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The Best Online Resume Builder

Easily create the perfect resume for any job using our best-in-class resume builder platform.

more interviews

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Our online resume builder offers a quick and easy way to create your professional resume from over 30 design templates. Create a resume using our AI-powered online resume wizard, plus take advantage of expert suggestions and customizable modern and professional resume templates. Free users have access to our easy-to-use tool and TXT file downloads.   ResumeBuilder.com is now part of Bold LLC. For more information visit our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

Pick one of many world-class templates and build your resume in minutes

Get hired 33% faster with our feature-packed and easy-to-use resume builder app

Use AI-enabled resume suggestions in the Resume Builder app to write a keyword-rich resume.

Choose from over 30 applicant tracking systems (ATS)-friendly modern and professional templates.

Select custom fonts and colors on any resume template.

Use our more than 500 resume examples and templates to see what a great resume looks like in your field.

Sail through applicant tracking systems with resume templates that appeal to both machines and humans.

Get help every step of the way as you build your resume with expert tips and suggested phrases.

Use the Most Powerful AI Resume Writer

Find the right words and automate your resume writing process with Resume Builder’s free AI resume writer. Just enter a job title or phrase, and our AI will provide suggestions that show employers you’re the best fit.

Get Expert Suggestions and Guidance

Use Suggested Phrases to get job-specific phrases from certified resume writers that help you plug in job descriptions, career summaries, and more.

Customize Your Resume

You can change the font styles, colors, and layout of your resume to stand out from the competition.

Import from LinkedIn

Create your resume from scratch, or you can start with your LinkedIn resume.

Get inspired by expertly crafted resume examples

• Engineering
• High School
• Medical Assistant
• Customer Service
• Information Technology
• New Grad Nursing
• Nursing Student
• Project Manager
• Software Developer
• Sales Associate

What users say about Resume Builder

Let’s land your dream job together, frequently asked questions about resume builder.

Using the Resume Builder app, you have a 30% higher chance of getting a job, and our users experience a 42% higher response rate from recruiters. You'll get expert guidance every step of the way, with more than 30 professional resume templates and AI-enabled suggestions to write a resume that gets results.

With Resume Builder, you’ll select and customize a template, then create your resume either with step-by-step guidance or by importing your LinkedIn profile. You’ll add your experience, education, key skills, and more, aided by expert tips, suggested phrases, and an AI writer tool. Then, save your resume by creating a free account. You can download your TXT resume or upgrade to a paid subscription to download your professionally designed PDF resume.

Yes. Tailoring your resume is one of the best ways to get more interviews. Look at the job posting to identify what the employer is seeking. Specifically, find important words or phrases to use in your profile and key skills sections.

Yes. Resume Builder has more than 500 free resume examples and templates . Use these examples to get expert advice on what you should - and shouldn't - include in your resume, such as common key skills and action verbs for your desired job.

We recommend downloading your resume in both PDF and text format. A professionally designed PDF resume has a visual impact, and its appearance is consistent across computer screens and systems. But you may need a text format resume for some job applications, so it's good to have both available.

With the Resume Builder app, it’s free to build, save, and download your resume in text format. With a paid subscription, you can download your resume as a PDF. Learn more about how to use Resume Builder for free .

Resume Builder offers numerous resume creation solutions for your career needs for only $2.95 during the 14-day trial period. Our application infuses AI-powered technology and writing methodologies from certified resume writers to help you build and customize your resume and cover letter.

Below, you’ll find our pricing options:

With Resume Builder's cover letter app , you'll select and customize a template, then create your cover letter either with step-by-step guidance or by importing your LinkedIn profile. You'll add your experience, education, key skills, and more, aided by expert tips, suggested phrases, and an AI writer tool. Then, save your cover letter by creating a free account. You can download your cover letter by upgrading to a paid subscription.

Yes. Tailoring your cover letter and resume is one of the best ways to get more interviews. Look at the job posting to identify what the employer is seeking. Specifically, find important words or phrases to use in your profile and key skills sections. You can get inspiration from Resume Builder's cover letter examples to get expert advice on what you should - and shouldn't - include in your cover letter, such as common key skills and action verbs for your desired job.

We recommend downloading your cover letter in both PDF and text format. A professionally designed PDF cover letter has a visual impact, and its appearance is consistent across computer screens and systems. But you may need a text format cover letter for some job applications, so it's good to have both available.

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

The online resume builder getting folks hired by BBC, Google, Apple, Tesla, and Airbnb.

Build your brand-new resume in as little as 5 minutes. try it for free..

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Resume Templates for Every Career Path.

You can pick one of our handcrafted resume templates above. You can start building your resume in less than 5 seconds, using predefined sections approved by recruiters worldwide. You can also customize it to your own needs and personality and hit 'Download'. It's THAT easy to use, even if you've never made a resume in your life before!

Build Your Resume Fast and Easy.

Novorésumé is lightning fast. There's no software to download. No multi-part sign-up form. No long-winded tutorials. Just a straightforward process.

Why Use The Novorésumé Resume Builder?

Introducing e-learning!

Whether you're job hunting, planning a career shift, or aiming to enhance your professional skills, our e-learning feature is designed to tackle your unique challenges .

• Top-notch content by certified experts
• Address specific challenges using tailor content
• Help us shape the final product
• Receive discounts and exclusive content

Novocareer is the latest addition to our platform, and we're excited to embark on this journey with you. Together, we'll shape and expand the content to meet your evolving needs and aspirations.

Premium Features for Ambitious Job-Seekers

The job market today is competitive – you’ll need every edge to stand out. Here’s how Novorésumé Premium can help you:

The jobseeker's

The guide to getting hired in 2024

Job Search Masterclass

Don’t have much career experience? Not sure how to write your resume, ace your interview, or land that job? Check out our Job Search Masterclass! We’ll teach you how to do the following:

• Create a Resume That Grabs Recruiters’ Attention Every Single Time
• Ace Your Interview (Even if You’re an Introvert)
• Find a Job You’ll Love (And Actually Get It)

Resume Builder FAQ.

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Enhancv’s Resume Builder helps you get hired at top companies

Loved by interviewers at

Pick a resume template and build your resume in minutes!

Resumes optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS)

Enhancv resumes and cover letters are vigorously tested against major ATS systems to ensure complete parsability

Check your resume for grammatical and punctuation errors

A built-in content checker tool helping you stay on top of grammar errors and clichés

Resume tailoring based on the job you’re applying for

Quickly ensure that your resume covers key skills and experiences by pasting the job ad you’re applying for

20+ Professionally designed resume sections

Express your professional history without limitations or worry about how your resume looks

The resume builder that’s right for your job and experience

The most powerful resume checker on the market

Get an understanding of how good your resume really is – Enhancv’s AI-powered resume checker performs over 250 different checks and provides you with actionable insights

A feature-packed resume builder

Easily edit your resume with Enhancv’s drag-and-drop resume builder. Choose from different templates, various backgrounds and sections.

Enhancv Executive has changed my life: One week & four interviews later, I will be making 150% more doing the job I chose.

