How to Write a Resume for Today’s Job Market

To get more job interviews, you must create a resume that is optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS). Learn how in this step-by-step guide.

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Learning how to write a resume is a crucial skill for job seekers—it’s how you market yourself to potential employers.

A well-crafted resume summarizes your professional experience, skills, and achievements. It should grab the hiring manager’s attention and show them them why:

  • You’re the perfect match for the job.
  • The skills you have will make the company money.
  • You’re qualified to solve the company’s problems.
  • You’ll be worth your salary.
  • Your accomplishments can be measured and verified.

But in today’s job market, it’s not enough to write an effective resume. You must also tailor each one to the job you’re applying for. Why? Because most companies today use applicant tracking systems, or ATS, to sort and filter the large volume of resumes they receive.

If you’re resume doesn’t contain the specific keywords hiring managers are searching for, it won’t be found—even if you’re qualified for the job!

In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a resume that stands out in today’s job market. We’ll show you how to present yourself as the ideal candidate, highlight the skills that will benefit potential employers, and ensure your resume is compatible with ATS.

Resume builder screen

How to write a resume that gets interviews

Here’s a quick overview of the basic steps for writing a professional resume. Follow these steps to make your resume clear, concise, and appealing.

Gather all relevant data about your work experience, skills, achievements, and education.

Select a format that’s right for you, whether it’s chronological, functional, or hybrid., clearly list your name, phone number, email, and key social media profiles., create a compelling headline that includes the job title you’re applying for., write a brief statement that summarizes your key achievements and value you offer., list the skills you have that align closely with the job requirements., detail your past job roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments., include your educational degrees, certifications, and relevant training., showcase any relevant honors, awards, and volunteer work., tailor your resume by focusing on the experiences and skills that are most relevant to the job..

Before you start working on your resume, remember that your resume is not your biography. You’re not telling the story of your life. Instead, your resume should be a targeted document meant to showcase the skills and experiences that match the job you want .

This means that if something is not relevant to your targeted job, leave it out . With this in mind, let’s start building your resume!

1. Gather your essential information before you start

Before diving into the actual resume writing, it’s crucial to collect all the necessary information you’ll need. This preparatory step ensures that the resume writing process is smooth and that you don’t miss any important details.

  • Significant achievements : List standout accomplishments from previous roles that demonstrate your contributions and successes.
  • Skills : Compile a list of your soft, hard, and technical skills that align with those required by the job you’re targeting.
  • Employment history : Provide detailed information about past employers, including their names, your dates of employment, locations, job titles, and a clear description of your duties.
  • Education : Document your academic qualifications like college degrees, certifications, or licenses that prove your expertise in relevant fields.
  • Volunteer work : Include any voluntary engagements where you developed skills pertinent to the job you are seeking.
  • Awards and honors : Mention any notable recognitions you’ve received that underscore your exceptional talents and commitment.

When you gather your information, include everything you can think of. You can cut information that’s not relevant to a specific job later.

2. Choose a resume format that’s right for you

A  resume format  is the way you organize, or lay out, your information. There is no one-size fits all resume format. Instead, there are three different types of formats to choose from – chronological, functional, and hybrid. Which format you choose depends on your particular situation.

The chronological resume format

This is the most traditional resume format, especially for job seekers with lots of relevant experience.

The chronological resume format lists your work history in reverse chronological order , with your most recent jobs listed first. Your skills and education should come after your work history in this format.

  • Have a strong work history showing steady career growth without significant employment gaps.
  • Are staying in the same field and want to highlight your experience and advancements within that field.
  • Want to highlight career progression and professional achievements over time.

The functional resume format

This resume format focuses on your skills rather than your work history. It helps you downplay your lack of experience in a particular field.

In this format, your skills and education should be emphasized over your work history.

  • Are changing careers and want to emphasize transferable skills over past job titles.
  • Have gaps in employment and want to focus on skills rather than work experience.
  • Are new to the workforce and want to highlight skills, coursework, and internships.

NOTE : Generally speaking, we don’t recommend the functional resume format . Recruiters want to see some kind of work history. Instead of the functional format, try the next resume format—the hybrid.

The hybrid resume format

A hybrid resume is a combination of the chronological resume and the functional resume. It showcases both your work history and your skills.

In this format, your skills comes before your work history. But your work history is still the heart of your resume, just like in the chronological format.

  • Have lots of skills that are relevant to the job you are targeting.
  • Are climbing the career ladder within the same field.
  • Are changing roles within the same industry and want to highlight your relevant skills.

We like the hybrid resume  because it offers the best of both worlds, combining the strengths of the chronological and the functional resume formats.

How to choose the best resume format diagram.

3. Put your contact information at the top of your resume

This section might appear simple, but it’s important. If hiring managers can’t contact you, you won’t get an interview.

  • Phone number
  • Location (City, State, Zip Code)
  • Email Address
  • LinkedIn profile URL

It’s surprising how often job seekers forget a crucial piece of contact information. Double-check to make sure it’s as easy as possible for recruiters to contact you for a job interview.

Here’s an example:

An example of resume contact information.

Contact information do’s and don’ts

  • Include your full name, including your middle initial.
  • Include a link to your professional website or online portfolio.
  • Create a strong LinkedIn profile and be sure to include the URL on your resume.
  • Don’t write your full address; only your city, state, and zip code.
  • Don’t include a work phone number; only your personal number.
  • Don’t add a photo of yourself . This can lead to bias or discrimination.

4. Create a compelling resume headline

Your resume headline comes right after your contact information. At the very least, your headline should clearly identify the title of the job you’re applying for.

Is putting the job title in the headline necessary? Yes! “Think of your resume as a maze,” says resume expert Laura DeCarlo . “It has to have a visible entrance or no one would ever get started.” Without a headline, “the prospective employer won’t know for which position you are applying.”

Your headline can also include years of experience and key qualifications. Here’s an example:

An example of a resume headline.

Resume headline do’s and don’ts

  • Tailor your headline to each job you apply for.
  • Keep your headline under ten words to make sure it packs a punch.
  • Position yourself as an expert in your field.
  • Don’t use clichés such as “hard worker” or “team player.” Be specific.
  • Don’t be too salesy. Focus on giving a snapshot of your skills and experience.
  • Don’t make your headline too long. Cut to the chase.

5. Write your resume summary

A resume summary is a brief paragraph that provides an overview of your qualifications for the role you’re applying for. Most expert resume writers today highly recommend using a summary.

“One of the most common mistakes I see in resumes is the absence of a targeted introductory paragraph at the beginning of the resume,” says career coach Suzanne Berger . “Keep in mind that recruiters or hiring managers only spend 10 to 20 seconds reviewing your resume, so it is important to make an impact from the start.”

As you can see from the following example, your summary goes right under your resume headline:

Resume summary example

Your resume summary should include a concise overview of your key qualifications, professional achievements, and skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Here’s a formula you can use to write your summary, followed by an example:

[Your Professional Title] with [Years of Experience] years of experience. Proven track record in [Top Achievement 1] and [Top Achievement 2] . Skilled in [Skill 1] , [Skill 2] , and [Skill 3] . Known for [Unique Value or Strength] .

Marketing Manager with 8 years of experience . Proven track record in increasing online engagement by 40% and boosting lead generation by 30% . Skilled in content creation, data analysis, and strategic planning . Known for exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage and inspire teams to exceed corporate objectives .

Resume summary do’s and don’ts

  • Use numbers to show that you are able to produce tangible outcomes.
  • Incorporate keywords from the job description whenever possible.
  • Write your resume summary last because you’ll then have a fuller picture of your experiences and skills.
  • Don’t just list your job duties; instead focus on your accomplishments.
  • Don’t use personal pronouns (I, me, or my).
  • Don’t make your summary too long; keep it to no more than 3-4 sentences.

6. Create your skills section

When we talk about keywords, we are mostly talking about skills .

There are two main types of skills— hard and soft . Hard skills are specific abilities you learn through education or training, like using certain software or speaking a foreign language. Soft skills are more about how you work and interact with others, such as teamwork, communication , and flexibility.

an infographic showing the difference between hard skills and soft skills

You should place your skills section under your resume summary. List your skill set using bullet points, either in columns or in a bullet-point format. Try to include 10 to 20 key skills in this section.

An example of how to show skills on a resume.

IMPORTANT! The way the same skill is worded in a job description can vary from company to company. This is why it’s crucial to tailor each resume to the job you’re applying to.

For example, here are three different ways of listing essentially the same skill:

  • Customer Service
  • Client Relations
  • Customer Support

If the job description lists “customer support” and you have “customer service” on your resume, the hiring manager might not find your resume when searching through the ATS database — even though you do have that skill.

To make sure you’re using the right keyword skills, run your resume through Jobscan’s resume scanner . It compares your resume to the job description and tells you which skills to use.

You’ll also receive a resume score which tells you how closely your resume matches the job description. The higher your score the more likely you are to get an interview. Here’s an example of the report you’ll receive from the resume scanner:

A section of Jobscan's match report showing the resume score and missing hard skills.

The skills in red are missing from the resume. Add them to increase the resume score. You can read more about Jobscan’s resume scanner and how to try it for free here .

7. Create a compelling work history section

Now it’s time to get to the heart of your resume – the  work experience  section. This is the section employers will spend the most time looking at when they consider your resume.

Why is this section so critical? Because it’s where you provide the proof to support what you said about yourself in your resume headline, summary, and skills section.

Each job should include the following information and be listed in reverse-chronological order (latest job first).

  • Company name and location – Include the full name of the company you worked for followed by the city and state of its location.
  • Job title – Be as specific as possible to ensure that employers know exactly what your role was within the company.
  • Start and end dates – Include the month and year for each position. If you only list the year, it may appear as though you are omitting information.
  • Achievements and responsibilities – These can be listed using bullet points. Include hard numbers and metrics wherever possible.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when writing a resume is only listing their job responsibilities. These are tasks that you’re expected to perform as part of your job.

Listing your job responsibilities gives a potential employer an idea of what you did day-to-day. But it doesn’t reveal  how well you did it.

This is why it’s important to highlight your specific accomplishments. For example, if you increased sales, reduced costs, or implemented new processes or technologies, be sure to mention these accomplishments.

Here’s an example of a work experience section with measurable achievements :

An example of a resume work experience section.

To write strong bullet points for your work experience section, use Jobscan’s AI-powered bullet point generator. It creates bullet points based on the skills in the job description, highlighting your relevant qualifications. Try it for free here .

Work experience do’s and don’ts

  • Use numbers to quantify your achievements whenever possible.
  • Use action verbs to describe how you did something.
  • Use the mm/yyyy format for resume dates .
  • Don’t list more than 10 years of work experience unless it’s highly relevant.
  • Don’t use the passive phrase “responsible for.” Instead, use active voice.
  • Don’t list every single task you worked on; include only the most relevant.

8. Create your education and certification section

Your education section should appear after your work experience. If you’re applying to a job that requires extensive education (like medicine, law, or academia), you’ll need to be more detailed. But most job seekers can get away with providing only the following information on their resume:

  • Name of the degree/certification: Write the full name of the degree or certification. Use commonly accepted abbreviations (e.g., B.A. in English, MBA, PMP).
  • Institution name: Include the name of the university or institution that awarded the degree or certification.
  • Location (optional): List the city and state if the location is relevant to the job or if the institution is well-known.
  • Graduation date: Mention the month and year of graduation. For certifications, you can also include an expiration date if applicable.

Here’s an example of an education section on a resume:

An example of the education section of a resume.

Education section do’s and don’ts

  • Bold your degree so that it stands out.
  • List your education in reverse-chronological order.
  • Include any relevant coursework, skills training, licenses, and certifications .
  • Don’t mention your high school if you have a college degree.
  • Don’t disclose your GPA unless you graduated recently and had a very impressive academic career (3.5 GPA plus).
  • Don’t list an advanced degree if the job doesn’t require it.

9. Showcase honors, awards, and volunteer work

The key to this section is to only include honors and awards that are relevant to the job you’re applying to.

This can get a little tricky because if you do have honors or awards that are highly relevant, consider including them in your summary section. Otherwise, hiring managers might miss them if you only list them at the bottom of your resume.

