format in writing resume

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Resume (With Examples!)

Your resume is arguably the most valuable piece of paper for your career. But this document can be daunting for many. Maybe you’re not sure how to fit in all your information onto one page. Maybe you’re not sure about the right way to format and write your resume. Maybe you don’t even know what the heck a resume is!

Whatever your concern, we’ll break down everything you need to know about making the perfect resume, from scratch.

What Is a Resume?

What are employers looking for in a resume.

• Pick Your Format
• Start With Your Basic Information
• Add in Your Work Experience
• Consider Including Volunteer Work or Other Experience
• Don’t Forget Your Education
• Top It Off With Some Skills and Interests
• Write a Resume Summary Statement (if Relevant)
• Tailor It to the Job (and the ATS)
• Edit and Refine It

What Are Some Examples of a Good Resume?

A resume is a summary of your career, whether yours is just getting started or has been going on for years. Coming in at around one page in length (two only under specific circumstances), it showcases the jobs you’ve held and currently hold, the responsibilities you’ve taken on, the skills you’ve developed, and the qualities you bring to the table as an employee. Together, those things make it super easy for any hiring manager to see your qualifications and fit for a role.

For all the work you may put into writing one, hiring managers actually spend very little time—mere seconds in many cases—looking at your resume. But despite this sad fact, it’s safe to say that creating a great resume (rather than hastily throwing one together) still matters.

“If you miss the mark, your resume may never be read. Even worse, you might be removed from the applicant pool by a computer before a human even knows you exist,” says Muse career coach Heather Yurovsky , founder of Shatter & Shine. So you want to get it right because, as she explains, isn’t the goal to “spend less time looking for a job and more time in a role you love?”

You might be wondering if you can lean on your LinkedIn profile instead of writing a resume. The answer, sadly, is no. Most hiring managers still expect you to submit a resume, even if they also look at your LinkedIn. Even if you don’t need a resume for a job you’re applying for now, you’re going to need one at some point in your career—they’re not anywhere close to going out of style. So it’s best to always have one at the ready should an opportunity pop up.

And although LinkedIn has plenty of benefits, a resume has one clear advantage: While your LinkedIn is usually a broader picture of your career trajectory, your resume gives you the opportunity to tailor your career story to a specific role or company (more on that later).

Oh, and you’ve probably heard of something called a CV? It’s slightly different from a resume , and usually more common with academics and job seekers outside the U.S.

Hiring managers look for three things on your resume, “What did you do? Why did you do it? And what was the result?” says Muse career coach Martin McGovern , owner of Career Therapy. “If you can answer all three of these questions in...your resume bullet points, you’re going to be on the right track.”

Clear, easy-to-understand language is key. “The truth is that most resumes make no sense. They are stuffed with jargon, they are too technical, and they are filled with redundancies. Try to read a resume that isn’t yours and you will quickly realize that it feels like an alien wrote it,” McGovern adds. Put yourself in the shoes of a recruiter who has no idea how your role works—how can you make your resume accessible to them?

The hiring manager also cares about more than just you and you alone—they care about you in relation to them. “Hiring managers want to see if a candidate matches the requirements” of the role they’re hiring for, Yurovsky explains. “Your resume should paint this picture so the hiring manager not only knows what day-to-day responsibilities you can handle, but why you, above other[s], bring value to their organization.”

How Do You Write a Resume?

Whether you’re someone who’s never written a resume in your life, or you need a nice, thorough refresher on the process of creating one, follow these steps to go from a blank page to a complete—and dare I say beautiful—document.

Related: This Free Worksheet Makes It Easy to Create (or Update) Your Resume

1. Pick Your Format

Before you start typing one single thing, you have to decide what you want the overall resume to look like.

Resume builders can be helpful for this step—they’ll take all your basic information and organize it for you, eliminating some of the legwork. You can also use a pre-made outline, such as one of these free Google Docs templates .

But it’s often safest to start with a clean slate all on your own and eventually upgrade to a more advanced layout. (If you'd still like a place to write all the relevant information before you get started, check out our resume outline .) This allows you to course correct, edit and re-edit, and choose a resume format that best fits your particular situation (after all, not everyone has a career trajectory that’s easy to compartmentalize).

In general, you’re most likely to cover and/or include sections on the following:

• Your work experience
• Your non-work experience, including professional organizations, community involvement, or side projects
• Your education and certifications
• Your skills (specifically hard skills) and interests

So how do you format and organize all of that information?

By far the most common (and safest, if you’re not sure which route to take) option is reverse chronological order . This means you organize your experiences from most recent to least recent. So your work experiences would go above your education, and your current role would go above previous roles you’ve held. This of course has its exceptions—maybe you went back to grad school between jobs, or your most recent role is irrelevant to the job you’re applying for. So the whole page may not be exactly in reverse chronological order depending on your situation. It’s just a guideline.

There’s also something called a functional or skills-based resume . This is used pretty rarely, mainly with career changers and those with limited or complicated work histories. It gets its name because it’s primarily about listing your skills rather than experiences, and showcases them above your work history and education.

You can also opt for a combination resume , which is a mix between a reverse chronological resume and skills-based resume. It highlights your skills at the top, but allows just as much room below to cover your job and school experience.

Use caution when choosing these two formats: “Combo and skills-based [resumes] can be hard to follow, because [they force] the reader to hunt for connections between your skills and experience, and [don’t] provide the full context of your work,” says Muse Career Coach Angela Smith , founder of Loft Consulting. “I’ve also heard a lot of recruiters say that they automatically discount skill-based resumes because they feel the candidate is trying to hide something. I don’t necessarily believe that, but I think it’s important for job-seekers to know that perception is out there.”

2. Start With Your Basic Information

Your contact information should always go at the top of your resume. In this header you’ll want to include anything that could be helpful for a recruiter to get in touch with you. Usually, this means adding in:

• Your full name (preferably the name you use across the web)
• Your phone number
• Your personal email address

You might also choose to include other basic information, such as your LinkedIn or personal website URL, your GitHub (for technical roles), your social media profiles (if relevant to the job), or your address. If you’re looking to move for a job, you may choose to leave out your address or write “open to relocating” to better your chances of getting an interview.

The key is to make this part as clear as possible. If a hiring manager can’t reach you, there’s no point in perfecting the rest of your resume.

3. Add in Your Work Experience

This section will most likely be the bulk of your resume. Even if you’re changing careers, employers still want to see where you’ve worked, what you’ve done, and the impact of that work to get a sense of your background and expertise.

Your “Work Experience” might be one entire category, or you might choose to break it up into “Relevant Experience” and “Additional Experience” to highlight the jobs that are most important for hiring managers to focus on. Either way, you’ll almost always want to have your most recent experience at the top and your older experience down below.

Within your work experience, you’ll want to include each official job title, the company (and possibly its location), and the years you worked there. Below that, you’ll add in two to four bullet points explaining what you did in that job, the skills you built and exercised, the tools you used, and the results of what you did. If you accomplished a lot during your time there, focus on the responsibilities that made the most impact or you’re the most proud of, as well as the ones that best align you with the job you’re applying for (more on that in the following sections). It’s key here to list, if relevant, quantitative as well as qualitative accomplishments.

For example, you might write:

Associate Accountant, Finances and Co., Ann Arbor, MI September 2017 – Present

• Manage billing and invoicing for more than 50 clients, ensuring the deadlines and needs of our enterprise partners, including Big Company and Super Star Org, are met
• Collaborate closely with sales, account management, and project management teams on project setup, maintenance, and invoice management
• Assist in the streamlining of invoicing guidelines and procedures through documentation and the implementation of new software, resulting in an average two-week decrease in total time spent per client

Your resume bullets should be in past tense if you’re referring to past jobs and present tense if you’re talking about your current roles. In addition, your bullets should always start with a strong action verb that best describes what you did. And if you have examples of your work, consider hyperlinking them here as well.

If you have a ton of experience and this category is starting to run long (read: over one page), consider kicking out your oldest jobs unless they’re super relevant to the job you’re applying for, or extra impressive for your field.

Not sure where to start? “It’s helpful to do a brain dump and create a document that has everything and anything you consider as experience or an achievement,” says Yurovsky. From there, she explains, you can start to whittle down what is and isn’t important. And you can refer to this document later if you ever decide to update your resume for a specific role.

