how to make attractive cv resume

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Resume (With Examples!)

Your resume is arguably the most valuable piece of paper for your career. But this document can be daunting for many. Maybe you’re not sure how to fit in all your information onto one page. Maybe you’re not sure about the right way to format and write your resume. Maybe you don’t even know what the heck a resume is!

Whatever your concern, we’ll break down everything you need to know about making the perfect resume, from scratch.

What Is a Resume?

What are employers looking for in a resume.

• Pick Your Format
• Start With Your Basic Information
• Add in Your Work Experience
• Consider Including Volunteer Work or Other Experience
• Don’t Forget Your Education
• Top It Off With Some Skills and Interests
• Write a Resume Summary Statement (if Relevant)
• Tailor It to the Job (and the ATS)
• Edit and Refine It

What Are Some Examples of a Good Resume?

A resume is a summary of your career, whether yours is just getting started or has been going on for years. Coming in at around one page in length (two only under specific circumstances), it showcases the jobs you’ve held and currently hold, the responsibilities you’ve taken on, the skills you’ve developed, and the qualities you bring to the table as an employee. Together, those things make it super easy for any hiring manager to see your qualifications and fit for a role.

For all the work you may put into writing one, hiring managers actually spend very little time—mere seconds in many cases—looking at your resume. But despite this sad fact, it’s safe to say that creating a great resume (rather than hastily throwing one together) still matters.

“If you miss the mark, your resume may never be read. Even worse, you might be removed from the applicant pool by a computer before a human even knows you exist,” says Muse career coach Heather Yurovsky , founder of Shatter & Shine. So you want to get it right because, as she explains, isn’t the goal to “spend less time looking for a job and more time in a role you love?”

You might be wondering if you can lean on your LinkedIn profile instead of writing a resume. The answer, sadly, is no. Most hiring managers still expect you to submit a resume, even if they also look at your LinkedIn. Even if you don’t need a resume for a job you’re applying for now, you’re going to need one at some point in your career—they’re not anywhere close to going out of style. So it’s best to always have one at the ready should an opportunity pop up.

And although LinkedIn has plenty of benefits, a resume has one clear advantage: While your LinkedIn is usually a broader picture of your career trajectory, your resume gives you the opportunity to tailor your career story to a specific role or company (more on that later).

Oh, and you’ve probably heard of something called a CV? It’s slightly different from a resume , and usually more common with academics and job seekers outside the U.S.

Hiring managers look for three things on your resume, “What did you do? Why did you do it? And what was the result?” says Muse career coach Martin McGovern , owner of Career Therapy. “If you can answer all three of these questions in...your resume bullet points, you’re going to be on the right track.”

Clear, easy-to-understand language is key. “The truth is that most resumes make no sense. They are stuffed with jargon, they are too technical, and they are filled with redundancies. Try to read a resume that isn’t yours and you will quickly realize that it feels like an alien wrote it,” McGovern adds. Put yourself in the shoes of a recruiter who has no idea how your role works—how can you make your resume accessible to them?

The hiring manager also cares about more than just you and you alone—they care about you in relation to them. “Hiring managers want to see if a candidate matches the requirements” of the role they’re hiring for, Yurovsky explains. “Your resume should paint this picture so the hiring manager not only knows what day-to-day responsibilities you can handle, but why you, above other[s], bring value to their organization.”

How Do You Write a Resume?

Whether you’re someone who’s never written a resume in your life, or you need a nice, thorough refresher on the process of creating one, follow these steps to go from a blank page to a complete—and dare I say beautiful—document.

Related: This Free Worksheet Makes It Easy to Create (or Update) Your Resume

1. Pick Your Format

Before you start typing one single thing, you have to decide what you want the overall resume to look like.

Resume builders can be helpful for this step—they’ll take all your basic information and organize it for you, eliminating some of the legwork. You can also use a pre-made outline, such as one of these free Google Docs templates .

But it’s often safest to start with a clean slate all on your own and eventually upgrade to a more advanced layout. (If you'd still like a place to write all the relevant information before you get started, check out our resume outline .) This allows you to course correct, edit and re-edit, and choose a resume format that best fits your particular situation (after all, not everyone has a career trajectory that’s easy to compartmentalize).

In general, you’re most likely to cover and/or include sections on the following:

• Your work experience
• Your non-work experience, including professional organizations, community involvement, or side projects
• Your education and certifications
• Your skills (specifically hard skills) and interests

So how do you format and organize all of that information?

By far the most common (and safest, if you’re not sure which route to take) option is reverse chronological order . This means you organize your experiences from most recent to least recent. So your work experiences would go above your education, and your current role would go above previous roles you’ve held. This of course has its exceptions—maybe you went back to grad school between jobs, or your most recent role is irrelevant to the job you’re applying for. So the whole page may not be exactly in reverse chronological order depending on your situation. It’s just a guideline.

There’s also something called a functional or skills-based resume . This is used pretty rarely, mainly with career changers and those with limited or complicated work histories. It gets its name because it’s primarily about listing your skills rather than experiences, and showcases them above your work history and education.