If you have any  volunteer experience , it’s generally a good idea to add it to your resume.

According to a LinkedIn survey , 20% of employers say they have hired a candidate because of their volunteer experience. The survey also showed that job seekers who volunteer are 27% more likely to be hired than non-volunteers!

  • The name of the organization.
  • The dates of your service.
  • A brief description of your duties and responsibilities.

Here’s an example of what this section of your resume can look like:

An example of how the honors and awards section and the volunteer section should look on a resume.

10. How can you tailor your resume to a specific job position?

Tailoring your resume to each specific job is not just recommended; it’s imperative . This is because most companies today use ATS computer software to manage and filter the enormous amount of resumes they receive.

When you submit your resume, it goes into an ATS database . Hiring managers search the ATS database for suitable resumes by typing keywords, or skills, into the ATS search bar. If your resume contains these keywords it will be found. If it doesn’t contain the right keywords, your resume will remain in the ATS database, unseen.

Illustration with an ATS "robot" in between a resume and two hands shaking.

To tailor your resume, you must first read the job description. This is where you’ll find the keywords to add to your resume. Make sure you add those keywords exactly as they are written in the job description .

Unfortunately, tailoring each resume to the job description takes time and effort. The best way to speed up this process is to use an online tool like Jobscan’s resume scanner .

Just paste in your resume and the job description and click scan. You’ll receive a match report telling you how closely your resume matches the job ad. The report also tells you exactly which keywords to add to your resume to optimize it for the ATS. Try the scanner for free below:

Effective resume formatting tips

Properly formatting your resume makes it easy for hiring managers to find what they’re looking for. At the same time, good formatting helps the ATS understand your resume.

Remember, if the ATS can’t read your resume you won’t get the job!

Choose a professional, easy-to-read font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in size 10 to 12 for text and 14 to 16 for headings.

Clearly distinguish section headings with a larger font size, bold text, or underlining to guide the reader’s eye effectively through your resume., set your margins to at least 0.7 inches all around, ensuring that your resume looks balanced and does not appear overcrowded., avoid complex graphics, tables, headers, and footers, which can confuse ats software., break up blocks of text. a paragraph should never be longer than 5 lines., use standard headings like “work experience,” “education,” and “skills.” these are immediately recognizable to both hiring managers and ats., use the same style of bullets, text alignment, and line spacing throughout your document., align your text to the left. right-aligned or justified text can create irregular spacing between words, making your resume harder to read., save your resume file as a pdf to preserve your formatting across different platforms., proofread carefully one grammatical error can ruin your chances of getting a job., how to write a resume for students with no experience.

Creating a good resume without any work experience might seem tough, but you can still make a strong impression on employers by highlighting your skills and activities. Here’s how:

  • Focus on your education : Put your education section at the top. Include details like your degree, major, relevant coursework, academic honors, and GPA if it’s above average.
  • Include extracurricular activities : List any activities outside of class, like clubs, sports, or student government. Mention any leadership roles or responsibilities you’ve had.
  • Add volunteer work and internships : Don’t forget to include volunteer positions, internships, or community service. These experiences show your willingness to work and learn.
  • Highlight projects and academic achievements : Talk about any major projects or research you’ve done, especially if they relate to the job you want. Describe what you did and what you achieved.
  • Skills section : Make a list of your skills, including technical skills (like computer software) and soft skills (like teamwork and communication).
  • Professional summary : Start with a short summary that explains your career goals and your best qualities. Make it clear why you’d be a great fit for the job.

Here’s a sample of a resume for students with no experience:

A sample resume for a beginner with no job experience.

How to match your cover letter to your resume

Matching your cover letter with your resume helps create a polished and cohesive application. Here’s how:

  • Consistent formatting : Use the same font, header, and layout from your resume for your cover letter. This helps create a professional and unified appearance.
  • Use similar language : Pick out key skills and phrases from your resume and include them in your cover letter. This reinforces your qualifications and aligns your application with the job requirements.
  • Expand on key points : Choose one or two major achievements listed on your resume and elaborate on them in your cover letter. Explain how these experiences have equipped you for the job.
  • Keep the tone the same : If your resume is formal, your cover letter should be too. If it’s more casual, your cover letter can be less formal as well.
  • Address the job’s needs : Demonstrate how your experiences make you a good fit for the job. Show that you understand what the job involves and explain why you’re the right candidate.
  • End with a call to action : Conclude by expressing your enthusiasm for the role and suggesting they look at your resume for more details. Ask them to contact you for an interview.

When you’re done writing your cover letter, run it through Jobscan’s  cover letter checker . This tool will tell you how to improve your cover letter. 

Hate writing cover letters? Use Jobscan’s  cover letter builder . This tool uses AI technology to generate an ATS-friendly cover letter with just one click.

10 standout resume examples to inspire you

These samples showcase a variety of styles and formats suited for different industries and career stages, giving you ideas on how to write a resume.

1. Sales manager resume example

Sales manager resume example.

2. Accountant resume example

Accountant resume example.

3. Recruiter resume example

Recruiter resume example.

4. Bookkeeper resume sample

Bookkeeper resume example.

5. Digital marketing resume example

Digital marketing resume example.

6. Teacher resume example

Teacher resume example.

7. Customer service resume example

Customer service resume example.

8. Office assistant resume example

Office assistant resume example.

9. Operations manager resume example

Operations manager resume example.

10. Technical writer resume example

Technical writer resume example.

Key takeaways

  • Optimize for ATS : Today’s resumes must be tailored to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) by including specific keywords related to the job you’re applying for. This ensures your resume is seen by hiring managers.
  • Tailored Resumes : Each resume should be customized to the job description, emphasizing relevant experiences and skills. This enhances your chances of standing out in a competitive job market.
  • Resume Formats : Choose between chronological, functional, or hybrid formats based on your career history and the job requirements. Chronological is suitable for those with a strong, relevant job history; functional is best for career changers or those with gaps in employment; hybrid combines the strengths of both.
  • Essential Elements : A resume should include a clear headline, a compelling summary, a detailed work history, relevant skills, and educational credentials. Each section should be crafted to showcase your qualifications and fit for the role.
  • Skills and Keywords : Highlight both hard and soft skills that are directly relevant to the job. Using precise keywords from the job description in your resume ensures compatibility with ATS and increases the likelihood of your resume being selected.
  • Quantifiable Achievements : Where possible, use metrics to quantify your accomplishments. This provides concrete evidence of your capabilities and impact in previous roles.
  • Additional Sections : Including volunteer work, awards, and certifications can differentiate your resume. Ensure these are relevant to the job to keep the resume focused and impactful.
  • Resume Building Tools : Utilize tools like resume builders and scanners (e.g., Jobscan) to construct a resume that matches job descriptions and optimizes for ATS, saving time and improving effectiveness.
  • Format and Proofread : Proper formatting and thorough proofreading are essential to maintain professionalism. Ensure the resume is easy to read and free from errors, which can detract from your credibility.

Beginners can use the chronological format if they have some work experience, even if it’s part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work. However, if a beginner has little to no work experience, a functional format might be better. Include essential resume sections like contact information, a summary, education, and any relevant work experience or skills. Tailor your resume to the job by incorporating keywords from the job description. If you lack work experience, emphasize volunteer work, internships, and extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills and commitment. Always proofread for errors before submitting your resume.

To make your resume stand out to recruiters, start by tailoring it specifically for each job application, incorporating keywords from the job description to align closely with the requirements. Highlight your achievements by quantifying them with specific numbers and outcomes, such as “increased sales by 20%” or “reduced processing time by 30%,” to demonstrate measurable success. Begin with a compelling professional summary that succinctly outlines your key qualifications and what you bring to the role, clearly establishing why you are the ideal candidate. Ensure your resume has a clean and professional layout, with logical sections and easy-to-read fonts, to facilitate quick review and make a strong first impression.

1) Gather information 2) Choose a format 3) Write contact information 4) Craft a headline and summary 5) Detail your experience and education 6) Highlight skills 7) Add additional sections 8) Tailor for the job 9) Proofread and edit 10) Finalize and save

To create a resume with no work experience , start with a functional format that emphasizes your skills and education. Begin with a strong summary statement that highlights your career goals and key skills. Place your education section prominently, including any relevant coursework or projects. List both hard and soft skills applicable to the job, and include any internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your abilities and work ethic. Mention any significant projects or achievements, especially those relevant to your desired job. Also, include any professional affiliations that show your interest in the industry. Ensure the resume is well-organized and clearly formatted to highlight your qualifications effectively.

Use Jobscan’s resume builder , which is specifically designed to help you craft an AI resume that is both appealing to hiring managers and optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). This tool provides templates and real-time content suggestions, helping you tailor your resume effectively for each job application. You can also use ChatGPT to write a resume for free . Just be sure to edit and personalize the results you get.

1) Log into your Google account, go to Google Docs, and either start a new document or use the template gallery. Jobscan also offers free Google Docs resume templates . 2) Select a resume template that fits the job you’re applying for from the template gallery. 3) Replace the template’s placeholder text with your personal information, including contact details, educational background, work experience, and skills. 4) Tailor the content to the job by adding relevant keywords from the job description and adjusting the format—like fonts and spacing—for clarity and appeal. 5) Double-check your resume for any errors and consider having someone else review it too. 6) Once satisfied, download your resume as a PDF or DOCX file , or share it directly via email or a shareable link.

1) Start the program and select “New” from the file menu to access templates. 2) Type “resume” in the template search bar to see available resume designs. 3) Choose a template that suits your needs, then replace the placeholder text with your personal details, including work experience, education, and skills. 4) Adjust the content to match the job description, using relevant keywords and highlighting your qualifications. 5) Modify font size, style, and colors to ensure the resume is clean and professional. 6) Check for any errors, and consider having someone else review it. 7) Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and make sharing easy. 8) Print for physical submissions or save digitally for online applications.

In 2024, resumes should be designed for clarity and ATS compatibility . Start with a professional layout that includes plenty of white space and a logical structure. The top should have your contact information—just your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL , omitting a full address for privacy. Follow this with a concise professional summary, then list your work experience, skills, and education. The format should ensure easy readability for both human recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems, emphasizing a clean design without complex graphics or tables that could confuse the ATS software.

Choosing the right resume format depends on your career background: Chronological: Lists your work history in reverse chronological order, ideal for those with a solid work history. Functional: Focuses on skills rather than work history, suitable for career changers or those with gaps in employment. Combination: Mixes elements of both chronological and functional formats, highlighting skills followed by work history in reverse order. Good for those with significant skills and experiences.

The number of jobs you should include on your resume depends on your experience level and relevance to the role. Typically, if you’re early in your career with less than 10 years of experience, aim for 2-3 recent and relevant positions. For mid-career professionals, around 3-4 positions spanning the last 10-15 years is common. Experienced professionals may include the most pertinent roles from their extensive history, focusing on the past 10-15 years. Ensure each listed job directly relates to the position you’re applying for, prioritizing relevancy over quantity to present a focused and impactful resume.

A resume should typically be one to two pages long, with rare exceptions for highly experienced individuals or those in certain industries. Aim to keep it concise and focused on highlighting your most relevant qualifications and experiences for the position you’re applying for.

AI and machine learning have revolutionized resume screening by automating the process. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) use these technologies to quickly analyze resumes, searching for relevant keywords and qualifications. This saves recruiters time and ensures a more efficient screening process, helping them identify top candidates more effectively.

When writing a resume summary with no experience, focus on your education, relevant skills, and career goals. Highlight any coursework, projects, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate skills applicable to the job. Emphasize your enthusiasm, work ethic, and eagerness to learn. Keep it concise and impactful, showcasing how your background aligns with the position and company’s needs.

Crafting a simple resume involves starting with your contact information, followed by a brief summary statement. List your work experience, education, and relevant skills, ensuring consistency in formatting. Consider including optional sections like volunteer experience or honors/awards. Proofread carefully and tailor your resume to each job application.

author image

Robert Henderson, CPRW, is a career advice writer and a resume expert at Jobscan.