Your resume is an extension of yourself – make one that’s truly you, frequently asked questions about enhancv, what makes enhancv the perfect tool to prepare your job application.

• Drag-and-drop Resume Builder with professional resume templates for every career situation.
• Resume and CV Examples written with modern CV templates for international jobs and academic applications.
• Cover Letter Builder , with matching cover letter templates and hundreds of cover letter examples for inspiration.
• Resume and CV examples written by experienced professionals in their field, with real resumes of people who got hired.
• Choosing how to get started - you can upload an old resume, your LinkedIn profile, or with a blank page.
• Built-in content improvements according to your job title and experience, as well as proofing suggestions.
• Resume Tailoring feature that helps you customize your resume to the job application.
• A free Resume Checker that evaluates your resume for ATS-friendliness, and gives you actionable suggestions.
• Downloading your resume in PDF or TXT formats, or saving them in US letter format or A4 format.
• Cloud storage with 30 documents to edit, duplicate or update .

How to use Enhancv Resume Creator?

• Upload your old resume or select your job title to pick the most appropriate resume template.
• At this stage, you can begin editing your resume or sign up to save your work.
• Fill in your basic contact information details , as well as your resume title headline .
• Drag and drop your resume sections according to the best resume format for your situation. The best one to go with is the reverse-chronological resume format , but if you’re changing careers or just entering the job market, you can choose between the hybrid resume or the functional resume .
• Write a memorable resume summary , or a resume objective , if you’re making a resume for a first job .
• Describe your resume work experience , from the newest to the oldest job.
• Don’t forget to include your education on your resume , with details such as GPA , Coursework , MBA , or Major and Minor , in case you’re writing an entry-level resume .
• Enhancv will encourage you to think beyond the obvious resume layout . Add additional information, such as proudest accomplishments , internships , awards , volunteer work , hobbies and interests , certifications , computer skills , soft skills , language skills , or publications .

Why do I have to make a different resume for every job application?

Should i use a resume template in 2024, should my resume be in pdf or word format, should i send a cover letter with my resume.

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We care about your privacy

When you visit our website, we will use cookies to make sure you enjoy your stay. We respect your privacy and we’ll never share your resumes and cover letters with recruiters or job sites. On the other hand, we’re using several third party tools to help us run our website with all its functionality.

But what exactly are cookies? Cookies are small bits of information which get stored on your computer. This information usually isn’t enough to directly identify you, but it allows us to deliver a page tailored to your particular needs and preferences.

Because we really care about your right to privacy, we give you a lot of control over which cookies we use in your sessions. Click on the different category headings on the left to find out more, and change our default settings.

However, remember that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of our website. Finally, note that we’ll need to use a cookie to remember your cookie preferences.

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Want an example? We use these cookies when you sign in to Kickresume. We also use them to remember things you’ve already done, like text you’ve entered into a registration form so it’ll be there when you go back to the page in the same session.

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Best AI Resume Builder

Your success story begins with a resume.

Create a beautiful resume quickly with the help of artificial intelligence and our customizable templates. Impress your future employer with a perfect resume created in minutes.

• Create My Resume
• See Examples

AI Resume Builder

Let artificial intelligence write your resume.

Are you struggling to find the right words for your resume? Our AI resume builder can find them in no time! It’s powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4, the world’s most powerful language model, and it can automatically produce text indistinguishable from human writers. Say goodbye to writer’s block. Generate the first draft of your resume in seconds. Learn more about the AI resume builder.

• Powered by GPT-4
• Generated in seconds
• Produces human-like text
• Nobody’s gonna know

Resume Templates

Pick a resume template. Make it more you.

Get hired fast with a resume and cover letter that visually stand out from the pile. Browse 40+ ATS-friendly resume templates designed by a team of HR experts and typographers. Customize any template in any way you want. Explore more than a million possible design combinations. Learn more about our resume builder.

• Designed by typographers
• Free basic template
• ATS-friendly
• Gets you compliments

Resume Examples

Get inspired by real resume examples.

• 400+ job-specific resume and cover letter guides
• 1,500+ cover letter and resume examples

AI Cover Letter Builder

You don't have to type a single word to get the first draft of your cover letter. Let artificial intelligence do it for you, then pick a template that matches your resume, and get invited to more job interviews.

Resume Checker

Is your resume any good? Compare your resume against other successful resumes in our database and discover your resume score. Get instant feedback and personalized tips on how to improve it.

Personal Website

Turn your resume into a personal website with a single click. Let your future employer look you up online. Create a strong online presence and make sure they see you in the best possible light.

AI Resume Writer

Automate your resume writing with AI Writer.

See for yourself how our AI Resume Writer can drastically speed up your resume writing process. Thanks to artificial intelligence, we were able to automate the process of writing a resume (and cover letter) to the point of it being almost entirely effortless and faster than ever.

• Select a template, enter your job title and let AI do the rest
• Get a beautiful AI-generated resume in seconds

Learn from successful resume examples.

Search 535 resumes of our customers who got hired. They’re our heroes. They can help.

Google Account Executive

Amazon Systems Administrator

Disney Video Production Assistant

ROMEO Social Media Officer

Client Success Manager at Shopify

Mechanical Engineering Intern at Volvo

Customizable resume templates for any profession.

Here’s a million design combinations. Do what you want. Whether you’re a nurse or engineer, your resume will always stand out.

“Not only does Kickresume provide templates, it also makes you think vigorously about yourself as a candidate, thus getting the best out of you. I would highly recommend Kickresume to every enthusiastic jobseeker — give it a try and you'll fall in love with it.“ David Mantic, Product Manager at Telekom

“Kickresume helped me land a job at Philips! Creating my CV and cover letter was very quick and easy, and the outcome very professional. It impressed every single job interviewer I had an interview with. Definitely worth the small investment as it will benefit your career substantially.“ Dennis Bondarev, Key account manager at Philips

“When I was changing careers, I wanted a resume with a modern look and feel that would set me apart from other applicants. When I came across Kickresume, I absolutely loved their designs and the ease of use. What's more, interviewers would often tell me how pleased they were with the look of my resume.“ Steve Dominguez, Graphic Designer at K-Brite

“Kickresume is by far the most powerful resume editor on the web. It helped me create my resume really fast and people are always "Wow" when they see it. Moreover, having a portfolio website is awesome and it's easy to create. A must-have tool for anyone who changes jobs regularly.“ Bastien Vidé, Full-stack Developer & Team Manager at Airfrance

“When I was looking for my first job after finishing university, I struggled to stand out from the crowd of other graduates. Kickresume gave me the edge I needed. Suddenly I would get invited to interviews! I can't recommend it enough. Great designs, incredibly easy to use and totally worth the upgrade.“ Peter Trenkner, Product Line Manager at Dell

“Being a college student who is transitioning to the work life, I consider Kickresume the most helpful tool available. It is very user-friendly with a variety of designs tailored to your personal preferences and profession. It doesn't get any better than this!!!“ Giamnys Valdés Lastre, Research Intern at University of Kentucky

Got the resume. Now what?

Your job search journey doesn’t end with the resume. Kickresume will accompany you every step of the way.

Cover Letter Examples

Samples submitted by real job seekers.

