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How to Write Resume Job Descriptions (With Examples)

How to Write Resume Job Descriptions

Focus on skills and achievements, include keywords, be selective about what you include.

• Prioritize Job Descriptions

Quantify Your Achievements

• Emphasize Accomplishments

Make Your Jobs Sound Better

When you think about job descriptions, it's likely that job ads posted by employers first spring to mind. But the most important job descriptions may be the ones you create yourself when you’re describing past positions on your resume.

These job descriptions show prospective employers what you have accomplished in the positions you've held. They also provide a synopsis of your experience and skills.

Well-written descriptions for each job you have held will help get your resume noticed and selected for interviews.

Here’s advice on writing job descriptions for your resume, what to include, how to quantify and prioritize your accomplishments, and examples.

What's the best way to write attention-grabbing job descriptions? Before you start adding job descriptions to your resume, you may want to make a list of accomplishments at each of your jobs. This will prepare you for writing your resume.

After you have written a job description, look for ways to make your explanation more concise:

• Craft effective impact statements.
• Highlight skills and achievements, providing only enough detail to support your premises.
• Edit out pronouns and articles.
• Begin phrases or sentences with verbs.
• Choose strong words— resume action words  like “initiated” and “supervised” are powerful and show that you’ve made an impact on your team.
• Having short descriptions that focus on the most powerful aspects of your role will help recruiters and hiring managers quickly take in and assess your experience. 

If you are submitting resumes to organizations that add them into  applicant tracking systems  (ATS), include as many industry and job-specific " keywords " as possible. When searching databases for potential candidates, employers seek resumes with the greatest number of "hits" on keywords.

Keywords are most often nouns, e.g., “customer service” or “computer skills.” To use keywords most effectively, be specific, use as many as possible, and sprinkle them throughout your resume. 

Your resume isn’t your entire  work history , and you don’t need to include every duty for each role. Determine the most relevant information by putting yourself in your potential employer's position: Will this information help convince the employer that you are a worthwhile candidate to interview?

You do not have to include every responsibility you ever had. Group together similar tasks. For instance, rather than listing "Answered phones" and "Responded to customer emails" in two bullet points, you can combine and say, "Resolved customer issues through phone, email, and chat conversations."

Prioritize Your Qualifications

Next, think about prioritizing the information you provide in each description. Present details that are of the greatest interest to potential employers first. 

Highlight your most relevant qualifications for the job by listing them first in the job description.

For example, consider a candidate seeking a job in interior design. The resume might reflect a retail experience in which 75% of the candidate's time was spent on the sales floor, and 25% was spent designing window and floor displays. Since the design of window and floor displays is most meaningful to an interior design employer, this should be listed before sales. 

Job Description Example

Sales Associate , Retail USA, New York, NY October 2021 - Present

• Designed all large windows using color as the primary focus.
• Created engaging point-of-purchase displays for slow-moving small items; increased sales of these items by 30%.
• Organized floor displays to maximize space and call attention to the latest merchandise.
• Utilized strong interpersonal and communications skills to serve customers; received employee of the month award twice.

Quantify as much information as you can (numbers, dollar signs, and percentages can all help to make your case). 

For instance, a bullet point that reads "Grew traffic 35% year-over-year" is more impressive—and informative—than one that reads simply "Improved traffic."

Employers like numbers. It's much easier to look at signs and symbols than it is to read words.

Nearly any description, for any job, can be  enhanced through the use of numbers . A waitress might start out with the description, "Took customer orders and delivered food." But a quantified description saying, "Served customers in an upscale 100-seat restaurant," provides much more insight.

Waitress, Maxill's Restaurant,  New York, NY January 2022 - Present

• Provided dining service for patrons at an upscale 100-seat fine dining establishment.
• Served meals, cleared tables, monitored five tables, and provided exceptional customer service to up to 30 customers.
• Trained new waitstaff on POS system, guest services, and restaurant policies and procedures.

Emphasize Accomplishments Over Responsibilities

It's important for employees to know you have the necessary experience to do the work required in the position. Still, many candidates will have this relevant experience.

To stand out, emphasize how you added value. Focus on accomplishments, rather than responsibilities.

As seen above, numbers can be your friend when it comes to  highlighting your accomplishments in your resume . As well, numbers provide context. For instance, you might say, "Increased revenue by 5%, after several years of decreasing sales."

Or, rather than saying, "Answered phone calls and dealt with customer concerns," you can say, "Resolved customer concerns, answering approximately 10 calls per hour. Became go-to person on the team for dealing with the toughest phone calls and most challenging complaints."

Employers want to know what you accomplished. Make it easy for them to see what you've done by using numbers and percentages.

While it is important to keep descriptions short, adding details and context can help show employers why you'd be a good match for the position. 

Customer Service Associate,  ABD Company March 2020 - August 2021

• Resolved customer concerns efficiently and expeditiously, answering approximately 300 calls per week.
• Achieved 100% of call performance goals for accuracy, speed, volume, resolution of issues, and customer satisfaction.
• Nominated for employee-of-the-month four times for excellent attitude and exemplary customer service skills.

There are easy ways to jazz up your resume job descriptions to  make your jobs sound super impressive . A few simple tweaks here and there can make your resume much better.

Key Takeaways

• Spend some time writing the job descriptions on your resume, since potential employers will read them carefully. 
• Focus on relevant skills and accomplishments—be choosy about the information you include, and place the most relevant information at the top of the job description. 
• Rather than simply listing out tasks, focus on what you've accomplished in each role, incorporating attention-grabbing numbers and percentages. 

How to Tailor Your Resume Job Description (With Examples)

Customers Interviewed by:

Over 80% of job listings require, or strongly prefer, relevant professional work experience.

This means your resume job description needs to provide what the hiring manager is looking for. If it doesn’t, you won’t get an interview.

The problem is that most job-seekers only create one resume that they send out with every application. This saves time but the same resume is unlikely to satisfy the requirements of all the jobs you’re applying to.

To get more job interviews, you need to tailor your resume to each position. This article will show you exactly how to do that so you can increase your chances of landing your dream job.

What is a resume job description?

Your resume job description section is where you list your work history . Begin with your most recent job and work your way backward, listing previous positions in reverse chronological order.

This section is the most important part of your resume because it tells hiring managers whether you’re qualified for the role you’re applying to.

Your job description should contain the following:

• Job title 
• Company name 
• Company location 
• Dates of employment 
• Job responsibilities
• Measurable accomplishments

Your job responsibilities are the duties you’re expected to perform. They include things like answering phones, writing articles, managing a team, handling customer complaints, selling products, and entering data.

But a powerful resume job description doesn’t stop at listing job responsibilities – it also provides measurable accomplishments .

A measurable accomplishment is an achievement that you can describe with numbers or metrics.

While job responsibilities tell hiring managers what you did, measurable accomplishments tell them how well you did it.

Here are some examples of measurable accomplishments:

• Increased sales revenue by 25% in the first half of the year.
• Reduced customer complaints by 40% over a 12-month period.
• Led a team that completed a project 3 weeks ahead of schedule.
• Improved operational efficiency, resulting in a 15% reduction in costs.
• Grew the company’s social media following by 10,000 users in just 6 months.

It’s always a good idea to use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments. This breaks down your information into easily-scanned digestible chunks.

Begin your bullet points with action verbs . These highlight your hands-on experience and make your resume more interesting to read.

Here’s an example of what a resume job description should look like:

The goal of your job description is to be concise and scannable while providing enough detailed information to give the hiring manager a good idea of your experience and skills.

Why should you tailor your resume job description?

Most companies today use computer software to help them hire employees. This software is called an applicant tracking system , or ATS .

When you send in your resume, it goes right into an ATS database. Hiring managers search the database for suitable resumes by typing keywords into the ATS search bar. These keywords are usually job titles and the skills needed for the job.

If your resume contains these keywords, it will be seen by the hiring manager. If your resume doesn’t contain these keywords, it will remain hidden in the database.

The point is this: The keywords a hiring manager will type into the ATS search bar will vary from job to job. By tailoring each resume for the specific job you’re applying to, you’ll increase the chances that a hiring manager will find it and offer you an interview.

How do you find relevant keywords?

At this point, you might be wondering, “How do I know which keywords the hiring manager will search for?”

The answer is simple. You can find the keywords in the job listing.

To tailor your resume, first read the listing of the job you’re applying to. Highlight the skills that are mentioned most often. Then, if you have those skills, add them to your resume.

There’s only one problem: Tailoring each resume takes time and effort. Which is why most job seekers don’t do it.

How to tailor your resumes faster and more effectively

There are now online tools available that make tailoring each resume much easier.

For example, Jobscan’s resume scanner uses AI-powered technology to analyze your resume against the job listing. It then tells you exactly how to tailor your resume for that particular job.

Jobscan’s resume scanner works like this:

Step 1 : Paste your resume into the scanner:

Step 2 : Paste the job listing into the scanner.

Step 3 : Click “Scan” or “Power Edit” (Premium users only).

The scanner runs over 30 checks on your resume and presents you with a score. The score tells you how well your resume is optimized for that particular job.

You’ll also learn exactly which keywords you need to add to your resume to increase your score.

Here’s an example of a score and keyword suggestions:

The keywords with red circles are missing from this resume. By adding them, you’ll boost your score.

For even faster resume optimization, try our Power Edit feature (available to Jobscan Premium users). Power Edit uses advanced AI technology for a smarter, more streamlined resume-tailoring experience.

For example, Power Edit can show you how to seamlessly integrate missing keywords into your resume. Just click on a missing keyword and you’ll be presented with multiple phrase suggestions you can choose from:

Power Edit can also help you  generate cover letters , optimize your  LinkedIn profile , and  track your job applications .

7 tips for for tailoring your resume

Writing a tailored resume job description that gets past the ATS and attracts recruiters is achievable. Here’s how you do it:

1. Use the top half of your resume’s first page

Together with your contact information and resume summary , your job description is one of the first things recruiters and hiring managers read in your resume. 

Since recruiters only spend around seven seconds before they either rule you out or move you to the next round, it is imperative that you put your job description section in the top half of your resume. 

2. Check the specific job listing of the position

Go line by line through the job listing and ask yourself these questions:

• “Does my resume job description section clearly state that I can do what’s required of this role?”
• “Am I using the same language found in the job listing?”
• “Have I highlighted any achievements or experiences that directly align with the key responsibilities or qualifications mentioned in the job listing?”

By doing this, you might find missing skills and keywords you should try adding to your resume to make it less generic.

3. Be specific

You need to tell the hiring manager exactly what you did at your previous or current employers. The best way to do this is to be specific.

Begin each resume job description with essential information about the job and company: your official job title, the name and address of the company, and the period in which you worked there. 

4. Match skills and keywords from the job listing

Mirroring the language, keywords , and buzzwords found within the job listing is the easiest way to demonstrate you’re a better match than the competition. 

To ensure that your resume can be found in the ATS, take words from the job listing and strategically place them in your job description and other resume sections.

But make sure you don’t stuff your resume with too many keywords.

5. Write your job title clearly

Recruiters will first search for people who have done the job before, so list your job titles clearly.

If you haven’t held the job before, mention it as part of your resume summary. Match your job title to the one in the job listing when possible.

6. Quantify your achievements

Be selective about what you include. Place an emphasis on accomplishments over job responsibilities. 

Use numbers and action verbs to describe your role and responsibilities. Numbers show how well you did your job. Action verbs make your resume more vibrant and interesting to read.

7. Do not lie

Emphasizing or deemphasizing your resume skills is not the same as lying on your resume (which we definitely don’t suggest).

Few applicants have every skill and meet every qualification. Tailoring your resume is about making sure hiring managers notice the ones you do have.

Examples of tailored resume job descriptions

In the examples below, the first part is the job listing with the relevant keywords highlighted. This is followed by a tailored resume job description for that listing. Finally, we’ll tell you why this job description works.

1. Sales manager job listing

Sales manager resume job description

Why this resume job description works:

• It clearly and specifically outlines key responsibilities and top achievements.
• It used metrics to show how the candidate seeks to constantly improve their leadership and communication skills . 
• It touches on the candidate’s experience with leading a sales team, which is a key attribute the company is looking for. 
• It matches the keywords found in the job listing.

2. Accountant job listing

Accountant resume job description

• It uses number to show how the candidate was able to cut costs and develop internal controls.
• It mentions which software the candidate knows how to use. Recruiters might filter candidates by specifying the type of software the company uses. 
• It includes the keywords GAAP and FASB but also spells them out. This is smart because there is no knowing whether recruiters will filter their search using the long-form or the acronym of a specific skill.