Need more specific advice on listing your work experience on your resume? Check out these additional resources:

• When you’ve held multiple jobs at the same company: 2 Jobs, 1 Company: How to Show Multiple Positions on Your Resume
• When you’re not sure what your accomplishments are or how to explain them: Resume Revamp: How to Turn Your Duties Into Accomplishments
• When you want to spruce up a boring or insignificant job: How to Make Your Most Boring Jobs Sound More Interesting on Your Resume
• When you’re considering fudging a job title: The Answer to “Can I Change My Job Title on My Resume to Make It More Accurate?”
• When you’ve had a bunch of short-term gigs: How to List Temporary Jobs on Your Resume

4. Consider Including Volunteer Work or Other Experience

Anything you’ve done that’s not work experience—your side gig, volunteer work, special projects—can be hosted under clearly-labeled sections (“Volunteer Experience” or “Activities,” for example). Depending on how robust your work experience is, these things may be worth including, particularly if they’ve helped you level up your skill set or better align you with your dream job. Plus, they make you look that much more well-rounded, passionate, and hardworking.

If you’re a recent grad, you might also build out a section for on-campus activities, such as clubs, organizations, or leadership experience. This can be a great supplement if you’re lacking in the jobs department. You can frame these just as you would professional jobs—including your title, the organization’s name, and bullets describing what your role was and what you accomplished.

Read More: This Is Exactly How to List Volunteer Work on Your Resume

5. Don’t Forget Your Education

If you’re still in school or just graduated, your education can go at the top of your resume, but for pretty much everyone else, this goes near the bottom. Most people include their school, graduation year (for folks less up to about a decade out of school), major, and degree. Brand-new grads might also write in their GPA, honors and awards, study abroad, thesis, or other notable achievements. But keep this section super simple, as you don’t want it to take up too much space over your work experience.

It’s possible you have unique education experience, such as taking an online course or certification. If you did this specifically as a way to boost yourself within your industry, definitely include it. Again, list everything more or less reverse chronologically—so a grad school degree would go above an undergrad degree, and a more recent relevant online course would go above that.

Learn more about the ins and outs of listing your education on your resume:

• How to (and How Not to) List Education on Your Resume
• How to List Online Courses on Your Resume the Right Way (Because Yes, There Is a Wrong Way)

6. Top It Off With Some Skills and Interests

The skills section of a resume gets a bad rap, but it’s just as important as the rest of the stuff you include. It’s a quick list a recruiter can scan to see if your skill set aligns with what they’re hiring for. And it’s super ATS-friendly (ATS stands for “applicant tracking system,” the robot that in some cases reads your resume before a human does) because it allows you to add in keywords the machine is scanning for.

Usually this section goes at the bottom of your resume, but in special cases—such as a skills-based resume or when someone’s switching fields—you may place it further up.

What exactly do you throw in here? You’ll want to list any hard skills and applications you’re familiar with (Photoshop, SEO, JavaScript, to name a few examples), and, if relevant, your level of expertise. Avoid including soft skills here, like time management or public speaking—save those for your bullet points instead.

Be strategic when filling in your skills. Don’t list things you actually couldn’t do at a high competence level (I’m looking at those of you who say you’re “great” at Excel), and maybe nix skills that are completely irrelevant to the job you want. For example, you may not even need to include Excel if you’re applying for say, a design position, unless it’s listed as a job requirement.

Maybe you’re thinking, I’m a really good volleyball player, but that’s not a “skill,” right? No, it’s not, but it is a hobby. Adding in a hobby section at the bottom of your resume is underrated, and frequently a smart choice. It can be a great conversation starter with a hiring manager, and it can show that you’re a good culture fit—or a culture add—for the company. Also, it’s just a nice way to add in some of your personality. So tack on a bullet point listing out some of your interests, such as hiking, rowing, or crafting (no more than five to seven work-appropriate verbs), and you’re all set here.

7. Write a Resume Summary Statement (if Relevant)

You may have heard of a resume summary statement . They’re not super common, but they can be useful to include near the top of your resume if you’re looking to add clarity or context to your resume. If you’re a career changer, you might find a summary statement helpful in explaining your leap and tying your experience to your new path. Or if you’re a more experienced professional, you can use a summary statement to highlight a theme that brings your career trajectory together.

Overall, you probably won’t need a summary statement if your career is pretty linear and your bullet points do a great job of emphasizing what you have to offer in terms of skills and experience. But if you think it makes sense to include one, “Take the time to think about what the person reading your summary wants to know before you write it,” says McGovern. “Good summaries explain why you do what you do and how it can help. For instance: Merging a background in ABC, I help companies improve XYZ through 123. Summaries shouldn’t be any more complicated than that.”

So, taking McGovern’s example, you might say:

Merging a background in social media marketing and PR with seven years in the consumer tech space, I help companies improve their internal and external communication and brand awareness through data-driven, quality content and strategies that align with the modern trends of the space.

Yurovsky adds that “you don’t want your summary statement to be a dense paragraph with too much information. You want it to be easy to read, concise, and memorable. Almost like a tagline.”

Read More: 3 Resume Summary Examples That’ll Make Writing Your Own Easier

8. Tailor It to the Job (and the ATS)

Once you have your resume written out—you’ve broken down your work experience, tagged on some activities and additional experiences, and listed out your skills—it’s important to go back to the job description (or multiple job descriptions, if you’re applying to several similar jobs) and make sure that what your resume says matches up with the kind of candidate the employers are looking for. In other words, tailor it .

Let’s explain further. You’ll want to begin by tackling the ATS . This means combing the job description to see if individual words and phrases line up. What skills are they asking for, and have you listed them (so long as you actually have them)? What words are they using to describe their ideal hire, and do you use similar language in your resume?

Next, take a bird’s-eye view. If you were the hiring manager for the role, where on your resume would your eyes be drawn to? And what would you be looking for? Whatever you think will be most important for the recruiter, make sure it’s near the top of your resume, or otherwise emphasized.

Finally, dig into the role and responsibilities of the job. Does your resume reflect similar experience? If not, is there a way you can spin it so that it’s clear you’re capable of doing the job (and doing it well)?

These articles can help you if the word “tailoring” makes you start to sweat:

• What It Really Means to “Tailor Your Resume”
• Your Guide to Making Unrelated Experience Look Relevant on Your Resume
• A Cool Trick: How to Spin 1 Resume Bullet 5 Different Ways

9. Edit and Refine It

Please, please don’t just write your resume and shoot it out without giving it a second glance. Hiring managers may not spend hours browsing it, but if there’s one thing that sticks out more than anything else it’s a glaring typo.

The best approach? Write a rough draft, then leave and come back to it later with fresh eyes to give it an edit.

Cover the basics: Is your contact information correct and updated? Are you using the right verb tenses? Does everything look consistent and accurate in terms of spelling and grammar?

Then do some cutting if your resume’s quite long. It’s no longer a hard-and-fast rule that all resumes must be only one page—but consider it a smart guideline for most applicants, especially if you've got less than 10 years work experience. The exception is if you’re very senior or very established in your career; in this scenario, a two-page resume isn’t completely out of the question. Everyone else, read this article for advice on how to cut your resume down.

Formatting-wise, it’s key to consider a couple things. First, what font are you using , and is it legible (for a human and a robot)? When in doubt, go with one of these simple, but sleek, options: Arial, Arial Narrow, Calibri, Cambria, Garamond, or Helvetica.

Second, are you going to save it as a Word document or PDF ? Neither option is wrong, although a PDF helps ensure that your formatting is maintained, no matter what type of computer the hiring manager uses to open the document.

Third, is your resume formatted in a way that it’s skimmable? If it’s feeling crowded or overrun with words, read this: 12 Tiny Changes That Make Your Resume Easy for Recruiters to Skim .

Once you’ve given it a few good looks, it may be worth sending it to a friend or colleague (or even a career coach ) to get a second opinion. Don’t just have them edit it for spelling and grammar—they should dig into your bullets and offer feedback on whether or not your resume is showing you in the best possible light (it’s smart to also send them the job description for something to compare it to).