You can also opt for a combination resume , which is a mix between a reverse chronological resume and skills-based resume. It highlights your skills at the top, but allows just as much room below to cover your job and school experience.

Use caution when choosing these two formats: “Combo and skills-based [resumes] can be hard to follow, because [they force] the reader to hunt for connections between your skills and experience, and [don’t] provide the full context of your work,” says Muse Career Coach Angela Smith , founder of Loft Consulting. “I’ve also heard a lot of recruiters say that they automatically discount skill-based resumes because they feel the candidate is trying to hide something. I don’t necessarily believe that, but I think it’s important for job-seekers to know that perception is out there.”

2. Start With Your Basic Information

Your contact information should always go at the top of your resume. In this header you’ll want to include anything that could be helpful for a recruiter to get in touch with you. Usually, this means adding in:

• Your full name (preferably the name you use across the web)
• Your phone number
• Your personal email address

You might also choose to include other basic information, such as your LinkedIn or personal website URL, your GitHub (for technical roles), your social media profiles (if relevant to the job), or your address. If you’re looking to move for a job, you may choose to leave out your address or write “open to relocating” to better your chances of getting an interview.

The key is to make this part as clear as possible. If a hiring manager can’t reach you, there’s no point in perfecting the rest of your resume.

3. Add in Your Work Experience

This section will most likely be the bulk of your resume. Even if you’re changing careers, employers still want to see where you’ve worked, what you’ve done, and the impact of that work to get a sense of your background and expertise.

Your “Work Experience” might be one entire category, or you might choose to break it up into “Relevant Experience” and “Additional Experience” to highlight the jobs that are most important for hiring managers to focus on. Either way, you’ll almost always want to have your most recent experience at the top and your older experience down below.

Within your work experience, you’ll want to include each official job title, the company (and possibly its location), and the years you worked there. Below that, you’ll add in two to four bullet points explaining what you did in that job, the skills you built and exercised, the tools you used, and the results of what you did. If you accomplished a lot during your time there, focus on the responsibilities that made the most impact or you’re the most proud of, as well as the ones that best align you with the job you’re applying for (more on that in the following sections). It’s key here to list, if relevant, quantitative as well as qualitative accomplishments.

For example, you might write:

Associate Accountant, Finances and Co., Ann Arbor, MI September 2017 – Present

• Manage billing and invoicing for more than 50 clients, ensuring the deadlines and needs of our enterprise partners, including Big Company and Super Star Org, are met
• Collaborate closely with sales, account management, and project management teams on project setup, maintenance, and invoice management
• Assist in the streamlining of invoicing guidelines and procedures through documentation and the implementation of new software, resulting in an average two-week decrease in total time spent per client

Your resume bullets should be in past tense if you’re referring to past jobs and present tense if you’re talking about your current roles. In addition, your bullets should always start with a strong action verb that best describes what you did. And if you have examples of your work, consider hyperlinking them here as well.

If you have a ton of experience and this category is starting to run long (read: over one page), consider kicking out your oldest jobs unless they’re super relevant to the job you’re applying for, or extra impressive for your field.

Not sure where to start? “It’s helpful to do a brain dump and create a document that has everything and anything you consider as experience or an achievement,” says Yurovsky. From there, she explains, you can start to whittle down what is and isn’t important. And you can refer to this document later if you ever decide to update your resume for a specific role.

Need more specific advice on listing your work experience on your resume? Check out these additional resources:

• When you’ve held multiple jobs at the same company: 2 Jobs, 1 Company: How to Show Multiple Positions on Your Resume
• When you’re not sure what your accomplishments are or how to explain them: Resume Revamp: How to Turn Your Duties Into Accomplishments
• When you want to spruce up a boring or insignificant job: How to Make Your Most Boring Jobs Sound More Interesting on Your Resume
• When you’re considering fudging a job title: The Answer to “Can I Change My Job Title on My Resume to Make It More Accurate?”
• When you’ve had a bunch of short-term gigs: How to List Temporary Jobs on Your Resume

4. Consider Including Volunteer Work or Other Experience

Anything you’ve done that’s not work experience—your side gig, volunteer work, special projects—can be hosted under clearly-labeled sections (“Volunteer Experience” or “Activities,” for example). Depending on how robust your work experience is, these things may be worth including, particularly if they’ve helped you level up your skill set or better align you with your dream job. Plus, they make you look that much more well-rounded, passionate, and hardworking.

If you’re a recent grad, you might also build out a section for on-campus activities, such as clubs, organizations, or leadership experience. This can be a great supplement if you’re lacking in the jobs department. You can frame these just as you would professional jobs—including your title, the organization’s name, and bullets describing what your role was and what you accomplished.

Read More: This Is Exactly How to List Volunteer Work on Your Resume

5. Don’t Forget Your Education

If you’re still in school or just graduated, your education can go at the top of your resume, but for pretty much everyone else, this goes near the bottom. Most people include their school, graduation year (for folks less up to about a decade out of school), major, and degree. Brand-new grads might also write in their GPA, honors and awards, study abroad, thesis, or other notable achievements. But keep this section super simple, as you don’t want it to take up too much space over your work experience.