Kickresume for Mobile

Create and edit your resumes on the go.

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Our human proofreaders are here to help.

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New career guides every week.

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Kickresume gives you full control over your data while keeping it safe.

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We’re based in the EU, which means that you’re being protected by the world’s toughest privacy and security law (GDPR). This gives you a complete control over your data and ensures maximum transparency.

We believe that being loyal to you, our customers, always pays off. Kickresume was built on your trust and we don’t want to lose it. We don’t share your data with third parties unless you tell us to.

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Thanks to our partnership with a leading IT security company whose name is subject to confidentiality, we are able to do regular penetration testing of our infrastructure and ensure that your data stays safe with us.

The only career toolbox you'll ever need.

Let artificial intelligence write your resume. Our AI Resume Writer is powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4 language model and it can produce your first draft in seconds.

Try our AI Cover Letter Writer and produce a rock-solid cover letter in seconds. Most people struggle to find the right words for their cover letter. Let AI find them for you.

40+ ATS-Ready Templates

All resume and cover letter templates are customizable, ATS-friendly, and designed by a team of professional typographers and recruiters.

AI Resignation Letter Generator

Our AI Resignation Letter Writer will help you find the right words to quit your job and leave all bridges unburned.

Create a perfect resume or cover letter from your mobile device. You can now access and edit your career documents from anywhere! Available on both iOS and Android.

1,500+ Resume Examples

Get inspired by resume and cover letter examples that helped real people land jobs with the world’s top companies. Search by company or job title.

Find out how your resume compares against other successful resumes in our database. Receive your resume score and get personalized tips on how to improve it.

Website Builder

Turn your resume into a personal website with a single click. Choose from a number of customizable templates and let your future employer find you online.

Let our experienced human proofreaders make sure that your resume or cover letter have impeccable grammar. Don’t let a silly mistake ruin your chances of landing a job.

Your frequently asked questions.

If you don’t find answers to your questions here, don’t hesitate to ask. Our customer service team is always ready to help.

Why is Kickresume the best resume builder online?

Because it has the best, most polished, and fundamentally functional product that will make every step of your job search journey easier. Here's how:

Kickresume’s online resume builder offers you a wide range of professionally-designed resume templates and cover letter templates with features and elements that let you customize it however you like.

These features include:

• Resume templates & cover letter templates with more than a million possible design configurations designed by a team of HR experts and typographers to ensure optimal readability, a visually-appealing design, and an optimization for ATS software.
• Kickresume Autopilot lets you assemble your resume from more than 20,000 pre-written phrases for more than 3,200 positions. This helps you find the right words right from the start and write your resume quickly.
• AI resume writer which will generate a relevant work experience section for a specific job title.
• AI cover letter writer that can generate role-specific cover letters that look and feel a lot like cover letters written by real people.
• AI resume checker which will analyze your resume to find out what needs to be improved.
• LinkedIn data import option which makes it easy to create a resume in a few clicks, saving you the hassle of starting from scratch.
• Resume and cover letter samples that you can use to create your first draft or get inspired. Our database holds 1,500+ job-specific resumes belonging to real people.
• A website builder which can turn your resume into a personal website for free with a single click.
• Mobile resume building app is the ideal tool for building a resume on a phone.

If you’re not convinced yet, we dare you to take a look at other resume builders. See how many of them let you download a resume an unlimited number of times or that can do something as basic as an automatic page break.

Oh, and did we mention that Kickresume has already helped more than 2,000,000 people get hired, with many in the world’s top companies like Google , SpaceX , or Apple ? We take pride in that.

How to write a resume?

If you don’t know where to begin, don’t worry. Kickresume will guide you through every stage of writing your resume, one section at a time. Here's a simple guide to creating your resume:

• First, you sign up or log in to your Kickresume account. When logged in, on the dashboard scroll down to Your Documents and click on Create New.
• Next, you can choose among:
• creating a brand new resume using the template and customization options of your choice
• importing your existing data from LinkedIn and choosing your preferred design
• using one of 1,500+ existing resume samples and tweaking the details to match yours
• Finally, you add resume sections and populate each one with relevant content. You can also assemble the first draft of your resume just by clicking or using AI:
• We’ve got more than 20,000 pre-written phrases for more than 3,200 jobs. Simply start editing your resume, click “Add Phrases”, look up your job title, and watch your resume write itself.
• AI resume writer will generate a relevant work experience section for a specific job title. You can then edit it and tweak the details to make it more you.

If you're not sure about how to write the individual sections of your resume, you can visit our Help Center , read the ultimate resume guide , or click the chameleon icon inside the app.

How to make your resume stand out?

It comes down to two things: design & content . Kickresume can help with both.

• First, give your resume an eye-catching yet professional look. The easiest way to do that is to use a resume builder and pick a professionally designed template that fits your industry and profession. All of these are visually appealing and ATS-friendly.
• Second, write your resume in a way that emphasizes your strongest points. With Kickresume, we want to make your life easier, which is why our features let you:
• Assemble the first draft of your resume just by clicking. We’ve got more than 20,000 pre-written phrases for more than 3,200 jobs. Simply start editing your resume, click “Add Phrases”, look up your job title, and choose relevant phrases.
• Choose from our 1,500+ job-specific resume samples and tweak the information to make it more you. And, if you really can't be bothered,
• Use Kickresume's AI resume writer which will generate a relevant work experience section for a specific job title. Watch your resume write itself.

What is a cover letter?

Your cover letter is a one-page document that you attach to your resume as part of your job application. It can take many forms: the text inside the body of your job application email, a filled out website form, or a standalone document.

The purpose of a cover letter is to:

• Introduce yourself to your future potential employer;
• Illustrate your background;
• Explain why the offered position would be a good fit for you;
• And explain why you would be a good fit for the company.

In a cover letter, you have a unique chance to present yourself, show your personality, and add details that one cannot fit into a structured resume. Finally, a well-written cover letter is an opportunity to distinguish yourself from other applicants and increase your chances of landing an interview.

If you dread having to spend time writing one, let our AI Cover Letter Builder make one for you or get inspired by 1,250+ cover letter examples from real people.

If you'd like to know more, read our comprehensive expert guide: What Is a Cover Letter and How to Write One?

How to create a cover letter?

With Kickresume, there’s nothing easier. Simply log in to your account, click “ Create Cover Letter ” and choose from 3 options:

• You can pick from a large number of cover letter templates that match your resume design and customize your new cover letter in every possible way.
• Alternatively, check our 1250+ job-specific cover letter samples , pick the one you like, and tweak the details to make it more you.
• And, if you dread having to spend time writing one, let our AI Cover Letter Writer make one for you.

If you'd like to know more and see cover letter samples , head over to our Help Center .

How does the AI Resume Writer work?

Kickresume’s AI Resume Writer is able to generate a work experience section based on a provided job title.

All you have to do is:

• Sign up or log in to your Kickresume account. When logged in, on the dashboard scroll down to Your Documents and click on Create New.
• When filling in the Work Experience section, enter your job title, click “ Use AI Writer ” and the AI will generate a number of bullet points for your work experience subsection.
• If you don't like these bullet points, you can either edit them or delete them and click the button again.
• If you like the bullet points but feel like that section is still too short, simply click the button again and the AI will add more phrases to it.

