how to do a resume on phone

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!

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

How to Save Your Resume on Your Phone (and Apply for Jobs!)

Want to save your resume on your phone, so you can easily apply for jobs on the go? Here's how to do it.

If you're currently searching for work, you should have a copy of your resume on your mobile phone. When you always have access to your professional information, you look more coordinated. It also lets you respond to job postings even when you can’t access your computer.

Read on to learn how to store your resume and apply for jobs from your phone.

1. How to Save a Resume to Your Phone

It’s best to save your resume as a PDF, since many job-searching websites require this format. Using a PDF file type also ensures that the resume will look the same no matter what program it’s loaded in.

Once you have it saved, you need to send it to the phone. You can do this in a few different ways.

1. Use Cloud Storage

The easiest way to access your resume from a phone is to use cloud storage. If you use a service like Dropbox , then you can access the file through the mobile app.

Download : Dropbox for Android | iOS (Free, subscriptions available)

2. Use Bluetooth

Another way to send the resume to your phone is to use Bluetooth. You have to start by enabling Bluetooth connections on your phone and computer . Then, put your phone in discovery mode.

Next, go to Windows Settings > Bluetooth and other devices and select the phone from the list of devices. Once paired, you can select send a file from the Bluetooth Options in the system tray. Make sure to accept the files from your phone, or the transfer won’t be completed.

3. Use the Charging Cable for Android Smartphones

You can also connect using your phone’s charging cable. Start by plugging your phone into one of your computer’s USB ports. You may see a dialog box asking what to do with it. When you see the dialog, select Open Files . Then you can click and drag the resume from your computer into your phone’s storage.

If you don’t see a dialog, find your phone using Windows Explorer. Go to This PC , and you should see your phone appear on the list of drives. If not, you might need to troubleshoot the connection between your phone and computer .

2. Update Your Resume From Your Phone

Another benefit of keeping your resume in your phone is that you can make updates on the go. This is helpful for when you want to fine-tune your resume for a specific position.

Save a copy of your resume to your phone as a .docx or other editable file types. Then, you can edit that copy and export it as a PDF, saving over the old version. You could also edit the PDF directly through a PDF editing app.

Adobe Acrobat is a good option, but you need a premium subscription to unlock PDF editing. Adobe offers a free trial to help you decide if it's worth subscribing to.

Download: Adobe Acrobat for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)

3. Apply to Jobs From Your Phone

Most application websites will ask you to upload your resume as a file. When you press the upload button, you can access the file you saved in step one. You can make sure you are uploading the correct file by previewing it. To preview, tap the expansion icon. It looks like four arrows pointing outward in the corner of the thumbnail.

For job sites that have you fill out a form, you can copy and paste from your .docx or other document file types. In most cases, the pasted information will convert to plain text. So you don't need to worry about formatting.

Enjoy Fast Access to Your Resume

You may not think of your phone as a professional device, but it’s a great place to store your resume. Having it close lets you customize, save, and send your resume as soon as you get an offer, even if you're not at home.

You can optimize your job search even further by using a specialized job-finding app.

Privacy preference center

We care about your privacy

When you visit our website, we will use cookies to make sure you enjoy your stay. We respect your privacy and we’ll never share your resumes and cover letters with recruiters or job sites. On the other hand, we’re using several third party tools to help us run our website with all its functionality.

But what exactly are cookies? Cookies are small bits of information which get stored on your computer. This information usually isn’t enough to directly identify you, but it allows us to deliver a page tailored to your particular needs and preferences.

Because we really care about your right to privacy, we give you a lot of control over which cookies we use in your sessions. Click on the different category headings on the left to find out more, and change our default settings.

However, remember that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of our website. Finally, note that we’ll need to use a cookie to remember your cookie preferences.

Without these cookies our website wouldn’t function and they cannot be switched off. We need them to provide services that you’ve asked for.

Want an example? We use these cookies when you sign in to Kickresume. We also use them to remember things you’ve already done, like text you’ve entered into a registration form so it’ll be there when you go back to the page in the same session.

Thanks to these cookies, we can count visits and traffic sources to our pages. This allows us to measure and improve the performance of our website and provide you with content you’ll find interesting.

Performance cookies let us see which pages are the most and least popular, and how you and other visitors move around the site.

All information these cookies collect is aggregated (it’s a statistic) and therefore completely anonymous. If you don’t let us use these cookies, you’ll leave us in the dark a bit, as we won’t be able to give you the content you may like.

We use these cookies to uniquely identify your browser and internet device. Thanks to them, we and our partners can build a profile of your interests, and target you with discounts to our service and specialized content.

On the other hand, these cookies allow some companies target you with advertising on other sites. This is to provide you with advertising that you might find interesting, rather than with a series of irrelevant ads you don’t care about.

10 Best Resume Apps for iPhone & Android in 2023

Anyone looking to create a beautiful resume on the go may wonder what the best resume apps for iPhone and Android are in 2023.

Choosing the ideal resume app can be tough — it’s a crowded market with hundreds of apps to choose from.

Luckily, we did the research so you don't have to and selected 10 of the best resume-building apps for both iOS and Android that let you customize, edit, and export your resume with ease. We have also included their key features and capabilities. 

All of these apps include free features that make it easy and affordable to create a resume that takes you one step closer to landing a career of your dreams — all of that on your phone.

Without further ado, here are the 10 best resume apps that are available for iOS and Android in 2023.

1. Kickresume: AI Resume Builder

Available for: iOS & Android

Pricing: Free (premium features from $5/month)

Top feature: AI Resume Writer powered by GPT-3 model that writes the content for you

Kickresume's AI Resume Builder app is a highly-rated resume app used by more than 1,800,000 job seekers (and counting). With more than 35 expertly-designed templates to choose from, you can create a resume that perfectly matches your professional persona and career goals.

What's more, the Kickresume app now includes a GPT-3 powered AI Resume and Cover Letter Writer , that lets you use AI to write your documents. This feature can help with your writer's block as well as save you precious time.

And if you need even more help with writing, the Kickresume Autopilot feature comes to the rescue. It lets you assemble a resume from 20,000 pre-written job or industry-specific phrases for more than 3,200 job positions, including marketing, technology, IT, retail, or science, and many more. 

Plus, you can create more than a million combinations with many different customizable templates allowing you to adjust anything from typography styles and colors of the design elements, all the way through page format. 

Here’s an overview of the additional features the Kickresume app has to offer:

• 1,500+ job-specific resume samples to get you inspired
• 20,000 pre-written job or industry-specific phrases
• 4 free templates with no additional purchase necessary
• 33 premium templates available via subscriptions
• Proofreading services (for an additional fee)
• CV and resume writing guides

The Kickresume app stores all documents in the cloud, allowing you to pick up where you left off on your desktop, iPad, tablet, or another mobile device. 

2. Canva: Design, Photo & Video 

Pricing: Free (premium features from $12.99/month)

Top feature: Creative templates designed by graphic designers

Canva is a well-known graphic design platform that offers a variety of tools for creating social media posts, infographics, posters, and — of course — resumes.

Along with the web app, Canva also offers a mobile app available for both iOS and Android . In this app, you can access many of the same features available on the desktop version, including thousands of pre-customized resume templates.

With a focus on graphic design, Canva’s resume-building tools can be great for job applicants in creative fields.

If you need some help with writing, you can easily share your resume with a friend, colleague, or professional editor. Canva’s tools enable live collaboration so you and the other person can access the document simultaneously.

Canva has a whole host of free features and tools that can help you create a great resume. However, if you want to go the extra mile, you'll probably need to upgrade to Canva Pro.

The additional features available when making a resume with Canva mobile app include:

• Free graphic elements for a designer touch
• Easy upload for your own photos and logos
• The Canva background remover tool is great for resumes that include a professional headshot

Canva syncs its mobile and desktop versions when using them online, allowing you to work between the two as needed.

3. Microsoft Word

Pricing: Free (subscription from $6.99/month)

Top feature: Mobile-optimized templates, formats, and layouts

When it comes to desktop word-processing apps, few are as well-known as Microsoft Word.

But did you know Microsoft Word also has a mobile app for both iPhones and Android phones?

Microsoft Word mobile app offers 2 basic resume templates which you can later customize however you want.

It also lets you sync documents between your phone and computer, allowing you to write on the go.

Plus, you can download the MS Word app separately or you can download the larger Office Mobile app that includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Additional features you can find in the MS Word mobile app include:

• Simplified sharing
• Copy-and-paste tools that retain your document’s format (for pasting into an email)

You can access a few basic writing and editing features of the Microsoft Word app and view documents for free through the mobile app. However, to use the full version you need to log in with a Microsoft account and subscribe to Microsoft 365.

If you already have a Microsoft 365 subscription, all you need to do is download the app and log into your account to access your subscription features.

4. Google Docs

Pricing: Free 

Top feature: Ability to edit the document offline

The Google Docs mobile app is a great tool, allowing you to access synced documents from any device — including your iPhone or Android.

With a variety of design elements and writing features, Google Docs is optimized for both desktop and mobile use .

One of the key advantages of Google Docs is that you can use it to edit and share Microsoft Word documents as well. When creating a resume, this means you can utilize a Word template, upload the template to Google Docs, and then edit it from your mobile device without losing the formatting (although it doesn't work perfectly every time). 

Alternatively, the Google Docs app also has its own selection of 5 well-designed resume templates. These can later be customized to suit your preferences.

Key features you can take advantage of in the Google Docs mobile app include:

• Live collaboration and document editing
• Easy sharing and permission-granting features
• Many file export formats (.docx, .pdf, .odt, .rtf, .txt, etc.)
• Ability to work offline

Plus, if you choose to get a Google Workspace subscription, you can also gain access to unlimited version history, allowing you to track changes made from the document’s inception and return to earlier versions of the document as needed. 

