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Student Resume: 12 Best Examples & Templates for 2024

resume format 2023 for students

As a student, creating a resume may seem like a daunting task. However, a well-crafted resume can be your ticket to success in landing your dream job or internship. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 12 best examples and templates for a student resume.

A student resume typically includes information such as your education, extracurricular activities, work experience, and skills. The purpose of a student resume is to showcase your qualifications and make you stand out to potential employers.

Importance of Student Resume

Having a strong student resume is crucial in today’s competitive job market. It provides employers with a quick snapshot of your skills, experience, and accomplishments. Additionally, a well-crafted student resume can highlight your unique strengths and help you stand out from the crowd of other applicants.

How to Use This Guide

In this guide, we’ll provide you with 12 of the best examples and templates for a student resume. Each example includes a detailed description and explanation of why it works. By following the guidance in this guide, you’ll be able to create a winning student resume that will set you apart from other candidates.

This guide is designed to help you create an effective student resume that showcases your unique qualifications and strengthens your job or internship applications. With the guidance provided in this article, you’ll be one step closer to achieving your career goals.

Top 10 Key Components of a Student Resume

When it comes to crafting a student resume, there are certain crucial components that can make or break your application. Here are the top 10 key components that should be included in your student resume:

resume format 2023 for students

A. Contact Information

Your contact information should be at the very top of your resume, and should include your full name, phone number, email address, and mailing address. Make sure that your email address and phone number are professional and active, as these will be the primary ways that employers will contact you.

B. Objective or Summary Statement

The objective or summary statement should be a brief, attention-grabbing statement that provides an overview of your skills, experience, and career goals. This statement should be tailored to the specific job or industry that you are applying for.

C. Education

List your academic achievements in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree or diploma. Include the name of the institution, your major, the dates of attendance, and any relevant honors or awards.

D. Relevant Coursework

This section provides an opportunity to highlight any relevant coursework that you’ve completed, particularly if it is relevant to the job or industry you are applying for.

The skills section should include any technical or transferable skills you possess that are relevant to the job you are applying for. This may include computer software, social media management, marketing, or other technical or transferable skills.

F. Work Experience

List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. This section should include the company name, your job title, dates of employment, and key responsibilities and achievements.

G. Extracurricular Activities and Achievements

Include any extracurricular activities or achievements that demonstrate your leadership, teamwork, or other soft skills. This may include involvement in clubs or organizations, volunteer work, community service, or awards and honors.

H. Volunteer Experience

Highlight any volunteer experience you’ve had, as this can demonstrate your commitment to community service and leadership skills.

I. Certifications and Awards

If you have earned any certifications or awards related to your industry or field of study, be sure to include them in this section.

J. References

Include references from professional or academic contacts who can speak to your skills and experience. Make sure to obtain permission from your references before including their contact information.

By including these key components in your student resume, you can ensure that your application stands out from the competition and presents you as a strong candidate for the job.

How to Write a Student Resume: Step by Step Guide

When it comes to creating a student resume, it’s important to follow a step-by-step guide to ensure that you cover all the essential elements. Here are the key steps to keep in mind:

resume format 2023 for students

A. Analyze Job Requirements

Before you start writing your resume, it’s important to analyze the job requirements for the position you’re applying for. This will help you identify the skills and experience that the employer is looking for, which you can then highlight on your resume.

B. Choose the Right Resume Format

Next, you’ll need to choose the right resume format. Depending on your work experience and the job you’re applying for, you may want to use a chronological, functional, or combination format.

C. Customize Your Resume

To make your resume stand out from the crowd, you’ll want to customize it to the job you’re applying for. This can include tailoring your professional summary, highlighting relevant skills and experience, and including keywords that the employer is likely to be looking for.

D. Highlight Your Key Accomplishments

Make sure to highlight your key accomplishments, such as projects you’ve worked on or awards you’ve received. These can help demonstrate your skills and experience to potential employers.

E. Use Strong Action Verbs

When describing your experience, make sure to use strong action verbs to help convey your skills and accomplishments. Examples include “achieved,” “managed,” and “collaborated.”

F. Keep it Concise, but Complete

Your resume should be concise and easy to read, but also complete enough to give potential employers a good sense of your skills and experience.

G. Tailor Your Resume to the Job You Want

In addition to customizing your resume to the job you’re applying for, it’s also important to tailor it to the specific company or organization you’re interested in. Researching the company and using their language can help your resume stand out.

H. Proofread and Edit

Finally, make sure to proofread and edit your resume carefully. Typos and errors can be a major turn-off for potential employers, so it’s important to make sure your resume is error-free and polished.

By following these steps, you can create a strong student resume that highlights your skills and experience and helps you stand out in a competitive job market.

12 Best Student Resume Examples and Templates

Are you a student looking for a job or internship? Crafting an impressive resume is essential to stand out from the competition.

Sample Resume 1: Education-focused

This resume template is perfect for students who want to highlight their academic achievements and coursework. It includes sections for education, relevant coursework, and academic honors.

Objective: Detail-oriented and motivated student with a passion for education seeking opportunities to apply knowledge and skills in an educational setting. Committed to creating a positive and engaging learning environment for students.

Education: Bachelor of Education XYZ University, City, State Graduation Year

Relevant Coursework:

  • Educational Psychology
  • Classroom Management
  • Curriculum Development
  • Assessment and Evaluation
  • Special Education Strategies

Academic Honors:

  • Dean’s List, Fall 20XX – Spring 20XX
  • XYZ Scholarship, Academic Year 20XX-20XX
  • Strong knowledge of educational theories and teaching strategies.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Proficient in using technology for instructional purposes.
  • Ability to create engaging lesson plans and adapt to diverse learning styles.
  • Effective classroom management and organization abilities.

Sample Resume 2: Experience-focused

If you have work experience, this resume template is ideal for showcasing your skills and accomplishments. It includes sections for work experience, skills, and accomplishments.

Objective: Results-driven and experienced professional with a proven track record of success in [relevant field]. Seeking a challenging role where I can leverage my skills and experience to drive organizational growth and achieve strategic objectives.

Work Experience: Job Title Company Name, City, State Dates

  • Led and managed [specific responsibilities and achievements].
  • Implemented [specific projects or initiatives] resulting in [quantifiable outcomes].
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to [describe collaborative projects or achievements].
  • Developed and maintained [specific skills or achievements relevant to the job].
  • [List of relevant skills, such as leadership, project management, problem-solving, etc.]
  • [Include any specific software or technical skills related to the job]

Accomplishments:

  • [Highlight notable achievements or contributions in previous roles]
  • [Quantify achievements where possible]

Sample Resume 3: Combination style

This template combines elements of both education and experience-focused resumes. It includes sections for education, work experience, and skills.

Objective: Motivated and versatile professional seeking a challenging role that allows for the application of strong educational background and relevant work experience. Committed to delivering high-quality results and driving organizational success.

Education: Bachelor of [Field of Study] XYZ University, City, State Graduation Year

  • [List of relevant coursework]
  • [Include any additional certifications or training]
  • [Highlight specific responsibilities and achievements]
  • [Focus on transferable skills and accomplishments related to the job]
  • [List of relevant skills, including technical skills and soft skills]
  • [Include any specific software or tools relevant to the job]

Sample Resume 4: Undergraduate Student

This resume template is tailored specifically for undergraduate students who may not have extensive work experience yet. It includes sections for education, relevant coursework, and extracurricular activities.

Objective: Highly motivated and dedicated undergraduate student seeking an opportunity to gain practical experience in [relevant field]. Eager to apply academic knowledge and develop skills in a professional setting to contribute to organizational success.

Education: Bachelor of [Field of Study] XYZ University, City, State Expected Graduation Year

  • [Include any relevant research projects or academic achievements]

Extracurricular Activities:

  • [List of involvement in clubs, organizations, or volunteer work]
  • [Highlight leadership roles or significant contributions]
  • [Include any certifications or training]

Sample Resume 5: Recent Graduate

If you recently graduated, this resume template is perfect for showcasing your education, skills, and any relevant work experience. It includes sections for education, work experience, and skills.

Objective: Highly motivated and enthusiastic recent graduate seeking a challenging role in [relevant field]. Strong educational background combined with practical experience in [specific area]. Committed to continuous learning and professional development.

Sample Resume 6: High School Student

High school students can use this template to highlight their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and relevant coursework. It includes sections for education, extracurricular activities, and skills.

Objective: Dedicated and motivated high school student seeking opportunities to develop skills and gain experience in [relevant field]. Committed to academic excellence and active involvement in extracurricular activities.

Education: High School Diploma XYZ High School, City, State Graduation Year

  • [List of relevant coursework or academic achievements]
  • [List of relevant skills, including soft skills and any technical skills]

Sample Resume 7: Business Student

This template is designed for business students who want to show their business knowledge, skills, and work experience. It includes sections for education, work experience, skills, and relevant coursework.

Objective: Highly motivated and detail-oriented business student seeking a challenging role to apply knowledge and skills in [specific area, e.g., marketing, finance, management]. Committed to delivering exceptional results and contributing to organizational success.

Education: Bachelor of Business Administration XYZ University, City, State Expected Graduation Year

  • [List of relevant skills, including business skills and soft skills]
  • [List of relevant coursework or business-related projects]

Sample Resume 8: Computer Science Student

This resume template is tailored for students in the field of computer science. It includes sections for education, skills, certifications, and relevant coursework.

Objective: Highly motivated and analytical computer science student seeking opportunities to apply technical knowledge and skills in [specific area, e.g., software development, data analysis]. Committed to continuous learning and staying updated with emerging technologies.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science XYZ University, City, State Expected Graduation Year

  • [List of relevant programming languages, software, and technical skills]
  • [Include any certifications or projects]
  • [List of relevant coursework or projects]

Sample Resume 9: Nursing Student

If you’re a nursing student looking for a job or internship, this resume template is perfect for you. It includes sections for education, clinical experience, skills, and certifications.

Objective: Compassionate and dedicated nursing student seeking a hands-on experience to apply theoretical knowledge and develop clinical skills. Committed to providing exceptional patient care and making a positive impact on healthcare outcomes.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing XYZ University, City, State Expected Graduation Year

Clinical Experience:

  • [List of clinical placements or internships]
  • [Highlight key responsibilities and skills gained]
  • [List of relevant nursing skills, such as patient assessment, medication administration, and clinical documentation]

Sample Resume 10: Communications Student

This template is designed for students in the field of communications. It includes sections for education, work experience, skills, and relevant coursework.

Objective: Motivated and creative communications student seeking opportunities to apply skills and knowledge in [specific area, e.g., public relations, marketing]. Committed to delivering compelling messages and engaging target audiences.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Communications XYZ University, City, State Expected Graduation Year

  • [List of relevant communication skills, such as writing, public speaking, social media management]

Sample Resume 11: Creative Student

If you’re a creative student looking for a job or internship, this resume template is perfect for you. It includes sections for education, skills, relevant coursework, and design portfolio.

Objective: Innovative and passionate creative student seeking opportunities to utilize artistic talents and develop skills in [specific area, e.g., graphic design, photography]. Committed to delivering visually captivating and impactful work.

Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts XYZ University, City, State Expected Graduation Year

  • [List of relevant artistic skills, such as design software proficiency, photography techniques]
  • [Include any certifications or notable projects]
  • [Include any awards or exhibitions]

Design Portfolio:

  • [Include a link to an online portfolio or samples of work]

Sample Resume 12: STEM Student

This resume template is tailored for students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). It includes sections for education, relevant coursework, skills, and projects.

Objective: Highly motivated and detail-oriented STEM student seeking opportunities to apply technical knowledge and problem-solving skills in [specific field, e.g., engineering, science]. Committed to innovation and making a positive impact through research and development.

Education: Bachelor of Science in [Field of Study] XYZ University, City, State Expected Graduation Year

  • [List of relevant technical skills and methodologies]
  • [Include any certifications or research projects]
  • [Include any academic achievements or awards]
  • [List and briefly describe significant projects or research work]

Tips and Tricks

Crafting an impressive resume is essential for college students who are about to embark on their career journeys. While the basic structure of your resume may remain the same, there are certain tricks you can use that make your resume stand out. Here are some tips and tricks to help you create a compelling and effective student resume:

Use action verbs

Instead of using passive phrases, make sure to use action verbs that give a clear picture of what you have accomplished. For instance, instead of saying “worked on a project,” use phrases like “initiated a project,” “coordinated a team,” or “improved performance.”

Highlight your accomplishments

Don’t just list your job responsibilities, but make sure to highlight your achievements as well. Use numbers and data to quantify your accomplishments. For instance, if you worked on a project that improved the company’s revenue, mention the percentage of revenue increase.

Customize your resume for the job

It’s essential to customize your resume according to the job you are applying for. Identify the skills and experience required, and highlight them in your resume. This shows the hiring manager that you understand the company’s needs and are a suitable candidate for the job.

Use Keywords

Make sure to use relevant keywords throughout your resume. Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes. Using relevant keywords increase the likelihood that your resume will be selected for further evaluation.

Use formatting

Use bullet points, bold, italic, and underline in your resume, but do not overdo it; keep it simple and easy to read. Use white space to make your resume look more appealing and legible. Make sure to use the same font type and size throughout your resume.

Proofread your resume

Make sure there are no errors in your resume. Typos, grammar mistakes, and formatting issues can be a quick turn-off to the hiring manager. Take the time to proofread your resume or have someone else check it for you.

Keep it concise

Limit your resume to one or two pages, and make sure you include only the relevant information. Avoid adding irrelevant details or long paragraphs. Keep your resume concise and to the point.

Include volunteer work and extracurricular activities

Including volunteer work and extracurricular activities in your resume is crucial, especially if you have limited work experience. This shows your work ethic, leadership skills, and your involvement in the community.