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How to Write Your First Job Resume [For 2024]

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So there you are, sitting in front of a screen, staring at a blank Word page for hours, with one task at hand: writing your first job resume.

Where do you even start?

And most importantly: How do you fill those 1-2 pages when you have no work experience?

We feel your struggle and we’re here to help!

In this article, we’re going to guide you through the entire process of creating a first job resume from start to finish.

Let’s dive right in, shall we?

How to Write Your First Job Resume

  • Pick the right resume template
  • Write down your contact information (correctly)
  • Include a resume objective
  • List your education (in detail)
  • Instead of work experience, focus on…
  • Highlight your skills
  • Mention optional sections
  • Stick to the one-page limit
  • Get inspired by a first-job resume example

Don’t worry, we’re going to cover all of the above in detail!

Starting with the first step:

#1. Pick the Right First Job Resume Format and Template

There are 3 main resume formats you can pick from. Each of them highlights a different part of your resume.

  • Reverse-Chronological Resume - In this format, your work experiences and education are listed in reverse-chronological order. 
  • Functional Resume - Instead of work experience, this format focuses on your skills and achievements.
  • Combination (or Hybrid) Resume - This format focuses on both your skills and work experience.

For 99% of job-seekers, we recommend sticking with the reverse-chronological format.

While a functional resume can sometimes help for career changers or recent graduates, it’s still nowhere near as common as the reverse chronological one.

Plus, recruiters world-wide are familiar with the reverse-chronological format, making it a safer bet.

A reverse-chronological resume looks as follows:

reverse chronological format for first job

Once you’ve picked the format, the next step is to perfect your layout, font, and the like. Here’s what we recommend for that:

  • Use a Two-Column Layout. A two-column resume layout allows you to fit a lot more content into your resume.
  • Pick a Common Font. We recommend Ubuntu, Overpass, or Roboto.
  • Use Bullets to Describe Your Experiences.
  • Don’t Go Over One Page. Unless you’re a professional with a decade of work experience, we recommend sticking to the one-page resume limit.

Want to avoid all the hassle of formatting your resume layout? We don’t blame you - if you wanted to build a good-looking resume from scratch, it would take you hours before you could even start filling it in.

Thankfully, there’s an easier way out: using a resume builder.

With Novoresume, all you have to do is pick a template, and fill in the contents. It’s that simple.

And on top of that, Novorésumé resumes are ATS-friendly . Meaning, your resume won’t be swallowed up by an applicant tracking system just because it can’t read it.

Want to get started with Novorésumé? Browse our resume templates .

first job resume examples

#2. Write Down Your Contact Information (Correctly)

It’s important for the recruiter to have at least two ways of reaching back to you.

Meaning, you should always provide your contact information in your resume . That includes: 

  • First and last name
  • Phone number

Apart from these must-haves, you can also provide:

  • LinkedIn URL - This is a good way to complement your resume. It also makes the recruiter’s life easier since they usually check your LinkedIn profile anyway. Make sure all information is updated and consistent with your resume, though.
  • Relevant social media (like Quora or StackOverflow) - Any social media that is related to the job position and puts you in good light should be included in your resume. In most cases. If you’re a developer, it could be projects on GitHub. Writer? Personal blog.
  • Website or blog - Again, this should be something related to the job. It shows your interest and dedication to the industry and how you spend some of your free time.

When it comes to your contact information, the key is to write everything correctly . Double-check you’ve spelled your name and email right, make sure the phone number you’ve listed can be reached, and that the accounts you have linked to are up to date . 

Something else you should know regarding location is how much detail you should be providing. 

The reason recruiters want to know your location is so that they have an idea of whether you’re in the vicinity of the company or not (and if you’ll need to relocate for work). 

That means, providing the city and country where you live will be enough. No need for your full home address. 

#3. Include a Resume Objective

Recruiters spend on average 7 seconds scanning each resume before deciding if it’s worth more consideration or not. 

That means your resume has about 7 seconds to leave a great first impression and convince the recruiter you’re the person they’re looking for.

A good resume objective does that for you. 

A resume objective is a 2-3 sentence snapshot of your skills, achievements, and career goals . Its purpose is to communicate your motivation for getting into the field and your interest in this particular position. 

This makes it ideal for the first job resume of a recent graduate or somebody who’s changing careers. Basically, any resume with no work experience . 

Your resume objective should be tailored to the position you are applying for and highlight skills that will help the company achieve its goal. Use as many facts and numbers as you can to back up any statements or achievements. 

  • Creative and motivated recent graduate with a B.A. in Marketing from the University of Michigan. Seeking permanent employment in the field of marketing after completing successful internships in 2 major media companies. Looking to further develop my market analysis skills and contribute to future marketing strategy developments at XY Company.
  • I am looking to put my marketing skills into action by initially working for the marketing department of a well-known company until I can finally get to an executive position.

#4. List Your Education (In Detail)

For starters, you should know how to list your education entries correctly in the following format:

  • Program Name e.g.: B.A. in Information Systems
  • University Name e.g.: University of Chicago
  • Years Attended e.g.: 07/2013 - 05/2017
  • GPA (only if really high)
  • Honors (If applicable) e.g. Cum Laude

Exchange Program (If applicable) e.g. Exchange program in Berlin, Germany

Apart from your skills, your education is the biggest selling point in your first job resume. This is not the place to be humble and play down your achievements!

Write down your GPA (if it’s something impressive), emphasize your honors, and most importantly, highlight your academic achievements by describing them in detail.  

What you can also do is list specific courses that you have taken that are relevant to the position you are applying for. 

Here’s an example of what an entry on the education section should look like:

B.A. in English Literature (Cum Laude)

Boston University

07/2014 - 05/2018

  • Courses: Advanced Topics in Literature: Shakespeare’s Work 
  • Clubs: Boston University Drama Club
  • Exchange program in London, UK

job search masterclass novoresume

#5. Instead of Work Experience, Focus On This

As a recent graduate, the recruiter knows you don’t have any work experience - and that’s OK. As long as you’re applying for a junior or entry-level position, the experience isn’t something expected from you.

Instead, the recruiter will be looking for other experiences that enrich your profile, like:

  • Internships
  • Extracurricular Activities

When talking about these experiences, format them just like you’d format your work experience. 

Business Analyst Internship

AAA Company

Milan, Italy

05/2019 - 12/2019

  • Ran weekly and monthly analysis on diverse areas of the business
  • Created insightful reports of the analysis to present to managers and teams
  • Defined strategic KPIs, in order to monitor the efficiency of commercial operations

When possible, try to focus on listing your achievements and not your responsibilities. This will help you stand out from the rest of the applicants.

Haven’t done any internships? Include extracurricular activities.

More often than not, an applicant with extracurricular activities and an average GPA will impress the recruiter much more than a 4.0 GPA student with nothing else to show. When listing your extracurricular activities, each entry should have the following format:

Moot Court Club Member

2017 - 2019

  • Participated for two years in a row at the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, making it to the finals in 2019
  • Researched and prepared written pleadings, called memorials addressing timely issues of public international law
  • Helped train the new club members in topics of international law

Finally, you can also list independent projects, if you have any. Think, something you did on the side just for yourself. This can be a personal project, small business or startup, side-gig, blog, etc.

Amy’s Book Club Blog

2018 - Present

  • Created my own book club website for reviewing and discussing the latest books.
  • Curated a monthly book calendar for my followers to follow, combining trending, relevant, and classic books.
  • Created over 40 book review articles.
  • On average, received 2000 visitors per month to the blog.

#6. Highlight Your Skills

The two types of skills you can mention on your resume are soft skills and hard skills.

Soft skills are attributes that help you adapt to work environments, work in a team, and apply your hard skills effectively. They are related to your personality, social skills, communication, attitude, etc.

Hard skills refer to technical knowledge and specific tools. They are skills that one learns and applies directly to the job. Some examples of hard skills include:

  • Financial accounting
  • Adobe Illustrator

Although soft skills are becoming more and more in demand by employers , for your first job resume, we recommend sticking to hard skills. 

Sure, attributes like “teamwork” or “critical thinking” are much appreciated by just about any employer. 

The thing is, though, the recruiter can’t really tell if you actually have critical thinking skills, or just listed it on your resume to fill space.

Hard skills, on the other hand, are very easy to test.

Tailor Skills to the Job Ad

Not sure which skills to mention in your first job resume?

The simplest way to find the essential ones is to check the job ad.

The recruiter themselves mentioned the skills they’re looking for - the only thing you need to do is mention them in your resume (as long as you have them, anyway).

Let’s say you’re applying for a graphic designer position that wants the following qualifications and skills:

  • Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Acrobat; XD, Animate and/or After Effects are a plus
  • Working knowledge of presentation software (Canva, PowerPoint and/or Keynote)
  • Ability to work under pressure, manage work on multiple projects daily, manage a large workload and meet deadlines.
  • Detail-oriented, highly organized

Based on that, your skills section should include the following:

  • Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat
  • After Effects and Cinema4D
  • Canva and Keynote
  • Time management
  • Detail-oriented

If the job ad isn’t too descriptive, you can also check out these 101+ most in-demand skills for 2024 . 

#7. Mention Optional Sections

Still have some space on your resume?

That’s not a bad thing! You can use this space to your advantage and add some other useful sections.

Here are some ideas:

  • Volunteering - If you have some volunteering experience, make sure to include it in your first job resume. Such a section shows commitment, dedication, and a sense of purpose, something most recruiters will appreciate.
  • Languages - With companies becoming more and more international, additional languages are always appreciated.
  • Hobbies - You can show your genuine interest in the industry or field by listing some relevant hobbies/interests.
  • Awards & Certifications - Whether it’s an award from an essay competition in college or a certificate from an online course, anything that flatters your profile should be added.

#8. Stick to the One-Page Limit

“ How long should a resume be? ” seems like an eternal dilemma at this point. 

Generally, the answer is: it depends. 

Since you’re making a first job resume, the answer is: definitely one page . 

Unless you have an extensive employment history that can’t fit into one page, there’s no need to go over that limit. 

It’s unlikely that the recruiter will want to look at two pages of extracurriculars and hobbies. 

#9. Get Inspired by This First-Job Resume

Need some inspiration for your resume? Check out the resume examples below.

resume for first job

First Job Resume FAQ 

Still have some questions on how to write a convincing first job resume?

We’ll answer them here.

1. What do I put on my no-experience resume?

There’s plenty of other things you can include in your resume instead of work experience. For starters, you should:

  • Focus on your education, making sure the entries are formatted correctly.
  • Pick the right skills that match what the employer is looking for.
  • Talk about internships, personal projects, or extracurricular activities. Describe your achievements in detail.

If you still have some space left, you could use it to your advantage and add extra sections like volunteer work, languages, awards & certificates, or hobbies.

2. Is a resume necessary for a first job?

Depending on the region, a resume or CV is always necessary for a job application, be it the first or the 20th. 

Before deciding if they should call you for an interview, the recruiters need to have some insight into you and your skills.

3. Do I need work experience to land my first job?

Short answer: You don’t! 

If you’re a recent graduate, it’s a given that you won’t have any work experience. Most employers don’t actually expect years of work experience for an entry-level or junior position. 

Instead, they’ll be looking at your other types of experiences (internships, extracurricular activities, etc.) to decide on whether you’re a good fit for the job or not.

4. How do you write a resume for your first job?

The process is quite similar to the one for writing a regular resume, but with a few tweaks.

The exact steps for creating a first job resume are:

  • Instead of work experience, focus on extracurricular activities, internships, projects, etc.

Key Takeaways

Writing your first job resume doesn’t have to be stressful!

Remember the following tips and you’ll do just fine:

  • Pick the right format and template to avoid the hassle of formatting your resume. Make sure to pick an ATS-friendly resume template.
  • Write a concise and attention-grabbing resume objective. Show the recruiter that you’re relevant for the role and that they should read the rest of your resume.
  • Instead of work experience, include information on your internships, projects, and extracurricular activities.

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How to Create a Resume: A Comprehensive Guide

Alex Kataev

To create a resume, follow these steps: Tailor your resume to the job, focusing on relevant skills and experiences. Use a clear, concise format with 1-2 pages for most positions. Highlight achievements with quantifiable results and incorporate keywords from the job description to pass ATS screening. These resume writing tips will help you craft an effective resume that stands out. How to create a resume involves showcasing your qualifications in a way that matches the job requirements.