The Google Docs mobile app is free to use but does require a Google account to access.

5. Quick Resume Pro

Pricing: Free (in-app purchases $0.99 - $99.99)

Top feature: Customizable resume sections

With basic and straightforward resume designs, Quick Resume Pro creates a resume for you automatically using your professional details. All you need to do is enter the information you want to be included and the app will get to work.

This app can be used on iPhones, iPads, and Android devices. However, a desktop version isn't currently available.

Being a solely mobile app, Quick Resume Pro has a very user-friendly interface and a 3D Touch function .

Other features you can access via Quick Resume Pro include:

• 7 PDF resume styles
• Resume copy-saving tools
• Dropbox, email, and printing capabilities
• Unlimited resumes to create and save

Quick Resume Pro also offers all of the typical resume sections every resume needs. These include your basic personal information, a job applicant profile, a job objective, education, experience, skills, languages, awards, and interests.

The app is free to download with premium features available as in-app purchases.

6. Resume Builder by Nobody

Available for: iOS

Pricing: Free (in-app purchases $2.99 - $29.99)

Top feature: Ability to create unlimited versions of your resume for free

Resume Builder by Nobody is available as both a desktop and a mobile app, but only for iOS.

This app offers you more than 20 different resume templates with customizable designs. The customizable elements of this app’s templates include colors, text size, line spacing, section spacing, and margins.

Plus, you can use the preview tool to ensure your resume looks great once printed.

Additional features offered by this app include:

• Assisted writing with subtle prompts
• A flexible resume editor tool
• Easy access to all resume sections 
• Cloud storage

With the free version of Resume Builder by Nobody, you receive one template, access to the Resume Editor tool, unlimited exports, and the ability to create unlimited versions of your resume.

For the upgraded version, you can pay monthly or make a one-time purchase for access to many great extra features. These include access to all templates, advanced customization, augmented reality previews, additional sections, photos, and more.

7. Resume Builder: PDF Resume App

Top feature: Professional resume writers are available to help within the app on-demand

Resume Builder: PDF Resume App is the mobile app offered by Resume.com.

Available for both iPhones and Androids, this app offers a library of more than 125 resume samples for specific jobs to help you get inspiration.

Plus, you receive in-app suggestions for how to optimize and perfect your resume from professional resume writers. These professionals are also available to help within the app on-demand.

Other essential features of Resume Builder: PDF Resume App include:

• Tailored resume suggestions and step-by-step instructions
• Professionally-designed templates
• Template customization
• Free PDF downloads
• No paywalls or third-party ads

Resume Builder: PDF Resume App is completely free to use with no in-app purchases.

8. Perfect Resume

Available for: iOS  

Top feature: Export your resume data as JSON or load from JSON

Developed by Tersacore, Perfect Resume is a newer resume-building app on the market available for iOS only. 

Though some minor tweaks are still required, the app is overall highly rated and is completely free to use.

You can add all the essential sections you need to your resume, including personal details, contact info, experience, degrees, courses, publications, skills, and languages.

Additional features you can access via Perfect Resume include:

• PDF files with custom metadata and configuration
• JSON export capabilities
• 20 different color schemes
• Privacy-focused policies with no data collection

However, to use Perfect Resume, you'll need to have iOS 15.0 or newer.

Top feature: Easily add images, movies, audio, tables, charts, and shapes.

Pages is Apple’s native app for word processing, document creation, and collaboration. Having said that, it's not available for Android.

Being Apple’s own product, Pages typically comes pre-downloaded on most Apple devices . This app can sync across different Apple devices as well, including the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Pages can also be used on a non-Apple PC when using iWork or iCloud.

Pages isn't solely a resume-building app. It's similar to Google Docs and Microsoft Word, as it offers various templates for all kinds of documents. The templates found in Pages are highly customizable and include a variety of design elements, colors, and formatting options.

Some of the advanced tools available through Pages include:

• Collaboration features, such as comments and threaded conversations
• Bookmarks for linking from one part of a document to another
• You can even draw and annotate using Apple Pencil on supported devices

On Pages, you can export your document as both a PDF file and a Word file, allowing you to open, view, and edit your document in Microsoft Word if needed.

10. LinkedIn

Available for: iOS & Android  

Pricing: Free (premium subscription from $29.99/month)

Top feature: Use your professional profile as an online resume

Though the LinkedIn mobile app isn't technically a full-service resume-building app, it does offer handy features for building an online resume on its platform.

This online resume can be used to apply to jobs directly through LinkedIn. As one of the top professionally-oriented social media platforms, LinkedIn is a great place to find employment opportunities.

Apart from filling out all the necessary information that employers seek on your LinkedIn profile, you can also have former employers and colleagues rate your skills, leave testimonials, and connect with people hiring in your industry.

Plus, having a LinkedIn profile to include in your contact information section on a resume can be very advantageous. 

Find out your resume score!

Key takeaways

Using a resume-building mobile app allows you to create a professional resume anywhere and at any time.

However, no matter which app you choose, it’s crucial to know how to write an effective resume that not only catches the eye but also ultimately lands you the job. 

To help you with that, we compiled expert resume guides to get you on the right track to create the perfect resume.

Klára Červeňanská

Klara recently graduated from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After having written resumes for many of her fellow students, she got an opportunity to write full-time for Kickresume. Klara is our go-to person for all things related to student or 'no experience resumes'. At the same time, she has written some of the most popular resume advice articles on this blog. When she's not writing, you'll probably find her chasing dogs or people-watching while sipping on a cup of coffee.

Hungry for more?

How to write a professional resume summary [+examples], how to put your education on a resume [+examples], how to describe your work experience on a resume [+examples], let your resume do the work..

Join 5,000,000 job seekers worldwide and get hired faster with your best resume yet.

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

How to upload your resume to a job application using your iPhone

Applying for jobs can be a long, strenuous, and stressful task. Sometimes, it takes weeks to months and tens to hundreds of applications before you find a job that fits your schedule, salary, and location preferences. 

So, while you're on the job hunt, it's important to apply whenever and wherever you can. But if you don't have consistent access to a computer, putting in job applications can be even more daunting. 

Also: How to use ChatGPT to write a cover letter (and why you should)  

But if you have an iPhone , you can upload your resume, cover letter, and portfolio to the application from your phone. Here's how.

How to use your iPhone to upload your resume

What you need: You need your iPhone and your resume, cover letter, or portfolio. You'll need to have your resume, cover letter, or portfolio already completed. You'll also need to make sure those documents are in a Doc, Docx., or PDF file type. The process should take about 2 to 3 minutes. 

1. Save your documents and email them to yourself

Make sure your documents are polished and ready for a prospective employer to see. Then, save them and email yourself a copy of each document. If you have a Mac or MacBook , you can AirDrop the documents directly to your iPhone.

2. Save the documents to the Files app

Once you've emailed yourself the documents, click on the attachment and press the share button located in the top right corner of the screen. 

Also: How to use ChatGPT to build your resume

Then, scroll down and find "Save to Files."

3. Choose where you want your documents

The next screen will prompt you to choose where you want your documents to be within the Files app. I like to save my documents in the "On My iPhone" folder. Once you decide where you want your documents, hit the save button in the upper right corner.

4. Upload your documents to the application

When you find a job you want to apply for, you'll be asked to upload your resume. The website will then ask if you want to upload a photo or a file. Click "Choose File." After that, find your resume in your saved files. It will probably be at the top since it was your most recently saved document. 

Also: How to nail the 'Do you have any questions for me?' part of the interview

Then, click on your resume, and it will be uploaded to the application. 

And that's it. You've uploaded your resume to an application without needing to complete the application on a computer. You can repeat the same steps for your cover letter or portfolio if the applications calls for those documents.

Now, fill out the rest of the application and wait to hear back from the employer. Good luck!

More how-tos

How to use chatgpt to build your resume, how to hide apps on your iphone fast, how to transfer data from android to an iphone: 2 quick and simple ways.

• Career Blog

Writing a Phone Number on a Resume: Best Practices for 2024

As a job seeker, your resume is your primary tool in your pursuit of your dream job. One crucial element that shouldn’t be overlooked is the inclusion of your phone number. The reason why? You want to make it as easy as possible for the hiring manager to contact you.

In this article, we will dive into the significance of adding your phone number to your resume, and provide you with some best practices and tips to make sure you do it right. Whether you’re updating your resume, planning to change careers or just starting on your job search, this article can provide valuable insights to increase your chances of landing your desired job.

So, let’s begin by discussing the importance of writing a phone number on a resume.

Types of Phone Numbers to Include

When it comes to writing your phone number on your resume, there are several different types of phone numbers that you should consider including. Depending on your situation, you may want to include one or more of the following:

Cell Phone Number

Including your cell phone number on your resume is a must. This is the number that you are most likely to be reached on, and it’s the number that you probably carry around with you all the time. Make sure that your cell phone number is prominently displayed at the top of your resume so that it’s easy for potential employers to find.

Home Phone Number

While it’s less common to include a home phone number on a resume these days, it can still be a good idea in certain situations. If you have a landline phone and you always answer it, including your home phone number can show potential employers that you are reliable and easy to reach.

Work Phone Number

If you have a work phone number that you can be reached on during the day, you may want to include this on your resume as well. This is especially important if you are currently employed and don’t want potential employers calling you at work. Make sure to only include your work phone number if it is appropriate to do so.

Finally, you may also want to include a fax number on your resume. While fax machines are becoming less common these days, some employers still prefer to receive resumes and other documents via fax. If you have a fax number that you can be reached on, including it on your resume can show that you are professional and prepared.

In general, it’s a good idea to include as many phone numbers as possible on your resume so that potential employers can reach you in whatever way is most convenient for them. Just make sure that you only include phone numbers that you actually want people to call you on, and that you are always available to answer those calls. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your phone number is presented in the best possible way on your resume.

