what type of writing sample should i send with resume

Guide to Submitting a Writing Sample

By Status.net Editorial Team on November 15, 2023 — 7 minutes to read

Writing samples are pieces of your previous work that showcase your writing skills and ability to communicate effectively. They can play a crucial role in various aspects of your education and professional life, be it applying for a job, an internship, or a college program. By providing a relevant writing sample, you demonstrate your writing talent and persuade others that you’re perfect for the opportunity.

When selecting a writing sample, aim to choose one that best represents your strengths in written communication. It is typically advisable to pick a piece that is relevant to the position or designation you’re applying for.

It’s important to prioritize quality over quantity in your writing samples. Showcasing an error-free, polished piece helps to create a lasting impression and credibility. Therefore, it is advisable to thoroughly proofread and edit your writing sample before submitting it. Even if the submission guidelines don’t specify a word count or page limit, avoid submitting very long pieces, as people reviewing your application may not have ample time to read through them.

As you progress through your education or career, keep updating your writing samples with recent, relevant, and stronger pieces to reflect your improvements and growth as a writer. This will not only help you exhibit your current writing abilities but also keep you ready to seize any new opportunity that comes your way.

• Make sure your writing sample is relevant to the job you’re applying for. Tailor the content to showcase your understanding of the industry and the tasks expected in the role.
• Proofread your writing sample carefully. This is your chance to make a great first impression, so make sure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes.
• Format your writing sample correctly. If a specific format or length is requested, follow these guidelines. Otherwise, use standard formatting: an easily-readable font, clear headings, and bullet points where appropriate.

Types of Writing Samples

Research papers.

Research papers are a great way to showcase your analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as your ability to conduct thorough research on a particular topic. This type of writing sample can be useful for jobs that require a deep understanding of complex concepts, such as scientific research or academic positions. Including a research paper that demonstrates your expertise in a specific field can set you apart from other candidates.

Articles and Blog Posts

Submitting articles and blog posts as writing samples is a good choice for positions in content marketing, brand development, or online journalism. Articles and blog posts should showcase your ability to engage readers while clearly presenting information on a specific topic. Choose samples that are relevant to the industry or company you are applying to, as this will help the employer see how your writing skills can benefit their organization.

Press Releases and Public Relations

Press releases and public relations materials demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with a wide audience, making them ideal for jobs in business, media, or journalism. These writing samples show your ability to deliver news or announcements in a clear and concise manner, which can have a significant impact on a company’s reputation and success. Be sure to select samples that highlight your ability to convey the main points of a story or event in an engaging way.

Narrative and Descriptive Writing

Narrative and descriptive writing samples allow you to showcase your creative voice and storytelling abilities. This type of writing is relevant for positions that involve crafting narratives, such as advertising, scriptwriting, or creative writing. Choose samples that include vivid descriptions and engaging characters to help the reader visualize your story. Be sure to maintain a professional tone, even when writing about personal experiences or fictional situations.

Cover Letters and Resumes

Finally, your cover letter and resume can also serve as writing samples, especially when applying for jobs that emphasize communication skills. A well-written cover letter shows your ability to clearly articulate your qualifications and why you are the right candidate for the position. Similarly, a well-structured resume demonstrates your ability to organize information and present it in a clear, easy-to-read format. Take the time to customize your cover letter and resume for each job application to highlight the most relevant skills and experiences.

How to Choose Your Sample

• When selecting a writing sample to submit, it’s important to consider the tone and style of your work. Make sure it aligns with the expectations of the audience you’re trying to reach. Think about who will be reading your sample and what they are likely looking for in a writer. Your writing should be engaging, informative, and reflect a style that is suitable for the medium.
• As you pick your writing sample, focus on relevance, selecting a piece that showcases your abilities in the specific genre, niche, or subject matter that is relevant to the position or opportunity you’re pursuing.
• Keep in mind the administrative aspects of submitting a writing sample, such as following submission guidelines, including word count, document format (such as PDF or Word), and any other specifics related to the requirements. Double-check your work for structure, grammar, and punctuation to ensure that your writing sample is polished and professional.

Preparing and Formatting Your Sample

Before submitting a writing sample, take time to carefully edit and polish your work. Ensure that your text is free from grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Check your sentence structure to make sure your ideas are clearly articulated and easy to follow. Using a style guide, like the APA or MLA style, helps maintain consistency and professionalism throughout your writing.

A well-formatted writing sample is not only easier to read but also demonstrates your attention to detail. Break up large blocks of text into smaller paragraphs, aiming for three to five sentences per paragraph. This helps your reader stay engaged with your work and digest the information more easily.

Consider using formatting tools like bullet points or bold text to emphasize your main points. This allows readers to quickly understand the main concepts you’re presenting and makes the content more engaging. However, be cautious not to overuse these tools, as it might make your writing appear cluttered and unfocused.

Proper Submission of Writing Sample

• To start off, craft an engaging introductory paragraph that immediately captures the reader’s attention. A strong intro sets the tone for the rest of the piece and ensures the reader understands your purpose and focus.
• Make sure your writing sample is accessible in the required file format – typically, this would be a PDF or Word document. Double-check that the formatting is consistent throughout the text, including font style and size, as well as spacing and indentation. Should there be any specific formatting requirements, be sure to adhere to those guidelines.
• Before submitting, take the time to proofread your writing sample thoroughly for grammar and spelling errors. Correct any issues you come across to ensure a clean, polished presentation. If possible, ask a friend or colleague to review your work and provide feedback. They might catch errors that you initially missed or suggest improvements.
• When you’re ready to submit your writing sample, carefully include it in your application or email it as an attachment, if that is the requested method. Clearly label the file with your name and the title of the piece so that recipients can easily identify your work.
• Don’t forget to follow up once you have submitted your writing sample. If you haven’t received a response or feedback within a reasonable amount of time, it’s okay to send a polite reminder. This shows your interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i create a standout writing sample for a nonprofit position.

To create a standout writing sample for a nonprofit position, focus on showcasing your passion for the organization’s mission, your understanding of the target audience, and your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. Some tips to consider:

• Research the organization and its mission deeply
• Use persuasive language and storytelling techniques
• Highlight your problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Address the challenges faced by the nonprofit sector and offer potential solutions

What type of writing sample should I submit for an internship?

For an internship, it’s important to submit a writing sample that demonstrates your enthusiasm for the industry and your ability to learn quickly. Some possible options include:

• A research paper or article from a relevant class
• An excerpt from a personal blog or previous internship project
• A piece about a recent development in the industry

Ensure your sample is well-organized, free of errors, and demonstrates your writing abilities and critical thinking skills.

How long should my writing sample be for different applications?

The length of your writing sample will depend on the specific application requirements and position. As a general rule:

• Academic applications: 10-20 pages
• Professional job applications: 2-5 pages
• Internships: 1-3 pages

Always follow any specific guidelines provided by the institution or company you are applying to. If no length is specified, aim for a concise and focused sample that showcases your abilities effectively.

What are the basic guidelines for creating a professional writing sample?

When creating a professional writing sample, consider these basic guidelines:

• Choose a topic or prompt relevant to the job or application
• Follow a clear structure and use headings and subheadings
• Maintain consistent formatting and use appropriate fonts and margins
• Edit and proofread your work to eliminate errors and ensure clarity
• Tailor your sample to the specific company or industry
• 3 Sample Emails: How to Ask for a Raise in Writing
• Optimal Color to Wear for an Interview (Guide)
• Letter of Continued Interest Example (Guide)
• Complete Guide to Writing Reference Letters [Templates]
• Job Interview Request Email Responses (Detailed Examples)
• 8 Examples of Effective Interview Confirmation Emails

How to Submit a Writing Sample to Get a Job

Many different positions require a writing sample as part of the application process. While most common in the fields of publishing and editing, a mandatory writing sample might be also requested when applying for jobs in the legal industry or other areas that require accurate and punctual written communication. This article will show you how to submit a writing sample so you can move to the next hiring step.

How to submit a writing sample 

Here are several steps to follow when preparing to submit your writing sample: 

1. First, ask the employer what type of sample should be submitted

In a real-life job assignment, asking questions before you start working can save everyone time and frustration. Therefore, you should not hesitate to ask questions regarding the type of writing sample the employer is seeking. Find out if they want to see an email, a formal letter, or an article. You should also ask about the format they prefer for accepting submissions, such as a Word document or a PDF.

Many times, employers will leave things like tone, length, and other details up to interpretation. In general, you should submit a few paragraphs (unless requested otherwise). Consider whether they want you to express knowledge on a specific topic.

2. Second, select a topic that is relevant to the position you are applying for

If the employer does not provide you with a specific topic for your writing sample, you should do some research into the company’s existing content and work to align with their brand’s style. Choose a topic that is relevant to the industry you will be writing about. 

For instance, if you are applying for the position of editor for a bird owners magazine, you may select a writing sample that demonstrates your knowledge about a specific type of bird or the special care they require. If you are applying for the position of a paralegal at a law firm, draft a sample letter that demonstrates your ability to craft professional correspondence to clients on behalf of an attorney. 

3. Third, decide if your past work qualify 

If you happen to have a past work that is relevant to the company and representative of their brand’s style, you may be able to adapt it to fit your needs as part of your writing sample. You can even share a co-authored work, especially if you are applying for a position that requires collaborative writing skills. 

4. Fourth, draft your sample

Whether you are writing a sample from scratch or choosing an existing work, you will need to adapt the writing to suit the position you are applying for. It needs to be concise and interesting so that it piques the employer’s attention. If you are submitting a longer work as your sample, you should either summarize it into a few paragraphs or select and adapt a few paragraphs from the piece. You can then present it as an ‘excerpt,’ ‘summary of,’ or ‘adapted from’ the original piece. 

When creating a writing sample from scratch, it may be best to opt for a very specific topic. This allows you to demonstrate in-depth knowledge in fewer words compared to covering multiple topics or a general topic. 

5. Last, finalize and submit your sample

The final step before submitting your writing sample is proofreading it. It is always helpful to have a second person review your writing before submitting as they may be able to catch something that you missed. Always check for spelling, punctuation, and other essential aspects before uploading the writing sample to the employer.

Career Center

Division of student affairs, selecting and submitting writing samples.

What is a writing sample and why is it necessary?

In today’s competitive job market, applicants—even those applying to positions not related directly to writing—may be required to submit writing samples. These are primarily used to determine writing ability, show literary and grammar skills, and reflect one’s overall writing style.

What should I consider when selecting a writing sample?

• Follow employers instructions; it is fine to ask for clarity if you are unsure.
• If the employer does not specify, submit a sample that closely matches the subject matter or position.
• If you have no relevant work experience (i.e., you are applying for an entry-level job), you may submit a school assignment. A lab report would work for a science-related position. An assignment from a business or technical writing class would also be appropriate.

Are certain samples inappropriate?

• Submitting outdated samples (older than one year) is not a good idea.  Doing so communicates that you have not kept current.
• Avoid samples that have no relevancy to your industry/expertise. For example, a creative or narrative writing sample would not be appropriate when applying to a scientific or technical position, whereas it might work well for other positions or graduate programs. Try to match your sample to the kind of writing you will be doing on the job.
• Blogs are discouraged unless they are professional sounding and relevant to your field.
• Avoid sending samples on political or religious topics.

What if I don’t have an appropriate, recent sample?

• Write one! There is no rule that your writing sample must be something you wrote for work or a class.

How long should a writing sample be?

• Samples should be concise and succinct: one to four pages are usually sufficient.  In many cases, reviewers are primarily interested in how well you convey your ideas (structure and grammatical accuracy) as opposed to content.
• You may provide an excerpt of a longer paper, as long as the excerpt makes sense as a stand-alone document. If your sample is an excerpt of a longer work, be sure to note that on the first page.

Can I submit a sample I co-authored?

• It is permissible to send a sample that was a collaboration between you and another person; however, it’s best to do so if collaborative efforts are a part of the position for which you are applying.
• It is best to also include other samples where you are the sole author.

Are there any precautions I need to take when submitting samples?

• Be sure to protect confidential information included in your documents. Change or remove names, company names, addresses, etc., to protect the identity of those referenced.
• Edit your sample! Just because you received a good grade on a paper doesn’t mean it’s free from errors.

Start gathering samples now!

You never know when you might be asked to submit a writing sample. Consider developing a portfolio of well-written pieces so they will be accessible when needed. Choose samples that represent a full range of skills: samples of how well you summarize and convey complex ideas, research papers, editorials, articles, journals and blogs (relevant ones). You can keep a few of your best writing samples in Handshake.

Adapted from, “Tips to Get Your Writing Sample Right for a Job Application” by Margot Charmichael Lester)

• Accreditation
• Consumer Information
• Equal Opportunity
• Privacy PDF Download
• Web Accessibility

Subscribe to UMBC Weekly Top Stories

I am interested in:.

• I am interested in: Undergraduate
• I am interested in: Graduate
• I am interested in: Professional Masters

Explore Jobs

• Jobs Near Me
• Remote Jobs
• Full Time Jobs
• Part Time Jobs
• Entry Level Jobs
• Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

• $15 Per Hour Jobs
• $20 Per Hour Jobs
• Hiring Immediately Jobs
• High School Jobs
• H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

• Business And Financial
• Architecture And Engineering
• Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

• What They Do
• Certifications
• Demographics

Best Companies

• Health Care
• Fortune 500

Explore Companies

• CEO And Executies
• Resume Builder
• Career Advice
• Explore Majors
• Questions And Answers
• Interview Questions

How To Submit A Writing Sample For A Job Application

• About Me Page
• Answering Machine Messages
• What To Bring To A Job Fair
• Free Job Posting Sites
• Email Sign Offs
• How Long Does It Take To Become A Doctor
• How Long Does It Take To Become A Vet
• Government Programs That Help Felons Get Jobs
• How Long Does It Take To Become A Dentist
• Job Search Spreadsheet
• Right To Work States
• How To Research A Company
• How To Change Careers
• What To Do If You Have No References
• Working For a Big Company Vs. A Small Company
• Writing Sample Format
• How Long Should A Writing Sample Be
• How To Get A Job Fast
• How Many Jobs Should I Apply For

Find a Job You Really Want In

If you’re applying for a job that requires excellent writing skills , you may be asked to provide a writing sample. Employers will read such samples carefully to compare your writing skills, style, and tone against those of other candidates.