Our AI Resume Builder is easy to use, generates unique resumes every time, and uses natural language indistinguishable from resumes written by human writers.

What is the best AI Resume Builder?

Definitely Kickresume's AI Resume Builder . Here are the reasons why:

• Kickresume AI Resume Builder is based on OpenAI’s GPT-3 neural network, which is the world's most powerful natural language processing model .
• The texts produced by this language model are indistinguishable from texts written by human writers.
• Each resume that is produced by our AI Resume Builder is unique and custom-built for you.

What is an AI Cover Letter Builder?

Kickresume’s AI cover letter writer is powered by OpenAI’s GPT-3 natural language processing model. It can generate role-specific cover letters that look and feel a lot like cover letters written by real people.

On the other hand, it has its own limitations. Artificial intelligence doesn’t know you. It cannot tell your story the way you’d be able to.

That's why you should use this cover letter writer with caution. Nevertheless, it can produce a decent-enough cover letter that you can use as your first draft in case you’re struggling with writer’s block. However, remember to edit your AI-generated cover letter and make it more you.

Learn more about the AI cover letter writer or try it out for yourself and generate your cover letter .

How does an AI Cover Letter Builder work?

Simply enter your most recent job title, press the “Use AI Writer” button and the AI writer will generate a cover letter for you.

If you don’t like that cover letter, simply press the button again. It will generate another set of sentences or rewrite the cover letter from scratch.

Let your resume do the work.

Join 5,000,000 job seekers worldwide and get hired faster with your best resume yet.

Beautiful resumes to land your next job

The easiest resume builder you'll find online

Choose one of our uniquely designed templates

Fill in your information and download a PDF

Win jobs from recruiters & hiring managers everywhere

Resume templates for all types of professionals.

Browse more resume templates that fit your role

Resume templates proven to be successful for top candidates.

Finish your resume even faster with examples from any industry

We've tried to make things easier for you by offering proven resume examples for dozens of careers and jobs.

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Create Your Professional Resume for Free

Start crafting your professional resume now.

Effortlessly enter your details with our straightforward form or leverage our AI for guided assistance. A seamless start to your resume journey.

Explore a variety of professional templates. Find the one that aligns with your personal style and professional needs quickly and easily.

Finalize your journey by downloading your resume in PDF format. Step closer to your dream job with a refined and impactful resume.

Create your professional resume effortlessly with CVResumeNest. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, crafting a compelling resume is essential. With our intuitive platform, you can create a standout resume without the hassle of signing up or providing credit card information.

Our platform prioritizes simplicity and efficiency. Spend minutes, not hours, crafting a polished resume that showcases your skills and experiences. Say goodbye to complex interfaces and hello to a seamless resume creation process.

We understand the importance of a well-crafted resume in today's competitive job market. That's why CVResumeNest offers a range of templates and customization options to suit your unique style and preferences.

Unlike other platforms, CVResumeNest values your privacy and security. Enjoy a secure experience without the need for sign-ups or providing credit card information. Your data remains protected throughout the resume creation process.

With CVResumeNest, you can:

• Create a professional resume without the hassle of signing up or providing credit card information.
• Choose from a variety of templates and customization options.
• Showcase your skills and experiences effectively.
• Enjoy a seamless and secure experience, prioritizing your privacy and data security.

Don't let the resume creation process hold you back. Join thousands of users who have successfully crafted their resumes with CVResumeNest. Get started today and take the next step towards your dream career.

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" Love this app - I wish I would have found it sooner! I love the export to pdf feature! Also, I love the skills section of my resume! Thanks to the team at Visual CV for a beautiful and easy to use app! :) Cheers! You're all kill'in it! "

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Only 2% of applicants get the interview

VisualCV guarantees you will always make the right first impression. Choose from a variety of industry-approved templates, create multiple profile versions, and track the results. You can even edit your resume on your mobile device.

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Know when your resume is viewed with VisualCV analytics. We track views and downloads so you know when to follow up. It's like having your own personal marketing department.

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What is a resume builder?

A resume builder is a platform that allows you to create a resume. Most resume builders allow you to craft a resume online. To use a resume builder, simply select a template, fill it with your information and download it.

Is VisualCV resume builder for me?

VisualCV is for almost every job seeker. We support resume building for anyone from entry level to highly experienced professionals. Irrespective of your field of work, our resume builder will help you craft a resume that will help beat 9 out of 10 job applicants.

What features does VisualCV's Resume Builder offer?

The top features of our resume builder include: 30+ resume templates that you can use to build your resume.

• The ability to create and save as many resumes as you want online.
• Download resume in a PDF format.
• A career journal that allows you to track your career progress and take the next leap with confidence.
• Shareable resume links to gather feedback or share your resume with a hiring manager.
• Creating an online digital portfolio.
• A cover letter builder

Is resume builder really free?

Yes, our resume builder is free. You can create a resume using our resume templates, customize to give it the right look and apply to jobs using our platform.

Can VisualCV Resume builder help me if I am applying for entry level jobs?

Yes, VisualCV’s resume builder is one of the best resume platforms out there to apply for entry level jobs. Apart from having entry level jobs focused resume templates, we offer extensive resume examples that you can leverage to write the perfect resume.

Does VisualCV’s online resume builder save my resume draft if I can’t finish it?

Yes, you can save a partially completed resume as a draft if you can’t finish it. You can then come back and finish the rest of the resume.

Is a resume builder worth it?

Yes, resume builders allow you to stand out from the crowd and beat most job applicants. The pain of using traditional softwares like MS Word makes it hard for job applicants to craft a resume they truly deserve. Resume builders on the other hand are specifically designed to make it extremely easy to create a resume.

A resume builder like VisualCV isn’t just easy to use, but also helps you create resumes that are ATS friendly.

How do you use a resume builder?

To use a free resume builder, simply click on sign-up and select a template that you like. Customize this template and fill it with the right information.

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RESUME SAMPLE

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• RESUME TEMPLATE (BULLET POINTS)
• RESUME TEMPLATE (PARAGRAPH FORMAT)
• COVER LETTER TIPS
• COVER LETTER SAMPLE

A resume is a concise, informative summary of your abilities, education, and experience. It should highlight your strongest assets and skills, and differentiate you from other candidates seeking similar positions. Although it alone won’t get you a job or internship, a good resume is an important factor in obtaining an interview. Tailor your resume to the type of position you’re seeking. This doesn’t mean that all of your experiences must relate directly, but your resume should reflect the types of skills the employer would value.

• Draft a resume using one of the MCS templates .
• Attend a Resume Workshop to learn the nuts and bolts of getting started. See the MCS events calendar for dates.
• View the recorded MCS Resume Webinar .
• Get advice via drop-ins, Monday-Friday, 1:00-4:00pm. Ask quick career-related questions and have an advisor review your resume.
• Look for industry-specific resume review clinics, listed on our events calendar in employer events.

RESUME TIPS

Resume language should be:.