Here’s the thing: Your resume won’t ever look exactly like someone else’s, nor should it. How you choose to format it, organize your information, and talk about specific experiences depends not just on your career path, but on your field, the job you’re applying for, the company that job is at, and more.

So there isn’t a universal way to do a resume. But there are common themes. To give you some context as to how yours might turn out, here are three examples of different kinds of resumes.

The Most Popular: A Reverse Chronological Resume

As previously mentioned, a reverse chronological resume is preferred by many coaches and HR experts, mainly because it’s super readable. When everything’s in a clear order, it’s easy to skim and even easier to draw lines between experiences.

Who it’s good for: Just about everyone—from students applying to internships all the way up to senior-level executives (with an optional resume summary statement)

Download an Example Chronological Resume for a Software Engineer

The Unorthodox Route: A Functional or Skills-Based Resume

Rather than listing out your experience in reverse chronological order, a functional or skills-based resume has bullet points that reflect how each of your skills is demonstrated by the work you’ve done over the course of your career. At the bottom, you’ll include everything else, such as your education, job history, professional achievements, community involvement, and other technical skills. This is a good option if you have a somewhat all-over-the-place work history and want to tie everything together neatly.

Who it’s good for: Career changers whose work experiences may not appear to be relevant and people with an abundance of temporary jobs or gaps in their work histories.

Download an Example Functional Resume for a Project Manager

The Creative Angle: An Infographic Resume or Resume Website

This resume type is characterized by how it’s formatted visually. You may choose a reverse chronological order or skills-based style to organize your information, but also use graphics, colors, unique fonts, and even multimedia elements to help that information pop. Keep in mind that any creative resume is still likely subject to an ATS—and certain elements may be unreadable by a robot. So consider going this route only if you know a human will be reading your resume (and that said human might enjoy it).

Who it’s good for: People applying to creative roles (designers, editors, writers, marketers, video producers, for example), startups, or fun companies, or to jobs where a creative resume is encouraged, if not required.

Download an Example Infographic Resume for a Designer

Not a designer but want your resume to look just as pretty as this example? Check out these articles:

• 5 Sites to Create an Awesome Infographic Resume (Even if You’re the Least Creative Person Ever)
• How to Build a Resume Website That Will Impress Every Hiring Manager Who Sees It
• 5 Digital Tools That Will Make Your Resume Infinitely More Beautiful

Your resume is a living, breathing document. So while you won’t go through this whole process every time you apply for a job, you should be thinking about all these things as you go to update your resume for your next career step. You might decide later on to switch up the order, or remove or add things, or even get creative and try out a whole new format. If you’re not getting the calls back you expect, you may decide to scrap it and start over —and that’s totally OK.

Regardless of where this piece of paper goes and how it grows, when you give it the care and attention it deserves, you set yourself up for success. And you’ll make it that much more likely that you’ll land an interview and get the chance to prove to the hiring manager—over the phone or in person—what you’ve got to offer.

• Search Search Please fill out this field.
• Career Planning
• Finding a Job

Best Resume Formats (With Examples and Formatting Tips)

How to Choose a Resume Format

• Chronological Resume
• Functional Resume
• Combination Resume
• Other Elements

How to Format Your Resume

Maddy Price / The Balance

The right resume format will grab the hiring manager’s attention immediately and make it clear that you’re the best candidate for the job while deemphasizing aspects of your career that you’d prefer not to highlight.

There are three basic types of professional resume formats:

• Chronological
• Combination

Some resume formats will work better than others for your situation. For example, if you have a  gap in your resume , a history of job-hopping, or a career path that’s taken some strange twists and turns, a  functional resume  might be the best choice because it emphasizes skills over linear job experience.

On the other hand, if you can show a clear progression toward your current job opportunity, a  chronological  or combination resume might be the best option.

Your choice will depend on your career level, work experience, and job history. The job description might also make a difference. So, be flexible when choosing a resume format.

If you create several versions of your resume, including a comprehensive, a targeted, and a short teaser resume, you'll have the flexibility to market your credentials quickly and easily.

Which resume format is best for you? We’ll break down the advantages of each type and offer detailed resume layout examples to help you make your decision.

Keep page length in mind as you format your resume. One to two pages is fine for most situations; three or more pages is relevant for senior-level, government, and academic positions.

Chronological Resume Example and Template

The most common resume format is chronological (sample below). It lists your work history in reverse chronological order, with your most recent work history listed at the top. You may also add a summary or objective, and you'll want to include your education and credentials as well.

The advantage of this type of resume is that it highlights a linear progression in your career. In other words, if you've been focused on one type of career and you want to show how you've progressed on that path, a chronological resume is the way to go. It's also standard for some types of jobs, like teaching or government positions.

To create your own chronological resume, you can download the chronological resume template below (compatible with Google Docs and Microsoft Word) or review the example.

Chronological Resume Example (Text Version)

Jennifer Elliot 1890 Grant Street Cleveland, OH 44109 555-123-1234 j.elliot@email.com

Career Summary

Analytical and detail-oriented legal professional leveraging recent JD training and 6 years of law office experience to excel as a Junior Associate Attorney with an established law firm. Well-versed in federal, state, and municipal court filing processes, rules, and deadlines, with direct experience in commercial litigation and specialized training in e-Discovery methodologies. Unparalleled multitasking and time management skills, deftly managing heavy caseloads from initial client intake through all phases of discovery, drafting, pretrial, trial, and appeal.

Professional Experience

US District Court, Cleveland, OH Law Clerk Intern , 2019-Present

• Serve as Law Clerk to the Chief Judge of the US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
• Perform legal research; draft bench orders, opinions, and memos, carefully verifying accuracy of all citations.
• Communicate with counsel to confirm deadlines and address case management issues.
• Use advanced verbal and written Spanish skills as court translator when warranted.

Hatchett, Garner, and Winn Attorneys, Cleveland, OH Paralegal , 2013-2019

Skillfully managed caseload of ~70 ongoing cases for national law firm specializing in commercial litigation. Scheduled and facilitated client interviews, performed legal research, prepared documents and exhibits for trial, and ensured timely submission of all pleadings and court filings.

• Proactively earned Certified E-Discovery Specialist certification from ACEDS.
• Researched, acquired, and trained firm’s attorneys in use of Symantec eDiscovery Platform.
• Entrusted by senior partners to prepare firm records for inspection during IT and cybersecurity audits.
• Served as Vice President of regional paralegal association (2014 to 2016).

Education and Credentials

Juris Doctor (JD), 2021 Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland, OH

Associate of Applied Business in Paralegal-Legal Assisting , 2013 Rhodes State College, Lima, OH

Certified E-Discovery Specialist (ACEDS), 2017

Technical Proficiencies: Microsoft Office Suite, LexisNexis Concordance, Symantec eDiscovery Platform, Westlaw, MyCase Legal Practice Management Software, Clio, and Photoshop.

Functional Resume Example and Template

Functional resumes focus on skills. They are organized by different types of skills or experiences, rather than by chronological work history. Functional resumes are good for people with gaps in employment history or whose work history is not directly related to the job.

With this type of resume, your skills are listed first. List the skill first, and then go into more detail about that skill. Follow your skills with your education and work history.

You can create a functional resume by downloading the functional resume template below (compatible with Google Docs and Microsoft Word) or by following the example.

Functional Resume Example (Text Version)

Jennifer Elliot 1890 Grant Street Cleveland, OH 44109 555-555-5555 j.elliot@email.com

Summary of Qualifications

Analytical and detail-oriented legal professional leveraging recent JD training and 6 years law office experience to excel as a Junior Associate Attorney with an established law firm.

• Legal Affairs : Well-versed in federal, state, and municipal court filing processes, rules, and deadlines, with direct experience in commercial litigation and specialized training in e-Discovery methodologies.
• Communications / Client Relations : Excellent verbal and written communications and legal drafting talents. Easily instills trust and confidence in clients stressed by challenging life events; handles private client data with 100% confidentiality and integrity. Fluent in Spanish.
• Information Management : Technical proficiencies include Microsoft Office, LexisNexis Concordance, Symantec eDiscovery Platform, Westlaw, MyCase Legal Practice Management Software, Clio, and Photoshop.
• Key Strengths : Finely-tuned analytical skills with a dedication to expanding subject knowledge and workplace competencies through continuous training. Unparalleled multitasking and time management skills, deftly managing heavy caseloads from initial client intake through all phases of discovery, drafting, pretrial, trial, and appeal.