In this article, we’ll discuss in detail what hiring managers are looking for in writing samples, how to write an excellent writing sample, and how to submit one.

Key Takeaways:

Writing samples may be required as part of a job application for rules that involve large amounts of writing, and can be a good way to showcase your skills.

You may be asked to write something specific for a writing sample, or you may be asked to submit previous work, so it’s a good idea to keep a portfolio of potential writing samples.

Examples of professional writing samples could include blog posts, articles, research papers, and more.

What are Writing Samples?

What do hiring managers look for in writing samples, how long should a writing sample for a job application be, important tips for submitting a writing sample.

• Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs

Writing samples are supplemental documents that some job applications will ask for, particularly for positions that involve a heavy amount of writing.

These include jobs and fields such as:

Employers may also request writing samples for positions that don’t necessarily involve that much writing but do require it for certain important situations.

For example, an HR professional may only use writing skills semi-frequently. However, as they often need to write important company-wide notices, they nevertheless need to master those writing skills.

Different hiring managers may look for different details and demonstrated skills in a writing sample, depending on the specific position, industry, and company.

Most hiring managers will be examining four broad categories when reading your writing sample, namely:

Tone. Your tone should mix professionalism with what’s common in the industry.

A writing sample for a corporate blogging position, for example, might include a dash of personality and humor. A writing example for a research position, in contrast, should use a direct and professional tone without any distracting elements.

If possible, you should research the company and find writing work done by existing employees. You can then study those pieces and tailor your tone to the company’s own.

Style. A piece of writing’s style determines its overall main purpose, so it’s extremely important to demonstrate mastery over the style that fits the main duties of the job .

There are four main writing styles:

Expository. Expository writing lays out facts and information in a logical order without any reference to the writer’s own opinions.

Use this style in your writing sample if the job you’re applying for includes business writing, technical writing, or non-editorial journalism.

Descriptive. The goal of descriptive writing is to help readers visualize the topic at hand.

Writers will use words and writing techniques that evoke the five senses. You should adopt this style for positions involving poetry, advertising, and fiction writing.

Make sure to demonstrate your personality and individuality to the hiring manager through your writing sample.

Persuasive. Persuasive writing aims to influence the opinions or decisions of readers.

Effective use of this style will involve clearly and confidently stating your position and then backing it up with supporting evidence and reasoning.

You need to demonstrate mastery over this writing style if you’re applying for editorial journalism or advertising positions.

Narrative. Narrative writing is essentially storytelling. It involves using dialogue and descriptions of actions to walk readers through real or fictional events.

This is the writing style you should use in your writing sample if the job involves writing fiction, biographies , or anecdotes.

Content. Some hiring managers will give you a prompt to address, while others will allow you to pick any writing sample that you believe will demonstrate the necessary skills.

If given a choice to pick your own writing sample, then you should try to choose one that speaks about topics relevant to the job.

Great examples of professional writing that you could submit as a writing sample include:

Press releases

Research papers

Narrative papers

Grammar and spelling. Regardless of the overall quality of your writing sample and its content, making grammatical and spelling mistakes will come off as unprofessional and sloppy.

They’re almost always extremely easy to spot and will taint the hiring manager’s entire impression of you. Take the time to proofread your work so that your efforts aren’t wasted because of some minor errors.

In most situations, your writing sample should have about 600-800 words and around one to two pages.

It’s smart to limit your writing sample’s length, as hiring managers typically spend very little time looking over each candidate’s job application.

A short but memorable writing sample is almost always better than a longer but less impactful one. The proper length of your writing sample may also depend on the type of job .

For a position that demands a narrative style of writing, for example, you want your sample to be at least long enough to set the scene.

For lengthier writing samples such as research documents, you should just try to pick a passage that contains a cohesive idea.

Of course, the employer’s actual instructions will take precedence over any general advice we give, so read them carefully and make sure you’re not missing anything.

Here are some additional tips that you need to consider before submitting a writing sample for a job listing:

Avoid sensitive subjects. Review your writing sample and make sure it avoids speaking on sensitive topics such as religion, politics, or personal information, especially if it’s an editorial or opinion piece.

Make sure that it also excludes confidential material such as third-party contact information and private financial data.

Follow the instructions. This may seem like obvious advice, but many candidates do misread instructions given by employers and submit writing samples that don’t fit what you’re looking for.

It’s better to just spend that little bit of time rereading the instructions and making sure that your writing sample complies with them.

Make sure your sample is up to date. This tip is specific to editorial writing positions and isn’t too important for most other types of writing jobs .

Some companies expect their writers to have a good grasp on decent events and an ability to predict events related to politics or economics.

For such jobs, it’s not a great look if you provide an outdated writing sample that was completely disproven.

Add an introductory paragraph. It can be helpful to precede your writing sample with an introduction to provide contextual information such as what the writing sample was originally for and what you think the sample demonstrates about you.

For example:

Please find my writing sample for the Market Research position in the following attachment. This sample was taken from an editorial piece I wrote that was featured in the National Marketing Insights magazine. I believe it demonstrates my ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear matter and analyze large sets of data.

You can include your introduction in your email , on a cover page , or directly in your writing sample.

Make sure your writing sample is impactful. When submitting a writing sample, your goal shouldn’t just be to check off a job application requirement but to actually stand out and impress .

Take a step back and consider what impact your writing sample might make on a hiring manager and what it says about you as a candidate.

A great way to set yourself on the right track is to first create a personal tagline for yourself. For example, maybe you want to be seen as “the leader ” or “the extremely creative candidate.”

Now, read your writing sample and ask yourself if it communicates that message. If not, then scrap it and try again.

This extra effort may seem pointless, but you need to consider the sheer number of candidates that you’re likely competing against.

If you’re going to settle for just any writing sample, then your application will just be average and will certainly lose out to any exceptional candidates.

Bring copies of your sample to the interview. Even if you submitted your writing sample online, you should still print out a few physical copies to bring to the interview.

The hiring manager may ask questions about the sample, so you’ll want to have it in front of you.

Even for other types of questions, you may find the writing sample a useful tool to directly reference whenever you need to highlight a certain skill you have.

Make sure to print out at least five copies in case you lose a few or are interviewed by more than one person. You should also do the same with your resume .

Avoid blog posts. As a general rule, you should only include a blog post as your writing sample if there are no other options.

The exception, of course, is if you’re applying for a blogging position or if the writing sample is especially professional or otherwise relevant.

Focus on demonstrating skills, not content. Hiring managers ask for writing samples to assess your writing skills, not obtain actual work.

Focus less on whether the content of your writing sample is perfectly accurate and more on effectively conveying those necessary skills .

Make sure you’re the sole author. Even for positions that involve co-authorship, you should only provide writing samples for which you were the sole author .

The hiring manager wants to assess your skills and yours alone.

Create a portfolio. If you’re applying for a job that demands writing samples, then you’ll probably need them again in the future.

Start developing your portfolio by saving any works you’re proud of. That way, you’ll have a wider range of writing samples to choose from next time you apply for a similar job.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Recent Job Searches

• Registered Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Truck Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Call Center Representative Jobs Resume Location
• Customer Service Representative Jobs Resume
• Delivery Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Warehouse Worker Jobs Resume Location
• Account Executive Jobs Resume Location
• Sales Associate Jobs Resume Location
• Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Company Driver Jobs Resume

Related posts

How To Get Experience In A New Field

Answering Machine Messages (With Examples)

How Many Job Applications Should You Send Per Day?

What Is A Right To Work Law?

• Career Advice >
• Apply For Jobs >
• How To Submit A Writing Sample Job Application

Writing sample tips for a job application

Many job ads today require candidates to submit writing samples. don't stress out follow these tips instead..

In today’s competitive job market, applicants for many positions—even when they're not directly applying to writing jobs —are required to submit writing samples at some point during the interview process .

Don’t let this request stress you out , even if you’re not a strong writer. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about writing samples for a job that will help you develop and/or select just the right samples.

What kind of writing sample should I submit?

Follow any instructions the employer provides—that’s part of the assessment process, says Diane Samuels, a career coach and image consultant in New York City. “If you have any concerns, it’s best to ask questions,” she says. “It shows that you are proactive in seeking advice before moving too far ahead with an assignment, which in a real-life job situation can save time, money and energy.”

If the company doesn’t say what it’s looking for, whenever possible, send something “drafted specifically for this job opportunity so the subject matter and writing style closely match what you might be asked to write once on board,” says Sally Haver, a former senior vice president at The Ayers Group/Career Partners International, an HR consultancy in New York City.

For instance, if you’re going for a sales job, you might submit sales proposals or customer profiles. If you’re applying for an administrative gig, sample memos would be appropriate. Management applicants might consider submitting samples of competitive analyses, reports or HR plans.

If you have little or no work experience or are applying for an entry-level job, submit a school assignment. It’s also permissible to send schoolwork “if you have applied for a position where the style of writing will be similar to something you would have prepared for school,” Samuels says. A lab report would work for a scientific research gig. An assignment from a business writing class would be appropriate for a management-trainee job.

Are certain types of writing samples inappropriate?

It’s a bad idea to turn in a paper from school if you have been out of school several years. “It says, ‘I haven’t written for years,’” says Thom Singer, a business-development consultant in Austin.

Singer also cautions against sending blog posts (unless your blog is professional and addresses business or industry issues), as well as “creative writing or a letter to grandma.” These forms are ill-advised because they’re not cogent to the type of work you’ll be doing if hired.

How long should a writing sample be?

Most employers seek employees who can synthesize large amounts of information into a short, concise, actionable summary. “Often a one-page memo is a more compelling example than a long term paper,” says Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA Career Center at Northeastern University’s College of Business Administration. That’s because reviewers generally read just a page or two of a long paper, and are not concerned with the specific content, she says.

Can I submit a sample I co-authored?

A sample written with someone else may be appropriate if writing will be a collaborative effort at the job you’re applying for. Just make sure you list yourself as a co-author. But even then, a team-written piece shouldn’t be the only example you submit.

“The employer is seeking samples of your work, and can’t assume your role in a co-authored piece,” says Nancy DeCrescenzo, director of career services at Eastern Connecticut State University.

What about getting a little help with a writing sample?

It’s considered OK to have someone else review your submission for basic errors and clarity. Beyond that, though, and many employers feel the work is no longer representative of your skills and knowledge.

“If you’re really not much of a writer but your sample is great, that’s what they’ll expect of you when hired,” Haver says. “Unless you can keep your ghostwriter handy, that stratagem can boomerang.”

Should I take any special precautions with my samples?

When submitting a writing sample from a previous job, take extra care to keep confidential information confidential. “Mask or delete names, numbers and any other identifying markers from writing samples so the prospective employer will still be able to see the quality of your writing and thought processes but without learning privy information,” Haver says. Alternatively, you could make up a company name and change the type of business and geographic location, she says.

Sarikas offers one final angst-reducing tip: “Have a couple of samples prepared in advance so you don’t have to scramble to find or create something at the last minute.”

Improve your writing

The very first example of your writing that hiring managers will look at is your resume. If it fails to impress, chances are they likely won't even bother with your other writing samples. It's important to have your skills and experience properly highlighted and geared toward the job you're going for. Need some help? Get a free resume evaluation today from the experts at Monster's Resume Writing Service . You'll get detailed feedback in two business days, including a review of your resume's appearance and content, and a prediction of a recruiter's first impression. It's a quick and easy way to put some polish on your candidacy and strengthen the odds of getting called for an interview (or additional writing samples).

Most Helpful In Job Search

How to Get a Job with a Criminal Record

By Martina Mascali, Monster Contributor

How to Tell a Job You Have Another Offer - with Examples

By Venus Gentile, Monster Contributor

What Do Employers Look for in a Background Check?

How to find and ask for a job referral, 11 tips for starting a new job successfully.

• English (IN)

You control your data

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

Cookie settings

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

Choose type of cookies to accept

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

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

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

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

To see a detailed list of cookies, click here .

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

• Resume Help

How to Make a Resume in 2024: Writing Guide + Examples

Our customers have been hired by:

Landing an interview is a race against the clock. With many job seekers competing for just one position, you need a resume that has no equal in terms of relevance and clarity.

To achieve your next career goal, make a comprehensive resume document that contains all the key information and addresses the job requirements accurately. Allow me to share with you a step-by-step advice on how to make a resume. 

In this guide, I’ll provide you with:

• 9-step instructions on how to make a resume for your desired job.
• 10 complete resume examples for various jobs and approved by career experts.
• FAQ section to dispel doubts about how to write a resume that hits your career goals.

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

Create your resume now

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

You can start by watching our video to get the basics of resume writing:

How to Make a Resume: Example

Willow Foster

DevOps Engineer

123-456-7890

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/willow.foster

Highly proficient DevOps Engineer with over 5 years of hands-on experience. Eager to support CodeSync Innovations in managing complex system infrastructures and optimizing deployment pipelines using strong cloud migration expertise. Spearheaded a cloud migration project at CloudCraft Solutions that reduced operational costs by 30%.

DevOps Dynamics, Idaho Falls, ID

June 2016–Present

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities

• Developing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines for multiple deployments per day.
• Managing cloud-based infrastructure services, including Compute instances, Storage, and SQL databases
• Implementing containerized applications using Docker.
• Collaborating with several teams to ensure smooth operations.

Key Achievement:

• Led a team to improve system uptime from 95% to 99.99%

Junior DevOps Engineer

CloudCraft Solutions, Idaho Falls, ID

May 2014–June 2016

• Assisted in managing and configuring virtual and physical servers
• Assisted in application deployments in different environments.
• Helped in managing public and private DNS servers.
• Played a vital role in a cloud migration project that reduced operational costs by 30%.

BSc in Computer Science

Idaho State University, ID

August 2010–May 2014

Relevant extracurricular activities

• Member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).
• Participated in various coding competitions and hackathons.