• Specific rather than general
• Active rather than passive
• Written to express not impress
• Articulate rather than “flowery”
• Fact-based (quantify and qualify)
• Written for people who scan quickly

TOP SIX RESUME MISTAKES:

• Spelling and grammar errors
• Missing email and phone information
• Using passive language instead of “action” words
• Not well organized, concise, or easy to skim
• Not demonstrating results

DON’T:

• Use personal pronouns (such as I)
• Use a narrative style
• Use slang or colloquialisms
• Include a picture
• Include age or gender
• List references
• Start each line with a date
• Be consistent in format and content
• Make it easy to read and follow, balancing white space
• Use consistent spacing, underlining, italics, bold, and capitalization for emphasis
• List headings (such as Experience) in order of importance
• Within headings, list information in reverse chronological order (most recent first)
• Avoid information gaps such as a missing summer
• Be sure that your formatting will translate properly if converted to a .pdf

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ACTION VERBS FOR YOUR RESUME

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RESUME TEMPLATE 1 (WITH BULLET POINTS)

RESUME TEMPLATE 2 (PARAGRAPH FORMAT)

WRITE AN EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER

Your cover letter is a writing sample and a part of the screening process. By putting your best foot forward, you can increase your chances of being interviewed. A good way to create a response-producing cover letter is to highlight your skills or experiences that are most applicable to the job or industry and to tailor the letter to the specific organization to which you’re applying.

Some general rules about letters:

• Address your letters to a specific person if you can.
• Tailor your letters to specific situations or organizations by doing research before writing your letters.
• Keep letters concise and factual, no more than a single page. Avoid flowery language.
• Give examples that support your skills and qualifications.
• Put yourself in the reader’s shoes. What can you write that will convince the reader that you are ready and able to do the job?
• Don’t overuse the pronoun “I”.
• Remember that this is a marketing tool. Use plenty of action words.
• Have an MCS advisor provide feedback on your letter.
• If converting to a .pdf, check that your formatting translates correctly.
• Reference skills or experiences from the job description and draw connections to your credentials.
• Make sure your resume and cover letter are prepared with the same font type and size.

SAMPLE COVER LETTER

September 1, 2024

Morgan Smith  Director of Communications Jumpstart  308 Congress Street, 6 th Floor Boston, MA 02110 

Dear Morgan Smith: 

I am a senior at Harvard College studying History and Literature. I am writing to apply for the Marketing and Communications position at Jumpstart posted in Harvard’s Crimson Careers database. I’m very excited about the field of education, and would welcome the opportunity to bring my strong communication skills, creativity, and marketing experience to your growing team. 

Jumpstart’s commitment to early education for every child is of particular interest to me because of my passion for youth development. This past summer, I worked as a senior counselor in the Summer Urban Program, which is dedicated to preventing summer learning loss for children in the Boston and Cambridge area. I designed and taught fun, interactive classes to a group of 10 fifth graders, and planned and led local field trips and workshops daily with a junior counselor. Throughout the summer, I consistently strived to create math, science, and reading lessons and activities that were engaging and tailored to my students’ needs. 

Additionally, in my role as the Director of Marketing for the Social Innovation Collaborative, I led our team in creating a social media strategy to drive our member recruitment efforts and promote our programs and events on platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. With so many competing events on campus each day, I had to continually be creative in my approach to developing and delivering content that would be compelling and effective. As a result of my efforts, our group experienced a 20% increase in our membership base and a 15% increase in our social media engagement. I’m excited at the prospect of bringing the skills I developed through this experience to the Marketing and Communications role at Jumpstart. 

Thank you for your consideration. I very much look forward to the opportunity to speak with you in person about my interest in this position. 

Sincerely, 

Alex Crimson 

More From Forbes

7 simple résumé tips to make sure you get noticed by recruiters.

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Your job search will go much smoother if your resume is designed to catch a recruiter's attention.

People are staying unemployed for longer periods of time as the pace of hiring has slowed down. The median duration of unemployment increased to 9.8 weeks in June from 8.9 weeks in May, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data .

Recruiters are sifting through hundreds of applications. So, it's crucial to make your résumé not only noticeable but memorable. Here’s a guide on how to get your résumé noticed in seven steps, from my perspective as a former recruiter.

1. Limit Your Résumé To One Page

Conciseness is where most résumés quickly fail. Recruiters typically spend 10 seconds or less glancing at each résumé. As a recruiter, I would send résumés over to senior recruiters or hiring managers and get a response back in just a few minutes. A one-page document forces you to focus on the most relevant and impactful information.

By eliminating unnecessary details, you highlight your core qualifications and achievements. This makes it easier for recruiters to quickly assess your fit for the role, and increase your chances of moving onto the next round.

2. Add Your LinkedIn Profile At The Top

Include a link to your LinkedIn profile at the top of your résumé to provide recruiters with a quick way to learn more about you. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date, includes a professional headshot, and aligns with your resume. A strong LinkedIn presence serves as an extension of your résumé.

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Additional recommendations, skills, and experiences that didn’t make it onto the page can be highlighted in your LinkedIn profile. These additional elements also help you become more easily searched for by recruiters whose jobs you may not have applied for, or for companies who are doing confidential searches without a formal job posting.

3. Ditch The Professional Summary At The Top of Your Résumé

As a recruiter, I never read a professional summary that blew me away. Instead of a lengthy one, which can be redundant and often overlooked, start with your experience and work history. Follow this with your key skills and education in a concise, easy-to-read format. This approach allows recruiters to immediately see how your experience lines up with what they are looking for, and what you bring to the table without making them have to skim the page.

4. Focus On The Last 10 Years At Most

Job seekers with long career histories make the mistake of listing every job they’ve ever had. This approach will more likely harm than help your résumé’s appeal to the readers.

Recruiters are most interested in your recent work experience, typically the last 10 years. Highlighting your most recent and relevant roles helps keep your résumé focused and relevant. It also lessens the odds of you getting discriminated against for your age. There’s no job description that will ask for 20 years of experience, and it’s unlikely your experience more than 10 years ago will translate well because of how fast technology has moved since then.

It’s better to spend the bulk of your limited space to highlight your most recent experience. If you have significant achievements from earlier in your career, consider summarizing them in your LinkedIn instead, or shortening the descriptions of the jobs beyond the past 10 years into a short summary.

5. Quantify Your Achievements With Shorter Bullets

When describing your responsibilities and achievements, use bullet points to keep information digestible — not entire paragraphs that you might find in a legal document. It’s more critical now to quantify your achievements wherever possible, such as “Increased sales by 30%” or “Managed a team of 5.” This approach not only grabs attention but also provides concrete evidence of your impact and will distinguish you from other candidates. Keeping these bullet points to no more than two lines ensures clarity and readability.

6. Employ More Impactful Action Words

The words you choose can significantly affect how your résumé is perceived. Swap out common words like “use” for more impactful verbs such as “utilize,” “leverage,” “implement” or “deploy.” Instead of “make,” try words like “produce,” “generate” and “create.” Strong action verbs convey a sense of proactivity and effectiveness, making your accomplishments sound more dynamic and specific. They also reduce reader fatigue from seeing similar bullets from multiple résumés.