Key components of an effective resume

  • Tailored content : When learning how to create a resume , customize it for each application, focusing on skills and experiences relevant to the specific job
  • 1 page for entry-level and recent graduates
  • 1-2 pages for mid-level professionals (1-10 years experience)
  • 2+ pages for senior professionals and executives
  • Clear, concise format : Use a professional font (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman) in 10-12pt size as a key resume writing tip
  • Relevant keywords : Incorporate key terms from the job description to pass ATS screening
  • Consistent layout : Use effective margins , headings , and bullet points for easy readability in your effective resume

Crafting your resume sections

Contact information.

  • Include your full name , phone number , email address , and location (city, state)
  • Optional: LinkedIn profile or professional website if relevant

Professional summary or objective

  • Write a brief 2-3 sentence overview highlighting your key qualifications and career goals when creating your resume
  • For entry-level positions, focus on your potential and unique skills rather than extensive experience

Work experience

  • List jobs in reverse chronological order , focusing on the past 10-15 years
  • Use action verbs and quantifiable achievements to demonstrate impact in your effective resume
  • Company name and location
  • Your job title
  • Dates of employment
  • 3-5 bullet points highlighting key responsibilities and achievements
  • For entry-level positions, include internships , part-time jobs , and volunteer work

Skills section

  • Prioritize technical skills and soft skills relevant to the job description
  • For entry-level positions, highlight transferable skills from academic projects, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work
  • Include proficiency levels for language skills and software competencies
  • List degrees in reverse chronological order
  • Degree type and major
  • Institution name and location
  • Graduation date (or expected date)
  • For recent graduates, add relevant coursework , academic honors , or a GPA above 3.5

Additional sections (if relevant)

  • Certifications and training
  • Publications or presentations
  • Professional associations or volunteer work

Tips for optimizing your resume

  • Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Increased sales by 15%") as a crucial resume writing tip
  • Use industry-specific terminology and acronyms relevant to your field
  • Proofread carefully for spelling and grammatical errors
  • Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting, unless otherwise specified
  • Consider using a professional resume template or builder for a polished look

Tailoring your resume for different scenarios

Entry-level positions.

  • Emphasize education , relevant coursework , and transferable skills when creating your resume
  • Highlight internships , academic projects , and extracurricular activities
  • Include a skills section showcasing both technical and soft skills

Mid-level professionals

  • Focus on specific roles , achievements , and skill development
  • Use a combination resume format to showcase both skills and experience
  • Include a professional summary highlighting key qualifications

Senior professionals and executives

  • Emphasize leadership roles , strategic initiatives , and significant achievements
  • Use a longer format (2+ pages) to detail complex career narratives
  • Include a section on board memberships or industry recognition , if applicable

For effective resume examples , consider researching industry-specific templates or consulting professional resume writing services to guide you in how to create a resume that stands out.

How long should my resume be?

For most positions, aim for 1-2 pages. Entry-level candidates and recent graduates should stick to 1 page, while mid-level professionals can use up to 2 pages. Senior professionals and executives may require 2+ pages to detail their extensive experience.

What are some essential resume writing tips?

Key resume writing tips include tailoring your content to the job, using a clear and concise format, incorporating relevant keywords, highlighting achievements with quantifiable results, and proofreading carefully for errors. Use action verbs and a professional font in 10-12pt size.

How can I make my resume stand out?

To create an effective resume that stands out, focus on tailoring your content to the specific job, quantifying your achievements, using industry-specific terminology, and incorporating a clean, professional design. Consider using a resume template or builder for a polished look.

What should I include in my resume's skills section?

When creating a resume, prioritize technical skills and soft skills relevant to the job description. For entry-level positions, highlight transferable skills from academic projects, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work. Include proficiency levels for language skills and software competencies.

Where can I find effective resume examples?

To find effective resume examples, research industry-specific templates online, consult professional resume writing services, or look for examples tailored to your career level (entry-level, mid-career, or executive). Many job search websites and career resources offer sample resumes for various industries and positions.

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How to write a good resume.

Your resume must clearly, concisely and strategically present your qualifications to get a recruiter interested in meeting you. It should convey your skills, work experience and assets. The resume is used to describe what you can accomplish professionally in a manner that also illustrates what you can do for an employer. Job opportunities can arise unexpectedly. An updated modern resume is the key to a successful job search. Here are some do's and don'ts of how to write a good resume and what to include.

Resume Writing Do's

An employer takes an average of 30 seconds to skim a resume. You want them to see right away that you are qualified for the position.

Be sure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes. Have someone else read it over as well. A simple spelling mistake on a resume can give a negative impression to the employer. It can even prevent you from getting the job.

Place the emphasis of your resume on your most recent experience. Older jobs and experience that are more than 15 years old should either be cut out or minimized. This way, the employer can focus on more relevant information.

Specify work experience or achievements that are related to the position you are applying to. This can be done by reviewing the job description or the employer website.

You want to be able to identify the best examples of where you demonstrated your skills. These examples should speak to what you achieved in your role, and should demonstrate what kind of employee you are. It is best to include this information in the "Work experience" section of the resume.

Lying on your resume is never a good idea. You don't want to overstate your skills or results as it will mislead the employer. Have confidence in what you have to offer.

Use firm numbers that the employer will understand and be impressed by. For example, how many people you supervised, how many products you sold, by what percentage you increased sales, etc.

The person reading your resume might not always be the employer. Resumes can be reviewed by recruiters or Human Resources specialists who may not be familiar with your specific field. Use simple and plain language, but also persuasive verbs such as handled, managed, led, developed, increased, accomplished, leveraged, etc.

If you have volunteered with a well-known organization or worked for an important cause, put it in your resume. You should include these experiences under the "Work experience" or the "Volunteer work" section, especially if they are related to the position you are applying for.

Your resume should list your name, address, email and phone number. This information should be placed at the top of the first page. Also, make sure this information is accurate. Otherwise, the employer won't be able to contact you.

Resume Writing Don'ts

Make sure your email is easy to read, easy to type, professional and non offensive. In general, your email address should be based on your name. Exclude any nicknames, numbers, or special characters.

It is best to leave out any personal details such as age, weight, height, marital status, religious preference, political views, or any other personal attributes that could be controversial. This will prevent any potential bias. Most importantly, never include your Social Insurance Number in your resume.

Although in some countries it may be acceptable to include a photo, it is not the norm in Canada. It can actually lower your chances of obtaining a position and divert the whole focus of your resume. You want the employer to focus on your skills and experience, not what you look like.

Make your resume easy to read by limiting each resume section or sub section to 5-7 bullet points. This will make it easier for the employer to scan your resume and identify your potential. Each bullet point should be used wisely by keeping the information relevant and concise.

Do not use "I," "my," or "me". Write your resume in the third person, as if it's being written by someone else.

Your job duties will be obvious from your job title. Instead, highlight your achievements by putting a personal spin on your job duties and providing specific examples.

Steer clear from vague statements that don't highlight your actual contribution. Unclear statements such as, "Responsible for improving efficiencies and making cost savings", does not provide any information to an employer. Personalize your experience!

The main purpose of your resume is to promote you, your skills, experience and achievements. It should be entirely positive, and therefore should not include reasons for leaving as it does not add any value to you as a candidate.

An employer only requires references if they are seriously considering hiring you. Keep references on a separate sheet and provide them only when they are specifically requested.

It is not recommended to mention hobbies because of the judgments potential employers can make. However, if your hobbies relate to the position, you may include them as they can demonstrate to the employer why you are a good fit.

Want to create a professional resume in a few minutes? Sign up for a Job Bank account to use our free Resume Builder tool.

How to Write a Resume Job Description (Examples Included!)

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Hiring managers receive anywhere from dozens to even thousands of resumes and job applications daily. That's why a well-crafted resume is crucial to helping you stand out from the competition. And your experience section in particular—where your resume job descriptions live—really needs to shine.

This section highlights your previous experiences—whether in a formal job, internship , volunteer work , or other roles—demonstrating your achievements and capabilities.

To make an impact, you need to strategically tailor your experiences and skills to align with the job you’re applying for, showing recruiters that you’re a perfect fit for the role.

Below, you'll find key tips on how to write job descriptions for resumes and examples to guide you through it.

Get that resume out there! Browse open jobs on The Muse and find your dream job »

Job descriptions for resumes: Why does it matter?

When you apply for jobs , you'll see a description of the role and what the company is looking for. To really stand out, your resume should match those requirements as closely as possible. That’s where the job description section comes in handy. It’s your chance to highlight past experiences and make sure they align with the job you’re aiming for.

Your resume job description should include:

  • Company name
  • Date of employment
  • Responsibilities and achievements

Of course, this section alone won't land you a job—your whole resume should be written to impress the recruiters. However, when you're an experienced professional, even if you're not a senior in your position yet, well-written job descriptions can at least guarantee you some interviews .

How to write a resume job description in 4 steps

The following tips will give you some insights into what this section of your resume should look like—and what hiring managers are looking for in candidates' resumes.

1. Start with a clear heading

If you're not new to resume building, you probably know that each section of the file should have a heading . It should be clear and concise, telling the recruiter exactly what they're going to read next.

Here are some examples:

Work Experience

  • Professional Experience

2. Lay out basic info about your role

Next step is filling out the experience section —or whatever you decide to name it—with your professional background. You'll always start with basic information from each job (or internship, volunteer work, and such), like your title, the company name, location, and date of employment.

For example:

Sales associate

Orlando, FL

July 2022-August 2024

You can change the order as you see fit—for instance, putting the company name first and your title second. However, it's important to keep the same formatting throughout the resume, so be sure your choice works well for every experience.

There's no set amount of experiences you should include in your resume. But keep in mind that, ideally, it should only have relevant and recent experience, listed in reverse chronological order (from the most recent to the least recent). Additionally, most recruiters prefer a one- to two-page resume , max.

3. List achievements instead of tasks

Now, it's time to write the actual job descriptions. It's typically ideal to use bullet points and one to two sentences for each. As a standard, most resume templates have three to four bullet points for each experience, but you can use more (or less) as long as the information is relevant and you're not simply trying to fill out the page.

In describing your role, avoid falling into the trap of only listing job responsibilities. Muse career coach Andrea Gerson says that candidates should expand task-focused language into action-driven, accomplishment-oriented information.

For example, instead of writing “Performed X, Y, and Z,” try “Performed X, Y, and Z, which led to [achievements].” “This information showcases your capabilities—which is exactly what employers want to see,” Gerson says.

A commonly used formula to describe accomplishments within your roles is the context-scope-outcome strategy. You start with action verbs , show how you fulfilled each responsibility, and finish with an achievement that resulted from those actions. If possible, present your achievement with a quantifier , meaning metrics or numerical data that illustrates the impact of your work.

If you have a hard time identifying your impactful actions and accomplishments within your job responsibilities, Gerson suggests asking yourself these contextual questions:

  • What was the setting I was working in?
  • Was it a fast-paced pizzeria? If so, how many customers were served on a daily/weekly basis?
  • If it's a smaller company that's not very well-known, what products or services did they provide?
  • What was their scope of operations? Local, regional, global?
  • Who was their target customer base?

4. Describe the company in the first bullet point

Your resume job description could also benefit from including some relevant context about the companies you previously worked for, such industry, size, or differentiating factors. You can add this info within the first bullet of a position—which is called an introductory bullet.

“These introductory bullets should highlight your most impressive or transferable responsibilities in the context of the company that you were working for,” Gerson says. The following job responsibilities templates show examples of introductory bullets you can adjust for your resume:

  • “Contributed to [ achievement, outcome ] on behalf of [ company ]”
  • “Managed key aspects of [ project responsibilities ] for [ company ]”
  • “Assisted in [ a project ] on for [ company ]”

Here are examples of how these templates would look like filled out:

  • “Billed 50 clients on behalf of the company's national and international enterprise clients ”
  • “Managed key aspects of product development and management on for the national launching a hair care brand ”
  • “Assisted in the development of the rebranding and repositioning of a dating app with 5+ million users for a international tech company ”

Bonus tip: Use keywords from the open job description

These days, most hiring managers use application tracking systems (ATSs) to segment and quickly scan resumes to select the best based on their similarity to the open job description. This similarity is determined by keywords .