Use Social Media

Use LinkedIn and other social media platforms to promote your resume online. Create a professional profile that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements. Connect with potential employers and industry professionals to expand your network.

These tips and tricks can help make your student resume stand out and become more effective. By highlighting your accomplishments, customizing your resume, and using relevant keywords, you can impress hiring managers and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

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How do you write a student resume?

One of the things that can be daunting for a fresh graduate is creating an impressive student resume.

The competition in the job market is fierce and there are probably other candidates applying for the same position as you but with an added edge of work experience.

In addition to that, recruiters don't spend more than 6-7 seconds on a resume.

So how can you possibly get ahead of the competition and make your student resume stand out to the recruiters?

Lucky for you, this blog is going to cover just that and other related FAQs like the following:

  • What is a student resume?
  • How to write a student resume?
  • What should a student resume include?
  • How to write College Student Resume Objective
  • What are some student resume FAQs?

What Is a Student Resume?

A student resume is a concise one-page document of your skills and experiences that is tailored to your target job.

Resumes are often required while applying for a job or internship. But, you will need a student resume for other purposes as well, like the following:

  • Scholarship application
  • Summer program
  • Volunteer position
  • College/university interviews

And while there are various formats for writing a student resume, the most preferred format is the functional and the reverse chronological order formats.

As opposed to a professional resume, a student resume highlights your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and volunteer experience if any.

And as the name suggests, a student's resume is written by a high school or a college student.

College students typically seek jobs that could help them start a career or one that could earn them some pocket money.

An impactful student resume should highlight your part-time work, volunteer, and internship experiences.

It should also showcase your academic accomplishments together with the relevant skills you've acquired through your studies and part-time work experiences.

One of the common mistakes that fresh graduates make with their student resumes is that they use the same resume for every job application they apply to.

That's a big no-no.

Your must tailor your resume according to the job description of every job vacancy you apply to.

That means you need to pay attention to what their requirements are and accordingly, you must highlight the skills that can fulfill these criteria.

Also Read: How to write a stellar nursing resume?

How to Write a Student Resume?

To write an impactful student resume, you must follow some basic guidelines.

First things first, it should not exceed a page and must have distinct sections like the following:

  • Profile title
  • Contact information
  • Resume objective/summary
  • Work experience (if any)
  • Educational qualifications
  • Certifications
  • Additional section (for honors & awards, extra curriculum activities, and the languages you speak)

Since most recruiters now use the Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) to select the most relevant resumes based on the number of keywords that resumes contain, you need to ensure that your student resume is ATS-friendly.

You can pick up the keywords from the job listing and also research to see which keywords are currently trending for your specific industry and add them to your student resume.

Also Read: How to write a resume with no experience?

What Should a Student Resume Include?

As stated earlier, your student resume needs to have distinct sections for different information.

Here's a breakdown of what each of these sections needs to include:

Student Resume Header

The header of your student resume must always be your full name in the largest font size (16-20 points).

This helps maintain the unique identity of your resume and makes it easier for recruiters to see it.

If you have a middle name, you can initialize it. Given below is a sample for student resume header:

student resume header

Also Read: How to write a great resume header?

Personal Information Section

The personal information section of your student resume must include the following details:

  • A reachable phone number (with a "+" sign and the USD code before the number)
  • A professional email address
  • Your current location (city and state)
  • A link to your LinkedIn profile or an online portfolio
  • Your profile title (i.e. the title of the position you're applying for)

Resume Summary/Objective

Although the summary or objection section is placed at the top part of your student resume, you need to write this section only after you've completed writing the other resume sections.

Following this approach will help you get a better idea of what your student resume objective or summary should highlight.

And the difference between a resume objective and a summary is that students with no experience usually write a resume objective while a resume summary is written by candidates who have work experience.

Also, be it resume objective or summary, it should not exceed 2-3 lines.

One common mistake that students make while writing an objective section is that they state how the job will benefit them, instead of focusing on how they can add value to the company.

You can stand out from other applicants by following the right approach and highlighting how your skills and knowledge will benefit the company.

To put things in perspective, here's one example of a poorly written objective section:

"Seeking a position in an engineering team where I can use my knowledge to grow as a professional in the field and learn more. I possess relevant internship experience in the field and I wish to gain more knowledge on the workings of modern architecture."

The above objective statement only outlines personal goals and is not at all compelling.

It tells the recruiter how the job would be beneficial for the candidate and not the other way round.

Now, here’s an example of a good student resume objective:

"Mechanical engineer graduate from an ABET-accredited university with 6 months of internship experience and structural knowledge of auto CAD, CREO, ANSYS including programming languages. Skilled at conducting structural analysis & test runs to develop prototypes that meet the product specifications."

This objective statement works well because it highlights all the key accomplishments and skills of the candidate concisely.

It shows the recruiters exactly what the candidate can offer if they get hired.

Also Read: How to write an impressive resume objective?

Student Resume Skills

The key skills section of your student resume must highlight all the skills that you've acquired through your formal education, certifications, and internship experiences.

Remember to refer to the job listing to pick out keywords that you can include in your skills if they stand true to you.

You can also refer to your professional experience or educational section to understand what key skills you possess.

Given below are some of the common key skills of different job profiles:

Development Research Analyst & Consultant

Sales & Marketing Professional

Consulting Professional

Law Graduate

Ensure to prioritize the skills which are most useful for your target job and pay attention to the requirements listed by the recruiters in the job listing.

For instance, if you’re looking for a customer service job, your communication skills must be highlighted.

By customizing your resume for the job you want, you can show employers you have the skills and experience they’re looking for.

And in case you are applying for a technical position, ensure to have a sub-section under your key skills to list your technical skills.

Here are some examples of technical skills that you can add to your student resume:

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Also Read: What skills to put on a resume?

Student Resume Education Section

In a student resume, the education section comes before the professional experience section as many candidates lack professional experience.

You must use reverse chronological order to list details of your educational background.

Your education section must include the following details:

  • Name of institution
  • Starting and completion dates
  • Name of the degree
  • Relevant coursework

If you are making a high school graduate resume, you can put your high school name on your resume.

You can also include a list of your academic achievements in your student resume by creating a sub-section for your academic achievements under your education section.

Here's an example:

student resume education

Also Read: How to list education on resume?

Student Resume Work History & Internships

Your work experience section must highlight any internship, part-time job, freelance, and volunteer experience that you may have.

You must include the following details of your work experience:

  • Name of the company/employer
  • Dates of employment
  • And location (city and state)

Ensure to list your experiences in the form of bullet points rather than bulky paragraphs and follow the following pointers to draft your work experience:

  • Begin your sentences with a power verb
  • Follow the cause and effect method to showcase your work
  • Use numbers to quantify achievements
  • Highlight the keywords and list similar points under a single bucket

Given below is are some bullet points that follow the stated pointers:

  • Delivered strong customer service & consistently met targets to increase profitability
  • Processed 10+ calls daily as part of tracking customer feedback and answering queries
  • Met daily targets of GBP ~3,000 to ensure efficiency
  • Managed a team of 4 to efficiently monitor the inventory & provide the highest level of customer service
  • Assisted in training new recruits on their roles & responsibilities, standard operating procedures, and daily tasks to facilitate the onboarding process
  • Chaired meetings for the horse club on a weekly basis to plan and organize fundraisers for a budget of USD 10,000
Also Read: How to showcase your work experience in a resume?

Student Resume: Certifications & Trainings

Now if you have taken any certification course that is relevant to the job you're applying for, you can list them under this section.

Needless to say, being certified gives you an edge over other candidates as it is proof that you have specialized skills that other candidates may or may not have.

Take a look at the following sample of certification section of a student resume:

5-1

Also Read: How to list certifications on a resume?

Student Resume Additional Section

As stated earlier, the additional section of your student resume can showcase extra curriculum activities that you were part of.

These activities can help show your potential skills and abilities that can be important to the recruiter.

The following snapshot shows how you can list them in your student resume:

student resume extra curriculum

Being a part of the sports team can show you as a team player and highlight your teamwork skills.

Taking music lessons for a long period of time could show passion and dedication while being a chess player shows your cognitive skills.

Therefore if you were a part of extra-curriculum activities at your school and college, mention them under the additional information section of your student resume.

Lastly, ensure to proofread your student resume.

Proofreading and submitting an error-free resume shows that you are detail-oriented and organized.

Double-check for spelling and grammar errors. Also, get it professionally reviewed to ensure you haven't missed key spots.

Also Read: What are the top 5 must-have resume sections?

Student Resume FAQs

How many pages can a student resume comprise? 1 page. Do not breach the length.

How to make a resume for a high school student? Making a resume for a high school student is fairly simple. It should have targeted data and relevant keywords.

What should a resume look like for a high school student? A high school resume should have a lot of space and should only be dual-colored.

Also Read: How to write a resume for beginners?

College Student Resume Sample

  • Updated 5+ blogs on a weekly basis as part of optimizing it for SEO and driving organic traffic to the client's website
  • Assisted in the copywriting process for 10+ brochures and pamphlets for offline marketing campaigns
  • Edited 20+ old blogs to add schema code and LSI keywords to drive traffic to blogs with lost keywords
  • Wrote 3+ promotional newletters every day as part of delivering promotional emails to clients
  • Published 10+ blogs on a weekly basis whilst backing up raw files and blog images on Trello for future reference
  • Assisted in compiling research for a new marketing tool to gather market data and problem area
  • GPA : 3.5/4.0
  • Awards : Conferred certificate of special recognition for outstanding academic performance in 21'
  • Volunteered in college charity to raise funds worth USD 1k for the people affected by Cyclone Dorian in Bahamas | '19
  • Served as the captain of the volleyball sports team and won the Inter-college Sports Competition '18
  • Languages : English (native) and Spanish (fluent)

Key Takeaways

  • Your student resume must be focused on your academic qualifications and achievements.
  • Include information about your GPA and Dean's Merit List inclusion as long as it is strong.
  • List certifications and coursework related to the target job.
  • Include relevant part-time/freelance/odd jobs .
  • Use your summary statement to highlight your skills and experiences.
  • List transitional skills that are tailored according to the target job.
  • List volunteer experiences that you have.
  • Include extracurricular activities if you have limited experience.
  • Use action verbs to show the impact of your contribution and responsibility.
  • Quantify your skills and achievements in your student resume.
  • Tailor your student resume according to the job description of the targeted job.
  • Proofread your student resume before you send out your applications.

If you want to build a compelling student resume, use Hiration's AI-powered resume builder that has 24x7 chat support. You can also write to us at [email protected] if you have any queries.

resume format 2023 for students

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resume format 2023 for students

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Student Resume Examples & Writing Guide for 2024

Nikoleta Kuhejda — PR & Content Manager

Diving headfirst into job search when you have little to none practical experience can be petrifying. But don't worry! Our guide is here to simplify the daunting task of writing your student resume . Let us lead you through the process step by step with our practical tips, sleek resume templates, detailed examples, and samples. Let's begin!

Human Resources Intern Resume Example

In this guide, we teach you everything you need to know about writing a resume as a student. Keep reading to learn how to:

  • Choose a format that focuses less on work experience
  • Write a resume summary that expresses your best skills
  • Include a wide variety of hard & soft skills on your resume
  • Describe extracurricular & volunteer experience in your work history
  • List your academic credentials & awards properly
  • Access top resources for job-seeking students

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

1. Choose the best format for your student resume

No matter if you are a high school, college, or higher education student, the first crucial step to writing your student resume is to choose the best format for your needs.

Generally, applicants who are current students will have limited formal work experience, but an extensive academic background. Along with coursework, this may include extracurriculars, student assistantships, internships, and volunteer work.

The best format for this type of experience is the functional resume . Functional resumes do not focus on work experience as a standard reverse-chronological resume would. Instead, this format focuses much more heavily on education, skills, and unpaid experience.

Of course, if you do have some work experience, you may want to opt for the more traditional reverse-chronological resume or a hybrid resume format. Reverse-chronological resumes focus on your most recent job first and work backward from there, making the work experience section the largest on the document. Hybrid resumes, by contrast, spread the focus out more evenly between all sections.

Choose your preferred template and make your resume shine.

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2. write a resume summary that expresses your best skills.

Your resume summary is a short statement that summarizes your best attributes as a professional or as a student. This can include your credentials, accomplishments, or goals, but should always focus primarily on providing compelling details to catch the attention of the reader.

To help illustrate how to write a strong resume summary, here is an incorrect example followed by a correction and explanation.

Incorrect student resume summary example

Current high school student who is looking for part-time employment in the automobile and mechanic industry. Has taken multiple shop classes working directly with automobiles and can provide a recommendation from the teacher. Strong and hard-working football player.

Why is this incorrect?

When you write your resume summary, you want to think not only about including relevant information but also about how you word things to sound engaging and intriguing. This summary includes vital information about the student and their goals, but ultimately fails to grab the attention of the reader due to the poor writing and lack of specificity.

Corrected student resume summary

Hard-Working High School Student with a strong interest in beginning a career as a mechanic. 2+ years of experience working with automobiles in a supervised classroom setting, with a letter of recommendation from supervising teacher available upon request. Team-player with strong leadership and collaboration skills from serving as the football team’s co-captain.

Why is this correct?

In this corrected example, the student includes a lot of the same information but with greater context and specific facts to back up their claims. The sentences have a better overall flow that gives the person reading the summary a clear oversight of who this student is and what their goals are.

3. Include a wide variety of hard & soft skills on your student resume

As a student, you have probably heard your teachers or professors say you need to hone your skills – but did you know there are two distinct types of skills you can have?

These two types of skills are known as hard skills and soft skills .

Hard skills refer to your technical and learned abilities, such as athletics or computer skills. These abilities take time and commitment to obtain, making them key qualifications for specific jobs.