Formatting Phone Numbers on a Resume

Your resume is your first chance to make a strong impression on a potential employer. It’s important to pay attention to every detail, including how you format your phone number. Here are some best practices for formatting phone numbers on your resume:

Navigating Parentheses and Dashes

When it comes to formatting phone numbers, parentheses and dashes are often used to group numbers or separate different parts of the number. For example, you might see a phone number written as (555) 123-4567.

Here are some tips for using parentheses and dashes:

• Use parentheses to group the area code, like this: (555) 123-4567
• Use dashes to separate the different parts of the phone number, like this: 555-123-4567
• Avoid using dots or slashes to separate phone number parts
• If your phone number requires an extension, place it after the main number with a comma, like this: 555-123-4567, ext. 1234

Using Country Codes and Area Codes

If you are applying for a job outside of your current location, it’s important to include the country code and area code in your phone number. This helps ensure that the employer can reach you without any confusion or difficulty.

Here are some tips for using country codes and area codes:

• Include the country code in parentheses before the area code, like this: +1 (555) 123-4567
• If you are applying for a job within your country but outside of your area code, consider including the area code to avoid any confusion, like this: (555) 123-4567

Capitalization of Phone Numbers

When it comes to capitalization of phone numbers, there are varying opinions. Some experts say that phone numbers should be written in all caps, while others say that they should be written in sentence case (capitalizing only the first letter of the first word). Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and consistency.

Here are some tips for capitalizing phone numbers:

• If you choose to capitalize phone numbers, be consistent throughout your entire resume
• Sentence case (capitalizing only the first letter of the first word) is a common and acceptable option for capitalizing phone numbers
• All caps may be difficult to read, so consider using sentence case for ease of reading

By following these best practices for formatting phone numbers on your resume, you can ensure that potential employers can easily reach you and that you make a strong first impression. When it comes to crafting a professional resume, each component plays a critical role in conveying a candidate’s skills, qualifications, and experience. One element that often goes overlooked is the placement of a phone number. The position, font, and consistency of the phone number on the resume can affect recruiters and employers’ perception of the candidate.

Location on the Resume The location of the phone number on the resume should be easily visible and accessible to the reader. Typically, job seekers write their phone number at the top of the resume, alongside their name and email. This placement makes it easier for the recruiter or employer to find quickly.

Before adding the phone number, make sure to include a professional email address. Recruiters often use email to communicate with candidates, so ensure the email address is appropriate for the workplace. Avoid using nicknames, abbreviations, or personal email addresses that are not work-appropriate.

Size and Font The font should be uniform throughout the resume, including the phone number. A clear and easy-to-read font ensures that recruiters can easily recognize the phone number. Use a font size between 10 and 12 points to ensure that the phone number stands out without being too large or too small. The goal is to make the resume professional and easy to read.

Consistency and Professionalism Another crucial aspect of writing a phone number on a resume is consistency. Make sure the phone number is consistent throughout the resume. Use the same format for every phone number, such as (123) 456-7890, regardless of where it appears on the resume. Consistency showcases professionalism and attention to detail, two highly-sought traits in potential employees.

When writing a phone number on a resume, keep these tips in mind to ensure the document is polished, professional, and effective. By placing the phone number in a visible location, using a clear and consistent font, and ensuring consistency, job seekers can help themselves stand out to potential employers. Remember that even small details on a resume can make a big difference in the hiring process, so it’s essential to take the time to get everything right.

Dos and Don’ts for Writing a Phone Number on a Resume

When it comes to creating a resume, it’s crucial to include your contact information, including your phone number. However, if you don’t consider the best practices on how to write your phone number, it might affect your chances of landing a job interview. In this section, we’ll be discussing the Dos and Don’ts of writing a phone number on a resume.

Ensuring Accuracy

The first thing you should always ensure when adding your phone number to a resume is its accuracy. Typos or incorrect digits in your contact information can be missed by employers or screening software, and this might result in a missed opportunity. Be sure to double-check your phone number to make sure it’s correct before submitting your resume. If possible, have another person go through your resume to check if all your phone number details are correct.

Providing Clarity

Another essential best practice when it comes to writing a phone number on your resume is providing clarity. Keep in mind that hiring managers may potentially receive hundreds of resumes, and you don’t want to leave them guessing how to reach you. When formatting your phone number, consider separating the digits into groups, such as (555) 123-4567, which is much easier to read than 555-123-4567. Also, make sure your phone number is easy to find by placing it prominently in your contact information section, with your name and email.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Finally, it’s important to be conscious of common mistakes that you might make when writing your phone number on your resume. One common mistake job seekers make is including multiple phone numbers. To avoid confusion, stick to providing only one cell number, which is your primary, and ensure that it’s the one listed first in your contact details.

Additionally, avoid using your work phone number, or any number that isn’t exclusively yours. Employers may try to reach you outside of work hours, and you want to make sure that you’re easily reachable on your personal phone. Lastly, avoid adding irrelevant information to your phone number, such as parentheses, or dashes that don’t help distinguish between the digits in a unique manner.

Including a phone number on your resume is essential, but it’s equally crucial to do it correctly. By ensuring accuracy, providing clarity, and avoiding common mistakes, you can make it easier for employers to contact you and increase your chances of landing your dream job. When it comes to creating a comprehensive and effective resume, it is important to not only communicate your experience and qualifications accurately but to also include all available means of contact information. In addition to your primary phone number, there are several other avenues through which potential employers may reach out to you. Here are the other types of contact information that you should include in your resume:

Email Address

An email address is a must-have for any job seeker. It is a quick and easy way for prospective employers to follow up on your application and arrange an interview. The email address you provide should be professional and easy to remember. Ideally, it should include your name or a variation of it, and not a vague or vague-sounding alias. It is also important to check your inbox regularly when you are job hunting. Missing an email about a potential job opportunity could be detrimental to your job search.

Social Media Handles

These days, it is not uncommon for employers to research a candidate’s social media profiles to gather more information about their personality and character. Therefore, it is essential to include your social media handles on your resume. This gives employers an opportunity to see how you interact with others online and learn more about you as a candidate. However, it’s important that you keep your social media profiles clean and professional. Avoid posting any controversial or offensive content that could harm your chances of being hired.

Mailing Address

While most employers will reach out to you over the phone, email, or social media, it is still important to include your mailing address in your resume. This is because some companies prefer to send formal letters or confirmation documents by mail rather than via electronic means. Your mailing address should be located at the top of your resume, just below your name and contact information.

When including your mailing address, it is important to provide a complete address. This includes your street address, apartment or suite number, city, state, and zip code. Avoid providing vague descriptions such as ‘Near the Main Post Office’ or listing only your city and state. Providing a complete address ensures that the employer has all the information they need to reach you.

Including your email address, social media handles, and mailing address in your resume is essential to give You can use these channels to keep in touch with potential employers and position yourself as a top candidate for the job. Remember to keep all information professional and relevant to the job you are pursuing, and keep an eye on your inbox and other communication channels regularly throughout your job search.

Incorporating Phone Number on a Cover Letter

When it comes to job applications, a well-crafted cover letter is just as important as a well-written resume. A cover letter highlights your skills and experiences, and convinces hiring managers that you are the right candidate for the job. But have you ever wondered what role your phone number plays in your cover letter?

Incorporating your phone number on your cover letter is essential because it allows the employer to contact you easily. However, many job seekers overlook the importance of consistency in including their contact information.

Importance of Consistency

Consistency is key when it comes to including your contact information. You need to ensure that your phone number is presented in the same format throughout your cover letter and resume. Inconsistency, such as listing a different phone number or using a different format, can confuse hiring managers and create the impression that you lack attention to detail.

In addition, consistency in presenting your phone number can signal your professionalism and make a positive impression on recruiters. You want to present yourself as a reliable and organized candidate, and a consistent presentation of your contact information can help you achieve this goal.

Best Practices for Including Contact Information

When including your phone number on your cover letter, follow these best practices:

1. Format phone number properly

Always ensure that you format your phone number correctly. Include the area code, use parentheses around the area code, and separate the number using dashes. The format should be (XXX) – XXX – XXXX.

2. Use a professional voicemail greeting

When recruiters call you, they expect a professional voicemail greeting. Make sure you set up a voicemail greeting that includes your name and invites the caller to leave a message. Avoid using informal voicemail greetings and music.

3. Use a reliable phone number

Choose a reliable phone number to include on your cover letter. Avoid using the phone number of your current employer or a generic phone number. It’s better to use a personal phone number that you can access at any time.

4. Avoid using a non-local phone number

If you are relocating, it’s important to use a local phone number. You want to avoid using a non-local phone number that causes hiring managers to question your availability for the job. You can use the phone number of a local friend or family member if necessary.

Incorporating your phone number in your cover letter is essential when applying for jobs. Consistency in presenting your contact information and following best practices can make a positive impression on hiring managers and increase your chances of getting hired.

Sample Resumes with Proper Phone Number Formatting

As a job seeker, one of the most important things you need to ensure is that potential employers can easily get in touch with you. To achieve this, you need to include your phone number in your resume. However, simply adding your phone number is not enough. You need to ensure that it is formatted correctly to enhance your chances of landing your dream job.

Here are some best practices for formatting your phone number on a resume:

Use the Right Format

When including your phone number, use the format that is standard in your country. For instance, in the United States, the standard format is (555) 555-5555. In the United Kingdom, the format is 0118 999 881 999 119 725 3.

Include the Right Country Code

If you’re applying for a job in a different country, ensure that you include the correct country code. This will make it easier for potential employers to reach you. For instance, if you’re in the US but applying for a job in Canada, you will need to include the Canadian country code (+1) before your phone number.

Don’t Use Symbols

Avoid using symbols such as hyphens, periods, or slashes when formatting your phone number on your resume. Instead, use spaces to separate the digits. This makes your phone number easier to read and more professional.