Associate of Applied Business in Paralegal-Legal Assisting , 2012 R Rhodes State College, Lima, OH

Serve as Law Clerk to the Chief Judge of the US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. Perform legal research; draft bench orders, opinions, and memos, carefully verifying accuracy of all citations. Communicate with counsel to confirm deadlines and address case management issues.

• Utilize advanced verbal and written Spanish skills as court translator when warranted.
• Researched, acquired, and trained firm’s attorneys in use of Symantec e-Discovery Platform.
• Entrusted by senior partners to ready firm records for inspection during IT and cybersecurity audits.
• Served as Vice President of regional paralegal association (2015 to 2017).

Combination Resume Example and Template

Combination resumes are a mix of the chronological and functional resume formats. They provide a chronological list of one’s work history, but they also have a section that focuses on different types of skills. This format shows employers both your skills and your experience. It's a good choice if you're changing careers or if you have a varied but steady work history.

With this type of resume, you'd start with a section to show your skills. The next section would show your job experience, followed by your education.   You might also include an objective or summary at the beginning. You can download the combination resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Microsoft Word) or review the example below.

Combination Resume Example (Text Version)

Analytical and detail-oriented legal professional leveraging recent JD training and 6 years law office experience to excel as a Junior Associate Attorney with an established law firm. Well-versed in federal, state, and municipal court filing processes, rules, and deadlines, with direct experience in commercial litigation and specialized training in e-Discovery methodologies. Unparalleled multitasking and time management skills, deftly managing heavy caseloads from initial client intake through all phases of discovery, drafting, pretrial, trial, and appeal.

E-Discovery

Technical Proficiencies

• Microsoft Office Suite, LexisNexis Concordance, Symantec eDiscovery Platform, Westlaw, MyCase Legal Practice Management Software, Clio, and Photoshop.

Litigation and Records Management

• Skillfully managed caseload of ~70 ongoing cases for national law firm specializing in commercial litigation. Scheduled and facilitated client interviews, prepared documents and exhibits for trial, and ensured timely submission of all pleadings and court filings.

Legal Research

• As Law Clerk to the Chief Judge of the US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, performed extensive legal research, carefully verifying accuracy of all citations.

Communications and Outreach

• Utilized advanced verbal and written Spanish skills as court translator when warranted.

Work History

Law Clerk Intern, US District Court, Cleveland, OH, 2019-Present

Paralegal , Hatchett, Garner, and Winn Attorneys, Cleveland, OH, 2013-2019

Resume Formats With Headlines and Profiles

Studies have shown that recruiters spend only seconds reviewing a resume before sorting it to the “yes” or “no” pile and moving on. For this reason, many candidates choose to add a section highlighting their most relevant skills at the top of their resume. There are several ways to do this:

• Resume with headline :  A resume headline (also known as a resume title) is a phrase that summarizes why you are an ideal candidate. It usually appears near the top of your resume. Headlines can be used by a variety of candidates to highlight their best attributes and experience.
• Resume with headline and profile :  Including both a brief headline and a profile can provide the hiring manager with even more information about you.
• Resume with summary statement : A summary statement is a brief paragraph or two along with a short list of your strongest qualifications for the job. It is also known as a summary of qualifications.
• Resume with branding statement : A branding statement is a brief, catchy statement (usually 15 words or fewer) that showcases what you have to offer to a hiring organization.
• Resume with objective : A resume objective is a one to two sentence description of who you are as a candidate and what you are looking for in a position. Some employers prefer a resume profile or summary over a resume objective, but it's up to you to decide which option is best. While objectives used to be standard, today it varies by the industry and position you're applying for. A profile and/or summary statement serves the same purpose and is preferred by many hiring managers.

Employers want to hire candidates who are interested in their specific job opening, not just any job. Customizing your resume every time will make sure that your resume is tailored appropriately.

In addition to choosing a type of resume, you will also need to select a font and font size and make style choices (such as when to use bullets, bold, and italics). Choose a font that's easy to read and professional. Calibri, Times New Roman, Arial, and Tahoma are all good choices for a font.

Keep the font size large enough to be legible. The body should be a 10-12 point font, but you can use a slightly larger font for headings.

It’s also important to be consistent in your style choices. If you decide to bullet your experience, for example, do so throughout. Similarly, once you choose a font, stick with it for the whole resume.

Template for Writing Your Own Resume

Use the following template to generate the information you'll need to include in your resume. Next, you can revise your resume so that it’s in the format you want. It might take a few drafts to get it right, and it's helpful to have someone review your resume for typos and other issues.

Remember that this is only one example of a resume format. It's a starting point. You can add information not included here, including some of the introductory information listed above, and change the order of the resume as long as your contact information stays at the top.

Sample Resume Format

Your Contact Information

First and Last Name Street Address City, State ZIP Phone Email Address

Career Summary (optional)

This customized section of your resume lists key achievements, skills, traits, and experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes. It highlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the specific job .

This section of your resume includes your work history. List the companies you worked for, dates of employment, the positions you held, and a bulleted list of responsibilities and achievements.

City, State Dates Worked

• Responsibilities / Achievements

Company #2 City, State Dates Worked Job Title

In the education section of your resume, list the schools you attended, the degrees you attained, and any special awards and honors you earned. College, Degree Awards, Honors

Skills Include skills related to the position/career field that you are applying for, such as computer skills or language skills.

References There is no need to include references on your resume or even to mention that references are available. Rather, have a separate list of references to give to employers upon request.

Key Takeaways

• The basic types of resume formats include chronological, combination, and functional resumes.
• Choose the best format for your personal and professional circumstances.
• Highlighting your most relevant skills at the top of your resume is a good strategy to showcase your most relevant qualifications for a job.
• Creating several versions of your resume will enable you to quickly and easily market your credentials.

CareerOneStop. " Select the Best Format ."

Monster. " How Long Should a Resume Be? "

Vermont Careers. " Resume Help ."

GCF. " Resume Formats: Choosing the Right One ."

The Ladders. " You Have 7.4 Seconds to Make an Impression ."

CareerOneStop. " Headline and Summary Sample ."

SHRM. " How to Write Powerful and Memorable HR Resumes ."

Monster. " Entry-Level Resume Objective Examples Are Outdated—Use a Career Summary Instead ."

Monster. " The Best Fonts for Your Resume Ranked ."

HubSpot. " Recruiters Reveal the 7 Best Fonts for Your Resume ."

Writer Resume Example (Full Guide & Examples for 2024)

So, you’re a writer. 

You have a way with words and yet, each time you sit down to write your resume, you get stuck. 

Ironic, right?

On a serious note, though, writer’s block is no joke, and it’s even less fun when it’s preventing you from getting your dream job.

If you’re struggling with your writer resume, we can’t blame you - after all, writing a resume isn’t all that exciting.

With the right guidance, though, writing a job-winning writer resume doesn’t have to be a matter of inspiration and we’re here to show you exactly how to nail it!

So, in this article, we will cover:

• Writer Resume Example (Better Than 9 Out of 10 Examples)
• 8 Steps to Write the Perfect Writer Resume 
• 55+ Top Writing Skills in 2022

So, let’s dive right in. 

Writer Resume Example 

The resume at the top is an excellent writer resume example because it contains all the following elements: 

• Reverse-chronological format. On top of putting the spotlight on your work experience, the reverse-chronological format is also a favorite among recruiters worldwide. For these reasons, it’s the ideal choice for a writer resume.
• Relevant contact details. This writer resume example contains relevant contact information, including the candidate’s name and surname, email address, phone number, location, professional website URL, and LinkedIn URL. 
• Impressive resume summary. The writer resume example above includes a brief but effective resume summary that highlights the candidate’s skills and top achievements.
• Quantifiable achievements. The candidate in the writer resume example above uses numbers to emphasize the impact their achievements had on their previous work.
• Short education section. A writer’s skills and experience matter more than their education. For this reason, this candidate kept their writer resume’s education section short and sweet. 
• Bullet points. Using bullet points to organize your writer makes it look clean and well-organized, and recruiters have an easier time reading it.
• Effective skills section. This writer resume only includes in-demand writing skills. What’s more, the candidate has organized their soft and hard skills into separate columns, which makes the resume easier to follow. 
• Additional sections. The writer resume example above makes good use of additional sections by including the candidate’s various memberships and their language proficiency.