3. SEO specialist job listing

SEO specialist resume job description

• It matches keywords with what is in the job description. Some of the relevant keywords are incorporated in the Content Writer experience.
• It quantifies achievements, like the increase in website traffic.
• Everything is well-thought-out, concise, and specific.

4. Executive assistant job listing

Executive assistant resume job description

• It quantifies key achievements. 
• It mentions the number of supervisors that the candidate worked closely with and supported.
• It matches the skills in the job listing (e.g. attention to detail, organizational skills , interpersonal skills ).

5. Customer service job listing

Customer service resume job description

• It matches relevant keywords and skills found in the job description.
• It mentions that the candidate was Top Customer Service Representative of the year for five consecutive years.
• It includes a quantified key achievement.

How your resume job descriptions help you get more interviews

Here are three ways a well-written resume job description moves the needle in your job search:

• It establishes your credibility with prospective employers and shows them what you bring to the table.
• It is an advertisement for your abilities, experiences, accomplishments, growth potential, and career trajectory. 
• It shows that when hired, you can immediately start the ball rolling without much hand-holding and training.

To increase the chances that your resume will be found by a hiring manager, make sure you tailor it to the listing of the job you’re applying to. Tailoring your resume takes time and effort but it’s definitely worth it.

To speed up the process, try an online tool like Jobscan’s resume scanner . It will tell exactly what to do to fully optimize your resume for each position. The result is an AI resume that’s fully compatible with applicant tracking systems.

Key Takeaways

Your resume job description is a critical part of your resume. Use this real estate to prove to recruiters that you have what it takes to do the job right. When creating your job descriptions, be sure to:

• Include quantified achievements and specific responsibilities.
• Tailor your work experience section to the job listing of the position you are applying for. 
• Customize your resume for every job application you are submitting.
• Optimizing your resume to the specific job will help you get past the ATS and land your dream job.
• Try Jobscan’s resume scanner so you don’t miss out on the specific skills and accomplishments recruiters and hiring managers are looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does it mean to tailor your resume to the job listing.

Tailoring your resume involves taking the skills and responsibilities in the job listing and incorporating them into your resume job description.

What is the best resume job description format?

Your resume job description should be in the reverse chronological order format . This means you start with your most recent job and work backwards.

How far back should your resume work experience section go?

For most industries, you can list the past 10 to 15 years of your work history on your resume. 

How do you describe your work experience on a resume?

Include your official job title, the name and address of the previous company, and the time period in which you worked there.

What are technical, or hard skills, on your resume?

Hard skills are one of the most important resume keywords. These are technical skills learned through experience or training (e.g. project management, knowledge of software, data analysis). Match hard skills verbatim to the job listing when possible.

Which skills should you include in your job description for your resume?

Pay special attention to the skills mentioned first or multiple times. Start each new job entry with the skills and qualifications that are found in the job listing, even if they weren’t the most important part of your day-to-day responsibilities. 

How do you tailor your resume for a career change?

Follow the same process of leading with keywords from the job listing in your career change resume . Chances are, many skills from your previous career will be transferable to your new one. Be sure to provide context and translate phrases to match the job listing’s preferred terminology when needed. 

The summary section of your resume is going to be your best friend when seeking to change careers. This area of a resume is your opportunity to explain your expertise and how your existing skills will make you a great candidate for this new career.

How do you tailor your resume if you are a recent graduate with no experience?

If you recently graduated and don’t have experience to share on your resume, you can include volunteer work , projects, and internships.

If you are building your resume from scratch, try Jobscan’s resume builder . It’s 100% free and will help you create an ATS-friendly resume. It also allows you to scan your resume for missing keywords.

What are other tips on how to tailor your resume to the job listing?

• A generic resume is about you while a tailored resume makes it about them (and they all want it to be about them).
• Using bullet points instead of big paragraphs on your resume will make your resume easier to skim.
• Use color on your section headings to enhance your resume’s appearance.
• Corporate recruiters prefer to see skills in context. If they see a skill on your resume, they need to understand how and why you used it.
• Describe your accomplishments using data when possible with dollar amounts, percentages, or other measurables to prove your effectiveness.
• Tailoring your resume is also about removing information that distracts from your top hard and soft skills . Look at every line on your resume through the lens of, “Is this necessary to prove I’m a great fit for this job?”

Get help tailoring your resume

Manually tailoring your resume takes a lot of work. That’s why Jobscan created tools that speed up this process.

With Power Edit , the most important skills and keywords missing from your resume update as you work. 

Simply upload your resume, paste the job description, follow the keyword and formatting suggestions, watch your resume score go up, then export your tailored resume.

Do dynamic resume tailoring, ATS optimization , and formatting all in one place with Power Edit . For a closer look, check out this video .

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Resume Job Description: Samples & Tips To Help You Enhance Your Application

In This Guide:

What is a resume job description, responsibilities vs accomplishments: how to enhance your resume job description, how to write your resume job description with achievements if you’re a newly grad, how do i tailor a resume to a job description effectively, looking for a resume job description example.

Getting your resume done is one of the most unnerving parts of the job application process.

Do I have enough experience? Which positions should I list? Can I mention my volunteer work history? Should I or should I not include a photo on my resume ?

These are just some of the questions that ran through my mind when I was preparing my resume.

I spent days researching the best resume practices out there, trying to craft the perfect document that was sure to land me the job.

I wanted my resume to stand out. To make an impact on the hiring managers. I wanted it to work.

And you know what? I made it work.

Surprisingly, all I did was tweak one part that hadn’t crossed my mind before – the job description .

So, stick around and let me tell you the story of how one section can make or break your application.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What a resume job description is and why it’s important;
• How to make sure you write a job description that blows all the other candidates out of the water;
• How to tailor your job description to the specific position you’re applying for.

BUILD MY RESUME NOW

Now, let’s start with the question on everyone’s minds.

To put it short, a job description section on your resume shows the prospective employers your past work experience (paid, internship, and volunteer), as well as your key skills and accomplishments demonstrated at a specific job.

It’s one of the most important resume sections .

It shows a hiring manager what you’ve achieved, what you’ve learned, and how that can be applied to the position they’re offering.

What a well-written resume job description does is highlight the fact that your skills and accomplishments are not only relevant to the job at hand – they’re exactly what the company needs.

When writing about your work history, don’t just list your duties at a past job – that’s boring and, to be honest, recruiters don’t really care.

What’s important to them is that you have the necessary experience, skills, and drive to manage and excel at the task you’ll need to handle.

Hopefully, you now know what a job description section is.

So, to make sure you write one that gets your resume noticed, I’m going to give you some hot tips, coming straight from the experts.

Let’s get right to it!

Focus on your skills and achievements

As I said, recruiters don’t really care about all the daily duties and responsibilities you’ve had before, even if your past job is relevant to the one you’re applying for.

I guarantee, every other applicant that’s held a similar position will have had similar duties. Your job title itself lets the recruiter know what they are.

It doesn’t matter what you did, but how you succeeded at it.

So, what you need to do is highlight your accomplishments and skills while you outline your duties. This shows the hiring manager that you can bring value to the company.

You don’t need to go into too much detail – a simple statement, such as “Created a custom client dashboard that reduced support tickets by 50%” is enough to show what you’ve brought to the table.

However, you can’t just throw any old achievement in there. You need to curate your content. So…

Vet your experience and select the most relevant information

You don’t have to list your entire work history when you write your resume job description, just as you don’t have to list every single responsibility.

What helps is to pinpoint which part of your experience will be the most important to the recruiter and focus on that.

Prioritize the information you include in your job descriptions. You may have achieved tons of things at your past job – but which one is the most relevant? Find out and put it first.

Try and put yourself in the employer’s shoes.

Will a recruiter looking for a web developer be impressed by how you increased Walmart’s Pepper Jack sales by 30% in a week?

Probably not, unless it’s his favorite cheese.

So, research the company, the position, and what is most important to them, and then match it to your skills and accomplishments.

Let the numbers speak for you

Take any achievement of yours. Can the information be represented by symbols and numbers? If yes, then do just that.

People find reading concrete symbols and signs easier than reading words.

Let’s go back to our cheese example from before. Which of the following statements is more impressive:

“Increased cheese sales” or “Increased Pepper Jack sales by 30% in 1 week by leading a successful marketing campaign”?

Even something as ordinary as cheese can sound fancy when you throw in raw data like that.

Be very specific when talking about your achievements and quantify as much as possible.

Make attention-grabbing section headers

Your work experience section is perhaps the most important part of that document. So, make it stand out .

You don’t have to name the section anything specific – Work Experience, Work History, Experience, Employment History – all of these are fine.

Just make sure it’s clearly visible. Go for all-caps, or bold, or add an accent, contrasting color.

The Enhancv resume builder lets you give all your sections custom names, so you can let your personality shine through and better reflect your expertise.

Put your work experience in a visible spot

I’ll say it again – your work experience is one of the most important sections of your resume.

Most recruiters will say that the resume job description is their main source of information on whether the potential employee will do well at a certain job.

So, it makes sense to put it somewhere where it can’t be missed.

Add this section right after your resume summary and before any others, such as Education , Languages , and Skills .

List your resume job descriptions in a reverse-chronological order

This is a very popular and quite useful tactic, and it’s perfect for most resumes, with minimal exceptions.

Start with your current or last job . Move on to the position before that, then the one before that , you get it.

By doing this, you guarantee that the hiring manager sees the best of you and your abilities.

Use between 3 to 5 bullet points for each job

The easiest way for a recruiter to scan through your work experience section is if you use bullet points to list your achievements, skills, and duties.

For each position, use from 3 to 5 bullets. The more recent the job is, the more bullet points you can use. The farther back you go, the fewer you need, and you can only list the most relevant information.

You don’t need a bullet for every single achievement and skill, either. You may have succeeded in a lot of different areas, but not all of them will be important in all cases.

Customize your resume and tailor the information to the job description.

Start each bullet point with an action verb

Eliminate any unnecessary words wherever possible. Hiring managers don’t need all the fluff, and no one wants to read through a 3-page essay about your previous work experience.

Keep it short and sweet.

Start each bullet with an action verb to make it clearer and more powerful.

Another helpful tip is to begin with the successful result of your actions, followed by the action itself.

“Increased Pepper Jack sales by 30% in 1 week by leading a successful marketing campaign”, remember?

Recruiters are more likely to remember the result than the process.

Include the benefit your actions and results had on the company goals

As I mentioned before, you need to decide on what will be most important to the company.

Not only do they want to know that you can succeed at the job, but they also want to know what you can bring to the table, what value you can add.

Give the hiring manager context, too. Show them how your skills can be used in practice.

I understand that it’s easier to write a resume when you have experience. It can be difficult for those straight out of college to figure out what kind of experience they can include.

I’ve been in that position, too.

Just because you don’t have any actual paid work experience doesn’t mean you’ll have to leave that section blank, though.

If you’ve only just graduated and you don’t have that much relevant experience, you can place the education section first, focus on your academic achievements, and put the resume job description after.

In the actual work experience section, you can highlight any other relevant experiences, for example – unpaid internships, volunteer work , student organizations, etc, up to 4 or 5 positions.

For your resume to really succeed, it’s important that you tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for.

You shouldn’t send the same resume with every application, just as you wouldn’t send the same cover letter.

But how do you tailor a resume to a job description ?

Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds!

One of the first things you should do is read the job description that came with the job offer. Read it once, then read it twice, then read it three times.

What you’re trying to do here is identify what’s most important to the company and what they’re looking for in an employee for this particular position. They want to know what you can bring to the table.

Match the content of your resume to the job description. If you’re applying for an engineering job , don’t talk about your time as a cheese salesman, unless parts of what you learned and achieved are really relevant.

A helpful trick is to pay attention to the keywords. Go over the job description and the position requirements and highlight any key ones.

Think of stuff like “detail-oriented”, “resourceful”, and “communication skills”.

Then make a list of all your skills and achievements.

Match those skills to the keywords. The more matches you make, the better your chances of writing a resume that lands you that coveted interview.

Sprinkle those words around your resume, and especially in your work experience section. This will help you pass the automatic sorting system, as well as catch the eye of the recruiter that scans resumes for keywords.

So, follow all the tips from above and you’ll be well on your way to crafting a stellar resume that gets you hired!

I know this can all seem daunting.

So, to help you out, I’ll give you some of our best examples of a great resume job description. And if you want more full resume examples to guide you, I’ve got you covered.

Take a look at this accounting analyst resume.

Now take a look at the following bullet:

“Participated in implementing automated accounting processes that reduced errors of accounting items by 55%”.

It has everything – it starts with an action verb, it quantifies the achievement – overall, I’d say it’s not half bad, wouldn’t you?

