how to write personal details in resume

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Mastering Personal Details in a Resume: What to Include and Exclude

Personal details are arguably one of the most important elements in the resume . The basic information about you gives the recruiter a quick overview of you as a candidate and provides the essential contact details should the recruiter wants to invite you to further discuss your application. The necessary personal information to be put in a resume includes your name, job title, contact details and so on.

It would help to create a dedicated personal information section in your resume at the very top of your resume so the recruiter can easily spot it. But what personal information should be on a resume? And, equally importantly what personal information should be put in your resume?

In this article, we'll provide answers to those questions and walk you through on how to write the most informative personal info in a resume.

Table of Contents:

Should I Put Personal Details in a Resume/CV?

What to write in personal details in a resume.

What Not to Include in Personal Info in a Resume
How to Format Personal Detail on a Resume

Personal Information in a Resume Samples

The short answer is yes. Personal details are necessary in a resume or CV. They provide the recruiter with essential information about you. Including your personal information in the resume/CV gives the recruiter an easy access to your contact details and makes their job easier. It shows that you are a thoughtful person and can think from their perspective.

Another benefit of putting your personal details in the resume/CV is that it helps the hiring company to great a talent pool. With identifying information available on the resume, the recruiter can easily organize and maintain their qualified candidate database. This would in turn increases your chances to be considered for other opening at the company in the future.

In short, having personal information in your resume makes the recruiter's job easier and highlights your professionalism and ability to think from others' perspectives. The real question you should be asking is what to include in personal information in a resume/CV.

Personal details that are suitable for a resume or CV can sometimes be hard to determine. On one hand, you want to include personal information in your resume that will help you stand out; on the other hand, sometimes too much detail can backfire.

Your resume personal details must include the primary information about who you are. This part is crucial in your resume and plays a significant role in the job application process.

Here we've provided lists of essentials and optional personal details for your resume/CV.

5 Essential Personal Details to be Included in a Resume:

Full name Your name is arguably the most important personal information to be included in the resume. This is how the recruiter identify you and know whose resume they are reviewing. Without the name in the personal information section, the recruiter wouldn't know who to contact even if the resume is perfect.
Professional title A professional job title on your resume indicates who you are at a professional level and how experienced you are. The recruiter can quickly decide if your experience matches the position with this personal detail on your resume.
Email address Your email address is the most crucial contact detail you will present in your resume. It is the most common contact method and the easiest way for your potential employer to reach you.
Phone number You must include your phone number in your resume's personal information section as well. Sometimes employers prefer to make phone calls. Make sure you list your phone number in the personal info section in your resume.
Location Whether or not to put your address in the resume is open for debate but including your location is always a good idea. Include the city, the zip code and the country would suffice.

These are the essential items you must include in personal details in a resume. They help the recruiter to identify you and provide them with means to contact you, which is the basic function of personal information in a resume/CV.

Besides the essential resume personal information, there are also five optional personal details that you can include in a resume to make your resume a stronger one.

5 Optional Personal Details to be Included in a Resume:

LinkedIn URL A LinkedIn profile in the personal information section in the resume can help elaborate your experience. It also shows that you're a professional and spends time developing your personal brand.
Personal website Some people make a personal website to display their work achievements or portfolio. Including the link to your website or portfolio in your personal info section on the resume strengthens your application as they provide visual evidence of your achievements.
Social media By listing your social media accounts in your resume's personal details section, you showcase your personal traits, which is crucial for certain roles. Make sure the socials you put in the resume as part of personal information are semi-professional and don't hurt your professional image.
Complete address Include your full address in the personal information section in your resume if it's specifically required. If not, you can decide whether you want put it there.
Relevant personal info Relevant personal information for the job you are applying for can be included in your resume's personal details section to tailor your resume for the role. Find out what is the core ability they are looking for and write it as part of your personal details, for instance, the language or certificate that is specifically required in the job posting.

These optional details act in support of your personal introduction on the resume. Pick the ones that will help you highlight your skills and qualifications to your potential future employer. But do not overdo it and write irrelevant personal information in your resume. Make sure the items you pick speak to your advantage in your resume.

What Not to Include in Personal Info on a Resume

Personal information in a resume is important but you should be careful with it too. It's a common mistake to include personal details that would do your application a disservice. Learning what not to write in personal details is therefore of great importance.

Do not forget that at the end of day, the resume is a professional document . You need to take that into consideration when you write personal information for your resume/CV.

Below is a list of personal details that don't belong in your resume:

Current salary Your employer does not need this information. There will be time for this negotiation at your interview , and leaving this in your resume's personal details section may be seen as unprofessional and lower your chances of getting a satisfactory salary.
National Insurance Number/Social Security Number You will need to supply your National Insurance Number or Social Security to your employer after you are hired. But putting this in your resume personal details can expose yourself to identity fraud. Never divulge your National Insurance Number or Social Security Number. This piece of information is usually needed after you're hired. However, note that some government jobs may insist on providing it for vetting purposes.
Sexual orientation While workplace diversity is taken more seriously by many organizations, disclosing this particular information about yourself in the resume can result in hiring discrimination. You are also likely to come across unprofessional.
Race/ethnicity Likewise, specifying your race or ethnicity may open yourself to discrimination.
Marital status and dependency This is another piece of information that may also result in discrimination by your potential employer. Whether you are married and/or with children should not be a factor to your employment criteria.
Photograph Do not give a prospective employer any excuse to disregard your skills and expertise just because of your appearance. Only provide a photo of yourself in the resume as part of personal info when it is specified in the job posting or when you are applying to companies in country it is customary to do so.
Date of birth The age of the applicant should not reflect on their professional skill. Some employers may be partial to older or younger applicants.
Nationality The job advertisement may specify that you must be living in a particular state for work purposes, or have a right to work in a specific country. Still, your nationality is in most cases irrelevant.
Gender In most countries, it is illegal for an employer to ask your gender, even if they may infer it by your name.
Religion Your religion or religious beliefs are not relevant to your employment and thus don't belong in the personal info part of your resume. There are laws in many countries that stipulate that an employer is not allowed to discriminate against individuals based on their beliefs and religion.

You should avoid these 10 personal details when you write your resume; however, the job search culture is different in different countries. Make sure you do proper research and include the required and necessary personal details in the resume/CV when you are apply for roles in particular countries.

Cultural differences in job hunting

Job seekers should note that cultural differences also exist when it comes to resume writing and job hunting. For example, most countries in the EU require applicants to send their CVs using the Europass format. This generic formatting, however, requires you to include gender, nationality, and date of birth on your resume's personal information section.

In Asian countries, photos are encouraged to be included in resume personal details. Personal information such as marital status, ethnicity, gender, and date of birth are more common but not a requirement in Europe and Asia.

How to Format Personal Details on a Resume

To make sure the recruiter sees your personal information in the resume, you have to format it properly. Depending on what you want to emphasize in the personal detail section on your resume, you might want to arrange each piece of personal information in different ways.

For instance, an experienced front-end developer might want to highlight their professional title “Sr. Front-End Developer” by capitalizing the first letter of every word and putting the title next to their name. A fresher graphic designer writing their resume might, on the other hand, make space for the link to their portfolio in the personal detail section. To write your personal details in a resume format, you must know the key information about how to write it.

However, to write personal information in a resume that catches the eye, you need to consider your strengths and carefully format your personal details. Below is a list of factors that you should take into consideration while putting personal information in your resume.

Of all the personal details for your resume, your name is the most important one. It’s the key identifying information. With an eye to the overall design of your resume, write your first name and surname in bold and large size the top of your resume.

💡 Pro tip: It is not recommended to put "Resume", "CV", or "Curriculum Vitae" on the top of your personal details. When you place your name on the top of the CV, it becomes the focus. This will help catch the recruiter's attention.

2. Professional Title

Your professional title should reflect these two different things: what you do and the level of experience you have in that role.

3. Phone Number

The next important personal detail that belongs in your resume is your phone number. Make sure it is your personal mobile number that you can pick up anytime the recruiters call. If you are applying for jobs internationally, do not forget to include your country's dialing code and highlight that your number can be reached on Whatsapp, or include a Skype ID.

4. Email Address

It is essential to include an email address in your personal details in your resume as it is the preferred mode of communication. Writing your email address as part of personal information for your resume sounds simply enough but there are some mistakes you should avoid:

Don’t use your current work email address.
Don’t use email addresses that look unprofessional.

Ideally, a good personal email address is one made up of your full name or your first name and one letter of your last name. If both options are not available, you can add one or two numbers in your email address.

5. LinkedIn and social media accounts

LinkedIn accounts are generally safe to include in the personal information section of your resume, but it is a good idea to log in and check the information is up to date and matching your resume. If there are significant differences, your potential employer may lose confidence in your trustworthiness.

Social media accounts such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Pinterest, depending on the role you are applying for, can be included in the personal information section on your resume. For instance, if you are looking for a job as a social media marketer, they should be included to showcase your expertise.

💡 Pro tip: Make sure you do not have a series of posts that give the wrong impression about your values and personality, if you've decided to include social media accounts in resume.

Remember to include your account as a link – see the examples at the end of this article as reference.

Personal details in resumes for freshers

As a fresher , you may have little work experience. The personal information section for your resume can include your personal website or portfolio so that you can showcase your skills and experience.

Personal details in resumes for experienced job seekers

For experienced workers, personal information in a resume may differ slightly from that of a fresher. As the space for personal information in the resume is limited, you can only pick one or two most impressive aspects of your career to write in it. For instance, you can write the number of years of experience you have along with your professional title.

Writing a resume or CV might be slightly hard for fresh graduates. Even experienced people sometimes find it hard to adjust their resume to suit the recruiter's needs. It is only natural if you want to check out some personal details in resume samples.

Having good personal information in resume examples will help you to write a better resume, so here are a few personal details examples for various positions, from personal details in resume for freshers to the most experienced job seekers.

Graphic Designer

Video Editor

General Manager

Software Engineer

Administrative Assistant

Fashion Designer

Your process of looking for a job starts with creating a resume, and personal information is at the top of it. See how important it is?

These are the basic necessities you need to include in your personal information in a resume. Space on your resume is precious. Pen your very own personal details and impress the recruiters.

Cake provides you with the best free resume builder that helps you create resume with ease. With numerous free resume templates and job resume examples , you can simply drag-drop resume elements without worrying about layout or design. Cake also allows you to download your resume and share it for free.

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--- Originally written by Jonathan ---

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Personal Details You Should Include on Your Resume

Personal details are often seen as the boring, plain or simple part of a resume. However, you need to get them right in order to receive the call or email for the interview. There’s no use in perfecting your resume by impressing recruiters with your hefty work history or detailing your skills as if the recruiter can’t see, locate or understand your contact details, you’re out.

So, how do you list your personal details on a resume and what type of personal information should you avoid when writing a resume? Read on to learn more about the personal details section on a resume.

Personal Information to Include on Your Resume

Listing your contact details is a simple matter of deciding how you are most reachable and listing the appropriate information without disclosing too many personal details. The personal data on your resume should be straightforward and not involve complex information. The following list explains which elements of your personal information candidates should include and how to go about it:

Full name: This should be the header or title of your resume, so there is no need to rewrite your name in the contact information section.
Phone number: If you have more than one, choose the one on which you are most contactable.
Email address: Make sure it’s professional and not [email protected]
Address (optional): This is included less and less on resumes. Although, if the job description specifies that someone local is needed, you may wish to list your address to indicate that you tick the box.

Professional online platforms and websites are also wise to include as nowadays it’s common to apply for a job via LinkedIn or other online platforms. Consider the following extras:

LinkedIn URL
Professional website
Blog (journalists, copywriters, etc.)
Online portfolio (designers, artists, etc.)

How to Format Personal Information on Your Resume

Resume format is one of the most important aspects of designing and writing a resume. Why? Because your personal details and resume info needs to stand out, look good, and be clear. If the hiring manager can’t work their way around your resume easily, it’s already off to a rocky start.

Here are some important formatting facts to taking into account when writing your personal details on a resume:

Use the same font, font size, and formatting as the rest of your resume.
Keep each piece of contact information on separate lines.
Always list your email address in lowercase letters as many recruiters copy and paste your email.
Double-check spelling of important contact details such as your cell phone number.
Don’t list your details at the very bottom of your resume. Try listing them in a column to the side, under your name, or near the top half of your resume.

If you need more formatting tips such as a list of acceptable fonts for resume use , check out the rest of our website and blog for resume-writing tips .

What to Avoid Including in Your Personal Data

There are certain things that should not be disclosed when sending a resume. This can be for many reasons, such as prevention against discrimination. Double-check that you haven’t included the following personal information in your resume before sending it:

Marital status
Nationality
Sexual orientation
Applicant photo

The aforementioned information is not considered necessary when applying for a job. Including any of this kind of information can actually dissuade hiring managers from accepting your application due to discriminatory reasons.

All resumes should be judged fairly on the important information at hand , such as work experience relevant to the job, skills, and education or training. However, if you plan on applying for a job outside of the States, look up the standard job application procedures for other countries , as some resumes include other information such as a photo or birthdate .

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What personal details to put on a CV (2024 Guide + Examples)

A common question we are often asked is,

“What personal details should I put on my CV?”

The short answer is that the personal details section of a good CV should only contain the following four pieces of personal information of the applicant; name, home address, telephone number and e-mail address.

It is optional to include a link to your LinkedIn profile or personal website.

Other personal details, such as date of birth, gender, marital status, nationality and national insurance number, should be left out of your CV. These things are outdated, irrelevant to your ability to do the job and will harm your job application.

Use the guide below to get up-to-date information on what personal details to include or omit from your CV to improve your chances of securing job interviews.

Let’s get started!

The personal details section of a CV

Telephone number.

E-mail address

LinkedIn profile and/or personal website

Date of birth, place of birth, nationality, marital status, details of children, current or last salary, reason for leaving current job, willingness to relocate, religious beliefs, driving licence details, health status, national insurance number, a word about equal opportunities questionnaires.

The personal details section is located right at the top of your CV and it is the first thing that recruiters will see when they review your CV.

The following is an example of a personal details section of a CV:

Providing contact information

Putting your contact details at the top of the first page of your CV will make it easier for employers to identify and contact you.

An employer or recruiter will not try to get hold of you on several occasions, so you must provide clear contact details and regularly check your messages, emails and postal mail after submitting job applications.

The good news is the personal details section of your CV is not too difficult to compile because it is just about the factual details of your life.

What personal details to include on your CV

The number of personal information that should be on a CV can be counted on the fingers of one hand, they are; name, address, telephone number and email address.

The first essential personal information that your CV must contain is your name.

It is recommended to display it in slightly larger type than the rest of the contact details, in boldface and centred on the page.

Guidelines for writing your name on your CV:

There is no need to put ‘curriculum vitae’ or ‘CV’ at the top of the first page because it is obvious what the document is. Instead, make your name the main heading of your CV .
There is no need to add an honorific title such as Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms in front of your name.
Middle names are unnecessary; only include your first and last name. For example, ‘William Smith’, not ‘William Anderson Harold Smith’!
To avoid confusion, decide on the name you want to be referred to and stick to this throughout. For example, should people call you David or Dave?
If you have more than one name (for instance married women who also use their maiden name), make sure you use the name that you would want to be called if you were employed for the job.
It is recommended to put your name in the footer of every page of your CV. Recruiters are human too and can mislay or mix up piles of applications. Named pages will ensure your application can be easily reunited if necessary.
Give your CV a meaningful file name. Some applicants save their CVs as CV.docx or MyCV.pdf, making it harder for employers to find and identify the owner of the document. Instead, use the format YourName_CV, for example; JohnSmith_CV.docx or JoSanders_CV.pdf.

The second essential information that you must include on your CV is your current address. Employers may want to send you your employment contract through the post or keep your address on file as standard HR practice.

Including your address on your CV could also have several benefits.

