is included on the first page and that the second page contains additional details that support the candidate’s candidacy.

What do you put on page two of your resume?

The second page of your resume depends on your first page. For example, it could include: 

• The earlier part of your professional career history 
• Additional job-relevant skills
• Your education section — including professional development
• Professional affiliations

Remember, the most important eye-catching details should be on your first page.

How to make a two-page resume into one?

Consider these tips to reduce your two-page resume to one page:

• Change your resume template or use a smaller resume font , within reasonable professional parameters. You can consider a basic resume template , which is professionally designed. 
• Condense your information. Match the job description and remove anything irrelevant to the position, company or industry. 
• Proofread carefully and eliminate unnecessary words or phrases. Remember, keeping the content relevant and focused is important, even if it means leaving out some information.

How to make a two-page resume for my industry?

Using the job description as your guide, create a resume that includes all your job-relevant skills, experience and accomplishments. Also, consider current trends in your industry and company research. If you go over one page by a considerable amount, continue with a two-page resume. If you only go over by a few lines, consider a different resume template to fit all your information on one page.

How to decide between a one-page vs two-page resume?

To decide between a one-page vs a two-page resume, the first step is to read the job description and find out if there is a resume page limit. If not, answer these questions. 

• Is this a managerial, senior or executive role?
• Is this information necessary to include in your two-page resume?
• Is it relevant to the job I am applying for?
• Are the extra achievements powerful enough to add?

If you answer yes to many, start writing your two-page resume.

How to number pages on a two-page resume?

When writing a two-page resume, you must include the page number on the second page. There are two options to do this:

• Use the same header from page 1, sans contact information, in a smaller font size. Keep your name and add ‘Page 2’ on the far right side. Like so: 
• At the bottom of your second page, include Page 2 of 2 with your name or phone number and email, which looks like this: 

This is a necessary step, even when you’re only sending an electronic copy. There is no way to know if the employer will print out your resume. This way, your qualifications can be traced back to you.

How to print a two-page resume?

Use two separate sheets of paper for a printed two-page resume. It allows for easier reading and avoids missing an entire page of information. It is always a good idea to bring a copy of your two-page resume stapled, numbered and with your name or contact information on both pages.

How we reviewed this article

Since 2013, we have helped more than 15 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process .

• CNBC . Article.  Abdallah, Mariam . A 2-page resume isn’t just OK, it may even be better—here’s why  
• College Recruiter . Article. Konkel, Shelby;  Meehl, Joanne. Resumes: when to graduate to a two-page resume
• EduReviewer . Article. Burakova, Alina. Page Numbers on Resume: How Do You Put Them on Resumes?

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Career advice expert.

Nilda Melissa is a Certified Professional Resume Writer who has written for The Washington Post and Latina Style Magazine. She has a master's in Journalism from Columbia University and is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

‡ 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.

How do I update my resume to help land that job? Ask HR

Johnny C. Taylor Jr. tackles your human resources questions as part of a series for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the world's largest HR professional society and author of "Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.”

Have a question? Submit it here .

Question: Since leaving a job I have had for almost a decade, I have primarily conducted my job search online. I have used the same resume design since I started working 12 years ago. Should I update my resume design to be more effective? What do you recommend for building a modern resume? – Sandra

Answer: Updating your resume design can indeed be a wise move, especially if you've been using the same format for a long time. A fresh, modern design can help your resume stand out and leave a positive impression on recruiters and hiring managers. Here’s what I recommend for building a modern resume:

◾ Clean, professional layout: Opt for a layout that’s visually appealing and easy to read. Avoid cluttered designs and overly decorative elements that may distract from your content.

◾ Font selection: Stick to standard, easy-to-read fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. These fonts are widely accepted and compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), ensuring your résumé is easily scannable by both humans and software.

◾ Incorporate keywords: Tailor your resume to each job application by incorporating industry-specific keywords and phrases relevant to the position. Many companies use ATS to screen résumés, so this will increase the likelihood of your resume being noticed.

◾ Organized sections: Structure your resume into clear sections, including Contact Information, Summary or Objective, Work Experience, Skills, Education and any additional relevant sections such as Certifications or Volunteer Work. This organization makes it easy for recruiters to quickly find the information they need.

◾ Summary/objective statement: Start your résumé with a summary that highlights your key qualifications and career goals. Keep it concise, focusing on what sets you apart and what you aim to achieve in your career.

◾ Accomplishment-oriented experience: When listing your work experience, focus on highlighting your accomplishments, rather than just listing job duties. Use quantifiable achievements whenever possible, to demonstrate your impact, such as increasing sales by a certain percentage or leading successful projects.

◾ Skills section: Dedicate a section to showcasing your key skills and competencies, including both technical skills and soft skills relevant to the job. This section provides recruiters with a quick overview of your capabilities.

◾ Proofreading: Before submitting your resume, thoroughly proofread it to ensure there are no grammatical errors, typos, or formatting issues. Consider having someone else review your resume for feedback and additional insights.

By updating your resuméewith a modern design and incorporating these key elements, you can increase your chances of making a strong impression in today’s competitive job market. Good luck with your job search!

Ghosting a job Is it bad to ghost low priority potential employers? Ask HR

I've been denied PTO requests on multiple occasions, which is becoming increasingly frustrating. Most of them are denied on the grounds of staffing needs. Do I have any recourse in fighting these denials? What can I do to ensure PTO approvals? – Chanette

You may indeed have some recourse in addressing these denied paid time off requests. Start by reviewing your company's PTO policy and procedures. Many employers have specific guidelines regarding PTO requests, including deadlines for submission and limits on the number of employees who can be on leave simultaneously, to ensure adequate staffing levels.

First, check if your PTO requests were made in accordance with company policy. If they were not, ensure that you adhere to the established procedures for future requests, to increase the likelihood of approval.

However, if you followed company policy and your requests were still denied, consider discussing the matter with your manager or the human resources team. Seek clarification on the reasons for the denials and inquire about potential strategies to improve the approval rate for your requests.

It's also essential to consider whether your state mandates sick leave, and if your company uses PTO to fulfill those requirements. If so, your employer may be obligated to approve leave requests that align with qualifying reasons for sick leave under the law. If you’re uncertain about your state’s sick leave requirements, consult your HR team for clarification.

Ultimately, unless there is a contractual agreement or policy stating otherwise, employers typically have discretion in managing PTO usage. However, by following company procedures and addressing your concerns with management or HR, you may increase the likelihood of having your PTO requests approved more frequently.

Salaried, nonexempt What does that mean? Ask HR