Academic achievements:

• Dean's List, 2012–2013 academic year.
• Programming languages: Python, Java, C++, Bash
• Cloud Technologies: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform
• Configuration Management Tools: Ansible, Puppet
• Containerization Technologies: Docker, Kubernetes
• Operating Systems: Linux, Windows Server
• Strong Communication and Collaboration
• Quick Problem-solving skills

Certifications

• AWS Certified DevOps Engineer, Amazon Web Services, 2015
• English—Native
• Spanish—Intermediate
• Participating in local coding hackathons.
• Blogging about the latest DevOps tools and practices.

Alright, now here's how to make a resume in 9 simple steps: 

1. Choose the Right Resume Format

Before you start writing your resume, you need to take care of the canvas prior to painting your application. It’ll help you organize your document; recruiters will bid in interviews when they see your craftsmanship. 

There are 3 main resume formats :

1. Chronological resume —has a classic resume layout , emphasizing your work experience and professional accomplishments. It lists your work history in reverse order, from the most current going backward. It’s the most popular among all-level candidates and recruiters, and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can read it, too. 

2. Functional resume —emphasizes your skills and qualities, hence the secondary name, skills-based resume . The most important resume section is the skills summary, whereas your work history takes a back seat. Use it for your creative resume or when transitioning to civilian with a military resume .

3. Combination resume —a hybrid of the two above. It highlights your experience and skill set. It’s best for professionals with a vast amount of relevant experience to show off. But, it’s also a good choice for career change resumes and covering employment gaps if you wish to do so.

Is there any safe bet when writing your resume? Yes, there is—the chronological resume. See Let me show you what it looks like:

Here’s how to format a chronological resume:

Technicalities

• Create even margins on your resume , 1-inch on all sides.
• Set a legible resume font for the text, like Calibri, or Verdana, in 10–12 pts. For headings, use 13–14 pts in font size.
• Use single or 1.15 line spacing. And add an extra line before and after a heading.
• Exceed a resume’s page limit only when unavoidable. Stick to one page for the best results.
• Start with a resume header . Make it distinctive to highlight your name and contact information.
• Organize your resume sections in the following order: summary/objective, work experience, education, skills, and extras.
• Use bullet points for your entries under each section.
• Find resume icons for each section or skip them altogether.

File format

• See what the job ad says. Look for a preferred file formatting (PDF or .docx) in the job description. 
• If the company asks to send resumes in Microsoft Word .docx format, creating your resume in Word and sending it as required is a good idea.
• Format your resume in PDF . PDFs preserve the structure and formatting on all devices.
• Name your resume file by including the job title first, then the word resume, and lastly, your full name, separated by hyphens or underscores—for example, accountant-resume-jane-doe.pdf.

Pro Tip: Consistency on your resume draft is crucial, just like your consistency as their future employee. For example, format your dates any way you'd like (31 Dec, December 31, 12-2020, etc.), but follow the same throughout.

2. Add Contact Information and Personal Details

A career diplomat knows what information to disclose and which is better to hold back. Likewise, there are basic items that you must include in the contact information section, but you should also know what not to put on a resume .

Here’s what to keep in mind when constructing your contact information section :

• Include your first name and last name first. Then, provide your current or the most recent job title .
• Add your phone number and an email address. Don’t mention your second email address, though, as it may confuse the reader.
• Include your LinkedIn profile if you have one. Alternatively, add a personal website; they’re becoming increasingly popular for creatives or jobs in information technology.
• Avoid adding information such as date of birth, as it could lead to ageism. Similarly, leave your home address off your resume unless it’s required.
• If you’re applying for a job in the US, don’t add a photo unless it’s an acting or a modeling position.
• Use a resume headline if you don’t want to go for a resume summary or objective. They usually cover that part.

See how you could arrange your header and personal details:

Pro Tip: Before a recruiter or hiring manager can look you and your employment history up, you better sanitize your online presence ! That means removing any offensive posts and making private things private. While at it, optimize your LinkedIn profile to make it up-to-date and complete.

3. Start With a Resume Summary or Resume Objective

A hiring manager will scan your resume in 7 seconds, our HR statistics report says. That means the top of the page will likely have the most eye time. And that’s where the resume summary or objective statement is.

Here's how to write a resume profile that makes the recruiter stop and stare:

What Is a Resume Summary & When to Choose It

A resume summary is a 2-3 sentence paragraph that gives recruiters a gist of your relevant experience and boasts about your accomplishments in the field. The purpose of a resume and summary is to immediately draw attention to your candidacy and paint a picture of a fit applicant.

Choose the summary if you have enough relevant experience to condense your position-related skills and qualifications.

Let's take a look at how to write a professional summary with right and wrong examples for clarity:

Difference? WRONG focuses on everyday duties, whereas RIGHT shows graphic design skills, achievements, and experience. The RIGHT examples also mention the company by name. That is a great way to make sure your resume feels personalized rather than just sent to every company out there.

Pro Tip: If you have enough experience, consider writing a summary of qualifications instead.

What Is a Resume Objective & When to Choose It

A resume objective is a short statement providing insight into the qualities and skills you can transfer to the company. The goal of an objective is to show your potential employer what you can help them achieve, considering your skill set.

Choose the resume objective statement if you have no work experience or at least none related to the position you're applying for (entry-level applicants, career changers, students, etc.). 

Let's look at another set of right and wrong examples for writing a career objective:

The RIGHT one uses some transferable skills from the previous company and proud achievements, with numbers as they speak louder than words. The WRONG one doesn’t show enough to hold the hiring manager’s attention. Plus, both WRONG examples above used the first person. Avoid this in your resume.

4. List Relevant Work Experience & Key Achievements

If you think of your resume as a fancy meal, the experience section is the main course. It includes the most important things to put on a resume , like your work history and achievements.

Let me take you through the various job history components of the perfect resume experience section now. 

How to Build a Work Experience Section on a Resume

The recommended way to build your work experience section entries is this, in this exact order:

• Job title : This should go at the very top of each work history entry so that it's easy for potential employers to scan and find. Make it bold or increase the font size by 1pt or 2pts from the rest of the entry.
• Company, city, state : In the second line, include the previous employer's company name and the city and state of your location.
• Dates employed : Thirdly, put the timeframe of your employment there. You should add the month and the year, but there's no need to put exact days.
• Key responsibilities : Focus on 5 to 6 essential job duties most relevant to the new job and list them in reverse chronological order. Use present tense to describe current job and past tense to discuss previous experience.
• Key achievements : Often overlooked but super important. Employers know what you did. They need to know how well you did them. Say it using action verbs to reinforce your capabilities.

Think about accomplishments you've had, not necessarily meaning solid sales numbers or percentages. Were you involved in something that had great success? If so, include it! Showing what you've done beyond your daily duties is what will prompt employers to call you. Employers want to hire someone who exhibits motivation, participation, and ambition. Erin Kennedy CEO, Managing Director at Professional Resume Service, Inc.

The work experience section of your resume, where you describe your past jobs, is the most crucial component of your whole job application. Dive deeper to make sure you get it right: Work Experience on a Resume: Job Description Bullets that *Kill* [100+]

How to Tailor Work History Entries to a Job Description

To tailor a resume means to make it as relevant to the job description as possible by including keywords taken out of a job ad and scattering them throughout the resume. The idea is to show the ATS software you have what it takes to take on the role.

You can include the keywords that an ATS will scan and assign you a score. The more relevant keywords, the higher the score you get. That leads to getting your application seen by a recruiter.

To create an ATS-friendly resume , refer to the job description and look for resume keywords related to your responsibilities. They can touch upon the following:

• Duties (coordinate marketing campaigns, plan and implement promotional campaigns, etc.)
• Skills (project management, marketing communications, B2B marketing, etc.)
• Qualifications (5 years of experience, marketing or business-related degree, etc.)
• Qualities (creative mindset, etc.)

Later, when writing your work history section, use (or refer to) as many of the above as possible in your duties and key achievements.

How Much Work Experience to Include on a Resume

A resume should go back at most 10-15 years . But the more experience you have, the less you should worry about the length of your resume . Don't try to cram everything into a one-page resume if you're a highly experienced candidate. And don’t mention academic achievements unrelated to the role, only to land on a two-page resume .

Let’s go into greater detail:

• First-time job hunters with no work experience can still include other gigs, such as a student organization role, internship, or volunteer experience, to fill out your experience section.
• Entry-level candidates should list and describe all paid work, particularly calling out the most relevant responsibilities and achievements.
• Mid-level job seekers should include detailed job descriptions of relevant positions and mention any other roles briefly.
• Senior-level applicants , such as executives and managers, should list up to 15 years of relevant work experience with powerful action verbs to introduce each bullet point.

Experienced a spell of unemployment? Don't worry! Check out our guide: How to Explain Gaps in Your Resume

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

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

5. Reference Your Education Correctly

Many people consider the education section an afterthought, but you shouldn't. It's an essential part of your resume structure . Simply because it’s an excellent opportunity to prove your qualifications and gain some bonus points for relevancy.

See how to list your credentials in the exact order:

• Degree : Place your highest degree first . That means leaving out the high school info if you finished a university or college.
• University : Add the name and location.
• Dates attended : List your dates of attendance, mentioning the month and the year. I advise against being as specific as including the days.

Such an entry entails the essentials, which is the best solution for candidates with more than a year of experience. If you’re writing an entry-level resume , consider adding the following:

• Completed credits if your education is ongoing or unfinished . (Some college on a resume is better than none.)
• Relevant coursework and major and minor to exhibit your knowledge of the subject matter.
• Latin honors or your awards (e.g., making the Dean's List ) to show your commitment to growth.
• Relevant extracurricular activities for proof of job-related skills.

Pro tip: As for mentioning your GPA on a resume , it’s only a good idea if you graduated recently and your GPA was high enough to impress employers—at least 3.5. Otherwise, just leave it off your application. Also, don't round your GPA up.

For example:

What is the proper education section format? Check out our article: How to Put Education on a Resume

6. Put Relevant Skills That Fit the Job Ad

Your skills are crucial to making your resume relevant to the position (and attractive to employers). A good resume uses the job ad as a reference and includes relevant skills to show you're a good fit for the job. There are two types of skills you can include in your resume:

• Hard skills are specific abilities and know-how (e.g., Photoshop, using a cash register).
• Soft skills are self-developed, life-learned attributes (e.g., social skills, adaptability).

These comprise a skill set and a job seeker's range of skills and abilities.

What Skills to Put on a Resume

Remember that job description you had handy from earlier? Reread it, paying attention to any specific skills that it mentions. If you have any of them, great—those are the keywords to put on your resume. 

See what skills the job ad might include:

• Communication skills : These can consist of people skills , non-verbal communication, active listening skills , and interpersonal skills .
• Leadership skills and management skills : An ability to be a good manager, leader, and supervisor.
• Critical thinking skills : Making thought-based decisions and taking the initiative. Includes analytical skills , decision-making skills , and problem-solving skills .
• Organizational skills : A knack for planning, organizing, and seeing initiatives through.
• Transferable skills : For career changers, these are abilities you learned to carry to your new position.
• Technical skills : Knowledge required to perform specific tasks, like computer skills or clerical skills.
• Job-specific skills: Particular prowess the company specifically requires.

Pro Tip: You might be tempted to write your resume in ChatGPT . While AI can be helpful, it still needs a lot of your work to make it right.

How to List Skills on a Resume

There are several ways to include a list of skills. For most, a simple skills section that contains 5-6 key abilities and your proficiency level is enough: 

For specific job titles and technical skills, I recommend listing your particular knowledge per item to give them specific detail into the areas of the skill you excel at:

Looking for inspiration about what skills to put on a resume? There you go: Over 99 Skills for Your Resume

7. Include Additional Resume Sections

Here's the thing—everyone's job resumes include those sections above. But what should a resume have to make it personalized? Make your resume unique by including extra information. 

Here's how to make your resume stand out with extra sections:

Hobbies & Interests 

You might not think that your love of baseball and being the Little League assistant coach would interest a potential employer. However, listing your hobbies and interests subtly proves your ability to work well in a team, and the coaching can verify your leadership and management expertise. 

Volunteer Work

Volunteering boosts employability, studies find . For most job seekers, listing any volunteer experience as one of your additional resume sections is a great way to show your commitment and values. It also lets them know that you don't only care about the money. For entry-level or first-time applicants needing experience, volunteer work is an excellent stand-in .

Internship Experience

Listing internships on your resume is only OK if you're fresh out of school, have had one or two other jobs, or haven't been on the market for longer than 4–5 years.

Certifications and Awards

Got any certificates or licenses to show off on your resume ? If they are relevant to the job and industry, include them!

Placed first in a chili cook-off at the state fair? If you're looking to be a cook, it’ll definitely help. Likewise, a food safety certification or food handler's license that you already have would surely be in your favor.

Speak another language? Impressive! Listing language skills on a resume only extends your usefulness as an employee, particularly in international corporations or localities where a large population speaks that second language. List the language, global variation (Latin American Spanish, for example), and your language fluency levels.

If you've done a bunch, you can include projects as a separate section or simply mention one or two below each job description.

Publications

Have articles written for a blog, newspaper, or scientific journal? Mention those publications on a resume . If your published material isn't online, create a short bibliography of the works you'd like them to acknowledge.

Also, if you've built graphic designs or other creative creations, or if your list of publications or projects needs to be shorter, consider making an online portfolio to document everything. Link to it from the contact section, in this case.

Would you like to read more about additional sections? Go for it: What to Put for Additional Information on a Resume?

8. Complement Your Resume With a Cover Letter

You must most definitely submit a cover letter . Your cover letter or job application letter lets you expand upon things you need to keep brief on your resume. Also, it allows you to speak easily in standard sentences!

Sound like an overkill? Think again. Most employers think more than a resume is needed to make a decision. Follow our guide on making a cover letter (or a cover letter with no experience or a cover letter for an internship ), and you'll knock this out quickly and painlessly.

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

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

9. Proofread and Email Your Resume the Right Way

You're almost there, but don't send it off just yet. Here are some resume best practices to keep in mind, so you can rest assured that you wrote the perfect resume :

Proofread & Double-Check

How to make a professional resume and be seen as a professional? 

• By double-checking your resume before sending it out. First, review your resume with this checklist to tick off all the check marks for formatting and style. See if you have all the right sections and whether they have all you need to succeed and go through your resume to check your resume content’s relevance. 
• Then, scan your entire application with a tool like Grammarly to check for spelling or grammar mistakes. 
• To triple-check, ask a friend or family member for help. Better safe than sorry!