Your home address can be a positive trust indicator that you are local, established and/or settled in a particular location rather than being always on the go or not having a permanent address.

Your address could also give your job application a boost when applying for local jobs because employers usually give preference to local applicants over those that commute long distances to work.

Guidelines:

Make your address short and concise. It should only consist of your house number, street name, city and full postcode.
There is no need to write the county (e.g. South Yorkshire) or country (e.g. United Kingdom) name if you’re applying for jobs in the same country.

It is recommended to use your mobile phone as your preferred point of contact. With a mobile phone number, employers can contact you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

During your job hunt, ensure you keep your phone charged, have credit to make calls and check for voicemails regularly. Employers are unlikely to ring you back if they can’t get hold of you or if you don’t reply to their voicemail messages.
Double check the number is correct. It would be awkward if the employer dials the number and a person picks up who has never heard of you!
Try to stick to just one number if you can – it’s far simpler and quicker for the person trying to contact you if there is only one option.
If you are going to use your home number, make sure your answering machine or voicemail works properly or that a family member knows how to take a message. Getting home to find you’ve been invited to interview but no one can tell you when, or with whom, would be very frustrating!
You don’t need to include the international dialling code (e.g. +44) for your country unless you are applying for jobs in other countries.
If you’re currently working, do not give your work telephone number unless your manager is aware that you are looking for a job and is supportive. It’s unprofessional, too risky and can cause conflict between you and the employer. Most people do not usually want their present employer to know that they have been applying for other jobs.

Email address

Your email address is the last piece of essential contact information that you must include on your CV. In today’s digital world, employers will 90% of the time contact you via email instead of the post.

Your job interview invitation or employment contract may also be sent to you electronically so double check the email address has been written correctly, even a single letter or number out of place will prevent incoming mail from reaching you.

Make sure your email address is professional. Many recruiters still report seeing inappropriate email addresses on CVs, such as [email protected] , [email protected] or [email protected] . Keep your name the central focus of the address, even if you do include some numbers and make it as simple as possible. [email protected] is infinitely better than [email protected] ; it is instantly clear who it belongs it and is less likely to be entered incorrectly.
Use your personal e-mail address rather than your work e-mail address. Corinne Mills, a well-known career professional and HR executive, writes in You’re hired, how to write a brilliant CV (pg.9) : “Try using a personal email address for your job-searching activities rather than your current work email (if you have one). Many companies now have an internet and email policy that warns employees that their facilities are for company business only and they will take action over appropriate use. It’s not a great idea to risk disciplinary proceedings when you are looking for your next job.”

Optional personal details to include

You can add a link to your LinkedIn profile or personal website/portfolio if they contain additional information that could strengthen your job application.

LinkedIn profile: It allows employers to gain a better insight into your career history, number of professional connections and any recommendations or references you have received from other professionals.
Personal website: You may have a professional portfolio that you wish to share with the employer, for example, if you are a graphics designer, consultant or architect.

Tip: Keep your LinkedIn profile and personal website up to date with your latest information.

What personal details NOT to include on your CV

There are certain personal information that you used to be commonly put on CVs but new anti-discrimination laws have made these details irrelevant today.

Don’t write your date of birth on your CV . Recent anti-discrimination laws mean that employers must consider your suitability for the job based on your skills and experience, not on your age.

Benefits of omitting your date of birth from your CV

It will reduce the likelihood of age discrimination
It will free up valuable space on your CV that can be utilised for more important information
It will decrease the risk of identity fraud

Exception: If you’re applying for something in which age is an important consideration, such as a course that is only available to a certain age group or an apprenticeship with a cut-off upper age, then it makes sense to include your date of birth on your CV.

Where you were born is irrelevant.

As long as it was somewhere on planet earth, you’re good to go.

Don’t write your nationality on your CV unless you’re a foreign national and wish to inform the employer about your work eligibility in the country.

A short statement such as “Polish, eligible to work in the UK”, will suffice.

It may also be useful to write your nationality on your CV if you’re applying for certain governmental jobs for which eligibility is partly based on one’s citizenship of that country. This is usually the case for national security and civil service jobs.

Including a photograph on your CV tells a prospective employer: “I want to be judged on my appearance rather than on my relevant work experience and qualifications.”

Photographs may be essential on social media platforms but they have no place on a CV.

Employers asking for photographs is extremely unusual in the UK, mainly due to powerful anti-discrimination laws. Unless you have explicitly been asked to provide your photograph or are applying for jobs where looks matter, for example being an actor, model, presenter or performer, don’t put your photograph on your CV.

Note: Different countries have different rules.

A standard CV in the UK, USA and most of Europe should not include the gender of the applicant.

Four reasons not to put your gender on your CV :

Your gender is irrelevant to your ability to do the job
It takes up valuable space on your CV
It diverts the employer’s attention from other important information, e.g. your skills, qualifications and work experience
It doesn’t provide much information as employers can usually derive from your name whether you’re a male or female.

Marital status is another outdated piece of information that you shouldn’t put on your CV.

The employer does not need to know whether you’re single, married, divorced, remarried or engaged. As long as you are a strong candidate for the role, that’s all they care about.

Many CVs still include the ages, sexes and even the names of the applicant’s children. Leave these out. The number and names of your children are irrelevant to your ability to do the job and are a prime source of prejudice. You may be a strong candidate, regardless of whether you have no children or are a chief of your own large tribe.

Roughly speaking, employers expect you to be earning within plus or minus 10% of the salary they are offering. It may put them off if this is not the case.

One jobseeker in a well-paid job found that disclosing his current salary on his CV acted as a deterrent to employers. They either felt he was unlikely to stay on a lower salary or that he was overqualified for the role.

Similarly, if you’re last salary is significantly lower than what the employer is offering, you may not be taken seriously for the role.

For this reason, never disclose your current or last salary on your CV.

There is no need to state your reasons for leaving a job on your CV, particularly if there was a conflict with the previous employer.

People leave jobs for a variety of reasons, including lack of progression opportunities, needing to earn more money, conflict with the employer, moving to a new city, boredom, making a career change, being made redundant or for health reasons.

Most of these motives are unflattering to the candidate so it is best not to say disclose this information on your CV. If employers are truly interested in knowing this information, they inquire about it at the job interview.

If you are applying for a job which is far from where you live, it may be useful to add some context to explain how you will get to work every day.

If you are willing to relocate, add a short statement to this effect next to or under your address at the top of your CV. Indicate which areas of the world you would be prepared to work in; for example, ‘Prepared to relocate within the UK.’

You may not want to be too specific here, for example, by restricting your relocation to a specific town or city.

Only refer to your religion if you’re applying for jobs in which your religious beliefs matter. For most jobs, this information is completely irrelevant and it can lead to discrimination against you.

The status of your driving licence usually only matters if driving is an essential part of the job. For most applicants, this won’t be the case so they should not put their driving license information on your CV. There is, however, an exception to this rule which applies to young people or those that are just starting their careers:

If you have few qualifications or little work experience, you may put driving as a life skill in your CV’s skills section to show the employer that you have the ability to learn and drive a vehicle. Simply write, ‘Full, clean driving licence.’ Employers may be impressed by a clean license.

If the licence is not clean, however, you should indicate that you have a full driving licence only. Never state your driving licence number, speeding convictions or penalty points on your CV!

You are under no obligation to mention any disability or health problems when applying for jobs. If you need additional support or assistance due to your disability (e.g. you are a wheelchair user), you could inform the employer of this on the application form, your cover letter or by calling them directly – never put this information on your CV.

It used to be the case that applicants who applied for jobs in which physical fitness was an important consideration, for example, swimming instructor or physical fitness trainer, they would add a ‘health’ tag along with the statement, “Fit and healthy.”

This is no longer required and employers will be able to assess your general health status from other information on your CV, such as your work experience or hobbies.

The official National Insurance guidelines of the UK government state,

“To prevent identity fraud, keep your National Insurance number safe. Do not share it with anyone who does not need it.”

This means that you should not make your National Insurance number on your CV and make it accessible to everyone because you cannot control who will access your CV once you have posted it online or sent it via email to employers.

You may be asked to provide personal details such as gender, ethnicity and race on a separate form called an equal opportunities questionnaire.

It’s OK to provide this information because employers collect them to track their Equal Opportunities performance, not to influence recruitment.

The information you provide is strictly confidential and won’t impact the outcome of your application.

Your CV is your personal sales brochure tailored to impress the employer and invite you to an interview. It should not be cluttered with irrelevant personal details such as your date of birth, gender, marital status and nationality. Instead, only include your key personal information such as your name, address, telephone number and email address.

Good luck with your job hunt!

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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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Personal Details In Resume: Do’s And Dont’s

Updated on
Oct 30, 2023

Personal Details in Resume: Do's and Dont's

Personal Details In Resume : A CV, also known as a Resume is the most important document for anyone looking for a potential job. It comprises all the necessary details of your education, skills and work experience. Not only does a good resume land you a job with your potential employer it also gets you an interview opportunity. The first opportunity to describe yourself comes in the section of the personal details in the resume. If you get the basics wrong here, you can spoil the chances of getting an interview call. We will discuss personal details in the resume from head to toe in this blog.

Resume for Freshers

Also Read: Declaration in Resume for Freshers

Personal Details in Resume: What to Add

One of the major questions which arise while adding personal details to a resume is what all things are to be added. Here is a piece of detailed information on all the essential details in a resume:

Your Name – Keep in mind to write your name in bold so that it stands out. To make your resume easy to stand out, the most important thing is to mention your name properly.
You must mention your address right after you write your name. Your address counts as an essential feature of personal details in the resume.
Mentioning your address serves as a trust factor in your resume.
It may also benefit you and raise your chances of getting the job if you live near your office.

Also Read: Difference Between CV, Statement of Purpose, and Profile

Telephone Number – Another important detail in your personal details in your resume is your telephone number. When applying for a job which is placed internationally, remember to add the country code before your phone number.
Your professional email address
Your personal email address
It will be ideal if you create an email id which has your first and last name in it
[email protected]

Personal Details in Resume: What Not to Add

Here is a list of things you should remember to not add in personal details in a resume.

Date of Birth
Nationality
Current Salary
Marital Status
Children (if any)
Health Status
Driving License Details

The reasons you should not add these personal details to your resume is because:

Prevents discrimination – Discrimination can be based on the following: gender, religion, and nationality. Under the anti-discrimination laws, it is illegal for prospective employers to discriminate against prospective employees on the above-mentioned details. The selection process should be entirely on your skills and knowledge.
Outdated – The revised norms of writing a resume, outline that you should not mention unnecessary personal details of yourself in your resume or CV. it was in olden times that details such as marital status, applicant’s photograph, etc were supposed to be attached to a resume.

Also Read: Top Technical Skills to Enhance Your Resume

Not of Interest to Employers – Your prospective employers are mainly interested in knowing and understanding your skill sets, abilities, experience and qualifications. Adding extra and unwanted information makes your resume long and boring.
LinkedIn Account Details
Portfolio Web Address

Note: Many employers specifically mention candidates to create a one-page resume. Thus, it becomes all the more important to mention personal details in a concise way.

Check out: Resume vs Cover Letter: What is the Difference?

Explore More:

Make use of the professional summary to describe your value to the employer as a professional. Update your skills regularly and remove ones that are irrelevant. Always focus on achievements from your previous experience instead of copy/pasting job descriptions.

Personal information such as your social security number, marital status, nationality, sexual orientation, or spiritual beliefs should not be included on a resume. In fact, employers are not permitted to request these sensitive facts.

Personal details that provide more information about your qualifications for the desired position may be included. Including information about relevant interests or volunteer activities can demonstrate to the hiring manager that you are a good fit for the job or the organisation.

For more tips on professional growth, follow the career counselling page of Leverage Edu now!!

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How To Write A Personal Profile: 7 Tips + Examples

When a hiring manager first receives your resume, they spend 6 to 10 seconds reviewing it. Given this short attention span, you should use every opportunity to make the most prominent skills and achievements noticeable at the first sight. A personal profile, also known as career summary , helps you do just that. This short section at the top briefly outlines your years of experience, skillset and achievements. It is meant to grasp the recruiter's attention and inspire them to read the entire resume.

Personal profile writing is confusing for many reasons. Some job-seekers use it to reiterate their skills and experience once again. Others fill it with unnecessary self-descriptions like proactive, motivated, hard-working . In today's article, our resume writers are going to share tips for writing a persuasive profile that sparks interest and draws attention to your strengths as an employee .

Want a flawless resume by tomorrow ? Professional and certified writers of Resumeperk.com can assist with writin of your CV personal profile as well as other resume sections. A writer works on resume content, design and keywording, and is open to your comments and suggestions. We work with English-speaking writers only and can develop your brand-new custom resume within 24 hours.

Do you need a resume personal statement?

Does every job-seeker needs a personal profile? If you open some career blogs on the internet, you will find that the opinions vary. However, our resume writing agency with 12+ years of experience recommends that you always include a personal statement . It gives you a priceless opportunity to summarize what's unique about you as a candidate and how your superstrengths are relevant to the job.

There are exceptions, though. A recent graduate or a person switching careers will benefit more from a resume objective . Unlike a CV profile, objective statement is focused on the person's career goals and what they plan to bring to the table if hired. If you lack experience in the target field, you probably don't have much to brag about in a personal profile. In this case, you use an objective to focus on transferable skills and explain how you can benefit the employer.

The elements of a strong CV profile section

3-5 sentences in length.

Personal statements are meant to be concise. Their goal is to briefly market your skillset and professional highlights. Since the resume has a 2-page limit, keep the profile to 3-5 sentences and bullet points. Such a strict limitation requires the ability to prioritize facts and determine what's most valuable for your target position.

Tailor it to your desired job

Effective resume writing requires targeting, and a personal statement is no exception. Remember to slightly target the skill set and qualifications you describe in a summary. Different employers want different work expeirence and specialization, and personal profiles should reflect that. Targeting a personal profile every time may sound daunting, yet, this is the only working strategy to pass the ATS and get noticed.

Speak through facts and evidence

Saying that you are highly skilled and have great communication skills is the easiest thing to do. Yet, recruiters want facts and evidence. Instead of saying you have strong sales skills, write "Awarded Regional Sales Manager multiple times". Instead of claiming that you're a proven leader, say "Led a team of 30+ software developers with 100% of deadlines met". Facts sound more persuasive and draw more attention.

Include valuable educational credentials

Apart from workplace accomplishments, academic achievements also worth of your attention. If you have a degree from prestigious school, a certification which is valued high in your industry, or were awarded for superior academic performance, mention it in your CV personal profile. This is particularly important for entry-level professionals who don't have much career accomplishments yet.

Use context

Context and details can say a lot about our experience to a recruiter. Simply writing that you're a marketing professional sounds somewhat vague. If you write that your work experience encompasses employment with small marketing agencies where you completed projects for large manufacturing customers , it would be a better example. If such context meets what the employers is looking for, you'll have a better chance for an itnterview.

Insert high-value keywords

Since the profile is placed at the top of your CV, keywords you use here will value more than the keywords at the bottom of the page. Review the job description to understand what qualifications the company seeks in the first place, and use them. Don't staff the entire section with keywords , though - you write for human recruiters in the first place!

Proofread carefully

Hiring managers don't tolerate typos and grammar mistakes. 59% of them will reject a resume with typos. So, it's a good idea to proofread the document paying special attention to CV personal statement. Read the document aloud to faster identify issues or use an online spell checker to get rid of typos, poor punctuation and incorrect grammar.

CV personal profile examples

To get inspired for writing, take a look at examples of personal profile below:

Software Engineer CV profile example:

Enthusiastic Software Enginer with 7+ years of experience in website and commercial application development. Experienced in advanced software development methodologies and processes that contribute to application design as well as in identifying process bottlenecks. Has a track record of reducing downtime by 20% while ensuring that 100% of projects are completed ahead of time.