7. Have A Career Coach Or Recruiter Proofread Your Résumé

Lastly, have a career coach or recruiter review your résumé. They provide valuable, objective insights from an industry perspective, ensuring your résumé meets current standards, trends and expectations. They can also catch errors you might have missed, or offer suggestions on bullets that seem unclear or confusing to them.

A great way to test this is to ask them to read the résumé for a minute, and then take the résumé away from them and see what they remember from seeing it. Even better is to have a career coach or recruiter do a mock interview with you using the résumé to see where you might have gaps to fill.

By following these seven steps, you can uplevel your résumé so it not only stands out to recruiters but also effectively communicates your qualifications. Keeping an updated résumé helps shorten your job search time and reduces your risk of staying unemployed for longer than you can afford.

Even if you’re not currently on the job market, test your current résumé against these seven steps today to make sure you’re not scrambling when you eventually need it the most.

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• The Best Resume Format to Get...

The Best Resume Format to Get Hired

21 min read · Updated on May 29, 2024

Is your resume format the right one for your career needs?

When you're trying to create the perfect resume for your job search needs, few things are more important than the resume format that you choose to deliver your message. After all, the goal of any resume is to ensure that employers can easily see that you're the right person for their job. Choosing the best resume format is essential for achieving that goal.

In this post, we'll examine the three main resume formats, consider their pros and cons, and explain how you can decide which format is the best option for you. We'll also offer some tips that can help you to learn how to create these different resume formats. 

What are the three best resume formats?

There are three main resume format options that job seekers use. They include:

1.      Reverse-chronological

2.      Functional

3.      Combination

Each formatting option offers a different way to organize and present your resume information, depending on your overall work history and the type of job you're seeking. We'll examine each one and provide the information you need to ensure that you use the right format for your resume needs.

Reverse-chronological resume format

Also known simply as the chronological resume, this format is a favorite for job seekers and hiring managers alike - and for good reason. It's a format that allows you to present your professional experience in a straightforward, chronological way by listing ten to fifteen years of work history in reverse order. You simply begin by including details about your most recent or current job and then work backward.

The chronological resume usually follows a simple and straightforward resume structure. That structure includes several sections which each contain specific types of information. For example:

Contact information

Resume headline

Summary paragraph

Skills matrix or core competencies

Work experience

Optional sections, such as relevant volunteer experience, certificates, and so on

Dividing this information into distinct sections will make it easier for hiring managers to quickly scan your resume and locate the details they're interested in seeing. If an employer can quickly identify those key qualifications they want to see, then there's a better chance that they'll take time to read your resume to learn more about you.

Another great thing about the chronological resume format is its flexibility. If you're seeking a job with very specific skill requirements, you can place the skill section right after the resume summary so that it receives more attention. You can even choose to emphasize the education section if you're a recent graduate and are highlighting those qualifications .

Who should use a chronological resume?

The reverse-chronological resume is widely regarded as the best resume format for job seekers who have years of consistent experience in the workforce. Typically, job seekers who use this format will have been working in the same industry for several years, with no serious gaps in that employment history. Because this format provides a clear picture of your career trajectory, it's also an ideal option when you're seeking a promotion in your field.

Chronological resume pros and cons

There are both advantages and disadvantages to choosing the reverse-chronological resume format. We've listed some of the most relevant pros and cons below.

Chronological format pros :

Employers are familiar with the chronological resume format and often prefer it to the alternatives

This format provides an easy-to-follow overview of your entire career trajectory

When used properly, the work experience section can highlight critical skills that the employer wants to see

Chronological format cons :

If there are notable gaps in your employment history, listing jobs in chronological order can make them easier for employers to spot

Because this format emphasizes your employment, it may not be the best option for anyone who lacks a steady job history. It can also be a tricky option for job seekers who are trying to move from one career to another

This format's familiarity can work against you if you're not focused on ensuring that your resume properly differentiates you from other job seekers.

Tips for writing a chronological resume

It's important to know how to write a chronological resume, since it's the format option you'll probably be using throughout most of your career. We've compiled some simple tips that can help you learn how to craft this type of resume.

List your employment history in reverse order, starting with your current position. Use that same chronological approach in your education section, too.

For each job listed, include the company name, job title, and dates of employment. Then add three or four bullet point examples of quantifiable achievements. These accomplishments should demonstrate how you used your skills to create real value for the company.

Highlight relevant skills. Include both hard and soft skills, paying special attention to the requirements listed in the company's job posting. Make sure that you use the exact terms from the posting in your resume, as these keywords will improve your resume's searchability. 

For your resume headline , include the job title you're seeking and some descriptive language that sets you apart from other candidates. For example, instead of writing “ Marketing Manager,” you could write “Dynamic Marketing Manager Committed to Driving Growth and Profits.”

Make sure that your summary paragraph is no more than 3-5 sentences and that it includes a couple of achievements and skills that highlight your value. Remember, this paragraph is supposed to help you capture a hiring manager's attention, so treat it like an elevator sales pitch. Keep it concise and focused on earning the reader's interest.

Functional resume format

The functional resume is also sometimes referred to as a skill-focused resume. Because it emphasizes skills over work history, it can be a great way to mask inexperience in your field. It's also sometimes used by job seekers who have significant gaps in their work history to hide those periods of unemployment. That latter feature is one of the main reasons why many employers view this format with suspicion. Employers are also less familiar with this format.

Still, it can be used to great effect if you take the time to present information in an easy-to-follow structure. Like the chronological resume, this resume format divides information into distinct sections. For example:

Contact details

Resume summary paragraph

Professional experience

Optional sections

The skills section is typically different from the section found in a chronological resume, however. Since the whole purpose of the functional resume is to emphasize your abilities, several skill sub-sections are often used to drive those qualifications home. Those sections may include:

Soft skills: This section can be used to highlight your most important competencies. List those skills and include language that illustrates how you used your abilities to create value for employers. Basically, you highlight these skills in the same way that you'd highlight quantifiable achievements.

Hard skills: These are typically the skills that are required by the employer in order to qualify for the role. They might be technical or knowledge-based in nature and relate directly to your ability to perform the job's required duties.

Who should use a functional resume?

Unlike the chronological resume format, the functional format is less suited for those with a good deal of consistent work experience. Instead, it's a better option for people who have very little experience. As a result, it's often used by recent graduates and others who are just entering the workforce. It can also be a good option for some workers in the creative industries or those whose work history spans multiple sectors.

Functional resume pros and cons

Of course, there are some advantages and disadvantages to choosing this resume format. To help you better understand the relative benefits and drawbacks of the functional resume option, we've listed some of the most important pros and cons below.

Functional resume pros

By emphasizing skills, this resume format can enable you to shift focus from a lack of professional experience

It can provide an effective way for inexperienced or non-traditional workers to highlight their potential value by focusing on transferable skills

They can be a good option for veterans transitioning to civilian employment, or those who do not want to appear over-qualified for a position

Functional resume cons

Employers may view this format with suspicion and wonder what you're hiding

Because it's typically used by people with little experience, it won't help you to land a position if the employer is seeking someone with a longer career trajectory

It can be confusing for employers who struggle to see which skills relate to which roles and therefore how much experience you have in using a particular skill 

Tips for writing a functional resume

Writing an effective functional resume can be challenging if you're not sure how to get the most out of this format. That's why we've compiled some of the best tips available to assist you in that process.

