How to write a resume in 2023 Ultimate Guide

Job hunting is a tough and time-consuming process. You spend hours, first – scrolling through websites with job postings, and then customizing your job application.

HR managers typically spend only 7 seconds scanning a resume, before deciding whether to give it a closer look?

That’s right. This means that you have just a few seconds to get noticed.

Is it discouraging? Yes, it may be, but all you have to is to plan your strategy.

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll provide you the tips and strategies that will help you to make a good resume in 2023.

Before we go into details, take a look at our helpful checklist of the most crucial components that your professional resume should include.

We will go deeper about each point, further down in the article.

Resume Writing Checklist

1. Pick the right resume format that suits your career level and experience. In most cases, we recommend reverse chronological resume format.
2. Contact details. Make sure to include your name, phone number, email address, and other relevant links like: LinkedIn profile, online portfolio, personal website, etc.
3. Resume summary or career objective. In a few compelling sentences, highlight your key achievements and skills that make you the perfect candidate. This is one of the most important parts of your resume.
4. Work experience. Focus on experiences that are directly related to the job you’re applying for. Use reverse-chronological order. Use bullet points and action words to describe your accomplishments.
5. Skills. This is your moment to impress a recruiter with your. Highlight those abilities that are most relevant to the job offer.
6. Education. Summarize your academic background. Give more recent and highest degree. No need to go back to kindergarten or high school unless you are a fresh graduate, looking for a first job. 
7. Tailor your resume to the job offer. Stop sending the same, generic resume to every potential employer. Customize it to match the specific job requirements that the recruiters will look for in your resume (in the first place).
8. Cover letter. It is not mandatory, but think for yourself. If there are many good resumes, how is an HR Manager supposed to choose the best ones? Perhaps with a good cover letter. 
9. Proofread. Make sure your resume is error-free and as polished as a royal crown.

And now, let’s go step by step through each point with more details and real examples. After having read this article, you should know exactly how to make a winning resume.

Remember, the job market can be tough, but with our tips you’ll learn how to play by its rules. So let’s go. 

1. Select the right resume format and layout

Resume format

It’s a strategic decision to choose the right resume format and layout. 

Resume format should effectively present your unique qualifications in the best possible light. It should highlight your strengths and cast a shadow over any potential drawbacks.

There are three main types of resume formats:

• Reverse chronological resume format. This is the most common resume type. It is nothing else like listing your work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent job position. This format would be suitable for candidates with a consistent work history, especially in the same field or industry. 
• Functional resume format. Sometimes also called a skills-based resume. This format highlights your skills and achievements rather than your work history. This resume type is great for career changers, or candidates with little experience, like fresh graduates.
• Combination (hybrid) resume format. This resume type combines the best of both formats mentioned earlier. It is a good option for jobseekers with a diverse skill set or experiences in various industries and those that has held numerous jobs within the same organization.

PRO TIP: When choosing a resume format, first review your work experience and choose the format that best reflects your talents. In most cases, we recommend reverse chronological resume format. 

Resume formatting and layout

When it comes to the resume writing, remember that less is more!

A cluttered resume looks overwhelming and difficult to read. Try to be minimalist. Opt for a neat and tidy resume design.

Here are some best formatting practices for your curriculum vitae:

• Resume layout. Use a clean, professional layout. Keep margins between 0.5 to 1 inch on all sides.
• Use clear headings and subheadings to divide sections and important information. 
• Choose a readable font, like: Arial, Helvetica, Georgia, Times New Roman or Verdana. Avoid stylized fonts. Use a font size between 10 and 12 points for the body text. For headings, use larger font size (e.g., 14 to 16 points).
• When formatting your resume, be consistent and use the same font size, style, and color for headings, subheadings, and body text.
• Use bullet points to break up long paragraphs and make your job application easier to read.
• Whitespace. Add extra space before and after each heading and section.
• Use single or 1.15 line spacing.
• Emphasize important information. Grab recruiter’s attention to crucial information by using bold, italics, or underlining. This leads the reader’s attention to the information that matters most.
• Color. Highlight some elements of your resume, like section headings, by adding a color. If you do that, stick to one or two colors.
• PDF file type. Save your final resume as a PDF to keep consistent formatting across different devices.
• Keep your resume brief and concise. Ideally, make a one-page resume. However if you have more extensive experience, make it longer (as long as you need).