Office Manager CV personal statement example:

Result-oriented Office Manager with 3+ years of experience handline a wide range of administrative, supervisory and executive support tasks. Extensively experienced with budgets, payroll, and capable of meeting office organization needs as well as offering cost-effective, innovative solutions to employer challenges. Ensures compliance with organizational goals while coordinating resources and boosting team productivity. In a previous role, researched new office supplies vendor, reducing expenses by 15%.

What not to include in your personal profile?

To compose a powerful personal statement, try to avoid the following common mistakes:

• Don't copy and paste job descriptions from experience section . CV profile is meant to summarize what you have to offer a potential employer, not to repeat the same content that a recruiter can find below in a resume.

• Don't include personal information . If you mention age, marital status or personal reasons why you want to work for a company, they won't accept your resume. Include professional-related information only if you want an interview.

• Don't overuse buzzwords . Adjectives like hardworking, team player , organized, able to work under pressure, enthusiastic sound like buzzwords to recruiters. Use self-descriptions carefully and try to rely on facts.

• Don't list too many skills . If you include management skills, ability to work undependently, eye for detail, project management, conflict resolution and other skills in a row, this will spoil the impression. Choose 2-3 skills and prove them with examples.

• Don't lie ! Of course, you may write that you have a degree from Stanford, but the truth will reveal after a simple background check. Don't risk your reputation and only write true facts.

How to write a LinkedIn personal statement?

If you use LinkedIn profile for job search, avoid copying and pasting text from your CV profile. LinkedIn summary should be written a bit differently. Here's how:

• Write 2-4 short paragraphs . Unlike the resume, LinkedIn personal statement doesn't have length limitations. Thus, you can go into deeper detail about your extensive experience or particular skills and interests.

• Use the first person . Resume is written in third person, and a CV profile is no exception. On the contrary, you need to use the first person in LinkedIn summary. Otherwise, you will sound too formal.

• Write as you speak . Since LinkedIn is a social media, you needn't use formal language that you've used on a resume. Instead, use a conversational tone and write as if you were speaking to a colleague or a potential employer face-to-face.

• Show your character and hobbies . In addition to business achievements, skillset and career goals, show your personality as well. You may include a joke, list interests and hobbies, or show your personal qualities in other way.

• Add multimedia content . LinkedIn allows you to add videos, articles or images. Support your self-descriptions with evidence and attach any content that can tell more about you or serve as samples of your work.

Let our expert writer improve your resume

Our website has a team of 100+ writers who are ready to resolve your resume challenges anytime. Our writer can compose a persuasive CV personal profile, list work experience and education in a way that speaks to the needs of your target employer. We offer a customized resume service which means that a resume is created exclusively for you, and the writer keeps working until you are satisfied.

In addition to resume composition, we can help with a cover letter and LinkedIn profile development. We use the best key practices in resume development to help every candidate get noticed for their dream job. Any questions left? Contact our customer support via chat and receive an exclusive 20% discount off your order.

Our experienced writers can create a powerful resume suitable for each position. However, you may also request a specific resume depending on the job you are applying for, thus it will be tailored individually for your profession:

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How to include Personal Details in a Resume

While experts say personal details in a resume adds no value to a job application, most hiring managers still raise suspicions if important personal details are missing on the resume . It was five decades ago that the exclusion of personal details began with proactive working women and men followed the same after a decade. Prior to that, personal details about your marital status to medical status were common sections candidates had to include in a resume. Nonetheless, today adding the right personal details is crucial to writing a flawless resume as well as avoiding red flags that can reject your application.

How to Write the Personal Details Section in a Resume

Personal details are useful for contacting the candidate as well as establishing the authenticity of the candidature. If an employer requests unprofessional private details on a job application , candidates must file a case with the Equal Employment Opportunity Legislation to report the unjust.

Following is a list of sections you must include under the header “Personal Details” or “Personal Requirements” in a professional resume or CV when requested by the employer.

1. Full Name

Placed at the beginning of the resume, name of the Candidate with surname must be listed in this section in a sizeable font size that highlights it. Avoid nicknames or other unprofessional versions of introducing yourself in this section.

2. Contact Information

It is important to list your Phone Number, Email Address and Mailing Address underneath the name. You must maintain clarity and manners in this section as the hiring manager will come back to this section, in case you pass the evaluations. List your mobile or personal number after confirming that it works for accuracy. Hence, avoid your current office number or unprofessional email addresses. Instead, use an email address that says – Name.Surname/Date of Birth.

Candidates must never add indecent or personal photos that look unprofessional, in a profile. A good resume photo is considered derogatory in the West, as it reveals factors of discrimination such as gender, age, and ethnicity to the recruiter. While European jobs mandate it, US jobs consider the same misleading. If you must include a personal photo in the resume, ensure that it is a headshot without spectacles of any kind.

4. Professional Title

Listing the job role that you are applying for is important to specify your motive in a resume. Candidates can also include their degree such as Cardiologist or Astrophysicist in the professional title if the job is certificate-specific.

5. Nationality

An optional section in a resume , most often employers avoid this section for prevention of discrimination based on ethnicity. However, for location-specific jobs, it is important to cite your citizenship status to assess the requirements of the job.

Government job descriptions often request candidates to enumerate the nationality for transparency. When you’re a foreigner applying for a job in the U.S or similar countries, it is important to stipulate your citizenship status such as “Permanent Resident” or “Student” as well.

6. Languages Known

Yet another optional section to add in your resume, listing the languages you know are important to linguistic and hospitality jobs. In fact, having proficiency in multiple languages also boosts your qualifications for any occupation.

Remember to include languages that are widely used around the place you’re planning to work, to impress the recruiter.

7. Hobbies and Interests

Often seen on functional resumes, hobbies, and interests relevant to the job are excellent markers to show your profound commitment and passion towards the profession. It is important to list hobbies that exemplify your love for the work you do in your profile document.

In most resumes, hobbies and interests hold no value.

Personal Details you must avoid in a Resume

Similar to achievements or skills , personal details relevant to a job application must be mentioned to establish your candidacy in a resume . To write personal details section in your resume without errors, it is best to crosscheck if you accidentally inserted any of the hypersensitive sections that may raise red flags such as the below.

· Marital Status

A trend in the 1960s and 80s resumes no longer demand the marital status or orientation of the candidate in the resume. According to the Sex Discrimination Act, it is wrong to evaluate a resume based on the marital status of the candidate. However, you must add it if the employer has requested the same for clarifying your flexibility (Single) or loyalty (Married) to the profession.

Moreover, it is best to avoid negative topics in the resume such as divorce or death, in case your marital history specifies so.

· Salary Requirements

Yet another optional section in a resume, Salary must not be mentioned on a resume unless the employer exclusively requests it. In such a case, it is best to beat around the bush or give a rough range of estimated salary than a specific amount as the wrong salary might send inappropriate signals.

· Health Condition

A regular section on older resumes, the medical status of the candidate must not be mentioned if not requested. Even if the same is requested it is best to ask why than disclose personal information in a resume . You can also add it to a separate page of the resume than inside it, in such a case.

Discrimination based on age differences is rampant in most job sectors. Candidates must report employers who ask age details in a resume, according to ADEA 1967. Unless age is highly relevant to the job qualifications, avoid mentioning it in the resume to prevent being harassed by age bias.

When to avoid Personal Details Section in a Resume

Candidates must avoid listing personal details on a resume when the job description does not specifically ask for it. Personal details are minimal in a traditional format such as chronological resume as it focuses on the work history and technical skills of the candidate. If personal details are immaterial to the hiring process, skip it.

You must not add your personal details for a job application unless it that specifically requests the same. Personal details such as age or marital status are irrelevant to resumes such as a designer or executive resume and such addendum undermines the professional quality of your resume.

Including sensitive details in a professional resume can even raise red flags of unprofessionalism if your personal details contain unprofessional or sensitive information. It is important to customize and groom your personal details in the resume based on legal instructions as well as that of the recruiter, to get noticed by the hiring desk.

You can add the most relevant personal details using applicable hobbies or interests that emphasize your superlative commitment and expertise to the job role.

Related Resume & Cover Letter Articles

Resume personal statement examples

If you want to secure job interview, you need a strong personal statement at the top of your resume.

Your resume personal statement is a short paragraph which sits at the very top of your resume – and it’s aim is to summarize the benefits of hiring you and encourage employers to read your resume in full.

In this guide I have included 17 resume personal statement examples from a range of professions and experience levels, plus a detailed guide of how to write your own personal statement that will get you noticed by employers

Resume templates

17 resume personal statement examples

To start this guide, I have included 10 examples of good personal statements, to give you an idea of how a personal statement should look , and what should be included.

Note: personal statements are generally used by junior candidates – if you are experienced, check out our resume summary examples instead.

College graduate resume personal statement (no experience)

College graduate no experience resume personal statement

Although this college graduate has no paid work experience , they compensate for it by showcasing all of the skills and knowledge the have gained during their studies, and demonstrating how they apply their knowledge in academic and personal projects.

When you have little or no experience, it’s important to draw out transferable workplace skills from your studies and extracurricular work, to showcase them to employers.

College graduate resume personal statement (part time freelance experience)

Graduate with part time freelance experience CV personal statement

This candidate has graduated college with a degree in biochemistry but actually wants to start a career in marketing after providing some digital freelance services to fund their studies.

In this case, they haven’t made much mention of their studies because they aren’t relevant to the marketing agencies they are applying to. Instead they have focused their personal statement around their freelance work and passion for the digital field – although they still mention the fact they are degree educated to prove their academic success.

High school leaver resume personal statement (no experience)

High school leaver no experience resume personal statement

This candidate is 16 years old and has no work experience whatsoever, but they compensate for this by detailing their academic achievements that relate to the roles they are applying for (maths and literacy are important requirements in finance and accountancy roles).

They also add some info on their extracurricular activities and high school work-placements, to strengthen this student resume further.

Top tips for writing a resume personal statement

Thoroughly research the jobs and companies you are planning to apply for to identify the type of candidate they are looking for – try to reflect that in your personal statement
Don’t be afraid to brag a little – include some of your most impressive achievements from education, work or personal life
Focus on describing the benefits an employer will get from hiring you. Will you help them to get more customers? Improve their workplace? Save them time and money?
If you have no work experience, demonstrate transferable workplace skills from your education, projects, or even hobbies

High school leaver resume personal statement (part time experience)

High school leaver part time experience resume personal statement

Although this person has only just left high school, they have also undertaken some part-time work in a call center alongside their studies.

To make the most of this experience, they have combined their academic achievements with their workplace exposure in this personal statement.

By highlighting their future studies, summer programme involvement, work experience and expressing their ambitions to progress within sales, this candidate really makes an appealing case for hiring them.

College leaver resume personal statement (no experience)

College leaver no experience resume personal statement

This candidate has left college with good grades, but does not yet have any work experience.

To compensate for the lack of workplace exposure, they have made their honor results prominent and highlighted skills and experience which would benefit the employers they are targeting.

Any recruiter reading this summary can quickly understand that this candidate has great academic achievements, a passion for IT and finance and the ability to transfer their skills into an office environment.

College student resume personal statement (freelance experience)

College graduate freelance experience resume personal statement

As this student has picked up a small amount of freelance writing work during their studies, they have made sure to brag about it in their personal statement.

They give details on their relevant studies to show the skills they are learning, and boost this further by highlighting the fact that they have been applying these skills in a real-life work setting by providing freelance services.

They also include key action verbs that recruiters will be looking for , such as creative writing, working to deadlines, and producing copy.

Academic resume personal statement

Aside from junior candidates, the only other people who might use a personal statement, are academic professionals; as their resume’s tend to be more longer and detailed than other professions.

This candidate provides a high level overview of their field of study, length of experience, and the roles they have held within colleges.

High school leaver resume personal statement with sports experience

High school leaver sports focussed resume personal statement

Although this person has no work experience, they are still able to show employers the value of hiring them by selling their other achievements and explaining how they could benefit an organization.

They expand on their sports club involvement to demonstrate their teamwork, leadership skills, communication and motivation, which are all important traits in the workplace, and will be looked upon favourably by recruiters and hiring managers.

They also draw upon their future plans to study business studies at college and take a part time job, to further prove their ambition and dedication.

History graduate resume personal statement

This history graduate proves their aptitude for both academic achievement and workplace aptitude by showcasing valuable skills from their degree and voluntary work.

They do this by breaking down the key requirements for each and showing how their skills could be beneficial for future employers, such as listening, communication, and crisis management.

They also describe how their ability to balance studies alongside voluntary work has not only boosted their knowledge and skills, but also given excellent time management and organizational skills – which are vital assets to any employer.

Law graduate resume personal statement

This legal graduate makes the most from their college work placements by using it to bulk out the contents of their resume personal statement.

They include their degree to show they have the necessary qualifications for legal roles, which is crucial, but more importantly, they showcase how they applied their legal skills within a real-life work setting.

They give a brief overview of the types of legal professionals they have been working alongside and the type of work they have been carrying out – this is all it takes to get the attention of recruiters and show employers they have what it takes to fulfil roles in the legal sector.

Medical student resume personal statement

This medical student proves their fit for the role by showcasing the key skills they have gained from their studies and their work experience placements.

In just these few sentences, they are able to highlight the vast amount of experience they have across different disciplines in the industry, something which is particularly important in the medical sector.

As they have not graduated yet and are still studying, they have provided proof of their most recent grades. This can give the recruiter some indication as to the type of grade they could be graduating with in the near future.

Masters student resume personal statement

This masters student has started by specifying their area of study, in this case, accounting, and given details about the specific areas of finance they are most interested in. This can hint towards their career goals and passions.

They have then carefully listed some of the key areas of accounting and finance that they are proficient in. For example, business finance, advanced corporate finance and statistics.

They have also outlined some of the transferable skills needed for accounting roles that employers will be looking out for, such as communication, attention to detail and analytical skills.

Finance student resume personal statement

As this finance student has recently undertaken some relevant work experience, they’ve made sure to shout about this in their personal summary.

But more than this, they have included a list of some of the important finance skills they gained as a result of this work experience – for example, financial reporting, processing invoices and month-end reconciliations.

Plus, through power words and phrases such as ‘prevent loss’ and ‘improve upon accuracy and efficiency’, they have also showcased how they can apply these skills in a workplace setting to benefit the potential employer.

Internship resume personal statement

This digital marketing professional has started their personal summary by outlining their most relevant qualifications and work experience, most notably their freelance role as a content manager.

They have also provided examples of some of the key marketing skills that potential employers might be looking for, including very detailed examples of the platforms and tools they are proficient in – for example, LinkedIn, Twitter and Pinterest.

They have then closed their statement by giving a detailed description of the type of role or opportunity they are looking for. In this case, an in-house position in a marketing company.

College graduate career changer personal statement

College graduate career changer resume personal statement

Switching careers as a college graduate can be tough. Especially when it comes to writing a personal statement that will attract employers in your new chosen field.

This candidate is looking to move from history teaching into journalism, so they have created a statement which briefly mentions their current workplace, but mainly focuses on highlighting transferable skills which are relevant to journalism. They achieve this by discussing the writing skills they use in their current role, and mentioning their hobby of writing – including some publications they have been featured in for extra brownie points.

Business management graduate personal statement

Business management graduate CV personal statement

This business management proves their ability to work within a junior business management position by swiftly highlighting their impressive degree (to ensure it is not missed) and summarizing some of the real-life experience they have gained in management during their college placements and volunteering. They do not let their lack of paid work experience, stop them demonstrating their valuable skills.

PhD graduate

PhD graduate roles attract a lot of competition, so it’s important that your resume contains a personal statement that will quickly impress and attract recruiters.

This candidate provides a short-but-comprehensive overview of their academic achievements, whilst demonstrating their exceptional level of knowledge in research, languages and publication writing.