As for the question of how to spell resume ? It's still a contention, but “resume” without the accents is the best choice.

Do you want more tips and know which common resume mistakes to avoid? See these for more: 50 Best Resume Tips and Resume Dos and Don’ts

Email Your Resume the Right Way

When you send a resume to a catch-all email address such as [email protected], your resume enters a sea of similar emails from other job seekers fighting for the same position as you.

Find the name of the person reading your resume and personalize your email with that information. Sending a resume is much more compelling when you use Dear Mike instead of To Whom It May Concern .

Now, you wish you had an email template for emailing a resume? Say no more: 10+ Email Examples for Emailing a Resume

10+ Resume Examples for Various Jobs

Now that you have the entire theory available at your disposal, let me show you what you can achieve by following it. See the examples depicting how to build a resume for different types of jobs:

1. Accounting Assistant Resume

2. Data Engineer Resume

3. IT Specialist Resume

4. Manager Resume

5. Office Administrator Resume

6. Paralegal Resume

7. Sales Associate Resume

8. Teacher Resume

9. Technical Writer Resume

10. User Experience (UX) Designer Resume

Our guide serves to write a resume for any job. However, making a resume for your specific situation is ideal for maximum efficiency. Check out a few of our guides; they may also apply to you:

• Resume With No Experience
• Teen Resume
• Student Resume
• College Application Resume
• College Student Resume
• Internship Resume
• Resume for a Part-Time Job
• Entry-Level Resume
• Resume With Employment Gaps
• Federal Resume
• Canadian Resume

If you’re an international reader, you can also switch over to:

• How to Write a CV
• How to Write a Biodata

In case you wondered! What the US and Canada call a resume, most of the world calls a curriculum vitae (CV). South Africa, India, New Zealand, and Australia interchange the terms resume and CV. Read about the  differences between a resume and a CV  for more.

Key Takeaway

Time for a quick summary. Here's how to write a professional resume:

Select the correct resume format.

Start with a resume header containing your name and contact information.

Create a summary or an objective, shortly describing your qualifications.

Include your professional experience.

Describe your relevant education.

List your hard and soft skills relevant to the job you’re after.

Add extra sections that will impress the recruiter.

• Use Zety's easy resume helper to write your resume in no time. More than eighteen resume examples and templates are there to guide you, with tips and advice along the way.

Have any questions on how to do a resume? Not sure how to make the perfect resume work experience section or how to build a resume list of skills or achievements? Reach me  in the comments below, and I'll answer your questions. Thanks for reading, and good luck with your resume preparation!

About Zety’s Editorial Process

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

• https://www.ccsu.edu/csc/studentsalumni/files/LinkedInGuideCSC.pdf
• https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/employment/drafting.essential.functions.51915.pdf
• https://www.americorps.gov/sites/default/files/evidenceexchange/FR_2013_VolunteeringasaPathwaytoEmployment_1.pdf
• https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.7113

How to Write a Resume FAQ

What is a resume.

A resume, also referred to as a résumé or a CV, is a document summarizing a person’s professional and academic background, relevant skills, and accomplishments. It’s usually used to introduce yourself and present your qualifications to a prospective employer when applying for a job.

Do you need a specific type? Zety’s prepared hundreds of resume examples , from an entry-level resume to a software engineer resume to a video resume . Visit our page to find your own.

How to make a resume for a job?

First, read the job ad carefully to pick up keywords for your resume that you’ll target to pass the Applicant Tracking Software test. Next, create resume sections necessary to present yourself, your qualifications, and your strengths. The sections are:

• Personal details
• Professional summary or objective
• Employment history
• Other, such as awards, certificates and licenses, or languages

Depending on the industry and experience, you’ll have to think about which additional sections work best. But you definitely can’t write a resume without the other five. You can spare yourself the worry by using our resume maker .

How to write a resume for the first time?

Write your first resume with transferable skills in the skills and resume objective sections. In the work history part, add accomplishments examples that prove your qualities of a valuable employee, such as curiosity, eagerness to learn and assist, and developed communication skills . Internships and volunteering placements fit there perfectly. And most importantly—put your academic achievements right below the objective to highlight your educational advancement.

How to make a good resume that will impress recruiters?

An impressive resume is a resume that reads well and looks so, too. So before you get down to writing the nitty-gritty details of your professional and academic achievements, take care of the resume formatting and layout.

Only then move on to adding the biggest successes under each section: resume profile , experience, education, and skills. But—additional parts make the strongest impression, so don’t forget to include awards, certifications or licenses, or extracurricular activities to your resume . Say you’re an achiever, not a doer.

What is the format of a resume?

The chronological format is the most popular resume format suitable for every job applicant—an entry-level position, a specialist, or an executive. By choosing it, you decide to show off your career progression.

Functional format , or skills-based resume, presents you in the best light when changing careers. It concentrates on your skillset and leaves work history in the back seat.

Combination format , aka a hybrid, is a well-blended mixture of the chronological and functional formats. It’s the most complex one to write as it includes a skills summary and an extended experience section, which is apt for senior positions. 

How to make a resume in Word?

You can spare yourself the trouble and use a pre-made Word resume template . But if you have quite some experience with text formatting (and plenty of time), start making your resume in Word . Create a clean layout, choose a font that reads well, and limit the number of graphic elements on the page not to overwhelm the ATS. Then, add the main and additional resume sections in an order suitable for the resume format . Save it in a Word or PDF file at the end, keeping in mind the instructions from the recruiter. 

Or, if you need a top-notch resume that takes just minutes to make and looks better than any Word resume, pick one of Zety’s resume templates , add your info, and land that job.

What does a good resume look like in 2024?

In 2024, you need to make even a stronger impression than in the previous years. Use a modern resume template and include the most important sections: personal information, summary or objective, employment history, education, and skills. Add your best achievements under each section and quantify them. Show your future employer that you’ve had an impact and will continue to bring results.

Don't miss out on exclusive stories that will supercharge your career!

Get a weekly dose of inspiration delivered to your inbox

Similar articles

10 Best Resume Builders in 2024: List + Templates

You don't need Reddit to find reviews of the best online resume builders in 2024. I’ve got you covered. Learn what’s the best resume builder from my article instead.

General Cover Letter Sample, Generic Template, & Tips

Can you use a generic cover letter for all jobs? Only if you know how to do it well. See a professional general cover letter sample and read our tips to make it even better.

What Does the Best Resume Look Like in 2024

Not sure what your resume should look like to impress recruiters? You’ve come to the right place to find out. See for yourself what the best-looking resume looks like.

Writing Samples & References

Writing samples.

Some employers will ask you to submit samples of your writing as a part of your application. Writing samples demonstrate your ability to analyze information and display your communication skills. You may be asked for a writing sample if you are applying for a position in a writing-intensive field such as advertising, journalism, public relations, law, media, or research. Approach the writing sample as an opportunity to show employers how well you can express yourself in writing.

If you aren’t sure about the appropriateness of your writing sample, visit the Cawley Career Education Center to speak with our staff or contact the organization to ask a clarifying question.

Writing Sample Tips

Do not submit a writing sample unless it is specifically requested. If you are unsure, reach out to the employer and ask.

Follow the application instructions.  Most employers will specify how many pages in length they expect the sample to be.

• If they do not specify length, submit 2 to 5 pages of writing, double-spaced. You may use an excerpt from a longer document. Mention at the top of the first page that you are submitting only a selection from a longer document. Be sure to specify what the prompt was.
• Clearly label each submission with an appropriate title and origin (if necessary).
• If providing hard copies, use resume paper and/or put them in a presentation binder.

Focus on quality and edit as necessary.   Whatever writing sample you choose to submit should represent your best writing. Even if you have completed an assignment for a course, re-check your work for style and substance to be sure that it is the best possible representation of your writing. 

• If you are planning to submit a paper, consider meeting with the professor for whom you wrote the original paper for additional feedback and suggestions. 
• Remove any privileged or sensitive information.

Consider content .   While some employers may specify the subject matter they wish your writing sample to address, that is not always the case. If they do not, submit something that would be similar to the type of writing you would be expected to do within the position. For example, if you are applying for a position within a public relations firm, something similar to a press release might be most appropriate.

Do not use anything too old. You want to make sure that you are giving employers a recent example of the quality of your work.

Submit only your own work . If you incorporate others’ work, cite your sources. (A short bibliography does not usually count towards your total number of pages.)

Reference Page Tips

• Ask permission to use individuals as a positive reference prior to submitting their name and contact information to an employer.  Ask how they would prefer to be contacted, or if their availability will be limited in any way.  Make note of these preferences/limitations on your reference page.
• Follow employer instructions as it relates to both the number of references required and the types of individuals they would prefer to contact.
• Include a minimum of three professional references , unless the employer indicates otherwise. Note that if a personal connection acted as a direct supervisor for your work experience, consider adding a fourth reference who knew you only in a professional setting.
• List references in order of importance or applicability to the position.
• Add a “relationship line” for each reference . This helps employers understand the context of your interactions.
• Send your resume and a copy of the job description to your references . Consider setting up a brief conversation to share why you are interested in the position. This allows them to prepare thoroughly to speak to your qualifications.

Did you know? Advising Appointments are available year-round and throughout the summer!

• Undergraduates
• Ph.Ds & Postdocs
• Prospective Students & Guests
• What is a Community?
• Student Athletes
• First Generation and/or Low Income Students
• International Students
• LGBTQ Students
• Students of Color
• Students with Disabilities
• Student Veterans
• Exploring Careers
• Advertising, Marketing & PR
• Finance, Insurance & Real Estate
• General Management & Leadership Development Programs
• Law & Legal Services
• Startups, Entrepreneurship & Freelance Work
• Environment, Sustainability & Energy
• Media & Communications
• Policy & Think Tanks
• Engineering
• Healthcare, Biotech & Global Public Health
• Life & Physical Sciences
• Programming & Data Science
• Graduate School
• Health Professions
• Business School
• Meet with OCS
• Student Organizations Workshop Request
• OCS Podcast Series
• Office of Fellowships
• Navigating AI in the Job Search Process
• Cover Letters & Correspondence
• Job Market Insights
• Professional Conduct & Etiquette
• Professional Online Identity
• Interview Preparation
• Resource Database
• Yale Career Link
• Jobs, Internships & Other Experiences
• Gap Year & Short-Term Opportunities
• Planning an International Internship
• Funding Your Experience
• Career Fairs/Networking Events
• On-Campus Recruiting
• Job Offers & Salary Negotiation
• Informational Interviewing
• Peer Networking Lists
• Building Your LinkedIn Profile
• YC First Destinations
• YC Four-Year Out
• GSAS Program Statistics
• Statistics & Reports
• Contact OCS
• OCS Mission & Policies
• Additional Yale Career Offices

Writing Samples

• Share This: Share Writing Samples on Facebook Share Writing Samples on LinkedIn Share Writing Samples on X

Guide to Submitting a Writing Sample

Source: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/guide-to-submitting-a-writing-sample 

Writing samples are used by employers to evaluate your writing skills, tone and style. If you are applying for positions that require strong writing skills, you might be asked to submit a writing sample.

While some employers might ask you to email or upload your writing sample as part of your application, others might ask you to bring it to your interview or possibly email it after your interviews to help employers make a decision. In this guide, we discuss what employers look for in a writing sample, how to choose a writing sample, how to write one and how to submit it.

What is a writing sample?

A writing sample is a supplemental document for a job application often requested for jobs that include a significant amount of writing, like those in journalism, marketing, public relations and research. Employers might also ask for a writing sample if you will be responsible for writing and communicating important information or correspondences. For example, if you are applying for a job in HR at a small company, you might be responsible for sending company-wide information. In this case, the employer will look for candidates with strong writing skills who can clearly communicate important information across the company.

What do employers look for in a writing sample?

Different employers look for different details in your writing sample depending on the job, company and industry. Every employer, however, will look for tone, style and writing skills including content, grammar, spelling and punctuation. While the specific writing style of the company can often be learned on the job, employers might be looking to hire someone with a certain level of writing skills at their first day on the job.

How long should a writing sample be?

In most cases, your writing sample should be around 750 words or between one and two pages. Like your resume, employers have a limited amount of time to review your writing sample. A brief, impactful writing sample is better than a long, less impressive one. Often times, employers will provide a specific page or word count they require from your sample. If you decide to submit a research paper or other lengthy document, you can make it shorter for the employer by selecting a certain passage or section.

How do I choose a writing sample?

While some employers might give you a writing assignment with a specific prompt, others might simply ask you to provide a sample from your past work. Choose a writing sample that is relevant for the job you’re applying for. Here are some examples you may want to consider:

• Research papers from a job or class
• Narrative papers from a job or class
• Other writing assignments
• Press releases
• Articles or other contributions

When deciding which piece of writing you should submit, consider the following ideas:

Follow the employer’s instruction

The employer might ask for a specific type of writing like a research paper or a piece covering a certain topic. Read the employer’s instructions carefully before making a writing sample selection.

Consider relevant writing samples

When deciding on a writing sample, you should consider only those writing pieces that are relevant to the position. For example, if you are applying for a scientific research position, you should select a research paper from your most recent position or highest level of schooling. If you are applying for a position in PR, you should submit a press release or other relevant documents.

Find relatable topics

Along with selecting a relevant writing style, you should try to find a sample that also relates to the subject matter of the position. Submitting a sample with content similar to what you’ll be writing about on the job will help employers relate your writing skills directly to the job.

Align your writing with the company’s tone

You should select a piece of writing that is relatable for the company. For example, you should not submit a sarcastic, irreverent writing sample for a company with a professional, helpful brand image. Alternatively, you might not submit a modest, simple writing sample to a company that’s sole focus is risk and creativity. You can find clues about a company’s tone by researching their website,  Company Page  and recent news articles or press releases.

You should also read several pieces of writing that the company has already published. This could include reading their company blog, website or research papers.

