Why This Guide Matters
With 40% of hiring managers spending less than a minute on a resume, you need one that gets noticed fast. This 10-step guide will help you craft a professional resume that communicates your value clearly and gets results.
Whether you're applying for your first job or a senior position, these steps will help you avoid common resume mistakes and stand out in a competitive market.
What’s a Resume?
A resume is a one- or two-page document summarizing your work experience, skills, education, and achievements. It shows recruiters why you’re qualified for a specific job and increases your chances of being contacted for an interview.
What Recruiters Want to See
- You’re an ideal fit for the position.
- You can help the company solve problems.
- You’ll contribute to the company’s goals.
- You provide measurable value.
- Your skills and achievements are clearly outlined.
Step 0: Write With AI — Embrace the Future
Using AI can help you write a resume faster and smarter. Tools like ChatGPT and AI resume builders suggest better wording, improve ATS compatibility, and help beat writer’s block.
But remember: AI doesn’t know your story—you do. Use it to draft, but always review and personalize the final version.
- Job seekers in tech-heavy or keyword-driven fields benefit most.
- Career changers get help reframing past experience.
- New grads can structure resumes even with minimal experience.
Step 1: Gather Your Resume Data
Start by gathering your professional information. You’ll want all the raw materials in one place so writing becomes easier later.
- Work experience and job responsibilities.
- Key achievements and quantifiable wins.
- Hard and soft skills relevant to your field.
- Education, certifications, and licenses.
- Volunteer work or side projects.
Step 2: Choose the Right Resume Format
Your format affects how your resume is read. Choose one that fits your experience level and career goals.
- **Reverse-chronological:** Best for most professionals with consistent work history.
- **Functional:** Focuses on skills over job history. Ideal for career changers or new grads.
- **Hybrid (combination):** Highlights skills and also shows job history. Best for mid- or senior-level candidates.
Step 3: Craft a Compelling Header
Your header should make it easy to contact you—and make you memorable.
Include your name, job title, city/state, phone number, email, and optionally your LinkedIn profile or portfolio link.
- Don’t include full home address.
- Use a professional email.
- Include a headline or tagline under your name (optional).
Step 4: Write a Resume Summary or Objective
Write 2–4 sentences at the top that summarize your experience, skills, and goals.
Use a **summary** if you have several years of experience. Use an **objective** if you're just starting out or switching fields.
Step 5: Detail Your Work Experience
This section is where most hiring decisions are made. Use strong action verbs and show measurable impact.
List jobs in reverse-chronological order. Include company name, job title, dates, and location, followed by 3–5 bullet points for each.
Step 6: Add a Skills Section
Group your skills into soft skills, hard skills, and technical skills relevant to the job.
Use keywords from the job posting so your resume passes ATS filters.
Step 7: List Your Education
Include your degrees, schools, locations, and graduation years (optional if you’re senior-level).
New grads can include GPA, coursework, or honors if relevant.
Step 8: Include Certifications and Licenses
List any professional certifications that validate your skills or are required for the job.
These help show commitment to continuous learning.
Step 9: Add Optional Resume Sections
Use these to add personality and prove that you’re well-rounded.
- Languages spoken
- Awards and honors
- Volunteer work
- Side projects
- Professional memberships
Step 10: Proofread and Perfect
Don't skip this! Typos and formatting mistakes will disqualify you quickly.
Use spell check, grammar tools, and ideally ask a friend or mentor to review before submitting.
Final Thoughts: Your Resume Is a Living Document
Your resume should evolve with your career. Use this guide not just once—but every time you update your resume.
And if you want help writing faster, smarter, and ATS‑friendly resumes, check out our AI-powered builder designed to help you land interviews faster.