By highlighting a number of skills and abilities that are in high-demand in the academic workplace, this resume is very likely to get noticed and land interviews.

How to write a personal statement for your resume

Now that you’ve seen what a personal statement should look like and the type of content it should contain, follow this detailed guide to one for your own resume – and start racking those interviews up.

Guide contents

What is a resume personal statement?

Resume personal statement or resume summary, personal statement format, what to include in a resume personal statement.

Personal statement mistakes

How to write persuasively

A personal statement is a short paragraph at the top of your resume which gives employers an overview of your education, skills and experience

It’s purpose is to capture the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers when your resume is first opened – encouraging them to read the rest of it.

You achieve this by writing a tailored summary of yourself that explains your suitability for the roles you are applying for at a very high level, and matches your target job descriptions .

One question candidates often ask me is , “what is the difference between a personal statement and a resume summary?”

To be honest, they are almost the same – they are both introductory paragraphs that sit at the top of your resume… but there are 2 main differences:

A personal statement tends to be used more by junior candidates (college graduates, high school leavers etc.) and is relatively long and detailed.

A resume summary tends to be favoured by more experienced candidates , and is shorter in length than a personal statement.

Note: If you are an experienced candidate, you may want to switch over to my resume writing guide , or example resume summaries page.

To ensure you grab recruiters’ attention with your personal statement, lay it out in the following way.

Positioning

You need to ensure that your personal statement sits at the very top of your resume, and all of it should be totally visible to readers, without the need to scroll down the page.

Do this by reducing the top page margin and minimizing the space taken up by your contact details.

This will ensure that your whole personal statement can be seen, as soon as your resume is opened.

We have a resume template which can help you to get this right.

Size/length

Your personal statement needs to contain enough detail to provide an introduction to your skills and knowledge, but not so much detail that it bores readers.

To strike the right balance, anything between 8-15 lines of text is perfect – and sentences should be sharp and to-the-point.

As with the whole of your resume , your personal statement should be written in a simple clean font at around size 10-12 to ensure that it can be read easily by all recruiters and employers.

Keep the text color simple, ensuring that it contrasts the background (black on white is best) and break it into 2 or even 3 paragraphs for a pleasant reading experience.

It should also be written in a punchy persuasive tone, to help you sell yourself and increase your chances of landing interviews , I cover how to do this in detail further down the guide.

Quick tip: A poorly written resume will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our quick-and-easy Resume Builder to create a winning resume in minutes with professional resume templates and pre-written content for every industry.

Once you have the style and format of your personal statement perfected, you need to fill it with compelling content that tells recruiters that your resume is worth reading.

Here’s what needs to go into your personal statement…

Before you start writing your personal statement, it’s crucial that you research your target roles to find out exactly what your new potential employers are looking for in a candidate.

Run a search for your target jobs on one of the major job websites, look through plenty of adverts and make a list of the candidate requirements that frequently appear.

This research will show you exactly what to include in your personal statement in order to impress the recruiters who will be reading it.

Education and qualifications are an important aspect of your personal statement, especially if you are a junior candidate.

You should highlight your highest and most relevant qualifications, whether that is a degree or your GED. You could potentially go into some more detail around modules, papers etc. if they are relevant to the roles you are applying for.

It’s important that you discuss the experience you have gained in your personal statement, to give readers an idea of the work you are comfortable undertaking.

This can of course be direct employed work experience, but it doesn’t have to be.

You can also include:

High school/college work placements
Voluntary work
Personal projects
Hobbies/interests

As with all aspects of your resume , the content should be tailored to match the requirements of your target roles.

Whilst discussing your experience, you should touch upon skills used, industries worked in, types of companies worked for, and people you have worked with.

Where possible, try to show the impact your actions have made. E.g. A customer service agent helps to make sales for their employer.

Any industry-specific knowledge you have that will be useful to your new potential employers should be made prominent within your personal statement.

For example

Knowledge of financial regulations will be important for accountancy roles
Knowledge of IT operating systems will be important for IT roles
Knowledge of the national curriculum will be important for teachers

You should also include some information about the types of roles you are applying for, and why you are doing so. Try to show your interest and passion for the field you are hoping to enter, because employers want to hire people who have genuine motivation and drive in their work.

This is especially true if you don’t have much work experience, as you need something else to compensate for it.

Resume personal statement mistakes

The things that you omit from your personal statement can be just as important as the things you include.

Try to keep the following out of your personal statement..

Irrelevant info

Any information that doesn’t fall into the requirements of your target roles can be cut out of your personal statement. For example, if you were a professional athlete 6 years ago, that’s great – but it won’t be relevant if you’re applying to advertising internships, so leave it out.

Generic clichés

If you are describing yourself as a “ dynamic team player with high levels of motivation and enthusiasm” you aren’t doing yourself any favours.

These cliché terms are vastly overused and don’t provide readers with any factual details about you – so keep them to a minimum.

Stick to solid facts like education, skills , experience, achievements and knowledge.

If you really want to ensure that your personal statement makes a big impact, you need to write in a persuasive manner.

So, how do you so this?

Well, you need to brag a little – but not too much

It’s about selling yourself and appearing confident, without overstepping the mark and appearing arrogant.

For example, instead of writing.

“Marketing graduate with an interest in entering the digital field”

Be creative and excite the reader by livening the sentence up like this,

“Marketing graduate with highest exam results in class and a passion for embarking on a long and successful career within digital”

The second sentence is a much more interesting, makes the candidate appear more confident, throws in some achievements, and shows off a wider range of writing skills.

Quick tip: A poorly written resume will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our quick-and-easy Resume Builder to create a winning resume in minutes with professional templates and pre-written content for every industry.

Your own personal statement will be totally unique to yourself, but by using the above guidelines you will be able to create one which shows recruiters everything they need.

Remember to keep the length between 10-20 lines and only include the most relevant information for your target roles.

You can also check our college graduate resume example , our best resume templates , or our library of example resumes from all industries.

Good luck with the job hunt!

CVs & Résumés

Personal information: what you should include in your résumé.

Nikki Vivian

You’ve written your résumé and it’s time to add some personal details, but you might be wondering what exactly to include. What is necessary and what is too much information? This is a common dilemma but, as with the rest of your résumé, less is more in most circumstances.

Why you shouldn’t include personal information in your résumé.

Aside from your name and contact information, it isn’t necessary to include personal details on your résumé, in most cases. In fact, including too many personal details may have a negative effect on your job application. Here’s why:

It’s an outdated practice

Adding personal details to a résumé used to be a common practice, but along with adding references, it isn’t necessary anymore. All recruiters need, in most instances, is your name and contact information. Save the space for information that is going to help to sell you as a candidate such us you work experience and skills.

It opens you up to discrimination and bias

Including personal information such as your age, nationality, gender or marital status make it possible for recruiters to discriminate against you .

Even if hiring managers don’t intentionally discriminate against candidates, they may still have unconscious bias and prejudice, which could ultimately affect the success of your application. Adding personal details builds a picture of yourself that the reader of your résumé may or may not identify with. People are hard-wired to look for similarities and differences between themselves and others, and whilst this could work in your favor, it equally may not.

It goes against anti-discrimination laws

In some countries it is against the law for employers to make hiring decisions based on your personal information.

When it’s okay to include personal information in your résumé

Whilst in general it’s best avoided, there are instances where including personal details is necessary.

You are applying to jobs in certain countries

Meanwhile, when it comes to countries in the Middle East, you may be required to provide a lot more personal information including marital status, gender, date and place of birth, number of children, if any, as well as a photo.

It’s important that you check and follow the data and résume requirements in each country you are applying in to ensure you are following general guidelines.

You have an acting or modelling résumé

You have a website or portfolio.

Employers will do a background search on you, so if you have a LinkedIn profile , portfolio or website that add value to your résumé, you should add the link along with your contact details to make it easier for them to find what you want them to see.

Anything that backs up your credentials is great to include in you a résumé. This could be a portfolio of your design work, a personal blog, or a YouTube channel.

You are applying to emergency/armed services

Your hobbies and professional experience overlap.

Including your hobbies and interests in your résumé is common but isn’t always advised. This depends on your experience level and whether your hobbies actually add value to your résumé.

Types of personal information you can include in your résumé

Personal information on your résumé is best avoided in most situations but depending on where you’re applying to for a role, it may be necessary. Here’s what you may need to include:

What personal information you should always include in your résumé

Contact details are always necessary. If you are successful at application stage, a recruiter will want to get in touch to invite you to interview. Therefore, it is essential that they know how to contact you. You should include the following:

Where to include personal information in your résumé

Key takeaways.

When it comes to contact details, include only the essentials. Anything else can open you up to discrimination and is taking up valuable space that can be used to showcase your skills and achievements.

What personal information have you included in your résumé? Let us know in the comments section below!

Personal Details on CV (Contact Info, Phone Number & More)

Why are personal details on CV important?

What personal details are a must on your cv, what personal details are optional on your cv, what personal details you shouldn’t include on your cv, how to format personal details on your cv correctly, examples of personal details on cv.

Your CV is all about your professional experience and skills you have acquired over the years .

And while all that is really important, adding your personal details on your CV can be equally important.

Your personal details may seem like a minor detail, but they are actually the very first thing a hiring manager sees when going through your documents.

So you need to introduce yourself properly, or you might lose them before you can even show your experience and skills.

To get this right, we need to get the answers of a few questions, and we will go through them one by one:

What personal details must you list on your CV?

If you don’t feel confident in your overall CV performance, you should check out our CV Builder and create a unique and eye-catching design .

But if you are ready to dive into the personal details on your CV, stick around.

Upload & Check Your CV

Drop your CV here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

First things first, are personal details on your CV really that important?

Simply put - yes, and here is why.

As we already mentioned, your personal details are your first chance to introduce yourself to a potential employer.

Usually, hiring managers go through a pre-selection of candidates before they decide which they would like to call in for an interview.

Listing personal details like your name and contact information in an easy-to-read and easy-to-find way on your CV can help them contact you.

But omitting those or not formatting them correctly can eliminate your chances right away.

Furthermore, many organizations have databases of all their previous job position candidates. Having your personal details listed correctly can help hiring managers contact you for any future suitable job openings.

There are plenty of personal details you can list on your CV depending on various factors like job position, experience you have, etc.

But no matter whether you're writing a CV for a job, or for applying for a federal or academic position , there are a few personal details entries that are an absolute must.

The first piece of personal details you need to provide is your full name. That way you introduce yourself to the hiring manager and you establish a primary connection with them.

When writing your name, make sure it is the largest text in your whole CV. It should be at least 6 points larger than anything else.

If you are feeling creative, you can always set a different font or color for your name only, but make sure it looks good. If you are not confident in the result, you should keep it simple.

In most cases, your first and last name are the best way to go, but in case your name is too long and does not fit well on the page, you can write your first name and use initials after that.

Contact information

The other crucial part of your personal details is your contact information, as it is the only way you can ever be contacted for an interview.

Email address

Nowadays, email is usually the preferred method of communication and will probably be the first choice of the hiring manager when contacting you.

But don’t list just any email that you have got. An email address that seemed funny in college is not the right email address for the job.

You would want a professional looking email to list on your CV.

Your best option is to use a provider like Gmail and keep a format that includes your name, like “ [email protected] ” .

Phone number

That is the second must that you should not exclude from your contact information. It is just as important a means of communication, as your email address.

Make sure you list your personal cell phone, so that you would be sure that the hiring manager would reach you.

Keep only one phone number on your CV. Any more than that might come off confusing and would be more difficult to keep track of.

In this modern age many people work from home, and so your address is no longer a must.

But typically, it might work well for you.

There are some reasons for some employers to prefer local candidates , including:

Tax purposes
Traveling time

The safe way to go is to check the job listing first and see if it is required.

A thing to be extra careful about here is what part of your address you include.

If you decide to include any, make sure you only list city and state.

Any more information is too much, and can even be harmful to you, if your CV ends up in the wrong hands.

After you list your full name and contact information on your CV, you can easily move on to your work experience section , but if you have the chance, you can include some more personal details, as they may help you out more than you think.

Professional Title

If possible, you should always include your professional title right beneath your full name.

It should show the hiring manager two different things about you - what you do and what is your level of experience in the role.

Keep in mind that you should use a job title that is common enough for the hiring manager to understand it. If it is not that common, you can always find a common equivalent and use it instead.

LinkedIn profile

CVs are most commonly one-pagers , and only in rare cases two-pagers , but you can provide a great deal of additional information using your LinkedIn profile.

What you need to be careful of here is that your LinkedIn profile should reflect what you have already listed on your CV . Any mismatches might come across as a potential lie and you might lose your chances to get the job.

Personal website or Portfolio

If you are applying for a creative position, a website that showcases your portfolio, work achievements and skills, can really be a great addition to your CV.

Another great reason for including a personal website is if you are a web developer, as that would be a great proof of your talents.

Languages known

In the modern world, it is crucial to know more languages, as the world is becoming more and more connected .

So, any language skills you have would not remain unnoticed.

Your potential employer would absolutely be happy to see some additional language skills on your CV.

If you have any certification for any language , don’t miss out on listing it.

When talking about personal information, there is such a thing as too much information. There are plenty of things that should not be shared with the hiring manager, as your CV is a working document after all.

Nationality

The job listing may state that you should be living in a particular state or city for you to apply for the job, but that has nothing to do with your nationality.

The only thing that matters is if you are qualified for the job.

And even though employers are forbidden by law to discriminate depending on factors like nationality, you can only increase your chances for discrimination by listing your nationality on your CV.

However, there are job positions where it would be necessary to list your nationality, like a government or private job where citizens of a particular country can apply.

In most countries it is illegal for an employer to take your gender into account for a job position.

But even if that’s not the case, you should not list your gender unless the job you are applying for is not gender specific, as it can again result in unwanted discrimination.

Sexual Orientation

Your CV is a working document that has place only for work-related information. And thus, your personal life and sexual orientation have no place within it, and are usually unwelcomed.

Another personal information that can lead to discrimination is race. Although in most countries it is illegal to take race under consideration for a job position, it is best if you exclude it from your CV.

Marital Status

One more piece of your personal life that has no place in your CV is your marital status. Being married and/or having children should not be a factor for considering you for a job position.

However, keep in mind that some jobs, like in the military or armed forces, may require candidates to stay unmarried for a specified period after joining

Religion or Belief

No matter if you are strongly religious, or not at all, that has no place on your CV. Employers in many countries are forbidden by law to discriminate against any individual depending on their beliefs and religion.

Long gone are the times when CVs included photos. Nowadays that is something that most people avoid. You would not want to be judged by your appearance, but by your experience and skills.

Furthermore, in some countries it is illegal to add a photo to your CV.

However, if you are applying for a job where physical appearance matters, like that of an actor, model or cabin crew staff, you should include a photo .

Date of Birth

Some employers may prefer older or younger workers, but your age should not reflect in any way your professional skills.

The only timestamp you would want to add in your CV is the years of relevant experience you have.

Keep in mind that including your school dates makes it really easy for your potential employer to estimate your age .

In some rare cases though, there are restrictions like a minimum or maximum acceptable age for the job. It applies mostly for government jobs, and in this case you should consider listing your age to show that you meet the criteria.

Current Salary

Listing your current salary may be considered unprofessional by your potential employer.

There is enough time for you to negotiate your salary, if your interview goes well, but at this point, you don’t need to share that information.

Formatting your personal details correctly is just as important as listing them.

The best way to go is to have your name with big and bold letters at the top of the page, followed by your contact information and any other personal details in smaller font below.

In some cases, you can even have a separate block with all your personal details.

No matter what format you choose, you need to make sure your personal details are easy-to-read and easy-to-find. That means they should be somewhere on top of the page and should use a standard font.

After all, your personal details are your call-to-action for the hiring manager as soon as they decide they want to contact you for an interview.