Include Your Area Code

It’s important to include your area code to help potential employers determine where you’re located. Remember to include this even if you’re applying for a remote position.

Double Check for Accuracy

Before submitting your resume, ensure that you have double-checked your phone number for accuracy. A simple typo could prevent potential employers from reaching you. Furthermore, ensure that the number you provide is one that you can easily be reached at.

Now that you know the best practices for formatting your phone number on a resume, here are some sample resumes to guide you:

Resume Sample 1

Name:  John Doe

Phone:  (555) 555-5555

Email:   [email protected]

Resume Sample 2

Name:  Jane Doe

Phone:  0118 999 881 999 119 725 3

Resume Sample 3

Name:  Michael Johnson

Phone:  +1 (555) 555-5555

By following these best practices, your phone number will be formatted correctly in your resume, making it easier for potential employers to reach you.

Related Articles

• 100 Important Technical Skills [Complete Guide 2023]
• CV vs Resume: Key Differences and Details in 2023
• The Recruitment and Hiring Process: A Complete Guide
• Gym Receptionist Resume: Examples and Best Practices
• 30 Adaptability Skills for Workplace Success in 2023

Rate this article

0 / 5. Reviews: 0

More from ResumeHead

How to List Phone Skills on a Resume: Best Skills and Examples

Phone Skills | Best Skills & Examples

Quick Navigation

Why do employers want to see phone skills on your resume?

What to include in a phone skills resume, how to demonstrate phone skills on your resume, examples of phone skills to include on your resume, how to improve your phone skills, phone skills resume example.

Many jobs today require excellent phone skills, from sales roles to receptionists. The key to showing employers that you are the best candidate for the job may be to highlight your phone skills in your resume. Learn about what skills to include and how to include them with examples to guide you.

Employers want to see phone skills on a resume because they want to make sure you can communicate effectively over the phone and use complicated operating systems skillfully. Most jobs require some phone usage, whether answering calls in the front office, making cold calls for sales or simply joining in on company meetings.

When creating your phone skills resume, you should include the following details:

• Specific technical skills related to using the phone and phone systems
• Soft skills you use to communicate with customers and callers
• Any phone or call center software you have experience using
• Your job responsibilities associated with phone usage
• Quantifiable details regarding your phone skills

You can incorporate these types of phone skills in the experience listed on your resume. To be considered for a specific role, you should also read through the job posting and then include those relevant skills if you have them.

Use these steps to properly include phone skills on your resume:

1. Firstly, mention the most notable phone skills in your resume introduction

Your introduction is the first paragraph a hiring manager will likely read when reviewing your resume. Whether you choose to use a summary, objective statement, professional profile, or qualifications summary, you should mention at least one noteworthy phone skill so the reader can understand your expertise.

2. Secondly, include detailed examples of your phone expertise in your work experience

Your work experience section allows you to elaborate more on your phone experience. Under each past job, describe responsibilities you held related to using the phone and communicating with callers. This is also the space to include quantifiable data about your phone skills, such as customer satisfaction ratings as a customer representative, impressive sales closing numbers, or the number of handled and resolved customer complaints. Information presented in numbers communicates success to hiring managers.

3. Thirdly, note your technical and soft phone-related talents in your skills section

Phone skills include technical capabilities to use complex software and multi-line phones and soft communication and interpersonal skills, such as active listening and compassion. List these in the skills section of your resume to emphasize them to the hiring manager.

Common phone-related skills to list in your resume include:

Communication skills

The ability to communicate clearly is one of the most important and required skills for a role that uses the phone often. For customer support and sales jobs, where primary communication is done over the phone, successful communication is needed to yield beneficial results for the business. Other jobs may require employees to field emergency calls, manage customer conflicts or take hundreds of phone calls a day, making exceptional communication necessary. Communication skills include active listening, asking questions for clarification and interpersonal skills like empathy and patience.

Technical skills

Knowing how to properly use phone equipment is another commonly-required skill. Some jobs may require employees to operate complex phone systems like PABX systems and operator boards. Other roles may entail advanced knowledge of specialty call center software.

Customer service skills

Many jobs that require heavy phone usage are customer-service related. Customer service skills include maintaining a friendly and helpful demeanor, dictating clearly, answering calls promptly, and resolving conflicts. For individuals who do most of their work over the phone, they need to be skilled at making outbound telemarketing calls, getting high customer service ratings, and closing sales.

Foreign languages

Many employers want to hire bilingual individuals because of the increasing population of non-English speakers. If you fluently speak another language, make sure to add this to your resume under skills or education.

Here are a few ways you can improve your current phone skills:

1. Firstly, build up your active listening abilities

The first step toward improving your phone skills is to be a better active listener.

Examples of active listening abilities:

• Staying as focused as possible. Try to remain undistracted from your surrounding environment and concentrate on the call.
• Wait for a significant pause before responding.  You will listen more effectively when you allow the caller to finish their sentence before taking your turn.
• Ask questions to gain clarity. If you are unsure of a caller’s needs, ask questions to make sure you find the best solution for them.
• Recap key points to ensure you understood them correctly. Summarizing the most essential details also   shows the caller you are listening to them.

2. Then, enhance your responding skills

You can also improve how you respond to callers.

Examples of being responsive:

• Project a positive and natural-sounding tone.  This helps a caller feel comfortable and respected. Try smiling to help you maintain a happier, attentive tone.
• Pay attention to your rate of speech.  Make sure to speak at a moderate pace so the caller can clearly understand you.
• Enunciate clearly. Use simple words and phrases when possible, and keep your tone professional. Practice speaking using a pause instead of filler words such as ‘um’ or ‘like.’

3. Finally, learn the technology

Know how to properly operate the phone equipment and software you will use. Spend downtime practicing common functions and familiarizing yourself with the basics. Spending more time learning the technology will reduce missed calls, wrong transfers, and other avoidable technical issues.

Use this resume example to better understand how you can emphasize phone skills on your own resume.

Brett Mitchell 602 Wirth Blvd. Albuquerque, NM 12345 555-555-5555 [email protected]

Self-motivated and service-oriented call center representative with substantial experience in over-the-phone troubleshooting and customer conflict resolution. Attentive to details in all professional matters and highly skilled in telemarketing. Advanced in call center software and complex PABX systems.

• Typing 70 WPM
• Microsoft Office
• Multiline phone operation
• Zendesk software
• Interpersonal communication
• Professional dictation and demeanor
• Conflict resolution
• Organization
• Active listening
• Critical thinking
• Multitasking

Work Experience

Customer Service Phone Representative Energize Nutrition, Inc. Albuquerque, NM 2015 – 2017

• Assess customer needs quickly and provide solutions proactively
• Accurately and thoroughly document customer interaction details into the system during calls
• Manage inbound calls for order placement and product inquiry with exceptional customer service

Phone Representative Advantage Marketing Agency Austin, TX 2013 – 2015

• Maintained a high-volume workload with short deadlines
• Assisted an average of 150 clients each week, consistently meeting performance goals
• Analyzed reports to discover weaknesses and implement department improvements
• Directed customers by telephone and email to correct departments
• Maintained a professional and polite telephone manner
• Continuously achieved high ratings on my team for low call time and customer satisfaction

Front Desk Representative Lakeland Hospital Austin, TX 2012 – 2013

• Directed calls to the most appropriate department based on the caller’s needs
• Booked appointments for patients and called for confirmations
• Created order forms for the lab
• Routed nurses’ and doctors’ messages for patients
• Translated Spanish for patients, nurses, and other medical staff
• Handled and translated Spanish phone calls

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration Minor in Spanish The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX

If you need help writing a resume, use our data-backed resume builder .

Explore Jobs

• Jobs Near Me
• Remote Jobs
• Full Time Jobs
• Part Time Jobs
• Entry Level Jobs
• Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

• $15 Per Hour Jobs
• $20 Per Hour Jobs
• Hiring Immediately Jobs
• High School Jobs
• H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

• Business And Financial
• Architecture And Engineering
• Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

• What They Do
• Certifications
• Demographics

Best Companies

• Health Care
• Fortune 500

Explore Companies

• CEO And Executies
• Resume Builder
• Career Advice
• Explore Majors
• Questions And Answers
• Interview Questions

How To Write A Resume In 7 Steps (With Examples)

• How To Write A Resume
• Resume Skills Section
• Resume Objective Section
• Career Objective Section
• Resume Reference Section
• Resume Summary Section
• Resume Summary Example
• Resume Interests Section
• Address On Resume
• Relevant Work Experience
• Anticipated Graduation Date On Resume
• Education Section On Resume
• Contact Information On Resume
• Statement Of Qualifications
• How To List Publications On Resume
• Accomplishments On Resumes
• Awards On Resume
• Dean's List On Resume
• Study Abroad On Resume

Resumes are still the most important document in your job search . Generating a professional and interesting resume isn’t easy, but there is a standard set of guidelines that you can follow. As hiring managers usually only spend a short time looking over each resume, you want to make sure that yours has a reason for them to keep reading.

If you’re looking to write a resume, rewrite a resume you already have, or are just curious about resume format, then you’ve come to the right place. This article will go through the steps to writing an excellent resume, as well as offering examples for what sections of the resume should look like.

Key Takeaways:

A resume is a short document that details your professional history in a way that tailors your experience and skill set for the particular job you’re applying for.

Resumes follow a few standard formatting practices, which hiring managers and recruiters expect to see.

Highlighting your work experience, skills, and educational background with relevant keywords can help you get past applicant tracking systems and into more interviews.

How to write a resume

Writing a resume involves using the proper formatting, writing an introduction, and adding your work experience and education. Stuffing your entire professional life into a single page resume can feel overwhelming, but remember that you’re distilling the relevant parts of your professional experience in order to catch the eye of the recruiter .