Soft skills , comparatively, refer to your interpersonal and intellectual abilities that allow you to collaborate with others and understand the world around you. These can be both inherent and learned, and include things such as people skills and communication.

Including both types of skills on your resume shows the person reading it that you understand the importance of having both kinds.

With this in mind, here are 10 ideas for both hard and soft skills that are great for a student’s resume:

The best student hard skills to put on your resume

  • Athletic ability (strength, stamina, specific sports, etc.)
  • Computer skills (typing, web browsing, researching, etc.)
  • Computer software (Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Creative Cloud)
  • Google workspace
  • Mathematics
  • Fluency in foreign languages
  • Creating presentations
  • Public speaking
  • Critical reading & note-taking

Effective soft skills for your student CV

  • Teamwork & collaboration
  • Written & verbal communication
  • Calmness under pressure
  • Determination
  • Problem-solving
  • Professionalism

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4. Describe extracurricular & volunteer experience in your student work history

If you are in high school or college and have never worked a formal job, it is likely difficult to write a standard resume that focuses on paid work experience .

It is important to remember that employers who are willing to hire current students are often aware that you may not have an extensive work history. Despite this, most students will have a variety of extracurricular or volunteer experiences that can be subbed in for formal work experience.

For instance, if you are a high school student and serve as the captain of a sports team, you can use this position as an entry in your work experience section. Additionally, rather than name the section “Work Experience,” name it something more fitting like “Hands-On Experience” or simply “Experience.”

Here is an example of a work experience entry from a student resume

Grayson County High School Debate Team Captain August 2020 to Present

  • Organized a team of 30+ students to meet and practice debating weekly.
  • Researched and fact-checked more than 100 debate drafts, providing corrections and feedback when needed.
  • Re-elected for the captain position in May 2021 for the 2021-2022 school year.

Communications Intern Resume Example

5. List your academic credentials & awards on your student resume

On a standard resume for established professionals, the education section should generally be kept short and sweet. However, student resumes often lack extensive work histories, leaving more room to expand on academic credentials and experience.

When listing an ongoing diploma or degree, it is important to note this to employers using an “Expected Date of Graduation” bullet point. Even though you have not graduated yet, this will give employers a better idea of when you will graduate and how your school schedule may affect the work schedule.

Additionally, it can be useful to include your GPA(s) when writing a resume while still a student, as this can help to illustrate your work ethic to employers.

Here is an example of a well-crafted education section on a student resume

Wilkes Community College, West Jefferson, NC Associate’s in Business Administration

  • Expected Graduation: 2023
  • Current GPA:8

Ashe County High School, West Jefferson, NC High School Diploma

  • Graduated: 2020

Certifications

  • First Aid & CPR, American Red Cross, 2024
  • Lifeguard Certification, American Red Cross, 2024

6. Include valuable extra sections in your student resume

When crafting a student resume, including extra sections can be a valuable way to highlight your unique experiences, skills, and achievements beyond traditional academic qualifications.

These sections allow you to showcase your involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, community service, and relevant projects. By including these extra sections, you can demonstrate your well-roundedness, transferable skills, and personal qualities that make you a standout candidate. Some examples of extra sections to consider for a student resume include:

  • Leadership and Involvement : Highlight your participation in student organizations, clubs, or sports teams, emphasizing any leadership positions held and the impact you made.
  • Volunteer and Community Service : Showcase your dedication to giving back through volunteering experiences, community projects, or service-learning initiatives.
  • Projects and Research : Highlight any significant projects or research work you have undertaken, showcasing your problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and hands-on skills.
  • Awards and Recognitions : List any academic or non-academic awards, scholarships, or honors received, demonstrating your outstanding achievements and dedication to excellence.
  • Professional Development and Certifications : Include relevant workshops, online courses, or certifications you have completed, emphasizing your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

Here's an example of how to effectively list your volunteer and community service

  • Volunteer, Local Animal Shelter, 2019-Present

Assist in daily operations, including animal care, adoption events, and fundraising activities, promoting animal welfare and community engagement.

  • Organizer, Annual Food Drive, XYZ High School, 2017-2020

Coordinated a team of volunteers, collected and sorted donations, and delivered food to local shelters, contributing to hunger relief efforts in the community.

7. Top resources for job-seeking students

Crafting an effective student resume is your first step toward landing that coveted internship, part-time job, or entry-level position. However, knowing where to look for these opportunities is equally important. To complement your freshly polished resume, here’s a curated list of top job search resources specifically designed for students like you:

  • Online job search engines: Websites with broad focus like Indeed , SimplyHired , Glassdoor , and ZipRecruiter are great entry points to your professional journey. 
  • Job boards for students: Platforms like Handshake , Aftercollege , College Recruiter , or Internmatch offer internships, part-time jobs, seasonal work, and entry-level career opportunities in a wide range of industries. 
  • University career services: You should also take advantage of your college or university's career services! These can help you with job placement, resume writing workshops, mock interviews, and attending career fairs. 
  • Networking events and career fairs: Attend career fairs and networking events hosted by your university or your local industry groups. These can be great opportunities to meet employers face-to-face and learn about job openings.
  • Company websites: You can go straight to the source! If you already have a particular company in mind, search through their official website to find out if they offer internships or entry-level positions. Or reach out to them with your resume and cover letter and enquire about possible collaboration. 
  • Continuous learning: Learning doesn't stop the second your feet leave the academic soil! Online platforms like Coursera , edX , Khan Academy , or LinkedIn Learning offer a wide selection of courses that can expand your skills and increase your chances of getting hired.

Remember, the job search process can be competitive and tiring, especially for students with less work experience. It's more like a marathon than a sprint, really. So don't exhaust yourself at the very beginning. And don't forget to always update your resume with every new skill or experience you gain. Good luck!

Student Resume FAQ

Basically, your student resume is something like your ID in the workforce. It shows the recruiters who you are and what you can do. It's an opportunity to showcase your skills, academic achievements, and experiences. Having a resume is a must for anyone active on the job market. Without a resume, you won't be able to apply for job postings, because it's an essential part of any job application. Just as important, it's a chance to stand out amongst the competition and make that all-important first impression.

Understanding the job description is key. Go back to the job posting and read it thoroughly. Look for any key phrases and words relating to particular skills that are required from the candidate. Understand what the employer is looking for and make sure your skills and experiences align. Next, match keywords from the job description in your resume to show that you're a great potential fit. But, you should never lie on a resume!

One common mistake is submitting a generic resume. Each and every job application should have a specifically tailored resume and cover letter. Also, avoid mentioning irrelevant information and unnecessary filler words. Lastly, be wary of any spelling or grammar errors. Typos can easily ruin your first impression. But, an AI powered resume builder can take care of these minor errors for you.

As a student, your resume should be one page long. With limited professional experience, one page should be enough to highlight your skills, education, volunteering, awards, and accomplishments.

Undoubtedly, positive references from tutors or mentors can be an excellent guarantee of your skills when you don't have much real-life work experience to back them up. But ŕeferences don't usually belong on your resume. Instead, make a separate document with your references and be ready to produce it when asked to do so by the recruiters. You can also include a short note like “ References available upon request ” at the end of your cover letter .

Nikoleta Kuhejda — PR & Content Manager

Nikoleta Kuhejda

A journalist by trade, a writer by fate. Nikoleta went from writing for media outlets to exploring the world of content creation with Kickresume and helping people get closer to the job of their dreams. Her insights and career guides have been published by The Female Lead , College Recruiter , and ISIC, among others. When she’s not writing or (enthusiastically) pestering people with questions, you can find her traveling or sipping on a cup of coffee.

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16 High School Student Resume Examples Created for 2024

Stephen Greet

High School Student Resume

  • High School Student Resumes by Experience
  • High School Student Resumes by Role

High school is one of the best times of your life, but it can also be one of the most difficult when looking for your first or second job. You’ve got to fill out applications, prep for interviews, and write your resume.

Using ChatGPT for resumes  is a cool idea, but can still feel daunting and overwhelming. We’ve all been there, and up until now, there hasn’t been a good resource for high schoolers to help  craft compelling resumes or student cover letters .

We’ve analyzed countless high school resumes to discover  what would get students job interviews in 2024 . While you may want to start with a simple  resume outline , keep reading to find 16 high school resume samples (plus writing tips) that are jam-packed with essential techniques and tricks.

or download as PDF

High school student resume example with 2 years of experience

Why this resume works

  • If you choose to use a template, make sure you adjust the  resume’s formatting  so that your text is big enough to read with one-inch margins on the side.
  • However, you should write your bullet points like you would for a job. Highlight any responsibilities and accomplishments relevant to the job you’re applying for now.
  • For example, if you’re looking for a job in sales, emphasize your ability to work in groups and create a good customer experience.

High School Student No Experience Resume

High school student no experience resume example with no experience

  • If you don’t have work history, include projects and volunteer work instead. Treat them like a job and write bullet points according to your responsibilities.
  • Make sure you start every bullet point with active verbs, and always double-check for typos. You’ve got this!
  • Include your unique skills, your desired position, and the company you hope to work for to make your objective stand out from the rest!

First Job High School Student Resume

First job high school student resume example with 2+ years of experience

  • To remedy that problem, add a  skills section on your resume  to give hiring managers an important overview of your strengths.
  • To really highlight your abilities, incorporate the same skills in your work experience, too. Demonstrate how you used your skills to better your workplace, and you can’t go wrong!
  • Adding stylistic elements like color and different fonts can help you show a bit of your personality (and make your resume more fun to read). 

Experienced High School Student Resume

Experienced high school student resume example with 2+ years of experience

  • Remember, your resume is a highlight reel, so you need to include what’s most important (like your achievements and relevant metrics). 
  • You can adjust your layout, font sizes, and margins, but keep it easy to read. 
  • Use a bit of color and some fun fonts, provided it still looks professional. You’ve got this!

High School Senior Resume

High school senior resume example experience with project experience

  • This statement must align with the potential employer’s needs, proving you understand the job requirements and have gone the extra mile to address doubts about your capabilities. As for experiences that might have prepared you for the job, workshops and volunteering programs you’ve participated in are prominent candidates.

Out of High School Resume

Out of high school resume example with project experience

  • Leisure activities range from soccer, hiking, drawing and sketching, robotics, and photography to journalism. But how do they fit in the picture? Well, a penchant for drawing and sketching could reflect creativity and an eye for detail, while journalism stints could hint at strong communication and critical thinking.

High School Graduate Resume

High school graduate resume example with newspaper and photography experience

  • Right from the first line of the career objective, you can see the candidate’s passion and willingness to work in this field. Notice how Serai’s love for photography is clearly backed by a previous project for a school newspaper.
  • These details will be perfect when Serai’s ready for the AI cover letter generator to bring her application to perfection.

High School Student Scholarship Resume

High school student scholarship resume example with volunteer and project experience

  • Your high school student scholarship resume should vividly show your positive contributions to noble causes, such as offering ADLs to seniors, and emphasize your impact on society.

High School Student College Application Resume

High school student college application resume example with 1 year of work experience

  • Ensure your high school student college application resume shows your practical and classwork achievements that emphasize your grand vision to make a positive contribution to society.

High School Student for College Resume

High school student for college resume example with 3 years of experience

  • Before hitting “submit,” always  check your resume  for typos and other minor errors. It’s amazing what you can miss during your first few reviews.
  • A good GPA can demonstrate, at least in part, your willingness to work hard. We’d recommend including your GPA only if it’s above 3.5, but anything above a 3 is a good average.

High School Student for Customer Service Resume

High school student for customer service resume example with 4 years of experience

  • Including projects, volunteer work, or club memberships is a great way to add value to your resume.
  • Your resume should focus on your abilities and other activities you’ve engaged in that will show your value.
  • Read the responsibilities and qualifications to look for key skills and tasks. Then, incorporate some of those skills and responsibilities into your high school student customer service resume.

High School Student Internship Resume

High school student internship resume example with 3 years of experience

  • For example, if the job description lists responsibilities like writing and analyzing data, include “written communication” and “data analysis” in your skills section.
  • One easy way to customize your resume is by focusing your  resume skills  on things that apply to the internship. 
  • Make sure you keep your resume professional and to the point. You don’t want to include anything too personal about your beliefs, religion, politics, or personal information.
  • For example, you can list “volunteering at local church,” but avoid saying “fasting every weekend.” It doesn’t show off relevant skills and is a bit too forward for a resume.

High School Student Office Worker Resume

High school student office worker resume example with 5 years of experience

  • Good projects include anything that demonstrates your leadership abilities or desire for knowledge. Senior projects, personal blogs, or even being on a sports team are all good examples to include!
  • Add work experience directly under your contact information and name, then add any relevant projects if you’re low on space. 
  • While there are plenty of  resume writing tips , your resume should be as unique as you. Don’t get so caught up in what you think you “should” do that your resume is bland and cookie-cutter. 

High School Student Sales Resume

High school student sales resume example with 6 years of experience

  • Numbers demonstrate your value, and they’re useful tools for the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software that hiring managers use to sort through job applicants.
  • Trust us, and incorporate metrics into at least 80% of your bullet points!
  • For example, you know that different  resume templates  can change your resume’s appearance, but different templates can also stretch or streamline your content. 
  • Mess with multiple templates to see what your content will look like—you may find a template that allows for more room, or one that allows you to highlight your skills better.

High School Student Athlete  Resume

High school student athlete resume example with 4 years of athletic experience

  • Think of a time you proved you were the MVP on your team—Did you lead your team to a championship? Perhaps you made the game-winning shot in a crucial, nail-biting game?

