how to write a title in resume

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How To Write A Resume Title (Plus Headline Examples)

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A resume title may be what your resume needs to stand out from the crowd. Including an attention-grabbing snippet that highlights what you bring to the table can help overwhelmed hiring managers notice and remember your resume, which only improves your chances of getting hired.

If you’re a job seeker looking for ways to make your application stand out, keep reading: We’ll go over why a resume title is important, how to write a snappy resume title, and examples of resume titles.

Key Takeaways:

A resume title is a concise statement that declares your top skills and qualifications.

Resume titles help readers immediately know what you have to offer.

Place your most valuable skills related to the job position in the resume title.

Resume titles are different than resume profiles, which are sections that give a breakdown of your skills.

What is a resume title?

Why resume titles are important

How to write a title for a resume, example resume titles, tips for writing a resume headline, resume headlines vs. resume profiles, examples of resume titles with resume summaries, resume titles faq.

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A resume title (also called a resume headline) is one or two sentences that serve as an introduction of your resume and, by extension, who you are as a candidate.

This is different from your job title — a job title is the name of the role you are currently in or are targeting.

A resume title is also different from your resume summary statement . While both are located at the top of your resume, the headline is an eye-catching line that sums up your experience, while a summary statement is a paragraph that provides specific details of your skillset.

Resume titles are important because they quickly communicate your qualifications, help you pass ATSs, and make you more memorable to hiring managers.

Resume titles quickly communicate your qualifications. As one of the first pieces of information a recruiter sees, a title immediately describes why you are an ideal fit for the position.

This encourages the hiring manager to take a second look at your resume, since they can see that you meet the initial qualifications. This is especially important if you have with limited experience , as you can use the headline to showcase your top skills or accomplishments related to the desired job.

Resume titles help you pass applicant tracking systems (ATS). With the right keywords, your headline can increase the likelihood of your resume passing through applicant tracking systems that do automatic parsing.

These programs sort resumes based on keywords found throughout the job description, so including some of these at the top of your resume boosts your chances of making it through to a human reader .

Resume titles help make you more memorable to hiring managers. A resume headline clearly conveys your biggest strengths and most relevant experience , which will stick in the hiring manager’s mind better than if they had to dig through your whole resume to find them.

In addition, if you have years of work history, the headline creates focus and quickly tells hiring managers why you are ideal for this role.

To write a resume title, research the position you’re applying for, then identify your top relevant qualifications. Once you have those, craft them into a short snippet.

Here is a step-by-step checklist on how to write your resume title:

Understand the position. The best place to begin with writing your headline does not involve writing at all. You should instead start by researching the job title that you are applying for.

Identify your relevant top selling points. Once you understand what the job is looking for, identify which two or three skills, accomplishments, or experiences are the perfect match for the role’s requirements.

For example, if the job description prioritizes a specific certification that you have, mention that in your resume title. If it mentions the word “experienced,” over and over, include your eight years of experience.

Write and rewrite. Set a timer for two minutes and brainstorm as many resume titles as you can in that time. Then go back and rework your favorites until you have the perfect one.

If you need help starting, ask yourself how you would describe your professional self to a hiring manager in two sentences, then slowly cut that down to one phrase.

Put it at the top of your resume. Your headline will go right below your name and basic contact details, before diving into the bulk of your resume. This makes it easy for hiring managers to find both the first time they read your resumeand when they’re trying to remember who you are later.

Use title case. Your resume title is just that — a title. So, capitalize the first and last words, as well as all nouns, adjectives, and verbs. Words over four letters long should also be capitalized, no matter what part of speech they are.

Writing your resume title in bold will also help it stand out.

Check it for keywords and cliches. Make sure you’re using verbiage similar to the job description, and leave out overused phrases like, “Highly skilled” that don’t mean anything. The hiring manager can read your resume to decide if you’re highly skilled or not — use your resume title to show them what your skills are.

Here are a few resume headline examples for you to look at as you write your own resume title. Remember that these are just meant to help guide you, as you will want your resume title to be 100% original.

Experienced resume title examples

Innovative Software Developer with 3+ Years Experience in Java Product Development Coordinator with Proven Revenue Growth in Cloud-Enabled Applications Human Resources Manager with 15+ Years of Recruiting Experience in Fortune 500 Companies Business Procurement Specialist with Experience Growing and Scaling Private Sector Teams Marketing Specialist with Experience Growing eCommerce Stores from 1K to 500K Visits/Month Mechanical and Aerospace Engineer with 8 Years Experience in Private Sector Jet Engines Social Media Manager Who Improved Engagement by 25% in 6 Months

Entry-level and career-change resume title examples

Proactive Professional Open to New Managerial Opportunities Customer Service Agent Skilled in Data-Entry and Transcription Recent College Graduate and Recipient of A.B. Langston Leadership Award Bilingual Graduate with 95 WPM Typing Speed and Tutoring Experience Analytical Professional with Advanced Proficiency in Excel Hard-Working Licensed RN and Outstanding Nursing Student Award Recipient Licensed Teacher with 20 Years Laboratory Research Experience

Seasoned Retail Associate with Key Holder and Training Experience Sales Representative with 5 years of Experience, Specializing in Health Care Regional Manager who Increased Territory Revenues by 58% Personable Daycare Provider with Accreditation and Special Education Experience Veteran Marketing Professional who Scaled Startup Growth by 82% Award-Winning Author with 7 Years Experience in Self-Publishing and Marketing Eager College Graduate with Teaching Assistant Experience Focused in Meteorology Graphic Designer with 10 Years Experience at Ad-Tech Companies Freelance Writer with SEO Certification

Here are some tips for writing your resume titles:

Declare your skillset, not your intent. Your resume headline is an opener to who you are, versus a resume objective statement that states what type of employment you are seeking.

Keep it relevant. If you are applying for an engineering position, you would not want your headline to focus on your years of customer service experience.

Don’t reuse titles. Just as we strongly advise against submitting the same exact cover letter to each potential employer, the same goes for your resume headline.

Keep length in mind. Your resume title should be less than one sentence long.

Remember keywords. Keywords help in several ways, and one is by serving as flags to recruiters. When employers look at resumes, they are automatically looking for specific skills mentioned throughout the job description.

Highlight what’s most valuable first. Since recruiters scan resumes quickly, structure your headline with the most important details first.

Make it unique. Try to avoid clichés at all costs. Saying that you are “highly organized” will not differentiate your resume from a pool of others, and it does not tell the employer how you have proven to be organized.

While the headline is short and just one sentence, your resume profile (or summary) is a section that gives a breakdown of your skills. Job seekers can make this a bulleted list or a paragraph highlighting relevant qualifications .

If you include both a headline and profile, the latter will come after and will not be capitalized. You also do not need to bold this section as you would your resume title.

If you’re curious as to how to add both a headline and summary to your resume, here are examples across several industries:

Resume title and summary HR example

Director of HR with 10 Years Experience in Technology Sector Highly productive in developing and executing training protocols across all company verticals. Global human resources certificates with international team experience. Certified in Oracle and led implementation of technology audits for 500+ employees. Masterful in selecting and retaining top talent, with a 98% employee retention rate over the last 24 months.

Resume title and summary social media example

Social Media Consultant Assisting Startups Grow Online Presence and Drive More Sales Over 5 years of experience transforming the social media reach of small businesses. Responsible for creating social media strategies that increase lead generation with various SEO optimization techniques. Amassed more than 3M followers across Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for clients across health, fashion, and food industries.

Resume title and summary retail manager example

Confident Retail Manager with 6 Years of High-Volume Store Experience Results-driven manager producing the highest-grossing store in the district. Responsible for talent management, resource allocation, and merchandising efforts. Analysis of annual budget resulted in implementing an action plan to improve loss prevention efforts and reduce shrinkage.

A resume title is a short statement at the beginning of your resume that declares your skills and qualifications. A resume title needs to entice the reader, so it is important that you keep your resume title unique, concise, and relevant. It is helpful if your title relates to the job you’re applying to. A great way to do this is to use keywords found in the job description.

Are resume titles necessary?

Strictly speaking, no, resume titles are not necessary, but they are very helpful. A resume title acts as a teaser to the rest of your resume. A resume title done well will make it clear right away to the reader that you are a candidate who deserves further attention. This helps you stand out among other applicants.

What’s the difference between a resume headline and a resume title?

A resume headline is the same thing as a resume title. A resume headline is just another way to describe a heading at the start of your resume that concisely states your qualifications. Just remember to keep it unique and relevant.

How do you write a good title for a resume?

You write a good title for a resume by understanding the position you’re applying for and highlighting your relevant qualifications. Incorporating keywords from the job description will also help you write an effective resume title.

Columbia University Center for Career Education – How to Write a Resume Profile or Summary Statement

Harvard University – Resumes and Cover Letters

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Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

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What Is a Good Resume Title in 2024? (+30 Examples)

12 min read

Your resume title is the first thing you should list under your name and contact information. It’s different from your job title. This is an opportunity to introduce your professional self in a snappy line or two of attention-grabbing, highly relevant, and keyword-optimized text.

A good resume title in 2024 (also referred to as a resume headline) should make the perfect first impression. Most people don’t include one, so it can be really effective if you use the right headline. It will resonate and set you apart from the competition. 

The best resume headlines are specific to your industry and include what makes you a great hire. This post includes more than 30 industry-specific resume titles compiled by our team of professional resume writers. You can use this list to navigate directly to your industry or job function for some examples of effective resume titles.

Engineering

Trade Worker

What is a resume title, exactly?

A resume title or headline is a short statement on your resume that includes some core skills or achievements. Your resume title should be a short introduction of your professional self. Usually used to preview the resume summary , it is a condensed one-liner that sums up who you are and where you've succeeded.

Example: Resume Title: Top Ranked Sales Manager with 7 Years’ Experience

A resume title should be located at the top of your resume, above your resume summary but below your contact information.

The goal of a resume headline is to sum up your skills and years of experience into a short phrase that will stand out and show the potential employer exactly what you have to offer.

It also allows you to list relevant or required certifications and licenses on your resume . This quickly tells the employer that you’re qualified for the position.

Resume headline and title examples by industry

In summation: your resume title is super important. When it comes to formatting, the career experts at ZipJob highly suggest using something similar to our example above. But, what about the wording?

A good resume title often includes your target job title, your key skills, your qualifications, and/or your years of experience. You can also include your awards, industry, or specializations.

Here are a bunch of resume headline examples from our professional resume writers, organized by industry:

Resume titles for Accounting

Certified Public Accountant with 9 Years Experience in Auditing

Flexible Accountant who Adapts to Evolving Accounting Best Practices

CPA with 3 years experience in budget forecasting and tax planning

Resume titles for Arts

Graphic Designer with Massive Client Base and Beautiful Portfolio

Art Therapist with 8 years combined Experience

Artist with 3 Years of Acknowledged Experience Including Gallery Features

Resume titles for Engineering

Dedicated Civil Engineer Skilled in all Phases of Engineering Operations

Passionate Automotive Engineer with Design Expertise

Highly Efficient Chief Engineer for Large-Scale Residential Properties

Creative Entry-Level Engineer Providing Insightful Support

Resume titles for Finance

Portfolio Manager with Fortune 500 Experience

Financial Adviser with Proven Track Record

Bank Operations Expert with 10 years’ Experience

Resume titles for Marketing

Experienced Marketing Manager Specializing in Non-Profit Industry

Marketing Specialist with 10 years’ experience in Cosmetics

Digital Marketing Professional who excels in data analysis, social media marketing, and online brand management

Resume titles for Nursing

Emergency Room Nurse with Experience in Urgent and High Volume Settings

Registered Nurse with Experience Treating a Wide Variety of Patients with Diverse Care Needs

Certified Nursing Assistant with 7 years’ Experience Caring for Elderly

Resume titles for Sales

Top Ranked Sales Manager with 7 years’ experience

Bilingual Sales Professional with Experience in Management

Sales Executive with Experience in Technology Industry

Customer Service Rep, Extensive Healthcare Experience

Resume titles for Technology

Java Engineer with 5 years Full Stack Experience

Full Stack Web Developer with Management Experience

Developer and Project Manager with Leadership Experience

IT Specialist: Network Installations, Data Migrations, Data Recovery

Resume titles for Trade Worker

Welding Specialist with Extensive Experience using Torch, Plasma and Stick Weld

Warehouse Product Coordinator with 10 Years’ Experience

Security Guard on High Alert, Maintaining Consistently Excellent Coverage

View 200+ more professional resume samples for all industries, along with a guide to writing resumes from our career experts.

What makes a resume title so effective?

Resume headlines are really important for three reasons.

1. It’s one of the first things a potential employer will see

Though located after your name and your contact info, the resume headline is the first thing that describes your fit for the job. Hiring managers and employers spend about six seconds scanning your resume. The best way to control what they see is to lay out your resume correctly. This means using resume headers and sections correctly . No header is more important than the very first one.

To put it bluntly, if hiring managers love the title, it’s way more likely they will read on. If the title is bland or nonexistent, you’ll have missed the opportunity to stand out from the crowd as the perfect candidate. The crowd doesn’t land the interview: the individuals do!

Look at the following two headers.