8 Steps to Write the Perfect Writer Resume

Now that you know what makes an impressive writer resume, it’s your turn to write a resume that’s just as compelling as our writer resume example above (or even better!). 

Here are all the steps that will help you to write the perfect writer resume:

#1. Choose the Right Format 

Before you jump into filling in the contents, let’s address how to format your writer resume the right way.

Essentially, there are 3 resume formats you can choose from:

• Reverse-chronological
• Combination  

Your best option, however, is to pick the reverse-chronological format for your writer resume.

Generally speaking, the reverse-chronological resume format is the safest choice. That’s because it effectively highlights your work experience by listing your most recent jobs first AND it’s recruiters’ favorite format. 

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

Now that we got formatting out of the way, let’s discuss your writer resume layout .

Here are all the elements of a great resume layout:

• Adjust the margins. To make sure your writer resume isn’t cluttered and looks well-organized,
• Choose a professional font style. You want your writer resume to be easy-to-read, so pick a professional and straightforward font style that looks good on both PDF and paper. Make sure to use it consistently throughout your writer resume so that it doesn’t look messy.
• Use the right font size. A small font can be hard to read, whereas one that’s too big will spill your resume over to page #2. As such, you want to go for 11-12 pts for the body of your writer resume and 14-16 pts for your resume headings.
• Make use of bullet points. Whenever possible, use bullet points to organize the information on your resume. Bullet points don’t just make your writer resume look neat - they also help the hiring manager to quickly skim through it. 
• Keep it short. Optimally, you want your resume to fit into a single page . This increases the chances of the hiring manager actually reading your resume - after all, they go through hundreds of resumes every day.
• Choose the right file format. Unless you’re asked to do otherwise, saving your writer resume as a PDF file is your safest option. This ensures that your resume maintains its formatting no matter the device or OS the hiring manager uses to open it.

Use a Resume Template to Save Time 

As a writer, you probably want to get to actually writing your resume as soon as possible.

However, if you’re making your writer resume from scratch, you have to deal with the formatting first. 

And let’s be honest - tweaking the margins and adjusting font sizes to make sure your writer resume fits into a single page can be a real hassle. 

Well, with our free resume templates , you can forget about formatting your writer resume and jump straight into filling in the contents!

Our professional resume templates will help you save time AND leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager. Designed in collaboration with professional hiring managers, they are easy to scan, well-structured, modern, and visually appealing! 

Here’s how our tried-and-tested free resume templates compare to the basic black and white traditional templates:

#2. List Your Contact Details 

Once you’ve chosen the right format for your writer resume, you can focus on filling in the contents.

So, let’s start with the basics - write down your contact information first, including:

• Your first name and last name
• Your professional title (optional)
• Your phone number
• Your email address
• Your location (city and state)
• Your writing website/portfolio/relevant social media profiles, blog, etc.

Can’t get any easier than this, right?

Just make sure not to make any mistakes (this applies to your entire writer resume) - after all, no company wants to hire a writer that can’t properly spell and isn’t attentive to detail.

Here’s an example of a contact information section that includes all of the above:

Gavin Maxwell

012-345-6789

[email protected]

Rochester, New York

gavinmaxwell.com

#3. Write an Impactful Resume Summary

Any writer knows the importance of capturing the audience’s attention with just the first couple of sentences.

Well, writing a resume is no different - actually, writing a powerful resume summary is your chance to catch the hiring manager’s attention!

In essence, the point of a resume summary is to give the hiring manager a brief, yet impressive overview of your professional background. 

As such, in just 2-3 sentences, your resume summary shows the recruiter whether you’re a relevant candidate and helps them decide if they should give your writer resume a closer look.

So, here are the elements you should mention in your resume summary to impress the hiring manager:

• Your professional title and years of experience
• Your most relevant writing skills
• Your top 1-2 professional achievements

And here’s an example of an impactful resume summary that includes all of the above:

Professional and detail-oriented Technical Writer with 7+ years of experience in writing end-user documentation, specializing in user help guides. Excellent writing, analytical thinking, research, and time management skills. Rewrote over 80% of user help guides for 30+ products at Company X, resulting in a 42% decrease in product-related customer support calls.

#4. Focus on Your Work Experience 

Once you’ve written an attention-grabbing resume summary, you’re ready to write the most important writer resume section - your work experience .

First, let’s address the formatting - here’s how to do it:

• Stick with the reverse-chronological order. To ensure consistency throughout your writer resume, begin with your latest work experience and work your way back.
• Add the job title. Make sure that it accurately describes your former role and avoid using buzzwords . ‘Copywriter’ sounds much more professional than a ‘Keyboard Wizard’.
• Include company details. Only mention key company information, such as name and location. You can also include a brief company description, especially if the latter isn’t a household name.
• Mention the employment period. Use the mm/yyyy format consistently throughout your writer resume.
• Write down your responsibilities and achievements.  Use 5-6 bullet points for recent positions and 2-3 for older roles.

By now, you should have a well-structured work experience section. However, you want your writer resume to stand out and impress the hiring manager. 

Luckily, it isn’t hard  - the key is to focus on your achievements over responsibilities. 

This way, you can show the hiring manager how well you performed in your previous workplaces and how you could benefit their company.

Lastly, follow these tips to bring your work experience section to perfection:

• Customize your work experience section for the position. If you have tons of work experience, only mention the most recent and relevant jobs.
• Use numbers to back up your achievements. Quantifying your achievements helps to really drive the point home (e.g. “Wrote 15 technical manuals” instead of “Wrote technical manuals” ). 
• Use action verbs . Nearly all resumes will include ‘Responsible for…’ . So, to make your work experience section stand out, use action verbs instead (wrote, edited, proofread, collaborated, etc.)

Here’s an example of an impactful work experience section:

Senior Copywriter

Agency X                  

06/2016 - 10/2020

• Developed unique and authentic brand voices for 15+ clients in the fashion, beauty, and health industries.
• Increased 12 landing page conversion rates by an average of 36% in 10 months.
• Helped to boost organic traffic for a fashion website from 500,000 to 2.4 million monthly users in 18 months. 
• Increased product awareness by writing 6 press releases on beauty product launches each year.
• Proofread and edited all projects, including other copywriters’ works, for grammar, consistency, and accuracy.

What If I Don’t Have Work Experience? 

Although the work experience section is by far the most important part of your writer resume, it doesn’t mean that you can’t write a job-landing resume if you lack relevant work experience .

After all, as someone who enjoys writing, you likely have different types of writing experience, even if you haven’t been employed as a writer just yet. 

So, instead of work experience, you can focus on any other writing experience you may have, including:

• Academic projects
• Volunteering
• Internships
• Extracurricular activities
• Personal projects

For example, if you run a blog, make sure to mention it on your writer resume, especially if it has a substantial following.

Here’s what your work experience section could look like if you don’t have work experience:

Soup Kitchen Townhall 

06/2020 - 12/2021

• Wrote a monthly email newsletter mailed to 1,700+ people, including local non-profit organization leaders.
• Interviewed 10+ patrons, board members, and volunteers.
• Wrote 2 press releases for the local newspaper, which enticed 8 new volunteers to join the cause.
• Wrote 3 Facebook posts each week and adapted them for Twitter to promote the soup kitchen.
• Helped to grow the Twitter follower base from 0 to 1,500+ followers in 6 months.

#5. Keep Your Education Section Short

Let’s keep it real - hiring managers care much more about your writing skills and work experience than about your education.

For this reason, you should only mention key education details in your writer resume.  

So, start with your latest degree and list your education details as such:

• Degree Name
• University, college, or other educational institution
• Location (optional)
• Years attended 

Unless you don’t have any higher education (you aren’t alone, by the way - Mark Twain, Ray Bradbury, and George Orwell are just some of the many famous writers that never got a degree ), feel free to swap your high school education details for an additional section to give your resume more flavor.