Now that we are all done with the theoretical part, it would serve you good to see some great examples of what we talked about:

As you can see, all these great examples have similarities in all the right places:

The name is written in a bigger font size than anything else
The professional titles specify both their role and the level of expertise
The contact information includes all the necessary means of communication

We are all done, you are now ready to perfect your personal details on your CV.

Let’s just go through it all one more time:

You MUST add both your full name and your contact information on the top of the page
You CAN add other relevant personal details like professional title, LinkedIn profile, personal website, portfolio, languages you know, etc
You SHOULDN’T add any personal information that is not work-related and/or might lead to any kind of discrimination

Make sure you format all your personal details correctly and you should be good to go.

Take one last look at our examples to get you going, and get your dream job in no time.

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Personal Details on a CV

Home » Resume Help » Personal Details on a CV

A job seeker’s CV is their most important tool in the job search. It gives an employer a good idea of who the candidate is, what they have done, and what they can do for them. But with so many different things to include on a good CV and so many conflicting opinions on how to best maximize its effectiveness, it can be tough for a job seeker to figure out exactly what should go into their CV.

If you’re in the process of updating your CV, it’s important to know what personal details to include. Your CV template is an accurate representation of who you are and what you have to offer, so it’s important that all your information is up-to-date and true.

Personal information example:

Read on to find out which personal details you should include or exclude from your CV.

Personal details to include in your CV:

There are many different ways you can present yourself on a CV, and it’s up to you to decide how closely you want to emulate a professional persona. However, if your goal is to land an interview for a particular job, it’s probably best that you emulate the way professionals present themselves in their jobs.

The personal details section contains the following key information about you:

Your name is one of the most important parts of your CV because it’s the first thing a potential employer sees. It’s important that this is exactly correct, so double-check your details if you have any doubts.

It’s also important to ensure that you include your full name, rather than an abbreviated version. Many job seekers abbreviate their first names in order to save space, but there’s no need to do this – your full name should be on there anyway.

The address section is where you can include the most information about yourself. It’s also one of the most important parts of your CV.

Including the right address on a CV can be critical for finding work, but it’s easier said than done. If you’re not sure what address to include, consider asking family and friends for advice first, and then make any necessary changes afterward.

3. Telephone number

It’s important to include your telephone number on your CV, but you need to be very cautious about what phone number you use. If possible, try to use a work or mobile number rather than a home phone.

A work or mobile number indicates that you’re willing to work and are confident in your ability to do the job, whereas a home phone number may be seen as weak or insecure.

4. Email address

It’s important to include an email address on your CV, but be careful about what you use. If possible, try to find a work email address rather than a personal one.

A work email will indicate that you’re trying to secure employment, whereas a personal one may make you seem like a job hunter rather than a job seeker.

5. LinkedIn

In addition to a full CV, the personal details section should also include a link to your LinkedIn profile or another professional social media account.

LinkedIn is a great way to showcase your professional qualifications and is easily searchable, so it’s best that you include it if you have one.

Personal details not to include in your CV:

There are a few things you should leave off of your CV for different reasons. 1. History It’s important that your CV is up-to-date and shows that you’re current and professional, so it’s best to keep any shocking or negative history out of your CV. Even if the information isn’t entirely accurate, it could reflect badly on you anyway.

The following is a list of personal details that you should better not include on your CV unless if required:

Nationality
Date of birth
Place of birth
Marital status
Current salary
Driving license details
Health status

Why you should not Include the above list in your personal details:

Employers consider nationality, date of birth, gender and marital status as an important element in a candidate’s profile. However, your nationality is not really important while applying for jobs in other country, date of birth and gender can be easily modified by changing photo or simply leaving it blank. Marital status is also irrelevant in many countries including US.
Place of Birth: Do not include your place of birth unless it is included on the resume header. Feel free to leave it blank.
Photograph: It is preferred not to include any photograph on your resume, but if you are applying for a glamour industries or fashion show related jobs, then by all means you can upload the photograph in your resume header.
Current salary: Feel free to leave it blank.
Religion: Most of the job seekers have different religions and leave their religion blank in their resume however this is not a good practice as employers may consider religion as an important factor while hiring you. You can always say that you are Hindu or Muslim or Congressite in your interview.
Driving license details: If you are applying for jobs related to your driving license then by all means mention it in your resume. Otherwise, avoid putting unnecessary details.
Health Status: This is another unimportant detail which is better left blank.
Country: Do not include country of residence unless you are applying a specific country specific jobs like USA jobs or UK jobs or Australia jobs etc as employers may consider this as an important factor while hiring you.

Sample CV with Personal Details:

Download CV Template

Tips to Write a Personal Details on a CV:

If you have a long name, shorten it and keep the abbreviated version on your CV.
Include as much information about your personal details as you can in a few words.
To highlight one line in your resume, place a “*” at the beginning of the line.
Use bullets whenever possible for highlighting your abilities and skills on your resume with more impact!
Using reverse bullet points is also recommended in some cases like for an extended period of stay abroad etc.
Personal details like contact information should be placed in the right hand corner of the resume.
Address your name properly before sending your CV.
Make sure to mention a postal or email address that is easy to remember and use the same one while applying for jobs online in order to make it short and crisp.
You should include your e-mail address in your CV, however don’t use it unnecessarily as it can be misdirected easily and become misused.
If you have a mobile number, insert it on the cover memo of your CV.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to format your CV depends on your qualifications and the job you are applying for. For example, if you have a lot of work experience, you will want to format your CV differently than if you are a recent graduate with limited work experience.

The personal details you include on your CV will depend on the country you are applying in. In the United States, you would typically include your name, address, phone number, and email address. In the United Kingdom, you would also include your nationality and date of birth.

If you have a gap in your employment history, you should explain the reason for the gap in your CV. For example, if you took time off to raise a family, you would want to include that information.

Your skills and qualifications should be listed in a way that is relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job as a web developer, you would want to list your skills and qualifications in a way that highlights your experience with web development.

There are a few things you can do to make your CV stand out. First, make sure your CV is clear and concise. Second, highlight your relevant skills and qualifications. Third, use a professional and consistent format. Finally, avoid common mistakes.

There are a few things you should avoid when writing your CV. First, avoid using unprofessional language. Second, do not include irrelevant information. Third, do not lie or exaggerate your qualifications or experience. Finally, avoid using a generic CV template.

Some common mistakes people make when writing their CV include using unprofessional language, including irrelevant information, lying or exaggerating their qualifications or experience, and using a generic CV template.

Your CV should be as long as it needs to be to highlight your relevant skills and qualifications. In general, a CV should be no more than two pages.

Key Takeaways:

Use sample blank cv template to start.
A CV that is well-formatted, interesting, and doesn’t include irrelevant personal details is more likely to be read and passed on.
A job seeker needs a way to get employers interested in them, so including your personal details into a CV can be very useful – but only if they’re relevant to the job you’re applying for.
It’s better not to include anything too sensitive on a CV, because it’s better that you leave yourself an out if there are any problems with how you present yourself on paper.
If you are applying for jobs in a specific country, it’s better to include your nationality and date of birth to make you seem more professional.
A CV format should be accepted internationally. If it is not accepted internationally, your chances of getting shortlisted may become zero to none.

Published by Sarah Samson

Sarah Samson is a professional career advisor and resume expert. She specializes in helping recent college graduates and mid-career professionals improve their resumes and format them for the modern job market. In addition, she has also been a contributor to several online publications.

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Personal details in a resume: What to include and exclude

Every person who is searching for a job wants to impress his potential employer. the most important thing on the way to success in a career is your resume and the way you express yourself in it, especially your personal details. in this blog, we shall discuss the personal details of your resume., table of contents, personal details in a resume | a comprehensive guide, phone number, email , additional details, linkedin profile, beneficial personal details that are relevant to the job, personal details in a resume that you should not include, key takeaway.

A potential employer’s initial impression of you is based on your resume, or CV (curriculum vitae). Personal details in a resume carry a lot of advantages. If you want to create a good first impression and land this job, your resume should be interesting and contain only positive and relevant information about yourself.

When writing a CV, you may find yourself wondering, ‘Do I need to include personal information on my resume?’ You do, but you must still filter what you put there.

We want you to get your ideal job as much as you do, so we’ve put together some helpful advice on the personal details of your resume.

Personal details in a resume: What to include

which personal details in a resume makes it strong

Everyone wishes for their resume to stand out and impress a prospective employer. However, not everyone knows how to write a CV correctly, especially if this is their first job and they have never written one of these before.

Make careful to just share the essential personal information; you don’t want your resume to look like a dating profile. It should portray the applicant as a knowledgeable and experienced industry expert.

So, here are some examples of personal details in a resume that would be quite helpful to include and would play an important part in your job search.

The most crucial item to remember is your name when drafting a CV because an employer wants to know how to address you. As a result, put your name on the top page in larger letters than everything else to emphasize its importance.

Make the name prominent and center it to guarantee that it is the first thing a recruiter sees. Some people have lengthy names with many surnames and middle names.

If this is the case, it’s better to write your first and last names, plus a middle name for good measure, rather than your entire name. A resume may be an effective marketing tool as well.

Another important detail to put in your resume is your current address. Including your address offers several advantages, since it shows that you are trustworthy to an employer.

People who are permanently established somewhere and are not constantly moving about will be a fantastic find for an employer because no one wants to work with someone who has a high probability of moving away in a few months. Additionally, if you reside close to the job, it may be an advantage in your application.

If a recruiter wants to interview you in the near future, they will need to contact you. This implies that including your phone number on your CV is critical. The person in charge of recruiting you will want to speak with you briefly, hear your voice, and learn about your employment expectations.

When you write your phone number on your CV, you should always double-check that you wrote it accurately. Additionally, if you have specified periods when it is best not to contact you and times when you may receive calls, you should include that information in your resume.

You must provide one more piece of personal information in your résumé to boost your chances of getting approved. When it comes to e-mail addresses, there are some rules to follow. To begin, instead of using your work email, you should use your personal email address.

Aside from that, your username should always be professional, containing your entire name, maybe a number that may indicate your birth date, but no unusual numerals, characters, or amusing online nicknames. Avoid using email addresses like “[email protected]” or “[email protected].”

Believe it or not, recruiters may request access to your social media accounts to verify your image. You can link your Facebook page if you’re going to supply other connections.

Before applying for a job at a respected firm, you should make sure there are no objectionable photographs or posts online. For example, you should get rid of those images of you and your pals from your previous trip when you got a touch tipsy.

Though, It is not mandatory to include a LinkedIn profile on your resume, an increasing number of people are doing so to improve their prospects.

This website is really useful for building a solid portfolio, where you can provide some more information about your expertise and talents to back yourself up in case something goes wrong.

If your employment requires you to drive, provide a valid driver’s license. However, unless your profession necessitates it, avoid bringing up topics that are unrelated to the task at hand merely to make yourself appear better.

For example, if you’re applying for a programming job, mentioning your adolescent dancing courses would not make any sense to the job profile you are applying to.

Those are the items you should include in your resume to increase your chances of landing the job of your dreams. But this is merely the beginning. You must be aware of elements that are strongly discouraged from being included in your resume. These factors may influence your chances of joining this firm.

personal details in a resume blog for freshers

Photograph – Sure, placing your photo on a resume is customary practice in some parts of the world. However, anti-discrimination legislation has lately been established in English-speaking nations, ensuring that a person’s professional qualities are appraised rather than their appearance.
Place of birth – Place of birth should not be of concern for your employer unless it is a location-based job.
Marital status & number of children – Though it is not common, some employers view single and married people differently and prefer one category over the other.
Nationality – The prejudice that occurred in the past had a lot to do with nationality. There have been several instances when people have been rejected for employment due to this aspect.
Gender – This was once a regular practice on resumes, along with other personal information. However, this tradition has since faded and is no longer widely practiced.
Religion – Your religious views have no bearing on the job you’re looking for. Furthermore, anti-discrimination legislation addresses this issue.
Personal information is more crucial to a resume than you would believe.
Never underestimate the value of a well-written resume.
It’s your professional “face” and a way for an employer to judge you.
So don’t put it off any longer: take charge of your career.
All the way, we’ll be rooting for you.

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog post. If you have any doubts, you can reach us here .

You can also share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

Liked this blog? Read next: How to write the perfect job resume?

Q1. What are the three forms of personal details?

Answer – The categories of personal information covered under the statute are as follows: private details, sensitive personal data, and health information.

Q2. Is a signature considered personal information?

Answer – Whether a person may be identified or is reasonably recognizable under the circumstances determines what constitutes personal information. Personal information might contain a person’s name, signature, address, phone number, or date of birth.

Q3. Is the date of birth considered private detail?

Answer – Gender, date of birth, place of birth, and postcode are examples of which you can couple with other information to identify a person.

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Top Personal Skills for CV Success (with Examples)

Personal skills are growing in importance across the job market. More than ever, employers are seeking candidates with excellent personal skills, rather than focusing on technical skills and previous experience. If you want to achieve success with your job applications, it’s a good idea to learn the top personal skills for CVs. In this article, we discuss what are the most effective personal skills for your resume, with examples on how to showcase them.

Understanding Personal Skills

Personal skills are soft skills that show how well you work with other people, and how likely you are to fit into a company’s workplace culture. They showcase aspects of your character and personality that you can put to use in almost any work environment. These skills can affect how you build relationships, how you interact with clients, how you respond to conflict or adversity, and how well you fit into a team. Well-developed personal skills can help you achieve success in your career through fostering positive work relationships and contributing to collective objectives.

Studies suggest personal skills are becoming more crucial than ever in the modern world of work. Forbes has reported that 78% of job postings globally mention foundational soft skills such as interpersonal skills (1) . According to a study by McKinsey, companies are increasingly focused on skill-building among employees, with soft, transferable skills being a key part of efforts to equip the workforce for new challenges (2).

Expert tip:

Use the job description to understand the key personal skills the employer is looking for, but remember to include a few unique personal skills in your CV. Think about the qualities only you can bring to the role, and add personal skills that reflect your personality and working style. This can help you stand out in a crowded field of applicants.

Highlighting Communication Skills on Your CV

Communication skills are one of the top personal skills to add to your CV . Almost every role requires communication skills, and your ability to show these on your CV is likely to be valued by employers. If you want to showcase your communication skills, use keywords like ‘communicate’, ‘present’, ‘liaise’, ‘collaborate’, ‘convey’, ‘network’ and ‘converse’ throughout your CV.

Communication skills can be written or verbal, and also include listening skills. Your CV itself is one of the best places to showcase your written communication skills. You can demonstrate verbal communication skills and networking skills on your resume by mentioning presentations, meetings you’ve chaired or networking conferences you’ve attended. Here are some resume examples of how to show verbal communication skills in your work experience section:

‘Presented to a group of 100 executives at a national sales networking conference.’
‘Liaised with account management team to ensure smooth customer relations with key clients.’

Showcasing Problem-Solving Abilities

The ability to think on your feet and address challenges head-on is always valuable. Showing employers that you have this skill will reassure them that you can take the ups and downs of work life in your stride. Think about how you’ve overcome challenges in your career to date, and particularly situations where you have figures and evidence to back up the impact you made. This could be recovering falling sales figures, increasing efficiencies or resolving customer complaints. Take a look at these examples of problem-solving abilities:

‘Responded to customer complaints in a polite and efficient manner, resulting in a 12% increase in customer satisfaction.’
‘Developed a new invoicing system to overcome issues with late payment, improving cash flow while maintaining customer relations.’
‘Responded to new environmental regulations by redesigning quality control systems, leading to a 26% reduction in waste.’

Demonstrating Teamwork and Collaboration

It’s rare to work completely on your own in any role, so teamwork is a key skill that most employers expect candidates to possess. Collaboration skills show that you can work in groups towards a common goal, whether internally or with external partners and clients. Teamwork skills incorporate communication, and the ability to deliver in a timely and efficient manner, understanding your role in the wider team.