This is a very well-constructed resume title with awesome keyword usage that really sends a strong message:

Full Stack Web Developer | Software Engineer | Project Manager

Stakeholder Management | Web Application | Team Leadership

Compare the above example with this, a lazy and short resume title that does nothing more than simply name a previous title:

Project Coordinator

As you can see, it’s possible to write a resume headline that is short and concise while still conveying a robust message. By simply putting the name of a single position, you are limiting yourself in the scope of employment opportunities you can seek out.

Remember, the job market is ever-changing. You want to present yourself as dynamic and multi-talented. By introducing yourself as a professional with a larger scope of expertise, you will open countless more doors.

2. It will help your resume get past applicant tracking systems (ATS)

Due to the huge number of applicants in the modern job market, over 90% of resumes use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to scan resumes before they reach a hiring manager.

Applicant Tracking Systems scan for keywords, often parsing a resume using its headers. Since the ATS is so prevalent these days, it’s incredibly important to tailor your resume to pass the systems!

That’s where your awesome resume title will help you. If formatted correctly, the ATS will be able to read your headers and present your relevant keywords to the hiring manager.

To make sure your resume passes an ATS test, take advantage of ZipJob’s free resume review !

3. It is a great place to use keywords

Using keywords effectively in your resume title will hugely increase your chances of landing an interview.  Let’s take another look at the awesome resume header we saw above:

This time, think about all the keywords present in this resume title. As you may have guessed, the words used in the title should always match the words used in the job description. This title would be great for multiple job descriptions from “Full Stack Web Developer” to “Project Manager.”

If during your job search you plan on sending out dozens of quick-fire applications , this is your best bet. Similarly, if you are posting your resume online or submitting it as anything other than a response to an open job, you might want to take a broad approach.

However, if you are targeting a very specific listing, you want to change your strategy slightly.

Instead of including an array of words that may fit the array of opportunities you are seeking, scan the job listing and tailor your resume title accordingly. If the listing puts a big emphasis on project management, be sure to add that to the title. If it focuses on communication, put that up there.

You don’t want to miss an opportunity because you didn’t tailor your resume to pass the applicant tracking system.

Read our complete guide on exactly how to use keywords on your resume .

Tips for writing a strong resume title

When you’ve spent your career as a Project Manager, it can be tempting to simply put that at the top of your resume. But, as we’ve iterated, doing so won’t serve you very well. You need to put some time into crafting a compelling headline for your resume. Here are some tips you should follow to ensure that your resume title stands out from the crowd and piques the hiring manager’s interest enough to call you for a coveted interview spot:

Specificity is critical

Yes, you want your headline to give some clues as to your skills, achievements, and qualifications, but you need to keep the text on one or two lines of your resume. This isn’t the place to write a long, drawn-out narrative about your history. The idea is to grab the reader’s attention so that they want to read more of your resume. Avoid putting a long blurb that they have to actually read . Instead, put a few words that they can glance at to get the gist of what you have to offer. 

While specificity helps to keep the message to a minimum, it also ensures that you are delivering a poignant message. General titles like “Manager” don’t add value to your resume. They are too vague and tell employers nothing about what you have to offer their company. 

Tailor it to the job description 

Also, your resume title shouldn’t be only about you and your history. Your entire resume should be outward-facing – meaning, it has to show the hiring manager what you can do for them and their team. This is where it’s important to remember to include keywords from the job description. You may be a “Project Manager with 10+ Years of Experience” but if the job description specifically mentions that the position is for a Project Manager who can lead diverse teams, it would be a better idea to include a bit about team leadership in your title. That would look something like this, “Project Manager Dedicated to Mentoring Junior Team Members.” You can bring up the part about having over 10 years of experience in your summary paragraph. 

Use action verbs

When you’re writing your resume, it’s crucial to portray yourself as an achiever rather than a doer. One of the best ways to do this is to show action. Including action verbs in your title conveys a sense of purpose in your experiences, indicating that you take your positions seriously and convey important skills like leadership. Action also makes your overall resume more engaging which further helps you stand out from the crowd. 

Grab their attention

Since your title is supposed to be about how your history aligns with what the company needs, you can use some of the space in the title to wow the hiring manager with accolades from your past. Compound adjectives at the beginning of your title can help your entire resume message start on solid footing. It can be difficult for some people to talk about achievements because of the fear of coming across as too boastful, but if you’ve won awards, mention that in your title. Write something like, 

“Award-Winning Graphic Designer Passionate About Turning Ideas into Tangible Branding Pieces.”  

“Top-Performing Account Manager with a History of Exceeding Goals.”

Prospective employers love the idea of getting someone on their team who can showcase standout qualities because they know that those types of contributions can help their team achieve company goals and foster a positive work environment. 

Avoid cliches

Some cliche phrases may seem like safe choices – like “team player,” “hard-working,” and “results-oriented.” These phrases are overused and usually garner nothing more than an eye-roll from hiring managers who are tired of seeing them. You’d be better served by coming up with something more original and specific to create a meaningful resume title. Remember, your goal is to impress hiring managers, not bore them. A little creativity and thoughtfulness go a long way to presenting your personal brand in a way that makes you memorable. 

Avoid exaggerating your skills, achievements, and experiences in your title in the name of making an impression or injecting relevant keywords. If you’ve never mentored any team members, then leave that off. If you haven’t won any awards or been recognized as a top performer then exclude that, too. Just because a manager in your past has told you that you did a great job on something, doesn’t mean that you were recognized as a top performer . Also, if you’re working on a credential, like a CPA licensure, but haven’t quite finished it, don’t claim the credential in your title

You don’t want to lose credibility just because you put a couple of words on your resume that were less than true. If you get to the point where you’re being offered a position, your application is likely to be put through a background check . Red flags that pop up during the background check can put your application into an invalid status which could cause you to get ghosted by the company. 

Proofread and edit

It’s just a title – do you really need to bother proofreading it? Yes, yes you do! Here’s some homework for you: go to LinkedIn and search for the word “manger.” How many profiles do you see with “manager” misspelled? This misspelling is happening in the headline – the first thing someone sees. So, take some time to read your title to make sure nothing is incorrect.

First impressions matter

Your resume title will be the thing that first catches the hiring manager’s eye. So, make sure it’s amazing! Follow our basic principles and tips, take a look at some of the resume headline examples and you should have a great idea of what it takes to really stand out for the job you’re applying for.

Are you still not sure what your resume title should be? Look at ZipJob's resume writing services . We have more than 100 professional resume writers ready to help you update your resume's title, format, and content. 

Recommended reading:

7 Resume Headers and Sections You Need (+ Examples)

Top 10 Tips To Get Your Resume Past ATS Scans

Core Competencies Section on a Resume

Marsha Hebert, Professional Resume Writer

Marsha is a resume writer with a strong background in marketing and writing. After completing a Business Marketing degree, she discovered that she could combine her passion for writing with a natural talent for marketing. For more than 10 years, Marsha has helped companies and individuals market themselves. Read more advice from Marsha on ZipJob's blog .

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Write a Winning Resume Title (With 80+ Examples)

If you're looking to craft a resume title that lands interviews, it's likely because you know it sets the entire stage for showcasing your professional experience throughout every stage of your job search.

In fact, your resume title is the gateway to grabbing a recruiter's or hiring manager's attention. And if used correctly, it's the optimal opportunity to stand out quickly and highlight how your skills align with the role you're applying for.

3 key takeaways

• What a resume title is

How to write an effective resume title

• Over 80 resume title and resume headline examples

What a stellar resume title can do 

When it comes to crafting a winning resume, your resume title is a key piece of the puzzle. Also known as a "target title," it's one of the first things recruiters and hiring managers see—grabbing attention and making a compelling case for why you're the perfect candidate for the job. 

Your resume title can also be different from the job title of a role you've held previously. While they should have some commonalities in the responsibilities and skills required, your resume title should align with what a recruiter or hiring manager has listed in the job posting.

So what can a stellar resume title do for you? 

Make a strong first impression: Your resume title is the first thing that recruiters and hiring managers see when they glance at your application. Typically formatted larger than plain text, it grabs the reader's attention and encapsulates your professional identity.

Clearly convey your targeted role or expertise: Clearly communicating your desired position or area of expertise provides hiring teams with direction—making it easier for them to assess your fit for the role. It also reveals your focus and commitment to a specific field or industry.

Differentiate you: In a competitive job market, standing out from other applicants is essential. By showcasing your understanding of the role you're applying for, you can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.

Align your resume with job requirements: Strategically tailoring your title for every role aligns your resume with the specific requirements of the job posting and proves you thoroughly understand the role you're applying for. 

Resume title vs. resume headline

While "resume title" and " resume headline " are often used interchangeably, it's worth noting that there are different views of their definitions, content, and placement.

Recruiters and hiring managers typically view the resume title as a target title. It's a way to quickly identify a candidate's desired position or area of expertise in a way that immediately grabs attention and aligns with the role a job seeker is applying for. (Some resume title examples are: "Senior Copywriter," "DevOps Engineer," or "Design Intern.")

On the other hand, good resume headlines are more dynamic. They highlight a candidate's value proposition in a brief phrase by showcasing key skills, achievements, or industry accolades in a longer, more detailed format.

There are also differences between resume titles and headlines "on paper" in format and length. 

Resume titles are often placed at the top of the resume, immediately below personal contact information, and are typically short and to the point. They convey the candidate's professional identity or targeted job role in a concise manner. 

In contrast, a good resume headline provide a snapshot of the candidate's strengths and qualifications, capturing attention with a more detailed and compelling description.

What makes a great resume title

When crafting a standout target title, there are a few must-haves that can make all the difference in capturing the attention of potential employers and increasing your chances of landing the job you want.

A great resume title is hyper-relevant to the job you're applying for. It should coincide with the job description as closely as possible, instantly conveying to employers you have what they need.

Conciseness

Save your resume headline and additional skills for your professional summary. Your title should be succinct and easy to read, consisting of just a few words, not a complete sentence.

Position and size

Keep your target title at the top of your resume, directly above your "Professional Summary" section, where it can quickly catch the eye of hiring managers.

Your text size should be larger than your summary or achievements text and more aligned with the size of your section headlines (like your  resume "Work Experience"  headline or your "Skills" headline). 

Writing a resume title should always begin with the same basic steps.

1. Do your research

To understand what title best aligns with what a hiring team is looking for, research is key.

Prioritize understanding the basics of the job listing, including:

• The company
• Relevant keywords from the job ad
• All hard skills and soft skills

Pro Tip: The Teal Job Application Tracker pulls the top five hard skills from any job you save. And Teal+ pulls unlimited skills and language instantly, saving you time, energy, and effort.

Sign up for Teal for free to try it yourself.

2. Maintain Accuracy

While it's important to align your title with a prospective employer's requirements, honesty is equally crucial.

Your target title should align with the role you want while genuinely reflecting your experience, expertise, and qualifications. Avoid misrepresenting your skills so there aren't any unrealistic expectations during the hiring process.

3. Tailor your title

Avoid the common mistake of using the same title for every job you apply to. Instead, carefully analyze the job requirements and adjust your title to highlight the most relevant skills and qualifications. Tailor your resume content to demonstrate your attention to detail and genuine interest in a specific role.

If you think changing your title for every role you're applying to sounds like a lot of work, it doesn't have to be. With Teal's free AI Resume Builder , you can add as many titles as you need—all in one central, organized location.

80+ resume title examples with resume headlines

While a resume title is the most effective way to convey that you're qualified for the role you're applying to, learning how to craft your resume's title and how to write a resume headline (as a short statement that you can use as a foundation for the beginning of your professional resume summary) can also drive home your value.

