01Choose the right resume format

  • Before you start formatting your resume, it's important to choose the right resume format.
  • The three most common resume formats are chronological, functional, and combination.
  • Consider your work experience, skills, and the position you're applying for when selecting the format.
  • A chronological resume is ideal if you have a consistent work history, a functional resume is suitable if you want to emphasize your skills, and a combination resume combines both chronological and functional elements.
  • Choose the format that best showcases your qualifications.

02Start with a header

  • The header of your resume should include your name, contact information, and a professional email address.
  • Place this information at the top of the page, in a clear and easily readable format.
  • Consider using a slightly larger font size or bold formatting for your name to make it stand out.
  • Include your phone number, email address, and optionally your LinkedIn profile or personal website if relevant.
  • Make sure that your email address is professional and does not include any unprofessional or irrelevant words.

03Write a compelling summary or objective

  • After the header, include a brief summary or objective statement that highlights your skills and career goals.
  • A summary is ideal if you have several years of experience, while an objective statement is suitable if you're a recent graduate or changing careers.
  • Keep it concise and focused, emphasizing your most relevant qualifications.
  • Tailor the summary or objective to match the requirements of the job you're applying for.

04List your work experience

  • In this section, include the details of your work experience, starting with the most recent job.
  • For each job, include the company name, job title, dates of employment, and a bulleted list of your responsibilities and achievements.
  • Quantify your achievements whenever possible by using numbers and percentages.
  • Highlight the skills and accomplishments that are most relevant to the job you're applying for.

05Include your education and qualifications

  • After the work experience section, include your educational background and any relevant certifications or qualifications.
  • List your highest level of education first, followed by any additional degrees or certifications.
  • Include the name of the institution, degree or certification obtained, and the year of completion.
  • Highlight any relevant coursework, special projects, or honors.
  • If you have limited work experience, emphasize your education and relevant skills.

06Emphasize your skills and achievements

  • Create a dedicated section to showcase your skills and achievements.
  • Include both hard skills (e.g., programming languages, software proficiency) and soft skills (e.g., communication, problem-solving).
  • Use bullet points or a table format to make this section easy to read.
  • Tailor your skills and achievements to match the requirements of the job you're applying for.
  • Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate the impact you've made.

07Add relevant additional sections

  • Depending on your background and the job you're applying for, you may include additional sections to enhance your resume.
  • Some common additional sections include: certifications, professional affiliations, volunteer experience, internships, and language proficiency.
  • Only include sections that are relevant and add value to your application.
  • Make sure to format these sections consistently with the rest of your resume.

08Proofread and format consistently

  • Before submitting your resume, thoroughly proofread for any spelling or grammatical errors.
  • Ensure that there is consistent formatting throughout the document, including font styles, sizes, and spacing.
  • Use professional fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
  • Avoid decorative fonts or excessive use of bold or italics.
  • Keep the overall layout clean and organized.
  • Consider saving your resume as a PDF to preserve the formatting across different devices.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can format your resume effectively and increase your chances of getting noticed by employers. Remember to tailor your resume to each job application and highlight your most relevant qualifications. A well-formatted resume will help you stand out from the competition and make a positive impression.

MethodsDetails
Choose the right formatSelect the best resume format based on your work experience and the position you're applying for.
Start with a headerInclude your name, contact information, and a professional email address at the top of your resume.
Write a compelling summarySummarize your skills and career goals in a concise and focused statement.
List your work experienceInclude the details of your work experience, highlighting your responsibilities and achievements.
Include your educationList your educational background, degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework.
Emphasize your skills and achievementsCreate a dedicated section to showcase your skills and achievements.
Add additional sectionsInclude relevant additional sections such as certifications, affiliations, or volunteer experience.
Proofread and format consistentlyThoroughly proofread your resume for errors and maintain a consistent formatting style throughout.
resume
formatting
job application