Now, let’s switch it up and examine this baker’s resume:

Let’s start with the placement – this resume doesn’t put that much emphasis on the work experience section.

Personally, I’d give some more thought to whether my experience or my education is more important in this case. However, work experience definitely beats the way I spend my time, so surely it should come before it.

Let’s look at the resume job description. Which one of the following do you think is more impressive:

“Ensured all prepared items are appropriately labeled, covered, and rotated” or “Resolved conflicts between kitchen staff which increased the efficiency of the kitchen by 50%”?

Probably the second one, right? So, they probably should have put it first on the list.

Overall, there’s room for improvement here.

And last, but not least, let’s shift the focus to this teacher’s resume:

Here, they’ve got the placement right – experience is important for a teacher, after all.

The bullets following their most recent position highlight their skills and achievements, and they’ve kept in mind what would be important for this job.

I probably would have started with “Contributed to raising retention rate from 75% – 89%”, but other than that – a fine example.

So, there you have it – you now know what a resume job description is, why you need one, and how to write one that skyrockets your chances of success.

To summarise, here are the most important things to keep in mind:

• A job description section on your resume shows the prospective employers your past work experience, as well as your skills and accomplishments.
• When writing a work experience section, focus on your skills and achievements, rather than your duties and responsibilities.
• Keep the information relevant to the position at hand.
• Quantify your achievements – employers like numbers.
• Make your job description section visible, make sure it stands out.
• Use bullet points and start each with an action verb.
• Tailor your resume to the company’s needs and requirements, but keep it truthful.

I hope this post was useful to you. Do you have any other questions? Do you have any experience you want to share? You can do so in the comments!

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How to Write Resume Job Description [+ Examples]

• April 18, 2024
• In Resumes & Cover Letters

A well-written resume job description goes far beyond a dull list of jobs and duties. In fact, a strong presentation of your knowledge and achievements can increase your chances of landing the job. Primarily, your resume job description should offer insight into your value as an employee. With these 7 tips, you will learn how to write compelling job descriptions that grab the recruiter’s attention and open doors to new career opportunities.

Why is a job description important to an employer

A resume job description is incredibly important for several reasons:

• Establishing Credibility : A well-written job description in your resume establishes your credibility with prospective employers. It showcases what you bring to the table and why you are the perfect match for the job.
• Demonstrating Readiness for the Role : A strong job description shows recruiters and prospective employers that you can immediately start contributing without much hand-holding or training. It conveys that you have the necessary skills and experience to hit the ground running.
• Optimizing for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) : Tailoring your resume job description to the specific job you are applying for is crucial. Many companies use ATS to scan and rank resumes based on keywords and skills. By optimizing your job description with specific skills and keywords, you increase your chances of getting noticed by the system and advancing in the hiring process.
• Standing Out from Other Candidates : A well-crafted job description that aligns with the requirements of the position can help you stand out from other candidates. By highlighting your achievements and showcasing how your skills match the job description, you can make a strong impression on hiring managers.

In summary, a resume job description is essential for establishing credibility, showcasing your abilities, demonstrating readiness for the role, optimizing for ATS, and standing out from other candidates. By tailoring your job description to the specific job you are applying for and highlighting your achievements, you increase your chances of securing an interview and landing the job.

How to write an effective resume job description

Writing effective job descriptions in your resume is crucial for showcasing your skills, experiences, and accomplishments to potential employers. Here are some tips on how to write a resume job description:

Step 1: Include relevant information

Start the job description section at the top half of the first page of your resume. Include the job title, company name, location, dates of employment, and a brief overview of your responsibilities and achievements.

Step 2: Highlight accomplishments

 Instead of simply listing your job duties, focus on your measurable accomplishments and the impact you made in each role. Use specific examples and quantify your achievements whenever possible. This helps employers understand the value you can bring to their organization.

Step 3: Use concise language

 Craft impactful statements by using strong action verbs and removing unnecessary pronouns and articles. Begin phrases or sentences with verbs to make your descriptions more engaging and dynamic. Choose words that demonstrate your skills and show that you have made a positive impact in your previous roles.

Step 4: Tailor descriptions to the job

 Customize your job descriptions to align with the requirements and responsibilities of the position you are applying for. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that directly relate to the job you are seeking.

Step 5: Follow a reverse chronological order

Start with your most recent or current job and work backward in time. This format is commonly used and helps employers easily understand your career progression.

Step 6: Always use bullet points

Use bullet points to showcase the responsibilities and achievements for each previous job. Bullet points should be concise and to the point. They do not require long sentences or punctuation.

Including relevant keywords in resume job descriptions

Including relevant keywords in resume job descriptions is crucial for catching the attention of hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan resumes.

• Review the job posting : Carefully analyze the job posting or job description of the position you are applying for. Identify keywords and phrases that are frequently mentioned and align with the requirements of the role.
• Identify core skills and qualifications : Identify the core skills, qualifications, and experience necessary for the job. These could include technical skills, industry-specific knowledge, certifications, or soft skills. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your job descriptions.
• Quantify achievements : Whenever possible, quantify your achievements and provide specific results or metrics. This not only makes your resume more impactful but also helps incorporate keywords. 
• Avoid keyword stuffing : While it’s important to include keywords, avoid overloading your resume with them. Use keywords naturally and in context, ensuring that your descriptions flow smoothly and remain focused on your accomplishments and responsibilities.

By including the right keywords, you increase the chances of your resume standing out and passing through ATS screenings.

Resume job description examples

Resume job descriptions are an essential part of your resume, as they provide specific details about your previous jobs and experiences. Including accurate and well-written job descriptions can help highlight your skills, achievements, and qualifications to potential employers. Here are some examples of resume job descriptions:

#1. Customer Service Job Description Example

Customer Service Associate, Timmy’s Retail, Columbus, Ohio January 2011 – March 2016

• Emphasized customer satisfaction by resolving circa 170 customer queries every week.
• Spearheaded weekly strategy meetings and suggested a new ticketing system that decreased response time by 23%.
• Named employee of the month 24 times for proactive attitude and high customer satisfaction.

#2. Executive Assistant Job Description Sample

Executive Assistant, BrightWay Inc., Boston, Massachusetts September 2017 – November 2020

• Developed and implemented a new filing system that increased productivity and saved up to 1 hour’s work daily.
• Realized $2800 in monthly savings by reducing unneeded expenses and finding better deals for office supplies.

#3. Front Office Job Description Sample

Front Office Receptionist, Lilly & Co, New York , New York May 2018 – November 2023

• Implemented a new appointment scheduling system, resulting in a 23% increase in efficiency and a cost savings of $7,500 per year.
• Providing support with various administrative tasks, which may include organizing files, entering data, and preparing documents.
• Providing general information to visitors and clients.
• Assisting with event planning and coordination.

#4. Project Manager Job Description Sample

Project Manager, Nordisk, Columbus, Ohio Jun 2019 – November 2023

• Designed an accelerated program roadmap, saving 25% on expenditures and delivering completed implementation three months ahead of schedule
• Directed a $2M corporate headquarters relocation project, delivering target outcomes on time and under budget
• Coordinating internal resources and third-party vendors to ensure the seamless completion of projects.

#5. Sales Manager  Job Description Sample

Sales Manager, Blue Hill Holdings, New York, New York July 2015 – December 2020

• Trained and onboarded 13 sales agents, 11 of whom are still a part of the company
• Increased annual sales revenue by 18% through the usage of a new sales system
• Utilized strong negotiation and communication skills to sign new clients, exceeding monthly sales goals by 34%

#6.  Supervisor Job Description Sample

Supervisor, Honeywell Gropup, New York , New York September 2017 – November 2023

• Led a team that successfully completed a project three weeks ahead of schedule, resulting in cost savings of $87,000.
• Successfully completed specialized projects, such as implementing a new customer service system that resulted in a 27% increase in customer satisfaction ratings.
• Coach, resolve issues, and provide guidance and support for individual development needs.

#7. Teacher Job Description Example

Teacher, Manhattan Upper School September 2017 – November 2020

• Developed and implemented lesson plans based on curriculum guidelines.
• Delivered engaging and interactive lessons to students.
• Assessed student performance and provided feedback and grades.
• Communicated with parents/guardians regarding student progress and behavior.

A strong resume job description aims to demonstrate the value and expertise that make you the perfect fit for the job. By following the tips above, you will create an impactful job description that will impress the recruiter and help you stand out.

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Resume Job Description Samples – 8 Tips to Follow

Natasha Serafimovska

Career Coach, Professional Resume Writer, Freelance Writer

When  looking for a job , your resume becomes a crucial element. From making a great first impression to showcasing all your achievements and potential, your resume has to portray your professional story in minutes.

Research has found that recruiters spend about  seven seconds  analyzing a resume before deciding a candidate’s fate. They spend most of that time scanning your resume’s job descriptions for any essential experiences and skills. From there, they determine if you’d be a good match for the job. 

That’s why giving your job descriptions the attention they deserve is vital. If you’re unsure of how to write a job description for a resume, you’ve come to the right place. Here we look at why your job descriptions matter. Then, we’ll demonstrate how to showcase your past achievements.

Table of Contents

What is a Resume Job Description?

Job descriptions are a crucial part of any resume. They contain information on past work experience, achievements, and any key benefits your work has brought to your employer. In essence, it’s a summary of all your duties and responsibilities. It can also include projects where you’ve gone above and beyond to exceed customer expectations, met harsh deadlines, or helped a team member. 

Why Having a Job Description is Important?

Job descriptions are usually the first place recruiters look to get an idea of whether or not you have the required experience. Your work experience is the main part of any resume. It showcases your personality, skills, and key qualities as an employee. Additionally, an applicant tracking system (ATS) often scans resumes for specific keywords. So, your job description is the perfect place to add those keywords.

Important Components of Resume Job Description

Knowing how to write a job description for a resume begins with accepting the fact that writing a job description is about engaging your reader. Job descriptions that are vague, long-winded, or poorly formatted make hiring managers lose interest. In worst-case scenarios, employers may even get the wrong impression of who you are as an employee.

Instead, keep your job description neat and to the point. The essential elements to include are:

• Name of employer
• Dates of employment
• Key results and achievements by relevance to the job ad you’re applying for
• Specific problems you’ve solved and how you’ve achieved that
• Specific projects you’ve led or you’ve been part of and the outcomes of those projects

Ensure you use consistent formatting throughout your resume and tailor your job descriptions to each new job .

Likewise, if you’re applying for a job in another city or state, make sure it’s clearly stated in your resume that you’re prepared to move for the job .

How to Write an Effective Resume Job Description

When beginning to write a job description for a resume, getting caught up in all the formalities can be easy. But in actuality, you only need to follow these eight tips to create an engaging job description.

Start with Basic Details about the Job

You can offer a one-line description of your primary focus in each role before going into more specific details about your accomplishments and key outcomes. 

Focus on Your Skills and Achievements

Hiring managers love reading what you’ve done for your past employers as that can give them an instant idea of what they can expect to get from you if they hire you. Instead of talking in general terms about your responsibilities, frame them in the context of specific results and achievements. 

Give Priority to Your Qualifications

Qualifications are particularly important if you’re straight out of university or don’t have much work experience. If that’s the case, they should go at the top of your resume. On the other hand, if you’re a mid-senior professional with years of professional experience, your qualifications should go at the bottom of the resume.

That said, don’t forget to include additional certifications and accreditations you’ve received post-university. Even if they’re not the most relevant qualifications for the job, they can demonstrate your desire to learn and grow, and that’s always a desirable quality.

Mention Relevant Experience

You may love gardening or writing Harry Potter fan fiction, but the hiring manager doesn’t care about that. Instead, write your job descriptions so that they speak directly to the requirements and job responsibilities outlined in the job ad. If they’re asking for someone who’s results-oriented and not afraid of taking initiative, write down specific examples that demonstrate these qualities in you. 

Emphasize Your Responsibilities

It’s important to talk about YOUR specific responsibilities and duties rather than the team at large. If you’ve worked on a bigger project with multiple stakeholders, narrow down your job description to your specific contributions to that project. Questions to ask yourself to target specific, noteworthy information are

• What were my responsibilities?
• What tasks did I complete?
• What soft and hard skills did I have to utilize?
• What was the result?
• What did I learn?

Include Keywords

Seventy-five percent of recruiters today use ATS software to sift through hundreds of resumes. These systems scan the resumes for specific keywords from the job ad. So, read carefully through the job specification and see what keywords repeat across the text. Then weave them through your job descriptions.

