1. Choose the Right Format
- Chronological: Lists work experience in reverse order (most recent first). Best for those with a steady work history.
- Functional: Focuses on skills and experience, not just job history. Great for career changers or those with gaps.
- Combination: Mixes both formats. Useful if you have relevant skills and a solid work history.
2. Add Your Contact Information
- Full name
- Phone number
- Professional email address
- LinkedIn profile (optional)
- City and state (no need for full address)
Important:
Do NOT include a photo.
In the U.S., resumes with photos are often immediately discarded. This is because employers want to avoid any appearance of discrimination based on looks, age, race, or gender. Including a picture can actually hurt your chances—most companies won’t even consider resumes with photos to protect themselves from potential bias claims.
3. Write a Strong Summary or Objective
- Summary: 2–3 sentences highlighting your experience and what you bring to the table.
- Example: “Detail-oriented finance professional with 5+ years in budgeting and analysis. Proven track record of helping businesses grow through data-driven decisions.”
- Objective: For entry-level candidates, state your career goals and what you hope to achieve.
4. List Your Work Experience
- Start with your most recent job.
- Include job title, company name, location, and dates.
- Use bullet points to describe achievements and responsibilities.
- Example: “Managed monthly reports, reducing errors by 20% through improved processes.”
5. Highlight Your Education
- Degree(s)
- School name and location
- Graduation year (optional if you have lots of experience)
6. Showcase Key Skills
- List 6–10 relevant skills (hard and soft skills).
- Examples: Project management, customer service, data analysis, teamwork, communication.
7. Add Certifications & Awards (If Applicable)
- Include industry certifications, licenses, or special awards.
8. Include Volunteer Work or Projects (Optional)
- Especially valuable for those newer to the workforce or changing industries.
9. Keep It Clean and Concise
- One page is ideal for most job seekers.
- Use clear headings, bullet points, and plenty of white space.
10. Proofread and Edit
- Check for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting issues.
- Ask a friend or mentor to review it.
Bonus Tips
- Tailor your resume for each job: Use keywords from the job description.
- Quantify achievements: Numbers stand out (e.g., “Increased sales by 30%”).
- Keep design simple: Avoid fancy fonts or graphics—unless you’re in a creative field.
- No photo needed: Let your experience and skills shine! Including a photo can get your resume trashed for legal reasons.