Keywords are specific phrases or terms within a job description precisely used to describe or explain responsibilities, skills, abilities, and knowledge the employer is looking for. These terms usually repeat throughout the job listing, signaling their importance for that specific role.

For this reason, you should do your best to incorporate keywords from the open job description on your resume, wherever it accurately reflects your prior work experience. “It not only makes your resume stronger but encourages you to think deeply about what the position is asking for and how your skills match,” says Muse career coach Lauren Wethers .

Review the job description you want to apply for and segment phrases that explain the specific duties or skills required for the role, which could be technical skills or transferable skills. For example:

If the company's job description for an account manager says:

The employee responsibilities are:

  • Creating a market specific sales plan that meets set sales goals
  • Educate the community on the company's values
  • Meeting regularly with sales market's customers to understand their needs
  • Identifying local marketing needs to enhance presence and grow sales

You could write your job description like this:

  • Created a market specific sales plan to meet company's set sales goals for a skincare brand
  • Educated the community on the company's value by meeting regularly with customers to understand their needs
  • Enhanced presence and sales by 20% by identifying local marketing needs and implementing a new sales strategy

Be sure to use the exact same language as is used in the open job description, because the ATS machine might not understand synonyms. “The computer doesn't know the difference between ‘coached’ and ‘advised’ on your resume—it's looking for one over the other,” Wethers says.

Resume job description: Examples

Here are some examples of job descriptions for resumes for different roles you can adapt for yourself:

Example #1: Cashier job description for resume

Head Cashier

Star Market

Oct 2021 - Jan 2024

  • Streamlined checkout and return transactions on behalf of a multinational chain with 10+ locations in Florida working simultaneously
  • Supervised and trained front-end cashiers for two consecutive years, enhancing 15% crew performance in PoS transactions and reducing shrink
  • Provided excellent customer service and assistance to customers, processing 155+ transactions per shift while identifying selling opportunities for cross and up-sells
  • Balanced cash drawers with a 98% monthly accuracy, handling $119,000 of annual revenue

Example #2: Server job description for resume

Restaurant Server & Crew Member

Blu Trattoria

Jan 2022 - February 2023

  • Performed table management on behalf of a family-owned, award-winning Italian restaurant from downtown Denver
  • Picked up and delivered patrons' orders from the bar and kitchen, satisfying +75 patrons per shift
  • Collaborated with Head Chef to streamline order communication processes, inventory shortages, and event assistance, reducing 25% of overall waiting time
  • Provided excellent customer service with a 96% NPS while calculating multiple patron’s accounts & payments through cash, PoS, and e-wallets

Example #3: Customer service job description for resume

Customer service representative

May 2017 - July 2022

  • Responded to thousands of calls each month on behalf of one of the fastest-growing CMS companies worldwide, generating 15% in revenue or serving 5.000 customers each year
  • Worked closely with the IT division to address and resolve a high volume of customer issues pertaining to software functionality and technical issues, achieving a 97% NPS score
  • Contributed to the development and implementation of upselling and cross-selling strategies which led to over $35,000 in new annual revenue
  • Leveraged CRM tools to improve response times by nearly 25%, impacting nearly 1.000 customers/accounts

Example #4: Sales associate job description for resume

Sales Associate

Blake Auto Co.

Portland, OR

Jun 2018 - April 2024

  • Managed sales initiatives on behalf of Fortune 500 manufacturing companies generating over $12M in annual revenue, specializing in car sales
  • Achieved 35% increase in lead conversion rates, working to qualify over 500 customers each month
  • Negotiated contracts valued at up to $1 million, interfacing with 35+ major accounts

Example #5: Caregiver job description for resume

Senior Caregiver

Rainfall Care Nursing Center

Oct 2015 - March 2019

  • Worked with over 50 adults on behalf of a specialized health center, focusing on cardiac patients
  • Worked closely with patients and family members to ensure high quality of life, providing weekly reports on the patient's health status
  • Contributed to 45% reduction in emergency room visits during tenure, closely monitoring patient conditions throughout short-term and long-term stays

Example #6: Housekeeping job description for resume

Apartment Housekeeper

Fresh Clean Agency

Raleigh, NC

Feb 2013 - Sep 2016

  • Provided monthly housekeeping services on behalf of a specialized cleaning agency for apartments and small houses
  • Cleaned over 150 apartments and houses resulting in a satisfaction rate of 97%
  • Achieved a 95% rate of returning clients by performing cleaning and maintenance tasks, along with preferred requests solicited by clients
  • Assured high-standard quality cleaning process on each property, decreasing by 15% the agency’s average apartment turnaround time

Bottom line

Writing resume job descriptions can seem difficult at first, but the key is going beyond responsibilities to list accomplishments , starting with a strong action verb (e.g. “implemented,” “created,” “managed”) and following up with quantifiable results. Remember to only include experiences that are relevant for the position you're applying for, use keywords from the job listing, and use a simple and clean formatting to make your resume ATS-friendly. That’s all there is to it—now go out there and get that dream job !

how to make resume to apply job

How to Create the Perfect Resume to Land a Remote Job

how to make resume to apply job

Remote jobs are still around. Can your resume help you land one?

For every executive who’s proposing a return to the office in order to get workers to voluntarily leave their bloated tech giant, there’s another startup founder who needs to offer great perks in order to pull in the best talent. Fully remote work is popular with employees, and so it’s here to stay.

But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to land a remote position. It’s a tough job market right now, and you may need to apply for many positions in order to land the perfect one for you. It all starts with your resume: You’ll need to know how to craft a resume that positions you specifically for a remote-first job.

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Highlight Your Remote Work Experience

Let’s start with the obvious. If you have done previous remote work, you’ll want to make sure that’s clear on your resume. Any employer will prefer someone with experience, and this applies to remote experience just as much as experience with a specific software or job responsibility.

Add “remote” in parentheses after the physical location when listing previous jobs, or just replace the entire location with the term.

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Don’t have any remote positions in your past? Consider including any major projects that you worked on entirely remotely , whether they were stand-alone gigs or as a part of your in-office nine-to-five.

If you want to highlight your versatility, consider creating a two sections in your resume; One for your in-office and one for your remote work. This might prove the best solution for anyone searching for a hybrid position.

Highlight Your Remote-Friendly Skillset

This is the biggest way you can prove your Wi-Fi-powered chops to your potential employers. Living an entirely remote work life takes a certain type of person with a certain set of skills. You just have to prove that you have those skills.

Your resume can show off these skills within the descriptive section of each of your entries for previous jobs. You’ll also want to highlight them in job interviews when you get there. Here are the skills that remote-friendly workplaces will be looking for.

Independence and self-motivation

The biggest skill needed for remote work is the ability to be a self-starter. You won’t have a team around the office to keep you in the swing of things, so you’ll need to be the sort of person who can sit down and lock in.

Highlight any projects that you took the lead on , or any major projects that you owned from start to finish . Did you come up with any ideas that panned out and helped the entire team? Make sure they’re mentioned.

These examples can be remote, but don’t have to be — any independent projects that you accomplished will prove that you have the mindset for remote work, even if they weren’t remote themselves.

Good communicator

Your independence won’t do much good if you can’t work with a team, however. When you’re working remotely, communication becomes even more important for allowing your team members to know what you’re up to. There’s no water cooler to catch up with your team around, so you’ll have to Slack them constantly to stay in touch.

To show this skill on your resume, make sure to note any projects that required frequent communication. Bonus points if you can find a way to mention a time you were praised for communication specifically.

Problem solver

Working remotely means you can’t always flag someone down to ask a quick question. If time zones are a factor, you may even need to wait until the next day for a response to a simple problem. You can show off your problem-solving ability on your resume by highlighting both the problem and the solution you came up with.

Project manager

In practice, self-motivation results in better project management. Find some examples from your past jobs that will prove you can handle the entire process, from ideation to cost and time estimations to addressing unforeseen challenges as they come up. You might not be able to fit all of that onto your resume, but you can briefly touch on it — you can always follow up during an interview.

Time tracker

Most remote jobs don’t come with timecards, thankfully, so you’ll be managing your own time. This is a key part of project management, and something that remote managers might be suspicious of. Fairly or not, many executives suspect that remote workers aren’t working a full day.

To address this, consider if there’s a simple way to note in your resume that you met all your deadlines or kept all your projects under budget.

Sending Out Your Resume

Actually getting your resume in the hands of the right person is harder than ever, thanks to a flagging job market. The US actually overestimated the number of jobs that were added to the economy between March 2023 and March 2024, missing about 818,000 jobs — so we’ve had a bad job market for a lot longer than you might think.

In short, competition is tough right now. How can your resume stand out?

You’ll have to stay in it for the long haul, according to many jobseekers who are saying they needed to apply to hundreds or even thousands of positions in order to land one job.

The same route that has worked for the last decade is still a good bet: Use job boards and websites, and set up Google alerts for the exact positions that are a fit for your skill and history. You may have better luck if you don’t apply directly through a job board, however, and instead look up the official website of the business that you find on the listing and apply through it.

Creative solutions can give you a foot up as well, although they’re more difficult to come up with. One job-seeker even found success by looking up the physical locations of several hundred different recruitment companies and mailing their resume to them.

Following Up With Interviews and Beyond

Once your resume is ship-shape, you’ll need to keep that momentum going with your job interview. Check out our guide to the top 39 most common job interview questions , and have some questions ready to ask your interviewer, as well.

Once it’s all over, you may want to wait two days and then send a follow-up email just to say thank you. We’ve created a few templates for what that might look like, too.

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How To Write an Email When Sending a Resume

Frank Hackett

What To Write in an Email When Sending a Resume

1. include your contact information and job title, 2. keep it short.

  • 3. Talk about why you’re interested in the position

4. Feature your achievements but avoid arrogance

5. contact the hiring manager directly, job application email examples, frequently asked questions about writing emails when sending a resume.

There are strategic advantages to applying for an application via email instead of a job board. An email application is also more personal, which can help differentiate you from the field of candidates, and emailing your resume and cover letter directly to the hiring manager may allow you to bypass the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

How do you send a resume through email, and what should you say? In this guide, we provide step-by-step instructions and five job application email examples to help you make a positive impression on the hiring manager and secure your next job interview.

At the bottom of your job application email, list your relevant contact information. This includes your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn URL. Also feature your job title in this list so prospective employers see your current occupation immediately.

If you’re making a career change, you may want to go broader. For instance, if you’re applying for a technical role after working in sales, you wouldn’t introduce yourself as a sales representative . Instead, you might frame yourself as an “information technology (IT) Professional” or “Technology Specialist.”

Although you might think crafting a long email packed with information is the right strategy, it’s better to create a concise, focused email application. Hiring managers have a limited amount of time to review every application they receive.

If your email is filled with long-winded paragraphs, the reader may be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information. Try to achieve a length of two to three paragraphs as you craft your job application email.

3. Talk about why you’re interested in the position

Because you’ve taken the time to email a hiring manager directly, also mention something about the company in your application. This shows prospective employers that you’ve researched the company beforehand and have a genuine interest in the position.

As you detail your background and industry expertise, explain how your skills and experience can benefit the company you’re applying to. This extra touch will personalize your application and give you a competitive edge during the hiring process.

It’s important to sell yourself during the email application, but don’t overdo it. Language over text can very easily be misinterpreted, so show confidence in your career achievements without projecting hubris.

Keep in mind that having the right qualifications is only one piece of the puzzle for hiring managers. They also want to ensure that the candidate is the right fit for their organization’s work culture and team.

If you’re sending a job application email, it’s important to research the company website and LinkedIn profile to ensure you’re sending it directly to the hiring manager. If you can’t find the name of the person to send the application to, you may want to avoid applying this way.

Emailing your resume and cover letter to someone in the HR department won’t guarantee that your application reaches the hiring manager. It also won’t have the same personal quality, which is the primary benefit of applying for jobs via email.