Most resume formats provide plenty of opportunities for showcasing teamwork and collaboration. Your work experience section is the most obvious section to mention teamwork on CV templates , but you could also show it through hobbies or volunteer roles. Here are some sections from CV examples demonstrating teamwork and collaboration:

‘Collaborated with designers, web developers, research and marketing teams to deliver a new company website, increasing traffic by 56%.’
‘Volunteered at a food bank, working with 12 other volunteers to deliver 260 food packages per week to local families.’

Emphasising Adaptability and Flexibility

Nothing stands still for long in the world of work, so it’s crucial to show you’re adaptable and flexible to changing circumstances. Being adaptable means being open to new ideas and new ways of working, or adjusting to last-minute changes, expectations or demands.

Demonstrating adaptability and flexibility could include any examples where you’ve thrived despite being placed in challenging circumstances. Think of times when expectations have changed, such as shorter deadlines, increased pressure from management or unforeseen difficulties leading to changes in working patterns. Here are some examples that could feature in a resume or cover letter:

‘Adapted to rising interest rates by approaching top 10 lenders to offer bespoke mortgage solutions for high-net-worth clients.’
‘Adjusted key project deliverables in response to changing social media algorithms, delivering 22% higher engagement.’

Illustrating Leadership and Management Skills

The ability to demonstrate leadership skills for your CV can help your chances of success, even if you’re not applying for a management role. Leadership skills involve guiding a team towards specific goals and objectives, and empowering colleagues to achieve success. Management skills are slightly different from leadership, and reflect the specific ability to manage colleagues, dealing with the challenges that can occur in the workplace and fostering a positive team environment.

Here are some examples of leadership skills you could use for your resume:

‘Managed a team of six business development colleagues to exceed sales targets by £950,000, creating a sense of healthy competition while working towards collective goals.’
‘Supervised the transition of a team of 30 employees to a remote-first working environment, maintaining high staff retention rates and experiencing an increase in staff satisfaction (from 3.9 to 4.2 out of 5).’

Featuring Time Management and Organisational Skills

In the stressful and busy world of work, time management and organisation are essential skills to help you get through the workday. They not only ensure you can deliver your work on time and on budget, but they also mean you can be a more effective colleague and reduce your stress levels. Effective time managers track their tasks efficiently, organise their workload and understand how they contribute to wider team efficiency.

You can demonstrate your time management and organisational skills on your CV by drawing on these examples:

‘Produced project plans for complex, multi-million pound construction developments, detailing deadlines, budgets and key responsibilities for a team of 50 construction employees.’
‘Delivered film and multimedia projects to tight deadlines, providing flexibility to client needs and prioritising my workload to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.’

Showcasing Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is a valuable workplace trait, as it involves the ability to understand and manage your emotions, as well as those of others. Using your emotional intelligence at work means remaining rational, self-aware, even-keeled and in-control at all times. It also means understanding other people’s emotions, showing empathy and compassion and adjusting where necessary to ensure continued team harmony.

These examples can help you show emotional intelligence in your own CV:

‘Line-managed a team of three junior employees, creating an open and supportive work environment for them to raise concerns and working together to solve problems.’
‘Provided bespoke training and career development to graduate jobseekers, understanding their unique circumstances and suggesting solutions to increase their employability.’

Highlighting Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills

Critical thinking is linked to problem-solving, and involves the ability to come up with new ways of thinking and solutions to everyday workplace challenges. Being a critical thinker means understanding and identifying that there might be better ways of doing something than the established norm. Analytical skills are also highly desirable, and showcase the ability to understand a problem from all sides, unpack data and explain complex concepts and ideas.

If you’re hoping to demonstrate your analytical and critical thinking skills on your resume, take a look at these examples:

‘Evaluated company CRM system and developed a new suite of customer management applications to respond to the specific needs of the business.’
‘Analysed complex statistical datasets and developed compelling narratives to inform key policy decisions for major clients in local and national government.’

"Well-developed personal skills can help you achieve success in your career through fostering positive work relationships and contributing to collective objectives."

How to Incorporate Personal Skills in a Cover Letter

Your cover letter is the ideal place to emphasise your personal skills, adding to the interpersonal skills on your CV, elaborating and offering further examples for greater impact. While it’s important to keep your cover letter brief and to-the-point, there are opportunities to highlight several key skills and experiences that can help you stand out from other applicants.

Use keywords from the job description to show the employer you have the skills they’re looking for, and tailor your skills to the unique requirements of every role. Pick out a couple of key interpersonal skills that are particularly relevant to the job. Where possible, support your credentials by including feedback from managers or clients, the outcomes of appraisals and any facts or figures that help to prove your skills. These could be sales figures, key performance indicators or even staff and customer satisfaction scores.

Just remember to be concise and clearly explain how your personal skills make you the ideal candidate for the role. Cover letter templates can help you to write an effective cover letter to support your applications, while sticking to an established structure to ensure your letter remains as brief and relevant as possible.

Key Takeaways for Personal Skills on a CV

Almost any job you apply for will require a certain degree of personal skills. Pay attention to the job description and add any of your personal skills that match those listed, offering evidence that shows the impact they’ve had on your career.

Jobseeker’s CV tools and resources can help you showcase your personal skills on your CV. Sign up today and follow the easy steps to create a CV that complements your personal and professional skills. You can also find CV articles with various tips on how to create a winning CV. In addition, our cover letter articles can help you draft a cover letter that really makes an impact with employers.

(1) Forbes: Why Soft Skills Are More In Demand Than Ever

(2) McKinsey: Building workforce skills at scale to thrive during—and after—the COVID-19 crisis

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How To Write a Resume for Your First Job

Imagine yourself stumbling across your dream job listing. You’re reading through the responsibilities and job tasks and you find yourself getting more and more excited as the list goes on. Then, it’s time to apply. But you have no real-world job experience. You’re just a student! How will you ever write a resume for your first job when you haven’t had one yet?

Knowing how to write a resume for your first job does not come naturally. In fact, it feels like a daunting task. If you have little applicable experience yet, or you’re just entering the workforce, how can you prove you’re the right fit for the position?

Resumes are an excellent way to tout your knowledge, training and (if applicable) skills in the field. You can create an attractive resume highlighting your candidacy without any direct experience or prior work history.

We’ll show you how to write a resume for your first job so you can kick off your work experience with preparedness and confidence.

Do you need a resume?
What should you put on a resume?

Crafting a resume with no experience

Finalizing your first job resume, quick guide: write your first resume in 6 steps, do you need a resume for your first job.

While a resume may not be required to apply for your first job, it is highly recommended that you do so, and it will undoubtedly set you apart from the other applicants. A resume reflects your professionalism and commitment to the job application process. It showcases your knowledge, skills, training and prior experience in an easy-to-digest and relatively standard format, making it easy for potential employers to decipher between candidates to choose the best person for the job.

Even for entry-level positions, when many applicants don’t have a prior work history, sharing a resume will give you a competitive edge when written persuasively.

The role of a resume in job applications

A resume plays an important role when applying for jobs. It serves as an introduction to potential employers and those in the company who will decide whether or not to move forward with your application. It also provides a summary of what you bring to the table for those who will be interviewing you during the application process.

The resume is essential for showcasing your skills. A well-crafted and persuasive resume can highlight your achievements and knowledge, even if you have limited work experience in the field you’re applying to. Because your resume is the first contact point between you and a potential employer, it’s crucial to understand how to write a resume for your first job – and how to write it well.

What should you put on a resume for your first job?

There are a few things every resume must include – and those are some of the most essential details.

Contact information

We’d be remiss if we didn’t include the most important part of your resume – sharing your contact information. Start by listing your full name, phone number, email address and a link to your LinkedIn profile. Without your contact information, potential employers will have a hard time contacting you, which can prevent you from getting an interview.

Why share a link to your LinkedIn profile ? LinkedIn is now an essential part of the job search market. It serves as a shareable resume in addition to showcasing your network. Employers can see if you have any professionals in common from work or personal life, which may help build your credibility as a candidate.

Be sure to act professionally on LinkedIn. Share relevant news and insights to highlight your interest and knowledge of an industry, but be wary of getting too personal or engaging in inappropriate dialogue. Behave on LinkedIn as you would in an office setting with colleagues.

Educational background and achievements

Start by listing your educational information, such as schools attended, graduation dates and relevant academic achievements or awards. Include your major and minor, field of study and GPA. If you were enrolled in courses, projects or study abroad programs relevant to the job, include details to show your knowledge and interests.

Skills section

While you likely have some combination of hard and soft skills, a skills section will showcase the hard skills you’ve learned to prepare you for the job. Soft skills are best to be included in the bullet points to describe your accomplishments in your experience section.

Hard skills include specific technical skills you’ve learned along the way. For example, computer proficiency, language skills, lab skills or specific training or certifications.
Soft skills , or human skills, include job aspects that apply to many (if not all) job roles. These include communication, teamwork and problem-solving. If you’re particularly adept in any of these, showcase them and be prepared to share real examples of these skills in action.

Extracurricular activities and volunteer work

Employers look for candidates who go the extra mile to be involved in extracurricular activities. This demonstrates your commitment to becoming a well-rounded human being. Highlight clubs, sports or volunteer activities that you were involved in, especially emphasizing leadership roles or particular responsibilities you had in these activities. This extracurricular activity showcases your ability to multi-task, prioritize time and develop skills and interests.

Example Resume & Writing Guide

See a real-life example of a strong resume, including tips for gathering your own persuasive experience and skills using our Resume Writing Guide !

As a young adult or new graduate, you may wonder how to write a resume for your first job with no real-world experience. Don’t fear – there have been many in your shoes before you!

What does a resume look like for a first job?

Your resume should be straightforward with a clean and concise design. It should be easy to read with a simple flow highlighting information from most important to nice-to-have details. Do not go overboard with design details, fonts or graphics.

Furman recommends that you use Microsoft Word to build your resume as it can be easier to make changes to a Word document than it is to change a template. However, you can use free resume builder tools online to build your resume in standard formats.

Myperfectresume.com
Resumenerd.com

Using strong action words and job-specific keywords in your resume for your first job will significantly impact you. Describe experiences and achievements using strong action verbs, such as:

Collaborated
Volunteered

What to put on a resume with no experience?

You can learn how to write a resume for your first job that impresses potential employers, even without relevant work experience, by emphasizing relevant coursework. Doing this demonstrates skills learned in a classroom or group project setting. Highlight personal or academic projects showcasing your abilities, such as experiences where you took the lead as a group or team leader.

Before submitting your first job resume, review and edit the document for mistakes or improvements.

Proofreading and editing

Attention to detail is critical to potential employers. Check your resume for typos and grammatical errors. Mistakes on your resume may eliminate you as a candidate, especially if grammatical adeptness or attention to detail is essential to the job.

Similarly, ensure a consistent design throughout your resume. Stick to one format, using one legible font and minimal design details. A professional resume appearance can set you apart from other applicants’ resumes that may appear messy or disorganized.

Seeking feedback

Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from friends, mentors or even career services at schools or community centers. A peer review from your fellow students, teachers or mentors can provide invaluable input on skills you may be forgetting, plus the extra set of eyes can help detect errors and typos.

Career services at your school or library also serve as an excellent third-party validation and review resource. Furman’s Malone Center for Career Engagement offers in-depth career preparation services for students, such as resume and cover letter assistance , career fairs and networking , personalized advice from advisors and interview prep – just to name a few.

Webinar: Polishing Your Resume & Preparing Your Pitch

Watch the free Polishing Your Resume & Preparing Your Pitch webinar for an in-depth look at creating your resume and preparing a pitch to potential employers straight from a Furman career advisor.

Now, do you feel ready and excited to write a resume for your first job? We hope you jotted down notes specific to your experience as you read through the post, but in case you didn’t, writing your resume can be simplified to these simple steps.

Start with your contact information , including full name, phone number and email address. Consider adding a link to your LinkedIn profile.
List your education experience , including relevant projects, courses and extracurricular activities.
List both hard skills and soft skills relevant to the job.
Explain your roles and responsibilities in your projects and extracurricular activities, especially those where you acted in a leadership capacity, using strong action verbs.
Proofread and gather feedback.

If this is your first time writing a resume for your first job, approach the process with confidence and positivity. Your attitude will shine through the resume, so stay positive!

The perspectives and thoughts shared in the Furman Blog belong solely to the author and may not align with the official stance or policies of Furman University. All referenced sources were accurate as of the date of publication.

How To Study Abroad: A Full Guide for Students

What can you do with a chemistry degree, master of arts in teaching: an alumnus speaks | go further podcast.

How to Write an Effective “About Me” Page (Examples Included!)

An “About Me” page is one of the most crucial elements of any personal website, portfolio , or blog. It’s where visitors get to know who you are, what you do, and why they should care. Whether you're a freelancer , entrepreneur , or creative professional , this page can make or break a visitor’s first impression of you.

Let’s dive into the essentials of creating a standout one pager about yourself, provide actionable tips, and share examples to inspire you.

Add an “About Me” to your resume or portfolio and then put it to the test! Apply to these open jobs on The Muse »

What is an “About Me” page?

An “About Me” page is a dedicated section on your website where you introduce yourself to your visitors. This page goes beyond a simple biography and a list of your credentials; it's an opportunity to convey your personality, share your story, and connect with your audience on a deeper level.

It often includes key elements such as a brief professional summary , personal anecdotes, and highlights of your skills and experiences. By providing a narrative of your journey, accomplishments, and aspirations, you create a relatable and authentic presence that can engage and build trust with your visitors.

An “About Me” page serves multiple purposes:

It outlines your mission and vision, helping visitors understand what motivates you and what sets you apart.
It can serve as a platform to showcase testimonials, notable projects, and any media coverage or recognition you have received.
Your story helps humanize your brand. People connect with people, not faceless entities.
It lets visitors know what they can expect from your site and how you can help them.
A well-crafted “About Me” page can improve your website’s SEO for Google by incorporating relevant keywords and phrases.

Where can you usually find “About Me” pages?

An “About Me” can be a valuable addition to various platforms and contexts. Here are some common uses:

Personal website: Whether it’s a blog or a personal brand site, an “About Me” page helps visitors understand who you are and why they should follow you.
Portfolio: For creatives like designers, writers , and photographers, an “About Me” page showcases your background and expertise, helping potential clients or employers get to know you better.
Resume: Adding an “About Me” section to your online resume provides a personal touch and highlights your unique strengths and career journey.
Business website: Entrepreneurs and small business owners can use an “About Me” page to share their story, mission, and the values behind their business.
Freelance profiles: On freelance platforms, an “About Me” page can differentiate you from other freelancers by highlighting your experience and skills.
Social media profiles: Sites like LinkedIn benefit from a detailed “About Me” section, helping you network and connect with potential employers or collaborators.
Author pages: For writers and authors, an “About Me” page helps readers connect with you on a personal level and understand the inspiration behind your work.
E-commerce sites: Store owners can add an “About Me” page to build trust with customers by sharing their journey and the story behind their products.
Professional associations: Members of professional organizations can use an “About Me” page to share their professional background, expertise, and contributions to their field.

Checklist for “About Me” pages

What to include in an “About Me” page? Effective content should include the following elements:

Your name and profession : Clearly state who you are and what you do.
A photo : Adding a photo humanizes your profile and makes it more relatable.
Your story : Share your background, journey, and what inspired you to pursue your path.
Your values and mission : Explain what drives you and what you aim to achieve.
Your skills and expertise : Highlight your key skills, qualifications, and achievements.
Testimonials : If applicable, include testimonials from clients or colleagues to build credibility.
Contact information : Provide a way for visitors to get in touch with you.

How to write an “About Me” in 5 steps

Writing an “About Me” page involves balancing personal storytelling with professional insights. Here are five tips to help structure yours.