Add and Optimize Bullet Points

You don’t want the recruiter or hiring manager to struggle reading your resume. Make their job easy by clearly organizing your thoughts and adding bullet points where appropriate. 

You may be asked to elaborate on various points in your resume during an interview. So, there’s no point in lying about your achievements. Instead, try to be strategic about what aspects of your achievements you highlight and how you position them in the job description.

Resume Job Description Example

Global Director of Sales – Cisco  

January 2020 – Present

Chicago, IL  

• Manage a team of seven account executives and exceed sales targets through pro-active outbound sales and an active land and expand strategy;
• Exceeded sales targets by 15% in 2021 by delivering new sales training and incorporating a new strategy for identifying and qualifying leads;
• Shortened the sales cycle by 30% by updating the pitch deck and delivering more tailored client demos; 
• Liaised with product development to improve the functionality of a new product line and spearheaded its launch to market, resulting in 40% market penetration in the first six months

Frequently Asked Questions on Resume Job Description

What should you write in a job description.

Job descriptions should contain key information on the previous jobs you’ve had including

• Time of employment
• Specific accomplishments and results

How Much Job Experience Should I List on Resume Description

It depends on how long you’ve worked there. If you’ve only worked at a company for a couple of months, it doesn’t make sense to list half a page of tasks and responsibilities. Even if you’ve worked at a company for longer, you want to keep your descriptions to the point and not have your resume exceed two pages (three pages are acceptable for senior professionals with over ten years of work experience). So only include your best tasks and achievements, which should be condensed into 4-5 bullet points.

Why is a Job Description Important for a New Employee?

From an employer’s perspective, their job descriptions can help new employees understand their responsibilities better and uncover any skills gaps and needs for additional training. 

In today’s labor market where a single job ad can attract hundreds of applicants, it can be difficult to make yourself stand out. However, there are certain things you can do to increase your chances of getting noticed and landing that coveted job. 

Besides an impeccable and error-free cover letter, you also need a professional resume that speaks directly to the job ad you’re applying for. Your job descriptions, in this context, are your gold. They offer you plenty of space to highlight your achievements, skills, and willingness to go the extra mile. Put all these things together and you can rest assured that your diligence won’t go unnoticed.

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Writing A Resume Description: What To Include And What To Avoid

Are you tired of submitting resumes that never get noticed? It’s time to take a closer look at your resume description. This is your chance to showcase your skills and experience in a way that stands out from the competition.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of writing a resume description that will grab the attention of hiring managers and land you your dream job.

First, we’ll start with the basics. Your resume description should include a strong summary statement that immediately communicates your value proposition to potential employers. From there, we’ll dive into the details of how to showcase your relevant skills and experience, tailoring your resume to the specific job you’re applying for.

We’ll also explore common mistakes to avoid, such as using cliches or including irrelevant information. And finally, we’ll discuss the importance of proofreading and editing your resume to ensure that it’s polished and professional.

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a resume description that will help you stand out in a crowded job market.

Key Takeaways

• A brief summary statement highlighting relevant skills and experiences should be included.
• Industry-specific keywords should be used throughout the resume and achievements should be highlighted with quantitative data.
• Cliches and irrelevant information should be avoided and bullet points and clear headings should be used.
• Proofreading and editing the resume for errors and consistency is crucial and seeking expert guidance can improve the quality of the resume.

Start with a Strong Summary Statement

Start with a strong summary statement.

You’ll want to begin your resume with a strong summary statement that captures your skills and experiences in a concise and compelling way. Crafting a compelling introduction requires you to highlight your most relevant qualifications and achievements.

This summary should be brief, usually no more than two or three sentences, but it should pack a punch. Tips for standing out include using keywords that are relevant to the job you’re applying for and showcasing your unique skills and experiences.

You should also be sure to tailor your summary statement to the specific job you’re applying for. This will show the employer that you’ve taken the time to research the company and position, and that you’re truly interested in the job.

Remember, your summary statement is the first thing a potential employer will see, so make sure it’s attention-grabbing and highlights your strengths.

Showcase Your Relevant Skills and Experience

Highlight your achievements and emphasize your industry-specific skills to show potential employers how you can contribute to their company’s success. Start by identifying the most relevant skills and experiences that you’ve acquired throughout your career.

These may include technical abilities, communication skills, leadership qualities, or any other trait that’s valuable to the position you’re applying for.

Once you’ve identified your key skills, highlight specific examples of how you’ve used them to achieve positive results in your previous roles. Use quantitative data whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work.

For example, if you’re applying for a sales position, you might mention that you increased sales by 20% in your last role by implementing a new sales strategy. By showcasing your expertise and past accomplishments, you can demonstrate your value as a candidate and increase your chances of landing the job.

Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description

Crafting a tailored resume that speaks directly to the job requirements will give you an edge over other applicants and make a lasting impression on the hiring manager.

One of the most effective ways to tailor your resume is by including industry-specific keywords. These keywords will not only make your resume stand out but also show that you have a good understanding of the job requirements.

To find industry-specific keywords, carefully review the job description and highlight any important words or phrases. Be sure to incorporate these keywords throughout your resume, including in your summary, work experience, and skills sections.

However, be careful not to overuse them, as this may come across as unnatural and forced. Customization tips also include changing the order of your bullet points to match the job requirements and using action verbs that are relevant to the job.

A tailored resume will not only help you get noticed by employers but also show that you are a good fit for the position.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Don’t make the mistake of using a generic resume description, as this will make your application blend in with the rest. Instead, focus on highlighting your skills and achievements that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. This means tailoring your resume to include specific keywords that match the job description and formatting it in a way that’s easy to read and visually appealing.

When it comes to formatting tips, make sure to use bullet points and clear headings to break up text and make it easier to skim. Use a consistent font and size throughout the document and make sure it’s free of any spelling or grammatical errors.

Additionally, be mindful of the length of your resume – keep it concise and relevant, avoiding any unnecessary information that doesn’t add value. By following these formatting and keyword tips, you’ll increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers and ultimately landing your dream job.

Proofread and Edit Your Resume

When proofreading and editing your resume, you should focus on three key areas:

• Check for spelling and grammar errors. Make sure that all words are spelled correctly and that the grammar is flawless throughout your resume.
• Use a consistent format and font. This helps to give your resume a polished and professional appearance.
• Have someone else review your resume for feedback. Asking someone else to review your resume can give you valuable feedback and help you make any necessary improvements.

It’s important to ensure that your resume is error-free and visually appealing. By following these tips, you can create a resume that showcases your skills and experience in the best possible light.

Check for Spelling and Grammar Errors

Ensuring that your resume is free of spelling and grammar errors is crucial. It presents you as a professional and detail-oriented candidate to potential employers. A single error can make a big difference in how your resume is perceived. It could be the difference between getting a callback or not. Therefore, it’s important to take the time to carefully proofread and edit your resume before submitting it.

There are several tools available to help you detect errors in your resume. Spell check is a great tool to help you catch any spelling mistakes, but it’s not foolproof. It’s important to also read your resume carefully and aloud to catch any grammatical errors that may have been missed. Having someone else review your resume can also be incredibly helpful in catching errors that you may have overlooked.

By taking the time to properly proofread and edit your resume, you can ensure that it presents you in the best light possible to potential employers.

Use a Consistent Format and Font

Maintaining a consistent format and font throughout your resume is like creating a cohesive visual brand for yourself as a job applicant. It can help you stand out from the competition. Using the same font and formatting style throughout your resume not only makes it easier to read, but it also creates a professional and polished look.

Avoid using too many different font styles or sizes, as this can make your resume appear cluttered and unprofessional.

When it comes to choosing a font, stick with easy-to-read options such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Using color in your resume can also be a great way to add visual interest and make certain sections stand out, but be cautious not to overdo it. Stick with a simple color scheme that complements your font choices and is easy on the eye.

Additionally, choosing the right paper for printing can also make a difference in how your resume is perceived. Opt for a high-quality, heavier-weight paper to create a lasting impression.

Have Someone Else Review Your Resume for Feedback

Now that you’ve taken the time to format your resume consistently and in a readable font, it’s time to get some objective opinions on your work.

Having someone else review your resume for feedback is an essential step in the job application process. It’s easy to overlook small mistakes or miss opportunities to optimize your personal branding without a fresh set of eyes to help you analyze your work.

When seeking feedback, it’s important to gather multiple perspectives. Ask a few different people to review your resume, including friends, family, and colleagues.

Constructive criticism is key to improving your resume, so be open to any suggestions for improvement. Peer review can be incredibly helpful, but don’t hesitate to seek expert consultation as well.

A career counselor or resume writing service may be able to offer valuable insights and guidance on how to optimize your resume for success. By incorporating feedback analysis and buzzword optimization, you can create a standout resume that truly showcases your skills and experience.

By incorporating a strong summary statement, showcasing your relevant skills and experience, and tailoring your resume to the job description, you’ve given yourself the best chance of standing out to potential employers.

Remember to avoid common mistakes such as including irrelevant information and using cliches. Take the time to proofread and edit your resume to ensure it’s error-free and presents you in the best possible light.

As the saying goes, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”Your resume is often the first impression a potential employer will have of you, so make sure it’s detailed, professional, and organized.

With these tips and your hard work, you’re sure to catch the attention of any employer and land the job you desire.

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How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide

For most job-seekers, a good resume is what stands between a dream job and Choice D. Get your resume right, and you’ll be getting replies from every other company you apply to.

If your resume game is weak, though, you’ll end up sitting around for weeks, maybe even months, before you even get a single response.

So you’re probably wondering how you can write a resume that gets you an interview straight up.

Well, you’ve come to the right place!

In this guide, we’re going to teach you everything you need to know about how to make a resume, including:

• The 8 Essential Steps to Writing a Resume
• 11+ Exclusive Resume Tips to Up Your Resume Game
• 27+ Real-Life Resume Examples for Different Professions

….and more!

So, let’s dive right in.

How to Make a Resume (The Right Way!)

Before we go into detail about how you should make a resume, here’s a summary of the most important steps and tips to keep in mind:

• Choose a resume format carefully. In 99% of cases, we recommend the reverse-chronological format .
• Add the right contact details. Leave your headshot out and make sure to include your job title , a professional email address, and any relevant links. (E.g.: your LinkedIn profile , online portfolio, personal website, etc.).
• Write an impactful resume summary. Unless you’re an entry-level professional, always go for a resume summary. If you do it right, it’s your chance to get the hiring manager to go through the rest of your resume in detail.
• Pay attention to your work experience section. Take your work experience section from OK-ish to exceptional by tailoring it to the job ad, making your achievements quantifiable, and using action verbs and power words.
• Add the right skills for the job. Keep this section relevant by only including the hard and soft skills that are required for the position.
• Keep your education short and to the point. Your most recent and highest degree is more than enough for a strong education section. You only need to add more details here if you’re a recent graduate with barely any work experience.
• Leverage optional resume sections. Optional sections like languages, hobbies, certifications, independent projects, and others can set you apart from other candidates with similar skills and experience.
• Include a cover letter. That’s right, cover letters matter in 2024, and the best way to supplement your resume is by adding an equally well-crafted cover letter to your job application. To make the most of it, check out our detailed guide on how to write a cover letter .

To get the most out of our tips, you can head over to the resume builder and start building your resume on the go as you read this guide.

New to resume-making? Give our ‘7 Resume Tips’ video a watch before diving into the article!

#1. Pick the Right Resume Format

Before you start filling in the contents of your resume, you have to make sure it’s going to look good. 

After all, the first thing hiring managers notice is what your resume looks like, and then they start reading it. So, this is your best chance to make a great first impression.

Start by choosing the right resume format.

There are three types of resume formats out there:

• Reverse-chronological. This is by far the most popular resume format worldwide and, as such, it’s the best format for most job-seekers.
• Functional. This resume format focuses more on skills than work experience. It’s a good choice if you’re just getting started with your career and have little to no experience in the field.
• Combination. The combination resume format is a great choice for experienced job-seekers with a very diverse skill set. It’s useful if you’re applying for a role that requires expertise in several different fields and you want to show all that in your resume.

So, which one should you go for?

In 99% of cases, you want to stick to the reverse-chronological resume format . It’s the most popular format and what hiring managers expect to see. So, in the rest of this guide, we’re going to focus on teaching you how to make a reverse-chronological resume.

Fix Your Resume’s Layout

With formatting out of the way, let’s talk about your resume’s layout , which determines the overall look of your resume. 

Does it look organized or cluttered? Is it too short or too long? Is it boring and easy to ignore, or is it reader-friendly and attention-grabbing?