And here’s an example of a brief and to-the-point education section:

BA in English Language and Literature

University of Essex, England

08/2014 - 07/2018

#6. Add In-Demand Writing Skills 

Besides work experience, the skills section is one of the key sections on your writer resume that shows the hiring manager your abilities. 

For this reason, you want to make it count - and no, that doesn’t mean putting all of your skills on your writer resume. 

In fact, hiring managers highly value customization when assessing your resume, which is why you want to tailor the skills section of your writer resume for the specific position .

For example, if you’re applying to be a technical writer, chances are the hiring manager won’t care much about your rock-solid pitching skills. So, instead, write down skills related to technical writing, such as product knowledge, research, and analytical thinking. 

Here are some more tips that will help you to make the most out of your skills section:

• Include any skills you have that the company is looking for. To prove that you’re a great fit for the position (and an attentive reader), make sure to carefully read the job description. If they mention any skills that apply to you, add them to your writer resume. 
• Research the most in-demand writer skills. If you’re struggling to decide what skills to include, make sure to research what skills are currently most valued in the industry. Alternatively, you can also check our list of 101+ essential skills for some inspiration.
• List your hard and soft skills separately. Splitting your skills section into two allows for more straightforward navigation and makes your writer resume look more organized.

Looking for more ideas on which skills to add to your writer resume?

We’ve got you covered - here’s a list of the 55+ top soft and hard skills for writers to get you started!

55+ Top Writing Skills in 2022 

15 soft writer skills.

• Communication skills
• Time management
• Attention to detail
• Interpersonal skills
• Collaboration
• Strong work ethic
• Active listening
• Organizational skills
• Ability to follow instructions
• Independence
• Stress management
• Adaptability

40 Hard Writer Skills

• Punctuation
• Proofreading
• Wide vocabulary
• Creating outlines
• Interpreting statistics
• Establishing tone
• Identifying audience
• Google Docs
• Content Management Systems (CMS)
• Interviewing
• Note-taking
• Analytical thinking
• Data visualization
• Ethical writing
• Multilingualism
• Creative writing
• Technical writing
• Academic writing
• News writing
• Feature writing
• SEO writing
• Business writing
• Proposal writing
• Dialogue writing
• Sales writing
• Screenwriting
• Storytelling
• Fact-checking
• Product knowledge

#7. Take Advantage of Optional Resume Sections

Do you still have some space left on your writer resume?

Use it to show off your unique professional experience with one or more of these optional resume sections:

• Languages. Make sure to mention any language proficiency in your writer resume, especially if that also means you write in multiple languages.
• Publications. If you’ve published studies, interviews, research papers, or anything else of that sort, include them on your writer resume.
• Associations and organizations. Include your memberships in writers’ associations and organizations as well as your role in them.
• Conferences. List any writing or industry-related conferences in your writer resume to show your interest in the field.
• Awards. If your writing has received recognition and awards, don’t be shy and mention it on your writer resume!

Here’s an example of how to put these optional sections on your writer resume:

• Sir Peter Ustinov Television Scriptwriting Award (2018)
• International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
• French - Native or Bilingual Proficiency
• English - Professional Working Proficiency
• Danish - Professional Working Proficiency

#8. Attach a Cover Letter to Your Resume 

By now, you’re just one step away from writing a job-landing writer resume - and that last step is to attach a compelling cover letter to it. 

Essentially, a cover letter is somewhat similar to a pitch - the goal is to convince the hiring manager that you are the writer they’ve been looking for.

So, you want to show that you aren’t just a talented writer but you’re also the perfect fit for the company, its vision, and mission. And yeah, that means you’ll have to research the company to get a sense of what exactly they’re looking for. 

Now, as a writer, you shouldn’t have much trouble writing a convincing 4-5 paragraph cover letter, but since “selling” ourselves is often a daunting task, here are some guidelines to get you started:

• Start your cover letter by including your contact information at the very top of the page.
• Next, address the cover letter directly to the hiring manager to set you apart from other candidates who will likely use clichés such as ‘To Whom It May Concern’ as someone who’s done their research.
• Capture the hiring manager’s attention by listing one or two of your top achievements in the first paragraph.
• Use the body of your cover letter to provide more details on your professional background, including anything that you didn’t mention on your writer resume, and express why you strive to work specifically for this company.
• To effectively close your cover letter , add a call to action (e.g. ‘I’m particularly interested in the X project and I’m eager to discuss how I could contribute to it at your earliest convenience.’)
• Lastly, make sure to check out our cover letter writing guides, including cover letter writing tips and cover letter mistakes . 

And here’s a job-winning cover letter example :

Want your cover letter to show your attention to detail? Use our cover letter templates to match it to your writer resume!

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap - by now, you know exactly how to write an effective writer resume (and a convincing cover letter!) to land the job.

Before you put your writing skills to practice, though, let’s go over some of the key points mentioned in this article:

• To emphasize your work experience, choose the ever-popular reverse-chronological resume format.
• Write a powerful resume summary that highlights your years of experience, skills, and achievements to catch the hiring manager’s attention.
• Focus on your achievements to make your work experience section pop and show the recruiter what they can expect if you join their company.
• Add optional sections, such as languages, awards, and associations, to set you apart from your competitors.
• Attaching a compelling cover letter will help you win the job by persuading the hiring manager that you’re the right choice for their company.  

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

Jobscan > Free Resume Builder – Create an ATS Resume

The Best Resume Builder That Is Actually Free

Many resume builders are advertised as free, but they often charge a fee to download your resume. Instead, use Jobscan's online resume builder. There are no hidden costs and it’s ATS-compatible.

Jobscan users have been hired by

Easily build resumes that get job interviews

Jobscan’s resume builder simplifies the process of creating professional, ATS-compatible resumes. Its features include:

• 100% free ATS-friendly templates
• Targeted resume optimization
• AI-powered resume score checker
• Expert tips from recruiters
• Comprehensive job search tools

ATS-Friendly templates

Build Classic Professional

Build Modern Professional

Build Modern Student

Our resume builder is 100% free

Many resume builders claim to be free, allowing you to spend valuable time creating your resume. However, just when you’re ready to download, you’re hit with a fee. That’s not free; that’s frustrating.

At Jobscan, we stand by our word. Our resume builder is genuinely 100% free—no hidden fees, no surprises when you click “download.”

From start to finish, you can create, customize, and download your resume in less time, without ever reaching for your wallet.

Our resumes are simple and clearly organized

Fancy graphics can make your resume look good, but they might confuse the ATS and prevent it from reading your resume correctly.

Jobscan’s resume builder helps you create a no-frills resume designed to pass through the ATS effortlessly.

Why do you need an ATS resume?

Most companies hire people today with the help of computer software called an ATS (Applicant Tracking System). When you submit your resume it goes into an ATS database. Hiring managers then search through the database for suitable candidates.

But if your resume isn’t formatted correctly it might not be properly read or understood by the ATS. In fact, 88% of employers believe highly qualified candidates are rejected simply because they didn’t submit an ATS resume.

Jobscan’s resume builder was designed to help you easily build a simple, clear resume that is fully optimized for the ATS.

How to use the Jobscan resume builder

Simply fill in each field as directed. The resume builder will automatically format your information to the ATS-friendly template you choose.

• Choose the best resume template for your needs
• Fill in your personal information and contact details.
• Add your professional experience and achievements.
• Highlight your skills and qualifications.
• Fill in your education and additional information.
• Download your resume in PDF or Word format.

Check out our library of resume examples to see what your resume should look like

Our comprehensive library of resume examples will show you exactly what your resume should look like and what information it should include.

Explore our examples to gain insights into resume best practices across various industries and fields.

Find your industry, get inspired, and start your job search with confidence.

Get your resume score for free

After you create your resume with Jobscan’s resume builder, you’ll be taken directly to our free resume scanner .

This online tool uses AI technology to analyze your resume against the job description. You’ll then receive a match score that tells you how closely your resume matches the job description.

Our resume checker will also provide you with personalized recommendations on how to increase your match score. The higher your score, the more likely are you to get an interview and land your dream job!

Use Power Edit for faster, smarter resume optimization

As part of Jobscan’s premium tool, Power Edit provides a seamless editing experience to help you create a top-tier ATS resume.