By job function

Title: Brand Strategist Headline: Creative Brand Strategist | Aligning brand messaging and experience to drive loyalty and business success Title: Communications Coordinator Headline: Communications Coordinator | Managing cross-channel marketing campaigns and internal and external communications Title: Content Marketing Manager Headline: Strategic Content Marketing Manager | Developing and executing content strategies to drive brand awareness and conversions Title:  Content Writer Headline:  Versatile Content Writer | Producing high-quality, SEO-optimized content to drive organic traffic and enhance brand visibility Title: Copywriter Headline: Results-driven Copywriter | Driving conversions, boosting brand awareness Title: Digital Marketing Specialist Headline: ROI-Focused Digital Marketing Specialist | Implementing data-driven strategies to drive online visibility and lead generation Title: Email Marketing Coordinator Headline: Results-driven Email Marketing Coordinator | Creating targeted campaigns and managing end-to-end email marketing initiatives to optimize audience engagement and ROI Title: Event Manager Headline: Strategic Event Manager | Coordinating end-to-end marketing event planning and execution to drive attendance and ROI Title: Director of Brand and Content Headline: Strategic Director of Brand and Content | Building powerful brand narratives and content experiences for market leadership and revenue growth Title: Influencer Marketing Manager Headline: Influencer Marketing Manager | Leveraging influencer collaborations to enhance brand visibility and engagement to amplify reach Title: Marketing Analytics Specialist Headline: Marketing Analytics Specialist | Transforming complex data into actionable insights for informed, winning marketing strategies Title: Marketing Automation Specialist Headline: Results-focused Marketing Automation Specialist | Leveraging technology for strategic marketing success Title:  Marketing Generalist Headline:  Strategic Marketing Generalist | Expertise in integrated campaigns and cross-channel marketing Title: Senior Growth Marketing Manager Headline: Growth Marketing Manager | Driving revenue growth through data-backed strategies and conversion optimization Title: SEO Specialist Headline: Analytical SEO Specialist | Implementing keyword strategies and technical optimization to improve search rankings and conversion Title: Social Media Manager Headline: Social Media Manager | Developing data-driven social media strategies to amplify brand reach and drive conversions

Customer Success

Title: Account Success Manager Headline: Account Success Manager | Nurturing customer relationships and ensuring alignment with business goals and objectives to ensure success Title: Client Success Consultant Headline: Client Success Consultant | Providing strategic guidance and support to clients to maximize their ROI Title: CX Coordinator Headline: CX Coordinator | Coordinating efforts to deliver exceptional customer experiences and resolve issues promptly Title: CX Manager Headline: People-centered CX Manager | Driving exceptional customer satisfaction and loyalty through personalized support and proactive engagement Title: Customer Advocacy Manager Headline: Customer Advocacy Manager | Fostering strong customer relationships and leveraging customer success stories for social proof and business growth Title: Customer Engagement Specialist Headline: Dedicated Customer Engagement Specialist | Creating meaningful interactions and building strong relationships to drive customer success Title: Customer Onboarding Specialist Headline: Enthusiastic Customer Onboarding Specialist | Guiding customers through seamless onboarding processes for successful product adoption and implementation Title: Customer Retention Specialist Headline: Dedicated Customer Retention Specialist | Implementing proactive measures to drive customer retention and reduce churn Title: Customer Success Operations Specialist Headline: Customer Success Operations Specialist | Optimizing processes and systems to enhance customer success operations and drive efficiency Title: Customer Success Strategist Headline: Customer Success Strategist | Developing tailored strategies to maximize customer value, retention, and advocacy

Title: Brand Designer Headline: Brand Designer | Building brand trust by developing visually cohesive and impactful brand identities across channels and platforms Title: Creative Director Headline: Creative Director | Inspiring teams to push boundaries, disrupt mainstream experiences, and deliver exceptional campaigns Title: Design Manager Headline: Design Manager | Fusing creativity and business acumen to generate profitable design solutions and maximize brand growth Title: Design Strategist Headline: Visionary Design Strategist | Driving innovation and guiding design decisions through strategic thinking  Title: Graphic Designer Headline: Graphic Designer | Bringing ideas to life through intentional, stunning visuals and graphic solutions Title: Graphic Illustrator Headline: Graphic Illustrator | Creating captivating and visually rich illustrations that communicate ideas effectively across ads and digital media Title: Interaction Designer Headline: User-focused Interaction Designer | Designing seamless and intuitive user experiences for digital products Title: Product Designer Headline: Versatile Product Designer | Designing seamless, functional, and intuitive experiences that enhance product usability Title: Senior Art Director Headline: Senior Art Director | Amplifying brand storytelling through visual strategies for impactful results and revenue growth Title: UI Designer Headline: UI Designer | Translating complex concepts into intuitive and user-friendly interfaces Title: UI Developer Headline: Innovative UI developer | Translating design concepts into seamless and interactive user interfaces Title: UX Designer Headline: Crafting intuitive and seamless digital experiences for optimal user engagement Title: Visual Designer Headline: Innovative Visual Designer | Creating captivating visuals that communicate brand stories that win customers Title: Web Designer Headline: Web Designer| Building responsive, user-friendly websites for enhanced online presence

Dev and Engineering

Title: AI Engineer Headline: AI Machine Learning Engineer | Developing and implementing cutting-edge algorithms for advanced data analysis and predictive modeling Title: Cloud Engineer Headline: Cloud Engineer | Architecting and optimizing cloud infrastructure for seamless scalability and high performance Title: Cybersecurity Analyst Headline : Cybersecurity Analyst | Protecting organizational assets through proactive threat detection and mitigation strategies Title: Data Engineer Headline: Data Engineer | Building data pipelines and implementing efficient data processing systems for actionable insights Title: DevOps Engineer Headline: DevOps Engineer | Streamlining development and deployment processes for efficient and continuous delivery Title: Front-end Developer Headline: Front-end Developer | Crafting immersive user experiences through intuitive and visually appealing web interfaces Title: Network Administrator Headline: Network Administrator | Managing and securing network infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted connectivity and data integrity Title: Project Manager Headline: Efficient Project Manager | Empowering Development and Engineering teams to enhance productivity and deliver exceptional results Title: Software QA Engineer Headline: Software QA Engineer | Ensuring software reliability and usability through comprehensive testing and quality assurance processes Title: Solutions Architect Headline: Innovative Solutions Architect | Designing scalable and robust technical solutions to address complex business challenges Title: Systems Engineer Headline: Systems Engineer | Designing and optimizing robust systems architecture for optimal performance and reliability

Title: AI Researcher Headline: Experienced AI Researcher | Driving innovation and advancement in machine learning Title: Product Analyst Headline: Product Analyst | Leveraging market insights and conducting data analysis to inform product strategy and maximize market success Title: Product Innovation Consultant Headline: Product Innovation Consultant | Driving product innovation initiatives and conducting market research to identify and nurture breakthrough product ideas Title: Product Launch Specialist Headline: Product Launch Specialist | Orchestrating successful product launches, developing GTM plans, and executing impactful marketing campaigns to drive successful adoption Title: Product Manager Headline: Product Manager | Leading strategic product development, driving cross-functional collaboration, and overseeing successful GTM initiatives Title: Product Marketing Manager Headline: Product Marketing Manager | Crafting compelling positioning, executing data-driven campaigns, and driving revenue growth through winning GTM strategies Title: Product Owner Headline: Product Owner | Defining vision, prioritizing features, and ensuring seamless collaboration to deliver exceptional customer value Title: Product Researcher Headline: Product Researcher | Conducting in-depth market research, user studies, and competitive analysis to inform product strategy and drive innovation. Title: Product Solutions Architect Headline: Product Solutions Architect | Designing and delivering scalable, customized product solutions to meet diverse client needs Title: Product Strategist Headline: Product Strategist | Defining product direction, conducting market research, and identifying growth opportunities to drive competitive advantage and market expansion Title: Product Support Specialist Headline: Product Support Specialist | Providing exceptional tech support, troubleshooting product concerns, and ensuring customer satisfaction to drive trust and long-term loyalty Title: QA Analyst Headline: QA Analyst | Ensuring product quality through rigorous testing and audits to implement successful improvement initiatives Title: Senior Product Designer Headline: Senior Product Designer | Creating innovative design solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and delivering visually captivating product experiences Title: Technical Product Manager Headline: Technical Product Manager | Bridging the gap between product strategy and development teams to ensure innovation and successful product execution Title: User Researcher Headline: User Researcher | Conducting comprehensive research to understand user behaviors and needs

Title: Account Executive Headline: Accomplished Account Executive | Driving revenue growth and client success Title: Business Development Coordinator Headline: Strategic Business Development Coordinator | Researching market trends, identifying potential clients, and supporting business development initiatives Title: Business Development Representative Headline: Results-Driven Business Development Representative | Cultivating strategic partnerships and driving revenue through targeted prospecting Title: Channel Sales Manager Headline: Channel Sales Manager | Developing and managing strategic partnerships and channel sales programs to expand market reach and increase sales Title: Enterprise Account Manager Headline: Enterprise Account Manager | Cultivating strong relationships with key accounts and driving sales growth within enterprise-level customers Title: Entry-level Sales Rep Headline: Energetic and Ambitious Entry-level Sales Rep | Eager to drive customer relationships and to growth Title: Inside Sales Director Headline: Inside Sales Director| Leading and motivating inside sales teams to achieve revenue targets and exceed customer expectations Title: Inside Sales Rep Headline: Inside Sales Representative | Leveraging strong communication and negotiation skills to identify opportunities and exceed sales targets Title: Lead Generation Specialist Headline: Proactive Lead Generation Specialist | Conducting targeted research and outreach to identify and engage potential customers for sales opportunities Title: Sales Analyst Headline: Analytical Sales Analyst | Collecting and analyzing sales data to identify trends, insights, and opportunities for sales optimization Title: Sales Associate Headline: Customer-focused Sales Associate | Delivering exceptional customer service and driving sales through effective product knowledge and relationship building Title: Sales Coordinator Headline: Detail-oriented Sales Coordinator | Providing administrative support, managing sales documentation, and assisting with sales operations Title: Sales Development Manager Headline: Results-oriented Sales Development Manager | Leading and optimizing the sales development process to generate qualified leads and fuel sales pipeline growth Title: Sales Enablement Specialist Headline: Sales Enablement Specialist | Equipping sales teams with the tools, resources, and training necessary to drive revenue and growth Title: Sales Engineer Headline: Technical Sales Engineer | Collaborating with customers and sales teams to provide technical expertise and drive successful product sales Title: Sales Operations Analyst Headline: Analytical Sales Operations Analyst | Optimizing sales processes, analyzing data, and providing insights to enhance sales performance Title: Sales Operations Manager Headline: Sales Operations Manager | Overseeing sales processes, forecasting, and analytics to drive operational efficiency and sales effectiveness Title: Sales Support Representative Headline: Dedicated Sales Support Representative | Assisting sales teams with order processing, customer inquiries, and sales administration tasks Title : Sales Trainer Headline: Dynamic Sales Trainer | Developing and delivering comprehensive sales training programs to enhance sales skills and drive performance Title: Solutions Consultant Headline: Strategic Solutions Consultant | Providing expert guidance and tailored solutions to meet client needs and drive sales success Title: Sales Manager Headline: Strategic Sales Manager | Driving revenue growth through effective inbound and outbound strategies and team leadership

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can i tailor my resume title to different job applications, what are the common mistakes to avoid when crafting a resume title, is it beneficial to include certifications or degrees in my resume title.

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How to Write an Effective Title for Your Resume With Examples

Titles for Resume | How-to & Examples | Resume.com

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What are titles for resumes?

How to write a title for your resume, resume title examples.

To make your resume stand out from other applicants, consider using a title on your resume. Hiring managers will look through many resumes or use applicant tracking systems to sort out resumes for them, so you need to capture their attention. In this article, you can learn how to write an effective resume title and increase your chances of getting a job interview by introducing yourself in a unique way.

A title for your resume is a short statement that summarizes both your achievements and your skills as a professional. People may call a resume title a resume headline because it should go at the top of your resume, right below your contact information. Your resume title is the first thing hiring managers see, so write it to capture their interest so they will look at the rest of your resume. The purpose of a resume title is to introduce yourself as a qualified candidate to employers.

Here is how to write an effective title for your resume.

1. Firstly, relate it to the job

Make your resume title unique to the job you’re applying to. Most of the time, you need to write a new resume title for each application you send to employers. By personalizing your resume title to the role, a hiring manager is more likely to read the rest of your resume. Do this by adding specific skills and qualifications that make you a good candidate for the role. Tailor your resume to the industry you’re applying to.

2. Secondly, use relevant keywords

Applicant tracking systems use keywords to sort through resumes and find qualified candidates, so it is important to use relevant keywords, skills, and qualifications to show you are a good fit for the job. Read through the job description and pick out specific keywords that you could include in your resume title. Also, look through similar job descriptions to find additional keywords to include. For example, if you see the keywords ‘customer service’ and ‘retail,’ you could write ‘ Experienced Sales Associate With Three Years of Experience Providing Excellent Customer Service in a Retail Setting.’ By choosing relevant keywords, you can pass through applicant tracking systems and move to the next step of the hiring process.

3. Thirdly, keep your resume title brief

Your resume title should only be one sentence long. Hiring managers are more likely to read your resume title if it is concise. Leave out any fluff, jargon, or cliches and include details that have real meaning. For example, replace the phrase ‘go-getter’ with adjectives such as ambitious, industrious, or diligent.

4. Fourthly, make it sound interesting

Hiring managers look through many resumes that are similar to one another. Make your resume title stand out by writing something that makes you sound different from other candidates. Think of unique adjectives that you can use to describe yourself as a professional. Remember to choose an adjective that makes sense for the role you’re applying to.

Examples of unique adjectives for resume titles:

• Cooperative
• Detail-oriented
• Disciplined
• Imaginative
• Industrious
• Investigative
• Multifaceted

5. Fifthly, write it in title case

Write your resume title in title case without a period at the end. Title case is when you capitalize every word except for articles, conjunctions, and prepositions under four characters long. Always capitalize verbs, even if they are under four characters. Are and Is are two common verb forms you should capitalize in your resume title.

6. Sixthly, use specific numbers if applicable

Use numbers and percentages to show employers exactly what you have accomplished. Include things like how many years of experience you have, how many team members you have led or how much you helped a company grow.

7. Finally, thoroughly proofread it before submitting

Sometimes written words sound better in your head than they do out loud. Read your resume title out loud to make sure it is grammatically correct and flows well. Likewise, do this with your entire resume. Then, have another person proofread your resume and correct any errors. Have them read the job description first so they can decide if your resume fits the job well.