Make sure it is up to date

Selecting a writing sample that is older than one year might contain out of date or irrelevant content. If you are selecting an old writing sample, be sure to carefully review and update it to reflect the most recent ideas. You also want to demonstrate that you have recently had to use your writing skills—if you send an employer a writing sample from several years ago, they may assume that you have not done any writing since then.

Avoid sensitive subject matter

Unless specifically requested by the employer, you should avoid sensitive content like politics, religion or personal information. You should also review your writing sample to exclude any confidential information like third-party contact information or private company information like financial or other data.

What if I don’t have a writing sample?

You might not have a writing sample if you have no professional experience or have not previously held a job where you produced applicable pieces of writing. If this is the case, it is acceptable to write a new sample for the employer. This way, you’ll be able to write a fresh, relevant passage that is specific to the position you’re applying for.

Pay close attention to the employer’s direction regarding the writing sample, research the company for clues on tone and style and review your document carefully for grammar, spelling and punctuation mistakes.

How to submit a writing sample

Before submitting a writing sample, you should proofread it several times to ensure it is free of errors. It is critical to achieve as close to perfection as possible in a writing sample, as your writing skills are the key focus of this document. It might be helpful to read your document backward—doing so presents the words in a new order and makes it easier to catch mistakes. You might also consider asking trusted friends or family to review your writing sample.

Whether you submit an entire piece or part of a writing sample, it can be helpful to write a short introductory paragraph for context. You might include it directly on your sample, on a cover page or in your email. For example:

“Please find my writing sample for the Sr. Product Research position attached to this email. This sample is a passage from a larger study about how product simplicity impacts consumers. I believe it showcases my ability to clearly communicate results from an important project that lead to key achievements for the company.”

After you’ve polished your writing sample, you should follow the employer’s instructions when submitting it. You might be asked to upload your sample on an online application, email it or bring it to your interview. If you are bringing your sample to an interview, you should bring at least five hard copies in case you have multiple interviewers. If you are applying to several writing jobs, you might consider creating an online writing portfolio that you can easily send to employers.

Visitors to this website should refer to our  terms of use policy .

Office of Career Strategy

Visiting yale.

Protect your data

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our Privacy Policy . You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

• Resume and Cover Letter
• Highlighting Writing Skills...

Highlighting Writing Skills on Your Resume

11 min read · Updated on April 22, 2024

Do you know how to prove your writing skills in a resume?

In today's competitive labor market, it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate yourself from other job candidates. To successfully compete, you need to make sure that your resume delivers a powerfully compelling message that makes a positive first impression on hiring managers. One way to enhance your resume narrative is to include your relevant writing skills.

In this post, we will explain the following: 

Why writing skills are important in so many different industries

We'll examine the different types of writing abilities that employers may be looking for

We will also help you learn how to match your skills to your desired job role

We'll show you how to use achievements to highlight writing skills in your resume

We'll provide some examples showing you how to include writing skills in a resume and offer some tips you can use to enhance your writing ability

What are writing skills, and why are they important?

Many job seekers assume that they only need to include writing skills in a resume if they're seeking a job that involves a lot of writing. Obviously, the ability to communicate through the written word is an essential skill for people who create marketing presentations, reports, legal briefs, and similar documents. At the same time, though, those same skills are invaluable assets in many other fields as well.

That's because writing skills enable you to communicate ideas in a convincing way. People who possess these skills are often proficient in a wide array of communication styles, including everything from persuasive writing to the use of descriptive, technical, or creative writing. Effective writers also tend to excel in the use of good writing structure, grammar, punctuation, and messaging tone.

Employers who see writing skills on a resume will recognize you as someone whose communication skills can provide real value to any team. That's true whether you're seeking a job as a copywriter or pursuing a role in marketing, accounting, or management. 

The bottom line is clear: even if you're not seeking a job that regularly requires great writing skills, highlighting them in your resume can help set you apart from rival job seekers.

Types of writing skills for a resume

At this point, you might be wondering just how detailed you should be when describing your writing skills in your resume. The reality is that there are a host of distinct writing skills that can benefit you in various job roles. Let's take a moment and review some of the most common writing skills that employers might want to see:

Fundamental writing skills like grammar, punctuation, etc.

Business writing

Creative writing

Content writing

Technical writing

Email composition

Report writing

Grant writing

Collaborative writing

Media content creation

Social media writing

Presentation writing

Brand management

How to identify the right writing skills for the job

Before you just start listing different writing skills on your resume, it's important to ensure that you're aligning those skills with the employer's needs. The easiest way to do that is to use your research skills to examine the job posting and any role description you can find. 

Which specific writing skills are listed as required qualifications? 

What terms are used to describe those abilities? 

Create a list of all those skill requirements and focus on including them in your resume's skill section.

It can also be helpful to search the Internet for similar job resumes to see which skills are typically listed as core competencies. That can provide useful insight into what employers want to see from candidates in your field.

It's also vital to make sure you're using the same terms the employer used in their job posting since those terms may be keywords needed to satisfy applicant tracking systems, or ATS. 

You'll want to include those keywords throughout your resume to ensure the ATS software finds them during the automated screening process. That can improve your resume's chances of being seen by a hiring manager.

Use achievements to demonstrate your writing skills on a resume

As you create your list of writing skills, always focus on skills that you can demonstrate by referencing specific experiences and accomplishments. Employers understand that anyone can claim to possess certain skills. However, only truly skilled individuals will be able to back up those claims with real-life achievements. By citing those skills in the summary and work experience sections of your resume, you can more effectively demonstrate how your writing skills create real value for employers.

The following tips can help you create powerful achievement statements that demonstrate your writing skills in your resume.

Select writing skills that have achieved real results

Make sure that you include achievements that show how the writing skills in your resume were used to produce real results for employers. Your focus should be on using achievements to prove your skills. For example, if you've used those abilities to create client presentations that helped close deals, create an accomplishment statement that highlights that achievement.

Quantify the value your skills have provided

It is also vital that you quantify your achievements by including real numbers that reflect the value your skills can bring to any organization. Those numbers can demonstrate the amount of revenue that your writing skills helped to generate, increases in online engagement, time savings, cost reductions, or any other measurable achievement that contributed to your employers' profitability, productivity, and operational efficiency.

Create achievement statements

If you really want to make sure that employers understand the value of your writing skills, you can highlight those abilities throughout your resume. Obviously, you'll want to include some of the most prominent writing skills within your core competencies section, and in the bullet point achievements that you include in your professional experience section. For maximum impact, you can also include an achievement statement in your summary that emphasizes those skills.

Below, we'll show you how to highlight your writing skills in each of those key sections.Writing skills in your core competencies section

As you might imagine, your core competencies, or skills section, can be a great place to highlight these writing abilities. You can include some of your core writing skills in this section, along with other key technical abilities and relevant soft skills. Remember to use bullet points for your list and use two or three columns to format the section. 

Some of the key soft skills that complement writing expertise include:

Communication

Search engine optimization

Adaptability

Research techniques

Time management

Social media management

The ability to connect with audiences

Try to include a mix of these hard and soft skills. That will help employers understand that you not only have the technical abilities to perform the job but also possess the interpersonal skills you'll need to work effectively with others.

Related post : Soft Skills Explained - and the Top 7 for Your Resume

Writing skills in your resume summary

Your resume summary is another fantastic place to highlight writing skills in your resume. Obviously, it's one of the first things many employers read, and serves as your introduction to the reader. If writing skills are an important part of your resume narrative, you need to include some mention of them in this vital summary paragraph. 

The best way to do that is to add an achievement statement that demonstrates those talents. For example:

Dynamic Marketing Manager with 9 years of experience in strategic campaign development, team building, and project implementation. Skilled content creator with proficiency in online branding, search engine optimization strategies, and increased website traffic and sales engagement. Created multi-tiered email and social media content that reached 20,000 new customers monthly, increasing customer engagement by 22% and leading to a 17% boost in sales.

In that sample summary statement, the last sentence highlights the candidate's writing skills, providing hard numbers that quantify how their content provided real benefits to the employer. If you can create solid achievement statements that demonstrate this type of value, your accomplishments will help to convince employers that you have the skills you claim to possess.

Related post : Resume Profile Explained (with Examples)

Writing skills in your work experience section

It will come as no surprise that the best place to highlight and prove writing skills on your resume is in your work experience section. Here, you will want to use bullet-point achievement statements that quantify your results. For each job title you've included in this section, add between four and six of these bullet-point accomplishments using real numbers that demonstrate your value proposition.

Related post : 47 Accomplishment Examples for Your Resume: Expert Picks

How to list writing skills on a resume: examples

Below are some examples of the types of achievements you can include in these bullet point statements.

• Wrote ABC Corp. Sales Training Manual, revising onboarding and training techniques to reduce onboarding time by 17%; improved new salesperson sales results by 22% in their first six months on the job.
• Created presentation content for Alpha Bank proposed merger, helping overcome M&A negotiation barriers and facilitating $100 million acquisition.
• Crafted more than 500 blog posts, website landing pages, and email campaigns in two years, credited with 130% increase in customer online traffic and 12% increase in sales revenue.

You get the point. The key is to focus on your writing contributions, describing the challenge you faced, what you did to overcome that obstacle, and defining the results. 

If you find yourself struggling to condense those narratives into brief achievement statements, check out a related post: How to Create an Effective STAR Method Resume (With Examples) .

Tips to improve your writing skills

You may find it interesting to know that even professional writers actively work to further develop their writing skills. The reality is that everyone can benefit from continuing to develop their written communication skills, and that includes those who only use these skills on an occasional basis. 

So, how can you develop your writing skills to ensure that you have the abilities needed to make a great impression on employers? Below are some tips to guide you in that question.

1.     Return to the basics

Spend some time reacquainting yourself with writing fundamentals like grammar, spelling, and punctuation. You can find free resources online or take a class at a local community college if you need additional help.

2.     Read more

Believe it or not, regular reading is one of the biggest secrets to effective writing. Immerse yourself in the written word and pay attention to how other writers communicate to their audiences.

3.     Learn to use outlines

Another secret to effective writing is to learn how to create outlines. Before you begin to write any complex document, always start with an outline that provides a clear structure for your narrative.

4.     Practice writing

This cannot be emphasized enough: if you want to be a better writer, you have no choice but to write. Write something every day to ensure that your skills are constantly being used. Practice won't make you perfect, but it will make you better.

5.     Get used to creating drafts

Never assume that the first words you write will be your finished product. Instead, take your ideas and get them out of your head and into your document to create a first draft. Once that's done, you can go back and revise that content as much as needed to create the right message.

6.     Always do your homework

Don't underestimate the power of research. By doing your homework before you start writing, you can ensure that you write with conviction and authority. Readers are drawn to authentic content.

7.     Don't be afraid to delete unnecessary content

Never be afraid to delete words, sentences, or entire paragraphs that contribute little to your narrative. The best writers are always willing to abandon content that isn't achieving their goals.

Enhance your job search by including writing skills in your resume

When you want to highlight your writing skills on a resume, it's not enough to just say that you possess those abilities. Instead, you need to demonstrate those skills by providing real examples of measurable achievements. If you can do that, you'll have an easier time proving those writing skills to employers – which can help differentiate you from rival job seekers and improve your odds of landing an interview and job offer!

Want to make sure that the writing skills in your resume effectively convey your writing talent? Get a free resume review from our team of experts today!

Recommended reading:

Seven Key Resume Sections and How to Organize Them

11 Key Things to Put on Your Resume

17 Resume Tips to Get Seen and Hired Faster

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.

Career Advice Newsletter

Our experts gather the best career & resume tips weekly. Delivered weekly, always free.

Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

Let's stay in touch.

Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy.

Your information is secure. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

How to Write a Cover Letter [Full Guide & Examples for 2024]

After weeks of heavy job searching, you’re almost there!

You’ve perfected your resume.

You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.

You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.

But then, before you can send in your application and call it a day, you remember that you need to write a cover letter too.

So now, you’re stuck staring at a blank page, wondering where to start...

Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think. 

In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.

We're going to cover:

What Is a Cover Letter?

• How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter, Step by Step
• 15+ Job-Winning Cover Letter Examples

Let’s get started.

A cover letter is a document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume or CV.

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, it should be around 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter is supposed to impress the hiring manager and convince them you’re worth interviewing as a candidate.

So, how can your cover letter achieve this?

First of all, it should complement your resume, not copy it. Your cover letter is your chance to elaborate on important achievements, skills, or anything else that your resume doesn’t give you the space to cover. 

For example, if you have an employment gap on your resume, the cover letter is a great place to explain why it happened and how it helped you grow as a person. 

If this is your first time writing a cover letter, writing about yourself might seem complicated. But don’t worry—you don’t need to be super creative or even a good writer .

All you have to do is follow this tried and tested cover letter structure:

• Header. Add all the necessary contact information at the top of your cover letter.
• Formal greeting. Choose an appropriate way to greet your target audience.
• Introduction. Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph and explain your interest in the role.
• Body. Elaborate on why you’re the best candidate for the job and a good match for the company. Focus on “selling” your skills, achievements, and relevant professional experiences.
• Conclusion. Summarize your key points and wrap it up professionally.

Now, let’s take a look at an example of a cover letter that follows our structure perfectly:

New to cover letter writing? Give our cover letter video a watch before diving into the article!

When Should You Write a Cover Letter?

You should always include a cover letter in your job application, even if the hiring manager never reads it. Submitting a cover letter is as important as submitting a resume if you want to look like a serious candidate.

If the employer requests a cover letter as part of the screening process, not sending one is a huge red flag and will probably get your application tossed into the “no” pile immediately.

On the other hand, if the job advertisement doesn’t require a cover letter from the candidates, adding one shows you went the extra mile.

Putting in the effort to write a cover letter can set you apart from other candidates with similar professional experience and skills, and it could even sway the hiring manager to call you for an interview if you do it right.

Need to write a letter to help get you into a good school or volunteer program? Check out our guide to learn how to write a motivation letter !

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter

Now that you know what a cover letter is, it’s time to learn how to write one!

We’ll go through the process in detail, step by step.

#1. Choose the Right Cover Letter Template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, stylish template?

Just choose one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in no time!

As a bonus, our intuitive AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter as you write it. You’ll have the perfect cover letter done in minutes!