1. Start with a strong—and catchy—opening

Begin with a compelling hook that grabs the reader’s attention. This could be an interesting fact, a personal anecdote, or a bold statement about your mission.

2. Who are you?

Provide a brief introduction that includes your name, profession, and a high-level overview of what you do. Make sure to keep it concise and engaging.

3. Tell your story

Narrate your journey—how you got started, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the milestones you’ve achieved. This is where you can infuse your personality and make your story relatable.

4. Highlight your expertise

Explain what you do and how you can help your audience. Call out your skills , qualifications, and any notable accomplishments.

5. Include a call to action (CTA)

A call to action is a prompt that tells your visitors what to do next, like contacting you, following you on social media, or checking out your portfolio. Make sure your CTA is clear and compelling so they know exactly what action to take.

Bonus tips on writing an “About Me” page

To write an “about me” paragraph that not only introduces you effectively but also engages your audience and enhances your online presence, follow these recommendations:

Know your audience: Understand who you are writing for. Tailor your tone and content to resonate with your target audience.
Be authentic : Authenticity is key. Be genuine in your storytelling and avoid overly formal language.
Keep it concise: While it’s important to provide enough detail, avoid overwhelming your readers with too much information. Aim for clarity and brevity.
Use visuals: Incorporate photos, videos, or infographics to make your page visually appealing and engaging.
Optimize for SEO: Incorporate relevant keywords naturally throughout your “About Me” page to improve search engine visibility.
Update regularly: Your “About Me” page should evolve as you grow. Regularly update it to reflect new experiences, skills, and achievements.

“About Me” template text

How to write an “About Me”? Here’s a simple and general template to get you started:

[Your name]

[Your profession/title]

Introduction:

Hi, I’m [Your name], a [Your profession] with [number] years of experience in [your field]. I’m passionate about [your passion] and have dedicated my career to [your mission].

Your story:

My journey began [describe how you started]. Over the years, I’ve [mention key milestones and achievements]. My work has been featured in [mention notable publications or collaborations].

Your expertise:

I specialize in [mention your key skills and areas of expertise]. My clients have included [mention notable clients or projects].

Call to action:

If you’d like to [mention what you want your readers to do next – contact you, follow you, etc.], feel free to [provide contact details or a CTA].

“About Me” page examples for different scenarios

You might be looking for information on how to write your “About Me” page for your new blog, maybe your LinkedIn profile, or other context. These could have some differences, so find the “About Me” paragraph example that suits you best.

For a website: “About Me” blog example

Hi, I’m Sarah, a passionate travel blogger who has visited over 50 countries. I share my adventures, tips, and travel guides to help you plan your next trip. My journey began in 2010 when I left my corporate job to explore the world. Since then, I’ve been featured in numerous travel magazines and have collaborated with top travel brands. Follow along as I explore new destinations and share my insights.

Portfolio “About Me” example

Hello! I’m Mark, a freelance graphic designer with over 10 years of experience in creating stunning visuals for brands. My work includes logo design, branding, and digital marketing materials. I started my career working for a design agency, but my passion for creativity led me to freelance. My clients include Fortune 500 companies and startups alike. Take a look at my portfolio to see my work and let’s collaborate on your next project.

For your resume: What is an example of best “About Me”?

I’m Emily, a marketing professional with a decade of experience in digital marketing and brand strategy. I specialize in SEO, content marketing, and social media management. My career highlights include leading successful campaigns for high-profile clients and earning industry awards. I’m currently seeking new opportunities to leverage my skills and drive impactful marketing initiatives.

Other type of site: “About Me” example

As a bestselling author, I’ve always been passionate about storytelling. My journey began with a love for reading, which soon transformed into writing my own stories. Over the years, I’ve published five novels and numerous short stories. My work explores themes of love, loss, and resilience, drawing inspiration from my personal experiences. When I’m not writing, you can find me at book signings or conducting writing workshops.

How to use ChatGPT to help write your resume in 9 easy steps

AI your way into an interview

Crafting the perfect résumé can be a daunting task. You stare at the blank page, wondering how to best showcase your skills and experiences. That's where ChatGPT comes in. Open AI's large language model has been making waves in various industries, and resume writing is no exception.

But how exactly do you approach use ChatGPT for this purpose? It's not as simple as asking it to write your entire résumé. We'll explore the nuances of leveraging ChatGPT to proofread your résumé, refine your language, and format your experience in the best possible way. We'll also discuss potential pitfalls to avoid — after all, your résumé should still sound like you, not a robot.

ChatGPT won't do all the work for you, but it might just help you see your experience in a new light. So, let's get into how this AI tool can help you put your best foot forward on paper.

1. Understand ChatGPT's role

ChatGPT is a tool to assist you, not replace your input. It's crucial to understand that the AI will help generate ideas and refine language, but the content should ultimately come from your own experiences and skills.

2. Prepare your information

If you have an existing résumé, review it and note areas for improvement. If you're starting fresh or you're a student, list your experiences, skills, and achievements. Include part-time jobs, internships, volunteer work, and academic projects.

3. Log into ChatGPT

Screenshot of ChatGPT log in screen with 'log in' highlighted.

Go to the ChatGPT website. If you're new to ChatGPT click Sign up and follow the on-screen instructions . If you're a returning user, click Log in.

4. Begin your prompt

First, click the paper clip in the prompt box and click Upload from computer. Once you've attached your resume, type a simple prompt like 'I need help improving my résumé.'

For those writing a résumé for the first time, provide ChatGPT with your experience in the prompt box. For example, 'I'm creating my first résumé as a graduate student. Here is my experience...'

5. Enhance your professional summary

Ask ChatGPT to help craft a concise professional summary. For example: 'How can I improve this existing summary for my Editor role?', or 'Can you help me write a 2-3 sentence professional summary for a marketing graduate?' Then hit enter.

ChatGPT will provide you with the first section of your résumé. The great thing about breaking it down into chunks is that you can easily refine and personalize each section.

After receiving the AI-generated summary, review it carefully. Does it accurately reflect your experience and career goals? If not, you can ask ChatGPT to revise it.

6. Develop your work experience section

Next, work through your job history, or for beginners, your relevant experiences. For the next prompt you could ask ChatGPT: 'Structure my work experience section to maximize readability and impact.'

Alternatively, you could say 'How can I describe my internship/coursework to show my potential as an...'

ChatGPT will provide you with a detailed and concise bullet-pointed list of your experience , perfect for a résumé.

7. Tailor to job descriptions

If you have a specific job in mind, ask ChatGPT to help tailor your résumé. For example, you could ask ' Here's the job description for a Senior Editor position. How can I adjust my resume to better align my experience with these requirements?

8. Highlight your skills

Request ChatGPT's assistance in listing and describing your skills. For experienced professionals, you might ask, 'What skills should I emphasize when moving from an Editor to a Senior Editor role?' This prompt will help you identify and articulate the skills that set you apart.

For those just starting their careers, try a prompt like, 'What skills should I highlight as a recent graduate applying for an entry-level Editor position?'

9. Put it all together

Now it's time to bring everything together . You could use a prompt like: 'Can you take all the information we've generated for my Editor résumé and compile it into a cohesive document?' This will give you a complete draft to work from. Once ChatGPT provides this compilation, review it carefully for flow and consistency.

You might then ask, 'Can you suggest ways to improve the overall flow and consistency of this résumé?' This step helps ensure that your résumé reads smoothly from start to finish, with a consistent tone and style throughout.

10. Bonus tip

Ask ChatGPT to proofread your résumé and suggest improvements. If you're an experienced professional, you might use a prompt like this: 'Can you review my updated résumé and suggest any improvements to make my transition from Editor to Senior Editor more compelling?'

For those just starting their careers, you could ask: 'Can you review my résumé and suggest improvements for an entry-level position?' This will help you identify areas where you can strengthen your résumé to appeal to employers looking for fresh talent.

After receiving ChatGPT's suggestions, carefully review each one. Make sure these improvements align with your experiences and the job requirements. Remember, its important to maintain your unique voice and ensure all information is accurate. Once happy with it, you can format it using a template in google/word docs, or a resume maker. Happy job hunting!

To maximize ChatGPT's resume-writing potential, explore these 5 tips for getting smarter prompts in ChatGPT . While powerful, it's worth checking out the best ChatGPT alternatives for comparison. Plus, ChatGPT advanced voice is out, and these 9 examples demonstrate why you should be excited.

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Kaycee is an Editor at Tom’s Guide and has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her journey into the tech world began as Cazoo's Knowledge Content Specialist, igniting her enthusiasm for technology. When she’s not exploring the latest gadgets and innovations, Kaycee can be found immersed in her favorite video games, or penning her second poetry collection.

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How to Make a Resume

Creating a standout resume might seem daunting, but it’s your key to landing that dream job. Your resume is more than just a list of jobs; it’s your personal marketing tool that highlights your skills, experiences, and achievements in a way that attracts potential employers. Nowadays it’s everyone’s concern how to make a resume that is ATS friendly and reflects your skills and knowledge.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to build a resume that gets noticed by hiring managers and recruiters. We’ll cover resume templates , effective resume formats , and tips for writing powerful resume bullet points. Building your resume is crucial for different job applications, how to highlight your professional experience and the best ways to list your education and certifications.

How-to-Make-a-Great-Resume-in-2022-Complete-Guide-For-Beginners

Table of Content

What is a Resume

Why a resume is important.

Before, moving on to how to write a resume even if you’re a fresher and have no experience, let us understand what is resume and why it is important.

A resume is a concise document that summarizes your skills , experiences , and achievements to showcase your qualifications for a job. Understanding resume writing how to is essential for creating a compelling resume that stands out. When learning how a resume is written, it’s important to focus on formatting, clarity, and relevance. Effective resume writing involves choosing the right structure, highlighting your most significant accomplishments , and tailoring the content to the job you’re applying for. By mastering how to write a resume, you can create a powerful tool that captures the attention of potential employers and helps you advance in your career.

If you want paychecks, you’ve to sell yourself first and a resume is that one tool or document that lists out your features and USPs that will help you to sell yourself in the job market. Within one or two pages, a resume convinces recruiters if they want to call you for a job interview or not. (That much power your resume holds)

So, if you want to bag your first interview or want to interview at your dream company or for a dream job role , it’s very important for you to write a strong and power-packed resume with correct keywords and relevant skills that will persuade recruiters to hit “I want to interview you” button.

How to Make a Resume (Full Guide)

Choose your desired resume format.

Reverse chronological resume format
Functional or Skilled Focused resume format
Hybrid Format
Dos and Don’ts of Resume Layout
What resume format is best for ATS

Most people have two options when it comes to getting an interview call – A++ top-tier level resume or an “I know someone here” referral. No matter which group you belong to, it’s important to up your resume game and understands the strategies that are used to land an interview from your dream company within a week, if not days. Before you dive into the resume-building process, you have to decide on the right resume format that will take you up the ladder. If you’ve already decided to write your resume on a text editor like MS Word, it’s highly recommended you should keep your HANDS OFF from them.

Formatting your resume on a basic text editor will not waste your time but also your effort. We recommend that you should use a resume builder tool like GeeksforGeeks Online Resume Builde r – Free. Our resume builder is fast, simple, and free to use. Moving onto resume formats that you can use to format your resume.

There are three types of resume formats: reverse chronological, functional or skills-based, and hybrid. You should choose the format that suits the type of job you are applying for and your level of experience.

Types of Resume Formats

1) Reverse chronological Resume Format – This highlights your career advancement and emphasizes the relevant job experience. It’s an absolute fan favorite of recruiters. However, it doesn’t show your skills much so if you’re someone with highly relevant job experience, you can opt for this resume format.

Reverse chronological Resume Format

2) Functional/skills-based Resume Format – Are you a fresher with no job experience? Opt for a functional or skill-based resume format if you have skills to brag about but no relevant work experience.

Functional/skills-based Resume Format

3) Hybrid Resume Format – Now, this resume format is preferred by most recruiters and loved by job seekers with diverse skillsets and job experience. It combines the best elements of both reverse chronological and functional resume format and provides space for the right keyword.

If you’re wondering which resume format is best for ATS, go for the reverse chronological resume format. When it comes to resume layout, you need to mind these tips while formatting your resumes:

Page Count: Keep your resume to one page. Max 2 if you’ve 7+ of experience and it’s relevant to your job role. Recruiters get 1000+ resumes every day and it gets tough to go through resumes with more than 2 pages.
Heading Tag: If you’re choosing an H1 tag or an H2 tag to write your headlines in your resume, then ensure that all headlines have the same tag.
White space: Keep enough white space in your resume. Negative space is needed to make your resume look professional.
PDF or Word: Download your resume as a PDF document as it can be read by most ATS. If the job description mentions that you need to send the doc file as a .doc, then send your resume like that as old ATS can’t read PDF files.

Add your contact information

The most important and overlooked section of your resume is the contact information section which is right under your name. Even if you write everything correctly but haven’t provided your contact details, HRs can’t reach out to you even if they want to contact you. Ensure that everything on your contact information is up to date and triple-check the details if needed.

Things that you should include are:

First Name / Last Name – Mention the name that is provided on your social security card or if you’re in India, it should match the name that’s provided on your PAN card or Aadhaar card.
Phone Number – Only provide the phone number that is reachable.
Email Address – Don’t provide an unprotected email address. Your email address should be like this: “[email protected]”. Avoid providing email addresses like [email protected], [email protected]
Location – Your residential address should be the same as the one where you stay or relocated.
Social Media URLs – If you’re a software developer, mention your Github profile. If you’re a designer, then Behance profile and if you’re a writer, provide your personal blog that showcases your abilities. Don’t forget to include your LinkedIn account as most recruiters go through LinkedIn to see your online presence.

Write a Resume Headline that Can Stand You Out From the Crowd

A resume headline is a short, one-line statement that conveys who you are as a candidate. It is important to write a headline that grabs the recruiter’s attention and encourages them to read your qualifications in more depth. Your resume headline is often the first thing recruiters read so impress them within seconds by writing a short and concise headline. Keep it relevant to your job skills and make sure that you put the right keywords that are relevant to the job posting .

Some resume headlines examples for you to check out:

Goal-Oriented Senior Accountant with 6+ Years of Accounting Experience in XYZ Company.
Successful Manager of Dozens of Online Marketing Campaigns
Award-Winning Video Editor Skilled in Web Design and Video Editing
Detail-Oriented History Student with Curatorial Experience

Include a professional summary

The first impression is your last impression. This phrase stands true to date. An effective resume introduction can make or break you no matter what type of job you’re applying for. Your summary or objective can give the opportunity to impress the recruiter so carefully write your resume summary/objective. Don’t know where to write a resume summary or objective? We got you covered.

A resume summary is a 2-3 sentence summary of your working experience. Unless you’re a recent college grad or changing careers, you should use a resume summary in almost any scenario.

On the other hand, a resume objective implies the goal of your resume. It conveys why you want to work in that particular field and the motivation behind it. When writing a resume summary, include an objective of 2-3 lines. If you’re changing your career or have no significant work experience, make sure to write a resume objective.

Add your work experience

If you’re a fresher, keep the education section at the top, and if you’re an experienced person or did work in FAANG companies or big coming, then put work experience at the top.
If you’re a backend intern, make sure you’re writing the designation as a software engineering intern.
Make sure you’re covering up your tasks in 2-3 points.

Now we’re down to the most important part of the resume – work experience . If an add sells a product with just a few words, your resume does the same with you by selling you on the basis of your past work experience and achievements. Learning to write this section is a bit tough but once you master writing the perfect work experience section, 80% work is done here and after this you will know how to write and resume. So, let’s see how to list your work experience: Your work experience should be written in reverse chronological order as ATS can scan reverse chronological resume format easily.