High School Student Music Resume

High school student music resume example with 4 years of music experience

  • When you include hobbies like songwriting or your interest in classical music in your high school student music resume , it conveys to your recruiter that you’re super dedicated and passionate about your craft.
  • You can also include hobbies that are different, too. For example, if you enjoy experimenting with new recipes from around the world, that can show you’re ready to give new genres a whirl or that you understand that music—while art—is still supposed to be fun and adventuresome.

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10 Free Résumé Templates for Students

Sandy Writtenhouse

Creating a résumé is difficult at any age, but for high school or college students, it can be even harder. Without years of experience, assembling a professional and impressive résumé is challenging. To get off to a solid start, consider using one of these student résumé templates.

Tip: check our Microsoft student discounts article to see all the savings you qualify for. You might even have access to a free Office and Microsoft 365 subscription.

1. High School Student CV Résumé Template

2. title student résumé template, 3. it professional student résumé template, 4. black and gray college résumé template, 5. black and blue college résumé template, 6. simple high school student résumé template, 7. student résumé and cover letter template, 8. designer student résumé template, 9. simple blue high school résumé template, 10. navy blue line college résumé template.

Availability : Microsoft Word

For a simple layout that includes all the sections you need, check out this High School Student CV Résumé template . It provides a neat and clean, black-and-white design that not only makes it easy to edit, but easy to read as well.

High School Student CV Resume template for Word

  • Education and experience sections right at the top below your contact details
  • Sections for achievements, volunteer experience, interests, and computer skills
  • Compact formatting to easily expand areas and add more items

Availability : Microsoft Word and Apple Pages

If you’d like an option with a bit of flair, consider this Title Student Résumé template . It’s ideal for including a title like Assistant Dean of Students, as shown in the template. It also offers an attractive color scheme and layout for going beyond the basics.

Title Student Resume template for Word

  • Main section for listing personal accomplishments and professional skills
  • Smaller sections on the side for contact details, objective, and education
  • Neat bar scale to show each proficiency at a glance

If it’s the information technology field you want to enter, this IT Professional Student Résumé template is a good choice. With a simple layout, the template offers a subtle bit of color to make the sections stand out. You also have designated spots for specific IT-related skills.

IT Professional Student Resume template for Word

  • Sections for programming languages, software tools, operating system platforms, and database management systems
  • Includes necessary sections for objective, education, skills, experience, and interests
  • Two-page layout is easily scalable for more or less details

To make a bold statement, this Black and Gray College Résumé template has dark outlines and headers, along with a spot for your photo. The compact one-page layout offers the sections you need to impress.

Black Gray Student Resume template for Word

  • Main section highlights your bio, education, and work experience
  • Smaller section on the side accommodates skills, languages, and interests
  • Plenty of space to include all necessary details

Black and Blue College Resume is similar to the Black and Gray but uses an even darker color scheme for the main section. The blue header with a spot for your photo really pops. It also offers a smaller font for an uncluttered appearance.

Black Blue Student Resume template for Word

  • Main section for all details including education, experience, skills, and a bio
  • Attractive contact information section at the bottom for your email address, phone number, and city
  • Bar graph design for showing off your skills at a glance

Availability : Google Docs

For a basic resume with a bit of pizzazz, you’ll like this Simple High School Student Résumé template . It offers a nice white background for each section, with splashes of a single blue-green color for that little extra.

Simple High School Resume template for Google Docs

  • Two main sections for education and recommendations, perfect for high school students
  • Handy section on the side for a photo, contact details, awards, and skills
  • Neat and clean design for a solid one-page résumé

Good to know : check out these résumé templates for Google Docs for more options.

If you prefer a résumé that comes with a cover letter , this is the template for you. With the Student Résumé and Cover Letter template , you have a great combo that includes a consistent design and all of the sections you need.

Cover Letter Student Resume template for Google Docs

  • Main résumé section offers a roomy spot for your objective and experience
  • Side area for contact details, education, and references
  • Easily customizable cover letter with a place for the recipient’s details on the side
  • Location for your photos at the top of both the letter and résumé

When you want to highlight current or previous projects, this Designer Student Résumé template is perfect. Add links and descriptions for your projects at the top, then complete the remaining sections with the information you need.

Designer Student Resume template for Google Docs

  • Unique design includes a spot for your photo, with education and experience directly beneath
  • Clear bottom section to include skills with icons, a portfolio URL, your progress, and hobbies
  • Simple three-color theme for subtle accent colors

Availability : Canva

For a simple layout with an attractive design, look at this Simple Blue High School Résumé template . There are dark blue borders separating the main section, with your experience and background in the side section to not be distracting.

Simple Blue High School Student Resume template for Canva

  • Easily switchable work experience and academic background areas
  • Spots for a personal profile, honors and achievements, contact details, and interests
  • Clean and neat minimalistic design

The Navy Blue Line College Résumé template provides a lovely dark blue header, with spots for your name, photo, and (optionally) title. The sections in the main area are nicely positioned for easy reading or scanning.

Navy Blue Line College Student Resume template for Canva

  • Six sections arranged neatly without appearing cluttered
  • Places to include your profile, strengths, contact details, interests, and backgrounds
  • Roomy enough to include additional work or academic experience

You can build your first résumé with ease using one of these templates for students. For additional help while you’re completing your education, check out student templates for Notion to help with assignment planning, school and job scheduling, and note-taking.

Image Credit: Pixabay . All screenshots by Sandy Writtenhouse.

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Sandy Writtenhouse

With her BS in Information Technology, Sandy worked for many years in the IT industry as a Project Manager, Department Manager, and PMO Lead. She wanted to help others learn how technology can enrich business and personal lives and has shared her suggestions and how-tos across thousands of articles.

Resume 2023

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Resume 2023

Resume 2023

A resume is a comprehensive, up-to-date summary of an individual’s background and accomplishments, typically used to demonstrate their qualifications when applying for jobs. This document contains an organized overview of relevant facts related to the job seeker’s education, soft and hard skills, experience, and other qualified attributes.

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Free Resume Templates 2023

Provide a standardized format and layout for organizing and presenting the content. They can be created using various software programs and are intended to help create curriculum vitae with minimal effort.

Classic Resume Templates

Traditional or basic formats that are easy to read. They tend to use a clean and minimal design, with headings and sections that are easy to follow.

Classic resume template

Creative Resume Templates

Traditional or basic formats that are eye-catching. They tend to use a clean and minimal design, with headings and sections that are easy to follow. A must-have for a CV in the creative industry includes a portfolio.

Creative resume template

Infographic Resume Templates

Use visual elements and graphics to present information more visually appealingly. They often highlight specific experiences more interactively and engagingly.

Infographic resume template

Modern Resume Templates

Modern resume template

Newest Resume Templates

Often incorporate the latest trends and may include features such as clean lines, minimalistic design, and a focus on showcasing an essential facts about the candidate.

Newest resume template

One Page Resume Templates

Fit all the necessary information onto a single page. They are helpful for those with limited work experience or when they can be summarized on a single page.

One page resume template

Professional Resume Templates

Typically, a more formal and traditional design may include sections for an objective, work history, education, and other appropriate details. They are used by professionals in more conservative industries or individuals with a lot of work experience who want to present themselves polishedly.

Professional resume template

Quick Resume Templates

Typically have a simple layout. They often include pre-written content, making it easy to insert information.

Quick resume template

Simple Resume Templates

Prioritize content over aesthetics and use a minimalistic approach to layout. They provide a concise overview of a candidate’s abilities, competence, and education without any distractions or elaborate design elements.

Simple resume template

Unique Resume Templates

Help to stand out and be memorable to potential employers. They may have unusual or eye-catching layouts. They may incorporate graphics, images, or other visual elements in a method that is not typical in more traditional ones.

Unique resume template

Resume Format 2023

There are three current resume formats in 2023 –  reverse- chronological, functional, and combination (hybrid). We recommend using a the first one in almost all cases. This is because job experience is the top hiring factor for 92% of recruiters, according to a recent study by Jobvite. The main benefits of a reverse-chronological format:

  • It is the most popular and helpful format among recruiters;
  • Applicant tracking systems, familiar to recruiters, easily process it;
  • All job seekers can use it.

Also, saving files in .pdf or .docx formats is highly recommended.

Chronological Resume Format

A chronological CV format is considered an excellent decision because it is easy to read, understand, and follow. It presents a clear and concise overview of your work experience, and qualifications. It lists your experiences in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position and working backwards. This format is especially useful if you have a solid and consistent work history in the same field or if you are looking to move up in the same field.

Many recruiters prefer it because it gives them a comprehensive understanding of your career progression and the expertise you’ve acquired throughout your experience.

Overall, the Chronological CV template is a well-organized method to present your qualifications and experience, making it an excellent choice for many job applicants.

Chronological resume format

Reverse-Chronological Resume Format

The reverse-chronological is a CV format which is widely used format among recruiters.

It’s one of the latest CV format for 2023 because:

  • Emphasizes your recent competence.
  • Allows recruiters to see your progression and track your career growth quickly.
  • It is easy to understand, presenting information logically and chronologically.
  • It show any promotions, responsibilities, or achievements you have earned in your recent roles.
  • It is commonly used and expected by most companies, meaning it is more likely to be understood and appreciated.

It is crucial to note that, depending on the job or the industry you are applying to, other formats, like Functional, Combination, or Targeted formats, may be more appropriate. It’s always nice to tailor your CV to the job you are applying forI

Reverse-chronological resume format

Functional Resume Format

Functional CVs are organized by abilities and competences rather than by job titles and dates of employment. This format allows the candidate to focus on how to benefit the employer.

The functional curriculum vitae format typically includes several sections, such as:

  • A section on expertise can include both technical and soft skills.
  • A section on  competences that  can include paid and unpaid work, volunteer experiences, and coursework.

One of the main benefits is that it can hide gaps in employment history. Because the resume is organized by abilities rather than job titles and dates of employment, it can be more difficult to discern when the candidate is unemployed.

It could also be helpful for job seekers transitioning to a career. By focusing on the  competences  appropriate to the new field, rather than titles and duties in a previous field, the candidate can demonstrate how their abilities are transferable to the new position.

Functional resume format

Combination Resume Format

There are several reasons why to use a combination CV format:

A combination format is versatile and can be used for different occupations, such as entry-level, mid-career.

A combination format typically includes a section dedicated to showcasing your achievements, which can help you stand out from other candidates.

A combination curriculum vitae is easy to read and navigate, making it more likely that hiring managers will take the time to review your application.

It can be easily tailored to show the most suitable expertise to the title you are applying for, making it more likely that you will be considered.

Hybrid resume format

Resume Examples 2023

Here you could find resume examples demonstrating how to effectively present data to pay the recruiter’s attention. Our mission is to provide inspiration and guidance for creating an effective resume, so applicants will learn on how to edit and structure their documents.

Administrator CV Examples

Highlight candidates’ ability to manage and organize resources, communicate effectively, and lead teams. Perfect for a project manager and executives. Below are some amazing resume examples for administrators:

Administrator resume examples

Here is some statistics from the  Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)  on administrative and office support professions in the United States as of May 2022:

Average Salary : The average hourly wage for administrative and office support was $20.43, which translates to an average annual salary of $42,490.

Number of Vacancies : There were approximately 4 million administrative and office support vacancies in the United States as of May 2020.

State with Highest Salary for Administrators : The state with the highest average administrative and office support wage was the District of Columbia, with an average wage of $26.68 per hour, or $55,540 per year. Other states with high average wages for administrative and office support occupations include Massachusetts, California, New Jersey, and Washington.

Construction CV Examples

Specifically tailored to the construction industry. They highlight experience of individuals seeking employment in construction-related fields, such as building and construction, carpentry, and engineering.

Construction resume examples

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on construction industry in the United States as of May 2022:

Average Salary : The average hourly wage for construction workers was $23.39, which translates to an average annual salary of $48,680.

Number of  Vacancies : There were approximately 7.4 million construction propositions in the United States as of May 2020.

State with Highest Salary for Construction Workers : The state with the highest average wage for construction workers was the District of Columbia, with an average wage of $33.24 per hour, or $69,180 per year. Other states with high average wages for construction workers include Alaska, New York, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.

Customer Service CV Examples

Showcase the mastery required to successfully perform tasks such as communicating with customers, resolving issues, and maintaining a positive and demeanor. They may include duties such as answering phone calls, responding to emails and online inquiries, handling customer complaints, and processing orders and returns.

Customer service resume example

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports on customer service positions that in the United States as of May 2022:

Average Salary : The average hourly wage for customer service representatives was $16.78, which translates to an average annual salary of $34,840.

Number of  Vacancies : There were approximately 2.6 million customer service representative positions in the United States as of May 2020.

State with Highest Salary for Customer Service Representatives : The state with the highest average wage for customer service representatives was the District of Columbia, with an average wage of $20.80 per hour, or $43,320 per year. Other states with high average wages for customer service representatives include Alaska, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington.

Engineering CV Examples

Showcase the candidate’s technical expertise and competences in electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering. They may include details about the candidate’s enlightenment  and training in engineering.

Engineering resume example

Engineering is also one of the high-paying industries. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that:

Average Salary : The average annual salary for engineers was $92,830.

Number of  Vacancies : There were approximately 2.7 million engineering vacancies in the United States as of May 2020.

State with Highest Salary for Engineers : The state with the highest average wage for engineers was the District of Columbia, with an average wage of $122,820 per year. Other states with high average wages for engineers include California, Alaska, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

Legal CV Examples

Tailored for applicants seeking employment in the legal field. They typically highlight the mastery, and expertise to the legal profession. They may also include the applicant’s membership in niche organizations, any awards or accolades they have received, and coursework or certifications.

Legal resume example

BLS report on May 2022 states that for legal professions:

Average Salary : The average annual salary for lawyers was $144,230.

Number of  Vacancies : There were approximately 778,000 lawyer propositions in the United States as of May 2020.