By following these steps, you can write a resume title or headline that hiring managers will notice.

Here are some example resume titles grouped by various industries.

Agriculture

• Diligent Farmhand With Three Years of Experience Caring for Livestock
• Industrious Farmer With Experience Taking Care of 300 Cattle Each Season
• Innovative Agricultural Food Scientist Responsible for Creating Biodegradable Food Packaging
• Experienced Mechanic With Specialty in Foreign Sports Cars
• Hard-Working Service Writer With Excellent Customer Service Skills
• Attentive Car Washer and Detailer With Experience Detailing Over 500 Cars
• Cooperative Sales Manager With Experience Leading a Team of 20 Sales Associates
• Strategic Data Analyst Creating Solutions for Better Data Management
• Organized Office Secretary With an Aptitude for Client Relations

Construction

• Highly Skilled Contractor Responsible for Leading Multimillion-Dollar Projects
• Disciplined Construction Worker With Experience in Project Management
• Experienced Brick Mason With an Eye for Perfection
• Passionate English Teacher With 10 Years of Experience Teaching Advanced English
• Dedicated Teacher’s Aide With a Passion for Special Education
• Knowledgeable School Librarian With Experience Leading a Literacy Program for Disenfranchised Youth
• Personable Bank Teller With Excellent Customer Service Skills
• Insightful Hedge Fund Manager Who is Passionate About Getting Clients the Best Return on Their Investment
• Experienced Chief Financial Officer With 10 Years of Experience Working at a Fortune 500 Company

Foodservice

• Experimental Executive Chef With a Knack for Creating Mouthwatering Recipes
• Good-Humored Server With Two Years of Experience Working in Comedy Clubs
• Friendly Hostess Skilled in Providing Outstanding Customer Service
• Personable Medical Assistant With Two Years of Experience Working in Hospital Settings
• Passionate Nutritionist With Specialty in Early Childhood Eating Disorders
• Attentive Certified Nursing Assistant With an Interest in Working at Mental Health Facilities
• Trendsetting Stylist With a Love for Women’s Fashion
• Friendly Cashier With an Aptitude for Customer Service and Product Knowledge
• Experienced Customer Service and Sales Manager With Experience Leading a Team of Sales Associates
• Innovative Software Developer Responsible for Writing Award-Winning Code
• Intuitive Web Developer Skilled in JavaScript and HTML/CSS
• Helpful Software Support Specialist with a Five Star Customer Satisfaction Rating
• Experienced Journeyman Electrician With Over 10,000 Hours of Work Experience
• Hard-Working Plumber With a Specialty in Residential Piping
• Passionate Veterinary Technician With a Love for All Animals

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

The Right Way to List Job Titles on Your Resume in 2024

Listing your jobs correctly on your resume is a must. In this guide, you will learn how to appropriately list your job title and catch the eye of the recruiter.

Your job titles on your resume are important. They help relay to employers your roles and responsibilities. Listing your job titles can also help to show professional progression!

We will cover how to properly list your job titles on a resume and the importance of doing so.

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

What is the Job Title Section of Your Resume and Why is it Important?

When it comes to job titles on a resume, there are two main areas of your resume to place title in:

• A dedicated job title section
• Your work experience section

Understanding how these two types of sections differ is key.

In this section, we will break down the differences to help you gain a better understanding of what “job titles” can mean and where to put them.

Making a Job Title Section for the Job You are Seeking

A job title section on a resume is a short section used to identify the specific role you are currently seeking.

This is a key element to add to a resume, especially if you face high competition for the role.

For example, let’s say you are a culinary professional looking for a head chef position at a high-end restaurant. Your job title section may look something like this:

John Doe Head Chef with over 10 years experience in fine dining.  

In this example, the applicant lists the role they wish to maintain.

They also provide a very brief statement describing their experience level.

Typically, you will find this section listed directly below the name or contact information of the applicant.

This should be a concise statement that conveys who you are and the position you seek.

It is important to note that this section is not the same as a professional objective or summary statement.

Professional objectives are often a bit longer and more in-depth, while a job title section should be as succinct as possible.

Listing Job Titles in a Work Experience Section

The second type of job title that you can incorporate into a resume is the job title of a previous position.

Generally, these job titles will be in the work experience section.

There are some key elements to keep in mind when listing your previous job titles on a resume:

• Does the job title clearly relay your role and responsibilities?
• Do you have multiple titles at the same company that show promotion and professional progression?
• Are you using the exact title given at the job or have you changed it?

The key to listing your job titles is to always be honest.

Job titles within a work experience section are one of the first things an employer will see, so using the correct titles is crucial.

Need more help writing your work experience section? Check out our guide on How to Describe Work Experience on a Resume!

‍ Is There a Right Way to List My Job Titles?

There are several different ways to list job titles on a resume.

Despite this, there are a few key factors that separate correct job titles from incorrect ones.

Here are a few examples to help you determine the “right” way to list your job titles on a resume:

Example 1: Making your job title section relevant and concise

John Doe Seeking a job in management, communications, or marketing.

Why It’s Wrong: In this example, there are several issues. The applicant lists fields they would like to work in, rather than giving themselves an exact job title they are seeking. Additionally, listing multiple types of jobs will hinder your job title from being as relevant as possible to the job you are applying to.

John Doe Marketing Manager with 7+ years experience in the financial industry

Example 2: Placing your job titles in the correct order

Office Assistant, Black and Decker June 2019 – June 2020 Description Office Manager, Tennessee Valley Authority July 2020 – Present Description ‍

Why It’s Wrong: You always want to put your highest positions first. By listing your more prominent job title lower in your work experience section, you risk the hiring manager missing it entirely. ‍

Office Manager, Tennessee Valley Authority July 2020 – Present Description ‍ Office Assistant, Black and Decker June 2019 – June 2020 Description

Example 3: Avoiding dishonest or misleading job titles

For this example, imagine you are a restaurant worker with some management responsibilities.

Your title given by your boss may be “shift lead” or “keyholder.”

General Manager, Mellow Mushroom August 2019 – June 2020 Description

Why It’s Wrong: While you may have management responsibilities, the title “General Manager” implies you are a salaried, full-time manager. If this is not the case, using General Manager as your job title is both dishonest and misleading.

Shift Lead, Mellow Mushroom   August 2019 – June 2020 Description

‍ Can I Change My Job Title to More Accurately Describe My Role?

Sometimes, a job applicant may feel like a previous job title does not accurately describe their role or responsibilities.

This may compel them to want to change the title to better explain their experience and qualifications.

However, as we have covered, changing a job title too much can make it dishonest or misleading.

Plus, a hiring manager may contact your previous employer and find out you changed your title.

This can result in hiring managers throwing your application entirely!

In some cases, the company you work for may assign you a job title that is unique to the company.

For example, a restaurant may call its shift leaders “community leaders.”

While this may work within the company itself, it may not translate well on a resume.

If this is a situation you are dealing with, the best course of action would be to discuss with your previous employer beforehand if possible.

This way, if the hiring manager contacts your previous employer they will know why you are being referred to with a different title.

The key to getting around vague job titles is to be concise and specific in your job descriptions.

This is where you can showcase your responsibilities and provide more accurate information.

Are you struggling to find compelling ways to describe your work experience? Take a look at our list of 350+ Action Verbs to Make Your Resume More Effective !

Is it Ever Okay to Change My Job Title?

Generally speaking, you should avoid changing your job titles.

This will help you to keep consistency between your resume and LinkedIn profile, and with your references.

The biggest reason to consider changing your job title is if you believe it will be a hindrance for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

ATS software looks for specific keywords, such as “manager” or “assistant.”

If the job title contains words such as “lead,” “head,” or other vague terms, this could be problematic.

The key to changing your job title is to use replacement words that are synonymous with the original terms.

You never want to use a job title that portrays you as higher up than you actually are.

How Should I List My Job Titles to Get Noticed by the Hiring Manager?

Your job titles have a major role to play in your resume.

They not only convey your work experience, but they also help to give you an edge on the competition if listed properly.

Of course, there are better job titles than others in the eyes of hiring managers.

The key is to relay how your job titles make you the most qualified candidate for the job.

Let’s cover the 3 key factors keep in mind when listing jobs titles on a resume:

• ‍ Relevance: The job titles that appear first on your resume should be the most relevant ones to the job you are applying to. Though you also need to keep in mind the timeliness of a past position, listing your most relevant job titles first will showcase your qualifications for the job. ‍
• Responsibilities: Once you have listed your job title, you need to list your most prominent responsibilities in the description. These descriptions should be bulleted and as concise as possible. They should help to tie into your job title and provide greater clarity about your role. ‍
• Recognition: Higher-level job titles such as “manager” hold more weight with employers. Choosing recognizably important job titles is crucial. It helps to show hiring managers you are capable of professional progression as well.

Tips for Landing the Job You’re Applying For

Aside from prioritizing your best job titles, there are a few key elements of your job title and work experience sections to consider.

These include:

• ‍ Formatting: As you write your resume, you want to ensure your headings and titles have the same format. Consistency gives your resume a better visual flow and makes it easier for hiring managers to skim through it quickly. ‍
• Keywords: When applying to a job, always comb through the job description for keywords. Including these keywords in your work experience section will help to show hiring managers that you pay attention! ‍
• Clarity: Job titles are short – typically between one to two words. As such, providing as much clarity as possible in your descriptions is paramount. Always include your primary responsibilities and achievements within the role!

There are many different elements of your resume to consider when trying to get noticed by employers. Read our guide on How to Write the Perfect Resume for more tips!

‍ How Do I List Multiple Jobs from the Same Company?

If you have worked at a company for several years, chances are you have had a promotion or two.

This means that you will have multiple job titles coming from the same business!

When listing multiple jobs at the same company on a resume, there are two main formatting options:

• ‍ Stacked Entries: A stacked entry is a singular entry that stacks your job titles. Typically, you will put the most important and recent job title first and primarily describe that title. This is to show promotions while avoiding writing entries that are too similar. ‍
• Separate Entries: If you worked many positions with different responsibilities, use separate entries. Separate entries allow you to fully describe each job title individually.

Stacked Entries Example

Here is an example of a well-formatted stacked entry:

KPMG Senior Consultant, January 2020 – Present Junior Consultant, December 2018 – December 2020 Description

This example lists the company first with the stacked job titles beneath. 

The most recent and highest-level job title is directly below the company name.

When using a stacked entry, be sure to be consistent in how you format your other entries.

If you start one entry with the company name, aim to start all the entries similarly.

Separate Entries Example

Here is an example of when to use separate entries.

In this example, imagine the candidate is applying for a role as a Lead Marketer:

Marketing Manager , The Coca-Cola Company February 2019 – Present Description Communications Coordinator , The Coca Cola Company October 2018 – January 2019 Description

While these titles may share some similarities, they ultimately have different responsibilities.

However, both roles fall within the same general industry, making them both relevant to the job application.

This makes it useful to include both as separate entries!

Should I Put the Job Title I’m Applying for on My Resume?

Yes! You should always consider adding a dedicated job title section that lists the job title you are seeking.

This is especially true if the job title relays a specialization, such as a DevOps Engineer. 

Additionally, if you are adding a general resume to a LinkedIn profile, having a job title section helps potential employers find you!

Omitting a job title section may be preferable for jobs that are lower- or entry-level.

Do I Have to List All of My Job Titles?

Whether or not to list all of your job titles depends on both the relevance and available space on your resume.

Listing too many job titles can result in a cramped visual appearance, making your resume harder to read.

This is not ideal, as hiring managers will typically want to be able to skim through the resume quickly for the most important details.

When choosing job titles to include, ask yourself:

• Is each of these titles relevant to the job I am applying to?
• Does including these titles show promotion or professional growth?

Final Takeaways

The job titles you include on your resume can have a major impact on a hiring manager’s impression of you.

Here are 5 key takeaways to remember about job titles:

• Job title sections should clearly list the job you are seeking. Place this section close to your name and be as concise as possible.
• Job titles should appear in both a dedicated section and within a work experience section.
• Avoid changing your job titles when possible. If you do need to change a vague or unique title, try contacting that employer beforehand to alert them of the change.
• When listing multiple jobs at the same company, use stacked entries for jobs with similar responsibilities. Use separate entries when the responsibilities differ significantly.
• Keep your formatting consistent! If you start one entry with the company name, start all other entries with the company name as well.

At Easy Resume, we strive to help you create the resume that will land you your dream job.

Don’t forget to check out our extensive collection of free resume examples and guides while you’re here!

Browse more resume templates that fit your role

Ed is a co-founder of Easy Resume. His background in scaling teams at tech startups over the last decade has given him extensive experience and knowledge around how to hire top talent and build successful teams. He enjoys mentoring, coaching, and helping others reach their career goals. When he's not writing about career-related advice, he's playing with his dog, Lilo, or going on long hikes in upstate New York.

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How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide

For most job-seekers, a good resume is what stands between a dream job and Choice D. Get your resume right, and you’ll be getting replies from every other company you apply to.

If your resume game is weak, though, you’ll end up sitting around for weeks, maybe even months, before you even get a single response.

So you’re probably wondering how you can write a resume that gets you an interview straight up.