Here are some of the best practices you should apply:

• Stick to one page. You should only go for a two-page resume if you have decades of experience and you’re sure the extra space will add significant value. Hiring managers in big companies get hundreds of applications per job opening. They’re not going to spend their valuable time reading your life story!
• Add clear section headings. Pick a heading and use it for all the section headers so the hiring manager can easily navigate through your resume.
• Adjust the margins. Without the right amount of white space, your resume will end up looking overcrowded with information. Set your margins to one inch on all sides so your text fits just right on the page.
• Choose a professional font. We’d recommend sticking to a font that’s professional but not overused. For example, Ubuntu, Roboto, or Overpass. Avoid Times New Roman, and never use Comic Sans.
• Set the correct font size. As a rule of thumb, go for 11-12 pt for normal text and 14-16 pt for section titles.
• Use a PDF file. Always save your resume as a PDF file, unless the employer specifically requests otherwise. Word files are popular, but there’s a good chance they’ll mess up your resume’s formatting.

Another thing you need to consider in terms of your resume’s layout is whether you’re going for a traditional-looking resume template or something a bit more modern :

If you’re pursuing a career in a more traditional industry, like law , banking , or finance , you might want to stick to the first.

But if you’re applying to a tech company where imagination and innovation are valued, you can pick a more creative resume template .

Want to Save Time? Use a (Free) Resume Template

Anyone who’s ever tried creating a resume from scratch knows how boring the formatting can be.

Before you can even start filling in the contents, you need to tweak the margins, adjust font sizes, and make sure everything fits into one page while still looking good.

What if you could skip past all that and still create a compelling resume?

Try one of our free resume templates . They’re pre-formatted, so all you have to do is fill in the contents.

They’re also created in collaboration with recruiters from around the globe, ensuring that the templates are visually appealing and ATS-friendly!

See for yourself how one of our templates compares to a resume created in a standard text editor:

#2. Add Your Contact Information

Now that we’ve got all the formatting out of the way, let’s get into what your resume is all about— the information you put on it .

The first thing you want to do when filling out the contents of your resume is to add your contact information .

This section is pretty straightforward but crucial. Your contact details belong at the top of your resume in a designated resume header , so the hiring manager can easily find them.

Even if everything else about your resume is perfect, that all flops if you misspell your email address or have a typo in your phone number. If the hiring manager can’t contact you, it’s a missed opportunity.

So, double-check, and even triple-check your contact information section and make sure everything is factually correct and up-to-date.

Must-Have Information

• Full name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top of your resume.
• Email address. Stick to an address that’s professional and easy to spell, like a combination of your first and last name. (E.g.: [email protected])
• Phone number. Add a reliable number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
• Location. Add your city and state/country. If you plan to relocate for the job or want a remote position, specify it on your resume.

Optional Information

• Job title. Add your professional title underneath. Write it down word for word, whether it’s “Digital Marketing Specialist” or “Junior Data Scientist.” Just don’t make up job titles like “Marketing Wizzard” or “Data Manipulator.” They’re not quirky; they’re just unprofessional. 
• LinkedIn profile . We recommend that you include a link to your updated LinkedIn profile since over 77% of hiring managers use the platform when evaluating a candidate. 
• Relevant links. Include links to personal websites or any social media profiles that are relevant to your field. For example, a developer could include a Github profile, while a graphic designer could link their Behance or Driblle account, and so on.
• Date of birth. Unless this is specifically required in the job ad, the hiring manager doesn’t need to know how old you are. It’s not important for their decision-making, and at worst, it might lead to age-based discrimination.
• Unprofessional email address. Your quirky, old high school email address doesn’t belong on your resume. Instead of [email protected] , go for a [email protected] type of address.
• Headshot. (USA, UK or Ireland) Depending on the country where you’re applying, it might even be illegal to include a picture of yourself on your resume . While it’s the norm to include a picture in most of Europe and Asia, always check the regulations for each specific country or industry you’re applying to.

All clear? Good! Now, let’s look at what a great example of a resume's contact information section looks like:

#3. Write a Resume Headline (Summary or Objective)

It's no secret that recruiters spend an average of less than seven seconds on a resume .

When you receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications daily, it's physically impossible to spend too much time on each.

So, what the hiring managers do to go through resumes more effectively is to skim through each resume and read it in depth only if it piques their interest.

This is where the resume headline comes in.

Placed right next to (or underneath) your contact information, this brief paragraph is the first thing the hiring manager is going to read on your resume.

Now, depending on how far along in your career you are, your resume headline can be either a resume summary or a resume objective.

So, how do you choose between a resume summary and a resume objective? Here’s all you need to know:

Resume Summary

A resume summary, as the name suggests, is a two to three-sentence summary of your career so far. If done right, it shows that you’re a qualified candidate at a glance and gets the hiring manager to give you a chance.

Here’s what your resume summary should include:

• Your job title and years of experience.
• A couple of your greatest professional achievements or core responsibilities.
• Your most relevant skills for the job.

Here’s an example of a well-written resume summary: 

Experienced Java Developer with 5 years of experience in building scalable and efficient applications. Contributed to a major project that enhanced application performance by 25%. Strong background in Spring Framework and microservices. Aiming to apply robust coding skills to develop innovative software solutions at XYZ Tech Solutions.

Unless you’re a recent graduate or amid a career change, we recommend you stick to a resume summary. Otherwise, a resume objective might be a better option for you.

Resume Objective

A resume objective is supposed to express your professional goals and aspirations, academic background, and any relevant skills you may have for the job.

It communicates your motivation for getting into a new field, so it’s the go-to headline for recent graduates and those going through a career change. As with a resume summary, a resume objective should be brief—around two to four sentences long.

So, here’s what it would look like if you’re a student:

Hard-working recent graduate with a B.A. in Graphic Design from New York State University seeking new opportunities. 3+ years of practical experience working with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, creating illustrations and UX/UI design projects. Looking to grow as a designer and perfect my art at XYZ Design Studio.

Or, on the other hand, if you’re going through a career change, it might look more like this:

IT project manager with 5+ years of experience in software development. Managed a team of developers to create products for several industries, such as FinTech and HR tech. Looking to leverage my experience in managing outsourced products as a Product Owner at Company XYZ.

#4. Prioritize Your Work Experience

The most important part of your resume is your work experience.

This is where you get to sell yourself and show off your previous accomplishments and responsibilities.

If you manage to master this section, you’ll know most of what’s there to know about how to make a resume.

There are plenty of good practices for writing your work experience . But before we dive into all the nits and grits, let's start with the basics.

The standard format for each work experience entry is as follows:

• Job title/position. Your job title goes on top of each work experience entry. When the hiring manager looks at your resume, you want them to know, at a glance, that you have relevant work experience for the job.
• Company name/location/description. Mention the name of the employer and the general location, such as the city and state/country where you worked. In some cases, you may also want to briefly describe the company, like when the organization isn’t particularly well-known.
• Dates employed. Add the approximate timeframe of your employment at each company. You don’t need to give exact dates since the standard format for this is mm/yyyy.
• Achievements and responsibilities. This is the core of each work experience entry. Depending on your field, you want to list either your achievements or responsibilities. List them in bullet points instead of paragraphs, so they’ll be easier to read.

Here’s a real-life example:

Your work experience entries should always be listed in reverse chronological order , starting with your most recent job and working your way back into the past.

Now that you know how to list your experience, we’re going to show you how to write about it in a way that makes you stand out from the competition, starting with: 

Are you a student with no work experience? We’ve got you covered. Check out our guide to writing a resume with no experience here.

Focus on Achievements Whenever Possible

One of the most common resume mistakes is only listing responsibilities in your work experience section.

Here’s the thing—in most cases, the hiring manager knows exactly what your job responsibilities are.

For example, if you’re a sales manager, your responsibilities would be:

• Reach out to potential clients over the phone or email.
• Maintain relationships with existing company clients and upsell relevant products.
• Tracking and reporting on leads in CRM.

Coincidentally, this is also the same list of responsibilities for every sales manager out there. So, 90% of all other resumes probably mention the same thing.

To stand out from the competition, you want to focus on writing achievements in your resume instead. These can be how you helped your previous company grow, reach quarterly quotas, and so on.

Let’s compare how responsibilities hold up next to achievements for the same job:

• Exceeded sales team KPIs by 30%+ for 3 months straight.
• Generated over $24,000 in sales in 1 month.
• Generated leads through cold-calling
• Managed existing company clients

Keep in mind, though, that in some fields, there just aren’t that many achievements you can mention. Let’s say you’re a warehouse worker .

Your day-to-day responsibilities probably include:

• Loading, unloading, and setting up equipment daily.
• Packaging finished products and getting them ready for shipping.
• Assisting in opening and closing the warehouse.

In fields like this, it’s pretty hard to distinguish yourself through achievements, so it’s okay to stick to responsibilities instead. You can still make them shine by following the rest of our advice about listing your work experience.

Keep in mind, though, that in some fields, there aren’t that many achievements you can mention. Let’s say you work in a warehouse. Your day-to-day responsibilities probably involve:

• Loading, unloading and setting up equipment on a daily basis.
• Package finished product and get it ready for shipping.
• Assist in opening and closing the warehouse.

In such fields, it’s pretty hard to distinguish yourself, so it’s totally OK to stick to responsibilities instead.

Tailor Your Resume to the Job

Tailoring is what sets an amazing resume apart from an okay one.

Hiring managers don’t need to know about every single job you’ve ever worked at or every single skill that you have.

They only want to know about your jobs, experiences, or skills that are relevant to the role you’re applying for.

For example, if you’re applying for a job doing Google Ads, you don’t need to talk about your SEO internship from eight years ago.

By focusing your resume on whatever is important for the specific role, you’re a lot more likely to stand out and catch the hiring manager’s attention.

Let’s take a look at an example of a job ad:

As you can see, we’ve highlighted the most important requirements.

To tailor your resume accordingly, you just need to mention how you meet each of these requirements in your resume.

You can highlight your relevant achievements and qualifications in different parts of your resume, such as:

• In your resume summary, where you should recap your years of experience.
• Throughout your work experience section, where you should list achievements and responsibilities that reflect your social media marketing experience.
• In your education section, where you can let the hiring manager know you have the degree that they’re looking for.

Include the Right Amount of Work Experience

If you’ve got over a decade’s worth of work experience, you’re probably wondering whether all of it belongs on your resume. In most cases, you’d end up writing a novel if you listed everything you’ve ever done, and that’s not how long a resume should be .

If you’re new to the job market, on the other hand, you probably don’t have any experience, and you’re wondering what you could even add to this section.

So, here’s how much information your resume should include, depending on your level of experience:

• No experience. If you’re looking for your first job , you won’t have any work experience to fill this section with. So, you can either keep it empty and focus on all the other sections or fill it up with any experience gained in student organizations, extracurricular activities, volunteering, and other projects.
• Entry-level. List all your work experience so far. While some of it won’t be relevant, it can still show the hiring manager that you do have some actual work experience.
• Mid-level. Only mention relevant work experience to the position you’re applying for. There’s no need to waste space on jobs that aren’t related to what you’re after.
• Senior-level. List up to 15 years of relevant work experience, tops. If your most recent experience is as a marketing executive , the hiring manager doesn’t care how you started your career as a junior marketing specialist 23 years ago.

Consider Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Software

Did you know that over 70% of resumes don’t even make it to the hiring manager ?

Most companies these days use ATS to evaluate hundreds of resumes instantaneously and automatically filter out the ones that don’t meet their criteria.

For example, if a resume doesn’t mention a specific skill or isn’t formatted correctly, the ATS will automatically reject it.

Fortunately, there are some easy ways to make an ATS-friendly resume .

Here are a couple of tips to help you get past those pesky robots:

• Stick to one page. Sometimes employers set a limit on how long a resume should be. This means that if your resume is longer than one page, it might get automatically disqualified.
• Incorporate keywords. Tailoring your resume to the job helps a ton with beating the ATS. Just carefully read the job description to find hints for what the ATS will be looking for. Then, whenever you find keywords related to your responsibilities and achievements, make sure to include them in your work experience section.
• Use an active voice. Passive voice is too vague and unclear, so make sure to use active voice as much as possible when describing your previous jobs. (E.g.: “Managed a team of ten people,” instead of “ A team of ten people was managed by me.” )
• Leverage powerful action words. Instead of starting each of your sentences with “was responsible for," make your work experience impactful by using words that can grab attention. Saying that you “spearheaded” or “facilitated” something sounds a lot more impressive than “helped.”

Want to make sure your resume formatting passes the ATS test? Choose one of our tried and tested ATS-friendly resume templates , and you’ll be good to go! 

#5. List Your Education

The next section on your resume is dedicated to your academic qualifications. Let’s start with the basics!