While the traditional layouts are still okay, having a unique and eye-catching CV design can help to stand out. Take it into account, especially if you are looking for jobs in creative and design-focused industries.

PRO TIP: Make sure that the layout you choose aligns with the company culture and job requirements. Too bold resume layout may not be appropriate for a conservative industry or job position.

2. Add your Contact Information

It’s hard to believe, but some candidates still forget to include their contact information or provide incorrect details. This can lead to missed opportunities for interviews.

Add these details:

• Full name and surname.
• Phone number.
• Professional email address.
• Location, like city or state.

Optionally, you can also add:

• LinkedIn profile URL or other social media links, like GitHub, Pinterest, Behance. Include them if they are relevant.
• Add professional job title, like: Web Designer, Project Manager or Customer Service Representative.
• Your personal website / blog or portfolio.

Double-check your details before applying. 

What not to include in Contact Info Section?

• Personal details, like: marital status, date of birth, gender, or social security number.
• Picture. If you’re applying for a job in the United States, better avoid including a photo. That could lead to discrimination in the hiring process.
• Unprofessional email address.

Get more details and read article: How to add contact information to your resume.

3. Add a Powerful Resume Summary or Career Objective

Do you recall the ultimate goal of creating a resume? It’s not simply to land a job, but rather to get a job interview invitation. 

It is not a surprise that recruiters typically spend only a few seconds scanning each resume.  With an attention-grabbing resume summary, at the top, you will make a strong first impression from the very beginning. Sometimes this one element decides if an HR Manager wants to get familiar with your resume with more details. 

What is a resume summary, and who should write it?

The Resume Summary, (also known as the Resume Introduction), is a brief section that appears at the top of your resume. It provides answers to important questions, like:

• Who you are.
• What is your experience.
• Why the employer should hire you. 

How to write a convincing resume summary?

• Keep the resume summary short (ideally 3-5 sentences)
• Highlight and summarize your key experience and skills required for the job
• Include your professional achievements to prove your efficiency
• Show your additional value that puts you ahead of the rest, such as soft skills or professional specialization
• Use numbers to make your story more convincing
• Be specific and tailor your resume summary to the job offer
• Use language of benefits
• Consider including a resume summary if you are an experienced candidate. If you are a student, fresh graduate, or changing your career path, write a career objective instead.

Resume summary recipe = required experience (years) + key skills + achievement (to prove you are efficient) + additional value (why are you better than others)

Important: tailor your resume objective to the job offer. Otherwise, no matter how good it is, it won’t work!

Example of a well-written resume summary:

For better illustration, have a quick look at a bad example of resume summary:

This summary is too generic and lacks specific details that would make the candidate stand out. The skills mentioned (communication, attention to detail) are too common and don’t show any level of expertise or achievement in a specific area of marketing. This summary doesn’t provide any specific achievements or skills that would make the candidate a strong fit for the job.

Read more: How To Write a Resume Summary + Best Examples

What is a career objective, and who should write it?

A career objective, or resume objective, is a section that highlights your career goals. It is best suited for candidates who are looking for a first job, like fresh graduates, or those who are changing career path, or applying for an internal position.

Take a look at a well-written career objective example:

4. List Your Work Experience

This is the section where your future employer makes the most important conclusions about your skills, accomplishments, and strengths. 

Let’s take a look at the best practices on how to describe your experience:

Format each work experience section in a right way

To create a clear, easy to read and professional experience section, follow these basic guidelines:

• List your job title or position,
• Include the dates of employment. Mention the start and end date of your employment for each job. You don’t have to be exact to the day. Use the format mm/yyyy – especially important if an Applicant Tracking System parse it,
• List the name and location of the company,
• Use bullet points to describe your experience. Use between 3-7 bullets points,
• Use reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job,
• Try to make your resume max two pages long.

Tailor your work experience to the job ad requirements

Before writing the experience section of your resume, review carefully the job description and its requirements. Identify what skills and qualifications are the most valuable for the recruiter.

Remember that you don’t have to mention every single job you’ve ever had. Instead, focus on the relevant experiences and tailor them to the job ad requirements.