State with Highest Salary for Lawyers : The state with the highest average wage for lawyers was the District of Columbia, with an average wage of $189,560 per year. Other states with high average wages for lawyers include California, New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Nurse CV Examples

Include the nurse’s academic background, licensure, and proficiency in similar positions. They also highlight specific areas of expertise, such as critical care, pediatrics, or surgical nursing.

Nurse resume example

Fresh statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for nursing professions:

Average Salary : The average annual salary for registered nurses was $75,330.

Number of  Vacancies : There were approximately 3.5 million registered nurse vacancies in the United States as of May 2020.

State with Highest Salary for Registered Nurses : The state with the highest average wage for registered nurses was California, with an average wage of $102,700 per year. Other states with high average wages for registered nurses include Hawaii, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Alaska.

Sales CV Examples

Demonstrate the proficiency of individuals who have worked in sales. They often have achievements such as a meeting or exceeding sales quotas, building and maintaining customer relationships, and using various sales techniques to close deals.

Sales resume example

Facts about sales sector provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Average Salary : The average annual salary for sales workers was $44,180.

Number of  Vacancies : There were approximately 15 million sales worker positions in the United States as of May 2020.

State with Highest Salary for Sales Workers : The state with the highest average wage for sales workers was the District of Columbia, with an average wage of $61,810 per year. Other states with high average wages for sales workers include Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Colorado.

Security CV Examples

Show the proficiency of individuals who work in the security field. These resumes typically include the candidate’s background, training, and work history in security-related roles, as well as any  certifications or licenses.

Security resume example

Additional statistics about security employment in the US market:

Average Salary : The average hourly wage for security guards was $15.24, which translates to an average annual salary of $31,620.

Number of  Vacancies : There were approximately 1.2 million security guard propositions in the United States as of May 2020.

State with Highest Salary for Security Guards : The state with the highest average wage for security guards was the District of Columbia, with an average wage of $23.53 per hour, or $49,000 per year. Other states with high average wages for security guards include Alaska, New York, Massachusetts, and Hawaii.

Teacher CV Examples

Demonstrate a teacher’s proficiency and qualifications. These patterns can serve as a guide for individuals who are seeking employment as a teacher. They may include data about the teacher’s background, areas of expertise, and any suitable certifications or licenses.

Teacher resume example

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shares that in 2022, for teaching jobs:

Average Salary : The average annual salary for preschool and kindergarten teachers was $54,530, while the average salary for elementary, middle, and high school teachers was $61,660.

Number of  Vacancies : There were approximately 4.6 million elementary, middle, and high school teachers in the United States as of May 2020, while there were approximately 220,000 preschool and kindergarten teachers.

State with Highest Salary for Teachers : The state with the highest average wage for elementary, middle, and high school teachers was New York, with an average wage of $79,620 per year. Other states with high average teacher wages include California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Alaska.

Why a Good Resume 2023 is a Must-Have

CV 2023 is a comprehensive history of individual’s background typically used to demonstrate their qualifications when applying for jobs. This document contains an organized overview of suitable data related to the job seeker’s education, expetrtise, and other qualified attributes.

Most likely, we’re trying to create the best resumes during a transition or when people ask us about a CV. You are not even thinking about it until the hiring manager asks you to send it via e-mail. And after all, you understand how essential is to have updated resume. A professional resume must be written following two main rules. 

First, it should tell about an expertise throughout your career. The second one – should let you to stand out from the crowd. Why is the second rule also important? If you undesrtand how to catch the attention and how to sell your candidacy in the most favorable light, you have a key to the desired job offer in your mailbox.

Resume Trends 2023

Your resume 2023 is often highly underrated, but first impressions count, and humans are very visual. So while content is king, and what you say and the words you use within your CV will always be the most meaningful.

Proper formatting allows you to come across as exceptionally well put together, helps to elevate your brand, and gets decision-makers and recruiters to sit up and pay attention straight away. It’s a taster of the level of excellence that you can include into presenting your work and communicating something.

Also, whether you send it out to your network or apply online, you must be confident about this document. You need to feel amazing when you’re sending in. So if the content’s impressive and looks sharp and sleek, that’s the result you’ll get.

These are the features you need to assess when looking for the proper CV format:

  • Layout: What layout helps you create a fabulous resume that delivers all the data you need for a competitive application?
  • Presentation: What sort of look and presentation is the best in your case?
  • Success rate: Which format of CV would you say is more likely to be successful and give you more confidence?

How Good Resume 2023 Should Look Like

There’s so much fear-mongering about the applicant tracking system, and it’s often used by frustrated job seekers as potentially a reason or a scapegoat for why things aren’t going their way. That might sound harsh, but “career coaches” are giving outdated advice, saying that the applicant tracking systems are the reason your document is not getting through. 

An applicant tracking system, 90% of the time, is just a project management software for recruiters that walk your application through the different stages of the process.

Most people don’t realize that data is essential for the applicant tracking system. Scanning documents and your CV are a part of the game. Still, if you’re saying that you don’t have the right to work or put in your salary expectation, that’s way out of the salary expectation of this role, which automatically rejects you.

Resume Fonts

The ATS doesn’t have a font preference as long as it’s readable. It’s fine as long as it’s not like script font. And it’s not reading and rejecting your resume alone automatically. When job hunting, it’s always crucial to design a resume that a human will read, but remember that the ATS isn’t as big a deal as you think. And if it’s going to read or pass your CV and spit it out, usually it does that.

Resume Length

If it’s a two-page document, but it’s full of fluff and cliches and information that’s nice to know about you, but it’s not targeted or strategic in line with the job post, then there’s a waste of space. If you have a one-page resume, like one of those pretty Etsy templates with just a few headings, main points, and light on the content, or so crammed sample with size eight font because you’ve tried to fit everything onto one page, that’s going to hurt your chances as well. So you don’t want to do that either.

It depends on what you must add to this document to convince recruiters. It’s a teaser trailer, not the feature film, the feature film is you in the interview, but it’s what you need to have in there to convince them to give you an interview.

You want to have a decent amount of information, but every line that recruiters skim should make them think, that’s great for this. Remember, this is a pitch document, and it’s highly tailored. You should keep it relatively concise while still being robust and impactful.

With Photo or Without

In many Anglo-Saxon countries, the UK, the US, and New Zealand, people wouldn’t go with a photo because they go a substantial cultural and institutionally focus on anti-biased, anti-discrimination. It can even be illegal in some states to review a resume with a photo because of anti-discrimination laws. And if you reject the person or if the person gets the position, you can’t win, so sometimes, if they see a photo, and either get removed by software or they don’t consider it. 

So if the norm is not to put a photo. In some countries like France, for example, you must place a shot, whether you’re going for a job, you put a picture because that’s the norm of the country, and it would be very sort of bizarre if you didn’t. 

Photo in Social Media

A recruiter can Google you, and they can find out what you look like on LinkedIn. Ensure yourself that you’ve got an excellent LinkedIn profile photo. But still, no image if the norm in your country is no photo. You could use a photo if it feels more industry appropriate. If you’re going for a creative marketing agency or if you’re going for a digital marketing role in social media for a cool startup, then a photo is acceptable, more appropriate, and could add some possession to your document. 

You should always use a standard chronological CV design layout. You probably have heard about the functional resume and competency-based CVs and stuff like that. But you should keep it easy for the recruiter to get the necessary parts quickly. So what are must-have components?

You definitely must have a profile or a summary section. This is about three sentences or bullet points about you. It’s your brand. It’s who you are, what you do, and how you do it differently, backed up with an accomplishment point wherever possible and your vision for your career, where you are going, and how this role fits into that. This area is one of the most strategic areas on your document, allowing recruiters to connect the dots very quickly.

Trending Resume Design

Here are some critical points about design elements for a 2023 resume:

Color: Use a color scheme, such as black and white or neutral tones, to keep your resume looking clean. Avoid using bright or distracting colors.

Pictures: It’s generally not recommended to include a picture on your resume, as it can detract from the content and may not be suitable to the profession you’re applying for.

Fonts: Choose a font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Avoid using overly decorative or fancy fonts, as they can be difficult to read. Stick to one or two fonts styles to maintain consistency throughout your resume.

Layout: Use white space, bullet points, and headings to make your resume visually appealing and easy to scan. Avoid cluttering the page with too much text or graphics.

Consistency: the design elements you use, such as CV style and size, are consistent throughout your resume.

By keeping these design elements in mind, you can create a well-designed resume that showcases your abilities in the best possible light.

You can put strategic keywords that sum up your zones of genius underneath the profile area. What would your tags be if you were tagged as a person? These are your top skills, and they also help with the ATS, the applicant tracking side of things, and they very quickly let the recruiter understand who you are and what you have to offer. You can also add a compelling tagline underneath your name at the top of your CV. It’s like a signature; your unique selling proposition into a sentence.

The following central area you want to be front and center on your document is your experience section. This is what comes next if you’re doing a one-column layout. You give it the most real estate if you’re doing a two-column. It’s usually all down the right-hand side, while the other details are on the left-hand column. It’s very much front and center. But there are two exceptions to this. 

Firstly, if you’re a fresh graduate with no work experience, just so you’ve only done internships and bits and pieces, you would your academic background first. If you are a working professional, have already graduated, and have already been in the workforce for at least a year, you would have the experience come first. 

Career Changes

The other exception to this rule is career changes. With career changes, you would start with the profile section. Then you would go into an area with your core strengths or your critical skills, the transferable  abilities  that you can bring with you as a person from one industry to the next that is going to enable your success within your next role, your next profession, your next sector, even if you’ve never done it before. 

So that upper third might be longer. You might end up taking almost half the page to explain your profile and just to include some of competencies that you are bringing to the table before you get to your experience section because what’s going to be essential is who you are, not exactly what you’ve done because you’ve never actually done the role that you’re applying for. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you put on a cover letter.

  • Your contact information and the date
  • The contact information of the employer or hiring manager
  • A greeting, such as “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]”
  • An introduction which include your qualifications and the reason for your interest in the position.
  • A few bullet points to summarize your relevant abilities.
  • A closing statement that thanks the employer for considering your application and includes your contact information again
  • A professional closing, such as “Sincerely” followed by your name and signature (if sending a hard copy)

What are the main resume formatting rules?

The main formatting rules:

  • Use an easy-to-read font like Arial or Times New Roman.
  • Please keep it one or two pages in length.
  • Use headings and subheadings to organize your content and make it easy for the reader to find what they need.
  • Use bullet points to make your CV easy to read, and avoid long paragraphs of text.
  • Use action words and phrases, such as “managed,” “created,” “improved,” and so on, to describe your responsibilities.

Is it worth paying a resume writer?

Whether or not it is worth paying writers depends on your circumstances and needs. They have expertise about what should be included in a CV, but they can’t speed up your job search process. 

Should I save my resume as PDF, Word, or Google Docs?

It is generally recommended to save a PDF (Portable Document Format) file. PDFs are a universal format that can be opened on any computer or device, and they maintain the formatting and layout of the document, regardless of the software or operating system used to view it.

What should a CV look like in 2023?

In 2023, it should have an updated, modern design sigh your best features and strategically-placed white space and tight copy. It should also include a bold pop of color and be formatted with a clear, easy-to-read font.

What is the 30-second rule?

The 30-second rule refers to the idea that a hiring manager or recruiter should be able to quickly scan your resume and determine whether you are a good fit in 30 seconds or less. Your document should be well-organized, clearly written, and visually appealing, with essential data prominently displayed.

Is it OK to have a 2, 3, or 5 pages resume?

It is generally acceptable to have a two, or even five-page, depending on your mastery level and the specific occupation requirements you are applying for. Typically, a two-page is appropriate for most job seekers, especially those with around ten years or more of relevant mastery.

What should you not do on a resume?

  •  Using an unprofessional email address: Instead of standard email address, create a professional one specifically for job applications.
  • Using an unprofessional font or layout: Choose a clean, professional font and use a clear, organized layout to make it easy to read.
  • Including personal information: Your CV should focus on your professional qualifications, so leave out personal information such as your age, marital status, or religion.

What are the 3 F’s of resumes?

The 3 F’s refer to three key elements:

  • Function: This refers to the purpose of your CV, which is to showcase your skills and comptences in a way that is relevant to the job you are applying for.
  • Form: This refers to the formatting and layout, which should be clean, organized, and easy to read.
  • Effectiveness: This refers to the overall point, which should effectively communicate your qualifications and persuade the reader to consider you for the position.

By ensuring that your curriculum vitae adheres to all of these elements, you can create a resume tailored to the specific role you are applying for that effectively showcases your skills and proficiency.

Can you show a gap in your CV?

Gaps in your work history can be a common concern for job seekers, but it is generally acceptable to include them as long as you can explain them effectively. According to a survey by Monster, 49% of U.S. employers said that gaps are becoming less of a red flag due to current market conditions.

What is the best font?

Several fonts are commonly recommended for use.

  • Arial: This sans-serif font is often used for branding and website or mobile design, making it a good option for those in the creative field or applying for marketing jobs.
  • Georgia: This serif font is easy to read.
  • Helvetica: This sans-serif font is popular in branding and design and is considered easy to read on screens.
  • Tahoma: This sans-serif font is similar to Verdana and is known for its screen-readability.
  • Times New Roman: This classic serif font is still popular for resumes, but it is essential to use it in moderation as it can appear outdated.
  • Trebuchet: This sans-serif font is known for its readability and is an excellent alternative to Arial or Helvetica.

How many jobs should you mention?

As a general rule, you should include as many jobs on your CV relevant to the position you are applying for as long as you are within the typical 10-15 year limit for work experience. The exact number of jobs you should include on your resume may vary depending on your experience level, but it is generally recommended to have between 3 and 7 positions.