Formatting your resume. To start, use a word processor such as Microsoft Word or Google docs. Standard resume formatting calls for:

1 inch margins

10-12 point font

A professional, commonly-used font

Additionally, there are three resume formats that are commonly used. Most people should stick with a chronological resume format , but the combination resume format and functional resume format can be effective for more advanced workers or those who have significant gaps in their resume.

Write a resume header . It doesn’t matter if you have the best resume in the world if the hiring manager can’t contact you. Every single resume should include the following contact information:

Your full name. First and last.

Your phone number. Use a personal phone number, and make sure your voicemail is set up properly.

Your email address. Nothing inappropriate — [email protected] is a safe choice.

Location. City, State, Zip Code is fine, but you can include your full mailing address if you think it’s appropriate.

Your social media (optional). LinkedIn is the obvious one you’d want to include, but make sure your profile looks good. If you have an online portfolio , either on a personal blog/website or on a site like Journo Portfolio , feel free to include that here as well.

Your job title. Also optional, but can be useful for applicant tracking systems.

Resume introduction. You have four options for your resume introduction: a resume objective, summary statement, resume profile, or qualifications summary. For most job-seekers, a resume summary statement is the best choice. Regardless of which resume introduction you choose, avoid first-person pronouns (I/me/my).

Resume objective. A resume objective is the goal of your resume. Since the objective of every resume is to land a job, this is not the most original or impressive opener you can have.

On the other hand, it’s a good choice for an entry-level applicant or someone who is changing career paths . This should be a 1-3 sentence summary of why you’re motivated to get the position you’re applying for.

Who should use a resume objective: Entry-level applicants, career-changers, and recent college graduates.

Resume summary. This is the best opener for most job-seekers. As the name suggests, a resume summary highlights the most salient aspects of your resume.

It should include your current position, how many years of experience you have, some of your biggest achievements, and possibly your career goals. This should be a 1-3 sentence spiel and should include some quantifiable experiences.

Who should use a resume summary: Most job seekers; anyone with quantifiable accomplishments to emphasize and a broad range of skills.

Qualifications summary. A bullet point list (4-6 points is the sweet spot) of your qualifications for the position. It’s best used by applicants going for jobs that require a fixed skill set. It’s not a great choice for entry-level applicants who lack quantifiable achievements.

You’ll notice that a qualifications summary takes up more space than a resume objective or summary, but it can actually save the hiring manager time if you provide a bunch of valuable information right off the top.

Who should use a qualifications summary: Those applying to a job with requirements for certain skills and job-seekers who have a lot of experience in their industry and/or field.

Resume profile. A resume profile is similar to a resume summary, but goes into more detail about your accomplishments at your current or former job, while also telling the reader about your career goals. Think of a resume profile as a section that pulls all the best parts of your work experience section into one place.

Who should use a resume profile: Anyone with significant accomplishments under their belt, expertise in a niche field, or applying to a job in the same industry that they have lots of experience in.

Resume headline. Resume headlines aren’t necessary, but you can include one alongside any of the four types of resume introduction listed above. A resume headline comes between your contact information and the resume introduction of your choice.

Headlines can be used by entry-level applicants and experienced job-seekers alike. The important point is that your headline should be short and to the point. Additionally, you should use title case when writing your resume headline (capitalize words as you would for a book title).

Who should use a resume headline: Any job-seeker who wants to showcase their experience or unique value right off the bat.

Work experience. Your work experience section is the place to let hiring managers know that you have relevant experience that would allow you to handle the job you’re applying for.

If you’re using the chronological resume format, your work experience section would come after your resume summary/objective. In a funcitonal reumse, it would follow your skills section. Either way, work experience should be listed in reverse-chronological order (most recent experience at the top).

When listing your work experience, you should include all of the following information:

Job title. Start by stating the position you held at the company. These are easy cue for the hiring manager to look at and determine whether your past positions would help you succeed at their company.

Company Info. Include the name of the employer, the location where you worked, and perhaps a brief description of the company, if it isn’t a well-known name.

Dates Employed: Use the mm/yyyy format if you want to be sure that most applicant tracking systems (ATS) will pick it up. Whatever format you use for dates, be consistent, or your resume will look sloppy.

Job Description. Don’t just list your job’s responsibilities; hiring managers and recruiters already have an idea of your duties based on the job title. Instead, list your most important and impressive responsibilities/achievements at the job with bullet points. Determine which of these are most relevant for your new role based on the job description.

Ideally, each bullet should be no longer than a single line. However, two lines is acceptable, if used sparingly.

Always start with a strong action verb, followed by a quantifiable achievement and a specific duty. For example: “Developed ad campaigns for clients, increasing sales by an average of 27%.” Each job title should include 3-5 bullet points.

The order that you include this information can be changed around, as long as you are consistent throughout your resume. However, the bullet points detailing your job’s achievements should always be the last item for each entry.

It’s important that you tailor your resume’s work experience section to the job you’re applying for. We recommend reading the job description carefully and highlighting the action verbs in one color and the skills, adjectives, and job-specific nouns in a different color.

Educational background. In almost all cases, your education section should come after your professional history. If you’re a recent college graduate with limited work experience, you may choose to put your educational achievements first.

Like the section on your professional history, educational experiences should come in reverse-chronological order, with your highest level of education at the top. If you have a college degree, you don’t need to add any information about your high school experience. If you didn’t finish college, it’s okay to give a list of what credits you did complete.

Each educational experience can be listed in the following format:

Degree/Program Name College/University Name Dates attended

You don’t need to add anything else, especially if your resume is already impressive enough. But if you’re struggling to fill up the page, or you feel that aspects of your educational experience will help make you a standout, you may consider also including:

Minor. If you think it rounds out your not-exactly-relevant-to-the-job major nicely.

GPA. Only if it was 3.5 or higher. Otherwise, it’s not going to do you any favors to include this.

Honors. Dean’s List, Cum Laude, etc.

Achievements. If you wrote a killer thesis/dissertation that showcases intimate knowledge relevant to the job to which you’re applying, you can include its title and a very brief description.

Extracurricular activities. Only include if they’re relevant. For example, if you’re applying for a management position and you were president of your student government.

Certifications/Licenses. If the job you’re applying for requires/likes to see certain certifications or licenses that you have, you may include them in this section as well.

Skills section. Your impressive skills should be scattered logistically throughout your professional history section, but you should also include a section solely dedicated to highlighting your skill set . Skills can be broken down into two categories:

Hard skills are skills you learn through training and indicate expertise with a technical ability or job-specific responsibility.

Soft skills are your personality traits, interpersonal abilities, and intangible qualities that make you more effective at your job.

Your resume should have a healthy mix of hard and soft skills, as both are essential to job performance. However, since soft skills are harder to prove in the context of a resume, we recommend leaning more toward hard skills. Additionally, whenever you list a soft skill, make sure that it has a correlating item in your work experience section.

For example, if you say you are skilled in collaboration, you should mention a time when a team project was a major success somewhere in your work experience section.

Optional sections. If you still have space left or there’s more you want to show off that doesn’t quite fit in any of the above sections, you may consider adding an additional section covering one or more of the below categories:

Language . Being bilingual is always impressive, and can be included on a resume for any company. Highlight this more if your position involves liaising with international distributors and/or clients. Don’t lie about your proficiency level.

It may be best to not mention it if you’re not particularly proficient speaker . Such as if you took courses in school, or haven’t really managed to gain fluency. It can end up looking like an attempt to inflate your credentials, which you want to avoid.

Volunteer experience . Always a good thing to include. It shows you’re a team player who behaves in a way that promotes the greater good, without thought of personal gain. Especially good for entry-level candidates and those applying for jobs at a non-profit. If you have gaps in your work history, you can also consider including volunteer experiences in your work history section instead.

Personal projects. A personal blog, published works, or a portfolio of your past projects are all good things to include. They show you take initiative, enjoy and take pride in your work, and that you can handle the responsibilities of the job, if relevant.

Certifications/licenses. If you didn’t include these in your education section, this is another good place to list relevant certifications or licenses that you have.

Interests . This is largely just a space filler if your resume is light in other areas. However, if your hobbies are directly related to the job that you’re applying for, it’s not a bad idea to include them. And it might draw a recruiter’s attention if you end up sharing some of the same interests as they do.

If you have several seemingly random items that are valuable, but don’t warrant creating a whole separate section for, you can also make a section called “Additional Experience.” Here you can include all of the above categories in one place. Just make sure that each item is clear and easy for readers to understand.

