How to Write a Resume

1. Pick the right resume format

Most job seekers should use a reverse-chronological format: contact details, summary, experience, education, then skills. It is familiar to recruiters and easier for applicant tracking systems to parse.

Use a functional or skills-first layout only when you have large career gaps or are changing fields — and even then, keep dates clear.

• Keep the document to one page early in your career; two pages is fine with substantial experience
• Use standard headings: Summary, Experience, Education, Skills
• Avoid text inside images, multi-column tables for core content, and unusual section names

2. Write a focused professional summary

Open with 2–4 lines that state who you are, what you do, and the value you bring. Mention your target role and one or two strengths that match the job posting.

Skip vague fluff like “hardworking team player.” Prefer specifics: tools, domains, or outcomes.

• Name the role you want (for example, “Backend engineer” or “Marketing coordinator”)
• Add years of experience only when accurate
• Include one measurable highlight if you have it

See profile summary examples

3. Turn duties into achievement bullets

Under each role, list 3–6 bullets. Start with a strong verb, describe what you did, and add a result when possible (time saved, revenue, quality, scale, or customer impact).

Mirror language from the job description when it is true for you — naturally, not as keyword stuffing.

• Weak: “Responsible for managing social media.”
• Stronger: “Grew LinkedIn engagement 38% in six months by posting weekly case studies.”
• Order bullets by relevance to the job you want next

Browse resume examples by role

4. Add education, skills, and extras carefully

Students and freshers can lead with education and projects. Experienced professionals usually keep education shorter and below experience.

Skills should be specific (Laravel, Excel, SEO, Figma) rather than soft-skill lists alone. Add certifications, languages, or projects only when they support the target role.

5. Proofread, then download a clean PDF

Check spelling of company names, consistent date formats, and working contact details. Ask someone else to skim for clarity.

Export a text-based PDF so formatting stays intact across devices. Then tailor a copy for each application instead of sending one generic file everywhere.

Create your resume in the builder