Here’s how you should format the education section on your resume :

• Program Name. Your major and degree type should be listed. (E.g.: “B.A. in Business Administration” )
• University Name. Add the name of the institution. (E.g.: “New York State University” )
• Dates Attended. Use a mm/yyyy format for the dates you attended. (E.g.: “08/2008 - 06/2012” )
• Location. If your university is less well-known, you can also add the location. (E.g.: “Stockholm, Sweden” )
• GPA. Use the appropriate grading system for the country you’re applying to work in. (E.g.: In the USA, it would be “3.9 GPA” )
• Honors. Add any honors and distinctions you’ve been given. (E.g.: Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude )
• Achievements. You can mention interesting papers you’ve written, projects you’ve done, or relevant coursework you’ve excelled in.
• Minor. “Minor in Psychology”

Pretty simple, right? Now let’s see what an education section looks like in practice:

This example includes all the necessary information, plus an eye-catching award and relevant classes this candidate has taken.

Resume Education Tips

Now that you know how to list your education on your resume, let’s take this section to the next level.

Just follow these expert tips:

• If you’re making a resume as a student and don’t have any work experience yet, you can list your education section at the beginning of the page instead of work experience.
• You can add your expected graduation date if you’re still pursuing your degree.
• If you already have relevant work experience, just keep this section short and sweet. Recent graduates can expand on their education more and add optional information like projects, classes, academic achievements, etc.
• Always list your degrees in reverse chronological order, starting with your highest degree on top. Your highest and most recent degree is usually enough, so if you have a Master’s degree that’s relevant to the job, there’s no need to mention your earlier degrees.
• Don’t add your high school degree to your resume if you already have a university degree. It doesn’t have as much weight, and you can use the space for something else.
• Only mention your GPA if you had an impressive academic career. Anything below a 3.5 GPA doesn’t need to be on your resume.

Are you in the process of applying for college? Check out our guide to writing a college application resume to wow that admissions officer!

#6. Emphasize Your Know-How in the Skills Section

After your work experience, your skills are the first thing the hiring manager is going to look for. In fact, together, work experience and skills make up 90% of the hiring decision .

So, this is the place where you want to mention all the know-how that makes you the perfect candidate for the job.

There are two types of skills you can include when writing your resume:

• Hard Skills. These are measurable abilities. What you can list here can be anything from coding in Python to knowing how to cook Thai cuisine.
• Soft Skills. Also known as personal skills, these are a mix of communication skills , personal traits, career attributes, and more. They can include leadership, critical thinking, and time management , just to name a few.

Your resume should always cover both hard skills and soft skills . Here’s an example in action:

Now, let’s discuss how you should list your most important skills on your resume.

There are a few essential steps you need to follow:

Always List Hard and Soft Skills Separately

Your resume should be easy and neat to navigate. The hiring manager shouldn’t have to waste time looking for a specific skill because you didn’t separate it into the appropriate subsection.

So, just create separate categories for your hard and soft skills.

Depending on your field, you could customize the name of your “hard skills” subsection to something like “technical skills," “marketing skills," or something else related to your field.

Let’s look at an example of what skills look like on a project manager’s resume :

Methodologies & Tools

• Agile Methodology
• SCRUM Framework
• Waterfall Project Management
• Microsoft Project
• Critical Path Method (CPM)
• Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Risk Management

Soft Skills

• Team Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Negotiation

Tailor Your Skills to the Job

You might have some awesome skills, but the hiring manager only needs to know about the ones that are relevant to the job.

For example, if you’re applying for a job as an accountant, your gourmet chef skills shouldn’t be on your resume.

Look at the job ad and list at least two to three essential skills you have that are required for the role. Remember—there’s no need to list every skill you have here; just keep it relevant.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Graphic Design or a related field.
• Tech-savvy, with some background in CMS systems such as WordPress.
• Thrives in a stressful environment and juggles multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Self-reliant, with the ability to manage their own work.
• A can-do attitude and an outside-the-box thinker.
• Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Keynote, and Pages.
• Basic understanding of Office software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

So, the must-have hard skills here are Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Keynote, and Pages. Other good computer skills to have are WordPress or similar CMS systems.

While you can also mention Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, it’s pretty much assumed that you know how to use them since they’re required for most office jobs.

List Hard Skills with Experience Levels

For each hard skill you list on your resume, you should also mention your proficiency level. This tells employers what they can expect from you and how much training you might need.

• Beginner. You have some experience with the skill, whether it’s from some entry-level practice or classroom education.
• Intermediate. You’ve used the skill in a work environment with good understanding.
• Advanced. You’re the go-to person for this skill in your office. You can coach other employees, and you understand the skill at a high level.
• Expert. You’ve applied this skill to more than a handful of different projects and organizations. You’re the go-to person for advice about the skill, not just in your office but even amongst some of the best professionals in your field.

Just make sure to never lie about your actual skill level. Even if you get the job, once you need those skills you exaggerated, it will be pretty awkward for both you and your employer.

Include Transferable Skills

These are the types of skills that are useful for almost any job out there.

Transferable skills can be both soft skills (e.g.: teamwork, creativity, problem-solving skills, and others) and hard skills (MS Office Suite, HTML, writing, etc.)

Whatever job you’re applying to, chances are you have transferable skills from your experience that can come in handy one way or another. So, feel free to include them, even if they’re not specifically required for the position.

Not sure which skills to mention on your resume for your specific field? Check out our list of 101+ essential skills for inspiration!

#7. Leverage Optional Resume Sections

The sections we’ve covered so far are must-haves for any resume. They’re the bread-and-butter for any job application, and if you get them right, you’ll land any job you apply to.

But if you have some leftover space, there are a few optional sections you can choose from to give your resume a boost!

Are you bi-lingual? Or even better  – multi-lingual? You should always mention that on your resume!

Even if the position doesn’t require you to know a specific language, it can still come in handy at some point. At the end of the day, it’s always better to know more languages than less.

To list languages in your resume , just write them down and assign them the appropriate level:

• Intermediate

You can also use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) or the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency scales.

As a given, you should never lie about your language skills. You never know—your interviewer might turn out to be fluent in the language or even be a native speaker!

Hobbies and Interests

If you want to spice up your resume, hobbies and interests could be just what you need.

While this section isn’t a game-changer, it can help the hiring manager see who you are as an individual.

For example, if you listed “teamwork” as one of your skills, hobbies like team sports can back up your claim.

And who knows? Maybe you and your interviewer have some hobbies or interests in common!

Volunteering Experience

If you’re the type of person who devotes their free time to helping others while expecting nothing in return, chances are that you’re the type of employee who’s in it for more than just the money. 

Seeing volunteer experience on your resume tells hiring managers that you’re a loyal employee who’s after something meaningful.

Several studies show that listing your volunteer experience can boost your chances of getting hired, especially if you have little to no work experience.

Certifications

Hiring managers love candidates who invest in themselves, and that’s exactly what they see when you list certifications on your resume .

If you value continuous learning and strive to expand your skill set, that’s always a plus.

Certifications can also show employers how much expertise you have.

For example, if you’re a Microsoft Cloud Engineer and you specialize in Microsoft Technologies, you should definitely include all essential certifications on your resume, such as the Azure Solutions Architect Expert one.

Awards and Recognitions

There’s no harm in showing off a little on your resume. After all, you want to be a candidate that shines above the rest.

So, if you’ve received any awards or recognitions that make you stand out in your field, make sure to add them.

For example, if you’ve been recognized for your contributions to data science or received a hard-to-come-by scholarship , mention it in your resume. Just keep your entries here relevant to the field you’re applying to.

Publications

Whether you’re a freelance writer or a distinguished academic, publications are always impressive.

If you have any published works (online or in an academic journal), you can add them to your resume. Just make sure to include a link so the hiring manager knows where to check your work!

Are you looking for a career in academia? Check out our guide to writing the perfect academic CV to get started!

Working on side projects can show off your passion for your field. Whether they’re university class projects or part-time entrepreneurial endeavors, they’re relevant.

For example, if you worked on a mock software product as part of a university competition, it shows you went through every step of product creation, from ideation to creating a marketing strategy.

This project also shows off your organizational skills , and if you mention it in your resume, you stand a better chance of landing the job you had your sights set on.

But projects can also be personal, not academic. For example, you might manage an Etsy store where you sell hand-made arts and crafts to customers online. This is a great opportunity to highlight your creativity, management, and customer service skills .

Overall, hiring managers love employees who do cool work in their free time, so projects are always a great section to add to your resume.

Looking to kickstart your career? Check out our guide on how to get an internship for useful tips and real-life examples!

Extracurricular Activities

Every college freshman knows that extracurricular experience can make a difference in their application.

Especially if you don’t have a lot of experience outside of school, extracurricular activities are a great way to show potential employers your skills and give them insight into you as a person. Different clubs and after-school projects can help you gain real-life skills and considerably increase your chances of landing your first job after college.

For example, joining a student government organization can hone your leadership skills and teach you how to work as part of a team.

For example, if you’re part of a student government or public speaking club, these activities can help you hone your leadership and presentation skills.

11+ Expert Resume Tips

You’ve got the gist of how to make a resume. Now, it’s time to make it really stand out from the crowd!

Follow these exclusive resume tips to take your resume game to the next level:

• Match the professional title underneath your name to the job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
• Mention any promotions from your previous jobs. Use the work experience entries for them to focus on the achievements that helped you earn them.
• Describe your achievements using Laszlo Bock’s formula : accomplished X as measured by Y by doing Z . This way, your work experience can go the extra mile and show the hiring manager what you can bring to the table.
• Always list your achievements and responsibilities in concise bullet points. This makes your resume more reader-friendly, and it’s more likely that the hiring manager will see your impressive achievements at a glance.
• Don’t use personal pronouns like “I” or “me,” and don’t refer to yourself by name. Stick to a slightly altered third person, like “managed data integrity at XYZ Inc.” instead of “he managed data integrity at XYZ Inc.”
• Name your resume sections correctly, or it might get rejected by the ATS. Swapping out quirky names like “career history” or “expertise” for “work experience” and "skills" makes it easier for the hiring manager to find what they’re looking for, too.
• Prioritize important keywords instead of adding all of them. Make sure the relevant skills, qualifications, and experiences you add all make sense in context, too. Your goal is to get past the ATS and impress the hiring manager.
• Focus on transferable skills if you don’t have a lot of relevant work experience. Any extracurricular activities or personal projects can help you stand out here.
• Add a strategic pop of color to headings, bullet points, or key elements you want to highlight. It can help your resume stand out, but don’t overdo it—you want the information to be more impressive than the color palette.
• Don’t include the line “references available upon request.” Hiring managers already know they can request a list of references from you, so there’s no need to waste valuable space on it.
• Make sure your resume is optimized for mobile viewing. Most hiring managers use their mobile phones as often as desktop computers, so save your resume to a PDF file and make sure your formatting stays intact across any device.
• Rename the resume file you plan to send so it includes your name and the name of the position you’re applying for. It’s a small detail that can turn into a crucial mistake if you forget it.
• Read your resume out loud when you’re done. This is a great way to catch awkward phrases or spelling mistakes you might have missed otherwise.
• Use a tool like DocSend to track your resume. You’ll get a notification any time someone opens your resume, and you can see how long they spend reading it.

FREE Resume Checklist

Are you already done with your resume? Let’s see how it holds up!

Go through our checklist for perfecting your resume and see where you stand!

If you missed some points, just go through your resume one more time and perfect it.

And if you ☑’d everything—congrats! You’ve learned all there is to know about writing a resume, and you’re good to go with your job search.

Need to write a CV instead of a resume? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to write a CV with dozens of examples!

9 Resume Templates for Different Industries

Looking to create an effective resume without dealing with the formatting hassle? Just choose one of the templates below.

#1. Traditional Resume Template

Good for traditional industries like finance, banking, law, and manufacturing.

#2. Modern Resume Template

Good for both contemporary and forward-looking industries, including entrepreneurship, medical technology, and engineering.

#3. Creative Resume Template

Good for creative industries, including entertainment, design, and architecture. 

#4. Minimalistic Resume Template

Good for experienced professionals in basically any industry who want to let their achievements do the talking. 

#5. IT Resume Template

Good for any IT-related profession like software development, cyber security, and DevOps engineering.

#6. Tech Resume Template

Good for the tech industry and everything it encompasses.

#7. College Resume Template

Good for college students and recent graduates alike.

#8. General Resume Template

Good for multiple industries, including HR, education, and customer service.

#9. Executive Resume Template

Good for senior professionals across different industries, including hospitality, marketing, and logistics.