Power Edit features include:

• Real-time resume score improvement
• AI-generated keyword phrase suggestions
• Suggested keyword synonyms for a better match
• Six customizable templates with color options
• One-click personalized cover letter generation

“I was having a hard time getting interviews, and every single one I submitted after using the tool received a response – either a screening or an invitation to interview.”

Thelonious B.

“I used Jobscan Pro throughout my job search to compare the job description to my resume. I really liked that there were in-depth tips based on what kind of ATS some jobs use to parse keywords and save time.”

“Jobscan helped me immensely. I applied to over 250 jobs over about 2 years and got only one job interview and no offer. I started using Jobscan, applied to only 12 jobs in 3 months and received 5 interviews and landed an awesome job. […] This software is incredible and worth every penny.”

“Once I signed up for Jobscan, I ran my resume with a job that I had applied for previously and found the my resume was really lacking! I used Power Edit and suggestions to rework the resume and resent it to a company that I really had interest in! Almost immediately, I got a positive response and landed an interview!”

How to build a great resume

Write your name and contact information.

Recruiters and hiring managers will need your personal data to get in touch for an interview. Include your full name, city and state, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile URL at the top of your resume.

Create your resume summary

Summarize your work experience and accomplishments in one succinct paragraph. You can also use bullet points to highlight your major career achievements. This section should include your job title, measurable results, and relevant keywords.

Think of your resume summary as your elevator pitch – you only have a few seconds to present yourself, so you need to make it count!

Detail your work experience

Let recruiters know what role you played in the success of your former employers. Provide information about your role and your accomplishments. Include measurable results wherever possible. Focus on the most relevant topics of the desired job.

Include your education

The name of the school from which you graduated and the date of graduation is enough for most job seekers. You may also want to include your degree. For recent graduates, your GPA (if higher than 3.5) and details about relevant courses and projects may help add context to your abilities.

Add volunteer experience, certifications, and other relevant information

You can include anything you want on your resume, as long as it is relevant to the position to which you’re applying and helps employers better understand your qualifications.

Write a cover letter

Your cover letter can tell a story that your resume can’t. A matching cover letter that’s tailored to the job can explain your passion for the position, how your experience level aligns with the company’s goals, and why you’re the best fit for the role. Check out our cover letter builder , cover letter examples , and cover letter templates .

More than 1 MILLION Job Seekers trust Jobscan to help them take the next step in their career. And we want to help you, too!

Where can I create a free resume?

The best place to create a free resume is Jobscan’s resume maker. It’s not only free but also ATS-friendly, ensuring your resume is optimized for the computer software used by many potential employers to screen job applications. Jobscan’s resume maker offers text suggestions to simplify the writing process, allowing you to easily craft the perfect resume that stands out to both hiring managers and ATS – without any hidden costs!

How do I choose the right resume template?

Choosing the right resume template from Jobscan’s options is simple. Use the Classic template for a traditional, professional look. The Modern Professional template is best for those in dynamic fields who want a contemporary edge. For new graduates or those with less work experience, the Modern Student template highlights education and skills in a fresh layout. Use Jobscan’s resume scanner to receive content suggestions with just a single click.

How should a professional resume look?

A professional resume format should be organized with clear headings and a readable font style. It should focus on your relevant skills and achievements. Start with your contact information, followed by a brief summary or objective, and then detail your work history, education, and any special skills or certifications. For ATS compatibility, avoid excessive graphics or unusual formatting.

To ensure a polished and professional look, consider using one of our customizable professional resume templates . These templates allow you to easily add additional sections without compromising the formatting, making it the best option for creating a standout resume that showcases different elements of your skills and experience.

Should I make a different resume for every job application?

Yes, you should tailor your resume for each job application. Customize it to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the position you’re applying to. Use keywords from the job description to improve your resume’s chances of passing through software tools like Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Should resumes be one page?

According to career experts, resumes should be one page for early-career professionals or those with less than 10 years of experience. However, for individuals with extensive experience, multiple roles, or significant achievements, a two-page resume can be appropriate to detail their career history fully. Always prioritize clarity and relevance over length.

Should I download my new resume as a PDF or text file?

According to certified professional resume writers, you should download your new resume as a PDF. This will preserve its formatting across different devices and platforms. While text files are universally accessible, they cannot maintain complex formatting. PDFs are widely accepted by employers and are ideal for maintaining the design integrity of your resume, making them the preferred file format for most job applications.

What does ATS-friendly mean?

ATS-friendly means your resume is formatted and written in a way that’s easily readable by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). This involves using a clean layout, standard headings, and incorporating relevant keywords from the job description. An ATS-friendly resume ensures your application is more likely to be seen by a hiring manager by passing through the initial automated screening.

Is there a completely free resume builder?

Yes, Jobscan offers a completely free resume builder. It provides users with tools and templates to create a professional resume easily. Jobscan’s resume builder is designed to help job seekers optimize their resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS) that many companies use to pre-filter resumes.

Can ChatGPT build resumes?

Yes, ChatGPT can build resumes , but it comes with certain limitations. Although ChatGPT can provide advice on structure, content, and formatting, it doesn’t offer the same level of specialization as a dedicated resume builder.

Explore More Features

• Resume Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Resume Examples Nurse Student Internship Teacher Accountant View all
• Resume Builder
• Cover Letter Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Cover Letter Examples Nursing Administrative Assistant Internship Graduate Teacher View all
• Cover Letter Builder
• Resume Examples
• Hotel Management

Hotel Management resume example & writing guide

Job outlook for hotel management

Outsmarting the ats, certifications and associations.

Whether it’s the Plaza Hotel in New York City, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, or something a little more casual and closer to home, hotel management is needed in all corners of the globe. A position in hotel management gives you the best of the hospitality industry: the ability to interact with interesting guests, manage a hardworking staff, and take pride in a well-maintained building.

But the hotel management position in the establishment of your dreams won’t just fall into place. To land this kind of job, you’ll need a top-notch resume complete with the right experiences and skill set. Luckily, this hotel management resume example is here to help.

Here at Resume.io, we have a library of 350+ resume examples and writing guides to empower your job search. Our hotel management resume example, complete with our adaptable resume sample, will show you how to:

• Write a hotel management resume that stands out in a crowded industry
• Understand and overcome the resume scanners in use at many big hotel chains
• Choose the best resume format for hotel management and include the most important resume sections hiring managers will expect
• Use a hospitality resume example as a basis for good structure and design.

What does a hotel management professional do?

Hotel management professionals work in a variety of lodging establishments including hotels, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, resorts, inns, RV parks, and residential clubs.

Hotel managers are responsible for the cleanliness, safety, organization, guest experience, and maintenance inside their building. Some of the most common duties include:

• Financial planning, budget creation, bookkeeping
• Hiring, training and organizing staff schedules
• Coordinating building maintenance, repairs and renovations
• Helping front desk staff with guest needs
• Handling guest complaints
• Overseeing marketing and promotional materials

Since hotel management staff tend to such a variety of duties, flexibility, patience and great organization is key. Good time management and customer service skills are also essential since this is a people-oriented position. If you're targeting other jobs in the hospitality or catering sector, have a look at these other helpful resume examples:

• Server resume sample
• Pastry Chef resume sample
• Food Service Worker resume sample
• Barista  resume sample
• McDonald's resume sample
• Doorman resume sample
• Cook resume sample
• Restaurant manager resume sample
• Hostess resume sample
• Caterer resume sample
• Waitress resume sample
• Recreational Facility Attendant resume sample
• Food and Beverage Director resume sample
• Food service manager resume sample
• Concierge resume sample
• Bartender resume sample
• Sommelier resume sample
• Hotel Front Desk Employee resume sample

How to write a hotel management resume

Hotel management staff is at once concerned about safety, comfort, efficiency, cleanliness and customer service. Your ability to wear so many different hats must be made clear to the hiring manager as they evaluate your resume.

This hotel management resume example is designed to help you include the important sections without wasting a single word. Here are the essential components of any great hotel management resume:

• A summary that introduces you and highlights your selling points
• An employment history section that captures your career trajectory
• A skills section that bullet points your strengths
• An education section that explains your education journey

In the upcoming chapter, we’ll offer hotel management resume samples for each of these sections, but first, let’s explore how the current job market affects your application.