As you formulate your response, link your career achievements and industry expertise with the organization to make a strong impression on the hiring manager and secure an interview . A job application email needs to be personalized to be effective, so research the company before applying for a job opening. Below, you’ll find five examples of job application emails.

Sample Email 1

Hello Cynthia Roberts, 

My name is Joseph Corbin, and I’m interested in applying for the software developer position with Codex Inc. Having worked for over six years in application development, I’ve cultivated expertise in user-centered design, which I feel would benefit your organization in the launch of your new mental health services application.

During my time with Bright Technology, my team developed and launched a unique mobile application platform that enabled users to discuss stock market strategies and indicators for specific investments. Our focus on user-centered thinking in our user interface (UI) design helped us garner over 500,000 active users over three years. My experience in mobile app development would be an asset to your team.

You’ll find my resume and cover letter attached at the bottom of this email, along with my contact information. Feel free to contact me with any additional questions about my background. I appreciate your time and consideration. 

Joseph Corbin

Sample Email 2

Greetings Lori Taylor, 

My name is Allison Rosenberg, and I’m interested in applying for the nurse manager position at Mercy Hospital. Having worked over eight years as a registered nurse (RN) in high-volume hospitals, I believe my leadership capabilities would be an asset to your team. 

Your organization has a strong reputation for its commitment to equity in health care delivery, which is what draws me to apply for this position. I’m excited about the opportunity to work alongside like-minded individuals who share my passion for diversity and inclusion in the medical field. 

My resume and cover letter are attached below. Feel free to contact me via phone or email if you have additional questions about my background. Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Allison Rosenberg

Sample Email 3

Dear Tyrone Jackson, 

My name is Anthony Gentile, and I’m interested in applying for the product manager position with Atlas Gaming. During my time with Ark Light Games, I managed the development and launch of three Triple-A titles, generating over $20 million in sales. My industry expertise would be an asset to your organization during the launch of your new role-playing game (RPG). 

Your company’s immersive approach to the RPG genre is what draws me to apply for this role. As a product manager, I am passionate about companies at the forefront of innovation within the gaming industry. My experience could aid your company in positioning your product as a market disruptor. 

You’ll find my resume and cover letter attached at the bottom of this email. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience with any additional questions you may have about my experience. Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Anthony Gentile

Sample Email 4

Dear Meiling Li, 

My name is Selena Ramirez, and I’m interested in applying for the digital marketing specialist position with Aurora Fashion Inc. l have a strong background in social media marketing and brand messaging, which could help your company continue to grow your brand awareness within the women’s fashion space. 

Your company’s creative and diverse fashion lines have extreme potential within this market. I’m confident I can help you craft the right marketing strategy to build brand loyalty amongst your target audience. 

My cover letter and resume are attached below. Feel free to reach out if you have any additional questions about my background and experience. I appreciate your time and consideration. 

Selena Ramirez

Sample Email 5

Dear Hideo Araki, 

My name is Mina Sayed, and I’m interested in applying for the content writer position with Archive Media Inc. With over eight years of experience in journalism and web copywriting, I can deliver innovative content that will resonate with your readers and continue growing your online presence. 

Your organization’s existing content does an excellent job of establishing the right tone and approach to sensitive subject matter. As a journalist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, I can provide valuable contributions to your online news site. 

My cover letter and resume are attached below, along with a link to my writing portfolio. Please contact me via phone or email with any additional questions. Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Should you include a cover letter with your email? -

When you apply for a job via a traditional application, you generally submit a cover letter with your resume. Sending an email with both, however, isn’t necessary. The body of your email acts as a cover letter, so you don’t need a separate attachment. Make sure to customize the email to the position and employer just as you would a cover letter.

How do you address the recipient? -

When you’re sending an email for a resume, do some research to find out who the hiring manager is for the job and how they prefer to be addressed. You may find this on their LinkedIn profile. When in doubt, use the title Mr. or Ms. and their last name. Double-check to ensure you’ve spelled everything correctly to make a good first impression.

How do you email a resume? -

Always use a professional email address when you’re sending a resume. One that includes your first and last name makes it easier for the hiring manager to identify you.

After you’ve drafted your email, ask a few trusted friends or a professional mentor to review it for typos and ensure it’s thorough and professional while still being brief. Investing in email tracking software so you know when your emails have been received and opened can help you know when to follow up.

Craft your perfect resume in minutes

Get 2x more interviews with Resume Builder. Access Pro Plan features for a limited time!

Frank Hackett

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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  • How to Include Language Skills on Your Resume (A Quick Guide)
  • James Prior
  • No Comments
  • Updated September 21, 2024

Learn how to include language skills on your resume with tips on placement, proficiency levels, and showcasing your expertise to stand out in the job market.

Languages on a blackboard

In today’s global job market, language skills are increasingly valued. Whether you’re fluent in multiple languages or just proficient, showcasing your language abilities can set you apart from other candidates.

It doesn’t matter if you want to be an EFL teacher or work for a global company, being able to speak more than one language is always valued. Employers in various fields appreciate bilingual or multilingual employees because they enhance communication and open doors to new markets.

Including language skills on your resume is therefore a strategic move that highlights your versatility, cultural awareness, and adaptability.

In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about including language skills on your resume. You’ll learn where to position your language skills, how to describe your proficiency accurately, and how to make your resume more appealing to employers looking for multilingual talent.

Table of Contents

Why Should You Include Languages on Your Resume?

If you speak more than one language, it’s essential to showcase this ability. Employers see bilingual candidates as resourceful and able to handle diverse challenges, particularly in global roles. There are many reasons why language skills should feature prominently on your resume:

  • They increase your employability. Many companies operate internationally, and language skills can give you an edge in roles that involve cross-border communication.
  • They open up new career opportunities. Speaking a second language can lead to roles in translation, customer support, and international business.
  • They demonstrate adaptability. Learning a language shows you’re flexible and open to new experiences.

By adding languages you speak to your resume, you show potential employers that you have a valuable skill that goes beyond job-specific qualifications.

How to Include Language Skills on Your Resume

Including language skills on your resume can highlight your unique abilities and enhance your candidacy for many roles. Here’s how to effectively showcase your language proficiency to make a lasting impression on potential employers.

Determine Which Languages to Include

Depending on how multilingual you are, not every language you speak needs to be on your resume. Choose languages relevant to the job you’re applying for. If the role involves international work, list all relevant languages. However, if the job doesn’t require language skills, focus only on the languages that can add value to the role.

For example, if you’re applying for a customer support role in a multinational company, proficiency in multiple languages will be an advantage. But if you’re applying for a purely technical role with no customer interaction, listing basic language skills may not add much value.

Consider these factors when deciding which languages to include:

  • Job Description: If the job requires language skills, list every language you know that matches the requirements.
  • Employer Type: International companies or those with global clients will value multilingual candidates more. If you’re planning on teaching English abroad in a school, they might like you to be able to speak a bit of the local language.
  • Your Skill Level: Only list languages where you can provide a valuable contribution in a work setting.

Identify Where to Place Language Skills on Your Resume

The placement of your language skills on your resume depends on how important they are for the job you’re seeking. If the job requires multilingual skills, place them prominently in the skills section or even create a dedicated “Language Skills” section. On the other hand, if the job doesn’t require them, placing them in the bottom half of your resume, perhaps under “Additional Skills,” is more appropriate.

Here are the most common sections where you can include language skills:

Skills Section

If language skills are a major asset for the job you’re applying to, they should go in the skills section of your resume. For instance, if you’re applying for a role as a translator, interpreter, or customer support representative in a multilingual team, placing your language skills near the top will ensure they get noticed immediately.

You can list your languages here as individual bullet points, specifying your proficiency level. For example:

  • Spanish: Fluent
  • Mandarin Chinese: Intermediate

Dedicated “Languages” Section

If language proficiency is a key requirement for the job, create a separate “Languages” section. This draws the employer’s attention to your language skills and highlights them as a core competence. This approach works well for roles like international business development, diplomatic positions, or other roles where multiple languages are required.

For example:

  • English: Native
  • French: Fluent
  • German: Conversational

Education Section

If you’ve formally studied languages in school or have certifications like the TOEFL or DELE, include these qualifications in the education section. This is particularly relevant if your language skills are backed by recognized academic credentials.

  • B.A. in French, University of Paris, 2021
  • TOEFL Certified, 2020

Additional Skills Section

If language proficiency is not a core skill required for the job but is still relevant, you can include it under an “Additional Skills” section. This section is often found near the bottom of your resume, which ensures that your language abilities are still visible but don’t overshadow more critical qualifications.

Additional Skills:

  • Fluent in Spanish
  • Proficient in Portuguese

Accurately Assess and Describe Your Proficiency

One of the most common mistakes when listing language skills is overstating proficiency. It’s therefore important to understand your level and know how to write your language proficiency on your resume.

Employers value honesty, and exaggerating your abilities can backfire. You don’t want to be placed in a situation where you’re expected to communicate fluently in a language you’re only mildly proficient in.

Here’s how to categorize your language proficiency:

Native or Bilingual Proficiency

This means you can speak the language as fluently as a native speaker. If you grew up speaking the language or have spent extensive time in a country where the language is spoken, this is your category.

  • Native Proficiency: English (You were raised speaking English and are fully fluent in both speech and writing.)
  • Bilingual Proficiency: Spanish (You have spoken Spanish since childhood or in a bilingual environment.)

Fluent Proficiency

Fluency indicates that you can hold conversations easily, understand complex ideas, and communicate effectively in writing. You should use this term only if you’re confident that you can speak, read, and write in the language with ease.

  • Fluent: French (You can hold a conversation about professional and casual topics without hesitation.)

Conversational Proficiency

This means you can speak and understand the language fairly well in casual settings but may struggle with more complex or professional terminology. Use this label if you can get by in conversations but aren’t entirely comfortable in formal settings.

  • Conversational: Italian (You can have informal conversations, but would need more practice for professional settings.)

Basic Proficiency

Basic proficiency means you know a few phrases and can carry out simple tasks in the language. If you are still learning the language or have only minimal understanding, it’s better to use this category.

  • Basic: Japanese (You can greet people and ask simple questions, but struggle with complex sentences.)

Proficiency Scales

If you want to be more precise, you can use standardized proficiency scales. The most well-known include:

  • CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages): This scale ranges from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient).
  • ILR (Interagency Language Roundtable): This scale ranges from 0 (no proficiency) to 5 (native proficiency).
  • ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages): Levels range from novice to distinguished.

Using these scales adds credibility to your proficiency claims and makes it easier for employers to understand your level.

  • French: C1 (Advanced) on CEFR
  • German: Level 3 on ILR

Provide Proof of Your Language Proficiency

Simply listing languages on your resume may not always be enough. Some employers may want proof that you can communicate effectively in another language. Including certifications or highlighting professional experiences in which you’ve used your language skills can strengthen your claim.

Language Certifications

If you’ve taken any formal language tests, include your scores on your resume. These certifications can make your proficiency more credible.

Some popular certifications include:

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
  • DELE (Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language)
  • DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française)
  • Goethe-Zertifikat (German Language Proficiency)
  • Spanish: DELE B2, 2022
  • English: TOEFL 112/120

Professional Experience

If you’ve used a language in your professional experience, this is valuable proof of proficiency. Highlight specific roles, projects, or tasks where your language skills were essential. For example, mention jobs where you interacted with international clients, translated documents, or attended meetings in a different language.

  • International Sales Associate: Negotiated contracts with clients in French and Spanish.
  • Translator: Translated technical documents from English to German for clients in the automotive industry.

This approach not only showcases your language skills but also ties them directly to the job market.

Customize Language Skills for Each Job Application

Your resume should be tailored to fit the job you’re applying for, and the same goes for your language skills. Some jobs will value certain languages more than others, so it’s crucial to customize your resume accordingly.

Research the Job Posting

Carefully read the job description and note which languages are specifically mentioned. Tailor your resume to match the employer’s needs, emphasizing the languages that align with the role.

For example, if the job post highlights the need for fluent Mandarin and basic Spanish, list Mandarin as a key skill and de-emphasize any other less relevant languages.