#2. Put Contact Information in the Header

As with a resume, it’s important to 

start your cover letter

 with your contact details at the top. These should be in your cover letter’s header, separated neatly from the bulk of your text.

Here, you want to include all the essential contact information , including:

• Full Name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top.
• Job Title. Match the professional title underneath your name to the exact job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
• Email Address. Always use a professional and easy-to-spell email address. Ideally, it should combine your first and last names.
• Phone Number. Add a number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
• Location. Add your city and state/country, no need for more details.
• Relevant Links (optional). You can add links to websites or social media profiles that are relevant to your field. Examples include a LinkedIn profile , Github, or an online portfolio.

Then it’s time to add the recipient’s contact details, such as:

• Hiring Manager's Name. If you can find the name of the hiring manager, add it.
• Hiring Manager's Title. While there’s no harm in writing “hiring manager,” if they’re the head of the department, we recommend you use that title accordingly.
• Company Name. Make sure to write the name of the company you're applying to.
• Location. The city and state/country are usually enough information here, too.
• Date of Writing (Optional). You can include the date you wrote your cover letter for an extra professional touch.

#3. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed all the contact information, it’s time to start writing the content of the cover letter.

The first thing you need to do here is to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager.

In fact, you want to address the hiring manager personally .

Forget the old “Dear Sir or Madam” or the impersonal “To Whom It May Concern.” You want to give your future boss a good impression and show them that you did your research before sending in your application.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes something sticks with their generic approach

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager?

First, check the job ad. The hiring manager’s name might be listed somewhere in it.

If that doesn’t work, check the company’s LinkedIn page. You just need to look up the head of the relevant department you’re applying to, and you’re all set.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novorésumé. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Officer.

Here’s what you should look for on LinkedIn:

And there you go! You have your hiring manager.

But let’s say you’re applying for a position as a server . In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager” or “food and beverage manager.”

If the results don’t come up with anything, try checking out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Make sure to address them as Mr. or Ms., followed by their last name. If you’re not sure about their gender or marital status, you can just stick to their full name, like so:

• Dear Mr. Kurtuy,
• Dear Andrei Kurtuy,

But what if you still can’t find the hiring manager’s name, no matter where you look?

No worries. You can direct your cover letter to the company, department, or team as a whole, or just skip the hiring manager’s name.

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear [Department] Team
• Dear [Company Name]

Are you applying for a research position? Learn how to write an academic personal statement .

#4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.

Hiring managers get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph.

The biggest problem with most opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Here’s an example:

• My name is Jonathan, and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a Sales Manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesn’t say anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

And do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.

Instead, you want to start with some of your top achievements to grab the reader’s attention. And to get the point across, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

Your opening paragraph should also show the hiring manager a bit about why you want this specific job. For example, mention how the job relates to your plans for the future or how it can help you grow professionally. This will show the hiring manager that you’re not just applying left and right—you’re actually enthusiastic about getting this particular role.

Now, let’s make our previous example shine:

Dear Mr. Smith,

My name’s Michael, and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked as a Sales Representative with Company X, another fin-tech company , for 3+ years, where I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month and beat the KPIs by around 40%. I believe that my previous industry experience, passion for finance , and excellence in sales make me the right candidate for the job.

The second candidate starts with what they can do for the company in the future and immediately lists an impressive and relevant achievement. Since they’re experienced in the same industry and interested in finance, the hiring manager can see they’re not just a random applicant.

From this introduction, it’s safe to say that the hiring manager would read the rest of this candidate’s cover letter.

#5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details

The next part of your cover letter is where you can go into detail about what sets you apart as a qualified candidate for the job.

The main thing you need to remember here is that you shouldn’t make it all about yourself . Your cover letter is supposed to show the hiring manager how you relate to the job and the company you’re applying to.

No matter how cool you make yourself sound in your cover letter, if you don’t tailor it to match what the hiring manager is looking for, you’re not getting an interview.

To get this right, use the job ad as a reference when writing your cover letter. Make sure to highlight skills and achievements that match the job requirements, and you’re good to go.

Since this part of your cover letter is by far the longest, you should split it into at least two paragraphs.

Here’s what each paragraph should cover:

Explain Why You’re the Perfect Candidate for the Role

Before you can show the hiring manager that you’re exactly what they’ve been looking for, you need to know what it is they’re looking for.

Start by doing a bit of research. Learn what the most important skills and responsibilities of the role are according to the job ad, and focus on any relevant experience you have that matches them.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. The top requirements on the job ad are:

• Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
• Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
• Excellent copywriting skills

So, in the body of your cover letter, you need to show how you meet these requirements. Here’s an example of what that can look like:

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $40,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. I created the ad copy and images, picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

• Google Search

Our example addresses all the necessary requirements and shows off the candidate’s relevant skills.

Are you a student applying for your first internship? Learn how to write an internship cover letter with our dedicated guide.

Explain Why You’re a Good Fit for the Company

As skilled and experienced as you may be, that’s not all the hiring manager is looking for.

They also want someone who’s a good fit for their company and who actually wants to work there.

Employees who don’t fit in with the company culture are likely to quit sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary , so hiring managers vet candidates very carefully to avoid this scenario.

So, you have to convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about working with them.

Start by doing some research about the company. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company’s product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the company’s culture like?

Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or on job-search websites like Jobscan or Glassdoor.

Then, pick your favorite thing about the company and talk about it in your cover letter.

But don’t just describe the company in its own words just to flatter them. Be super specific—the hiring manager can see through any fluff.

For example, if you’re passionate about their product and you like the company’s culture of innovation and independent work model, you can write something like:

I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features, such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2, were real game changers for the device.

I really admire how Company XYZ strives for excellence in all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone who thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I’ll be a great match for your Product Design team.

So, make sure to do your fair share of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying to that specific company.

Is the company you want to work for not hiring at the moment? Check out our guide to writing a letter of interest .

#6. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Finally, it’s time to conclude your cover letter.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't make in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? If there’s any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision, mention it here. If not, just recap your key selling points so far, such as key skills and expertise.
• Express gratitude. Politely thanking the hiring manager for their time is always a good idea.
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. This means you should ask the hiring manager to do something, like call you and discuss your application or arrange an interview.
• Remember to sign your cover letter. Just add a formal closing line and sign your name at the bottom.

Here’s an example of how to end your cover letter :

I hope to help Company X make the most of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your Facebook marketing goals. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided email address or phone number so that we may arrange an interview.

Thank you for your consideration,

Alice Richards

Feel free to use one of these other popular closing lines for your cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

Cover Letter Writing Checklist

Once you’re done with your cover letter, it’s time to check if it meets all industry requirements. 

Give our handy cover letter writing checklist a look to make sure:

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

• Professional Email
• Phone Number
• Relevant Links

Do you address the right person? 

• The hiring manager in the company
• Your future direct supervisor
• The company/department in general

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

• Did you mention some of your top achievements?
• Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?
• Did you convey enthusiasm for the specific role?

Do you show that you’re the right candidate for the job?

• Did you identify the core requirements for the role?
• Did you show how your experiences helped you fit the requirements perfectly?

Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?

• Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
• Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?

Did you conclude your cover letter properly?

• Did you recap your key selling points in the conclusion?
• Did you end your cover letter with a call to action?
• Did you use the right formal closing line and sign your name?

15 Cover Letter Tips

Now you’re all set to write your cover letter! 

Before you start typing, here are some cover letter tips to help take your cover letter to the next level:

• Customize Your Cover Letter for Each Job. Make sure your cover letter is tailored to the job you're applying for. This shows you're not just sending generic applications left and right, and it tells the hiring manager you’re the right person for the job.
• Showcase Your Skills. Talk about how your skills meet the company’s needs. And while your hard skills should be front and center, you shouldn’t underestimate your soft skills in your cover letter either.
• Avoid Fluff. Don’t make any generic statements you can’t back up. The hiring manager can tell when you’re just throwing words around, and it doesn’t make your cover letter look good.
• Use Specific Examples. Instead of saying you're great at something, give an actual example to back up your claim. Any data you can provide makes you sound more credible, so quantify your achievements. For example, give numbers such as percentages related to your performance and the timeframe it took to accomplish certain achievements.
• Research the Company. Always take time to learn about the company you're applying to. Make sure to mention something about them in your cover letter to show the hiring manager that you're interested.
• Follow the Application Instructions. If the job posting asks for something specific in your cover letter or requires a certain format, make sure you include it. Not following instructions can come off as unattentive or signal to the hiring manager that you’re not taking the job seriously.
• Use the Right Template and Format. Choose the right cover letter format and adapt your cover letter’s look to the industry you’re applying for. For example, if you’re aiming for a job in Law or Finance, you should go for a cleaner, more professional look. But if you’re applying for a field that values innovation, like IT or Design, you have more room for creativity.
• Express Your Enthusiasm. Let the hiring manager know why you're excited about the job. Your passion for the specific role or the field in general can be a big selling point, and show them that you’re genuinely interested, not just applying left and right.
• Address Any Gaps. If there are any employment gaps in your resume , your cover letter is a great place to mention why. Your resume doesn’t give you enough space to elaborate on an employment gap, so addressing it here can set hiring managers at ease—life happens, and employers understand.
• Avoid Quirky Emails. Your email address should be presentable. It’s hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Just use a [email protected] format.
• Check Your Contact Information. Typos in your email address or phone number can mean a missed opportunity. Double-check these before sending your application.
• Mention if You Want to Relocate. If you’re looking for a job that lets you move somewhere else, specify this in your cover letter.
• Keep It Brief. You want to keep your cover letter short and sweet. Hiring managers don’t have time to read a novel, so if you go over one page, they simply won’t read it at all.
• Use a Professional Tone. Even though a conversational tone isn’t a bad thing, remember that it's still a formal document. Show professionalism in your cover letter by keeping slang, jargon, and emojis out of it.
• Proofread Carefully. Typos and grammar mistakes are a huge deal-breaker. Use a tool like Grammarly or QuillBot to double-check your spelling and grammar, or even get a friend to check it for you.

15+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Check out some perfect cover letter examples for different experience levels and various professions.

5+ Cover Letter Examples by Experience

#1. college student cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing a college student cover letter here.

#2. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a project manager cover letter here.

#3. Team Leader Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a team leader cover letter here.

#4. Career Change Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to a career change resume and cover letter here.

#5. Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a management cover letter here.

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an executive resume here.

9+ Cover Letter Examples by Profession

#1. it cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing an IT cover letter here.

#2. Consultant Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a consultant cover letter here.

#3. Human Resources Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a human resources cover letter here.

#4. Business Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a business cover letter here.

#5. Sales Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a sales cover letter here.

#6. Social Worker Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a social worker cover letter here.

#7. Lawyer Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a lawyer cover letter here.

#8. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an administrative assistant cover letter here.

#9. Engineering Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an engineer cover letter here.

#10. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist cover letter here.

Need more inspiration? Check out these cover letter examples to learn what makes them stand out.

Plug & Play Cover Letter Template

Not sure how to start your cover letter? Don’t worry!

Just copy and paste our free cover letter template into the cover letter builder, and swap out the blanks for your details.

[Your Full Name]

[Your Profession]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Location]

[Your LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)]

[Your Personal Website URL (optional)]

[Recipient's Name, e.g., Jane Doe],

[Recipient's Position, e.g., Hiring Manager]

[Company Name, e.g., ABC Corporation]

[Company Address]

[City, State/Country]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

As a seasoned [Your Profession] with [Number of Years of Experience] years of industry experience, I am eager to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my experience in [Your Industry/Sector] and the successes I've achieved throughout my education and career, I believe I can bring unique value and creativity to your team.

In my current role as [Your Current Job Title], I've taken the lead on more than [Number of Projects/Assignments] projects, some valued up to $[Highest Project Value]. I pride myself on consistently exceeding client expectations and have successfully [Mention a Key Achievement] in just a [Amount of Time] through [Skill] and [Skill].

I've collaborated with various professionals, such as [List Roles], ensuring that all [projects/tasks] meet [relevant standards or objectives]. This hands-on experience, coupled with my dedication to understanding each [client's/customer's] vision, has equipped me to navigate and deliver on complex projects.

My key strengths include:

• Improving [Achievement] by [%] over [Amount of Time] which resulted in [Quantified Result].
• Optimizing [Work Process/Responsibility] which saved [Previous Employer] [Amount of Time/Budget/Other Metric] over [Weeks/Months/Years]
• Spearheading team of [Number of People] to [Task] and achieving [Quantified Result].

Alongside this letter, I've attached my resume. My educational background, a [Your Degree] with a concentration in [Your Specialization], complements the practical skills that I'm particularly eager to share with [Company Name].

I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to [Something Notable About the Company or Its Mission]. I'd be grateful for the chance to delve deeper into how my expertise aligns with your needs.

Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

The Heart of Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application falls through.

After all, your cover letter is meant to complement your resume. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression in your cover letter, only for the hiring manager to never read it because your resume was mediocre.

But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered here, too.

Check out our dedicated guide on how to make a resume and learn everything you need to know to land your dream job!

Just pick one of our resume templates and start writing your own job-winning resume.

Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:

• A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that’s meant to convince the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the job.
• Your job application should always include a cover letter alongside your resume.
• To grab the hiring manager’s attention, write a strong opening paragraph. Mention who you are, why you’re applying, and a standout achievement to pique their interest.
• Your cover letter should focus on why you’re the perfect candidate for the job and why you’re passionate about working in this specific company.
• Use the body of your cover letter to provide details on your skills, achievements, and qualifications, as well as make sure to convey your enthusiasm throughout your whole cover letter.
• Recap your key selling points towards the end of your cover letter, and end it with a formal closing line and your full name signed underneath.

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve every step of the way! 

Follow our career blog for more valuable advice, or check out some of our top guides, such as:

• How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide
• How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 [31+ Examples]
• 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers [Full List]

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

• Resume Writing
• Resume Examples
• Cover Letter
• Remote Work
• Famous Resumes
• Try Kickresume

What To Write in an Email When Sending a Resume to an Employer? (+3 Email Templates)

• Klara Cervenanska , 
• Updated January 12, 2024 7 min read

Have you found a job posting that asks you to submit your resume via email? Or maybe you’ve decided to approach your dream company directly. If so, you’re probably asking yourself right now — what to write in an email when sending my resume so I will stand out?