Well, you’ve come to the right place!

In this guide, we’re going to teach you everything you need to know about how to make a resume, including:

• The 8 Essential Steps to Writing a Resume
• 11+ Exclusive Resume Tips to Up Your Resume Game
• 27+ Real-Life Resume Examples for Different Professions

….and more!

So, let’s dive right in.

How to Make a Resume (The Right Way!)

Before we go into detail about how you should make a resume, here’s a summary of the most important steps and tips to keep in mind:

• Choose a resume format carefully. In 99% of cases, we recommend the reverse-chronological format .
• Add the right contact details. Leave your headshot out and make sure to include your job title , a professional email address, and any relevant links. (E.g.: your LinkedIn profile , online portfolio, personal website, etc.).
• Write an impactful resume summary. Unless you’re an entry-level professional, always go for a resume summary. If you do it right, it’s your chance to get the hiring manager to go through the rest of your resume in detail.
• Pay attention to your work experience section. Take your work experience section from OK-ish to exceptional by tailoring it to the job ad, making your achievements quantifiable, and using action verbs and power words.
• Add the right skills for the job. Keep this section relevant by only including the hard and soft skills that are required for the position.
• Keep your education short and to the point. Your most recent and highest degree is more than enough for a strong education section. You only need to add more details here if you’re a recent graduate with barely any work experience.
• Leverage optional resume sections. Optional sections like languages, hobbies, certifications, independent projects, and others can set you apart from other candidates with similar skills and experience.
• Include a cover letter. That’s right, cover letters matter in 2024, and the best way to supplement your resume is by adding an equally well-crafted cover letter to your job application. To make the most of it, check out our detailed guide on how to write a cover letter .

To get the most out of our tips, you can head over to the resume builder and start building your resume on the go as you read this guide.

New to resume-making? Give our ‘7 Resume Tips’ video a watch before diving into the article!

#1. Pick the Right Resume Format

Before you start filling in the contents of your resume, you have to make sure it’s going to look good. 

After all, the first thing hiring managers notice is what your resume looks like, and then they start reading it. So, this is your best chance to make a great first impression.

Start by choosing the right resume format.

There are three types of resume formats out there:

• Reverse-chronological. This is by far the most popular resume format worldwide and, as such, it’s the best format for most job-seekers.
• Functional. This resume format focuses more on skills than work experience. It’s a good choice if you’re just getting started with your career and have little to no experience in the field.
• Combination. The combination resume format is a great choice for experienced job-seekers with a very diverse skill set. It’s useful if you’re applying for a role that requires expertise in several different fields and you want to show all that in your resume.

So, which one should you go for?

In 99% of cases, you want to stick to the reverse-chronological resume format . It’s the most popular format and what hiring managers expect to see. So, in the rest of this guide, we’re going to focus on teaching you how to make a reverse-chronological resume.

Fix Your Resume’s Layout

With formatting out of the way, let’s talk about your resume’s layout , which determines the overall look of your resume. 

Does it look organized or cluttered? Is it too short or too long? Is it boring and easy to ignore, or is it reader-friendly and attention-grabbing?

Here are some of the best practices you should apply:

• Stick to one page. You should only go for a two-page resume if you have decades of experience and you’re sure the extra space will add significant value. Hiring managers in big companies get hundreds of applications per job opening. They’re not going to spend their valuable time reading your life story!
• Add clear section headings. Pick a heading and use it for all the section headers so the hiring manager can easily navigate through your resume.
• Adjust the margins. Without the right amount of white space, your resume will end up looking overcrowded with information. Set your margins to one inch on all sides so your text fits just right on the page.
• Choose a professional font. We’d recommend sticking to a font that’s professional but not overused. For example, Ubuntu, Roboto, or Overpass. Avoid Times New Roman, and never use Comic Sans.
• Set the correct font size. As a rule of thumb, go for 11-12 pt for normal text and 14-16 pt for section titles.
• Use a PDF file. Always save your resume as a PDF file, unless the employer specifically requests otherwise. Word files are popular, but there’s a good chance they’ll mess up your resume’s formatting.

Another thing you need to consider in terms of your resume’s layout is whether you’re going for a traditional-looking resume template or something a bit more modern :

If you’re pursuing a career in a more traditional industry, like law , banking , or finance , you might want to stick to the first.

But if you’re applying to a tech company where imagination and innovation are valued, you can pick a more creative resume template .

Want to Save Time? Use a (Free) Resume Template

Anyone who’s ever tried creating a resume from scratch knows how boring the formatting can be.

Before you can even start filling in the contents, you need to tweak the margins, adjust font sizes, and make sure everything fits into one page while still looking good.

What if you could skip past all that and still create a compelling resume?

Try one of our free resume templates . They’re pre-formatted, so all you have to do is fill in the contents.

They’re also created in collaboration with recruiters from around the globe, ensuring that the templates are visually appealing and ATS-friendly!

See for yourself how one of our templates compares to a resume created in a standard text editor:

#2. Add Your Contact Information

Now that we’ve got all the formatting out of the way, let’s get into what your resume is all about— the information you put on it .

The first thing you want to do when filling out the contents of your resume is to add your contact information .

This section is pretty straightforward but crucial. Your contact details belong at the top of your resume in a designated resume header , so the hiring manager can easily find them.

Even if everything else about your resume is perfect, that all flops if you misspell your email address or have a typo in your phone number. If the hiring manager can’t contact you, it’s a missed opportunity.

So, double-check, and even triple-check your contact information section and make sure everything is factually correct and up-to-date.

Must-Have Information

• Full name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top of your resume.
• Email address. Stick to an address that’s professional and easy to spell, like a combination of your first and last name. (E.g.: [email protected])
• Phone number. Add a reliable number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
• Location. Add your city and state/country. If you plan to relocate for the job or want a remote position, specify it on your resume.

Optional Information

• Job title. Add your professional title underneath. Write it down word for word, whether it’s “Digital Marketing Specialist” or “Junior Data Scientist.” Just don’t make up job titles like “Marketing Wizzard” or “Data Manipulator.” They’re not quirky; they’re just unprofessional. 
• LinkedIn profile . We recommend that you include a link to your updated LinkedIn profile since over 77% of hiring managers use the platform when evaluating a candidate. 
• Relevant links. Include links to personal websites or any social media profiles that are relevant to your field. For example, a developer could include a Github profile, while a graphic designer could link their Behance or Driblle account, and so on.
• Date of birth. Unless this is specifically required in the job ad, the hiring manager doesn’t need to know how old you are. It’s not important for their decision-making, and at worst, it might lead to age-based discrimination.
• Unprofessional email address. Your quirky, old high school email address doesn’t belong on your resume. Instead of [email protected] , go for a [email protected] type of address.
• Headshot. (USA, UK or Ireland) Depending on the country where you’re applying, it might even be illegal to include a picture of yourself on your resume . While it’s the norm to include a picture in most of Europe and Asia, always check the regulations for each specific country or industry you’re applying to.

All clear? Good! Now, let’s look at what a great example of a resume's contact information section looks like:

#3. Write a Resume Headline (Summary or Objective)

It's no secret that recruiters spend an average of less than seven seconds on a resume .

When you receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications daily, it's physically impossible to spend too much time on each.

So, what the hiring managers do to go through resumes more effectively is to skim through each resume and read it in depth only if it piques their interest.

This is where the resume headline comes in.

Placed right next to (or underneath) your contact information, this brief paragraph is the first thing the hiring manager is going to read on your resume.

Now, depending on how far along in your career you are, your resume headline can be either a resume summary or a resume objective.

So, how do you choose between a resume summary and a resume objective? Here’s all you need to know:

Resume Summary

A resume summary, as the name suggests, is a two to three-sentence summary of your career so far. If done right, it shows that you’re a qualified candidate at a glance and gets the hiring manager to give you a chance.

Here’s what your resume summary should include:

• Your job title and years of experience.
• A couple of your greatest professional achievements or core responsibilities.
• Your most relevant skills for the job.

Here’s an example of a well-written resume summary: 

Experienced Java Developer with 5 years of experience in building scalable and efficient applications. Contributed to a major project that enhanced application performance by 25%. Strong background in Spring Framework and microservices. Aiming to apply robust coding skills to develop innovative software solutions at XYZ Tech Solutions.

Unless you’re a recent graduate or amid a career change, we recommend you stick to a resume summary. Otherwise, a resume objective might be a better option for you.

Resume Objective

A resume objective is supposed to express your professional goals and aspirations, academic background, and any relevant skills you may have for the job.

It communicates your motivation for getting into a new field, so it’s the go-to headline for recent graduates and those going through a career change. As with a resume summary, a resume objective should be brief—around two to four sentences long.

So, here’s what it would look like if you’re a student:

Hard-working recent graduate with a B.A. in Graphic Design from New York State University seeking new opportunities. 3+ years of practical experience working with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, creating illustrations and UX/UI design projects. Looking to grow as a designer and perfect my art at XYZ Design Studio.

Or, on the other hand, if you’re going through a career change, it might look more like this:

IT project manager with 5+ years of experience in software development. Managed a team of developers to create products for several industries, such as FinTech and HR tech. Looking to leverage my experience in managing outsourced products as a Product Owner at Company XYZ.

#4. Prioritize Your Work Experience

The most important part of your resume is your work experience.

This is where you get to sell yourself and show off your previous accomplishments and responsibilities.

If you manage to master this section, you’ll know most of what’s there to know about how to make a resume.

There are plenty of good practices for writing your work experience . But before we dive into all the nits and grits, let's start with the basics.

The standard format for each work experience entry is as follows:

• Job title/position. Your job title goes on top of each work experience entry. When the hiring manager looks at your resume, you want them to know, at a glance, that you have relevant work experience for the job.
• Company name/location/description. Mention the name of the employer and the general location, such as the city and state/country where you worked. In some cases, you may also want to briefly describe the company, like when the organization isn’t particularly well-known.
• Dates employed. Add the approximate timeframe of your employment at each company. You don’t need to give exact dates since the standard format for this is mm/yyyy.
• Achievements and responsibilities. This is the core of each work experience entry. Depending on your field, you want to list either your achievements or responsibilities. List them in bullet points instead of paragraphs, so they’ll be easier to read.

Here’s a real-life example:

Your work experience entries should always be listed in reverse chronological order , starting with your most recent job and working your way back into the past.

Now that you know how to list your experience, we’re going to show you how to write about it in a way that makes you stand out from the competition, starting with: 

Are you a student with no work experience? We’ve got you covered. Check out our guide to writing a resume with no experience here.

Focus on Achievements Whenever Possible

One of the most common resume mistakes is only listing responsibilities in your work experience section.

Here’s the thing—in most cases, the hiring manager knows exactly what your job responsibilities are.

For example, if you’re a sales manager, your responsibilities would be:

• Reach out to potential clients over the phone or email.
• Maintain relationships with existing company clients and upsell relevant products.
• Tracking and reporting on leads in CRM.

Coincidentally, this is also the same list of responsibilities for every sales manager out there. So, 90% of all other resumes probably mention the same thing.

To stand out from the competition, you want to focus on writing achievements in your resume instead. These can be how you helped your previous company grow, reach quarterly quotas, and so on.

Let’s compare how responsibilities hold up next to achievements for the same job:

• Exceeded sales team KPIs by 30%+ for 3 months straight.
• Generated over $24,000 in sales in 1 month.
• Generated leads through cold-calling
• Managed existing company clients

Keep in mind, though, that in some fields, there just aren’t that many achievements you can mention. Let’s say you’re a warehouse worker .

Your day-to-day responsibilities probably include:

• Loading, unloading, and setting up equipment daily.
• Packaging finished products and getting them ready for shipping.
• Assisting in opening and closing the warehouse.

In fields like this, it’s pretty hard to distinguish yourself through achievements, so it’s okay to stick to responsibilities instead. You can still make them shine by following the rest of our advice about listing your work experience.

Keep in mind, though, that in some fields, there aren’t that many achievements you can mention. Let’s say you work in a warehouse. Your day-to-day responsibilities probably involve:

• Loading, unloading and setting up equipment on a daily basis.
• Package finished product and get it ready for shipping.
• Assist in opening and closing the warehouse.

In such fields, it’s pretty hard to distinguish yourself, so it’s totally OK to stick to responsibilities instead.

Tailor Your Resume to the Job

Tailoring is what sets an amazing resume apart from an okay one.

Hiring managers don’t need to know about every single job you’ve ever worked at or every single skill that you have.

They only want to know about your jobs, experiences, or skills that are relevant to the role you’re applying for.

For example, if you’re applying for a job doing Google Ads, you don’t need to talk about your SEO internship from eight years ago.

By focusing your resume on whatever is important for the specific role, you’re a lot more likely to stand out and catch the hiring manager’s attention.

Let’s take a look at an example of a job ad:

As you can see, we’ve highlighted the most important requirements.

To tailor your resume accordingly, you just need to mention how you meet each of these requirements in your resume.

You can highlight your relevant achievements and qualifications in different parts of your resume, such as:

• In your resume summary, where you should recap your years of experience.
• Throughout your work experience section, where you should list achievements and responsibilities that reflect your social media marketing experience.
• In your education section, where you can let the hiring manager know you have the degree that they’re looking for.