Resume samples

Now that we have a good idea of how to write a resume, let’s take a look at some example resumes:

Jack Pilgrim Washington , DC 14015 – (555) 444-3333 – [email protected] – www.linkedin.com/jpilgrim Resume Summary Graphic designer with 3+ years of experience creating and implementing promotional materials and social media graphics. Worked with sales and marketing teams to increase inbound calls by 23% YoY through compelling digital media. Adept at planning, managing, and prioritizing multiple deadlines at once, and thrives in fast-paced work environment. Work Experience Creative Designs | Washington, DC Lead Graphic Designer | June 2018-Present Worked with sales and marketing teams to create landing pages, sales proposals, and supporting media elements to drive sales by over $250,000 per quarter Trained, managed, and mentored team of 4 junior designers to fulfill 40+ project orders on a weekly basis Conducted UX research through surveys, usability testing, and data analysis to plan content marketing strategy, driving organic search traffic by 12% Presented proposals, results, and status updates to set of 4-7 clients, ensuring customer satisfaction at or above 95% for 3 years straight Happy Place | Alexandria, VA Junior Graphic Designer | July 2016-May 2018 Translated client needs and branding strategies into design and content strategy, increasing client retention by 22% Reduced project turnaround time by 8% by Utilizing web-based ticket system for completing and archiving finalized pieces Posted digital artwork to network IPTV using web interface to produce high-end info-graphics and other materials Happy Place | Alexandria, VA Marketing Intern | September 2015-July 2016 Assisted marketing team with data collection, analysis, and presentation using Google Analytics Drew up storyboards for new marketing campaigns alongside sales team, increasing brand awareness through social media Wrote 500-1000 word articles to pair with graphical elements on page, leading to a 40% boost in engagement on company website Education Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, Georgia May 2016 Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design Skills Adobe Creative Suite Typography HTML/CSS WordPress Collaboration Organization

Allison Neederly Chicago, Illinois , 60007 | (333) 222-1111 | [email protected] | www.linkedin.com/allison.neederly Resume Summary Dedicated customer service representative with 4+ years experience resolving customers’ needs in-person, online, and over the phone. Top achiever at XYZ Inc. with a 100% customer satisfaction rate for Q1 of 2020. Friendly personable, and knowledgable about company’s products and services. Relevant Skills Customer Service Responded to upwards of 200 customer queries daily with XYZ Inc., reducing the average wait time by 56% and increasing customer satisfaction rates by 13% Ability to resolve conflict and create a positive atmosphere for shopping for both new and existing customers through technical proficiency Expert product knowledge and communication skills, and experience training and mentoring new customer service staff Web Chat and Phone Skilled in 3 web chat platforms for helping online customers resolve their queries quickly and accurately Achieved fastest call resolution rate at XYZ Inc., with an average resolution time of under 5 minutes per customer Performed outbound calls for customer satisfaction surveys, as well as writing web-based surveys for 10,000+ customers Troubleshooting Detailed product knowledge allowed for customer technical issues to be resolved at rate within top 5% of all customer service associates at XYZ Inc. Created manual for step-by-step directions for troubleshooting that was implemented for team of 100+ customer service reps Positive attitude took average tech-related negative response from 1/5 stars to 4/5 stars, increasing trust in brands and services Work Experience XYZ Inc. | Philadelphia, PA Customer Service Associate New Look Global | Burlington, VT Junior Customer Service Representative L.L. Bean | Burlington, VT Sales Associate Education University of Vermont | Burlington, VT May 2012 Bachelor of Arts in Humanities

Priya Laghari New York, NY | (222) 111-0000 | [email protected] | www.priyabizdev.com Resume Profile Strategy Development: Grew John Deere’s international sales by 13% by tapping into undeserved countries in Southeast Asia Management: Oversaw a team of managers representing marketing, sales, and product teams. Streamlined collaborative, cross-functional communications through agile and scrum management system CRM: Developed, customized, and implemented new customer relationship management database for accounts totaling over $10M in value Work Experience Business Development Manager 01/2015-Present Microsoft | Redmond, WA Developed product strategies and roadmap for Google AdWords, increasing inbound traffic by 26% YoY Reduced time training on new software by 50% for new and existing employees by implement e-learning programs Spearheaded digital marketing campaign worth $1M that saw a return of 200% in first year by qualifying leads earlier in the sales funnel Regional Sales Manager 11/2012-01/2015 Big Things Inc. | St. Louis, MO Managed territory encompassing 29 regional locations with an annual revenue of approx. $55M Worked with C-level executives to plan business strategies, resulting in 20% reduction in overhead costs Increased client retention by 12% in first year by implementing a CRM approach based on account profiling and elevating levels of relationship selling Account Manager 02/2009-11/2012 Solutions Corp. | Chicago, IL Implemented and developed CRM strategic plans, increasing retention of long-term clients by 22% Maintained 50+ accounts totaling over $35M in value Generated leads through one-on-one consultation via phone inquiries, online check-ins, and meeting office walk-ins Relevant Skills CRM: Proficient with Salesforce, Zoho, and HubSpot; some experience with Keap. Used various CRM software over a decade to successfully manage customer relations and quick to adapt to new software and tools that aid in quality of customer experience. Salesmanship: Negotiated and closed over several deals worth $1M+ and skilled in upselling and cross-selling. Adept at working closely with marketing and product teams to maximize the efficiency of the sales funnel for both inbound and outbound traffic. Presentation: Represented Microsoft Northwest Region at quarterly board meetings, ensuring all stakeholders were kept abreast of new developments and opportunities. Also deliver monthly presentations to big clients and vendors to maintain positive relationship. Data analytics. Expert at integrating data from various analytics platforms, including Google, Microsoft Power BI, and SAP BusinessObjects Education Colgate University | May 2008 MBA Fordham University | May 2006 Bachelor’s Degree in Business

For more resume examples and templates:

Resume examples by job

Google docs resume template

Resume templates

Resume builder

Resume Headers Samples:

Tip : Never put your contact info in the header of your document; some applicant tracking systems might miss it.

For more on how to write a resume header:

Resume Header

Resume Titles

Resume introduction examples

Entry-Level Resume Objective.

Recent graduate with a bachelor’s in Marketing from the University of Virginia seeking an entry-level role in content marketing. Excellent copywriter with 2+ years experience editing content as a member of the UVa Writing Center.

Career Change Resume Objective.

Eager to apply 7+ years of experience with customer success management to make successful outbound B2B calls, deliver customized business solutions to new and existing customers, and provide expert product knowledge in the role of Account Manager for XYZ Inc.

Example Resume Summary Statement.

Accountant with over 8 years of experience in the medical industry. Adept at advising on management of cash deficits, reconciling departmental accounts, and creating new accounts and codes. Coordinated invoice preparation system for ABC that reduced contractor overhead by 19% YoY.

English teacher with a love of language and 6 years of experience teaching high school students. Developed new curriculum that boosted freshman reading comprehension scores by 12% and created after school book club for AP Lit class, resulting in 100% of participating students achieving a 5 on the AP Lit test.

Example Qualifications Summary.

Executive assistant with 5+ years experience helping maintain efficiency in an office of 25 employees Communicated directly with internal and external stakeholders, helping Senior Vice President manage projects worth $5M+ Proactively managed office schedules, identifying and prioritizing changes to ensure client satisfaction Recognized in a company of 500 for “Outstanding Achiever” in May 2019

Example Resume Profile.

Detail-oriented IT Specialist with 4 years of experience overseeing and improving the infrastructure of IT systems. Adept at building and running troubleshooting systems and testing services. Decreased security risk by 47% through continual optimization, while also improving the speed of client portal by 22%. Excellent communicator both internally and for client-facing discussions. Achieved 98%+ customer satisfaction ratings through weekly and monthly check-ins with accounts valued cumulatively at $500,000.

Entry-Level Resume Headline.

Bilingual College Graduate with 80 WPM Typing Speed and Tutoring Experience

Experienced Resume Headline.

Business Development Specialist with 6+ Years Experience Scaling Start-Up Tech Teams

For more on resume introductions:

Resume objective statement

Resume summary statement

Resume summary statement examples

Qualifications summary

Sample resume work experience sections

Work Experience XYZ Industries | Seattle, WA Marketing Associate | May 2019-Present Delivered weekly presentations to client-base to communicate brand messaging, increasing client retention by 11% Served as liaison between marketing and product teams, resulting in projects finishing 2 weeks early, on average Leveraged Excel skills to create and maintain spreadsheet to track consumer insights, emergent trends, and inform decisions of marketing team through competitive analysis Managed team of 5 contractors to juggle multiple priority projects simultaneously, never missing a deadline Initiated an affiliate referral program that PR team went on to turn into a revenue-generating stream valued at $30,000 annually ABC Corp | Seattle, WA Marketing Intern | September 2018-May 2019 Developed, maintained, and processed 20+ digital consent forms and distributor forms Worked collaboratively with a team of 10 marketing professionals, closely aligning our goals with the PR team Provided data analysis using Google Analytics and performed keyword research to increase blog traffic by 56% over six months Answered up to 50 customer queries by phone and email each week

For more on building the perfect resume work experience section:

Resume work experience section

First resume (no experience)

Examples Of Education Resume Sections

Graduated recently from a 4-year program.

Western Illinois University | Macomb, Illinois May 2020 Bachelor of Arts in Sociology | Minor in Psychology 3.95 GPA magna cum laude Dean’s List all semesters

Two degrees.

Fordham University | Bronx, New York April 2016 Master of Chemical Engineering Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, New York April 2014 Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Anticipated graduation date (not yet graduated).

DePaul Univeristy | Chicago, Illinois Bachelor of Arts in History – Degree anticipated May 2021 Current GPA: 3.8

Older job seeker (graduated 10+ years ago).

University of Chicago | Chicago, Illinois Bachelor of Business Administration

High school graduate (no college degree).

Johnston High School 2016-2020 Head of Computer Club

More on crafting the perfect resume education section:

Education resume section

GPA on resume

Dean’s list

Magna cum laude

Examples Of Skills For Resume

Examples of hard skills include:

Examples of soft skills include:

Here’s more information on how to incorporate skills into your resume:

Resume skills section

Hard skills

Soft skills

Top skills for professionals

Skills-based resume

Resume writing FAQ

What is a resume?

A resume is a one to two-page document that focuses on professional experience, past achievements, education and certifications, and specific skills tailored to the job you’re applying for.

Almost every job application requires a resume, and hiring managers use them as a first impression in determining which applicants get a shot at an interview.

Whether you’re fresh out of college or have 30 years of professional experience, this guide should help craft a resume that stands out from the crowd and get you one step closer to landing your dream job.

What is the format for writing a good resume?

Most people will want to use a chronological or reverse-chronological resume format. This format is compatible with most applicant tracking systems (ATS) and is easy for employers to read. Additionally it helps highlight your experience, which helps prove your qualifications.

How far back should a resume go?

A resume should go back no further than 10 to 15 years. However, it is important that all your information is relevant. Therefore, do not include job experience that is irrelevant to your application, even if it’s fewer than 10 years old. Save that information for later discussions.

Should you personalize your resume for each job?