Use language and keywords from the job posting 

Use keywords from the job offer as well as industry specific keywords. However, avoid simply copying and pasting anything word-for-word.
Instead, paraphrase the job requirements. Add more details and achievements. Use specific numbers, that will make your job application looks more realistic and appealing to potential employers. 

Another important aspect why you should mention keywords from the job description is Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Recruiters use ATS to scan resumes for relevant keywords. By including crucial keywords, you increase your chances of passing the ATS screening.

Include Achievements

Including achievements in your experience description is a game changer and real magnet for recruiters. You provide a solid evidence of your skills and success. This allows employers to imagine that you could have similar results at their company, what makes you a more attractive candidate.

To give even more emphasis to your achievements, consider creating an individual section called ‘Achievements’ on your resume. Optionally, you can add your key achievements (1-3) at the bottom of each experience section with duties.

Things to remember:

• Keep it concise.
• Use power words. 
• Avoid generalities.
• Quantify your achievements with numbers.
• Give examples to make them more convincing.
  
  Instead of writing:
  ‘organized marketing fairs’, highlight your achievement with a specific number and outcome like: ‘organized marketing fairs, resulting in increase in new customers by 43% in 2016’.

Let’s have a look at the real example of how to present accomplishments in a right way:

Key Achievement: Successfully implemented an updated SEO strategy, resulting in 67% increase in user engagement on blog articles and a substantial 43% boost in overall website traffic. This generated an additional $5.7k in monthly revenue.

Including achievements in your resume allows you to proactively address a frequently asked question during job interviews: “What are your key accomplishments?” This gives you an opportunity to be well-prepared for that question.

Read more: How to Write Experience on a Resume?

How to Write a Resume With No Experience?

If you are a high school student, fresh graduate, or entry level jobseeker, you may wonder how to compete with experienced professionals. 

But don’t get anxious! With the right approach and techniques, you can make an excellent resume for your first job.

Read more: How to Write a Resume with No Experience + Examples.

5. Create a Strong Education Section

Education is a vital part of your resume. It lists the educational background. Additionally, you can add your achievements, relevant coursework, and professional development. 

Here are some tips how to build a strong education section:

• Start with your most recent degree or certification and then go backwards in reverse chronological order,
• Consider including relevant coursework or certifications related to the job you are applying for,
• Consider mentioning any academic honors, awards, scholarships, or achievements that align with the job requirements,
• Consider adding relevant extracurricular activities.

Education example:

IMPORTANT TIPS

• If you have not yet completed your studies yet, add the expected graduation date,
• If you lack work experience, place your education before your experience section,
• Exclude high school information unless it is the highest level of education you have completed,
• Include your Grade Point Average (only if your GPA is above a 3.5 or if the employer specifically asks for it).

Read more: How to List Education on Resume

6. Add Skills Section on Your Resume: Tips, and Examples

The skills section is another powerful component of your resume. It allows you to highlight your qualifications that make you a good fit for the job.

Generally we have two skills type: 

• Soft skills are related to your personality, behavior, or interaction with others, like: communication, leadership, and negotiations. A subset of soft skills are transferable skills.
• Hard skills are technical skills and knowledge that can be easily measured. It can be proficiency in a particular software (e.g. CorelDRAW, Google Analytics) or technical expertise in programming languages like Java or Python.

Of course, on your resume, you need to include both: hard and soft skills. 

How to List Skills on Your Resume

• First of all, verify the job description. Find which specific skills the company is looking for. Pay attention to the keywords they use and, if you can, tailor your skills list to match the requirements.
• When it comes to hard skills, indicate your exact level of proficiency. You can show your skill level using descriptive phrases like “beginner,” “intermediate,” “proficient,” or “advanced.” Alternatively, you can use a visual representation, such as a skill bar or graph, to showcase your expertise in a more engaging way.
• Normally, you create a separate skills section to insert key skills right there. However, to make an impact, try to spread your skills throughout your resume, especially in an experience section. Provide specific examples of how you’ve put your skills successfully to work.
• Use bullet points to make your skills section easy to read and scan.

Examples of Skills Sections

To give you a better idea of what a skills section should look like, here are some resume skills examples:

If you think you lack some key skills, invest in yourself. Go to skill development platforms, like: Coursera, Udemy, edX, LinkedIn Learning, Skillshare, and Skillshop and gain the skills you need.

Read more: What Skills to Put on Resume + Real Examples.