17+ Resumes for Different Jobs

Knowing how to write a resume is one thing, but making a resume that stands out is something entirely different. Without inspiration, even top career experts might stumble on a roadblock or two.

Check out the following effective resume examples for specific jobs to get a better sense of what a good resume looks like:

#1. Nurse Practitioner Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a nurse resume here.

#2. Data Scientist Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a data scientist resume here.

#3. Business Analyst Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a business analyst resume here.

#4. Digital Marketing Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a digital marketing resume here.

#5. Software Engineer Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a software engineer resume here.

#6. Construction Project Manager Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a construction project manager resume here.

#7. Customer Service Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a customer service resume here.

#8. High School Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a high school resume here.

#9. Student Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a student resume here.

#10. Server Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a server resume here.

#11. Actor Resume Example

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

#12. Web Developer Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a web developer resume here.

#13. Engineering Resume Example

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

#14. Computer Science Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a computer science resume here.

#15. Architect Resume Example 

Check out our full guide to writing a data analyst resume here.

#17. Remote Job Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a remote job resume here.

#18. Sales Associate Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a sales associate resume here.

#19. Receptionist Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist resume here.

Want to see more examples? Check out our compilation of 80+ resume examples for different fields .

• Administrative Assistant Resume
• Bartender Resume
• DevOps Engineer Resume
• Executive Assistant Resume
• Flight Attendant Resume
• Graphic Designer Resume
• Paralegal Resume
• Pharmacist Resume
• Recruiter Resume
• Supervisor Resume

Next Steps After Your Resume

Now that we’ve covered everything you need to know about how to make a resume, it’s time to talk about the rest of your job application.

After all, your resume is only the first step in your job search. To land the job you deserve, you also need to write a captivating cover letter and ace that upcoming interview. Here’s how:

#1. How to Write a Convincing Cover Letter

The companion piece to every resume is the cover letter.

Most job-seekers flinch when they hear that they have to write a cover letter. What do you even mention in a cover letter, anyway? If you were good at writing cover letters, you’d be applying for a job as a writer !

In reality, though, writing a cover letter is very simple once you know its purpose.

Think of your cover letter as a direct message to the hiring manager. It’s your chance to briefly explain why you’re such an awesome fit for the position. And with a few cover letter tips to point you in the right direction, you’ll write the perfect cover letter for your job application.

Just follow this structure:

• Add the contact details. Include the same contact information as on your resume, plus additional contact details for the hiring manager, including their name, job title, the company’s name, and location.
• Introduce yourself. Start your cover letter by mentioning who you are, what your work experience is, and why you’re interested in the position. Mention a standout achievement or two, relevant skills, and what you’d like to do for the company you’re applying for.
• Explain why you’d excel at the job. Find the requirements in the job ad that you meet, and elaborate on how you fulfill the most important ones. Research the company so you know what you like about it, and mention it in your cover letter. Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for the job and confidence that you’ll be a great fit for their team.
• Wrap it up politely. Conclude your cover letter by recapping your key selling points and thanking the hiring manager for their time. Then add a call to action, such as “Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided phone number so that we can discuss my application in greater detail.” Then, add a closing line and follow it with your full name.

Sounds easy, right? Here’s a real-life example to drive the point home:

Do you need more help perfecting your cover letter? Learn what the most common cover letter mistakes are and check out cover letter examples for all professions here.

#2. How to Ace Your Next Interview

Once you’ve perfected both your resume and cover letter, there’s only one thing left.

It’s time for the final step—the dreaded job interview.

Whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert, you probably hate the interviewing process. No matter how experienced you are, it can be nerve-wracking. Sitting there while someone’s prodding into your past experiences and judging you isn’t fun.

But did you know that most interviewers ask the same questions?

That’s right—all you have to do is learn how to answer some of the most common interview questions, and you’ll be an interview away from landing your dream job!

Just check out our complete guide to the 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers and learn how to ace your next interview.

FAQs on How to Make a Resume

Do you still have some questions about making a resume? Check out the answers to the most frequently asked questions below!

#1. What does a good resume look like in 2024?

For your resume to look good in 2024, make sure it’s organized and clean and isn’t longer than one page.

Be sure to include information that adds value to your application—leave out the focus on your relevant work experience and skills that you can back up, and list as many achievements as possible. 

If you’re using a resume template, choose one based on your industry. Conservative industries like law, banking, and business require more traditional resume templates. But if you’re going for an industry like design, architecture, or marketing, you can go for a creative resume template . 

Remote work is also big in 2024, so if that’s what you’re after, tailor your resume to match the job you want.

#2. How do you make a resume in Word?

The best way to create a resume in Word is to use a pre-designed Microsoft Word template. To access them, you should: 

• Open MS Word
• Click “file” from the menu bar 
• Select “new”
• Type “resume templates” in the search bar 

That said, Word resume templates are generic, hard to personalize, and overall not very stylish.

Want a resume that looks good and is extremely easy to make? Check out resume templates to get started!

#3. How do I write a resume for my first job?

If you’re writing your first-ever resume for an entry-level position, the hiring manager won’t expect you to have any work experience.

However, you can make up for your lack of experience with your skills and academic achievements.

For example, you can take advantage of extracurricular activities, internships, volunteering experiences, and other non-professional experiences. You can use them to highlight the skills you’ve gained and what you’ve achieved so far.

So, your first job resume should have a resume objective, emphasize your education, and replace your work experience with any internships, volunteering, independent projects, or other experiences.

#4. How to make a resume on Google Docs?

You can make a resume on Google Docs by choosing one of their templates and filling it in on the go.

All you have to do is go to your Google Drive’s template gallery, choose your preferred template, fill in your information, and your Google Docs resume is ready to go! 

That said, Google Docs templates aren’t the most user-friendly choice. You don’t have much flexibility with the layout and formatting isn’t that easy. For example, you tweak a section to the slightest, and the whole resume becomes a mess.

If you want an easier option, check out our resume builder !

#5. What kind of resume do employers prefer?

Typically, employers prefer one-page-long resumes that follow the reverse chronological format. 

Hiring managers receive hundreds of resumes every day, so they don't have the time to read three-page resumes. Try one of our one-page resume templates so you don’t go over the recommended resume length.

Meanwhile, the reverse-chronological format is the most popular because it draws attention to your most recent jobs and professional achievements, which is the #1 most important thing hiring managers look at when evaluating a resume.

#6. How many jobs should you put on your resume? 

You should only include relevant job positions on your resume.

This means that your work experience section should be tailored to the job you are applying for. If you’ve worked five different jobs and they can all add value to your current application, then you should include all five. 

If, on the other hand, you’re applying for, say, a customer service position and some of your past jobs don’t have anything to do with customer service, you should skip them.

#7. Should I put my address on my resume? 

You can put your location (city, state, or country) on your resume, but you don’t need to put your entire physical address.

Putting a physical address on a resume was the norm back when companies would contact you via mail. In today’s world, everyone communicates via email, which is why adding a correct and professional email address to your contact information section is far more important than putting your physical address. 

So, just include your location or-–if you’re a remote worker—specify you prefer to work remotely by writing “working remotely from [location].”

#8. What information should I leave out of my resume?

As a general rule, you shouldn’t include your birthday or your headshot on your resume. This norm varies from country to country but it applies to the USA, Canada, and UK.

If you have plenty of achievements to list under your work experience, then you can leave your basic work responsibilities out of your resume. 

In your education section, you should only include your highest and most recent degree. So, if you hold a Ph.D., you can list that and your Master’s degree and leave your Bachelor’s degree and high school diploma out.

Finally, leave out any skills that aren’t relevant to the job you’re applying for.

#9. Is a resume a CV?

Depending on where you are, a CV (Curriculum Vitae) and a resume might be completely different things.

In most of the world, though, including Europe and Asia, they are used interchangeably for the same document. Both CVs and resumes are one to two pages long, and list skills and experiences relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Sometimes more detailed resumes that go over one page are referred to as CVs. These are typically only used by senior professionals, executives, CEOs, etc.

In the USA, however, a CV is a completely different document. Typically, CVs are detailed and comprehensive documents that highlight your entire academic and professional history. They’re often used for academic, scientific, or research positions, which is why this type of CV can also be referred to as an academic CV.

You can create your CV using one of our CV templates !

#10. Should I write my own resume?

Yes, you should always write your own resume.

Your resume is your opportunity to show the hiring manager your communication, writing, and presentation skills . Employers also evaluate you based on how effectively you can convey information about yourself, and there’s no one that can represent you better than yourself.

Writing your own resume lets you introduce yourself authentically. You have the best understanding of your skills and experiences, and you can personalize them to make your resume stand out.

And, as a bonus, the experience of writing your resume yourself can be reflective and insightful, so it might help you understand your professional journey and career goals better.

#11. Can a resume be two pages?

Generally, we strongly recommend that your resume stick to one page.

Hiring managers go through hundreds of resumes every day, and keeping your resume to one page increases the odds that they’ll see your qualifications faster.

In some cases, like when you have a lot of relevant experience, your resume can go over two pages. But this exception is reserved for senior professionals with over a decade of relevant experience and tons of skills and achievements that simply can’t fit on one page.

#12. Is a simple resume okay?

Absolutely, a simple resume is often more than okay—it's preferable.

Before your resume even gets to the hiring manager, a complicated layout could get it rejected by the applicant tracking system (ATS). A simple resume template can help get your application straight to the hiring manager.

A clean layout can also make sure that your resume is easily readable and looks professional. This can focus the hiring manager's attention on your work experience and skills without excessive clutter or flashy colors to distract them.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap!

If you’ve followed all of our advice until now, congrats! You’re probably an expert on how to make a resume.

To recap, let’s go through some of the most important lessons we’ve learned so far...

• Use the right resume builder to make the process as smooth as possible. You don’t want to mess around with formatting for hours before even starting to work on your resume!
• Focus on your achievements over responsibilities. This can help you stand out from all the other applicants, especially if you back your claims up with data.
• Include all the must-have sections, like the resume summary, work experience, education, and skills. Then leverage optional sections if you have leftover space.
• Tailor your resume for the job you’re applying for. Everything listed on your resume should be relevant to the specific job you’re applying for, and you should write a new resume for every new job application.
• Take the time to perfect your cover letter. It’s just as important as your resume, so make sure you pay as much attention to it!

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10 Resume Profile Examples (And How to Write Yours)

Imagine you've got everything covered in your resume : You listed your past experiences, included keywords from the job description, and pared it down to design elements an applicant tracking system (ATS) can parse. Now it’s an accurate representation of your professional qualifications—but you still can’t shake the feeling that who you are as a person is getting a bit lost. That’s where a resume profile comes in.

Adding this section to your resume is a good way to show more of your personality while still being professional. Curious? Read on to find out exactly what a resume profile is, and how to write yours—including examples.

What is a resume profile?

A resume profile is a few concise sentences or bullet points that can be placed at the top of your resume (below the header). It “describes who you are as a professional,” says Muse career coach Yolanda Owens , founder of CareerSensei and who also worked as a college corporate recruiter for more than 20 years.

Once you perfect your resume, check out open jobs on The Muse to maximize your chances »

Career professionals don’t all agree on the exact contents of a resume profile, or even on whether it’s different from a resume summary . So you have a bit of flexibility in how you think about yours and what you include in it.

For example, you might think of a resume profile as a way to “tell the reader who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for,” so that you can grab their attention and “quickly showcase your accomplishments,” says Muse career coach and former recruiter Jennifer Smith , founder of Flourish Careers .

Or you might approach your resume profile like Owens does, as the equivalent to “a dating profile that describes how you see yourself at work, and the type of work environment that makes you feel productive and purposeful.”

What’s the difference between a resume summary and a profile?

While some career coaches may use the terms resume summary and resume profile interchangeably, others treat them differently.

The first is a quick synopsis of the relevant experiences and skills you bring to a role. The latter can do the same, but it can also focus on your traits and achievements, your story as a professional, and your desires for your next role.

At this point, you might be wondering: If a resume profile includes what you’re looking for in your next role , how is it different from a resume objective ? Some people say that resume objectives are outdated at best and a waste of space at worst. If that’s true, why is a resume profile acceptable?

The difference lies in “the additional context that’s included in the profile,” says Smith. A traditional objective merely states what you’re looking for and maybe a vague reason why. But “the profile goes deeper into who you are and what you do” in addition to what you’re looking for next, connecting your past and present to your future.

Is a resume profile necessary? Who should use it?

Resume profiles can be advantageous for all job seekers, Smith says, especially for those “who are changing either their role or industry.” If you’re a career changer , a strong, explicit resume profile will give you space to tell the reader right up front that, no, you didn’t apply to this job by mistake—this is the next step in your career and here’s why.