Make sure that your summary statement focuses intently on the core requirements for the job. Use no more than five sentences to describe your key skills, how you've used them, and the results you've obtained for your previous employers.

It's easy to get so focused on your core hard skills that you forget to emphasize vital soft skills. Remember that those intangible abilities may be just the thing that separates you from the competition.

For your work experience section, keep things relatively concise. Include the company name and dates of employment and your job title.

If you're a first-time job seeker, you may not have work experience to include in the resume. Instead, you can provide information about volunteer work, internships, or other relevant activities that can illustrate how you've used your skills to create value and solve problems.

Pay careful attention to any listed requirements in the job posting, since you'll want to use these key terms throughout your resume. This will help to ensure that employers can readily identify those qualifications when they scan through your resume.

Since your work history section will be brief, you may want to bolster your education section by including more than just your academic achievements. Add listings for any other formal training, online certifications, and continuing education that highlights your qualifications.

Combination resume format (hybrid)

The third option is known as the combination, or hybrid, resume. As the name suggests, it's literally a combination of the chronological and functional resumes, attempting to combine the best elements of each. Basically, it allows you to focus on your skills and work history in roughly equal measure. When executed correctly, this resume strategy can help to remove focus from any employment gaps, while effectively aligning your most notable skills with your work achievements.

To create this type of resume, you need to use a simple structure that employers can easily follow. Again, the information should be separated into compartmentalized sections. For example:

Skills summary

Educational section

Additional skills

There are a few things to note here. First, you can choose to omit a summary paragraph, depending on your resume space needs. We recommend using a summary wherever possible, however, since it can be a powerful way to capture the reader's attention and encourage them to continue scanning the document.

Second, the arrangement of your skills and work history sections will depend on which qualifications you need to emphasize. If the job requirements focus on skills, highlight yours by placing the skills section first. If work experience appears to be more important, place that section before your skills.

Third, take note of the fact that your skills are divided into two sections: a summary of key skills and a separate section that outlines other relevant abilities. Each of these sections is a little different in layout and purpose. The skills summary should provide several bullet point examples of achievements that highlight your use of key hard and soft skills . The second skill section should be a bullet point list of other key skills needed for the job.

Who should use a combination resume?

The combination resume can offer the best of both worlds for job seekers whose career trajectory may not align well with the traditional chronological format. For example, if you've had a career that has seen you move from one industry to another, your work experience may not perfectly align with the job you're currently seeking. By balancing focus on skills and experience, you can get around that obstacle.

As a result, the hybrid resume format can be a good option for people who are applying for managerial roles with no formal experience as a manager. It can also be useful for job seekers who are trying to transition from one industry to another. Its unique structure makes it easier to focus attention on your transferable skills, while illustrating how they apply to the job you're seeking.

Combination resume pros and cons

As with the other two resume formats, the combination option comes with its own pros and cons. Before you choose this format for your resume, consider the following potential benefits and drawbacks:

Combination resume pros:

This format highlights your most important skills and provides an easy way to tie them to your achievements

Like the chronological resume, the combination format allows you to focus on demonstrating the value you can provide as an employee

It's a great option for candidates with steady job experience, the desire to change their career trajectory, or significant gaps in employment history

Combination resume cons:

It's not really a good option for entry-level job seekers who lack experience

This format can only be effective if you can successfully align your experiences and achievements with your skills - if your skills and job history don't mesh, the resume will reflect that disharmony

This format can be excessively long, as it include both skills and career history in great detail

Tips for writing a combination resume

The combination resume format can be difficult to master, since you need to ensure that everything is organized in the most efficient manner possible. That's especially true if you have experience in different fields and need to somehow bring them together to create a coherent narrative. To help you with that process, we've gathered some important tips you can use as you try to create your combination resume.

Don't forget to divide your skills into two separate sections.

Focus on your most important and relevant skills in your summary section and include several bullet point examples of achievements to showcase how you've used those abilities in the past

As mentioned earlier, the second section will include a bullet point list of your other relevant skills. Those skills should include abilities that round out your qualifications. Refer to the job posting to find the terms that the company uses to describe those abilities.

Your work history should include quantifiable achievements that align with your cited skills. If possible, focus on highlighting achievements that feature the same type of skills you'll need for the job you're seeking.

Always write your summary paragraph last. That way, you can refer to the rest of your resume as you select two or three key skills and experiences to showcase. If you're trying to switch careers, use part of this paragraph to illustrate how your transferable skills contribute to your overall qualifications for the job.

So, which resume format is the best?

At this point, you might be wondering which of these options is the best resume format. If we judge according to popularity, the answer is probably the reverse-chronological resume format. That's because it's not only the most popular format for most job seekers, but is also preferred by employers. Its simple structure , easy-to-follow experience section, and clearly defined sections are hard to beat.

With that said, however, there are obviously instances in which one of the other two options are better suited to a job candidate's needs. As noted earlier, someone with very little job experience may be better served by a functional or combination resume. In general, though, we typically recommend that people who cannot use a reverse chronological resume instead rely on the combination option.

But how can you decide which one is the right choice for you? After all, if you choose the wrong format, you could put yourself at a disadvantage when competing for jobs. By answering the following questions, you can get a better handle on the best options for your resume format needs.

1.     Are you a recent graduate just entering the job market?

If you're just entering the workforce, the functional resume can be an option. If you focus on ensuring that your listed qualifications match the job's requirements, that format should serve you well. Still, given employers' skepticism of the functional format, you might want to at least consider the combination option.

Since the combination format enables you to emphasize both skills and experience, you may find that its approach offers more flexibility for showcasing your abilities. You may even want to create different versions of your resume - one using the functional format and the other adopting the hybrid approach - just to compare them and see which one will work best for your unique circumstances.

2.     Do you have employment gaps or are you trying to pursue a career change?

Sometimes, employment gaps can't be helped. And while most employers are open to discussions about why you went without a job for a significant period, it's often best to avoid dealing with that issue if you don't have to. Fortunately, the combination resume format provides a way to paper over any significant gaps in your work history.

That same format is also a great option when you're in the process of changing careers, since it allows you to redirect attention to how your skills and experiences qualify you for that new job role. Just make sure to include relevant transferable skills that align with the job's needs. Note also that you can use the reverse chronological option here if your prior employment experiences are relevant to the position.

3.     Is your work experience consistent and in one industry or field?

When you have several years of consistent experience in one industry, there's only one real choice to consider: the reverse-chronological resume format. For most job seekers, this format will provide everything they need to craft a resume that effectively highlights their key qualifications and value-added proposition.

How to format your resume layout

Even after you've selected the right format for your resume needs and plugged your information into the various sections you've outlined, you're still not done. Remember, you want to ensure that the resume you submit is as professional as possible so that employers can read it without any confusion or difficulty. Most employers only spend a few seconds glancing at each resume, so your document needs to pass that initial scan if you want them to take a closer look.

