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Jobscan > Free Resume Builder – Create an ATS Resume

Get More Interviews with Our Free Resume Builder

Many resume builders claim to be free, only to charge you when it’s time to download your resume. With Jobscan’s resume builder, you can create and download unlimited ATS-compatible resumes—without reaching for your wallet.

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Our resumes deliver results – more interviews, more opportunities

Our resume builder focuses on what truly matters—getting results. While flashy resumes may look nice, they often fail to get past applicant tracking systems.

At Jobscan, we understand ATS better than anyone. That’s why our resume builder creates resumes that make it into hiring managers’ hands, leading to more job interviews.

Why should you use Jobscan’s resume builder?

Free ATS-optimized templates

Choose from 9 expertly designed templates that ensure your resume passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Unlimited resume creation and editing

Create and download as many resumes as you need—for free! No hidden fees, just unlimited access to professional resume-building tools.

Skill suggestions tailored to your job title

Get personalized, job-specific skill suggestions that help your resume get found by hiring managers.

Build it your way

Start fresh, upload your existing resume, or import your LinkedIn profile—our flexible tools adapt to your needs.

Resume summary generator

With one click, create a summary highlighting your experience and skills—tailored to the job you’re applying for (paid version only).

Resume bullet point generator

Quickly generate work experience bullet points that showcase your qualifications (paid version only).

How to use Jobscan’s resume builder

• Import an existing resume, create one from scratch, or import your LinkedIn profile.
• Add your job title.
• Select from a list of suggested skills.
• Choose one of our nine ATS-friendly resume templates.
• Fill in your contact information, work history, education, skills, and certificates.
• Click on the “Jobs” button to see personalized job listings.
• Use Jobscan’s resume scanner to optimize your resume.
• Download your resume as a PDF.

Discover what a winning resume looks like

Our resumes are designed to get results with clear, simple formatting that hiring systems can easily read. While flashy graphics might look nice, they can confuse ATS software and hurt your chances. Jobscan’s resume builder ensures your resume is optimized to pass through ATS effortlessly, putting the focus where it belongs—on getting more interviews.

Our resumes are simple and clearly organized

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

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

Our resume builder is free

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

At Jobscan, we stand by our word. Our resume builder is free to use, with no hidden fees for basic features. For those looking to unlock advanced AI tools, a paid version is available.

Why use an ATS resume?

Most companies use ATS software to sort through job applications by scanning for specific keywords. If your resume isn’t properly formatted or lacks the right keywords, it might get filtered out before a recruiter ever sees it.

88% of employers report that qualified candidates are rejected simply because their resumes weren’t ATS-optimized.

Jobscan’s resume builder ensures your resume is designed to make it through the system and land you an interview.

Explore our resume library for inspiration

Browse our extensive library of resume examples to see exactly how your resume should look and what key information to include.

Gain insights into best practices across various industries. Find your field, and get inspired to start your job search with confidence.

Get your free resume score

After you build your resume, use our resume score checker to compare your resume to the job listing you’re interested in.

You’ll receive a match score showing how well your resume aligns with the job description, along with personalized recommendations to boost your score. The higher your score, the better your chances of landing interviews and your dream job!

Use Power Edit for faster, smarter resume optimization

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

Power Edit features include:

• Real-time resume score improvement
• AI-powered resume summary generator
• AI-powered bullet point generator
• AI-generated keyword phrase suggestions
• One-click personalized cover letter generation
• Suggested keyword synonyms for a better match

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

Thelonious B.

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

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

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

How to build a great resume

Write your name and contact information.

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

Create your resume summary

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

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

Detail your work experience

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

Include your education

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

Add volunteer experience, certifications, and other relevant information

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

Write a cover letter

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

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

Where can I create a free resume?

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

How do I choose the right resume template?

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

How should a professional resume look?

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

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

Should I make a different resume for every job application?

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

Should resumes be one page?

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

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

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

What does ATS-friendly mean?

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

Is there a completely free resume builder?

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

Can ChatGPT build resumes?

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

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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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First impressions matter. especially in this highly competitive job market. your resume is the key to making a good first impression. recruiters have to go through a mountain of resumes every day, and the only way you can stand out from that pile is through a resume that makes an impact. so regardless of how much experience you have or how skilled you are, if your resume is lacking, then hiring managers will skim past yours and choose a resume that makes an impact. unfortunately, you’ll never know why your resume was rejected; recruiters won’t tell you anything more than sending a customary, automated email or message that informs you you were rejected. this is where our tool comes into play. our resume helper tool is designed in such a way that it will look out for weak links, such as grammatical mistakes, poor structure and layout, wrong choice of words, and more, which will inadvertently increase your chances of landing a job. and the best part it’s free, do i need help with my resume, it depends. do you know what hiring managers are looking for it’s always better to be safe than sorry. so even if you’re confident that you’ve covered all the bases, it's good practice to double-check everything with a tool that checks that you meet the standards hiring managers are looking for. you don’t get many chances to apply for the same job, so when you do apply, you’ll want to with a resume that displays your profile and experience in the best way possible. our free tool will give you the help you need to do just that, and it’ll increase the chances of your resume staying out of the rejected pile. here is what to expect to get feedback on through the resume helper:.

• Find out if you're using the right keywords All resumes must pass through an initial screening which an application tracking system or ATS conducts. ATS is designed to look for specific keywords tailored to the job you’re applying for. So if your resume is short of these keywords, ATS will automatically reject it. Our resume helper tells you what keywords to include and where to include them.
• Learn how to beef up your accomplishments Most people underplay their achievements. They mention the work they’ve done, but they don’t mention the impact their work has had. For example, you could’ve written an excellent, SEO-optimized article for your company that increased its traffic by 150%, leading to more revenue generation. Instead of just writing that you wrote good articles for XYZ company, you should go in as much detail as you can. Tell the hiring managers how your work impacted the traffic and how the company benefited from it. Be bold and confident. In this job market, the nail that sticks out doesn’t get hammered in; it gets the job.

How the ATS works and filters applicants

A professional resume helper that will help you tackle ATS

An applicant tracking system or ats is a software designed to handle large numbers of applications by processing them through filters that look for specific information, such as job-specific keywords, resume length, or impact. it’s incredibly challenging for hiring managers to process the sheer number of applications that are received, so ats acts as a filter between the recruiter and the applicants. it decreases the applications to a manageable number. it has multiple layers of assessment, but the most important of those are simplicity and relevancy. unfortunately, there are some gaps in the applicant tracking system, so even if you’re the perfect fit for the job, if ats doesn’t deem your resume worthy, you won’t get a callback. this could be because your resume doesn’t follow the standards or there is too much variation for the system to process it accurately. this is where the previously mentioned aspects come into play. the more straightforward and relevant your resume is, the better the chances are of it going through the filtration process and landing in the hands of the recruiter. this includes using simple language, standard resume fonts, correct keywords, and a simple template to bring it all together. so for a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to properly develop a resume that will tackle ats and give you the best chance of landing the job you want, use our free score my resume tool., don't want to spend we hear you. our tool is free to use, you will find plenty of “premium” options out there that will promise you excellent results and the best resume you’ve ever seen but here at resume worded, we believe that these services should be free, and free they are. anyone can download a template and fill it in, but there is much more to it than that. this is where our ai-powered tool comes in and helps you improve your resume. you simply have to upload it to our website, and the tool will give you a detailed analysis of what can be changed and how. after that, it's just a matter of making those changes, and you’re good to go. so forget about paying for a writing tool or hiring someone to do it for you; you’ll get everything you need with our free professional tool..

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• 450 Job Titles for a Resume...

450 Job Titles for a Resume (Examples for any Profession) and Job Titles Guide

18 min read · Updated on September 25, 2024

Make sure your resume uses the right job titles for your career needs.

To craft a truly compelling resume, you need to highlight crucial details that demonstrate your qualifications for the position you're seeking. Those details include vital information about your skills, work experience, and key accomplishments. It's also important to effectively communicate relevant job titles that help illustrate your prior roles and duties. Still, selecting the right job title for your resume needs can sometimes be a challenge.

In this guide, we'll examine the important role job titles play in defining your career, why they're important for your resume, and how to choose the right titles for your needs. Then, we'll provide a comprehensive list of 450 job titles encompassing a wide array of industries in today's workplace.

Related reading: Make the Perfect First Impression With Your Resume

What are job titles?

It's important to begin any discussion of job titles for a resume by defining the term. Simply put, a job title is an assigned term that defines an employee's role within a given business organization. While some may think that job titles are reserved for only upper-echelon roles, the reality is that almost every employee has a job title of one type or another. Take hospitals, for example; even the orderlies and technicians have official job titles that help define their place within the organizational hierarchy.

What can employers learn from the job titles in your resume?

Of course, it's one thing to define a job title; it's quite another to understand why employers care about the job titles you've held in the past. What does the average hiring manager learn about you when they see your previous job titles in your resume?

Obviously, those titles provide insight into your prior positions, the type of work you've done, and your previous level or levels of seniority. But what else can they do? Why include them in your resume?

When you list the right job titles in your resume, you can provide employers with quick context about your previous job roles. Accurate and descriptive job titles can be one of the quickest ways to offer insight into your overall experience, duties, and responsibilities. That list of positions can help demonstrate your ability to operate at a high level of effectiveness.

Job titles also provide a clear illustration of your overall career progression. This is especially true if your career path has seen you gain multiple promotions over time. For example, if your resume includes a series of job title promotions – from Sales Associate to Assistant Sales Manager to Sales Manager – employers will be able to quickly identify your proven value as an employee and your commitment to personal and professional growth.

Finally, it's important to include the right job titles for your position and industry to help increase the chances that your resume gets past employer applicant tracking systems. These automated resume screeners scan resumes in search of specific keywords related to skills , experience, required job titles, and more. If your resume fails to highlight those required keywords – including job titles, then your candidacy could end before it effectively begins.

  Related reading : 27 Great Resume Summary Examples to Get Hired

Tips to help you choose the right job title

To help you learn how to optimize your use of job titles within your resume, we've compiled some useful tips from our resume experts:

1.      Be accurate when describing your job title history

It's vital to be as accurate as possible when you choose job titles for your resume. If you were provided with a specific job title by a previous employer, list it. If you have no defined title, then try to select a title that accurately conveys the scope of your job duties and responsibilities. As you do so, make sure you avoid the temptation to inflate your role and title. It's always better to be honest.

2.      Focus on aligning your work history with the job description

Wherever possible, try to match your previous job titles and duties to the job you're seeking. That can help you craft your resume narrative in a way that demonstrates a natural alignment between the roles you've held in the past and the one you're now seeking. That alignment can make it easier for employers to recognize your qualifications and experience, helping sell you as a great candidate for the job.

3.      Be consistent and clear

Focus on consistency so that your chosen job titles are listed in the same type of format throughout your resume. For example, if your work experience listings begin with the job title followed by the company name, use that format throughout your resume. That consistency will make it easier for hiring managers to follow your resume narrative and help demonstrate your professionalism.

You should also try to be as clear as possible when citing your job titles. If your official title was Sales Floor Manager, make sure that you use that full descriptor. This attention to clarity and detail will help ensure employers are provided with the best possible illustration of your previous roles and unique value proposition. Remember, your goal is to make the best possible impression!

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

450 job titles you can use to boost your resume success

To give you some idea about the types of job title choices available to you, we've compiled 450 common and industry-specific titles. Chances are that you'll be able to find great job titles that accurately describe your prior job roles.

Accounting and Finance job titles list

The accounting and finance fields employ a wide variety of talented professionals who help maintain a stable and thriving financial sector – and the broader economy. We've included a list of 20 different accounting and finance job titles below that illustrate the depth of these professionals' expertise.

Accounting Analyst

Accounting Director

Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk

Benefits Manager

Budget Analyst

Commercial Loan Officer

Credit Authorizer

Credit Counselor

Finance Director

Finance Manager

Financial Analyst

Financial Planner

Financial Services Representative

Payroll Clerk

Payroll Manager

Tax Accountant

Administrative job titles list

There are a wide variety of different administrative positions within any company's organizational hierarchy – with positions ranging from entry-level data jobs to various managerial positions. We've compiled a list of 25 of the most common job titles for the administrative field – some of which may accurately describe your past job history.

Account Collector

Account Executive

Administrative Analyst

Administrative Assistant

Administrative Manager

Administrative Specialist

Auditing Clerk

Branch Manager

Business Analyst

Business Manager

Data Entry Clerk

Executive Assistant

Human Resources

Office Assistant

Office Clerk

Office Manager

Program Administrator

Program Manager

Quality Control Coordinator

Receptionist

Risk Analyst

Risk Manager

Advertising and Marketing job titles list

There are also a host of marketing and advertising positions and corresponding job titles. We've gathered a list of 10 of the most commonly used advertising and marketing jobs below to showcase some of the job title examples you may want to use when describing your history in this area of industry.

Advertising Manager

Brand Manager

Content Marketing Specialist

Content Strategy Manager

Creative Director

Marketing Manager

Marketing Research Analyst

Media Buyer

Public Relations Manager

Social Media Manager

Animal-related job titles list

If you work with animals, it's important to know how to describe that work with the right job title. Here are 10 examples of the type of job title that could be right for your resume and job search needs:

Animal Breeder

Animal Control Officer

Animal Shelter Manager

Animal Shelter Worker

Animal Trainer

Dog Walker / Pet Sitter

Farm Worker

Service Dog Trainer

Veterinary Assistant

Artistic fields job titles list

There are many different types of jobs in the creative field, so it's important to list your previous roles in a specific way. To help you identify the right title for your creative job, we've created this list of 16 artistic and creative job titles:

Camera Operator

Computer Animator

Director of Photography

Graphic Designer

Interior Designer

Motion Picture Director

Music Producer

Novelist/Writer

Photographer

Sound Engineer

Video Editor

Video or Film Producer

Construction job titles list

America has long been known as a country that builds things – and many of the jobs involved in that building process have traditionally paid quite well. However, there's more depth to the construction fields than many people understand. For example, the following brief list includes 20 potential job titles that may describe your work in the construction industry.

Boilermaker

Building Inspector

Construction Worker

Crane Operator

Electrician

Handyperson

Heavy Equipment Operator

Iron Worker

Oil Rig Welder

Sandblasting Operator

Sheet Metal Worker

Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Vehicle or Equipment Cleaner

Well Driller

Corporate and business job titles list

How do you describe leadership and management roles? The employees who hold these critical positions are responsible for the security, vitality, and growth of their departments, teams, and businesses – but there is a dizzying array of words and titles used to describe those vital positions. Below, we've included a list of 22 of those possible job titles.

Administrator

Business Development Manager

Chief Compliance Officer 

Chief Customer Officer (CCO)

Chief Data Officer (CDO)

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Chief Product Officer (CPO)

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Human Resources Manager

Managing Partner

Marketing Director

Project Manager

Sales Director

Cosmetic and beauty job titles list

Cosmetology-related jobs are diverse, and the possible job titles reflect that broad diversity. Our list of 10 cosmetic and beauty-related job title examples may help you identify the right title for your resume needs.

Cosmetologist

Esthetician

Hair Stylist

Makeup Artist

Nail Technician

Salon Manager

Skin Care Specialist

Counselor job titles list

There are many different types of counselors with a wide range of focuses. Some deal with family problems; others tackle mental health concerns, addiction, or even disability-related issues. Counselors work in schools, medical facilities, government offices, and large companies. Here are 10 examples of job titles that may describe your role in this invaluable industry:

Addiction Counselor

Couples Counselor

Guidance Counselor

Mental Health Counselor

School Counselor

Social Worker

Speech Pathologist

Customer Service job titles list

For long-term success, companies rely on excellent customer service. These days, however, there's more to customer service than just meeting someone in a store and guiding them through the sales process. Today's technological advances have forced companies to meet customers where they live and shop – and, in the process, created entirely new kinds of customer service roles and positions. We've put together a short list of 10 common customer service job titles that may describe your previous roles.

Account Representative

Client Service Specialist

Customer Care Associate

Customer Service

Customer Service Manager

Customer Support

Technical Support Specialist

Virtual Assistant

Cybersecurity job titles list

As technology threats continue to grow, cyber security professionals play a vital role in protecting systems, equipment, and data. Below are 13 key job titles used by professionals in this industry.

Application Security Engineer

AWS Cloud Architect

Cybersecurity Manager

Chief Information Security Officer

Cyber Security Analyst

Cyber Security Engineer

Digital Forensic Examiner

Information Security Manager

Information Security Specialist

Information Technology Auditor

Security Architect

Security Engineer

SOC Analyst

Driving and transportation job titles list

Any driving in your work background? Whether you've transported goods or people, it's important to use the right title to describe those positions. Here are 10 examples of driving and transportation job titles:

Delivery Driver

Mail Carrier

Recyclables Collector

School Bus Driver

Tow Truck Operator

Truck Driver

Education job titles list

When most people think about educational jobs, they probably think about teachers. However, there is a wide array of key jobs in this industry – including the 17 positions and job titles we've included in the following list:

Academic Advisor

Assistant Professor

Curriculum Developer

Education Coordinator

Instructional Designer

Online ESL Instructor

Preschool Teacher

School Psychologist

Substitute Teacher

Teaching Assistant

Test Scorer

Tutor/Online Tutor

Engineering job titles list

Engineers are the beating heart and brains of the modern economy, channeling math and science-based ideas into truly marvelous works of modern technological innovation. Of course, there are many different areas of engineering expertise, so it's important to be as specific as possible when you're listing your Engineer job titles. We've listed 21 examples of possible titles below:

Aerospace Engineer

Assistant Engineer

Biological Engineer

Biomedical Engineer

Chemical Engineer

Chief Engineer

Civil Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Engineering Technician

Geological Engineer

Maintenance Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Mining Engineer

Nuclear Engineer

Petroleum Engineer

Plant Engineer

Production Engineer

Quality Engineer

Safety Engineer

Healthcare job titles list

Year after year, healthcare continues to be one of the fastest-growing and highest-paying industries in the United States. It's also an industry that provides nearly twenty million jobs across the country while helping keep more than three hundred million Americans alive and healthy. As you might expect, this industry is also home to a wide array of job titles. Consider, for example, the 27 titles we've included below:

Dental Hygienist

Health Educator

Healthcare Administrator

Massage Therapist

Medical Administrator

Medical Assistant

Medical Laboratory Tech

Medical Transcriptionist

Nurse Practitioner

Nutritionist

Occupational Therapist

Personal Trainer

Pharmacy Assistant

Phlebotomist

Physical Therapist

Physical Therapy Assistant

Registered Nurse

Speech-Language Pathologist

Telework Nurse/Doctor

Travel Nurse

Hospitality industry job titles list

Across America, the hospitality industry continues to be vibrant and diverse. Its businesses include everything from travel organizations to lodging operations, as well as gambling establishments, spa resorts, and more. For some job title examples, consider the 25 hospitality titles in the following list:

Casino Host

Cruise Director

Cruise Ship Attendant

Director of Maintenance

Entertainment Specialist

Event Planner

Events Manager

Flight Attendant

Front Desk Associate

Front Desk Manager

Group Sales

Hotel Front Door Greeter

Hotel Manager

Hotel Receptionist

Housekeeper

Lodging Manager

Meeting Planner

Reservationist

Spa Manager

Travel Agent

Wedding Coordinator

Information Technology job titles list

As technology has taken root in every sector of the economy, IT positions have become extremely important in many industries. There's more to information technology than simple programming and network management, however. To illustrate the importance of this industry and the wide variety of roles and job titles that can appear on an IT resume, we've gathered a list of 26 great Information Technology job titles examples:

Application Developer

Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Cloud Architect

Cloud Solutions Architect

Computer Programmer

Computer Scientist

Cybersecurity Analyst

Database Administrator

DevOps Engineer

Help Desk Worker/Desktop Support

Information Security Analyst

IT Professional

IT Project Manager

IT Support Specialist

Mobile Application Developer

Network Administrator

SQL Developer

Systems Administrator

Technical Specialist

UX Designer & UI Developer

Web Designer

  Related reading : 11 Best IT Skills for Your Resume + Examples

Legal profession job titles list

The legal profession is made up of a wide array of talented legal professionals. Here are 10 of the most commonly cited job titles used by applicants in this exciting industry.

Compliance Officer

Contracts Manager

Court Reporter

Legal Administrator

Legal Secretary

Manual labor job titles list

While many manual labor positions may not come with easily identifiable titles, you should still know how to describe those roles in your resume. The following 10 job titles offer some clear examples of how to achieve that goal.

Automotive Technician

Landscaping Assistant

Landscape Technician

Landscaping Worker

Maintenance Technician

tWarehouse Worker

Nonprofit and Social Service job titles list

Need to describe your experience working for a nonprofit? Below, we've compiled a list of 10 examples of nonprofit and social services job titles that could be perfect for your resume.

Advocacy Specialist

Case Manager

Community Outreach Coordinator

Executive Director

Grant Writer

Non-profit Program Manager

Program Director

Volunteer Coordinator

Youth Mentor

Operations job titles list

No business can survive and thrive without talented operations personnel who keep everything running in a smooth and efficient manner. No matter how large the company might be, strong operations teams can help make sure that resources, personnel, and processes are organized and managed to achieve optimal results. Here are 10 examples of Operations job titles that would be great additions to any operations-focused resume:

Continuous Improvement Consultant

Continuous Improvement Lead

Operations Analyst

Operations Assistant

Operations Coordinator

Operations Director

Operations Manager

Operations Professional

Scrum Master

Vice President of Operations

Phone-related job titles list

If you think that there's only one way to describe a job where you spend most of your time on the phone, think again! Below are 10 job titles that describe distinct roles related to phone work.

Call Center Representative

Customer Support Representative

Dispatcher for Trucks or Taxis

Mortgage Loan Processor

Over the Phone Interpreter

Phone Sales Specialist

Phone Survey Conductor

Telemarketer

Telephone Operator

Researcher and Analyst job titles list

Whenever you're dealing with data, you'll always find good researchers and analysts carrying the workload. Together, they identify data sources, meticulously research and gather desired information, and conduct exhaustive analysis to better understand fact patterns and gain new insights that can be harnessed for a variety of purposes. Below are 10 job title examples that can help to describe your role and achievements in these exciting fields.

Biostatistician

Data Analyst

Market Researcher

Medical Researcher

Research Assistant

Senior Researcher

Title Analyst

Title Researcher

Restaurant industry job titles list

Everyone has to eat and drink – and there's nothing quite like engaging in those pastimes at an establishment committed to providing you with a truly stellar dining experience. That simple truth is one reason the restaurant industry continues to be such a dynamic force around the world. Here are 11 job title examples that may help to describe your role in this industry.

Cafeteria Worker

Fast Food Worker

Restaurant Chain Executive

Restaurant Manager

Wait Staff Manager

Waiter/Waitress

Sales job titles list

There's an old saying in business that nothing happens until someone sells something. As proof of the important role that salespeople play in the business world, we present the following list of 24 sales-related job titles. Whether you've been a line salesperson or a higher-level sales manager or executive, there's sure to be at least one sales job title in this list that fits your resume needs.

Account Manager

Account Specialist

Area Sales Manager

B2B Sales Specialist

Business Development Representative

Direct Salesperson

Director of Inside Sales

Inside Sales Representative

Market Development Manager

Merchandising Associate

Outside Sales Manager

Real Estate Broker

Retail Worker

Sales Analyst

Sales Associate

Sales Consultant

Sales Development Representative

Sales Engineer

Sales Executive

Sales Manager

Sales Representative

Salesperson

Store Manager

Scientist job titles list

Scientific roles come in many forms – ranging from those who study the deepest mysteries of the cosmos to analysts who specialize in organic food or political trends. If you're a scientist who needs to choose the right job title for your resume, consider one of the 14 titles listed below.

Atmospheric Scientist

Conservation Scientist

Data Scientist

Environmental Scientist

Materials Scientist

Molecular Scientist

Political Scientist

Research Scientist

Sociologist

Software Developer job titles list

If you're a software developer, you're likely more than just a generic programmer. Here are 10 examples of software-based job titles that can showcase your programming specialties:

Android Developer

Front End Developer

IOS Developer

Java Developer

Network Engineer

Salesforce Developer

Software Developer

Software Engineer

Web Developer

Volunteer positions Job titles list

Do you have volunteer experience that you want to include in your resume? Here's a list of key volunteer job title examples that you can use to help describe that experience:

Animal Shelter Board Member

Animal Shelter Volunteer

Church Volunteer

Community Food Project Worker

Community Volunteer Jobs

Conservation Volunteer

Emergency Relief Worker

Food Kitchen Worker

Habitat for Humanity Builder

Homeless Shelter Worker

Hospital Volunteer

Meals on Wheels Driver

Office Volunteer

Red Cross Volunteer

School Volunteer

Sports Volunteer

Suicide Hotline Volunteer

Women's Shelter Jobs

Youth Volunteer

Writing job titles list

Do you want to list writing experience on your resume? If so, then it's important to use the right job title or titles to accurately convey the nature of your work. Our list of 20 writing job title examples is a great place to start as you try to identify the right titles for your resume.

Communications Director

Content Creator

Content Strategist

Copy Editor

Editor/Proofreader

Film Critic

Ghostwriter

Proposal Writer

Public Relations Specialist

Screenwriter

Social Media Specialist

Speechwriter

Technical Writer

Travel Writer

Video Game Writer

  Include the right job titles in your resume to optimize job search success!

By using the right job title selections in your resume, you can ensure that you make the best possible impression on any hiring manager. These titles can help you focus attention on key skills and experiences, align your qualifications with the employer's expectations, and sell yourself as the best candidate for the job!

Want to make sure that your job title selections are adding the right value to your resume? Get your free resume review from our team of trusted experts today!

Recommended reading:

Listing Multiple Roles at One Company on Your Resume

Seven Key Resume Sections and How to Organize Them

17 Resume Tips to Get Seen and Hired Faster

Related Articles:

Cashier Skills: Add to Improve Your Resume!

Business Analyst Skills: Add to Improve Your Resume!

Crafting Catchy Cover Letters: A How-To Guide

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Resume Interests Section: How To List Hobbies

1. Consider Alternative Sections

2. incorporate relevant hobbies on resume, 3. remember what employers are looking for, frequently asked questions about hobbies on resumes.

Everyone has hobbies and interests outside work, but including interests on your resume can take up valuable space and likely won’t help you get the job. During the initial hiring phase, managers only care about whether you’re qualified for the position. Having your hobbies on your resume likely won’t help you show this, so in most cases, omit the resume interests section. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t — or shouldn’t — include your interests in other ways.

Apart from hobbies, there are various ways to augment your work history and show employers you’re a well-rounded candidate. The following are some alternatives to the resume interests section.

Volunteer experience

Instead of highlighting your interest in cinema, travel, or professional sports, create a volunteer experience section to include your skills and interests on your resume. This section is especially useful if you’re pursuing jobs in social work or a nonprofit, but it can be impactful regardless of your industry. Use the same format as your professional experience, and quantify your contributions and include keywords from the job description.

Examples of public service reveal who you are as a person and professional, distinguish you from other applicants, and show how you fit into the company’s culture . It also demonstrates that you value work-life balance and ensure you’re a well-rounded person outside of work.

Never prioritize hobbies on your resume over your relevant work experience or certifications , but if your document has room for volunteer experience, this can be a nice touch.

Washington Medical Center, Washington, D.C. Medical Assistant, May 2023 – present

• Schedule all patient appointments for a high-volume pediatrics office with six full-time physicians and two nurse practitioners, handling up to 40 appointments per day
• Interface effectively with diverse patient populations, communicate with empathy and understanding, and contribute to a 95% patient satisfaction rating for the practice
• Obtain patient vitals, including blood pressure, temperature, and diagnostic information, and maintain medical records using electronic health records (EHR) software

Big Brothers Big Sisters, Washington, D.C. Mentor, May 2020 – present

• Connect with one youth weekly to discuss academic and personal issues
• Provide resources, guidance, and support
• Serve as a role model and introduce the mentee to other professionals in the field of education based on her interests

Maryland Medical Center, Potomac, MD Medical Coordinator, March 2018 – March 2020

• Managed patient appointments and scheduling for a physician’s office with over 120 active patients, which included maintaining electronic medical records (EMR)
• Collected patient insurance information and authorized services, provided information on co-pays to new patients, and interfaced with insurance agencies to resolve issues

Independent projects

Including relevant independent projects is another way to improve your resume, especially if you lack hands-on industry experience. For example, if you’re just out of college and pursuing entry-level software developer jobs, you may want to display some projects you’ve worked on to show your knowledge of Python, JavaScript, or other programming languages.

Or if you’re after a role in copywriting, mention any blogs you’ve started or worked on to demonstrate your content development and writing skills while also including your interests on your resume. The key here is to ensure each project adds value to your document by highlighting one or more skills relevant to your target industry.

Personal Fitness Website, Self-Directed, Chicago, IL | June 2023 – August 2023 Position Title: Project Manager & Developer: Designed, developed, and managed a personal fitness website to provide customized workout plans and wellness resources.

• Created and implemented the website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, demonstrating front-end web development skills
• Developed interactive features, including a workout tracker and nutrition calculator, to enhance user engagement
• Designed the layout and user interface to ensure seamless navigation and a visually appealing experience

Professional associations and conferences

Citing your affiliations is another great way to emphasize your industry knowledge while indirectly including your skills and interests on the resume. Hiring managers value job seekers who are passionate about their field. By joining relevant associations and attending industry conferences, you’ll signal to employers that you’re a unique candidate interested in contributing to thought leadership.

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) | Member | 2022 – Present Actively participate in webinars and forums focused on advancements in strength training and conditioning. Engage with industry professionals to stay updated on the latest fitness research and trends.

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) | Attendee, Annual Conference | June 2023 Attended sessions on emerging technologies in fitness and education, learning about cutting-edge tools for online training programs and personalized fitness apps. Networked with professionals in fitness technology and education to explore collaboration opportunities.

Publications

If your work has been published in an academic journal, newspaper, or website, consider adding a publications section to your resume. Like independent projects, publications can speak to your written communication skills and industry expertise. Organize your publications using Modern Language Association (MLA) or American Psychological Association (APA) standards, as incorrect or inconsistent citations can detract from the professionalism of your achievements.

Anderson, J. (2023, June 15). How to Build Effective Fitness Plans for Beginners. Fitness Daily. Anderson, J. (2022). AI-Powered Fitness: The Future of Personalized Workouts. Journal of Modern Fitness Technology, 12(3), 45-58.

If you do decide to include your hobbies on a resume, there are two options: create a specific resume interests section or sprinkle them throughout your resume in other areas. For example, you could include your interests on a resume by adding relevant options to a technical or professional skills section. If you are involved with your local Rotary Club, this could translate to leadership, communication, and public speaking skills.

And if you choose to add skills and interests on your resume in their own section, keep it brief and put it at the bottom. The hiring manager should have an excellent idea of who you are as a candidate and whether you fit the role before learning about your out-of-office interests.

It’s normal to want to include details from your nonprofessional life or try to stand out from other candidates by injecting personality into your resume. But remember that hiring managers are sorting through hundreds of documents and prioritize efficiency. Only include interests on your resume if it helps solidify your candidacy in some way. Otherwise, leave that space for your professional skills and career accomplishments.

When is it OK to list hobbies on my resume? -

Although it's usually better not to include skills and interests on your resume, there are exceptions. When pursuing a position in a rare niche, evaluate what you’re applying for and determine whether your hobbies and interests add genuine value to your resume.

For instance, if you’re applying for a job as a fantasy football blog writer, you’d probably mention you’re a National Football League (NFL) and fantasy football enthusiast in your resume interests section. Those applying for an internship at a podcast may want to mention their own efforts at creating one. Or if you’re a professional musician, you could cite your influences and interest in certain genres.

If you could turn your hobby into a side hustle , you can also include it in your resume as a self-employment job instead of listing it under skills and interests on your resume.

Should I mention hobbies and interests in my cover letter? -

Every word in a cover letter should focus on why you’re a good fit for the job. Avoid mentioning your hobbies or interests unless doing so helps you account for a recent employment gap or is extremely relevant to the position.

Should I talk about hobbies in an interview? -

If an employer asks directly, it’s fine to mention your hobbies in the interview. Focus on interests related to the position or that have helped prepare you for the role, if possible. This can be a way to demonstrate competency in soft skills or show that you’re a good culture fit.

Can I add hobbies and interests to my LinkedIn profile? -

LinkedIn had a section dedicated to listing your personal hobbies, skills, and interests on your resume, but it has since removed it. However, as part of the "Additional" category of profile sections, you can cite causes you care about, such as poverty alleviation or veteran support.

You can also now add influencers, schools, groups, and associations that reflect your professional interests. Simply use the search bar at the top of your profile to find topics, people, or groups that match your interests and hit follow to add them to the section.

How many hobbies should I include? -

For a resume, limit hobbies to three to five at most, and only include those directly relevant to the position. There is no specific number for how many hobbies to add to your LinkedIn profile, but only include those you are truly passionate about or that give potential employers a better idea of who you are as a person.

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Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

Helpdesk Resume: Sample & Guide (Entry Level & Senior Jobs)

Create a standout helpdesk resume with our online platform. browse professional templates for all levels and specialties. land your dream role today.

Are you looking for a job in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment? Our Helpdesk Resume Example article provides a template and tips to help you craft a winning resume for a helpdesk position. Whether you're new to the field or an experienced professional, our sample resume can serve as a guide to showcase your skills and qualifications. With a well-written resume, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job in the helpdesk industry.

We will cover:

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

What does a Helpdesk do?

• Provide technical support and assistance to users
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with hardware and software
• Assist with account and password reset requests
• Answer questions and provide guidance on technology use
• Document and track reported issues for analysis and improvement
• Help Desk Analyst Resume Sample
• Etl Informatica Developer Resume Sample
• Information Security Analyst Resume Sample
• Implementation Specialist Resume Sample
• Cobol Developer Resume Sample
• Network Manager Resume Sample
• Wireless Technician Resume Sample
• Clinical Systems Analyst Resume Sample
• Technical Analyst Resume Sample
• Unix Administrator Resume Sample
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• Oracle Database Developer Resume Sample
• IT Architect Resume Sample
• Hyperion Developer Resume Sample
• Network Support Specialist Resume Sample
• Telecommunications Specialist Resume Sample
• Citrix Engineer Resume Sample
• Communication Technician Resume Sample
• Chief Information Security Officer Resume Sample
• Deployment Manager Resume Sample

What are some responsibilities of a Helpdesk?

• Providing technical support to users
• Troubleshooting and resolving hardware and software issues
• Responding to and resolving user inquiries and requests
• Logging and documenting support incidents
• Escalating complex issues to higher-level support teams
• Training and educating users on technology and software usage

Sample Helpdesk Resume for Inspiration

Personal Details:

• Name: John Doe
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 123-456-7890
• Address: 123 Main Street, City, State

John Doe is a skilled and experienced helpdesk professional with a proven track record of providing exceptional technical support to end users. He is adept at troubleshooting and resolving a wide range of IT issues, and has excellent communication and customer service skills.

Work Experience:

• Provide technical support and assistance to end users via phone, email, and in-person
• Troubleshoot and resolve hardware and software issues
• Proactively identify and resolve potential IT problems before they impact end users
• Installed, maintained, and upgraded computer hardware and software
• Responded to helpdesk tickets and provided timely resolution to IT issues
• Assisted in the implementation of IT projects and initiatives
• Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, University of ABC (2012-2016)
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Proficient in various operating systems and software applications
• Ability to work well under pressure and in fast-paced environments

Certifications:

• Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
• English (fluent)
• Spanish (basic)

Resume tips for Helpdesk

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need Helpdesk resume tips. We collected the best tips from seasoned Helpdesk - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

• Highlight your customer service skills, as a helpdesk role is primarily focused on assisting customers with technical issues.
• Emphasize your technical expertise, including knowledge of various software programs, hardware systems, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Showcase your communication abilities, both written and verbal, as effective communication is essential in the helpdesk role.
• Include any relevant certifications or training in IT support, such as CompTIA A+ or ITIL Foundation, to demonstrate your professional qualifications.
• Quantify your achievements, such as reducing ticket resolution time or improving customer satisfaction scores, to illustrate your impact in previous helpdesk roles.

Helpdesk Resume Summary Examples

A Helpdesk Resume Summary or Objective is a concise way to showcase your skills, experience, and goals to potential employers. It can help you stand out in a competitive job market by highlighting your relevant qualifications and career aspirations. The summary provides a brief overview of your professional background, while the objective allows you to express your career goals and how you plan to contribute to the company's success. For Example:

• Experienced helpdesk professional with strong technical skills and a proven track record of providing excellent customer support.
• Skilled in troubleshooting and resolving hardware and software issues for both internal and external users.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical users.
• Proficient in utilizing helpdesk ticketing systems to track and prioritize support requests.
• Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Helpdesk Resume

The experience section is the most important part of a helpdesk resume as it showcases the candidate's practical skills and knowledge gained through previous work. A strong experience section not only highlights the candidate's technical abilities and problem-solving skills but also demonstrates their familiarity with various helpdesk tools and software. Employers rely heavily on this section to assess a candidate's suitability for the role, making it crucial to build a comprehensive and impactful experience section. For Example:

• Provided technical support to users via phone, email, and chat
• Resolved technical issues in a timely and efficient manner
• Logged and tracked all customer interactions and resolutions in helpdesk ticketing system
• Assisted in the installation and troubleshooting of software and hardware
• Identified and escalated complex technical issues to appropriate support teams
• Collaborated with team members to continuously improve helpdesk processes and procedures
• Provided training and guidance to new helpdesk technicians
• Maintained knowledge of current technology and best practices in the helpdesk field
• Participated in on-call rotation for after-hours support
• Assisted with special projects and initiatives as directed by Helpdesk Manager

Helpdesk resume education example

A Helpdesk typically needs a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. However, many employers prefer candidates with an associate's or bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some employers may also require certifications such as CompTIA A+ or Microsoft Certified Professional. Additional training in customer service and communication skills is also beneficial for a Helpdesk role. Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Helpdesk resume:

• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, XYZ University
• Certification in ITIL Foundation
• Certification in CompTIA A+

Helpdesk Skills for a Resume

It is important to add skills to a Helpdesk resume because it demonstrates to potential employers that you have the technical knowledge and abilities to effectively troubleshoot and resolve technical issues. Including a diverse range of skills can also showcase your ability to adapt to different situations and provide excellent customer service. This can ultimately increase your chances of being considered for a Helpdesk position. Soft Skills:

• Communication Skills
• Problem-Solving Abilities
• Customer Service
• Adaptability
• Time Management
• Active Listening
• Conflict Resolution
• Technical troubleshooting
• Hardware repair
• Software installation
• Network configuration
• Operating system support
• Cloud computing
• Database management
• Scripting or programming
• Security protocols
• ITIL framework

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Helpdesk Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

• Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
• Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
• Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
• Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
• Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
• Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
• Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a Helpdesk resume

• Strong technical skills and knowledge of various helpdesk software and tools
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritize tasks
• Experience in providing technical support and customer service
• Detail-oriented and organized approach to handling helpdesk tickets

Resume Help

To get a job in a foreign company, or in a company with foreign management, each applicant is simply obliged to write a resume that meets international standards. Resume writing today has become as time-consuming a process as writing a report. Trying to write a resume on their own, many job seekers make a lot of mistakes, and only a site with resume help can help write a CV correctly.

Resume writing is not as difficult as it is said on the Internet

Many applicants are accustomed to the fact that the resume should contain only the previous job and position. In the modern world to CV put forward absolutely other requirements. Website resumehelpservice.com will help in customized resume writing for each client. After all, the summary of the new sample already contains as many as 7 points.

It is mandatory to specify personal data at the beginning of the resume, and then there is a goal, Job Objective. Customer service resume takes into account all your needs: who you see yourself in the company in the future, and even plans for personal growth. Resume help is not just a set of standard phrases about your prospects, it really is also an aid in realizing the benefits of a career in a large company.

Writing a resume using resumehelpservice.com -the first step to success

After the mandatory first points in the CV, you still need to specify education and work experience. The name of some educational institutions is difficult to translate into English without errors, and writing a resume using resumehelpservice.com will help you avoid absurdities during translation.

Using resume help you will avoid all the mistakes that make novice job seekers. For example, in the enumeration of professional skills when compiling customer service resume, it is necessary to mention those that do not directly relate to the position. When writing a resume, you can specify and possession of multimedia programs, even if now this skill is not relevant.

Customized resume writing for everyone individually and with a creative approach

Customer service resume will allow each potential employee to create a resume that will emphasize the strengths. Getting quality resume help, you can be sure that the employer will be fully satisfied with the information received. After all, during resume writing, such items as Hobbies and recommendations will be indicated.

With customer service resume, your CV will display information from previous employers with the most flattering reviews. And the opinion of other people when resume writing is very important even for ordinary HR, not to mention more senior management. Working on customized resume writing, it is also worth mentioning Hobbies. Sports will tell you that you are persistent and purposeful, and collecting will emphasize your perseverance. Just use resume help – and your dream job will become even closer.

ResumeHelpService.com © - All Rights Reserved

Highlighting research skills on your resume

Research skills are important in a variety of job roles because they demonstrate your ability to analyze data and use it to solve problems and contribute valuable insights. Learn how to incorporate these skills on your resume to strengthen your candidacy and ensure that your passion for continual learning stands out.

The importance of research skills on your resume

According to global consulting giant McKinsey & Company, seeking relevant information, synthesizing messages, and maintaining the ability to learn new things are three crucial skills that employees will need in the future world of work. (1) It’s important to realize that all of these abilities fall under the same umbrella: research skills.

Knowing when, where, and how to find information is crucial for making more informed decisions, solving problems, and driving innovation across the organization. Companies have an easier time staying ahead of the curve when employees are able to learn new information. It also helps them beat out competitors and expand their market share.

Research competencies are worth investing in because they are highly transferable skills that can help you in any profession, including: 

• Manufacturing

When you can demonstrate robust research skills, the resumes you submit will have a better chance of making the right impression and helping you land an interview.

Which research skills should you highlight?

Just like many other skill sets, the term “research skills” encompasses a few specific abilities that employers are looking for. Tweaking your resume and cover letter templates to include these sought-after research skills can help you demonstrate your value as a candidate.