Sometimes employers provide clear instructions on what the email format should include. If that’s the case, follow the employer’s directions closely. 

But if you can’t find any instructions, don’t worry — you can follow the best practices described in this article!

Additionally, there are also 3 email templates for what to write in an email when sending a resume to an employer that you can download and edit to your liking.

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

3 sample emails for sending your resume to recruiters:

How to email a resume: a few tips to keep in mind before sending the email.

• Write an effective subject line. It's the first thing they're going to see

Email body for sending a resume: Keep it crisp, yet formal

Attaching files — resume and cover letter, what should you do before sending your email, what to write in your resume email key takeaways.

Feel free to use any of these templates as your first draft.

#1 Template of an email to send with your resume

#2 template of an email to send with your resume, #3 template of an email to send with your resume.

Additionally, these 10 more job application email templates will give you the help you need at any stage of the hiring process.

Finally, if you already have a fantastic LinkedIn profile but no resume, there's no need to write your CV from scratch. You can  convert your LinkedIn profile into resume  in seconds.

Before you start writing, ask yourself this:   Who is the person you're writing to?

Try to find the hiring manager's contact details so you can address them by name. A slightly more personal approach can decrease the chance of your resume being forgotten or disposed of.

Remember that   your email address needs to be professional . Emails like julezizcoolz@yahoo may have been cool in 2005, but not anymore. Instead, create a professional email address that consists of your first and last name.

You should also consider when to email your resume. In general, you want your email to be among the first ones they receive that day. This means you should send it very early — ideally before 8am.

The same applies for days of week. The later in the week you send your email, the lower the probability that someone reviews it. This is why you should send it very early on a Monday morning.

Naturally, do not put off applying if it's a first come first serve kind of job application. 

Key takeaways:

• Look up the hiring manager's contact details;
• Your email address needs to be professional;
• Send it on a Monday, ideally well before 8am;

Write an effective subject line. It's the first thing they're going to see

Sure, the subject line is just a tiny part of the whole email. However, it's also the very first thing the recruiter is going to see. That's why you want the subject line of your resume email to be absolutely spot on.

First of all, check the job posting for instructions regarding the submission. There may be a preferred subject format the company uses. If that's the case, then you need to stick to it.

However, if there are no instructions, you should stick to the standard format for subject lines :

• Subject: ‘Job application’ – Job title, Job ID (if applicable) — Your Name
• Example: Job application – Office Manager, Job ID #1553 — Ian Lumberjack
• Example (with referral): Referral from John Wick: Job application – Graphic Designer, Job ID #1554  — Nina Hughes

If someone recommended you for the job, definitely make this clear in the subject line. You can add your title or qualification if you wish — but remember, keep the subject line succinct.

Start off with a formal greeting and address the hiring manager by name (preferably last name).

In the first short paragraph you should state who you are, why you are sending this email and what the email contains.

Continue the next paragraph with a short but effective introduction of your best and proudest achievements. Of course, only mention those achievements that are relevant for the job. Close this paragraph by saying what value you would bring to the company and which skills you will use to accomplish this.

In the closing paragraph you need to say that you're looking forward to hearing back from them and meeting in person. You may add a captivating call for action   but be careful not to sound rude or overly keen.

Yours faithfully (US English) or Yours sincerely  (British English).

And finally, a professional signature is a must! Remember to include your contact details.

[Your name]

[Your job title]

[Email address]

[Phone number]

[LinkedIn profile] -  optional 

Remember, you want to keep the body of the email short and succinct. Don't go in too much detail otherwise you might loose the hiring manager's attention. 

Keep in mind that you simply cannot elaborate on every accomplishment and every work experience due to limited space. The email needs to be informative and concise.

This should go without saying but, don't forget to attach your resume to the email! 

Consider whether it's relevant to also attach your cover letter . When you apply for a job in bigger companies you may actually benefit from sending your cover letter as well as your resume. Just remember not to repeat yourself too much in your email body and your cover letter.

Avoid naming the attachments generically or randomly. Names like fghjvh.pdf or resume2.pdf can make it hard for the hiring manager to find these documents later. Name your a ttachments in a way that makes them easy to find   — Name_Surname_Resume.pdf and Name_Surname_Cover_Letter.pdf

The best format for sending your resume and cover letter is .pdf or .doc. We suggest saving your documents as  PDFs , since it's a universally accepted file format, it's easy to open and will not distort the formatting of your documents.

If you’re considering sending a video resume, you should know  how to convert video to MP4 , as it’s the most common format supported across different browsers and devices.

Keep in mind that files should not be larger than 10MB. Otherwise  they might be considered suspicious.

Last but not least, before sending it out, get your resume analyzed to make sure it contains everything it should.

• Resume and cover letter need to be sent as attachments;
• Name your attachments in a way that makes them easy to find;
• Save documents in the PDF format;
• Files should not be larger than 10MB.

Before you send the email with your resume and cover letter, you should check it for any spelling or grammatical mistakes.

Having bad grammar is definitely not something you want to be remembered for. Ask a friend to proofread all your documents. It can make a big difference. 

Additionally, it may be a good idea to send yourself a test email to see whether the formatting and layout of the email is up to the expected standard.

Don't forget to test download and open your files. Check whether you've attached the right file(s).

Also, avoid using any colorful fonts, pictures or emoticons. 

We can check your resume for you.

Scan your resume for issues and see how it compares against other resumes in our database.

Sending your resume attached to a well-written email can be a very effective strategy. It can help you find a way around ATS algorithms that filter out unsuitable resumes before they can even get to an HR employee for evaluation.

So how do you write one?

• Before you start writing the email, make sure you know who to address. Knowing the hiring manager's name will make the email feel more personal and decrease the chance of it being forgotten.
• Your resume address should sound professional. Send your resume email early on a Monday morning for maximum effectiveness.
• We have provided you with email templates. No matter which one you choose, remember — keep the email short, informative and professional.
• Attach your resume and cover letter in the PDF format and name them in a way that makes them easy to find, for example  Name_Surname_Resume.pdf and Name_Surname_Cover_Letter.pdf
• After you have written the email and attached the documents, ask someone to proofread it for you to avoid any grammar errors and typos. Lastly, send yourself a test email to check the formatting and test download the files. 

After you send in your resume, cover letter and your job application, wait for a couple of days before sending a follow up email .

Christy's word of advice

For bigger companies, your application will probably be forwarded straight to the ATS, so just a short email referencing the attached cover letter/resume is fine. An exception is if you’ve been referred to them directly, in which case, keep it formal but mention the referee’s name. For smaller companies where your application is more likely to be manually reviewed, showing a bit of personality will help you to stand out.

Christy Morgan, Resident HR Expert

Concluding thought — even if you construct the perfect email to send with your resume, you still need to make sure you have an impressive resume and cover letter.  

We've got you covered. Check out these articles to help you create the perfect resume and cover letter:

• How to Write a Resume: The Only Resume Guide You’ll Need in 2024
• The Only Cover Letter Guide You’ll Need in 2024 (+Examples)

When emailing your resume to a hiring manager, start with a formal greeting using their last name. In the first paragraph, briefly introduce yourself and explain the purpose of your email. Next, highlight your most relevant and proud achievements, linking them to the value you can bring to the company and the skills you'll use to achieve this. Conclude by expressing your eagerness to hear back and the hope of meeting them in person. Sign off with "Yours faithfully" (US English) or "Yours sincerely" (British English), and include a professional signature with your contact details.

When sending your resume to a hiring manager via email, the subject should always include your name and purpose, e.g. Job application – Job title — Your Name .

In your email when sending a resume with a reference, briefly introduce yourself, mention the position you're applying for, and how you came to know about it. Specifically mention your reference's name and your relationship with them . Then continue by highlighting your most relevant and proud achievements, linking them to the value you can bring to the company. Conclude by expressing your eagerness to hear back and meeting them in person. Sign off.

Klara graduated from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After having written resumes for many of her fellow students, she began writing full-time for Kickresume. Klara is our go-to person for all things related to student or 'no experience resumes'. At the same time, she has written some of the most popular resume advice articles on this blog. Her pieces were featured in multiple CNBC articles. When she's not writing, you'll probably find her chasing dogs or people-watching while sipping on a cup of coffee.

Related Posts

Get a new job through facebook — a short guide to facebook job search.

• 11 min read

Guide: How to Ask Someone to Be a Reference (+3 Email Templates)

Share this article, join our newsletter.

Every month, we’ll send you resume advice, job search tips, career hacks and more in pithy, bite-sized chunks. Sounds good?

Internship and Career Center

Writing samples.

It is not uncommon for employers to request writing samples. Writing samples are simply good examples of your writing skills. They are designed to ascertain whether you have the necessary writing and often research skills to complete required tasks of the position you seek.

You may want to start developing a portfolio of well-written pieces so you can quickly refer to them when needed. You might want to select pieces that show your full range of talents. Some samples might include how well you summarize complex ideas, research papers, editorials, critiques (be sure to omit names), articles, journals, and blogs.

On rare occasions the employer may request a specific kind of writing sample (e.g., a case study). If you have to create one, stick very closely to the guidelines provided.

If a writing sample is requested, here are some guidelines to help you prepare:

First and foremost, make sure the sample is well-written and of the highest quality! Ask yourself if your sample has a clear, well-articulated thesis; is it concise and to the point; does it follow a logical structure; and can the reader easily understand and follow it. Other suggestions and tips:

• It is understood that as an undergraduate student or recent graduate, you will likely use a section of a graded assignment from a class. If sending a graded paper, make sure you received a decent grade, but do not necessarily rule out your "B" papers. Some "B" papers may have potential if you revise them.
• Unless otherwise stated, a good length is 2-5 pages. If you want to send a sample of a larger document, select a 2-5 page section and introduce it with a paragraph that puts the selection into the proper context. Avoid sending 10-15 page research paper even if you received a good grade.
• Provide your own work; if it was a collaborative piece, make sure you state so and indicate which part was your responsibility.
• Assignments related to the industry or subject matter can significantly aide your job search. For example, a case study from a political science or law related course would be an excellent writing sample for a position in a law firm or with an elected official. If you are applying for a job in journalism, you may want to submit an article you wrote for the campus newspaper. For a job that involves research, submit a research paper. For non-profits, you can submit a research paper relevant to the organization's mission.

Preparing the Sample (if not a published article or book)

• Put your name on it!
• Do not try font or margin tricks to make a 2-page paper into a 5-page paper.
• Double and triple check for errors. If you wrote the paper for a class, incorporate any suggestions from your professor or peers.
• Submit a clean copy without a professor's grades or marks.
• If you cited works in the sample, include the bibliography.
• Include a brief note about the context of the sample. For example: "This writing sample is an excerpt from an essay I wrote for my Women's Studies class 'Gender and American Society.' I worked with a partner on this assignment, so I have included only the section of the paper on 'Gender and the Family,' which represents my individual work."

• English (UK)
• Português (BR)

What to Write in an Email when Sending a Resume in 2024

Learn how to email a resume the right way and start getting more job offers. See a proven resume email sample and learn how to write one yourself.

Here’s a bad dream—

You find the perfect job offer. You carefully craft a killer resume. And... It never reaches the hiring manager. Someone else lands the gig.

This dream can turn to reality. Unless you learn how to email your resume the right way.

When emailing your resume, the body of your email should read a bit like your cover letter. But a resume email is  not your cover letter all over again. In 7 minutes, I’ll teach you how to write one that gets you in pole position every time you apply for a job.

This guide will show you:

• Sample email to send with a resume.
• How to email a resume to get more job offers.
• How to find the hiring manager’s contact details and apply directly, instead of using job boards.
• Everything you need to know about resume email etiquette.

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

Create your resume now

What users say about ResumeLab:

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

For starters, take a look at this sample resume email:

Sample Resume Email You Can Copy & Use

Subject line: Senior Customer Service Representative Seeks Customer Service Team Lead Position with XYZ (Job ID #888701)

Dear Marcus,

Please find attached a copy of my resume for the Customer Service Team Lead Position with XYZ.

As a Senior CSR with ABC Corp, I’ve designed and supervised phone and online surveying activities prior to the launch of our new line of products. The result? In 7 months I’ve raised customer experience phone survey ratings by 58% and boosted customer retention by 27%. I’m sure I can translate my 9+ years of CS experience into similar results for XYZ.

Can we schedule a meeting next week to discuss solutions for making XYZ’s Customer Service operations more cost-effective and raising your NPS ratings in the upcoming months?

Cynthia McKittrick

Senior Customer Service Representative linkedin.com/in/cynthia-s-mckittrick [email protected] 555-888-6666

Attachments: Cynthia-McKittrick-Resume-XYZ.pdf

Do you need to write a regular cover letter? Learn how to format your cover letter like a pro and if you need some help with writing see this guide: How To Write a Cover Letter

1. How to Email a Resume to Get a Job [Resume Email Rules]

Here’s the deal—

Emailing a resume to the hiring manager rather than applying through online forms on job boards can put you in front of most of your competition.

There are two reasons for this:

• An email with a resume feels personal. Hiring managers are tired of reviewing those hundreds of identical online applications.
• It lets you escape the Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) trap—instead of getting scanned by robots beforehand, your resume is delivered directly to a human being.

Follow these resume emailing steps:

1. Find the hiring manager’s contact details

First, you need to find out who to reach:

Emailing a Resume: How to Find the Hiring Manager’s Contact Details

• Start with the company website to find the name and email of the hiring manager.
• Google “[Company Name] [Team Name] Manager,” for example “Acme Company IT Manager.”
• If all fails, call the company and directly ask for your hiring manager’s contact details.
• That doesn’t work either? Go to LinkedIn to see if you can find their profile there. Send and invite saying you would like to apply for an open position with their team. They’ll most likely be happy to share their email address— and even if not, at least you’ll no longer be anonymous.

Once you get the right contact details, you have the gold opportunity.

Don’t. Waste. It.

2. Be straightforward in the subject line and opening

Writing an email to send with your resume is a high-risk, high-reward endeavor.

You’ll stand out from the crowd of other applicants if your message gets opened and read.

And guess what? Your subject line and the resume email opening have to take care of that.