It should be something like this:

Job title | Company Name | Date of employment

Accomplishments & Achievements

Job title: Keep it on top of your resume so that recruiters can easily see what position you’re applying for.
Company name: Mention the company you are working in or working for.
Date of employment: Mention the timeframe of your employment in all the companies you worked for. Ensure that format is like this – dd/mm/yyyy. It is important to mention as ATS parses it only then.
Accomplishments and achievements: This is where you mention your core achievements that will in turn bag you – your dream job. List your achievements or responsibilities according to your job role.
If you’re a fresher, keep the education section at the top and if you’re an intern or worked in FAANG companies or big companies, then make sure to put the work experience section at the top.
If you’re a backend intern, instead of writing your job title as “Backend Intern”, write it as a “Software Engineering Intern”. You should always write the job title mentioned in the job description.
Don’t write 10-15 points covering your job responsibilities. Recruiters don’t have the time to go through all of the responsibilities. Keep it to 2-3 points max.
Mention achievements in terms of how exactly you helped the company grow, reach quarterly quotas, and so on. Numbers play a big role when it comes to convincing your future employers what exactly you achieved.

Mention your Soft and Hard Skills

Now that you mastered writing your work experience section, it’s time to dive into your skills section. There’re 2 types of skills:

Soft Skills: These are your personal skills like social skills, communication skills, personal traits, career attributes, leadership, critical thinking, and management.
Hard/Technical Skills: Hard Skills are measurable skills that you can measure like how proficient you’re in that particular skill. The use of technical skills frequently requires specialized tools and the technologies needed to use them.

A good resume should cover both. However, it’s highly advisable that you should mention those skills in which you’re fluent and not just at a beginner level. To know more about how to list your key technical skills, read our article 7 Key Technical Skills to List on Your Resume in 2022 .

Once you list your hard skills with your experience level, double-check your skills section and remove any skill you feel you’re not confident in and don’t LIE even if your life depends on it. Lying about skills can get you in serious trouble later on and can get you blacklisted too.

Include your education

The next section is all about your educational background, achievements, and projects. We’ll keep it short and concise for you. List your educational background in this way:

Program Name. E.g.: “MBA in Marketing”
University Name. E.g.: “Mumbai University”
Years Attended. E.g.: “06/2019-05/2021”
(Optional) CGPA. E.g.: “CGPA: 8”
(Optional) Academic achievements. If you have written any interesting papers or excelled in any courses, do describe them.

Let’s move on to some tips that will help you perfect your educational background, achievement, and project section:

Only keep the last 2 educational qualifications or examinations you’ve given.
Only add those projects which are relevant to your job opening – projects which have more number of features.
Projects to list- API-based projects, Portfolio-based projects, and Full-stack projects.
Add as many numbers as you can while listing achievements – add your highest ranking in CP or the highest number of problems you solved on GeeksforGeeks or XYZ.
Don’t add intra-college achievements as it put forth a negative impression on recruiters.
Don’t add “President of the xxx club” if you’re applying for tech roles.

Mention Other Sections (Optional)

All the sections we’ve covered are must-haves but there are a few more sections that are optional and don’t hold much significance. These are like booster sections that can give you an extra wow effect.

The following sections can be added to your resume:

Languages – If you’re multilingual and can be handy with different languages, do mention that in your resume. However, avoid mentioning language that you’re not proficient in as it can get you in trouble later on if you’re not able to help your colleagues when they require your help with the said language.
Hobbies and Interests – Have extra space in your resume? Add up your hobbies and interests. It shows how you’re as an individual.
Volunteering Experiences – Some studies show that volunteering has a greater impact on hiring. It shows that you’re an empathetic person by nature and can be loyal to the company.
Courses, Certifications, and Awards – Do you have any certifications or awards that can show you off and is relevant to the job position you applied for? Note them down in the resume as it shows your expertise in the said field.

Customize Your Resume According to the Job Posting

We’re almost at the end of the article. It’s time to format your resume in such a way that ATS can scan your resume smoothly. To understand the term ATS better , you should know ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System . It is software used to manage the entire application process for employers. This system compiles, scans, and ranks all of the applications.

According to a survey done, 98% of Fortune companies are using ATS to scan their resumes. ATS segments resume into various sections: Work Experience , Education, Skills , etc. Next, it looks for precise keywords and qualifications to see if you fit the job description. So it’s important to tailor your resume as per the job description and for how to resume writing. Resumes that don’t comply with the basic requirements are automatically discarded. A job candidate’s resume is ranked based on its relevance (the best resume appears at the top of the recruiter’s pipeline).

Proofread Your Resume With Correct Formatting

Now that you’re done with your resume writing task, it’s time to do the most important task – Proofread your resume. Here’s the checklist we’ve for you:

Resume fonts – Stick to Ubuntu, Roboto, Overpass, or traditional fonts like Helvetica, Garamond, or Georgia. Your font should be 10-11 and don’t ever go with Comic Sans (only if you want to look like a joker)
Check tenses – Describe the current work you are doing in the present tense, and use the past tense to describe jobs from the past.
Resume action words – Use resume action words like “Chaired”, “Controlled”, “Executed”

Also Read: Free Online Resume Builder By GeeksforGeeks – Create Your Resume Now! 10 steps to write an Effective Resume Resume Building – Resources and Tips

In conclusion, learning how to write a resume resume is a crucial step in advancing your career and landing your desired job. Start by selecting a clean and professional format , then focus on highlighting your key skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Tailor each section to the job you’re applying for, ensuring that your qualifications align with the employer’s needs. Building your resume is very beneficial for you so remember to use clear and concise language, and proofread your resume to eliminate any errors. By following these steps, you can create a resume that effectively showcases your strengths and sets you apart from other candidates, increasing your chances of success in the job market.

How to Build a Resume – FAQs

How can i write resume.

You can write your resume by following the methods given above or you can also use any resume templates that will help you a lot.

How to Resume Writing?

Resume writing can be done by some of the points given below: Choose the Right Format Start with a Strong Header Craft a Compelling Summary or Objective Detail Your Work Experience

How can I write a simple resume?

To write a simple resume, use a clean format with clear headings. Include your contact information, a brief summary, your work experience, education, and relevant skills. Keep it concise and focused on your most important qualifications.

How to write a resume for a job?

To write a resume for a job, tailor it to the specific position by highlighting relevant experience and skills. Start with your contact details, followed by a strong summary, detailed work history, education, and a skills section. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements where possible.

What are the 7 basic steps to writing a resume?

Here are the basic steps: Choose the Right Format Start with a Strong Header Write a Compelling Summary Detail Your Work Experience Highlight Your Skills Include Your Education Proofread and Edit

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Including Personal Details on Your Resume: Examples and Tips
Here are three ways you can use personal details effectively on your resume: 1. Customize personal details for each job. If you're applying to multiple jobs, you can adjust some of the personal details in your resume to show your qualifications for each position.
Personal Information in Resume: What to Include in 2024
Here's how to write personal information in a resume, step by step: Use your full name and occupation, job title, or professional qualification. Include your personal mobile phone number and an appropriate personal email account. Add personal and professional social media and portfolio links if appropriate.
Mastering Personal Details in a Resume: What to Include and Exclude
With an eye to the overall design of your resume, write your first name and surname in bold and large size the top of your resume. 💡 Pro tip: It is not recommended to put "Resume", "CV", or "Curriculum Vitae" on the top of your personal details. When you place your name on the top of the CV, it becomes the focus.
Personal Details You Should Include on Your Resume
Full name: This should be the header or title of your resume, so there is no need to rewrite your name in the contact information section. Phone number: If you have more than one, choose the one on which you are most contactable. Address (optional): This is included less and less on resumes.
Resume Personal Statement: How to Write & 7+ Good Examples
Otherwise, your target employer may worry your focus would be divided between your work for their company and your side hustles. 3. Consider your audience. Tailor every word of your personal statement to your audience — the recruiter, hiring manager, and anyone else at your target employer who might read your resume.
Include These Personal Details In A Resume (Learn How And Why)
Where you place your personal details in your resume is as crucial as how you present them. Normally, your resume would have your name in big and bold letters at the top of the page. Right below that, you can have your personal details in a smaller font. In certain resume formats, you can also have a separate block with the relevant information ...
10 Resume Profile Examples (And How to Write Yours)
Keep it concise. Your resume profile should be no more than four sentences or bullet points, and should not have more than 500 characters. Remember recruiters read dozens of resumes daily, so you don't want yours to be unnecessarily long and tiring. 2. Find the format the suits you best.
15 Good Resume Profile Examples & How to Write Yours
Here's an example of what the middle section of a resume profile should look like: Managed a $350,000 budget at my previous position, with a 15% reduction in costs over two years. Conducted in-depth risk analysis, helping to guide the company toward 20% annual growth. 3. Industry-relevant skills.
What personal details to include in your CV + 6 examples
The essential details that you must always include are: Name - Your full name. Professional title - Your job title (e.g. "Junior Doctor" or "Marketing Director") Location - The general area you reside in (e.g. London, Edinburgh etc.) Email address - [email protected].
How to Include Personal Details on Your Resume (With Tips)
Here are steps you can follow to display your personal information on your resume effectively: 1. Write your name. Your name allows the hiring manager to identify whose resume they're reviewing. It typically appears at the top of your resume in the largest font compared to the rest of the text.
How to Include Personal Details in a Resume (With Tips)
1. Add your full name. One of the most important personal details to include is your full name. Consider adding it to the top of your resume on the first line. You might want to make the text slightly larger than the rest of the text on the page. A candidate may even put their name in a different colour to create a definitive heading and ...
How to Write a Personal Resume with Template and Example
Follow these steps to help you write your personal resume: 1. Consider intent. Before you begin writing your personal resume, you should know why you're writing it. Framing it appropriately for the job or opportunity at hand will help ensure you include the right information for the person reviewing your resume.
What personal details to put on a CV (2024 Guide + Examples)
The personal details section is located right at the top of your CV and it is the first thing that recruiters will see when they review your CV. The following is an example of a personal details section of a CV: Providing contact information. Putting your contact details at the top of the first page of your CV will make it easier for employers ...
How to Make a Resume in 2024
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.
Personal Details In Resume: Do's And Dont's
Here is a piece of detailed information on all the essential details in a resume: Your Name - Keep in mind to write your name in bold so that it stands out. To make your resume easy to stand out, the most important thing is to mention your name properly. Address -. You must mention your address right after you write your name.
Personal Details in Resume: Importance and What to Include
Full name. One critical personal detail to include on a resume is your name. Add your first and last name at the very top of the resume so the recruiter can identify you immediately. Include your full name, even if you prefer a nickname. You can share what you prefer people to call you with the hiring manager if they contact you for an interview.
How To Write A Personal Profile: 7 Tips + Examples
Use self-descriptions carefully and try to rely on facts. • Don't list too many skills. If you include management skills, ability to work undependently, eye for detail, project management, conflict resolution and other skills in a row, this will spoil the impression. Choose 2-3 skills and prove them with examples.
How to Write Personal Details Section in a Resume
To write personal details section in your resume without errors, it is best to crosscheck if you accidentally inserted any of the hypersensitive sections that may raise red flags such as the below. · Marital Status. A trend in the 1960s and 80s resumes no longer demand the marital status or orientation of the candidate in the resume. According ...
17 resume personal statement examples 2024
17 resume personal statement examples. To start this guide, I have included 10 examples of good personal statements, to give you an idea of how a personal statement should look, and what should be included. Note: personal statements are generally used by junior candidates - if you are experienced, check out our resume summary examples instead.
Personal Information: What You Should Include in Your Résumé
Where to include personal information in your résumé. Your contact details should be placed at the top of your résumé along with your name. Add your name at the top of the résumé in large, bold text, with your contact details clearly listed below in a smaller font. You can also include them as a header so that they are visible at the top ...
Personal Details on CV (Contact Info, Phone Number & More)
The first piece of personal details you need to provide is your full name. That way you introduce yourself to the hiring manager and you establish a primary connection with them. When writing your name, make sure it is the largest text in your whole CV. It should be at least 6 points larger than anything else.
Personal Details on a CV with Samples I Writing Tips
Sample CV with Personal Details: Download CV Template. Tips to Write a Personal Details on a CV: If you have a long name, shorten it and keep the abbreviated version on your CV. Include as much information about your personal details as you can in a few words. To highlight one line in your resume, place a "*" at the beginning of the line.
Personal details in a resume: What to include and exclude
Key Takeaway. Personal information is more crucial to a resume than you would believe. Never underestimate the value of a well-written resume. It's your professional "face" and a way for an employer to judge you. So don't put it off any longer: take charge of your career. All the way, we'll be rooting for you.
Top Personal Skills for CV Success (with Examples)
Use the job description to understand the key personal skills the employer is looking for, but remember to include a few unique personal skills in your CV. Think about the qualities only you can bring to the role, and add personal skills that reflect your personality and working style. This can help you stand out in a crowded field of applicants.
How To Write a Resume for Your First Job
Resumes are an excellent way to tout your knowledge, training and (if applicable) skills in the field. You can create an attractive resume highlighting your candidacy without any direct experience or prior work history. We'll show you how to write a resume for your first job so you can kick off your work experience with preparedness and ...
About Me Page: Examples and Tips on How to Write
Your name and profession: Clearly state who you are and what you do.; A photo: Adding a photo humanizes your profile and makes it more relatable.; Your story: Share your background, journey, and what inspired you to pursue your path.; Your values and mission: Explain what drives you and what you aim to achieve.; Your skills and expertise: Highlight your key skills, qualifications, and ...
How to Write a Short Professional Bio (Templates & Examples)
Before starting a [business or freelance work], [Name] worked [number] of years as a [relevant job title 1] and a [relevant job title 2]. After a successful career helping [sub-niche or branch of your target market 1] (e.g. fitness trainers, residential leasing agents, make-up artists, aspiring authors) and [sub-niche of your target market 2], [Name] now [appropriate action verb] (e.g. trains ...
How to use ChatGPT to write a resume
First, click the paper clip in the prompt box and click Upload from computer.Once you've attached your resume, type a simple prompt like 'I need help improving my résumé.' For those writing a ...
How to Make a Resume
How to write a resume for a job? To write a resume for a job, tailor it to the specific position by highlighting relevant experience and skills. Start with your contact details, followed by a strong summary, detailed work history, education, and a skills section. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements where possible. What are the 7 ...
Professional Resume Writing Service by Experts
Professional Resume Writing Services. Find the plan to land your next job faster. Our services have helped over 1 million professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. 9700+ 5 star reviews. Starter. Professional Growth. Get traction with employers with a professional resume.

Mastering Personal Details in a Resume: What to Include and Exclude

Should I Put Personal Details in a Resume/CV?

Personal Information in a Resume Samples

5 Essential Personal Details to be Included in a Resume:

5 Optional Personal Details to be Included in a Resume:

What Not to Include in Personal Info on a Resume

How to Format Personal Details on a Resume

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

How to Make a Resume (The Right Way!)

#1. Pick the Right Resume Format

Fix Your Resume’s Layout

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

#2. Add Your Contact Information

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

Resume Summary

Resume Objective

#4. Prioritize Your Work Experience

Focus on Achievements Whenever Possible

Tailor Your Resume to the Job

Include the Right Amount of Work Experience

Consider Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Software

#5. List Your Education

Resume Education Tips

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

Always List Hard and Soft Skills Separately

Tailor Your Skills to the Job

List Hard Skills with Experience Levels

Include Transferable Skills

#7. Leverage Optional Resume Sections

Hobbies and Interests

Volunteering Experience

Certifications

Awards and Recognitions

Publications

Extracurricular Activities

11+ Expert Resume Tips

FREE Resume Checklist

9 Resume Templates for Different Industries

#1. Traditional Resume Template

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#3. Creative Resume Template

#4. Minimalistic Resume Template

#5. IT Resume Template

#6. Tech Resume Template

#7. College Resume Template

#8. General Resume Template

#9. Executive Resume Template

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