Include the Right Amount of Work Experience

If you’ve got over a decade’s worth of work experience, you’re probably wondering whether all of it belongs on your resume. In most cases, you’d end up writing a novel if you listed everything you’ve ever done, and that’s not how long a resume should be .

If you’re new to the job market, on the other hand, you probably don’t have any experience, and you’re wondering what you could even add to this section.

So, here’s how much information your resume should include, depending on your level of experience:

• No experience. If you’re looking for your first job , you won’t have any work experience to fill this section with. So, you can either keep it empty and focus on all the other sections or fill it up with any experience gained in student organizations, extracurricular activities, volunteering, and other projects.
• Entry-level. List all your work experience so far. While some of it won’t be relevant, it can still show the hiring manager that you do have some actual work experience.
• Mid-level. Only mention relevant work experience to the position you’re applying for. There’s no need to waste space on jobs that aren’t related to what you’re after.
• Senior-level. List up to 15 years of relevant work experience, tops. If your most recent experience is as a marketing executive , the hiring manager doesn’t care how you started your career as a junior marketing specialist 23 years ago.

Consider Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Software

Did you know that over 70% of resumes don’t even make it to the hiring manager ?

Most companies these days use ATS to evaluate hundreds of resumes instantaneously and automatically filter out the ones that don’t meet their criteria.

For example, if a resume doesn’t mention a specific skill or isn’t formatted correctly, the ATS will automatically reject it.

Fortunately, there are some easy ways to make an ATS-friendly resume .

Here are a couple of tips to help you get past those pesky robots:

• Stick to one page. Sometimes employers set a limit on how long a resume should be. This means that if your resume is longer than one page, it might get automatically disqualified.
• Incorporate keywords. Tailoring your resume to the job helps a ton with beating the ATS. Just carefully read the job description to find hints for what the ATS will be looking for. Then, whenever you find keywords related to your responsibilities and achievements, make sure to include them in your work experience section.
• Use an active voice. Passive voice is too vague and unclear, so make sure to use active voice as much as possible when describing your previous jobs. (E.g.: “Managed a team of ten people,” instead of “ A team of ten people was managed by me.” )
• Leverage powerful action words. Instead of starting each of your sentences with “was responsible for," make your work experience impactful by using words that can grab attention. Saying that you “spearheaded” or “facilitated” something sounds a lot more impressive than “helped.”

Want to make sure your resume formatting passes the ATS test? Choose one of our tried and tested ATS-friendly resume templates , and you’ll be good to go! 

#5. List Your Education

The next section on your resume is dedicated to your academic qualifications. Let’s start with the basics!

Here’s how you should format the education section on your resume :

• Program Name. Your major and degree type should be listed. (E.g.: “B.A. in Business Administration” )
• University Name. Add the name of the institution. (E.g.: “New York State University” )
• Dates Attended. Use a mm/yyyy format for the dates you attended. (E.g.: “08/2008 - 06/2012” )
• Location. If your university is less well-known, you can also add the location. (E.g.: “Stockholm, Sweden” )
• GPA. Use the appropriate grading system for the country you’re applying to work in. (E.g.: In the USA, it would be “3.9 GPA” )
• Honors. Add any honors and distinctions you’ve been given. (E.g.: Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude )
• Achievements. You can mention interesting papers you’ve written, projects you’ve done, or relevant coursework you’ve excelled in.
• Minor. “Minor in Psychology”

Pretty simple, right? Now let’s see what an education section looks like in practice:

This example includes all the necessary information, plus an eye-catching award and relevant classes this candidate has taken.

Resume Education Tips

Now that you know how to list your education on your resume, let’s take this section to the next level.

Just follow these expert tips:

• If you’re making a resume as a student and don’t have any work experience yet, you can list your education section at the beginning of the page instead of work experience.
• You can add your expected graduation date if you’re still pursuing your degree.
• If you already have relevant work experience, just keep this section short and sweet. Recent graduates can expand on their education more and add optional information like projects, classes, academic achievements, etc.
• Always list your degrees in reverse chronological order, starting with your highest degree on top. Your highest and most recent degree is usually enough, so if you have a Master’s degree that’s relevant to the job, there’s no need to mention your earlier degrees.
• Don’t add your high school degree to your resume if you already have a university degree. It doesn’t have as much weight, and you can use the space for something else.
• Only mention your GPA if you had an impressive academic career. Anything below a 3.5 GPA doesn’t need to be on your resume.

Are you in the process of applying for college? Check out our guide to writing a college application resume to wow that admissions officer!

#6. Emphasize Your Know-How in the Skills Section

After your work experience, your skills are the first thing the hiring manager is going to look for. In fact, together, work experience and skills make up 90% of the hiring decision .

So, this is the place where you want to mention all the know-how that makes you the perfect candidate for the job.

There are two types of skills you can include when writing your resume:

• Hard Skills. These are measurable abilities. What you can list here can be anything from coding in Python to knowing how to cook Thai cuisine.
• Soft Skills. Also known as personal skills, these are a mix of communication skills , personal traits, career attributes, and more. They can include leadership, critical thinking, and time management , just to name a few.

Your resume should always cover both hard skills and soft skills . Here’s an example in action:

Now, let’s discuss how you should list your most important skills on your resume.

There are a few essential steps you need to follow:

Always List Hard and Soft Skills Separately

Your resume should be easy and neat to navigate. The hiring manager shouldn’t have to waste time looking for a specific skill because you didn’t separate it into the appropriate subsection.

So, just create separate categories for your hard and soft skills.

Depending on your field, you could customize the name of your “hard skills” subsection to something like “technical skills," “marketing skills," or something else related to your field.

Let’s look at an example of what skills look like on a project manager’s resume :

Methodologies & Tools

• Agile Methodology
• SCRUM Framework
• Waterfall Project Management
• Microsoft Project
• Critical Path Method (CPM)
• Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Risk Management

Soft Skills

• Team Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Negotiation

Tailor Your Skills to the Job

You might have some awesome skills, but the hiring manager only needs to know about the ones that are relevant to the job.

For example, if you’re applying for a job as an accountant, your gourmet chef skills shouldn’t be on your resume.

Look at the job ad and list at least two to three essential skills you have that are required for the role. Remember—there’s no need to list every skill you have here; just keep it relevant.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Graphic Design or a related field.
• Tech-savvy, with some background in CMS systems such as WordPress.
• Thrives in a stressful environment and juggles multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Self-reliant, with the ability to manage their own work.
• A can-do attitude and an outside-the-box thinker.
• Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Keynote, and Pages.
• Basic understanding of Office software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

So, the must-have hard skills here are Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Keynote, and Pages. Other good computer skills to have are WordPress or similar CMS systems.

While you can also mention Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, it’s pretty much assumed that you know how to use them since they’re required for most office jobs.

List Hard Skills with Experience Levels

For each hard skill you list on your resume, you should also mention your proficiency level. This tells employers what they can expect from you and how much training you might need.

• Beginner. You have some experience with the skill, whether it’s from some entry-level practice or classroom education.
• Intermediate. You’ve used the skill in a work environment with good understanding.
• Advanced. You’re the go-to person for this skill in your office. You can coach other employees, and you understand the skill at a high level.
• Expert. You’ve applied this skill to more than a handful of different projects and organizations. You’re the go-to person for advice about the skill, not just in your office but even amongst some of the best professionals in your field.

Just make sure to never lie about your actual skill level. Even if you get the job, once you need those skills you exaggerated, it will be pretty awkward for both you and your employer.

Include Transferable Skills

These are the types of skills that are useful for almost any job out there.

Transferable skills can be both soft skills (e.g.: teamwork, creativity, problem-solving skills, and others) and hard skills (MS Office Suite, HTML, writing, etc.)

Whatever job you’re applying to, chances are you have transferable skills from your experience that can come in handy one way or another. So, feel free to include them, even if they’re not specifically required for the position.

Not sure which skills to mention on your resume for your specific field? Check out our list of 101+ essential skills for inspiration!

#7. Leverage Optional Resume Sections

The sections we’ve covered so far are must-haves for any resume. They’re the bread-and-butter for any job application, and if you get them right, you’ll land any job you apply to.

But if you have some leftover space, there are a few optional sections you can choose from to give your resume a boost!

Are you bi-lingual? Or even better  – multi-lingual? You should always mention that on your resume!

Even if the position doesn’t require you to know a specific language, it can still come in handy at some point. At the end of the day, it’s always better to know more languages than less.

To list languages in your resume , just write them down and assign them the appropriate level:

• Intermediate

You can also use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) or the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency scales.

As a given, you should never lie about your language skills. You never know—your interviewer might turn out to be fluent in the language or even be a native speaker!

Hobbies and Interests

If you want to spice up your resume, hobbies and interests could be just what you need.

While this section isn’t a game-changer, it can help the hiring manager see who you are as an individual.

For example, if you listed “teamwork” as one of your skills, hobbies like team sports can back up your claim.

And who knows? Maybe you and your interviewer have some hobbies or interests in common!

Volunteering Experience

If you’re the type of person who devotes their free time to helping others while expecting nothing in return, chances are that you’re the type of employee who’s in it for more than just the money. 

Seeing volunteer experience on your resume tells hiring managers that you’re a loyal employee who’s after something meaningful.

Several studies show that listing your volunteer experience can boost your chances of getting hired, especially if you have little to no work experience.

Certifications

Hiring managers love candidates who invest in themselves, and that’s exactly what they see when you list certifications on your resume .

If you value continuous learning and strive to expand your skill set, that’s always a plus.

Certifications can also show employers how much expertise you have.

For example, if you’re a Microsoft Cloud Engineer and you specialize in Microsoft Technologies, you should definitely include all essential certifications on your resume, such as the Azure Solutions Architect Expert one.

Awards and Recognitions

There’s no harm in showing off a little on your resume. After all, you want to be a candidate that shines above the rest.

So, if you’ve received any awards or recognitions that make you stand out in your field, make sure to add them.

For example, if you’ve been recognized for your contributions to data science or received a hard-to-come-by scholarship , mention it in your resume. Just keep your entries here relevant to the field you’re applying to.

Publications

Whether you’re a freelance writer or a distinguished academic, publications are always impressive.

If you have any published works (online or in an academic journal), you can add them to your resume. Just make sure to include a link so the hiring manager knows where to check your work!

Are you looking for a career in academia? Check out our guide to writing the perfect academic CV to get started!

Working on side projects can show off your passion for your field. Whether they’re university class projects or part-time entrepreneurial endeavors, they’re relevant.

For example, if you worked on a mock software product as part of a university competition, it shows you went through every step of product creation, from ideation to creating a marketing strategy.

This project also shows off your organizational skills , and if you mention it in your resume, you stand a better chance of landing the job you had your sights set on.

But projects can also be personal, not academic. For example, you might manage an Etsy store where you sell hand-made arts and crafts to customers online. This is a great opportunity to highlight your creativity, management, and customer service skills .

Overall, hiring managers love employees who do cool work in their free time, so projects are always a great section to add to your resume.

Looking to kickstart your career? Check out our guide on how to get an internship for useful tips and real-life examples!

Extracurricular Activities

Every college freshman knows that extracurricular experience can make a difference in their application.

Especially if you don’t have a lot of experience outside of school, extracurricular activities are a great way to show potential employers your skills and give them insight into you as a person. Different clubs and after-school projects can help you gain real-life skills and considerably increase your chances of landing your first job after college.

For example, joining a student government organization can hone your leadership skills and teach you how to work as part of a team.

For example, if you’re part of a student government or public speaking club, these activities can help you hone your leadership and presentation skills.

11+ Expert Resume Tips

You’ve got the gist of how to make a resume. Now, it’s time to make it really stand out from the crowd!

Follow these exclusive resume tips to take your resume game to the next level:

• Match the professional title underneath your name to the job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
• Mention any promotions from your previous jobs. Use the work experience entries for them to focus on the achievements that helped you earn them.
• Describe your achievements using Laszlo Bock’s formula : accomplished X as measured by Y by doing Z . This way, your work experience can go the extra mile and show the hiring manager what you can bring to the table.
• Always list your achievements and responsibilities in concise bullet points. This makes your resume more reader-friendly, and it’s more likely that the hiring manager will see your impressive achievements at a glance.
• Don’t use personal pronouns like “I” or “me,” and don’t refer to yourself by name. Stick to a slightly altered third person, like “managed data integrity at XYZ Inc.” instead of “he managed data integrity at XYZ Inc.”
• Name your resume sections correctly, or it might get rejected by the ATS. Swapping out quirky names like “career history” or “expertise” for “work experience” and "skills" makes it easier for the hiring manager to find what they’re looking for, too.
• Prioritize important keywords instead of adding all of them. Make sure the relevant skills, qualifications, and experiences you add all make sense in context, too. Your goal is to get past the ATS and impress the hiring manager.
• Focus on transferable skills if you don’t have a lot of relevant work experience. Any extracurricular activities or personal projects can help you stand out here.
• Add a strategic pop of color to headings, bullet points, or key elements you want to highlight. It can help your resume stand out, but don’t overdo it—you want the information to be more impressive than the color palette.
• Don’t include the line “references available upon request.” Hiring managers already know they can request a list of references from you, so there’s no need to waste valuable space on it.
• Make sure your resume is optimized for mobile viewing. Most hiring managers use their mobile phones as often as desktop computers, so save your resume to a PDF file and make sure your formatting stays intact across any device.
• Rename the resume file you plan to send so it includes your name and the name of the position you’re applying for. It’s a small detail that can turn into a crucial mistake if you forget it.
• Read your resume out loud when you’re done. This is a great way to catch awkward phrases or spelling mistakes you might have missed otherwise.
• Use a tool like DocSend to track your resume. You’ll get a notification any time someone opens your resume, and you can see how long they spend reading it.