Yes, you should personalize your resume for each job you apply to. Many recruiters use ATS now, which will search for keywords in a resume and reject those that don’t have them. That means that the skills you choose to highlight as well as your opening, such as your resume summary, should be altered to suit each job you apply to.

You don’t need to rewrite the entire resume for each job, but it does show attention to detail and initiative to make sure that your resume is customized. It also makes it more likely that you’ll get past the first step of the process.

State of New York Department of Labor – Resumes, Cover Letters and Job Applications

Harvard University – Create a Resume/CV or Cover Letter

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Matthew Zane is the lead editor of Zippia's How To Get A Job Guides. He is a teacher, writer, and world-traveler that wants to help people at every stage of the career life cycle. He completed his masters in American Literature from Trinity College Dublin and BA in English from the University of Connecticut.

Recent Job Searches

• Registered Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Truck Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Call Center Representative Jobs Resume Location
• Customer Service Representative Jobs Resume
• Delivery Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Warehouse Worker Jobs Resume Location
• Account Executive Jobs Resume Location
• Sales Associate Jobs Resume Location
• Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Company Driver Jobs Resume

Related posts

Show Multiple Positions At The Same Company On A Resume

How To Put Dean’s List On Your Resume (With Examples)

How To List Publications On A Resume Or CV (With Examples)

Where To List Awards On Your Resume (With Examples)

• Career Advice >
• Resume Structure >
• Parts Of A Resume >

Protect your data

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our Privacy Policy . You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

• Resume and Cover Letter
• Ask Amanda: How Should I...

Ask Amanda: How Should I Format My Contact Information on a Resume?

6 min read · Updated on March 21, 2024

When hiring managers want to reach out to you, help them know where to look.

Q: How should I write my name, address, and social media on my resume?

Is there a right way to add your name and address on a resume? And if so, how should I format them? – Tamara D.

When you're writing a resume , it's important to include all of your pertinent contact information at the top so employers and recruiters can easily locate it. While this resume tip may seem obvious, a TopResume study found that one in four people either forget to include all of the necessary details or fail to format them in a way that can be detected by the software employers use to organize and manage their inbound applications.

Below is everything you need to know about including contact information on a resume and formatting it for success.

What to include in your resume contact information section

Include your first and last name on your resume. If you have a very common name – think “James Smith” or “Maria Garcia” – consider including your middle name or middle initial to help distinguish you from the other 30,000+ professionals who share your full name.

Preferred Name: If you typically use a preferred name at work, it's perfectly acceptable to list that name instead of your legal name on your resume. For instance, some professionals continue to use their maiden name at work after they've married and legally changed their last name to that of their spouse. Others prefer to go by a nickname for their first name to avoid gender bias or racial discrimination during the job search.

Examples: How to Write Your Name on Your Resume

Maeve (Nelson) Hunter | Maeve Nelson | Maeve Hunter

William H. Keener, Jr. | Bill Keener, Jr. | William Keener

Allie Bostwick | Allison (Allie) Bostwick | Allison Bostwick

S. Schaffer | Sam Schaffer | Samantha Schaffer

Khalid “Kal” Hassan | Khalid Hassan | Kal Hassan

Credentials as Suffixes: If you have earned an advanced degree or certification that is required for or considered desirable in your field, be sure to include its initials after your name. By mentioning this credential at the top of your resume and elaborating on its details further down in the document, you're increasing the chances that recruiters will notice this important selling point during their initial, cursory review of your job application. For example:

Joshua Eggleston, RN

Avery Thiele, PMP, SSGB

Jesse Warch, MBA

However you decide to write your name on your resume, be consistent. Your name should be represented the same way on your business cards, cover letters, email signature, relevant social media channels, blog or portfolio, and so forth.

Mailing Address

I've been asked numerous times how to write an address on a resume, but the truth is that it's no longer necessary to include your full mailing address. These days, many job seekers avoid adding all of this contact information because of concerns over identity theft or personal security, while others want to use that valuable resume space for other details that promote their qualifications.

If you're looking for a job within a commutable distance from your home, include your city, state, and zip code on your resume. If you're conducting a long-distance job search or you're open to relocation, you may opt to not include any mailing address information at all.

Related:   The Essential Parts of a Resume, Explained

Email Address

If you're still using an old AOL or Hotmail address to manage your email, it's time for an upgrade . Create a new, professional-looking email address for all your job-search activities with a modern provider like Gmail. Where possible, incorporate your name or your specialty into your email address, such as “[email protected]” or “[email protected].”

Phone Number

Never use your work phone number on your resume –– that's the quickest way to make your confidential job search not-so-confidential. Instead, include your personal cell phone number. That way, you have control over the voicemail message, who answers the phone, and when it is answered. When setting up your voicemail, be sure to include your name in the message so employers know they have called the right person.

When it comes to listing your phone number on your resume, there are a number of different formats that are considered acceptable:

555-867-5309 | (555) 867-5309 | 555.867.5309

You can also choose to put a label in front of your phone number such as “Tel:”, “Ph:”, “Phone:”, “C:”, or “M:” (for mobile).

Social Media

Including social media on a resume has become commonplace. In fact, studies show that most recruiters will search for your online profiles before deciding whether to interview you. By including the most relevant social media links on your resume, you're saving recruiters time and providing them with the details they care about. Start by adding the link to your public LinkedIn profile . Other social media accounts should only be mentioned on your resume if they're related to your profession. If you work in a creative field, for example, consider adding a link to your online portfolio or blog as well. Whichever links you decide to include on your resume, be sure that they will support, rather than sabotage, your job-search efforts and that they are kept up to date.

How to format your resume contact information

Place your contact information at the very top of your resume so recruiters can't miss it. If you're using Word, be sure to not place these important details in the header section of the document, as not all applicant tracking systems are able to properly read and parse information stored in this section of a Word document.

Place your name at the top of this section, using a larger font size than the other pieces of contact information so that it stands out. Depending on how much space you have to work with, you can place the rest of your contact details in one or two lines, located just below your name. Below are a few examples of how you can format the contact information on your resume.

Resume Contact Information, Example 1:

Resume Contact Information, Example 2:

Resume Contact Information, Example 3:

Click on the following link to view all of our resume samples and see the many ways you can format your name and address on a resume.

Need help formatting your resume for success? TopResume's expert writers can help .

Amanda Augustine is a certified professional career coach (CPCC) and resume writer (CPRW) and the resident career expert for Talent Inc.'s suite of brands: TopResume , TopCV , and TopInterview . On a regular basis, she answers user questions like the one above. Have a question? Take a look at her career advice or ask a question on her Quora page .

Recommended Reading:

Here's the Right Way to Format Your Resume

Ask Amanda: How Do I Format Multiple Locations for One Employer?

Why You Shouldn't Write Your Own Resume

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

From Bland to Beautiful: How We Made This Professional's Resume Shine

See how your resume stacks up.

Career Advice Newsletter

Our experts gather the best career & resume tips weekly. Delivered weekly, always free.

Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

Let's stay in touch.

Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy.

Your information is secure. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

• Search Search Please fill out this field.
• Career Planning
• Leaving a Job

Farewell Letter Examples to Say Goodbye to Colleagues

Tips for Writing a Farewell Letter

When to send your farewell email, what to include in your letter, review sample farewell messages, how to send an email farewell letter, farewell message subject lines, sample farewell email message, frequently asked questions (faqs).

When you're leaving your job, take the time to send a farewell email or letter to the colleagues you have worked with. This is a good idea for several reasons. It's a way to keep in touch with your soon-to-be former co-workers and a way to move on from a job gracefully and professionally.

It's always important to leave a job on good terms. The people you work with are a valuable part of your network and may be helpful contacts to have in the future. For example, your colleagues may be able to provide you with a reference , offer you some job leads if you are searching, or introduce you to someone else you might want to network with.

Along with all these reasons, saying goodbye is simply the polite thing to do.

Key Takeaways

• Regardless of the reason you're moving on, take the time to say goodbye to all the people who have supported you at work.
• Include your personal contact information in all the correspondence you send to make it easy for the recipients to stay in touch.
• Keep it concise: A couple of paragraphs is sufficient.

Review tips for how to write a farewell letter, what to include in it, what not to say, and when to send it. Also, review examples you can use as starting points for your own letters and email messages.

Melissa Ling / The Balance 

Timing is everything when it comes to quitting the right way . That includes letting your colleagues know you're leaving at the right time.

Be Sure Management Knows First

Before you let your colleagues know you're moving on, tell your boss and check to make sure everyone who needs to know is aware you have resigned. You don't want your manager to find out through the grapevine that you're leaving.

Send It Before You Leave

Send your email or letter a day or two before you leave. You want to give yourself and your colleagues enough time to say goodbye. However, do not send your letter until you’ve finished most of your work tasks. This will allow you to focus on saying goodbye during the final day or hours.

When writing your letter, be sure to: 

Personalize your message. Consider tailoring each letter to the individual person rather than sending out a group email to everyone. Address each person by name and, if possible, include an anecdote or other personal message reflecting on your time together. It will be more meaningful than sending a mass message.

Only send letters to people you have worked with. Especially if you work at a large company, you do not want to send a message to everyone (unless you worked with all of them).

Say thank you. This letter is your chance to express gratitude for any help or mentorship provided. You might also express how much you’ve enjoyed working with your colleagues.

Include your personal contact information. Provide information on how your colleagues can reach you once you leave. Include an email address (a non-work email) or your phone number. You might also include your LinkedIn profile address. Remember, you won't have access to your work email system once you've moved on.

Keep it positive. Again, the goal of the letter is to stay connected with your former co-workers; you do not want to leave a bad impression. Even if you're leaving on bad terms, you don't need to mention it to the people you worked with.

Keep it short. Write no more than a couple of paragraphs. Along with saying thank you and including your contact information, you might want to mention your plans for the future. However, beyond this, keep it short and to the point.