What are the top 5 mistakes?

Here are some mistakes to avoid:

  • Grammar and punctuation errors: These errors can make you unprofessional and give the impression that you need to be more detail-oriented.
  • Failure to communicate knowledge and skills: Make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experience clearly and concisely.
  • Vague job descriptions: Be specific and include concrete illustrations of your accomplishments.
  • Using pronouns and articles: Avoid using personal pronouns (such as “I” or “my”) and articles (such as “a” or “the”) in your resume. Instead, focus on using action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements.

What are items that should be avoided?

Some personal details are unnecessary to include and may even send the wrong message to a prospective employer. These include:

  • Marital status: Your marital status is not relevant to your qualifications or ability to do the job.
  • Sexual orientation: This information is irrelevant and could discriminate against you.
  • Religious or political affiliations: These details are irrelevant and could discriminate against you.
  • Social security number: This information is unnecessary to include on your resume and could potentially lead to identity theft.

What are the four golden rules of CV writing?

Here are the 5 Golden Rules:

  • Think Before You Type: Before you start writing your CV, take some time to carefully consider your career goals and the type of job you are applying for. This will help you tailor your CV to the employer’s specific needs.
  • Summarize Your Responsibilities: When describing your previous job roles, focus on summarizing your responsibilities rather than listing every task you were responsible for.
  • Make Achievements Your Key Area of Focus: Instead of just listing your responsibilities, highlight your achievements and your impact in previous roles.
  • Write For Your Reader: Keep in mind that a recruiter will read your CV.

What is the 6-second rule?

According to studies, the average recruiter will scan a document for six seconds before deciding whether the applicant is a good fit for the role. This means that your resume has a concise window of time to make a strong impression and persuade the reader to consider you for the position.

What are the 4 C’s?

To be attractive, you should possess the 4 C’s: creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. These qualities are essential for success in today’s job market.

How can I spice it up?

To spice up your resume:

  • Include experience from the past 10-15 years.
  • Remove elements that could make your resume outdated, such as addresses, graduation dates, and obsolete software.
  • Please keep it to under two pages.
  • Ensure consistency in language.

How many bullets should it have?

On a functional template, use bullet points to highlight skills and accomplishments in the professional experience and education sections. Aim for 3-6 bullets per role, focusing on functions pertinent to the job.

What are the red flags?

Unexplained gaps in employment can raise red flags for. These gaps may make them assume you have struggled to secure jobs, indicating potential performance issues or other shortcomings.

What are some tips for writing an outstanding resume?

  • Keep it short and to the point.
  • Use an original template to make your resume visually appealing.
  • Use numbers and metrics to demonstrate the results you achieved in previous roles.
  • Optimize your text for clarity.
  • Use specific, action-oriented, and results-focused language to stand out from other candidates.

What are the seven necessary parts of a resume?

Here are the eight essential sections to include on your resume:

  • Header and contact information
  • Work experience
  • Certifications and licenses
  • Awards and honors
  • Outside projects

Is it OK to send a CV multiple times?

Avoid submitting the same document and cover letter multiple times for the same position. Doing so may decrease your chances of getting an interview, as it may give the impression that you are desperate or disorganized.

How to check if my CV is ATS-friendly?

You should ensure that it is formatted straightforwardly and uses standard, industry-standard keywords relevant to the profession you are applying for. Avoid using non-standard formatting or graphics, as these can confuse the Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) and make it difficult for the system to parse correctly.

What are the seven parts of a resume in order?

  • Contacts: address, phone number, and email address.
  • Education: Your degree(s) or certification(s) and the institution(s) you attended.
  • Work History: Your previous employment, including job titles, job descriptions, dates of employment, and mainresponsibilities and achievements.
  • Skills: A list of hard and soft skills, such as language proficiency, computer skills, and other transferable skills.
  • Certifications, publications, and Awards: You have earned any additional qualifications or recognitions.
  • References: The contacts of at least two professional references will help your resume stand out.

What are the most common resume mistakes?

  • Typos and grammatical errors can make your CV appear unprofessional and indicate a lack of attention to detail.
  • Using a generic template can make it look like everyone else’s and make it harder for hiring managers to see what sets you apart from other candidates.
  • Lying or exaggerating: Misrepresenting your qualifications can get you into trouble and will likely be discovered during the hiring process.
  • Not including keywords: If it doesn’t include the keywords and action verbs relevant to the job, it may not get past the initial screening process by the ATS.

What should I do before applying?

Here are ten steps to take before submitting:

  • Read and follow the application instructions carefully.
  • Tailor your resume to the job and company.
  • Explain your past roles and companies.
  • Include technical skills and experience.
  • List relevant certifications or training.
  • Use action verbs to describe responsibilities and achievements.
  • Use industry-specific language.
  • Proofread for errors.

How common are resume lies?

A survey found that 78% of job seekers admitted to or would consider misrepresenting themselves on their applications. Another study by CareerBuilder showed that 75% of employers had caught a lie. It’s important to be honest, and transparent during the applying process.

Should you list hobbies?

Including your hobbies can help demonstrate how you’ll fit in with the company culture. Any extracurricular activities that align with the company’s values and culture should be highlighted, as they can be relevant to the role.

What words should never be used?

  • Demonstrated success in…
  • Proven results…
  • Successful/success
  • Results-driven/results-oriented
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Responsible for…
  • Duties included
  • Seasoned (experienced)

It’s important to be mindful of using buzzwords too frequently or without context, as they can lose their impact if overused. It’s always best to focus on highlighting your specific skills clearly and concisely.

Can employers check your degree?

Including your hobbies can help show how you’ll fit in with the company culture. Any extracurricular activities that align with the company’s values and culture should be included, as they can be relevant to the role.

What three things does a quality resume have?

  • Select the best format for your skills: chronological, functional, or combination.
  • Use a clean, easy-to-read design.
  • Highlight your accomplishments.
  • Include your contacts.
  • Carefully proofread for errors.

What makes a resume impressive?

  • Include current, relevant facts in all sections.
  • Attach a well-written cover letter.
  • Proofread carefully.
  • Be truthful.

Which skill is most attractive to an employer?

The top 5 skills to include:

  • Critical thinking and problem-solving.
  • Teamwork and collaboration.
  • Professionalism and strong work ethic.
  • Oral and written communications skills.
  • Leadership.

What text color should I use?

Use a high-contrast color scheme for easy reading: black and white is a classic choice. You can also use a pale background with darker lettering for a visually appealing and readable design. Follow color theory principles to be more professional and appealing.

Should I put my address?

Including your address  is optional. However, it can be helpful in certain situations. If you’re worried about being rejected by an applicant tracking system (ATS), you can include the city and zip code of the employer in your professional summary. Leaving your address off your resume will not disqualify you from consideration.

Should I put my GPA?

Include your GPA in the education section, close to your degree. It’s important to be accurate and truthful about your GPA, rather than adjusting it to attract more attention. Your resume should be honest and transparent.

How to end a resume?

To close out your resume, you can consider adding a line stating that professional references are available upon request. This gives the impression that you have a list of references ready to provide more information about your skills and experiences, and it can be a subtle way to wrap up your resume.

How do I sell myself?

Highlight your most relevant skills, experience, and achievements. This includes focusing on the specific requirements of the job you’re applying for and tailoring your resume to showcase how you meet those requirements. It’s also important to be honest, and not exaggerate your skills or accomplishments. Finally, keep your resume brief and easy to read, using layout that is clear and visually appealing.

What words should I remove?

Avoid using cliches or overly generic language. Instead, focus on specific achievements and skills that make you stand out as a candidate. Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. Be honest and avoid exaggerating or embellishing your experience.

What makes a terrible CV?

Include specific, measurable achievements to show your impact on your previous employers. This will help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your value to potential employers.

Can it be too cluttered?

To avoid cluttered and messy resumes, it’s important to only include relevant information and eliminate repetitive or unnecessary details. This ensure that your true worth and value are effectively communicated to the reader.

How do I make it ageless?

Focus on highlighting your accomplishments and skills rather than simply listing your job duties. Use metrics to quantify your successes and action verbs to describe your achievements. Avoid cluttering your CV with unnecessary or repetitive information, and use a clear, easy-to-read layout. Be sure to proofread your resume carefully to avoid errors.

How does a 50-year-old+ craft a resume?

A hybrid CV template combines elements of a chronological and functional resume, focusing on your relevant skills while still including your work history in chronological order. This format is useful for older job seekers who want to highlight their skills without drawing attention to their employment dates.

Why do I keep getting rejected?

Typos and errors can quickly disqualify a job applicant. It’s must-have to double-check your resume before submitting it to ensure it is error-free and professional.

Should I put a job I was fired from?

It’s generally best to omit mention of being fired. Instead, focus on your start and end dates for previous jobs without going into detail about why you left. This helps to keep the focus on your skills and qualifications rather than any negative experiences.

Should I put references?

References are not typically included, but if an employer requests, you should be prepared to provide a professional references. This list should include title, company, and contacts of at least two people who can speak to your skills and experience.

What words stand out?

Useful adjectives to describe yourself:

  • Resourceful.
  • Innovative.
  • Passionate.

What is the best time to submit a resume?

To increase your chances of getting noticed by the recipient, send it as soon as possible after finding a job listing. This will help ensure that your application is reviewed before other candidates. If you come across the listing early in the morning or early in the week, consider sending your resume immediately to get a head start on the competition.

Should I mention a 2-week job on my resume?

Don’t do it if you have only been at your current job for a few months. Short stints at jobs can raise red flags for employers and may make them question your commitment or work ethic. Instead, focus on your work proficiency.

What Are The Best Resume Ideas for 2023?

There are six resume standarts that still work even now:

  • Reverse-chronological format: This is the most used format and is suitable for most applicants.
  • Functional format: This format will suit individual who have gaps in their work history or are changing careers.
  • Infographic resume: This type of resume uses graphics, charts, and other visual elements to present information as an eye-catching and creative.
  • Online resume: Consider creating an online resume, either as a standalone website or as a profile on a networking site like LinkedIn.
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3 Best Resume Formats for 2024 [W/ 5+ Professional Templates]

Background Image

How you format your resume matters . 

When reviewing your resume, the first thing hiring managers notice is how your resume looks , not what it contains .

And if the first thing they see is a messy, cluttered, crowded resume, chances are you won’t make a great first impression.

So, this begs the question: what are the best resume formats, and which one should YOU use? 

That’s exactly what we’re here to explain! In this article, we’re going to cover:

  • Resume Formatting Guidelines
  • 5+ Resume Templates (You Can Steal)
  • 3 Main Resume Formats (With Examples)
  • Resume Format Pros and Cons
  • How to Choose a Resume Format
  • 7 Other Resume Resources 

Let’s dive right in! 

Resume Formatting Guidelines 

If you’re formatting your resume from scratch, you’ll first want to pay attention to the layout.  

That involves setting the margins, picking the font size, and determining your resume’s length. 

To create a professional-looking resume, follow these general formatting guidelines: 

  • Don’t make your resume longer than one page . Unless you have 5+ years of relevant work experience, there’s no reason for your resume to be two or three pages long. 
  • Pick an 11 or 12-pt font size and stick with it throughout your resume.
  • Pick an attention-grabbing (but professional) font . We recommend Ubuntu, Roboto, or Overpass.  
  • Use standard and legible resume sections . For example, your work experience should be called just that “Work Experience” and not “work history” or something else. 
  • Leverage bullet points to list information such as work achievements and responsibilities, academic details , etc. They help make the resume much more reader-friendly. 
  • Be consistent with resume formatting (e.g. use the same date format everywhere, instead of using 11.2018 in one place and November 2018 in another). 
  • Have good line spacing. You don’t want the information on your resume to look all cramped up. 
  • Always save your resume as a PDF file . It’s the safest choice, as it guarantees your resume layout will stay intact no matter what device opens it. Only save your resume as MS Word if the job you’re applying for specifically requires you to and never, ever, submit a JPEG or PNG of your resume.

New to resume-making? Give our resumes 101 video a watch before diving into the article!

6 Free Resume Templates (You Can Start Usign Now!) 

Formatting a resume from start to finish can be a time and energy-consuming process.

 If you’re building your resume with Word, for example, you’ll have to spend at least an hour tweaking the margins, making the headers and body text uniform, picking a font, and so on. You’ll spend an hour or two before you can even start filling in the resume contents!

And if all of that wasn’t enough, one misplaced sentence here or a wrong click there, and your resume layout starts spilling over to page 2!

Want to skip all the hassle of resume formatting? Check out some of our free, tried-and-tested resume templates , pick out your favorite, and fill it in as you go: 

#1. Basic Resume Template

basic resume template

Good for conservative, traditional industries. 

If you want to focus on your resume’s contents rather than its design, then the Basic template is for you. With a concise and well-organized layout, this resume format highlights everything the hiring manager wants to see. 

#2. College Resume Template

College Resume Template

Good for university students, recent graduates, and entry-level professionals.

If you’re applying for internships or entry-level jobs, you’ll want to show off your skills, academic achievements, and whatever work experience you have. Well, that’s exactly what this template does! 

Not to mention, its contemporary style is perfect for younger candidates who want their resume to be as visually appealing as it is professional. 

career masterclass

#3. Executive Resume Template

Executive Resume Template

Good for senior executives who may be applying in creative or green industries . While very professionally formatted, it also shows off a tinge of personality with its blue color scheme. 

#4. Modern Resume Template

Modern Resume Template

Good for professionals in the business world or IT industries. 

Square brackets, bullet lists, infographics, and icons work together in this template to attract the hiring manager’s attention and get them to go over your work experience and achievements in depth. 

#5. Creative Resume Template

Creative Resume Template

Good for anyone applying to creative industries such as marketing , design, publishing, and entry-level professionals. 