It’s no surprise that 2020 was a difficult year for hotel management, with tourism arrivals falling by 74 percent . 

However, things have taken a positive turn in recent years. Tourism is back on form. In 2022, for example, more than nine hundred tourists traveled internationally; twice the number recorded back in 2021. That amounts to a healthy 63% of the pre-pandemic average, with experts suggesting that 2023 will see the stat soar to between 80 and 95%. 

How much does hotel management staff earn?

While the average hotel management professional earns $59,430 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , this industry offers much room for growth in terms of earning potential. Managers at high-end hotels and resorts can earn upwards of 100,000 dollars per year. Knowing a foreign language or having completed relevant training can also increase your earning potential. And since hotel managers are needed in all corners of the globe, your career offers endless opportunities for new experiences.

An increased focus on customer service in hotel management will continue to be a big factor, as will learning and adapting to new technologies and softwares. On top of that, hotel management professionals will need to make safety a top priority and implement new strategies for identifying and slowing potential outbreaks. By conveying a mastery of these situations on your resume, you can show that you’re keeping up with changes in the industry instead of being left behind.

Hotel management summary example: A strong start

A great hotel management summary example is one of the most vital parts of your resume. Think of it as the check-in — a hiring manager is already evaluating your presentation and word choice to decide how the rest of the experience will be (or if they even wish to stay!)

Your hotel management summary offers a mix of your personality, professionalism, experience, skills and even education. In 3-5 sentences, you should describe your management style and highlight your most relevant accomplishments. From your summary, a hiring manager should be able to envision your smiling face and charming personality greeting them from behind the front desk.

Save space and pack a punch by omitting the words “I have” or “I am” and opting for a descriptive action verb instead. If possible, use a key number like years of experience or size of staff managed to catch a hiring manager’s attention. Refer to the adaptable summary example below for an idea of how to maximize your own summary section.

Check out a resume sample for the summary section below.

Experienced Hotel Manager adept in effectively overseeing all hotel operations. Committed to creating and maintaining a top-of-the-line hotel environment for guests, resulting in return visitors and excellent reviews.

While you might still land a hotel management job by walking into the building and handing in a resume, these days you’re more likely to apply online – and pass through an ATS.

ATS or Applicant Tracking Systems are algorithms built right into many of today’s online hiring portals. Once you submit your application, the resume scanners will search your document for keywords and rank it against the other candidates. Only the top selection will be passed onto the hiring manager for review. That’s right – you could spend hours perfecting your resume only to be filtered out before it even reaches human eyes.

Luckily, this doesn’t have to be the case. With a little foresight, you can beat the ATS and maximize your chances of landing the interview. Here are three key steps:

• Understand the most in-demand skills and experience for hotel management positions
• Read the job description closely and make note of any emphasized requirements or duties
• Format your resume with clear section headers and an easy-to-read layout

Keywords are one of the most important factors when it comes to getting past the ATS. A keyword could be any skill repeated in the job description, a highlighted duty or even the name of the hotel. If you customized your resume to the exact position, chances are you already have many of the keywords you need right on your resume.

• Incorporate keywords naturally in the corresponding sections
• Pay extra attention to the summary and skills sections when placing keywords
• Use the exact wording from the job description
• Add keywords to your resume that are untrue or unnatural
• Be sneaky by adding keywords in white text – hiring managers will see!
• Repeat keywords an unnecessary number of times

Employment history example: The building blocks

Hotel management positions are grounded in practical experience. That’s why your employment history section is going to be crucial in a hiring manager’s decision to give you the interview. For hotel management employees, previous job experience is a must so a chronological resume format is going to be a must.

Start by listing your current or most recent position, your title, dates worked and location. Underneath each header, you can create 3-5 bullet points that describe your duties and achievements. Try to keep as many unique bullet points as you can in order to show a range of skills and abilities. 

Whenever possible, write with strong action verbs and incorporate key numbers to quantify your accomplishments and prove your impact. Here are some possible sources of numbers for your resume:

• Size of staff managed
• Number of rooms in the hotel
• Number of daily check-ins
• Number of seats in hotel restaurants
• Square footage of building
• Number of stars hotel has
• Number of weekly guests

Below is a basic adaptable resume example of an employment history section for hotel management.

Hotel Manager at The Lookout, Philadelphia October 2019 - Present

• Oversaw a team of 200+ hotel employees.
• Effectively led the execution of strategies as developed by leadership members.
• Promoted the hotel, its facilities, and its services.
• Assisted guests with reservation arrangements and special requests.
• Established databases and internal tracking systems to ensure the accuracy of data.

Hotel Manager at Emerald Inn, Lancaster May 2016 - September 2019

• Developed and implemented programs that increased employee engagement and hotel productivity.
• Created guest loyalty programs that resulted in an increase of return-guests.
• Worked directly with the General Manager to establish and implement initiatives and campaigns.
• Executed daily managerial tasks with enthusiasm and a strong attention to detail.

Skills example section: Your key abilities

In hotel management, your skills are at the heart of what you do. Since many of your skills can be incorporated into the bullet points under your previous employers, the skills section is a great place to give examples of technical skills, languages and concrete abilities. Of course, since the hospitality industry is all about customer service, you should sprinkle in a few of your soft skills and traits.

In the last decade the demand for bilingual workers has more than doubled, according to one study . Nowhere is this more true than in the hospitality industry where both guests and staff communicate in a variety of languages. If you know a second language, including it on your resume can instantly make you more attractive to hiring managers and can even land you a higher starting salary.

Below you can find the skills section from our adaptable hotel management resume sample.

• Effective Time Management
• Ability to Multitask
• Adaptability
• Customer Service
• Leadership Skills
• Communication Skills
• Strong Organizational Skills

Education example: A step ahead

While education used to be a small section on a hotel management resume, it is growing increasingly important as the job market tightens. While many of your skills can be learned on the job, having an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in hospitality, tourism or management can go a long way to increase your chances of landing an interview. If you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree or higher, you can leave your high school off your resume. See our adaptable hotel management resume example for a model of the best education section format.

Bachelor of Arts, St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia September 2013 - May 2017

High School Diploma, Lancaster High School, Lancaster September 2009 - May 2013

If you are a member of multiple associations or have completed additional health and safety or management courses, an extra certifications and associations section can go a long way to show your commitment to the industry. If you only have one or two items for this section, or need to save space, this information can easily be incorporated into the previous section.

Choosing the correct CV format for hotel management

When choosing the best CV format for your hotel management resume, consider this question: what do you want to emphasize more - your past work experience or your skills? If your past employment is more important, then the reverse chronological resume format is likely your resume format of choice. It emphasizes the employers you worked with in the past and showcases brand names and important job roles.

To be frank, for most hotel managers, this is going to be the way to go. Most management-oriented roles are employment-focused and hotel managers also benefit from a resume format that emphasizes hotel brands (you probably know better than we do how powerful showcasing brands like Intercontinental or Sheraton can be on your resume). In some rare cases, you may choose the functional resume format that puts your skill list first and foremost or the hybrid resume format that combines the two approaches. But these situations are few and far between.

• Choose a resume format that emphasizes your strongest sections
• Pick a resume format and design that aligns with the branding and image of the hotel chain
• Create a header that stands out but doesn’t take up too much space on the page
• Use unusual or “creative” section heading names which might confuse the ATS and hiring manager
• Type in more than 2 different font styles
• Use a font size smaller than 10 point or larger than 12 point

If you don’t want to waste time fussing with word processors and graphic design software, a template can help you create an attractive format in a few clicks. For hotel management resumes, we recommend Resume.io’s collection of market-researched resume templates.

Simply add in your information (or modify our adaptable hotel management resume example), adjust your color scheme and download a perfect resume in a matter of minutes.

Key takeaways

• A great resume is essential to landing your next hotel management position, especially as the industry continues to tighten and jobs become more competitive
• Increase your chances of winning the position by demonstrating your knowledge of changes within the industry.
• The summary is one of the most important sections for a hotel management professional since it’s the best place to show off your professional personality.
• Beat the ATS by using keywords organically throughout your resume, paying special attention to use the exact wording from the job description.
• Your format is likely the first thing a hiring manager will notice about your resume. When in doubt use our resume examples as an inspiration for your own professional application.

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates