Resume Format

How to Format Your Resume

Use the following information to format your resume. Generate a list of information to include on your resume, then compile the details to format your resume into a customized resume to send to employers.

Also review sample resumes and a resume template you can use to create a resume.

Resume Format

Your Contact Information
First Last Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip
Phone (Cell/Home)
Email Address

Objective (optional)
What do you want to do? If you include this section it should be a sentence or two about your employment goals. A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition.

Career Summary / Highlights (optional)
A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements, skills, traits, and experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes. It highlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job.

Experience
This section of your resume includes your work history. List the companies you worked for, dates of employment, the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and achievements.

Company #1
City, State
Dates Worked

Job Title

• Responsibilities / Achievements
• Responsibilities / Achievements

Company #2
City, State
Dates Worked

Job Title

• Responsibilities / Achievements
• Responsibilities / Achievements

Education
In the education section of your resume, list the schools you attended, the degrees you attained, and any special awards and honors you earned.

College, Degree
Awards, Honors

Skills
Include skills related to the position / career field that you are applying for i.e. computer skills, language skills.

References available upon requestThere is no need to include references on your resume or even to mention that references are available. Rather, have a separate list of references to give to employers upon request.

Customize Your Resume
In all cases, be sure to personalize and customize your resume, so it reflects your skills and abilities and connects them with the jobs you are applying for.

Review Resume Samples
Review sample resumes so you can incorporate your resume template information into an appropriate format.

Resume Articles and Advice

• Resume Formatting Guidelines
• Top 10 Resume Writing Tips
• How to Write a Resume
• How to Create a Professional Resume
• Resume Objectives

Resume Writing

• Resume Tips: A - Z List
• What to Include in a Resume
• How to Write a Resume

Formatting a Resume

• Resume Format Guidelines
• Resume and Cover Letter Guide
• How to Email a Resume

Suggested Reading

• Resume Samples and Examples
• Resume Templates
• Top 10 Resume Mistakes

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What to Include in a Resume

What to Include in Each Section of a Resume

Need help compiling the information for your resume? Here are the sections that you need to include in a resume, along with the appropriate format and advice on what information include in each section.

Resume Contact Information

Copyright Alison Doyle

It's important to include all your contact information on your resume so employers can easily get in touch with you. Include your full name, street address, city, state, and zip, home phone number, cell phone number, and email address.

Resume ObjectiveResume Headline

Image Copyright Alison Doyle

A resume headline (also known as a resume title) is a brief phrase that highlights your value as a candidate. Located at the top of your resume, a headline allows a hiring manager to see quickly and concisely what makes you the right person for the job.

Copyright Alison Doyle

If you include an objective on your resume, it's important to tailor your resume objective to match the job you are applying for. The more specific you are, the better chance you have of being considered for the job you are interested in.

Resume Profile

Image Copyright Alison Doyle

A resume profile is a section of a resume that includes a brief summary of an applicant’s skills, experiences and goals as they relate to a specific job opening.

Career Summary

Copyright Alison Doyle

The Career Summary section of a resume is an optional customized section of a resume that lists key achievements, skills, and experience relevant to the position for which you are applying.

Resume Experience Section

Copyright Alison Doyle

The experience section of your resume includes your employment history. List the companies you worked for, dates of employment, the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and achievements.

Resume Education Section

Copyright Alison Doyle

In the education section of your resume, list the schools you attended, the degrees you attained, and any special awards and honors you earned. Also include professional development coursework and certifications.

Resume Skills

Copyright Alison Doyle

The skills section of your resume includes your abilities that are related to the jobs you are applying for. Include skills that are relevant to the position / career field that you are interested in i.e. computer skills, software skills, and/or language skills. Here's a list of resume skills.

Formatted Resume Section ExamplesResume Keywords

Copyright Mark Poprocki

Your resume should include the same keywords that appear in job descriptions. That way, you will increase your chances of your resume matching available positions - and of you being selected for an interview.

Copyright PenelopeB

View formatted examples of each section of a resume, including the optional sections.

Prioritize Your Resume Content

Copyright Pali Rao

It's important to prioritize the content of your resume so that your most important and relevant experience is listed first, with key accomplishments listed at the top of each position.

Related ArticlesReview Resume Examples

Copyright Jim Jurica

Before you start work on writing or updating your resume, review resume examples that fit a variety of employment situations. Then select a style and format that best highlights your strengths and achievements.

• How to Create a Professional Resume
• Resume Objectives
• Resume Tips

Resume Writing

• How to Write a Resume
• Resume Examples
• Resume Skills List

Resume Tips

• Top 10 Resume Tips
• Top Resume Tips
• Share a Resume Tip

Related Articles

• Formatted Resume Section Examples
• Top 10 Cover Letter Tips
• Top 10 CV Writing Tips

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How to Create a Professional Resume

Creating a Professional Resume

Your resume needs to be professional and polished, because if you don't have a professional resume, your application materials probably won't get a second glance from any hiring manager.

Professional (and Unprofessional) Resumes

I've seen resumes that are riddled with typos. I've seen resumes that are inconsistent - bullets in some places, dashes in others, bold in some headings, plain text in others. One of the worst examples of a supposedly professional resume was a resume on bright green neon paper. That one was sent via FedEx, so I would be sure to notice it. Your resume, to be effective, needs to be consistent, concise, and clear and easy to read.

How to Create a Professional Resume

Use the Best Resume for Your Situation
There are several basic types of resumes used to apply for job openings. Depending on your personal circumstances, choose a chronological, a functional,combination, or a targeted resume. Taking the time to target your resume is well worth the effort.

Use Resume Writing ResourcesHere's resume writing advice, cover letters for resumes, how to write a resume, resume posting, resume services, and resume writing tips.

Review Professional Resume Formats, Templates and Samples
Resume samples that fit a variety of employment situations. These sample resumes and templates provide job seekers with examples of resume formats that will work for almost every job seeker

Get Creative 
Use one of these free resume websites to create an online resume that includes all the facets of a traditional resume, with add-ons like video, images, and links to your accomplishments.

Check Your Resume
This resume checklist includes the information you need to include on your resume. Use the checklist to make sure you have included all relevant information in your resume.

Proof Your Resume
Review these proofing guidelines to ensure that your resume is consistent and error free.

Get Resume Help
Writing a resume is hard work and it's important to get help, or at least have your resume reviewed, before you send it to employers. Here's more information on where to find resume help.

Read More:

• Top 10 Resume Writing Tips
• Top 10 Resume Mistakes
• Resume Objectives
• Resume Examples

Professional Resume Resources

• Professional Resume Samples
• Get Resume Help
• Grammarly Proof Reading and Grammar Checker

Resume and Cover Letter Writing

• Resume and Cover Letter Guide
• CV, Resume and Letter Samples
• Resume Tips: A - Z List

Resume Tips

• Top 10 Resume Tips
• How to Email a Resume
• How to Choose the Best Resume Format

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How to Write a Resume

Tips and Advice on How to Write a Resume

Do you need help with how to write a resume? First of all, your resume needs to be consistent, concise, and clear and easy to read. If it's not, your resume and cover letter won't get a second glance from any hiring manager.

Here's how to write a resume that will get noticed and help you get invited for an interview.

How to Write a Resume

Choose a Resume Type
There are several basic types of resumes used to apply for job openings. Depending on your personal circumstances, choose a chronological, a functional,combination, or a targeted resume. Taking the time to target your resume is well worth the effort.

Use a Resume Template
Use a resume template as a starting point for creating your own resume. Add your information to the resume template, then tweak and edit it to personalize your resume, so it highlights your skills and abilities.

What to Include in Your Resume
Need help compiling the information for your resume? Here are the sections that you need to include in your resume, along with the appropriate format and advice on what to include in each section.

Use Resume Keywords
Most companies use recruiting management software to screen candidates for job openings. Resume keywords are the words that those hiring managers search for when going through their database of resumes. In order to get found, your resume needs to contain keywords that directly target the jobs you are interested in.

Resume Writing Guide
This resume guide will step you through the process of how to write a resume and cover letters.

How to Write a Resume E-course
Employers usually only spend 30 seconds or so reviewing each resume, so, that first impression needs to be the one that counts. Sign up for our free class on how to write a resume to ensure your resume is the one that gets the interview.

Resume Writing TipsResume writing advice, cover letters for resumes, resume posting, resume services, and resume writing tips.

Check Your Resume
This resume checklist includes the information you need to include on your resume. Use the checklist to make sure you have included all relevant information in your resume.

Proof Your Resume
Review these proofing guidelines to ensure that your resume is consistent and error free.

Review Resume Formats, Templates and Samples
Resume samples that fit a variety of employment situations. These sample resumes and templates provide job seekers with examples of resume formats that will work for almost every job seeker

Get Resume Help
Writing a resume is hard work and it's important to get help, or at least have your resume reviewed, before you send it to employers. Here's more information on where to find resume help.

Read More:

• Top 10 Resume Writing Tips
• How to Create a Professional Resume
• Resume Objectives
• Resume Profiles
• Resume Examples
• Resume Writing Tips

How to Write a Resume

• Resume Samples
• Resume Templates
• Resume Writing

How to Write a Resume

• Top 10 Resume Mistakes to Avoid
• Resume and Cover Letter Writing Guide
• CV, Resume and Letter Samples

Resume Tips

• Top 10 Resume Tips
• How to Email a Resume
• Resume Tips: A - Z

Related Articles

• How to Create a Professional Resume
• Resume Tips
• Resume Writing, Sample Resumes, Resume Builders
• How to Write a Resume
• Resume Writing Tips: Resume Tips and Suggestions

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