Start with a sample letter. You can use a sample farewell letter or email message to help you write your own goodbye note to co-workers. However, be sure to change the details of the message to fit your particular situation.

If you haven't already, connect with your co-workers on LinkedIn. This will help you stay connected after you leave.

Review sample farewell letters, email messages, and subject lines to let your colleagues know you're moving on.

I wanted to take a moment to let you know that I am leaving my position at ABC Corporation. I will be starting a new position at XYZ Company next month.

I have enjoyed my tenure here, and I appreciate having had the opportunity to work with you.

Thank you for the support, guidance, and encouragement you have provided to me during my time at ABC Corporation.

Even though I will miss my colleagues and the company, I am looking forward to this new challenge and to starting a new phase of my career.

Please keep in touch: I can be reached at my personal email address (samantha83@gmail2.com), on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/samanthasterling), or my cell phone (555-555-2222).

Thanks again for everything. I wish you all the best.

Yours truly,

It is often a good idea to send your letter via email. That way, your colleagues will receive the message quickly. This will also help you to easily tailor each message to fit the individual recipient.

When you send your farewell message by email, include your name and the reason you're writing in the subject line of the message to help ensure your email gets opened.

Here are examples of what you might write:

• Subject: FirstName LastName – Staying in Touch
• Subject: FirstName LastName Update
• Subject: FirstName – Moving On
• Subject: FirstName Update
• Subject: News From FirstName LastName
• Subject: Update From FirstName
• Subject: FirstName LastName — Farewell

If you know the person well, it's fine to include just your first name. Use your first and last name for recipients with whom you only have a professional relationship. If you're sending it out to a group, it's okay to use a subject line like "Farewell."

Subject: Tyrone Garrett – Update

Dear Linda,

I am writing to let you know that I am retiring at the end of the month.

I have so enjoyed working here these past 10 years. I am grateful for having had the chance to work alongside you. I will never forget your kindness and professionalism whenever we worked on team projects together.

My wife and I will be moving to Seattle in three months; however, I hope to keep in touch. You can reach me at my email address (tgarrett@email.com) or 555-555-5555.

Thank you again for a terrific 10 years. I wish you all the best and hope to stay in touch.

How do I politely quit my job?

When quitting your job, be sure to give appropriate notice, write a resignation letter containing the date of your departure and your thanks for the opportunity. Lastly, stay positive. Don’t badmouth your boss, co-workers, or clients on the way out the door.

Do I have to give two weeks’ notice?

Whenever possible, it’s best to give at least two weeks’ notice . However, if you can’t provide the standard notice, inform your manager as soon as possible. Write a resignation letter, just as you would if you gave two weeks’ notice, and include the date of your last day of work. 

How-To Geek

How to record a phone call on android.

Recording calls on Android can be easy....or impossible.

Quick Links

Is recording calls legal, how to record phone calls on android, how to record phone calls with google voice, record phone calls with external devices, third-party apps are not allowed.

There may come a time when you need to record a phone call. There are a few different ways you can record a phone call on Android—if it's possible in your location. We'll give you some options to choose from.

Recording phone calls isn't legal in all countries. In the United States, legality varies by state. It's important to understand the laws around recording phone calls in your location. You may not even be allowed to do it.

Some places require both parties to know that they're being recorded, while others only require that one party knows what's happening. The latter can get a little gray, but assuming you live in one of those states and you know that the call is being recorded, it's probably safe. It is always unlawful for public phones to be recorded without consent, however.

For more information on call recording laws, check out the Wikipedia page for Telephone call recording laws . The FCC recommends contacting your local state public service commission for more information on local laws

Recording a call on Android with the Google Phone app or Samsung Phone app is just a matter of tapping the record button in a call—assuming your region allows it. If you live in a location with strict call recording laws, you won't see the options shown below.

With the " Phone by Google " app—which is the default dialer on Pixel phones and some other Android devices, you can simply tap the "Record" button during a call to start. Tap it again to stop the recording. Call recordings are found on the "Recents" tab.

On a Samsung Galaxy device with the default Samsung Phone app, tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner while in a call. Select "Record Call" from the menu. Call recordings can be found in Settings > Record Calls > Recorded Calls.

It's really quite easy to do this, it just depends on whether your location allows it. If the options aren't present in your phone app, there's a good chance call recording is not legal.

Google Voice makes it easy to record calls, but you have to first enable the call recording feature. You can do this on both the web and the Android app, and the steps are essentially the same either way.

On the web, head over to the Google Voice website and click the gear icon in the top right.

Scroll down until you see the Calls section. Toward the bottom of the section is "Incoming Call Options," which you'll want to toggle on.

In the Android App, open the hamburger menu and go to Settings > Incoming Call Options.

Now, the next time you need to record a phone call, simply tap "4" on the keypad during the call. An audio prompt will let both users know the call is being recorded. To stop recording, just tap "4" again—another prompt will state the recording is off.

This feature is synced across devices, so you only have to do it in one place or the other. Also note that this only applies to incoming calls—you can't record a call when you're the one who initiated it.

Of course, there are plenty of ways to record audio coming out of a device—you don't technically need to use an app on the device itself. It's possible to use an external device to record the phone call, though the same call recording laws apply.

You could simply use a voice recorder app on a separate phone to record the phone call on speaker. We like the Google Recorder app for Pixel phones and " Voice Recorder & Voice Memos " for everyone else.

If you don't have a secondary phone lying around, you could get an actual voice recorder. Again, simply put the call on speaker and record it with the device. You can pick up a Sony Voice Recorder for around $50 .

Sony Mono Digital Voice Recorder

Sony's digital voice recorder promises up to 57 hours of battery life and has a USB connection so you can transfer your recordings to a computer.

Remember that call recording laws still apply to external devices. An external device can easily be used to record calls that should not be recorded. Make sure to look up the law in your location before using this method.

In April 2022, Google announced that Android apps in the Play Store would no longer be able to use Android's accessibility APIs for non-accessibility purposes. Since that's the method third-party call recording apps were using, they were effectively killed. The policy went into effect in May 2022.

Call recording is a messy endeavor in many places. Sadly, you're essentially limited to using the official phone app for call recording. Even in some places where it's legal, the option will not be present, and third-party apps aren't an option. The situation isn't much better on an iPhone, either . Thankfully, it's much easier to record your screen on Android .

What are you looking for?

Suggested Searches

NO SUGGESTIONS

Search History

Related Searches

Matched Contents

Record and capture your Galaxy phone or tablet's screen

You'll see the available options:

• Scroll capture : Take a long screenshot to capture the whole screen. This setting is only available when scrolling is possible.
• Draw : Edit the screenshot before sharing or saving it.
• Add tag : Add and save tags to your screenshot.
• Share : Share the screenshot with another app or a contact.

You can also take screenshots using gestures , button combinations , and the S Pen . Or, you can use the Smart Select function.

Record your screen

Compatible devices

Screen recorder is available on the Tab S6, Tab S7, Tab S8, Tab S9, Tab A8, Tab A9+, Galaxy S10, S20, S21, S22, S23, Note 10, Note 20, Z Fold, and Z Flip models. The Galaxy A25 5G, A35, A54 5G, A53 5G, A52 5G, and A32 5G also support Screen recorder.

How to record your screen

Instead of using a third-party app, record your screen on Galaxy phones with Screen recorder. Record anything that’s displayed on your screen! You can even use the front camera to record yourself during the video.

• Choose your desired option under Sound settings, and then tap Start recording .
• Once the countdown finishes, your phone will start recording whatever’s on the screen.

• For extra fun, you can also write on the screen while it’s recording. Tap the  Pencil  icon, select your desired color, and then use your finger or S Pen to write on the screen. However, you cannot interact with games, videos, or navigational options while you’re writing on the screen.
• Tap the  Pencil  icon again to stop drawing. Once you turn off the Pencil feature, the screen will go back to normal and you can continue recording normally.
• When you’re done recording, tap the  Stop  icon. The video will be saved in the Gallery app. However, some screen recordings can only be accessed by opening the  My Files  app, then tapping  Internal storage , and then tapping the  DCIM  folder.

Access Screen recorder settings

Do you want the video quality to be a higher resolution? No worries, you can easily adjust this and other settings to make your video perfect. Open the Quick settings panel by swiping down from the top of the screen with two fingers. Then, touch and hold the Screen recorder icon to open its settings page.

Swipe up on the settings page to see the available options listed under Screen recordings:

• Record sound : Select what sounds the video will record. You can choose from None, Media, or Media and mic.
• Video quality : Choose your desired quality for videos. The available options are High (1080p), Medium (720p), and Low (480p).
• Selfie video size : Adjust the size of the pop-up window when you’re recording yourself using the front camera. This is only available with devices that support the front camera when recording the screen. Note : The Galaxy Tab A8 does not support front camera recording with Screen recorder.
• Show taps and touches : Small dots will appear whenever you touch or tap the screen while recording.
• Save screen recordings in : Select where your screen recordings will save. Note : This option may not be available on all devices.

We would love your feedback!

What information are you looking for?

Anything else you would like us to know? (Optional)

Please tell us how we can help you? (Required)

Thank you for your feedback! Your comment has been submitted.

Contact Samsung Support

• Mobile 8 AM - 12 AM EST 7 days a week
• Home Electronics & Appliance 8 AM - 12 AM EST 7 days a week
• IT/Computing 8 AM - 12 AM EST 7 days a week
• Text Support 24 hours a day 7 days a week

You Are About To Be Redirected To Investor Relations Information for U.S.

Redirect notification.

• * For Samsung Supplies information go to: www.hp.com/go/samsungsupplies
• * For S.T.A.R. Program cartridge return & recycling go to: www.hp.com/go/suppliesrecycling
• * For Samsung printer support or service go to: www.hp.com/support/samsung

Select CONTINUE to visit HP's website.