Show Relevant Experience

If you’ve used a language in a way that relates to the role, mention this prominently. For instance, if you’re applying for a position that requires Spanish fluency, describe any past roles where you spoke or wrote in Spanish regularly.

Use Job-Specific Keywords

Incorporate relevant keywords from the job posting into your resume. Many companies use automated systems to scan resumes, and including job-specific keywords ensures your resume makes it past initial screening.

For example, if the job post mentions “German language proficiency,” ensure you use the exact phrase in your resume, rather than just “fluent in German.”

Mistakes to Avoid

There are common pitfalls to avoid when adding language skills to your resume. Make sure to steer clear of the following errors:

Exaggerating Your Proficiency

One of the worst things you can do is overstate your language skills. Employers may test your proficiency during the interview process, and if you fail to meet expectations, it can damage your credibility. Be honest about your abilities.

Including Too Many Irrelevant Languages

It’s tempting to list every language you’ve ever studied, but this can clutter your resume and confuse employers. Stick to the languages that are relevant to the role you’re applying for.

Using Inconsistent Terminology

Ensure that you describe your proficiency consistently throughout your resume. If you use “conversational” in one section, don’t switch to “intermediate” in another. Consistency makes your resume easier to read and understand.

Neglecting Certifications and Evidence

If you have language certifications or professional experience that demonstrates your proficiency, don’t forget to mention it. This adds credibility to your claims and shows employers that your language skills are backed by formal qualifications.

Examples of How to List Language Skills on a Resume

Here are some examples of how to include language skills on your resume based on different levels of proficiency and sections:

Example 1: Skills Section for a Multilingual Role

  • Spanish: Fluent (DELE C1 Certified)

Example 2: Dedicated Languages Section for a Translator

  • French: Fluent (DALF C2 Certified)
  • Italian: Fluent
  • Portuguese: Conversational

Example 3: Additional Skills Section for a Non-Language-Focused Role

  • Fluent in Mandarin
  • Proficient in Korean

How to Write Bilingual on Your Resume

What if you don’t want to list every single language you speak on your resume? Maybe you’re out of space or you don’t feel that listing multiple languages is important for a particular job. In such cases, you can just write that you are bilingual (or multilingual) on your resume.

Note: The key difference between bilingual and multilingual lies in the number of languages spoken:

  • Bilingual refers to a person who is fluent in two languages. For example, someone who speaks both English and Spanish fluently is considered bilingual.
  • Multilingual refers to a person who speaks more than two languages fluently. A person who speaks English, French, and Mandarin, for instance, would be considered multilingual.

In short, bilingual means two languages, while multilingual refers to more than two.

When writing “bilingual” on a resume, it’s important to clearly communicate your proficiency in both languages and how it adds value. Here’s how to present your bilingual skills effectively:

Be Clear About Your Proficiency

Specify that you are bilingual by stating it explicitly in either the skills section or creating a dedicated “Languages” section. Clearly mention the two languages in which you are fluent. For example:

  • Bilingual: English and Spanish (Fluent in both)

Highlight Bilingual Experience

If you’ve worked in a role that required regular use of both languages, mention this experience. Emphasize how being bilingual benefited your work, such as improved communication with diverse clients, translating documents, or managing multicultural teams.

  • Customer Support Specialist (Bilingual – English/Spanish): Provided support to English- and Spanish-speaking clients, resolving issues in both languages.

Tailor Bilingual Skills to the Job

Customize your resume by highlighting how your bilingual abilities are relevant to the specific job. If the position involves international collaboration or communication, emphasize how being bilingual will help bridge language barriers or facilitate negotiations.

By presenting your bilingual skills strategically, you can demonstrate versatility and broaden your appeal to employers looking for candidates who can work across cultures and languages.

Wrapping Up: Making Your Language Skills Stand Out

Language skills can be a significant asset in today’s job market, particularly in industries with international reach. By clearly including your language abilities on your resume, you can make yourself more attractive to employers. Focus on relevant languages, provide evidence of your proficiency, and customize your resume for each job you apply for.

Remember, honesty is key. If you’re not fluent, don’t claim to be. Accurate representation of your language skills will serve you well and could open the door to exciting career opportunities.

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5 Best Examples: Resume for Internship with No Experience

No experience? You have more to offer than you might think. Your resume can shine even without work history by highlighting your skills, education, and potential. Focus on what you’ve learned in school, volunteer work, or personal projects. Your resume is a chance to show your passion for the field and willingness to grow. With the right approach, you can create a resume that gets noticed and lands you that exciting internship opportunity.

Examples and Templates of Internship Resumes with No Experience

In this chapter, you will find templates and examples for 5 types of internship resumes with no experience: objective-focused resume, skills-based resume, education-centric resume, extracurricular activities resume, and personal projects resume. Choose the approach that best fits your background and experience, and use our templates and examples as a starting point to craft a resume that effectively showcases your potential.

1. Resume template with an objective:

Objective: To obtain an internship in [desired field] where I can apply my [relevant skills/knowledge] and contribute to the organization’s goals while gaining practical experience.

Education : [Degree], [Major] [University Name], [City, State] Expected Graduation: [Month, Year] GPA: [x.xx]

Relevant Coursework : – [Course 1] – [Course 2] – [Course 3]

Extracurricular Activities : – [Activity 1], [Role], [Date] – [Activity 2], [Role], [Date]

Personal Projects: – [Project 1], [Brief Description], [Date] – [Project 2], [Brief Description], [Date]

Volunteer Experience : – [Organization], [Role], [Date] – [Organization], [Role], [Date]

Objective: To obtain an internship in marketing where I can apply my creativity and communication skills to contribute to the organization’s goals while gaining practical experience.

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Marketing University of (…), [City], USA Expected Graduation: May 2026 GPA: 3.8

Relevant Coursework: – Principles of Marketing – Consumer Behavior – Digital Marketing Strategies

Extracurricular Activities: – Marketing Club, Vice President, 2022-Present – Volunteer Tutor, Local Community Center, 2021-Present

Personal Projects: – Created a social media campaign for a local non-profit, resulting in a 20% increase in followers, 2022 – Designed a logo and branding materials for a student-led startup, 2021

Volunteer Experience: – [City] Food Bank, Social Media Coordinator, Summer 2022 – [City] Animal Shelter, Fundraising Volunteer, Fall 2021

2. Skills-based resume template:

Skills: – [Skill 1] – [Skill 2] – [Skill 3] – [Skill 4]

Education: [Degree], [Major] [University Name], [City, State] Expected Graduation: [Month, Year] GPA: [x.xx]

Relevant Projects: – [Project 1], [Brief Description], [Date] – [Project 2], [Brief Description], [Date]

Language Proficiencies: – [Language 1]: [Proficiency Level] – [Language 2]: [Proficiency Level]

Skills: – Excellent written and verbal communication – Strong organizational and time management abilities – Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) – Fluent in Spanish

Education: Bachelor of Science, Communication Studies University of (…), [City], USA Expected Graduation: May 2026 GPA: 3.6

Relevant Projects: – Developed and presented a communication plan for a mock client, receiving positive feedback from professors and peers, 2022 – Created a series of informational videos for the university’s study abroad program, 2021

Language Proficiencies: – English: Native – Spanish: Fluent

3. Education-centric resume template:

Relevant Coursework: – [Course 1] – [Course 2] – [Course 3]

Academic Awards and Honors: – [Award 1], [Date] – [Award 2], [Date]

Research Projects: – [Project 1], [Brief Description], [Date] – [Project 2], [Brief Description], [Date]

Presentations and Papers: – [Presentation/Paper Title], [Event/Course], [Date] – [Presentation/Paper Title], [Event/Course], [Date]

Education: Bachelor of Arts, English Literature University of (…), [City], USA Expected Graduation: May 2026 GPA: 3.9

Relevant Coursework: – Creative Writing Workshop – Shakespeare and His Contemporaries – Modern American Literature

Academic Awards and Honors: – Dean’s List, Fall 2022, Spring 2023 – Best Short Story Award, University Literary Magazine, 2022

Research Projects: – “The Influence of Modernism on Contemporary Poetry,” Independent Study, Fall 2022 – “Gender Roles in Victorian Literature,” Research Assistant to Dr. Jane Smith, Summer 2021

Presentations and Papers: – “The Evolution of the Anti-Hero in American Fiction,” English Department Conference, Spring 2023 – “Symbolism in T.S. Eliot’s ‘The Waste Land,'” Modern Poetry Course, Fall 2022

4. Extracurricular activities resume template:

Extracurricular Activities: – [Organization/Club], [Role], [Date] – [Responsibility/Achievement 1] – [Responsibility/Achievement 2] – [Organization/Club], [Role], [Date] – [Responsibility/Achievement 1] – [Responsibility/Achievement 2]

Skills: – [Skill 1] – [Skill 2] – [Skill 3]

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology University of (…), [City], USA Expected Graduation: May 2026 GPA: 3.7

Extracurricular Activities: – Psychology Club, President, 2022-Present – Organized monthly meetings and invited guest speakers – Coordinated a campus-wide mental health awareness campaign – Varsity Soccer Team, Captain, 2021-2022 – Led team to conference championship – Coordinated team fundraising events and community outreach

Skills: – Leadership and teamwork – Public speaking and presentations – Event planning and organization

5. Personal projects resume template:

Personal Projects: – [Project 1], [Date] – [Brief Description] – [Skills/Knowledge Gained] – [Project 2], [Date] – [Brief Description] – [Skills/Knowledge Gained]

Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design University of (…), [City], USA Expected Graduation: May 2026 GPA: 3.8

Personal Projects: – “Cityscape Photography Series,” 2022 – Photographed and edited a series of 20 cityscapes – Developed skills in composition, lighting, and post-processing – “Non-Profit Logo Design,” 2021 – Created logos for three local non-profit organizations – Collaborated with clients to understand their brand identity and goals

Skills: – Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) – Photography and photo editing – Branding and logo design

Relevant Coursework: – Typography and Layout – Digital Photography – Web Design Fundamentals

Examples of Internship Resume Summaries With No Experience

  • “Enthusiastic college sophomore seeking a marketing internship to apply strong communication and social media skills.”
  • “Detail-oriented computer science student eager to gain hands-on experience in software development through an internship opportunity.”
  • “Hardworking biology major looking for a research internship to build laboratory skills and contribute to scientific discoveries.”
  • “Creative graphic design student excited to learn and grow in a professional environment through a design internship.”
  • “Motivated business student seeking a finance internship to apply analytical skills and gain real-world experience.”
  • More examples: 50 Best Resume Summary Examples (+ Templates) and 15 Smart Examples: Resume Summary

Best Practices for Resume for Internship with No Experience

A resume is your chance to shine on paper. It’s a quick snapshot of who you are and what you can do. For an internship, you’ll want to keep it short and sweet – one page is perfect.

The most common resume format is reverse-chronological. This means you list your most recent experiences first. It’s a good choice for internships because it puts your latest achievements front and center.

Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes. These computer programs look for specific keywords. To get past them, use words from the job description in your resume.

Some key sections to include are:

  • Contact Information
  • Volunteer Work
  • Extracurricular Activities

Don’t worry if you don’t have work experience. Focus on your skills and any projects you’ve done in school or on your own. These can show what you’re capable of.

What can I include on my internship resume if I’ve never had a job before?

You can add volunteer work, school projects, and extracurricular activities. These show your skills and dedication. You might list clubs you joined or events you helped organize. Don’t forget about any awards or honors you’ve received.

How can I format my resume when applying for my first internship without work experience?

Keep it simple and clean. Use a clear font like Arial or Calibri. Start with your contact info at the top. Then add sections for education, skills, and activities. Use bullet points to list your achievements. Stick to one page if you can.

What skills should I highlight on my internship resume if I don’t have professional experience?

Focus on soft skills like communication and teamwork. Add any technical skills you’ve learned in school. For example, you might know how to use Microsoft Office or coding languages. Don’t forget about language skills or leadership experience from group projects.

Can you suggest any tips for writing a strong summary for my internship resume despite lacking work history?