FREE Resume Checklist

Are you already done with your resume? Let’s see how it holds up!

Go through our checklist for perfecting your resume and see where you stand!

If you missed some points, just go through your resume one more time and perfect it.

And if you ☑’d everything—congrats! You’ve learned all there is to know about writing a resume, and you’re good to go with your job search.

Need to write a CV instead of a resume? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to write a CV with dozens of examples!

9 Resume Templates for Different Industries

Looking to create an effective resume without dealing with the formatting hassle? Just choose one of the templates below.

#1. Traditional Resume Template

Good for traditional industries like finance, banking, law, and manufacturing.

#2. Modern Resume Template

Good for both contemporary and forward-looking industries, including entrepreneurship, medical technology, and engineering.

#3. Creative Resume Template

Good for creative industries, including entertainment, design, and architecture. 

#4. Minimalistic Resume Template

Good for experienced professionals in basically any industry who want to let their achievements do the talking. 

#5. IT Resume Template

Good for any IT-related profession like software development, cyber security, and DevOps engineering.

#6. Tech Resume Template

Good for the tech industry and everything it encompasses.

#7. College Resume Template

Good for college students and recent graduates alike.

#8. General Resume Template

Good for multiple industries, including HR, education, and customer service.

#9. Executive Resume Template

Good for senior professionals across different industries, including hospitality, marketing, and logistics.

17+ Resumes for Different Jobs

Knowing how to write a resume is one thing, but making a resume that stands out is something entirely different. Without inspiration, even top career experts might stumble on a roadblock or two.

Check out the following effective resume examples for specific jobs to get a better sense of what a good resume looks like:

#1. Nurse Practitioner Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a nurse resume here.

#2. Data Scientist Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a data scientist resume here.

#3. Business Analyst Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a business analyst resume here.

#4. Digital Marketing Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a digital marketing resume here.

#5. Software Engineer Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a software engineer resume here.

#6. Construction Project Manager Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a construction project manager resume here.

#7. Customer Service Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a customer service resume here.

#8. High School Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a high school resume here.

#9. Student Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a student resume here.

#10. Server Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a server resume here.

#11. Actor Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing an actor resume here.

#12. Web Developer Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a web developer resume here.

#13. Engineering Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing an engineering resume here.

#14. Computer Science Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a computer science resume here.

#15. Architect Resume Example 

Check out our full guide to writing a data analyst resume here.

#17. Remote Job Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a remote job resume here.

#18. Sales Associate Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a sales associate resume here.

#19. Receptionist Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist resume here.

Want to see more examples? Check out our compilation of 80+ resume examples for different fields .

• Administrative Assistant Resume
• Bartender Resume
• DevOps Engineer Resume
• Executive Assistant Resume
• Flight Attendant Resume
• Graphic Designer Resume
• Paralegal Resume
• Pharmacist Resume
• Recruiter Resume
• Supervisor Resume

Next Steps After Your Resume

Now that we’ve covered everything you need to know about how to make a resume, it’s time to talk about the rest of your job application.

After all, your resume is only the first step in your job search. To land the job you deserve, you also need to write a captivating cover letter and ace that upcoming interview. Here’s how:

#1. How to Write a Convincing Cover Letter

The companion piece to every resume is the cover letter.

Most job-seekers flinch when they hear that they have to write a cover letter. What do you even mention in a cover letter, anyway? If you were good at writing cover letters, you’d be applying for a job as a writer !

In reality, though, writing a cover letter is very simple once you know its purpose.

Think of your cover letter as a direct message to the hiring manager. It’s your chance to briefly explain why you’re such an awesome fit for the position. And with a few cover letter tips to point you in the right direction, you’ll write the perfect cover letter for your job application.

Just follow this structure:

• Add the contact details. Include the same contact information as on your resume, plus additional contact details for the hiring manager, including their name, job title, the company’s name, and location.
• Introduce yourself. Start your cover letter by mentioning who you are, what your work experience is, and why you’re interested in the position. Mention a standout achievement or two, relevant skills, and what you’d like to do for the company you’re applying for.
• Explain why you’d excel at the job. Find the requirements in the job ad that you meet, and elaborate on how you fulfill the most important ones. Research the company so you know what you like about it, and mention it in your cover letter. Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for the job and confidence that you’ll be a great fit for their team.
• Wrap it up politely. Conclude your cover letter by recapping your key selling points and thanking the hiring manager for their time. Then add a call to action, such as “Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided phone number so that we can discuss my application in greater detail.” Then, add a closing line and follow it with your full name.

Sounds easy, right? Here’s a real-life example to drive the point home:

Do you need more help perfecting your cover letter? Learn what the most common cover letter mistakes are and check out cover letter examples for all professions here.

#2. How to Ace Your Next Interview

Once you’ve perfected both your resume and cover letter, there’s only one thing left.

It’s time for the final step—the dreaded job interview.

Whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert, you probably hate the interviewing process. No matter how experienced you are, it can be nerve-wracking. Sitting there while someone’s prodding into your past experiences and judging you isn’t fun.

But did you know that most interviewers ask the same questions?

That’s right—all you have to do is learn how to answer some of the most common interview questions, and you’ll be an interview away from landing your dream job!

Just check out our complete guide to the 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers and learn how to ace your next interview.

FAQs on How to Make a Resume

Do you still have some questions about making a resume? Check out the answers to the most frequently asked questions below!

#1. What does a good resume look like in 2024?

For your resume to look good in 2024, make sure it’s organized and clean and isn’t longer than one page.

Be sure to include information that adds value to your application—leave out the focus on your relevant work experience and skills that you can back up, and list as many achievements as possible. 

If you’re using a resume template, choose one based on your industry. Conservative industries like law, banking, and business require more traditional resume templates. But if you’re going for an industry like design, architecture, or marketing, you can go for a creative resume template . 

Remote work is also big in 2024, so if that’s what you’re after, tailor your resume to match the job you want.

#2. How do you make a resume in Word?

The best way to create a resume in Word is to use a pre-designed Microsoft Word template. To access them, you should: 

• Open MS Word
• Click “file” from the menu bar 
• Select “new”
• Type “resume templates” in the search bar 

That said, Word resume templates are generic, hard to personalize, and overall not very stylish.

Want a resume that looks good and is extremely easy to make? Check out resume templates to get started!

#3. How do I write a resume for my first job?

If you’re writing your first-ever resume for an entry-level position, the hiring manager won’t expect you to have any work experience.

However, you can make up for your lack of experience with your skills and academic achievements.

For example, you can take advantage of extracurricular activities, internships, volunteering experiences, and other non-professional experiences. You can use them to highlight the skills you’ve gained and what you’ve achieved so far.

So, your first job resume should have a resume objective, emphasize your education, and replace your work experience with any internships, volunteering, independent projects, or other experiences.

#4. How to make a resume on Google Docs?

You can make a resume on Google Docs by choosing one of their templates and filling it in on the go.

All you have to do is go to your Google Drive’s template gallery, choose your preferred template, fill in your information, and your Google Docs resume is ready to go! 

That said, Google Docs templates aren’t the most user-friendly choice. You don’t have much flexibility with the layout and formatting isn’t that easy. For example, you tweak a section to the slightest, and the whole resume becomes a mess.

If you want an easier option, check out our resume builder !

#5. What kind of resume do employers prefer?

Typically, employers prefer one-page-long resumes that follow the reverse chronological format. 

Hiring managers receive hundreds of resumes every day, so they don't have the time to read three-page resumes. Try one of our one-page resume templates so you don’t go over the recommended resume length.

Meanwhile, the reverse-chronological format is the most popular because it draws attention to your most recent jobs and professional achievements, which is the #1 most important thing hiring managers look at when evaluating a resume.

#6. How many jobs should you put on your resume? 

You should only include relevant job positions on your resume.

This means that your work experience section should be tailored to the job you are applying for. If you’ve worked five different jobs and they can all add value to your current application, then you should include all five. 

If, on the other hand, you’re applying for, say, a customer service position and some of your past jobs don’t have anything to do with customer service, you should skip them.

#7. Should I put my address on my resume? 

You can put your location (city, state, or country) on your resume, but you don’t need to put your entire physical address.

Putting a physical address on a resume was the norm back when companies would contact you via mail. In today’s world, everyone communicates via email, which is why adding a correct and professional email address to your contact information section is far more important than putting your physical address. 

So, just include your location or-–if you’re a remote worker—specify you prefer to work remotely by writing “working remotely from [location].”

#8. What information should I leave out of my resume?

As a general rule, you shouldn’t include your birthday or your headshot on your resume. This norm varies from country to country but it applies to the USA, Canada, and UK.

If you have plenty of achievements to list under your work experience, then you can leave your basic work responsibilities out of your resume. 

In your education section, you should only include your highest and most recent degree. So, if you hold a Ph.D., you can list that and your Master’s degree and leave your Bachelor’s degree and high school diploma out.

Finally, leave out any skills that aren’t relevant to the job you’re applying for.

#9. Is a resume a CV?

Depending on where you are, a CV (Curriculum Vitae) and a resume might be completely different things.

In most of the world, though, including Europe and Asia, they are used interchangeably for the same document. Both CVs and resumes are one to two pages long, and list skills and experiences relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Sometimes more detailed resumes that go over one page are referred to as CVs. These are typically only used by senior professionals, executives, CEOs, etc.

In the USA, however, a CV is a completely different document. Typically, CVs are detailed and comprehensive documents that highlight your entire academic and professional history. They’re often used for academic, scientific, or research positions, which is why this type of CV can also be referred to as an academic CV.

You can create your CV using one of our CV templates !

#10. Should I write my own resume?

Yes, you should always write your own resume.

Your resume is your opportunity to show the hiring manager your communication, writing, and presentation skills . Employers also evaluate you based on how effectively you can convey information about yourself, and there’s no one that can represent you better than yourself.

Writing your own resume lets you introduce yourself authentically. You have the best understanding of your skills and experiences, and you can personalize them to make your resume stand out.

And, as a bonus, the experience of writing your resume yourself can be reflective and insightful, so it might help you understand your professional journey and career goals better.

#11. Can a resume be two pages?

Generally, we strongly recommend that your resume stick to one page.

Hiring managers go through hundreds of resumes every day, and keeping your resume to one page increases the odds that they’ll see your qualifications faster.

In some cases, like when you have a lot of relevant experience, your resume can go over two pages. But this exception is reserved for senior professionals with over a decade of relevant experience and tons of skills and achievements that simply can’t fit on one page.

#12. Is a simple resume okay?

Absolutely, a simple resume is often more than okay—it's preferable.

Before your resume even gets to the hiring manager, a complicated layout could get it rejected by the applicant tracking system (ATS). A simple resume template can help get your application straight to the hiring manager.

A clean layout can also make sure that your resume is easily readable and looks professional. This can focus the hiring manager's attention on your work experience and skills without excessive clutter or flashy colors to distract them.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap!

If you’ve followed all of our advice until now, congrats! You’re probably an expert on how to make a resume.

To recap, let’s go through some of the most important lessons we’ve learned so far...

• Use the right resume builder to make the process as smooth as possible. You don’t want to mess around with formatting for hours before even starting to work on your resume!
• Focus on your achievements over responsibilities. This can help you stand out from all the other applicants, especially if you back your claims up with data.
• Include all the must-have sections, like the resume summary, work experience, education, and skills. Then leverage optional sections if you have leftover space.
• Tailor your resume for the job you’re applying for. Everything listed on your resume should be relevant to the specific job you’re applying for, and you should write a new resume for every new job application.
• Take the time to perfect your cover letter. It’s just as important as your resume, so make sure you pay as much attention to it!

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More From Forbes

The ultimate guide to writing a career change resume.

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Changing careers doesn’t have to be difficult. It all starts with a resume crafted to highlight your ... [+] transferrable skills.

Your resume is one of the most critical tools during a career transition. Crafted thoughtfully, a career change resume can effectively highlight transferable skills and experiences from your old career to the new one, showcasing you as a prime candidate for your dream job .

Career change resumes offer a different narrative of a person’s experience versus someone looking to advance in their current industry. Transferrable skills are the most important to highlight.

What Success Looks Like In A Career Change

A successful career change doesn’t necessarily mean starting over. It can involve leveraging existing skills in a new context or applying knowledge from one industry to another. Success is about finding a role where you can make a meaningful contribution, and it often requires a blend of determination and strategic planning. The story you tell so far in your career that paints you as the right person for the job is vital to your resume being seen by the hiring manager.