7. Consider Adding Additional Sections on your Resume

Sometimes, including additional sections on your resume can help and give yourself additional value. However, you should add extra sections only when you think they are related to the job posting requirements.

Here are some key sections you may consider adding to your resume:

• Hobbies / Interests. Revealing your interests outside of work can connect you with employers who share similar hobbies.
• Volunteer Work. Especially important if you are an entry-level candidate with little or no professional experience. This resume section also shows you are able to get involved.
• Internship Experience. Include internships on your resume if you’re a recent graduate or have limited job experience. If you are an experienced candidate, add internship information only if that might be valuable in the recruitment process.
• Certifications and Awards. This goal of this section is to highlight your expertise and qualifications. Mention only those certificates or awards that are related to the job you are applying for.
• Languages. List each language you speak, and indicate your level of fluency. This can include proficiency levels such as: beginner, intermediate, advanced, or native speaker. Instead, you can use Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale: A1 (Beginner), A2 (Elementary), B1 (Intermediate), B2 (Upper-Intermediate), C1 (Advanced), C2 (Mastery/Proficiency).
• Publications / Blog Articles / Portfolio.  Here you show real examples of your work. A future employer can see your creativity, and expertise. If you’re a graphic designer, include your design projects and a link to your portfolio.

Additionally, mentioning publications or blog articles you have written, can give potential employers a clear idea of your unique skills and strengths. 

• Side Projects. Show that you were engaged in side projects. This way you demonstrate your passion and skills in a specific field. For example, if you work as a software developer, developing a mobile app in your spare time can demonstrate your coding proficiency, user experience design capabilities, and project management skills. 

8. Empower Your Resume With Power Words and Action Verbs

To create a persuasive job resume, use action verbs and power words. They will help you to express your potential in a more dynamic way. Besides this, they will help you to grab attention, convey confidence, and show your accomplishments and impact.

For instance, instead of using words like “took part,” “helped,” or “tried,” use action verbs like:

• “implemented” 
• “improved” 
• “achieved” 
• “reduced” 
• “launched” 
• “optimized” 
• “created” 
• “managed” 
• “maximized” 
• “resolved” 
• “transformed

PRO TIP: Avoid common phrases and clichés that can make your writing sound too generic. 

Examples of Power Words in Resume Writing

Here are some examples of how to use power words in your resume:

• “Achieved a 20% increase in sales revenue by inventing and implementing a new marketing strategy.”
• “Created and executed a customer retention program that reduced churn by 30%.”
• “Improved operational efficiency by streamlining processes and reducing costs by 15%.“

9. Tailor Your Resume For Each Job

Tailoring your resume to each job can make a world of difference.

Think about it. Employers receive tons of resumes. If yours doesn’t stand out as a perfect fit, it might end up in the dreaded “no” pile.

So, what can you do?

First look at the job description and identify the most important requirements. Then compare your resume to the skills and qualifications needed.

Adjust keywords in your skills and experience section to match those from the job posting. Don’t copy 1:1. Instead, paraphrase and highlight the stuff that aligns perfectly with the job description.

10. Write an Efficient Cover Letter

A cover letter is your first impression on a potential employer. It allows employers to see much more beyond your resume. They can get a better idea of who you are as a person, and if you match for their company culture.

Apart from this, many HR Managers believe, that a resume alone is insufficient to make a hiring decision. That’s why submitting a well-crafted cover letter along with your resume is definitively a good idea. 

Unfortunately, most candidates do it wrong, and their cover letter doesn’t give them any advantage. 

However, writing a good cover letter is not that hard, if you follow a few guidelines. 

Let’s go through the most important ones:

• Verify the Job Offer and its Requirements. This will help you understand the employer’s needs and tailor your cover letter accordingly. 

• Introduce yourself and briefly mention your key skills and experience. Avoid generic language. Choose skills and experiences that are crucial and most relevant to the job posting requirements.

• Explain why you’re the right candidate for the job. An effective way to show that you are the best candidate is to highlight your relevant accomplishments. Be specific, give real numbers. 

• Final words and call to action. Finally, wrap up your cover letter with a strong closing statement and a call to action, like: “I am eager to provide you with more details during the interview.” 

Do you need an inspiration? Go to our article on how to write a cover letter + examples.