Keep it short and snappy. Mention your major and year in school. Add a line about your career goals. For example: “Enthusiastic marketing student seeking to apply classroom knowledge to a real-world setting.” Highlight one or two key skills that match the internship.

What are some effective ways to showcase my academic achievements on my resume for an internship?

List your GPA if it’s above 3.0. Mention any academic honors or dean’s list appearances. Include relevant coursework that relates to the internship. You can also add any research projects or papers you’ve worked on. If you’ve taken part in academic competitions, include those too.

  • 35 Examples: How To Highlight Work Experience on a Resume
  • 2 Examples - How to Write a Resume With No Experience
  • List of 21 Important Technical Skills (with Examples)
  • 50 Inspiring Examples for 7 Communication Skills for a Resume
  • 3 Accountant Resume Examples: Crafting a Winning Resume
  • 4 Examples: Impressive Resume with No Work Experience for Students

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Technical Sales Manager Cover Letter Examples (Template & 20+ Tips)

Create a standout technical sales manager cover letter with our online platform. browse professional templates for all levels and specialties. land your dream role today.

Technical Sales Manager Cover Letter Example

As a dedicated and experienced Technical Sales Manager, the cover letter is your first opportunity to make a strong impression on potential employers. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with valuable tips and insights on how to craft a compelling cover letter that highlights your technical expertise, sales acumen, and leadership skills. With our expert advice, you can confidently present yourself as the ideal candidate for the Technical Sales Manager position.

We will cover:

  • How to write a cover letter, no matter your industry or job title.
  • What to put on a cover letter to stand out.
  • The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
  • How to build a cover letter fast with our professional Cover Letter Builder .
  • Why you should use a cover letter template

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Technical Sales Manager Cover Letter Sample

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Technical Sales Manager position at your esteemed company. With a strong background in technical sales and a proven track record of driving revenue growth, I am confident in my ability to make a significant impact on your team.

  • Over the past 5 years, I have honed my skills in technical sales while working for reputable companies in the industry. My ability to understand complex technical products and communicate their value to potential clients has allowed me to consistently exceed sales targets.
  • I am adept at building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, understanding their specific needs, and offering tailored solutions that resonate with their business objectives.
  • My experience in managing a sales team has equipped me with the leadership and coaching skills necessary to drive performance and foster a collaborative and goal-oriented work environment.
  • I am highly skilled in analyzing market trends, identifying new business opportunities, and developing strategic sales plans to capitalize on them.
  • My strong technical background and aptitude for learning new technologies quickly have enabled me to effectively represent complex products and provide valuable insights to clients.

I am particularly drawn to the Technical Sales Manager role at your company because of your commitment to innovation and excellence in the industry. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your continued success and drive business growth through strategic sales initiatives.

I am confident that my qualifications and experience make me a strong fit for this position, and I am eager to bring my unique perspective and expertise to your team. Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the possibility of contributing to your company and am available at your earliest convenience for an interview. Please find my resume attached for your review.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Why Do you Need a Technical Sales Manager Cover Letter?

  • A cover letter for a Technical Sales Manager position allows you to introduce yourself to the hiring manager and highlight your relevant experience and skills.
  • It gives you the opportunity to explain why you are interested in the position and why you are a good fit for the company.
  • It allows you to customize your application and showcase your personality and enthusiasm for the role.
  • A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and make a strong first impression.
  • It can also demonstrate your communication and writing skills, which are important for sales and managerial positions.

A Few Important Rules To Keep In Mind

  • Address the cover letter to the hiring manager or decision maker
  • Use a professional and formal tone throughout the letter
  • Highlight your relevant experience and skills in technical sales
  • Showcase your track record of achieving sales targets and driving revenue growth
  • Explain how your technical expertise and knowledge of the industry can benefit the company
  • Customize the cover letter for each job application, showcasing how your background aligns with the specific requirements of the role
  • Include specific examples of successful sales strategies or customer relationships you have developed
  • Close the letter with a strong call to action, expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity and your interest in further discussing your qualifications

What's The Best Structure For Technical Sales Manager Cover Letters?

After creating an impressive Technical Sales Manager resume , the next step is crafting a compelling cover letter to accompany your job applications. It's essential to remember that your cover letter should maintain a formal tone and follow a recommended structure. But what exactly does this structure entail, and what key elements should be included in a Technical Sales Manager cover letter? Let's explore the guidelines and components that will make your cover letter stand out.

Key Components For Technical Sales Manager Cover Letters:

  • Your contact information, including the date of writing
  • The recipient's details, such as the company's name and the name of the addressee
  • A professional greeting or salutation, like "Dear Mr. Levi,"
  • An attention-grabbing opening statement to captivate the reader's interest
  • A concise paragraph explaining why you are an excellent fit for the role
  • Another paragraph highlighting why the position aligns with your career goals and aspirations
  • A closing statement that reinforces your enthusiasm and suitability for the role
  • A complimentary closing, such as "Regards" or "Sincerely," followed by your name
  • An optional postscript (P.S.) to add a brief, impactful note or mention any additional relevant information.

Cover Letter Header

A header in a cover letter should typically include the following information:

  • Your Full Name: Begin with your first and last name, written in a clear and legible format.
  • Contact Information: Include your phone number, email address, and optionally, your mailing address. Providing multiple methods of contact ensures that the hiring manager can reach you easily.
  • Date: Add the date on which you are writing the cover letter. This helps establish the timeline of your application.

It's important to place the header at the top of the cover letter, aligning it to the left or center of the page. This ensures that the reader can quickly identify your contact details and know when the cover letter was written.

Cover Letter Greeting / Salutation

A greeting in a cover letter should contain the following elements:

  • Personalized Salutation: Address the hiring manager or the specific recipient of the cover letter by their name. If the name is not mentioned in the job posting or you are unsure about the recipient's name, it's acceptable to use a general salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Company Name] Recruiting Team."
  • Professional Tone: Maintain a formal and respectful tone throughout the greeting. Avoid using overly casual language or informal expressions.
  • Correct Spelling and Title: Double-check the spelling of the recipient's name and ensure that you use the appropriate title (e.g., Mr., Ms., Dr., or Professor) if applicable. This shows attention to detail and professionalism.

For example, a suitable greeting could be "Dear Ms. Johnson," or "Dear Hiring Manager," depending on the information available. It's important to tailor the greeting to the specific recipient to create a personalized and professional tone for your cover letter.

Cover Letter Introduction

An introduction for a cover letter should capture the reader's attention and provide a brief overview of your background and interest in the position. Here's how an effective introduction should look:

  • Opening Statement: Start with a strong opening sentence that immediately grabs the reader's attention. Consider mentioning your enthusiasm for the job opportunity or any specific aspect of the company or organization that sparked your interest.
  • Brief Introduction: Provide a concise introduction of yourself and mention the specific position you are applying for. Include any relevant background information, such as your current role, educational background, or notable achievements that are directly related to the position.
  • Connection to the Company: Demonstrate your knowledge of the company or organization and establish a connection between your skills and experiences with their mission, values, or industry. Showcasing your understanding and alignment with their goals helps to emphasize your fit for the role.
  • Engaging Hook: Consider including a compelling sentence or two that highlights your unique selling points or key qualifications that make you stand out from other candidates. This can be a specific accomplishment, a relevant skill, or an experience that demonstrates your value as a potential employee.
  • Transition to the Body: Conclude the introduction by smoothly transitioning to the main body of the cover letter, where you will provide more detailed information about your qualifications, experiences, and how they align with the requirements of the position.

By following these guidelines, your cover letter introduction will make a strong first impression and set the stage for the rest of your application.

Cover Letter Body

I am writing to express my interest in the Technical Sales Manager position at your company. With a strong background in technical sales and a proven track record of exceeding sales targets, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your team and drive business growth.

Some of the key components that my cover letter body will typically include are:

  • Introduction: A brief introduction that states my interest in the position and company, as well as a summary of my qualifications.
  • Sales Experience: A detailed description of my sales experience, including specific examples of successful sales strategies I have implemented and the results achieved.
  • Technical Expertise: An explanation of my technical knowledge and how it has contributed to my success in technical sales.
  • Team Collaboration: Examples of how I have collaborated with technical and sales teams to develop and deliver effective solutions for clients.
  • Customer Relationship Management: A discussion of my approach to building and maintaining strong relationships with clients to drive sales and achieve customer satisfaction.
  • Closing: A conclusion that restates my interest in the position and company, along with a call to action for further consideration of my application.

I believe that my combination of technical knowledge, sales expertise, and dedication to customer satisfaction make me an ideal candidate for the Technical Sales Manager role at your company. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to your team and contribute to the continued success of the organization.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team in further detail.

Complimentary Close

The conclusion and signature of a cover letter provide a final opportunity to leave a positive impression and invite further action. Here's how the conclusion and signature of a cover letter should look:

  • Summary of Interest: In the conclusion paragraph, summarize your interest in the position and reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the organization or school. Emphasize the value you can bring to the role and briefly mention your key qualifications or unique selling points.
  • Appreciation and Gratitude: Express appreciation for the reader's time and consideration in reviewing your application. Thank them for the opportunity to be considered for the position and acknowledge any additional materials or documents you have included, such as references or a portfolio.
  • Call to Action: Conclude the cover letter with a clear call to action. Indicate your availability for an interview or express your interest in discussing the opportunity further. Encourage the reader to contact you to schedule a meeting or provide any additional information they may require.
  • Complimentary Closing: Choose a professional and appropriate complimentary closing to end your cover letter, such as "Sincerely," "Best Regards," or "Thank you." Ensure the closing reflects the overall tone and formality of the letter.
  • Signature: Below the complimentary closing, leave space for your handwritten signature. Sign your name in ink using a legible and professional style. If you are submitting a digital or typed cover letter, you can simply type your full name.
  • Typed Name: Beneath your signature, type your full name in a clear and readable font. This allows for easy identification and ensures clarity in case the handwritten signature is not clear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Technical Sales Manager Cover Letter

When crafting a cover letter, it's essential to present yourself in the best possible light to potential employers. However, there are common mistakes that can hinder your chances of making a strong impression. By being aware of these pitfalls and avoiding them, you can ensure that your cover letter effectively highlights your qualifications and stands out from the competition. In this article, we will explore some of the most common mistakes to avoid when writing a cover letter, providing you with valuable insights and practical tips to help you create a compelling and impactful introduction that captures the attention of hiring managers. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, understanding these mistakes will greatly enhance your chances of success in the job application process. So, let's dive in and discover how to steer clear of these common missteps and create a standout cover letter that gets you noticed by potential employers.

  • Avoid using generic cover letters that could be used for any job application. Tailor your cover letter to the specific technical sales manager position you are applying for.
  • Avoid focusing too much on your past achievements and experience without demonstrating how it relates to the technical sales manager role.
  • Avoid using overly technical jargon that may not be understood by the hiring manager or HR personnel. Keep the language clear and concise.
  • Avoid making spelling and grammatical errors. Proofread your cover letter multiple times to ensure it is error-free.
  • Avoid neglecting to research the company and its products or services. Incorporate this knowledge into your cover letter to demonstrate your interest and understanding of the company.
  • Avoid being overly formal in your language. While it's important to maintain a professional tone, injecting some personality into your cover letter can help you stand out.
  • Avoid making the cover letter too lengthy. Aim to keep it to one page and focus on the most relevant information.

Key Takeaways For a Technical Sales Manager Cover Letter

  • Demonstrate strong understanding of technical products and services
  • Show ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients
  • Emphasize proven track record of meeting and exceeding sales targets
  • Highlight problem-solving skills and ability to provide effective solutions for clients
  • Illustrate leadership experience and ability to manage a sales team

Create Cover Letter

COMMENTS

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    Examples and Templates of Internship Resumes with No Experience. In this chapter, you will find templates and examples for 5 types of internship resumes with no experience: objective-focused resume, skills-based resume, education-centric resume, extracurricular activities resume, and personal projects resume.

  28. Technical Sales Manager Cover Letter Examples (Template & 20+ Tips)

    It allows you to customize your application and showcase your personality and enthusiasm for the role. A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and make a strong first impression. It can also demonstrate your communication and writing skills, which are important for sales and managerial positions.