If you’re looking to stand out visually as much as through your skills and achievements, this is the template for you. Creative is designed to be a stylish resume that makes a stunning first impression while remaining professional. 

#6. Simple Resume Template

Simple Resume Template

Good for senior professionals with a lot of work experience who are in conservative industries such as law or banking. 

The well-organized and professional formatting in this resume template is visually modest, allowing your achievements to do the talking. 

What Are the 3 Main Resume Formats? 

Now that we covered all the basics, let’s talk about resume formats in detail . 

The first thing you want to know is that there are three main resume formats out there, namely:

  • The reverse-chronological resume format. This is the most common and practical resume format in 2024.
  • The functional resume format is also known as the skills-based resume format.
  • The combination resume format , or hybrid resume format, is a combination of the other two formats.

At this point, you’re probably asking yourself how these 3 formats are different from each other. 

Well, the main difference is that they focus on different parts of an applicant’s experience by listing sections in different orders.

Here is what we mean by that: 

Main Resume Formats

So, in a nutshell: 

  • The reverse-chronological resume format focuses on your work experience , listing them from most to least recent.
  • The functional resume format focuses on your skills that are relevant to the job.
  • The combination resume format focuses on your experience and skills by aiming to prove that you possess the skills you list through your work achievements.

What’s the Best Resume Format For Me? 

So far so good - you now know all about the three main resume formats and how they’re different from each other. 

Now, you probably want to know what the optimal format is for YOUR resume. 

Well, mainly, that depends on what point you’re at in your career. Meaning: 

  • If you’re a seasoned professional or if you’re looking to get hired in an industry where you have tons of experience, you should pick the reverse-chronological format.
  • If you’re applying in a creative industry or for a position that prioritizes your skillset instead of your work history, then you can go for the functional resume format.
  • If you’re looking to get hired in a position that requires both experienced and skilled applicants, then the combination format is your best bet.

And now, let’s go over each resume format to see how you can use them to your advantage, based on some real-life examples: 

#1. Reverse Chronological Resume Format

As we mentioned before, the reverse-chronological resume format is the most popular format in 2024.

It usually looks like this:

Reverse Chronological Resume Format

The main thing about this resume format is that it’s useful for practically every job-seeker.

The reverse-chronological format has a very simple structure, it’s easy to skim, and overall, it’s the most popular format around the globe.

For this reason alone, we typically recommend using this format to most people  - even if using one of the other formats also makes sense. 

Here’s what you’d include in a reverse-chronological resume:

  • Contact Information - Your name, phone number, location, and email address. In some cases, you can include useful links such as a LinkedIn or GitHub profile. 
  • Resume Summary or Objective - A brief 2-4 sentence summary of your work experience, or your objective for applying for a given position.
  • Professional Title - Your title. This should mirror the exact position you’re applying for.
  • Work Experience - Your work experience in reverse-chronological order. When possible, talk about achievements over responsibilities.
  • Skills Section - Skills relevant to the position you’re applying for.
  • Education - Your educational history. Pro tip - if you have a B.A., feel free to skip your high school education.
  • Optional Sections - Sections like volunteering, projects, portfolio, hobbies , etc. While they’re not a game-changer, they can help fill up some space on your resume.

As we already mentioned, this resume format primarily focuses on the one part that’s relevant to most hiring managers - your work history . 

As such, the key to making the most out of this resume format is nailing the work experience section. To do that, here’s how you should structure it: 

  • Start with your most recent job and go backward from there. 
  • Tailor the section to the job description. This means that you shouldn’t list every job you ever worked - only the ones that are relevant for this one. 
  • For each job that you list, include your job title , the name of the company, the location, and the time period you worked there. 
  • Below, add four to five bullet points for recent jobs and two to three bullet points for earlier jobs. 
  • Focus on your achievements instead of your responsibilities. Hiring managers already know the basic responsibilities of the jobs they’re hiring for. So, rather than your responsibilities, they want to learn about your achievements. 
  • Whenever possible, quantify your achievements. Facts and numbers are more convincing than words. 
  • Use action verbs and power words . (E.g. “created” instead of “was responsible for creating” ). 

Reverse-Chronological Format Example

As we already mentioned, the best thing about the reverse-chronological format is that it’s a great choice whether you’re an entry-level worker or a seasoned professional. 

Any relevant experience you’ve got, the chronological experience will highlight effectively. 

For example, here’s a digital marketer’s resume work experience section created using the reverse-chronological format:

Digital Marketing Manager

Wonderfull Agency Inc. 

06/2017 - Present 

  • Created a new format for reporting and presenting the sales, customer engagement and Google Ads reports that decreased the number of meetings by 24% in the last three quarters.
  • Updated and monitored the Bid Strategy in Google Ads and Bing Ads which resulted in a CTR increase of 3.2% in the first month.
  • Redesigned the webpage UX, decreasing customer turnover by 25% within a period of two months. 
  • Conducted keyword research for updating the product pages on the online shop, increasing the organic keywords in the Top 100 by 5.600 and in the Top 10 by 315 for high-volume searches. 

Digital Marketing Specialist 

Company X  

02/2015 - 05/2017 

  • Collaborated with a copywriter and designer to update landing pages based on search intent, increasing conversion rates by 20% on average for select clients. 
  • Worked directly with company clients, handling their Google Ads accounts. 
  • Managed a total of $40,000 in ad spend per month. 
  • Achieved an average of 200% ROAS overall ad accounts. 

Reverse Chronological Resume Format Pros & Cons

Still not sure if the reverse-chronological resume format is the right choice for you? See our pros and cons below!

  • Recruiters and HR managers prefer this format.
  • It will definitely “beat” Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software.
  • Provides a reader-friendly chronological history of your work experience.
  • The most popular resume format in 2024.
  • You need to make your work achievements stand out to catch the recruiter’s attention. 
  • Hard to fill in for a recent graduate with no work experience. 
  • Makes career gaps very obvious. If you’re a career changer, you need to explain those employment gaps on your resume.

#2. Functional Resume Format 

As we already mentioned, the functional resume format is also known as the skills-based resume format. Here’s an example of what it looks like: 

Functional Resume Format

As the name suggests, the functional resume format focuses on your skills and your key strengths. 

In a nutshell, this resume format takes the spotlight away from your work experience by highlighting what you’re good at instead. 

As such, this resume format is perfect for recent graduates or career changers who have little-to-no experience in a particular field. 

Here’s what to include in a functional resume:

  • Contact Information
  • Resume Summary or Objective
  • Professional Title
  • Skills Summary
  • Additional Skills
  • Work Experience

As you can see, the main difference from the reverse-chronological format is that the focus of the functional resume is the skills summary and the resume objective that’s placed right at the top of the resume. 

Here is exactly how you should write them to impress the hiring manager: 

  • Use your resume objective to state your career intent and explain what makes you the ideal candidate for the job. 
  • Start off your resume objective by mentioning a skill, education, or certification relevant to the job, mention the responsibilities you could handle, and include your motivation for working that particular job. 
  • In the skills summary, include four or five skills that are most relevant to the position. 
  • Instead of just listing your skills, be descriptive. In bullet points or in plain paragraphs, give examples of how you applied these skills in practice and try to make them as quantifiable as possible. 

Functional Format Example

Let’s assume that you’re an entry-level journalist. 

Since you graduated, you’ve worked as a part-time intern at a magazine and published a dozen articles online and in print. You also run a blog that has a modest but loyal readership. 

Now, you want to apply for an actual journalism position at a recently founded newspaper. So, you’re using the functional resume format. 

Here’s why it’s the right choice: 

  • It highlights your skills. In this case, you don’t have the experience to apply for the job, but you may have all the right skills. 
  • It allows you to prove your skills. There’s ample space to show exactly how you can put your skills to use for the upcoming job. 

Now let’s see what your resume objective and skills summary (or areas of strength) would look like in this case: 

Resume Objective

Driven and hardworking journalism graduate looking to get hired as a reporter in The Daily Prophet. I interned at Who Magazine for six months, where I gained hands-on experience in research, fact-checking, and interviewing. Passionate blogger at Fake Blog Website, which is currently followed by over two thousand readers. 

Skills Summary 

Research & Fact checking

  • Able to systematically look for information, resources, data, etc. through a variety of sources, such as books, online directories, or social media. 
  • Careful to always ensure that every claim and data that gets published is accurate and legitimate. 

Interviewing

  • Full knowledge of journalism ethics and standards that are required to conduct successful and dignified interviews. 
  • Skilled at connecting with interviewees on a deeper level to ensure comprehensive and detailed interviews. 
  • Excel at several types of journalistic writing, including news, feature writing, columns, and reviews.
  • Have published over 15 articles in different newspapers and magazines since graduating. 

Considering that the functional resume focuses solely on a candidate’s skills, the only groups of candidates who should consider using it are: 

  • Freelancers with impressive portfolios 
  • Professionals in creative industries
  • Career changers 
  • Recent graduates, and entry-level professionals
  • Military veterans passing into civilian roles

So, to sum it all up: 

Functional Resume Format Pros & Cons

  • Good for highlighting specific skills.
  • Useful if you’re switching careers since you can explain how your skills transfer to the new job.
  • Useful if you’re a recent graduate with practical skills but not much work experience.
  • The functional resume format is not very popular in 2024, and most recruiters and hiring managers aren’t familiar with it, so using this format carries a bit of a risk.
  • Since the functional resume has less focus on work experience, recruiters might think you’re trying to hide something.
  • Applicant tracking systems (ATS) have difficulties reading functional resumes.

#3. Combination Resume Format

The combination resume format , also known as the “hybrid,” is a mixture of the functional and the reverse-chronological format.

Combination Resume Format

This resume format gives equal attention to an applicant’s skills section and work experience. As such, you end up including both the Skill Summary and the Work Experience sections:

  • Skill Summary

The focal point here is the skills summary. Placed right after the contact information section, this is where you list the skills that are required for the job and then prove that you have them through your professional experience and achievements. 

Here is exactly how you should write it: 

  • List the skills that are required for the position you’re applying for and that you actually possess. 
  • Add up to 4 professional achievements underneath each skill to prove that you possess it. 
  • Make your achievements as descriptive and quantifiable as possible. 

Combination Format Example

Say you’re a senior program manager with over a decade of experience in your field. 

You can plan, execute, evaluate programs and projects across diverse industries, and inspire your team to do great work. 

Recently, someone told you about an opening for a program director in an international company. To apply, you’re putting together a hybrid resume format. 

Here’s what makes it the best choice: 

  • Saves space. For highly competitive positions, you want your resume to be able to cut through the noise. The hybrid format allows you to do that by bringing into focus your most relevant achievements right from the start.
  • Combines the best parts of the other two resume formats, which is perfect for senior professionals or executives that have plenty to show for both experience and skills. 

For example, some of the skills required for the program director gig mentioned above may include interpersonal skills , budget management, and project management. 

Here’s what the skills summary in your hybrid resume would look like in practice: 

Interpersonal Skills

  • Initiated formal and informal coaching and mentorship to 50+ team members regarding project charter development, resource planning, best practices of project management, and appropriate delivery of project outcomes. 
  • Coordinated all project inputs with several functional/technical directors, managers, and project core teams, to formulate appropriate project tools and methodologies. 

Budget Management 

  • Oversaw the implementation of the enterprise’s multi-year, multi-million dollar research system software that benefited employees company-wide. 
  • Analysis of financial and statistical data reduced operational costs by 12%.
  • Strategically supervised the project execution teams to ensure the timely and cost-effective completion of projects, saving the company $250K in project costs. 

Project Management

  • Provided strategic direction, leadership, and project governance for a multimillion-dollar application project portfolio, which successfully supported a population of 60K+ end-users across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
  • Streamlined project management methodologies and communication in the IT division, which increased efficiency by 90%. 
  • Accurately report on project status throughout its life cycle to 20+ project teams, stakeholders, and sponsors, encompassing budget estimation, scheduling, and resource planning.

Combination Resume Format Pros and Cons 

  • Allows you to show off more of your experience and skills using less space.
  • Useful for very senior professionals or executives who need to highlight more than just their work experience.
  • Good for applicants who may have a noticeable employment gap but plenty of work experience nonetheless.
  • As with the functional resume format, applicant tracking systems have difficulties reading combination resumes.
  • If you’re a recent graduate or don’t have much work experience, this resume format is not very useful.
  • As is the case with the functional resume, most hiring managers aren’t very familiar with this format, which might cause some confusion in the process.

The Verdict: What Is the Best Resume Format?  

Now that we’ve covered all 3 of the common resume formats, you’re probably wondering which one's best resume format out there .

Here’s our verdict:

In 90%+ of the cases, we’d recommend going with a reverse-chronological resume format.

In 2024, it’s the most common and useful format:

  • Applicant tracking systems can read it without any problems.
  • All recruiters and hiring managers are familiar with this format.
  • Whether you’re a recent graduate or a senior professional, it’s the easiest format to work with.

So, even if you’re a career changer, a highly-qualified professional, or a college student, it’s risky to choose one of the other two formats over the reverse-chronological one.

There’s a good chance that the applicant tracking system won’t be able to read your resume and automatically discard it - after all the time you put into creating the resume!

At the same time, recruiters might just not be familiar with these resume formats, or think that you’re just trying to hide the fact that you’re not experienced, and disqualify you based on that.

So, the rule of thumb - when in doubt, go for the reverse-chronological resume.

Looking for CV writing tips instead? Here's our full guide on how to write a CV !

How to Beat the ATS Software

Did you know that 75% of resumes don’t even make it to the hiring manager ? 

Instead, they get scanned by ATS software, which evaluates your resume and decides whether it’s relevant enough for the hiring manager to give it a look.