That's why it is vital to properly format that resume. Of course, we're talking about a different kind of formatting here - something that's quite apart from the resume format choice you had to make when you decided which resume option to use. This formatting involves all the little things you need to do to make sure that your resume is clear, readable, and easy to scan. The following tips can help with that process.

Choose a professional font

Don't be one of those job seekers who assumes that hiring managers will be drawn to resumes with interesting layouts, fonts , and graphics. Trust us - most will dismiss those resumes out of hand. The average hiring manager wants to see a clear, traditional layout that's easy to scan. If you're using non-traditional fonts or other creative approaches, they probably won't take you seriously.

So, which font to use? The good news is that there are some clear favorites that you can rely on when choosing your font. They include:

Each of these fonts is generally considered to be easy to read in both print and online presentations, so they're likely to appeal to the broadest possible audience. If you're struggling to select one, just pick either Arial or Calibri. You really can't go wrong with either one.

Select the right margins

For a well-balanced and brief resume, a one-inch margin on all sides of the document should enable you to make the most effective use of your resume space. However, feel free to reduce that margin to 0.75 inches if you find that you need more space, to avoid an excessively long resume. 

As you're creating your margins, make sure that your text alignment is considered as well. Your contact information and job headline can be centered on the page, but all your other information should be aligned to the left. That makes it easier for hiring managers to follow, since most people in the United States are accustomed to reading from left to right.

Pick your font size

You also want to ensure that your font size is correct. It needs to be big enough for most people to see it, but not so large that it seems unprofessional. We recommend a font size somewhere between 10 and 12 points. That range should provide you enough flexibility to adjust as your resume space needs require. For example, if you find that a 10-point font leaves too much empty space on the page, adjust to 11 or 12. If a 12-point font causes your page to run long, lower the font size accordingly.

Use bullet points

Remember that your resume is not an essay. It's a collection of relevant details designed to highlight skills, experiences, and achievements. The best way to do that is through the judicious use of bullet points. Lists of bullet point information can be used to showcase your skills and notable achievements.

Edit to make your document more concise

Sometimes, you may find that your resume runs longer than you expected. If it's just over one page and reducing the font doesn't shorten it enough, you may want to edit and refine the language to make it more concise. This could mean omitting irrelevant ideas, using shorter sentences, or eliminating unnecessary words.

Clearly identify your section headings

Your skill, experience, and education sections all need clear heading labels. To make these headings stand out from the rest of the resume, you could:

Increase their font size by two points (so, if the resume text uses a 10-point font, increase the heading font to 12-point)

Bold the entire heading so that it stands out from the other text

Underline section headings

It is also a good idea to use this same approach to your name at the top of the page, to ensure that employers can easily find it.

Get a second or third opinion

Once you've written and formatted your resume, there's one last thing you should do to ensure that it's easy for other people to read. That's right: ask other people to read it! Have a friend or someone else you trust review the entire document so that they can give you their opinion about its effectiveness. Make sure to tell them what you'd like to know, though. For example, ask them to critique the spelling, grammar, and formatting choices, as well as its overall appearance.

Choosing the best resume format can increase your odds of job search success

The resume format you choose can set the tone for your job search success. By selecting the right format for your situation and needs, you can ensure that your information is organized and structured in a way that reinforces your broader career narrative. By using the tips and recommendations in this post, you can create the compelling resume you need to land more interviews.

Want to ensure that your resume format aligns with your career needs? Get a free resume review from our team of experts today.

Recommended reading:

9 Soft Skills Employers Want in 2023

10 Best Places to Learn New Skills in 2022

Make the Perfect Resume For a Career Change

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

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

See how your resume stacks up.

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Who is JD Vance? What to know about Donald Trump's VP pick

Former President Donald Trump  tapped J.D. Vance  to be his running mate Monday at the Republican National Convention , catapulting the Ohio GOP senator even more into the national spotlight.

Here’s what you need to know about Vance:

More: Trump made MAGA happen. JD Vance represents those who will inherit it

Where is JD Vance from?

Vance grew up in Jackson, Kentucky and Middletown, Ohio. He described a childhood consumed by poverty and abuse in his best-selling 2016 memoir , "Hillbilly Elegy." Vance's mother struggled with drug addiction, so he spent many of his formative years with his grandmother – known to him as Mamaw.

How old is JD Vance?

Vance is 39. If elected, he would be the youngest vice president since Richard Nixon. His birthday is Aug. 2, 1984.

More: Vice presidential contender has multiple ties to Columbus

Did JD Vance serve in the military?

Vance joined the Marines Corps after high school and served as a public affairs marine in Iraq.

Is JD Vance married?

Vance's wife, Usha Vance, is a litigator for a law firm based in San Francisco and Washington, D.C. The pair met as students at Yale Law School and got married in 2014, one year after they graduated.

The couple has three young children: Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel.

Where does JD Vance live?

Vance and his family live in the East Walnut Hills neighborhood of Cincinnati. The senator also bought a $1.5 million home in Alexandria, Virginia, last year, Politico reported .

How long has JD Vance been in politics?

Vance was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022 after defeating former Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan for an open seat in Ohio.

What’s the history between Vance and Trump?

Vance openly criticized Trump in 2016 as pundits used his memoir to explain the former president's popularity with white, rural voters. He previously suggested Trump could be "America’s Hitler," called him noxious and compared him to an opioid.

But Vance changed his tune as he geared up for his 2022 Senate run, deleting controversial tweets and crediting Trump for the work he did in office. He secured Trump's endorsement in a chaotic Republican Senate primary and is now one of the former president's most loyal allies.

JD Vance didn't vote for Donald Trump in 2016

In one NPR interview , he joked that he would rather write his dog on the ballot than vote for Trump or Hillary Clinton.

"I think that I'm going to vote third party because I can't stomach Trump," the "Hillbilly Elegy" author said at the time. "I think that he's noxious and is leading the white working class to a very dark place."

What are Vance's policy positions?

Vance personifies what's known as the New Right , a populist conservatism that rejects many traditional Republican views. He supports tariffs on trade and opposes U.S. intervention in foreign conflicts, particularly the war between Russia and Ukraine. He's also spoken out against potential cuts to Social Security.

Who is JD Vance? Vice presidential candidate has multiple ties to Columbus

Some of Vance's work in the Senate has been bipartisan. He introduced a rail safety bill with Sen. Sherrod Brown after the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. He also worked with Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren on legislation to hold executives accountable for failed banks.

At the same time, many of his other bills reflect conservative views. For example, Vance introduced legislation to ban gender-affirming care for minors and a bill to eliminate diversity programs in the federal government.

Where does JD Vance stand on abortion?

Vance opposes abortion and often says the government should find ways to encourage people to have children.

Like other Republicans, however, Vance changed how he discusses the issue after Ohio and other states voted in favor of abortion access last year. In a December CNN interview , he said Republicans must "accept that people do not want blanket abortion bans."

More recently, he told Meet the Press that he supports access to the abortion drug mifepristone.

Haley BeMiller is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.