Resume profiles are also particularly useful for entry-level job seekers who may need to tie their education and other experiences together more explicitly. If a candidate is writing an entry-level resume , Owens suggests that they “use the profile section to explain what they’re looking for in terms of challenges and learning, and the skills they possess that could potentially add value.”

What to include in a resume profile

Think about what you’d want the person reading your resume to know first. Is it something about your qualifications or your biggest accomplishment? Is it how well you work with others or what your personality adds to a team? This is what should go into your resume profile. You have a few sentences (or bullets) to work with, so don’t restrict yourself to highlighting just one thing.

Here are a few types of information that you can include in a resume profile, according to our coaches:

• Relevant skills and experiences
• Relevant achievements and accomplishments
• Years of experience
• Strengths as a professional (both soft and hard skills )
• Signature traits related to the job
• Personal traits that contribute to your work
• Qualities you’re looking for in your next role, team, or company
• Willingness to relocate (if you’re applying to a job not near the location listed on your resume)

What are recruiters looking for in a resume profile?

Don’t underestimate the power of a good first impression to get someone to keep reading the rest of your resume with interest. “The resume profile has an ability to quickly convince a recruiter that the person is a strong, qualified candidate,” says recruiter and Muse career coach Steven Davis , founder and CEO of Renaissance Solutions .

But recruiting isn’t just about making sure candidates have the right skills, Owens says. Recruiters also need to get a feel for whether the team and work environment will be a good match for the candidate long term.

Candidates’ skills and experiences should be well represented throughout their resumes, so as a recruiter, Owens most often “looked at the profile as a way to get a sense of their work persona and gauge environment fit for the role.”

How to write a profile for a resume : 5 steps

Once you know what recruiters and hiring managers are looking for in your resume profile and what you’d like to portray, you can follow these tips as you write your own:

1. Keep it concise

Your resume profile should be no more than four sentences or bullet points, and should not have more than 500 characters. Remember recruiters read dozens of resumes daily, so you don't want yours to be unnecessarily long and tiring.

2. Find the format the suits you best

Decide if you want to use either bullet points or paragraph form. Your resume profile can be written as bullet points, but keep in mind that bullet points often take up more space than a paragraph. “To preserve real estate on the resume and attempt to keep it to one to two pages , I always recommend using paragraph format,” Owens says.

3. Consider the position you're applying for

Tailor your profile to the job, but not so much that it’s not true to who you are. If your resume profile is closer to a summary that highlights your key qualifications and accomplishments as they relate to a given job, you should be tailoring it very carefully for each application and incorporating keywords from the job description.

Read more: What it Really Means to "Tailor Your Resume"

However, if your resume profile is more of a personal (but still professionally appropriate) description of yourself, Owens recommends against tailoring it to match each job: “What you don’t want to do is try to tell employers what you think they want to hear,” she says, if it doesn’t reflect who you are. “That’s how you end up in positions where you’re ultimately unhappy.”

4. Quantify your experiences and accomplishments

Whenever possible, quantify your experiences and accomplishments by adding numbers, percentages, and other metrics to your resume profile. Keep in mind that recruiters nowadays not only want to know what you did, but also what you achieved and the exact results of your work.

5. Show some personality

While the rest of your resume won’t let much of your personality shine through, your profile gives you an opportunity for creativity. If you’re applying to a casual company, you can add a splash of personality, but if you’re applying to a more formal organization, it’s best to keep things more buttoned up.

Resume profile: Examples

Want to know what all this advice looks like in action? Check out these 10 resume profile examples for different types of job seekers and professions.

Career changer

Quality-control team lead with 10+ years experience who specializes in making thorough business decisions and leading others through day-to-day operations to achieve excellence. Decided to transition to the outdoor recreation industry during the COVID-19 pandemic after realizing that people, especially children, spend too much time indoors behind computer screens. Excited to bring experience in quality assurance and operations to a management position at an outdoor recreation facility to help people of all ages get outside and enjoy themselves safely.

Recent college graduate or entry-level candidate

Recent magna cum laude animal sciences graduate with a focus on small animal care excited to bring passion and knowledge to a position with an animal shelter or animal-focused nonprofit and learn more about programs that protect animals from euthanasia. As president of the University of Georgia chapter of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, planned, organized, advertised, and managed a fundraiser that brought in over $20,000 in donations to a local shelter while also placing 43 cats and dogs with adoptive families. Proud dog mom of two former shelter pets, Dakota and Miley (pictures available upon request).

Account Executive (Sales)

Account executive who has been making deals since my first lemonade stand at age four for a total of $20+ million in sales. I love the rush of being on a sales team working toward goals—both in exceeding my own targets and in cheering on my teammates and celebrating their wins. In my current role, I’ve discovered that the most satisfying feeling of all was teaching a few of our SDRs to close deals. Seeing how proud they were of themselves as they got better motivated me to seek out a sales training role at a highly collaborative company.

Find account executives jobs on The Muse

A detail-oriented accountant with experience preparing tax and financial reports for charities to be posted publicly online. Evaluated budget (including payroll) for inefficiencies and suggested cost-cutting and time-saving measures that ultimately allowed the nonprofit to put an additional 5% of yearly donations directly into charitable programs. Excited to bring accounting skills to a nonprofit in the public health sector after spending over five years volunteering for public health charities such as the Red Cross and Project N95.

Find accountant jobs on The Muse

Customer Service Representative

An empathetic customer service representative who loves getting to talk to new people every day and help them solve problems. Crafted service approach of finding out what customers’ goals are and what their level of expertise in the product was rather than automatically giving boilerplate advice, leading to a 92% customer satisfaction rating. Avid video game player and designer looking to bring this passion to a customer service role for a gaming company.

Find customer service representative jobs on The Muse

Human Resources Manager

Human resources generalist who oversaw the transition of a 100+ employee company to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adept at dealing with the issues facing fully remote or hybrid workforces, including in hiring, professional development, and conflict resolution. Conceived of and instituted DEI programs for employees working from home. Looking for a position with a company that has a fully distributed or hybrid workforce and is committed to increasing diversity in its hiring pool.

Find human resources manager jobs on The Muse

Marketing Manager

Email marketer with 6+ years of experience gathering data-driven insights to make decisions about marketing campaigns. Conceived, proposed, and executed a campaign for a new headphone line across all marketing channels including email, social, content marketing, and print ads, with a total reach of 30 million impressions leading to over $1 million in sales. A team player who has taken the time to learn what each teammate in 10-person marketing department does and even filled in for them when needed. Excited to find a position in a collaborative work environment that oversees marketing campaigns across multiple channels.

Find marketing manager jobs on The Muse

Office Administrator

• Friendly, organized, and proactive administrative assistant with four years of experience looking to move into an office administrator role
• Saved office over $3,000 per quarter in supplies by creating new inventory tracking document on Google Sheets, showing other employees how to check supply levels and request orders, and comparing the supply sheet to inventory every two weeks to stop duplicate supply orders
• Spent four months filling in for office manager during maternity leave

Find office administrator jobs on The Muse

Project Manager

Looking for a project manager who can save at-risk initiatives and projects and make sure they come in on time and under budget and are fully functional at launch? I’ve held positions in customer care, engineering, product, and communications, so I know how to work with employees in all departments and see a project from multiple angles, ensuring each piece is on track and communicating with stakeholders along the way. I work best in environments where innovation is encouraged and no one expects to wear just one hat.

Find project manager jobs on The Muse

Web Developer

• Back-end web developer with experience using Java, Python, and SQL to develop features for online databases
• Go-to debugger on team of seven engineers
• Developed a site (link) that uses television shows you’ve watched to suggest new shows based on the ratings and recommendations of users with similar watch histories, bringing in an average of 10,000 visitors monthly

Find web developer jobs on The Muse

10 Amazing Web Developer Resume Examples for Different Web Dev Specializations

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Sample Web Developer Resumes for Different Web Dev Specializations

Sample web developer resumes for different career levels and scenarios.

Writing the perfect resume as a web developer can often feel like debugging somebody else’s code:

Overwhelming at best and purely chaotic at worst.

You’re skilled in multiple languages, frameworks, and technologies, making it tricky to decide what to highlight without causing a stack overflow .

Many web devs suffer from the misconception that a generic, all-purpose resume will land them a specialized role. Well, no. More likely it’ll land in the “404 Not Found” pile of applications.

That’s the scenario this guide will help you avoid.

We’ll break down the essential elements of a web developer resume tailored to different specializations and career stages. 

Whether you’re a JavaScript wizard, an engineer who speaks fluent database, or a full-stack maestro, we’ve got you covered. You’ll find resume examples for specific roles alongside expert tips to ensure your resume A) compiles flawlessly and B) deploys seamlessly.

Front-End Web Developer Resume Sample

For a front end web developer, user experience and interface design are paramount. Your resume should vividly highlight your expertise in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as modern frameworks like React or Vue.js. Showcase your ability to create functional, visually appealing web interfaces and your knack for improving load times and responsiveness.

Full-Stack Web Developer Resume Sample

As a full-stack developer, you’re the Swiss Army knife of web development. Emphasize your mastery of both front-end technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and back-end languages (Node.js, Python, Ruby). Your resume should illustrate your capability to connect these layers seamlessly, perhaps underscored by a standout project where you orchestrated the entire tech stack.

J2EE Web Developer Resume Sample

A J2EE web developer’s resume should focus on enterprise solutions. Highlight your expertise in Java, JSP, Servlets, and frameworks such as Spring or Hibernate. Make sure to include any experience with EJB, JMS, or enterprise-level APIs—these are gold to hiring managers looking for someone who can handle complex, scalable applications in the enterprise environment.

Java Web Developer Resume Sample

For Java web developers, stress your prowess in Java-based technologies. Focus on your experience with frameworks like Spring, Hibernate, and Struts. Detail projects where you’ve implemented core Java principles, handled concurrency, or improved application performance. Mention any experience with RESTful or SOAP-based services.

Now, a quick note on the J2EE vs. Java developers’ resumes.  

While sharing some similarities, the main focCanus of each should be different. In short:

• For J2EE Web Developers, emphasize large-scale, enterprise-level development, distributed systems, complex integrations, and specific J2EE technologies (EJB, JMS, Servlets, JSP, application servers).
• For Java Web Developers, highlight a broader range of Java applications, both small and large scale. Focus on core Java skills, web frameworks like Spring MVC, and integrating Java with standard web technologies.

PHP Web Developer Resume Sample

PHP developers should center their narrative around dynamic, server-side applications. Highlight your fluency with PHP, along with experience in frameworks like Laravel or Symfony. Demonstrate your proficiencies in working with content management systems like WordPress or Drupal, and highlight any optimizations you’ve made in database interaction, such as with MySQL.

ASP.NET Web Developer Resume Sample

ASP.NET developers should showcase their capabilities within the .NET ecosystem. Highlight your proficiency with C#, ASP.NET Core, MVC, and experience with Visual Studio. Include projects where you’ve integrated Microsoft Azure for cloud solutions or utilized Entity Framework for data access. Make clear your ability to handle web apps that require tight integration with Microsoft’s technology stack.

Freelance Web Developer Resume Sample

Freelance web developers should emphasize versatility and self-management skills. Your resume should highlight diverse projects across various technologies and industries. Show off your ability to juggle multiple clients, meet deadlines, and deliver quality work independently. Providing links to a live portfolio can be a game-changer.

Entry-Level Web Developer Resume Sample

For entry-level web developers, focus on foundational skills and any practical experience you’ve got. Showcase your proficiency in basic web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and any relevant coursework or bootcamp experience. Highlight internships, personal projects, and contributions to open-source repositories that demonstrate your hands-on abilities.

Junior Web Developer Resume Sample

Junior web developers should highlight growth and practical skills acquisition. Showcase your expanding expertise, involvement in team projects, and any incremental responsibilities. Focus on contributions to key projects, your adaptability to new technologies, and your eagerness to tackle complex challenges.

Senior Web Developer Resume Sample

Senior web developers’ resumes should be heavy on leadership and system design. Emphasize your role in mentoring others, overseeing large-scale projects, and your strategic impact on the company. Highlight your expertise in high-level architecture, performance optimization, and innovative solutions across various projects.

If there’s one thing to remember from this article, it’s this: a tailored resume is essential. Highlight your specific skills in a clean, legible resume skills list . Mention achievements, and relevant experience relative to your specialization and career level. Use the provided examples as benchmarks to frame your unique expertise and ensure your resume resonates with hiring decision makers. 

Remember, your resume has one job only, it has to convince your future manager that you’re capable of doing the job they expect you to do—so make every word count and convey that exact message. Good luck!

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