At first, ATS software was used by larger companies that receive thousands of applications daily as a way to filter out irrelevant applicants. Today, though, studies show that most companies use ATS to evaluate applicants. 

ats statistic

As worrying as this thought may be, you’ll be glad to know there is a way to beat ATS and get your resume on top of the hiring manager’s desk:

Creating an ATS-friendly resume ! 

Here is a handy list of our top tips for making a resume that beats applicant tracking systems: 

  • Place your contact information at the top of your resume. 
  • Sprinkle specific keywords from the job description throughout your resume. 
  • Avoid using graphics or charts as part of your resume. 
  • Save your resume in PDF format. 

7 Other Resume Resources

Picking the right resume format is just the first step in creating a convincing resume.

Want to learn how to make a resume that lands you the job?

Check out some of our best career resources!

  • Job Search Masterclass - This one’s our flagship e-book. It covers literally everything you need to know about job-search: how to make a resume, how to write a cover letter, how to apply for jobs effectively, what are the most common job interview questions, and a LOT more. The book is jam-packed with value, and illustrated, making it an extremely easy read.
  • How to Make a Resume - Our comprehensive guide on how to make a resume from A to Z.
  • Interview Questions And Answers - Have a hard time with job interviews? This guide features ALL the most common job interview questions that you might encounter.
  • How to Write a Cover Letter - Our ultimate guide on writing a cover letter (free templates included!)
  • 50+ Resume Examples - Need some inspiration with your resume? Check out our resume examples for 50+ different positions and fields.
  • 43+ Resume Tips - A complete list of all our resume tips, ordered by importance.
  • 26+ Interview Mistakes - Whatever you do, avoid making these common interview mistakes.

And of course, for more industry-leading job-search advice, make sure to follow our career blog !

FAQ on Resume Formats

Do you still have some questions about resume formatting? We’ll get them answered here!

1. What’s the best resume format in 2024?  

For the majority of job-seekers, the best resume format in 2024 is the reverse-chronological resume format. This resume format involves listing your resume information (e.g. your work experience and your education) starting with the most recent one and going backward through relevant jobs, degrees, or qualifications. 

Here’s why the reverse chronological resume format is the best choice: 

  • It’s easy to read and skim through
  • Hiring managers are familiar with it because it’s the most commonly used one
  • It’s ATS-friendly, which means Applicant Tracking Systems can scan it with ease
  • It brings your career progression and professional achievements into the spotlight

2. What is the correct format for a college student resume? 

The best resume format for a college student resume is the reverse-chronological format .

While it is true that a functional resume can help you emphasize your skills more than work experience, it comes with two serious problems:

  • Recruiters aren’t familiar with it, and they might think you’re trying to hide the fact that you don’t have work experience.
  • Applicant tracking systems have trouble reading this resume format. 

So, unless you have absolutely no experience to show for it (meaning, not even unpaid internships, or even college projects with relevant responsibilities for the job you’re applying for), then you should still choose the reverse-chronological resume format over the skills-based one. 

If you’re worried about your lack of work experience , don’t. For most entry-level positions and internships, you’re not required to have work experience. 

3. What is the best resume format for a job seeker with experience? 

The best resume format for a job-seeker with plenty of experience in the industry they’re applying for is the reverse-chronological format. 

Here’s what makes the reverse-chronological format the best choice: 

  • It puts emphasis on your strengths as an applicant, namely your professional experience. 
  • It shows recruiters exactly what they’re looking for (your achievements and qualifications) from the get-go. 

4. Is resume format important? 

Yes, the resume format you choose is important. Basically, the resume format involves the type of information listed on the resume and the way this information is organized and presented. 

When they’re evaluating your resume, hiring managers expect to see information that will help them assess whether you’re the right person for the job (i.e. your experience, skills, and qualifications, among others). If, for example, you have five years of work experience but your resume format focuses on your education, the hiring manager may have trouble realizing that you’re the right person for the job. 

At the same time, hiring managers want to spend as little time as possible reading your resume. This means that a disorganized, chaotic resume may get them to throw your resume in the “rejected” pile without giving it a second thought. 

That’s why it’s super important to choose the right resume format that highlights your strengths and that recruiters know and like. 

5. What is an ATS-friendly resume format?

Applicant Tracking System software is software that companies use to sort through the countless applications they receive daily. 

What ATS does is scan resumes for specific keywords mentioned in the job description (e.g. necessary skills for the job), and filter out those applications it deems irrelevant. 

As such, an ATS-friendly resume format is the kind of format that lists information in plain text and organizes it in clear sections, making it easier to be read by applicant tracking systems.

This is important because ATS software is typically unable to read text within images or scan infographics.  

6. What resume format is most ATS-friendly?

The most ATS-friendly resume format is the reverse-chronological format. 

That’s because it allows you to use ATS-specific keywords in your skills section and doesn’t use too many visuals such as graphs, infographics, etc.

7. Are hand-written resumes still used?

No, hand-written resumes are barely used in 2024. As such, you should not submit a handwritten resume when you’re applying for jobs. 

Here are some of the most important reasons why: 

  • ATS software is unable to scan hand-written resumes. This means that if the company to which you’re applying uses an ATS, your resume will get disqualified.
  • Your handwriting might be difficult to understand. Not just that, but you’ll have trouble differentiating one section from the other and keeping everything uniform, which means your resume will be the opposite of reader-friendly.
  • We’re technically living online now. Gone are the days when you’d look up job openings in a newspaper or apply by mail. Everything has moved online, so it only makes sense for your resume to do the same.

8. Is the resume format the same as the resume template?

No, a resume format is not the same thing as a resume template. 

Resume format refers to the layout of the resume, namely, the kind of information, its order, and the way it's organized on the resume. Basic document settings, such as line spacing, fonts, and margins, are also part of resume formatting. 

A resume template, on the other hand, is a pre-designed, blank document that you can fill in as you go. Using a resume template to create your resume is a much easier and less time-consuming process than formatting your resume from scratch. 

9. What is the easiest way to build my resume?

The easiest, most efficient way to create a resume is through a resume builder .

If you use a text editor, you could spend hours trying to format your resume, but the moment you make a tiny design change, the whole resume layout gets completely messed up!

Using a resume builder, on the other hand, comes with a ton of benefits:

  • Recruiter-friendly layout. All of our resume templates are created with recruiters in mind - they’re extremely easy to read and skim.
  • Easy to build. Our resume builder is extremely easy to use. All YOU have to do is fill in the content - we take care of all the resume formatting.
  • ATS-friendly . Applicant tracking systems can read our resumes perfectly fine, ensuring that you don’t get automatically disqualified when applying for positions.
  • Free (with premium features). Our base builder is completely free without any hidden paywalls! If you’re looking to upgrade the resume design, though, or get access to several awesome features, you can always upgrade to Premium.

10. What are the 7 resume types?

The 7 types of resume formats include the reverse-chronological resume, the combination resume, the resume with profile, the non-traditional resume, the infographic resume, the functional resume, and the targeted resume.

Create your Europass CV

The Europass CV builder makes it easy to create your CV online. You can use it to apply for a job, education or training opportunities as well as volunteering.

The best-known CV format in Europe

The Europass CV is one of the best-known CV formats in Europe. It is easy-to-use and familiar to employers and education institutions.

You will first have to create your Europass profile with information on your education, training, work experience and skills. After you complete your Europass profile, you can create as many CVs as you want with just a few clicks. Just select which information you want to include, pick your favourite design and Europass will do the rest. 

You can create, store and share CVs in 31 languages . You can download your Europass CV, store it in your Europass Library share it with employers, with  EURES  or other job boards.

How to create a good CV

Remember that your CV is your first opportunity to communicate your skills and experiences to a future employer. It is a snapshot of who you are, your skills, your educational background, work experiences and other achievements.

Present your experience clearly

Highlight examples of your skills and experiences matching the job you are applying for. Pay close attention to the details published in the vacancy notice.

Tailor your CV

Make sure you update the ‘About Me’ section to highlight why you are the best person for the job. Do not include a full detailed history. Focus on facts and main points that match the job you have in mind.

Make it readable

Make sure your CV is easy to read. Use clear and simple language.  Use strong verbs (e.g. ‘managed’, ‘developed’, ‘increased’).

Use reverse chronological order

Always list the most recent experience on the top followed by previous ones. In case of long gaps in working or learning, include an explanation.

Polish and fine-tune

Check for spelling and grammar mistakes, provide a professional e-mail address, and add a professional photograph of yourself.

Your Europass profile

Your Europass profile is the place to keep a record of all your skills, qualifications and experiences. If you keep your Europass profile up-to-date then you will always have all the information you need to create tailored CVs and job applications quickly.

Good luck with your applications!

Find support through EU services

Eures the european job mobility portal, working abroad in other eu countries, education and training in other eu countries, you may be interested to read.

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Create your Europass Cover Letter

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Develop your skills through volunteering

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Managing your personal information in Europass

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  1. Free Resume Formats

    Automatic Resume's in Just a Few Clicks. No Writing Experience Required. Try Free! The Online Resume Builder so Easy to Use, the Resume's Write Themselves. Try Free Now!

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  3. 17+ Free Student Resume Examples for 2024

    17+ Student Resume Examples & Templates. Written By Ida Pettersson. Reviewed By Conrad Benz, Hiring Manager. Our resume examples for students are sleek, free, and properly formatted. Customize one of these templates and use our writing tips to convince employers that you have the skills and knowledge they're looking for. March 4, 2024.

  4. Student Resume: 12 Best Examples & Templates for 2024

    Sample Resume 2: Experience-focused. If you have work experience, this resume template is ideal for showcasing your skills and accomplishments. It includes sections for work experience, skills, and accomplishments. Objective: Results-driven and experienced professional with a proven track record of success in [relevant field].

  5. Student Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

    Start Building. 1. Create a profile by summarizing your student qualifications. As a student without years of hands-on work experience, you'll need to create an impactful opening summary to grab the attention of prospective employers. Start by mentioning that you're a recent graduate in a specific field, and then provide three to four ...

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  8. Student Resume Examples (And How To Create One)

    You may include some of these achievements on your resume to show employers your level of commitment and dedication. Here are some possible examples: Helped fundraise $500 for the local animal shelter as part of a class project. Received the $300 "Distinguished Student" award in 2017 for greatness in academics.

  9. Student Resume Examples & Format for 2024

    Go for the reverse-chronological format. A good student resume starts with your latest school and goes back in time. The same applies to the other sections, such as summer internships, experience, etc. 2. Use simple and readable resume fonts. Anything between 10 and 14pt works fine. Write simple headings.

  10. 11+ Best Student Resume Templates (W/ Examples & Resources)

    This article presents a selection of impactful student resume templates and examples that will help transform your raw skills and academic accomplishments into an impressive, attention-grabbing resume. Here's what we'll cover: 12 Student Resume Templates; 3 Student Resume Examples; 5 Other Professional Resources for Students; Let's dive in!

  11. Student Resume: Example, Template & Writing Guide [2024]

    Resume writing/. Student Resume: Example, Template & Writing Guide [2024] 24 September 2023. In many cases, students are anxious about creating resumes. You might worry you don't have the same level of experience as others and wonder what the format should look like based on that. The good news is that a great student resume can help you land ...

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    The header of your student resume must always be your full name in the largest font size (16-20 points). This helps maintain the unique identity of your resume and makes it easier for recruiters to see it. If you have a middle name, you can initialize it. Given below is a sample for student resume header:

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    Here is an example of a work experience entry from a student resume. Grayson County High School. Debate Team Captain. August 2020 to Present. Organized a team of 30+ students to meet and practice debating weekly. Researched and fact-checked more than 100 debate drafts, providing corrections and feedback when needed.

  14. College Student Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

    Profile Example. Motivated student with strong academic performance in high school, including an "A" average for mathematics. Demonstrated success in a leadership role through multiple school athletics and work activities. Naturally curious and eager to explore and understand new topics. 2.

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    College Student Resume: Examples of Summaries. right. Personable and dependable finance sophomore at SUNY with 1 year part-time experience in an accountancy internship. Top customer satisfaction score (98%) and instrumental in bringing in over 500 new clients because of campus outreach efforts.

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    Save your design as a high-quality PDF that's ready to publish; if you need printed copies of your resume. With a beautiful resume template that's ready, you can use it for your job applications anytime. Ace any internship or university job application with free college resume templates you can edit and print from Canva.

  17. Best Resume Format for 2024 [Guide & Examples]

    The functional resume format is a good choice for students and recent graduates with little to no work experience. However, if you've had part-time jobs, volunteer work or internships that apply to the job you want, or taken a relevant class, note these experiences in your work history or education sections. ... February 17, 2023. 5+ Best AI ...

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    Metrics of your impact are especially important for a student resume. Here are a couple of samples: Collaborated with HR staff to create a mentorship program for new hires, increasing staff retention by 23%. Answered employees' questions about coverage and company health benefits by efficiently pulling plan documentation data, reducing HR ...

  19. 16 High School Student Resume Examples Created for 2024

    16 High School Student. Resume Examples Created for 2024. Stephen Greet March 27, 2024. High school is one of the best times of your life, but it can also be one of the most difficult when looking for your first or second job. You've got to fill out applications, prep for interviews, and write your resume. Using ChatGPT for resumes is a cool ...

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    Simple Blue High School Résumé Template. 10. Navy Blue Line College Résumé Template. 1. High School Student CV Résumé Template. Availability: Microsoft Word. For a simple layout that includes all the sections you need, check out this High School Student CV Résumé template.

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  24. Create your Europass CV

    The best-known CV format in Europe. The Europass CV is one of the best-known CV formats in Europe. It is easy-to-use and familiar to employers and education institutions. You will first have to create your Europass profile with information on your education, training, work experience and skills. After you complete your Europass profile, you can create as many CVs as you want with just a few ...