Data analysis

Data analysis involves collecting relevant info and looking at it from a variety of angles to find patterns and trends. When you’re able to extract meaningful insights from raw data or information, you can use those insights to make data-driven decisions that improve the workplace.

Research methodologies

Just knowing how to find information isn’t enough, though. You must also understand how to find reliable data and evaluate the information you come up with. This is where knowing research methodologies comes in handy. This skill ensures you make decisions based on sound and credible information instead of erroneous data.

Technical skills

Technical skills enhance your ability to find, evaluate, and analyze information by ensuring you have the know-how to use special software or online platforms that may be required during the process. 

For example, a lawyer may need to know how to search case law databases as part of their preparation for trial. Having this skill makes research much quicker, easier, and more thorough.

Critical thinking

Critical thinking is integral to so many kinds of expertise, from management skills to academic writing and beyond. Your ability to think critically helps you evaluate sources in depth and synthesize the information you learn. It also enables you to identify biases and consider multiple perspectives, leading to more accurate and robust conclusions.

• Project management

Research helps project managers overcome obstacles to completion, ensuring they have the information they need to solve complex issues. Effective research can also help you find ways to reduce project budgets and timelines, which is beneficial for the client.

How to list research skills on your resume

You can display your research skills in several places on your resume . The first is a dedicated skills section. Try incorporating more descriptive words than simply “research skills,” too, such as “information synthesis.” When conveying clinical research skills, resumes should be even more specific, using terms like “data analysis” or “research protocols.”

Keep in mind as well that some research competencies are technical (such as software skills ), while others are considered soft skills (such as critical thinking or problem-solving). If you plan to separate your skills into categories on your resume, research skills should be placed in the right sections.

A special projects section can further showcase your research skills. In this section, you will list the notable projects you have worked on in previous roles. Then, you’ll tell the hiring manager how your research skills positively impacted the outcome of each project.

Finally, a recruiter or hiring manager might also expect to see your research skills demonstrated in your job descriptions. These are usually found in your work history section. 

Similar to the “special projects” section, you can highlight research skills in your job descriptions by using bullet points. That method allows you to show how insights gained from your research led to professional accomplishments and positive business outcomes.

When writing about your research skills, resume or cover letter descriptions should use action verbs like “analyzed,” “established,” or “examined.” Doing so ensures that your language makes a powerful impression on the reader. 

Additionally, consider quantifying your achievements, such as by mentioning how much money your research saved a client on a recent project. This can make your abilities stand out as highly valuable to the target company.

Expert tip:

To decide which skills to list on your resume, take a look at the job description. If you possess any of the specific research skills listed there, make sure you put them in your resume. This can help you pass electronic applicant tracking systems and give you a higher chance of having your resume read.

Examples of research skills on resumes

When it comes to incorporating research skills, resumes should be formatted in a way that is polished and professional. Here is a resume template you can use for each section where you might highlight this expertise.

Skills section example

In this section, you should list your technical and soft skills, including the research capabilities that apply to each.

Technical Skills:

• Quantitative analysis
• Academic writing

Soft Skills:

• Analytical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability

Be aware that you don’t have to use separate sections for your technical and soft skills if you would prefer to combine them into one list.

Projects section example

In your projects section, you should include the name and dates of the project and your role in it. Then, describe the research skills you used.

Search Engine Optimization for Rocket Pizza, January - June 2021 Paid Advertising Campaign Manager

• Conducted keyword research to determine high-volume, low-competition search terms to use for advertising campaign
• Achieved a 5:1 revenue-to-ad ratio by analyzing dwell time and bounce rate to optimize paid campaign performance

Make sure to stick to only relevant projects and examples. Including less relevant details can give the impression that your resume lacks clear direction.

Job description example

Your job description section should highlight the research skills you used in each position and how they positively impacted outcomes. 

Project Manager Cooper Consulting | Detroit,  MI | October 2022 - Present

• Reduced budgets on high-profile projects by 20% by analyzing analogous projects and forecasting costs based on aggregate data
• Evaluated and improved client satisfaction rating by 12% by conducting post-project surveys on team performance

Similar to all of your resume sections, make sure to keep your examples relevant and use action words to make an impact with your descriptions.

Tips and mistakes to avoid

Here are some best practices you should adhere to when considering research skills for resumes you will submit with your job applications:

• Avoid generic language like “research skills” and instead list the specific skill you possess, such as critical thinking or quantitative analysis
• Comb the job description for any mention of research skills that should be included on your resume
• Use numbers and action verbs to paint a clear and vivid picture of your skills and the positive business impact they can have
• List and demonstrate your research skills throughout your resume, including in the dedicated skills, projects, and job description sections
• Keep any mention of your research skills to relevant examples only, as including irrelevant information can confuse recruiters and hiring managers

Additionally, remember to use resume examples that help you format your project and job descriptions using the X-Y-Z method : Accomplished (X) as measured by (Y) by doing (Z)” (2) These tips can help you avoid common pitfalls and build a concise and professional resume. 

"Research skills are worth investing in because they hold value in just about every industry. These include academia, healthcare, marketing, technology, manufacturing, education, and more."

Presenting your research skills the right way can help you make the right impression

Research skills are highly sought after among today’s employees. They can help you solve problems, make informed decisions, and come up with new and innovative ideas to stand out in competitive markets. 

However, it’s important that you present these skills in the right way. You can do this by using specific language, quantifying your achievements, including action verbs, and mentioning your research skills in the right place on your resume.

Starting with resume or cover letter examples can help you get the formatting right. It also ensures that your document comes across as professional. 

However, no matter what method you decide to use to create your resume, leveraging your ability to research and analyze information to solve problems in the workplace is important. Doing so can enhance your job application and make an undeniable impression in the hiring process.

(1) McKinsey & Company: Defining the skills citizens will need in the future world of work

(2) Inc. Magazine: Google Recruiters Say Using the X-Y-Z Formula on Your Resume Will Improve Your Odds of Getting Hired at Google

Get ahead of the competition

Make your job applications stand-out from other candidates.

Hard Skills: Definition & Examples for Resumes

What Not To Put on a Resume

Soft Skills: Definition & Examples for Resumes