In a word: brevity. No fancy narratives, no attempts at jokes or creative puns. Be as straightforward as it gets. It's like the resume profile ( professional summary , or resume objective ) of your application. It has to make your resume stand out in just one glance.

Resume Email: Subject Line

• Say who you are.
• Name the position you’re applying for.
• Address the company by name.
• Include the job id.

The same goes for your resume email opening. Be short and sweet. (Emphasis on “short” is no coincidence.)

How to Email a Resume: Opening Lines

Dear Carrie,

Please find attached my resume with detailed work experience for the Health & Lifestyle Managing Editor with Cosmopolitan.

Hi there Carrie!

When I was a little girl and my mom (God bless her soul) used to be a subscriber of Cosmo, every month, as soon as she got her copy, I’d sit down next to her, marvelling at the pictures on those magical pages. Ever since, I’ve dreamed of becoming a member of your team.

The email you send with your resume might reach the hiring manager in a hurry. Be prepared for that. Make your point clear from the beginning.

The good example above? This one’s going to be saved for later reading. The bad one? Already deleted.

There’s personalized message and then there’s creepy oversharing. Targeting a resume follows similar rules. While on this subject, don't write a generic resume email. Nothing turns recruiters down like an obvious copy-paste.

Alright. You got their attention. Now...

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

CREATE YOUR RESUME NOW

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

3. Present your best assets and make an offer in the main paragraph

Surprise, surprise—

Your resume email is not a copy-paste of your regular cover letter in email text editor.

How to Email a Resume: Proper Format

• Mention your proudest win (something that would look great as a resume bullet point ).
• Support it with quantified data.
• Make an offer: show show you can help.

Take a look:

That’s an email format that will deliver: don’t undersell your professional work achievements but don’t be too elaborate either.

Now they kind of want to give you a shot already. Amplify that good impression you made with the below:

4. Finish off with a clear call to action

Give this a thought—

Your resume email message is basically a sales pitch: the product you’re selling is yourself.

So here’s an interesting online sales stat to guide you in the right direction:

Sales emails in which the call to action was clear and singular (one short sentence; appearing only once in the message) increased sales by, wait for it, 1617%.

People don’t mind being sold to as long as the sales message is concise. Take advantage.

Sample Calls to Action for an Email with a Resume

Good example? Succinct and powerful.

Bad example? Verbose and unconfident. They won’t email or call you back with good news (=job interview invitation).

5. Include a professional sign-off and don’t forget your attachment(s)

Let’s go through key steps:

• Write “Sincerely,” or use a synonym.
• Sign the resume email with your full name.
• If you don’t have a pre-set footer, below the sign-off, include your contact details and, if necessary, basic social media handles.
• Attach your resume. Save it as .pdf and use a professional file name: FirstName-LastName-Resume.pdf
• Add links to your portfolio or professional website.

How to Email a Resume Example: Sign-Off and Footer

www.henryfool_art.site linkedin.com/in/henryfool [email protected] 5533-375-5372 Twitter: @HenryFool12

Attachments: Henry-Fool-Resume.pdf

2. Additional Tips for Emailing Your Resume

Before you press the “Send” button when emailing your resume, check these additional important things.

First, make sure your email has it all:

Winning Resume Email Components

• Strong subject line and on-topic opening
• Main body based on benefits you bring to the table
• Captivating call to action
• Sign-off, footer, & attachment(s)

Second, stop worrying about this:

Cover Letter: Attachment or Body?

It doesn’t make that much of a difference and is mostly a matter of preference.

My take? In 2024, go with the email cover letter and attach a resume only unless a job ad explicitly demands candidates to enclose cover letters as separate attachments.

Third, press the “Send” button the right time:

When to Send Your Email Application?

There’s great research that has all the answers:

• Mondays are best (+46% success ratio boost vs average), Fridays and Saturdays are worst.
• Still, try to apply within 96 hours after a job gets posted: you’ll be 8x more likely to get an interview. After that, every day you wait reduces your chances by 28%.
• The best time? Between 6 and 10 am (89% boost!).

And, to reiterate:

What to Say In a Resume Email?

• Say your name, the position you're applying for.
• Start with a personalized opening line which addresses the recipient by name.
• Mention one of your most impressive, quantified achievements. Show the company how you can help them.
• Ask for an interview, and end with a professional sign-off.

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

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

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

Emailing a resume lets you reach the hiring manager directly, putting you ahead of other applicants. Do it right, and you can already start preparing for the big interview.

Keys to writing a resume email that gets you the job?

• Find the hiring manager’s name and contact details through the company’s website or LinkedIn.
• Get right to the point in your subject line and opening sentence.
• Highlight your relevant work experience & strengths and make an offer in the main paragraph.
• Use a clear and singular call to action.
• Condense, condense, condense.

Questions? Concerns? I’m here to listen and assist. Share your thoughts in the comments and let me get back to you right away.

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

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

With vast expertise in interview strategies and career development, Michael is a job expert with a focus on writing perfect resumes, acing interviews, and improving employability skills. His mission is to help you tell the story behind your career and reinforce your professional brand by coaching you to create outstanding job application documents. More than one million readers read his career advice every month. For ResumeLab, Michael uses his connections to help you thrive in your career. From fellow career experts and insiders from all industries—LinkedIn strategists, communications consultants, scientists, entrepreneurs, digital nomads, or even FBI agents—to share their unique insights and help you make the most of your career. Michael has a degree in Liberal Arts and specializes in personal and professional storytelling.

Was it interesting? Here are similar articles

130+ Hobbies & Interests to Put on a Resume in 2024

Should you put hobbies on resumes? Explore our expert guide to find the perfect hobbies and interests to elevate your resume and learn the art of doing it like a pro.

Mariusz Wawrzyniak

Career Expert

Resume Keywords: How to Use Them + List by Industry

Most employers use applicant tracking systems to sift through resumes. Learn how to optimize your resume with the right resume keywords to increase your chances of getting hired.

Christian Eilers, CPRW

Targeted Resume Examples & Template to Personalize

A targeted resume works because it’s personalized to the job description and the company. In this article, you’ll learn how to tailor your resume to get jobs.

Flow through your inbox

Flowrite turns your instructions into ready-to-send emails and messages across your browser.

For companies

Nov 7, 2022

How to email a resume with 8 samples and templates

At some point during your career you’ll need to send your resume by email. Here's how you do it.

Lawrie Jones

Table of contents

Are you searching for a job? Thinking of applying?

Either way, at some point, you’ll need to send your resume by email.

When sending an email with a resume attached, you’ll need to ensure your message is targeted at the right person, provides all the information you need and hits the right tone of voice. 

How to email a resume

You might be wondering, what should I write in an email when sending a resume? That's what we show you in this guide on how to email a resume.

After going over the basic principles and essential things to note about emailing a resume, you can see 8 examples of resume emails.

What to write in an email when sending a resume

For each job, US employers can expect to receive around 250 resumes . Naturally, they’re looking for reasons to discard them. Informal emails, spelling mistakes, and grammar slip-ups will see your email filed under “Junk”.

Great resume emails are simple, straightforward and easy to understand. They’re not overly funny or attempt to be friendly. But they are professional and provide a little glimpse into your personality. 

The purpose of your email is simply to give the recruiter enough information so that they are encouraged to open your resume. This isn’t a cover letter, so you don’t need to go into vast levels of detail about who you are and why you’re applying, but a short “elevator pitch” is appropriate. 

10 things to include in every resume email 

Here’s a checklist of 10 things you should write in an email when sending a resume:

• Short introduction of yourself
• Statement about the position you are applying for (to avoid any misunderstanding!)
• Brief “elevator pitch” about why you should be considered for the position
• Previous experience with similar roles or relevant results of similar jobs
• Relevant personal information (more on this in the email format section)
• Contact details (including preference)
• Helpful information (such as if you’re going on holiday in the next few days, for example)
• Offer to answer any questions that the recruiter might have (about interview dates, for example)
• Request for information on the next steps
• And remember to attach your cover letter and resume!

Should you send a resume by email?

The answer is 100% yes. Sure, in many cases, you can submit your resume through an online form, so why should you send your resume by email?

Firstly, it creates a personal connection between you and the recruiter. You’ve taken the initiative to email them, and that’s more effective than the anonymity of a web form. 

Secondly, you’re not constrained by character counts. That means you can go into as much detail as you wish (as we explain below, don’t overload the recruiter with too much information). 

Thirdly, establishing a dialogue through email enables you to send follow-up emails if you need to – and in many cases, you will need to. Even the best-planned recruitment processes can be hit by delays , so be prepared to send a follow-up (and use our guide to help!).

Use a professional email address for your resume

Like it or not, your email address is an integral part of your first impression and silly email addresses can harm your chances of getting a job, say the experts. It takes seconds to set up a new online email account, so why put your job search success at risk? 

Some people use their work email accounts to send out resume emails. While it’s not a no-no, it’s risky. Someone may inadvertently see the message, or 

Sending resume email format

Hiring managers and executives are busy people, so you want to keep your email short and sweet. By stripping your messages back to the basics, they’re quicker and easier to write – which means you can spend more time searching for jobs!

When sending a resume email, use a professional format like this:

• Resume email subject line
• Email body (following our top 10 tips for effective resume emails)

Let’s look at the critical aspects of every resume email in more detail.

1. Subject line for resume email

Your resume email is a critical part of the process. Some online guides suggest you try to be friendly or funny, but don’t. Instead, please stick to the basics, keep things simple and make it easy for anyone to understand what your email is about. 

Here are some principles for effective resume email subject lines:

• Label your email “Job application” or “Application for”
• Include the job title in the subject line
• Add a reference number

Here’s how this can work in practice:

• Job application – Marketing Director – REF000111
• Application for Marketing Director – REF000111
• Resume attached – Marketing Director position – REF000111

Of course, you can experiment and develop your own resume email subject lines. In some industries, the creative sector, you may be bolder. 

2. Email body for sending resume

The email body is where you go into details about who you are, what job you’re applying for, and why. We’ve detailed the critical parts in include in your email body above, but as a brief recap, every resume email should include the following:

• Introduction to you
• Details of the job you’re applying for (including a reference number)
• A short explanation of why you’re applying
• Any other information 

It sounds like a lot, but you can cover it in a few short sentences. See our resume email examples below to see how we’ve achieved this. 

3. How to end a resume email

The end of your resume email is your opportunity to offer to answer any questions and ask about the next stage in the process. 

As well as a closing statement, you should provide the essential information the recruiter might need. Always end your resume email with the following:

• Phone number
• Relevant social media links, like LinkedIn and Twitter
• Attach your cover letter and resume

4. Best resume email closings and sign-offs

Resume emails aren’t about being cool but clear, polite, and professional. Go with a classic email sign-off such as “look forward to hearing from you” or “kind regards”, and avoid exciting endings and exclamation marks (“Thanks!!!”).

8 resume email samples

We’ve unpacked the basics of a great resume email. Now it’s our chance to show you how to put everything into practice with 8 resume email samples.

We’ve tried to provide sample resume emails that cover several common situations. These templates include the essential hints and tips we’ve developed. 

Templates are great ways to learn how to format messages, but be sure to adapt and update these resume emails before sending them.

1. Sample email to send resume for job

This is a standard sample email for sending a resume for a job. This is a classic template that suits all circumstances, services, and sectors.

It’s not the most exciting, but it’s quick and easy to adapt, meaning you can send more applications faster. More applications mean more chances to secure a new job.

2. Sample email to send resume to recruiter

Recruiters can include those working in job agencies, internal recruiters and HR partners.

The flow of information is the same as the standard template above, but we add more detail about essentials that recruiters will need, including start dates, notice periods, and leave.

3. Simple sample email to send resume for job

If you have already had an interview with the company and you were asked to send a resume, keep it brief and simple. Sending a resume before an interview provides some vital background information and context for the company, so it’s worth doing if you can. 

4. Sample follow-up email after sending resume

As we’ve explained, you’ll likely have to send many resumes before securing a response or an interview.

If you’re excited about a position or want to understand the next steps in the process, here’s a sample follow-up email after sending a resume that you can use.

5. Sample email cover letter with attached resume

Some recruiters and some companies will request a cover letter alongside a resume. When this is the case, you can assume the recruiter will read your cover letter, which means your email can be much shorter and more precise.

There’s no need to go into much detail about why you’re passionate about the position. See what we mean in this sample email cover letter with the attached resume.

6. Thank you for considering my resume email sample

Some job seekers stop contact when they receive a no. Others will send a thank you email for considering a resume, which can establish a relationship. Here’s a classic “thank you for considering my resume” email sample.

7. Asking someone to review your resume email sample

Writing a resume isn’t easy, and after spending days poring over the details, it’s often a good idea to get someone else to check it before you send it. So here’s a sample email asking for someone to review your resume.

8. Sample how to respond to a resume received email

If you’re a manager or recruiter, you’ll probably have to send hundreds of emails responding to resumes. Here’s a standard professional sample response that you can cut and paste.

Best email template for sending resume

You’ve read our 8 sample resume samples, but we’ve saved the ultimate email for last. Here’s the best email template for sending a resume by email. 

Final words on sending your resume via email

If you’re searching for a job, you’ll spend lots of time sending out your resume. By breaking things down into chunks, it’s easier to apply them in practice.

When you come to write your resume emails, remember to follow our top tips, be professional and provide some insight into your personality.

You’ll likely experience rejection when sending out your resume, but don’t be disheartened. Your perfect job could be an email away!

Supercharge your communication with Flowrite

Write emails and messages faster across Google Chrome.

Explore Flowrite

Start using Flowrite today

Try it yourself

Reply to: "

Received message

Generate a reply

Generate an outreach

Share this article

Related articles

How to ask for a reference with 10 samples and a template

Here we show you how to ask for a reference by email using our handy email samples

How to write a professional job application email with 6 samples and templates

Your email can make or break your job application. Here we explain the process for writing an effective email for a job application.

How to write an email to a company with 4 samples and template

Here we help you draft professional, respectful emails to companies in easy-to-follow steps

We use cookies to analyze site performance and deliver a better experience for visitors.

Product updates

Read the latest →

About Flowrite

Get to know us →

Productivity

© 2023 Flowrite