11. Proofread to Avoid Errors

Before applying, review your resume carefully. You don’t want to miss out your dream job because of some silly errors in your resume.

You can use tools like LanguageTool or Grammarly to catch any spelling or grammar mistakes. 

Because you’ve been working on your job application for a while, you might be blind to some errors and flaws.

That’s why, get feedback from others. Ask a friend, mentor, or career counselor to review your resume for a spell check, and grammar. Ask them also to provide feedback on its content, formatting, and overall effectiveness.

That way, you can apply with confidence. You know that your resume is error-free, and presents you in the best light possible.

And remember, your resume is always a work in progress. As you gain more experience and skills, be open to making changes and improvements.

12. Get Ready for the Interview

If your resume is complete and ready to submit, now it is time for getting ready for a job interview.

Remember, a perfectly crafted job resume should lead to an interview invitation. An interview should lead to landing a desired job. So take some time to get prepared. 

Some basic tips you could follow are:

• review the company’s profile, 
• prepare answers to the most frequently asked questions, 
• think through the questions you want to ask your employer or prepare to explain why you’re interested in the position 

Read a full article on How to get ready for an Interview

Resume Examples for Different Jobs

You have received a vast amount of information and tips. That could be overwhelming.

That’s why, have a look at a resume example for a job in your industry. It should help you to understand how to put given knowledge into action and get inspired.

1. Web Developer Resume Example

2. Recent Graduate Resume Example

Recent graduates are one of the primary groups that search for “how to write a resume” on the internet. They are entering the job market for the first time. In mos cases, they lack professional experience and need a hand in writing an effective resume.

Let’s take a look at the resume sample for freshers, like: students, recent graduates or entry level candidates

Resume Builders vs Resume Templates?

You have at least two main options, where you can create your professional resume, such as: resume builders and templates like Google Docs or MS Word resume templates.

	Resume Builders	Word Resume Templates
pros	– ease of use,  – variety of professional templates,  – helpful guidance,  – time-saving process.	– wide range of templates to choose from,  – offline accessibility,  – easy customization process, – one-time payment and no subscription plans.
cons	– limited customization options,  – potential costs for premium features, – requirement of creating an account and logging in each time you want to customize your resume.	– you need to purchase Microsoft Word if not already installed,  – no built-in guidance for resume writing,  – the need to manually update the template’s formatting and content potential for formatting issues if the template has a poorly designed layout.

Before buying a premium template, you can try out a free Word templates.

If you’re not convinced by any of these options, consider Google Docs templates. They have many benefits, like:

• Easy access from any device.
• Real-time collaboration with others. 
• Automatic saving.
• A variety of templates.
• Free use with a Google account.

Related article: How to Make a Resume in MS Word.

How to Write a Resume With AI?

AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology may not be able to write your entire resume. However, it can certainly assist you in optimizing and tailoring it for specific job offers and their requirements.

AI-powered resume builders have the ability to scan your resume and a job description. Based on these insights, they are able to suggest how you can reshape the content to better suit the requirements of a particular job. This way you can save much time, and a build a tailored CV in minutes. Doesn’t it sound good?

There are many online tools that offer AI-powered resume builders. Some popular ones include: Zety, MyPerfectResume, or Resume-Now.

You can also count on ChatGPT to help you in writing your resume. You can ask ChatGPT for tips on how to optimize your resume for specific job posting. In turn, you will receive suggestions on which areas may need improvement.

Additionally, ChatGPT can provide feedback on the structure, and formatting of your resume. In addition, it will provide guidance on how to highlight your skills and achievements.

What is even more, you may ask ChatGPT any questions regarding resume writing best practices. Just give it a try!

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Make a Resume

Key Takeaways

Great job for getting all the way here!

Now, let’s focus on some key takeaways, that will help you create an outstanding resume:

• Choose the right resume format, layout, and design that will showcase your skills and experience in the best possible light.
• Choose a comfortable method for writing your resume, like resume builders or templates.
• Include crucial sections in your resume, such as: your contact details, education, experience, and skills.
• Tailor your resume to the language and requirements of the job offer to make it stand out.
• Highlight your achievements and use power words to make your experience and skills shine.
• Include a well-written cover letter.
• Proofread and double-check everything before submitting to ensure that there are no errors.
• Finally, get ready for an interview. Get prepared for common interview questions, and do research on the company.