Step-By-Step Guide To Writing Your Career Change Resume

It’s a fine line between highlighting what makes you unique and ensuring your document aligns with industry expectations. Here’s how to do it right.

Identify Your Transferrable Skills

Before opening a Word document or choosing a resume template, the first step is to take stock of your skills. Begin by closely examining your previous roles and jotting down the skills they entailed. Try categorizing them into hard skills—like technical skills and software proficiencies—and soft skills—such as communication and leadership abilities.

Apple iPhone 16 New Design And Performance Upgrades Revealed In Leak

Apple confirms widespread iphone changes coming to millions of ipads, sony is making a truly terrible mistake with helldivers 2, brainstorm your narrative.

What is your career change story? Who’s the audience that will be listening to it? These are the overarching questions that will guide your resume writing process. You’ll want to combine your reasons for changing careers with your past experiences and future aspirations.

When crafting your career change narrative, consider these critical questions to create a cohesive and compelling story:

• What motivated your career change? Reflect on the reasons behind your decision to shift careers. Was it a pursuit of passion, a need for a new challenge or an inevitable industry change affecting your previous role?
• How do your past experiences contribute to your new direction? Evaluate how your previous roles have equipped you with unique skills and perspectives that will benefit your target industry or role.
• What accomplishments in your career thus far can illustrate your suitability for this new path? Identify specific achievements that demonstrate your capability and readiness for the change.
• How have you prepared for the transition? Consider any additional training, courses or self-led learning you’ve undertaken to bridge any skill gaps.
• What are your long-term goals in this new career? Define what success looks like for you in this new field and how you plan to achieve it.

Choosing The Right Resume Format

The format of your resume is dependent on your career trajectory. A functional resume may be the best way to draw attention to your skills if you’re making a big career leap. A hybrid resume, which combines elements of both the chronological and functional formats, can also work well for career changers, as it allows you to detail your skills while still providing a job history.

Elements Of A Stand-Out Career Change Resume

The typical resume sections are still relevant: Skills, competencies, accolades, experience, volunteer work, education and training. For career changers, add a snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table. Think of a snapshot as your elevator pitch. Instead of explaining what you are looking for, you highlight your top accolades, position and projects you’re currently working on; it shouldn’t be any longer than three sentences.

For example, “I’m Jane Doe, a marketing professional who brought the newest Target campaign to 100 million Instagram accounts. I’ve excelled in connecting influencers with top brands and have hosted over 150 brand activations.”

Make sure to include all the important elements on your resume to make you stand out. Having a short ... [+] story or narrative of who you are also helps.

Words and Phrases To Include In Resume

When it comes to the actual writing, it’s essential to use language that speaks to both your old and your new career. Choose words and phrases relevant to the job you’re applying for, but also aim to include industry-specific terms from your previous career to highlight the breadth of your experience.

• Cross-functional expertise: Demonstrates the ability to work across various departments, enhancing team synergy and project outcomes.
• Quick Learner: Indicates your capacity to rapidly acquire new knowledge and skills, reducing the learning curve in a new role.
• Innovative Thinker: Shows your capability to think creatively and bring new ideas to the table, driving progress.
• Versatile Professional: Indicates a broad skillset and flexibility, positioning you as a candidate capable of handling various responsibilities

Do’s And Don’ts Of Resume Etiquette

• Do focus on your achievements and how they demonstrate your capabilities, not just the tasks you’ve performed.
• Do quantify your accomplishments with numbers or percentages whenever possible to add weight to your claims.
• Don’t include unrelated job experiences that don’t align with the position you’re targeting.
• Don’t gloss over any employment gaps resulting from your career change. Instead, use these gaps to explain how you spent that time productively, such as through continuing education or volunteer work.

Your career change resume aims to get your foot in the door for an interview. Invest time in perfecting your career change resume, and you’ll find that employers will be more than willing to listen to the rest of your story.

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How do I update my resume to help land that job? Ask HR

Johnny C. Taylor Jr. tackles your human resources questions as part of a series for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the world's largest HR professional society and author of "Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.”

Have a question? Submit it here .

Question: Since leaving a job I have had for almost a decade, I have primarily conducted my job search online. I have used the same resume design since I started working 12 years ago. Should I update my resume design to be more effective? What do you recommend for building a modern resume? – Sandra

Answer: Updating your resume design can indeed be a wise move, especially if you've been using the same format for a long time. A fresh, modern design can help your resume stand out and leave a positive impression on recruiters and hiring managers. Here’s what I recommend for building a modern resume:

◾ Clean, professional layout: Opt for a layout that’s visually appealing and easy to read. Avoid cluttered designs and overly decorative elements that may distract from your content.

◾ Font selection: Stick to standard, easy-to-read fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. These fonts are widely accepted and compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), ensuring your résumé is easily scannable by both humans and software.

◾ Incorporate keywords: Tailor your resume to each job application by incorporating industry-specific keywords and phrases relevant to the position. Many companies use ATS to screen résumés, so this will increase the likelihood of your resume being noticed.

◾ Organized sections: Structure your resume into clear sections, including Contact Information, Summary or Objective, Work Experience, Skills, Education and any additional relevant sections such as Certifications or Volunteer Work. This organization makes it easy for recruiters to quickly find the information they need.

◾ Summary/objective statement: Start your résumé with a summary that highlights your key qualifications and career goals. Keep it concise, focusing on what sets you apart and what you aim to achieve in your career.

◾ Accomplishment-oriented experience: When listing your work experience, focus on highlighting your accomplishments, rather than just listing job duties. Use quantifiable achievements whenever possible, to demonstrate your impact, such as increasing sales by a certain percentage or leading successful projects.

◾ Skills section: Dedicate a section to showcasing your key skills and competencies, including both technical skills and soft skills relevant to the job. This section provides recruiters with a quick overview of your capabilities.

◾ Proofreading: Before submitting your resume, thoroughly proofread it to ensure there are no grammatical errors, typos, or formatting issues. Consider having someone else review your resume for feedback and additional insights.

By updating your resuméewith a modern design and incorporating these key elements, you can increase your chances of making a strong impression in today’s competitive job market. Good luck with your job search!

Ghosting a job Is it bad to ghost low priority potential employers? Ask HR

I've been denied PTO requests on multiple occasions, which is becoming increasingly frustrating. Most of them are denied on the grounds of staffing needs. Do I have any recourse in fighting these denials? What can I do to ensure PTO approvals? – Chanette

You may indeed have some recourse in addressing these denied paid time off requests. Start by reviewing your company's PTO policy and procedures. Many employers have specific guidelines regarding PTO requests, including deadlines for submission and limits on the number of employees who can be on leave simultaneously, to ensure adequate staffing levels.

First, check if your PTO requests were made in accordance with company policy. If they were not, ensure that you adhere to the established procedures for future requests, to increase the likelihood of approval.

However, if you followed company policy and your requests were still denied, consider discussing the matter with your manager or the human resources team. Seek clarification on the reasons for the denials and inquire about potential strategies to improve the approval rate for your requests.

It's also essential to consider whether your state mandates sick leave, and if your company uses PTO to fulfill those requirements. If so, your employer may be obligated to approve leave requests that align with qualifying reasons for sick leave under the law. If you’re uncertain about your state’s sick leave requirements, consult your HR team for clarification.

Ultimately, unless there is a contractual agreement or policy stating otherwise, employers typically have discretion in managing PTO usage. However, by following company procedures and addressing your concerns with management or HR, you may increase the likelihood of having your PTO requests approved more frequently.

Salaried, nonexempt What does that mean? Ask HR

How to write an MBA resume and make sure it stands out in the stack

Applying to business school, or an MBA program, can be nerve-racking. You’ll need to lasso together transcripts and test scores, fill out an application, and likely ace an interview—but perhaps the most critical piece of it all is an MBA resume. This important document will list out many of the same elements as a traditional resume, such as your educational background and work experience. 

But an MBA resume also has a different primary function than the typical resume you might submit to try and land a job: It’s designed to land you a spot in an MBA program. If writing an MBA resume feels intimidating, knowing what to put on it, and some other framing tactics, may help calm your nerves.

UNC Kenan-Flagler’s top-ranked online MBA

Mba resume vs. a job resume  .

As noted, an MBA resume should feel familiar to many prospective business school students. 

“An MBA resume is very similar to a job resume,” says Kaneisha Grayson, the founder and CEO of The Art of Applying , an MBA admissions consultancy. She adds that both types of resumes will, or should, comprise a single page, incorporate clear, professional formatting, and lay out an applicant’s educational and career accomplishments. 

“I’d say one difference between the two is that I advise our clients to put their education at the top—whereas with a job resume, you’d see education at the bottom,” Grayson says. She recommends this variation because an MBA resume’s specific aim of landing an applicant at an educational institution. 

So, in that sense, there may not be a whole lot of differences between an MBA resume and a job resume, but there will be some additional focus on specific aspects of your background, all in an effort to win over an MBA program’s selection or admissions committee. 

How to write an MBA resume

Again, writing an MBA resume shouldn’t differ a whole lot from writing a traditional resume, but you’ll want to try and keep your end goal in mind, which is landing a spot in an MBA program. As you write your MBA resume, keeping that goal in mind should prove helpful, because it can help you parse out the information you’ll want to include, and the things you won’t.

“An MBA resume is very specialized toward the application cycle,” says Ellin Lolis, President and Founder of Ellin Lolis MBA Consulting . So, again, keep the end goal in mind. “Your education section is going to be important,” Lolis says, “but we mostly want to see your career focus.”

As for the nuts and bolts of writing an MBA resume? Keep it simple by deciding what to rope in, what to leave out, and how to structure it all so that it’s easy to read. 

What to include in your MBA resume

The main elements that your MBA resume should include are an education section, a job experience or professional experience section, and a portion that details a bit more about you, personally, such as your hobbies and interests. 

You can leave out photographs, information related to your high school, and even most of your contact information—that’ll be included on your program application, the experts say. 

Again, do your best to keep what you include to one page. The only time you could probably get a pass for using more than one page is if you have extensive professional experience, and are applying to an executive MBA program. A good rule of thumb? “When you have more than seven years of full-time, post-college work experience,” says Grayson. 

How to structure an MBA resume

As for structuring an MBA resume, do your best to contain most elements to the aforementioned sections: Education, professional background and experience, and a section dedicated to your personal hobbies, interests, skills and certifications, and community service work.

List the schools you attended and the degrees you earned, perhaps with any relevant coursework and GPAs in the education section. Your professional section may differ depending on your specific experiences and industries you’ve worked in, but try to frame it as a sort of professional “story,” which can showcase how an MBA can help you take the next step.

Professional background

“Generally speaking, the MBA is not a purely academic degree, as a majority of people are going to earn one to get a better job,” says Lolis. “They’re doing it to boost their career—and at that point, the most relevant thing is your recent job and your professional track record,” she says.

Get into the weeds, too, about your accomplishments. “Don’t just reiterate your job responsibilities,” says Grayson. “Communicate the results of your efforts. Quantifying the results is much more significant and meaningful—describe the impact,” she says.

Hobbies, interests, and more

As for the more personal portion? “One of the main things that’s different from a job resume is that they want you to share some of your hobbies and interests,” Lolis says. “Be very specific,” adds Grayson, “because 90% of people will list ‘travel’ as a hobby. “But that’s not interesting—maybe something like ‘slow traveling to find the best street food.’ That’s interesting.” This, she says, can help spark a conversation, or help your resume stand out from the pile.

In addition to specific hobbies or interests, you might include, add volunteer or community work as well, and perhaps relevant technical or language skills. Again, this may help tip the scales in your favor by showing you have specific know-how related to a given industry or task. Any applicable awards you’ve earned may be good to include, too, as they showcase that you’re capable of excelling in a given area.

Should you customize your resume for each business school?

Experts generally don’t recommend changing up your MBA resume when applying to different schools. Instead, look for specific instructions relayed by the school, if there are any, and make any needed changes accordingly. So, unless you have a really compelling reason, you can probably use the same resume for a number of applications.

Also, don’t go overboard in terms of design to make your resume stand out. “Just stick to traditional formatting,” says Lolis, since that’s what most admissions teams are used to seeing, and are generally looking for. Let the contents of the resume speak for you—not the design.

Where to go if you need help  

For many prospective MBA students, piecing together a resume shouldn’t be terribly difficult, given that it’s mostly the same process as writing a traditional resume. However, if you need help, you can reach out to consultants, or even check out some of the resources schools make available to help you along the process. 

• Consultants : There are many MBA consultancies out there, including the firms that Lolis and Grayson founded. They can help create, review, and critique an MBA resume and get it into shape. 
• Examples and templates : Some schools even make templates available , and example resumes to help students create their own. 

The takeaway  

In all, you should write an MBA resume in the same way you’d write a traditional resume, with some slight variations. The resume should focus on your professional background and previous education, while also detailing some of your personal interests, too. Stick to classic resume formatting as well, and keep it to one page, if possible.

It’s also important, experts say, to use some basic formatting and style—use 11 or 12-point font, a normal font style (Arial, Times New Roman, etc.), and overall, keep it professional. And remember: don’t go overboard trying to score style points with the resume’s design or other elements.

Harvard Business Analytics Program

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