It’s possible you have unique education experience, such as taking an online course or certification. If you did this specifically as a way to boost yourself within your industry, definitely include it. Again, list everything more or less reverse chronologically—so a grad school degree would go above an undergrad degree, and a more recent relevant online course would go above that.

Learn more about the ins and outs of listing your education on your resume:

• How to (and How Not to) List Education on Your Resume
• How to List Online Courses on Your Resume the Right Way (Because Yes, There Is a Wrong Way)

6. Top It Off With Some Skills and Interests

The skills section of a resume gets a bad rap, but it’s just as important as the rest of the stuff you include. It’s a quick list a recruiter can scan to see if your skill set aligns with what they’re hiring for. And it’s super ATS-friendly (ATS stands for “applicant tracking system,” the robot that in some cases reads your resume before a human does) because it allows you to add in keywords the machine is scanning for.

Usually this section goes at the bottom of your resume, but in special cases—such as a skills-based resume or when someone’s switching fields—you may place it further up.

What exactly do you throw in here? You’ll want to list any hard skills and applications you’re familiar with (Photoshop, SEO, JavaScript, to name a few examples), and, if relevant, your level of expertise. Avoid including soft skills here, like time management or public speaking—save those for your bullet points instead.

Be strategic when filling in your skills. Don’t list things you actually couldn’t do at a high competence level (I’m looking at those of you who say you’re “great” at Excel), and maybe nix skills that are completely irrelevant to the job you want. For example, you may not even need to include Excel if you’re applying for say, a design position, unless it’s listed as a job requirement.

Maybe you’re thinking, I’m a really good volleyball player, but that’s not a “skill,” right? No, it’s not, but it is a hobby. Adding in a hobby section at the bottom of your resume is underrated, and frequently a smart choice. It can be a great conversation starter with a hiring manager, and it can show that you’re a good culture fit—or a culture add—for the company. Also, it’s just a nice way to add in some of your personality. So tack on a bullet point listing out some of your interests, such as hiking, rowing, or crafting (no more than five to seven work-appropriate verbs), and you’re all set here.

7. Write a Resume Summary Statement (if Relevant)

You may have heard of a resume summary statement . They’re not super common, but they can be useful to include near the top of your resume if you’re looking to add clarity or context to your resume. If you’re a career changer, you might find a summary statement helpful in explaining your leap and tying your experience to your new path. Or if you’re a more experienced professional, you can use a summary statement to highlight a theme that brings your career trajectory together.

Overall, you probably won’t need a summary statement if your career is pretty linear and your bullet points do a great job of emphasizing what you have to offer in terms of skills and experience. But if you think it makes sense to include one, “Take the time to think about what the person reading your summary wants to know before you write it,” says McGovern. “Good summaries explain why you do what you do and how it can help. For instance: Merging a background in ABC, I help companies improve XYZ through 123. Summaries shouldn’t be any more complicated than that.”

So, taking McGovern’s example, you might say:

Merging a background in social media marketing and PR with seven years in the consumer tech space, I help companies improve their internal and external communication and brand awareness through data-driven, quality content and strategies that align with the modern trends of the space.

Yurovsky adds that “you don’t want your summary statement to be a dense paragraph with too much information. You want it to be easy to read, concise, and memorable. Almost like a tagline.”

Read More: 3 Resume Summary Examples That’ll Make Writing Your Own Easier

8. Tailor It to the Job (and the ATS)

Once you have your resume written out—you’ve broken down your work experience, tagged on some activities and additional experiences, and listed out your skills—it’s important to go back to the job description (or multiple job descriptions, if you’re applying to several similar jobs) and make sure that what your resume says matches up with the kind of candidate the employers are looking for. In other words, tailor it .

Let’s explain further. You’ll want to begin by tackling the ATS . This means combing the job description to see if individual words and phrases line up. What skills are they asking for, and have you listed them (so long as you actually have them)? What words are they using to describe their ideal hire, and do you use similar language in your resume?

Next, take a bird’s-eye view. If you were the hiring manager for the role, where on your resume would your eyes be drawn to? And what would you be looking for? Whatever you think will be most important for the recruiter, make sure it’s near the top of your resume, or otherwise emphasized.

Finally, dig into the role and responsibilities of the job. Does your resume reflect similar experience? If not, is there a way you can spin it so that it’s clear you’re capable of doing the job (and doing it well)?

These articles can help you if the word “tailoring” makes you start to sweat:

• What It Really Means to “Tailor Your Resume”
• Your Guide to Making Unrelated Experience Look Relevant on Your Resume
• A Cool Trick: How to Spin 1 Resume Bullet 5 Different Ways

9. Edit and Refine It

Please, please don’t just write your resume and shoot it out without giving it a second glance. Hiring managers may not spend hours browsing it, but if there’s one thing that sticks out more than anything else it’s a glaring typo.

The best approach? Write a rough draft, then leave and come back to it later with fresh eyes to give it an edit.

Cover the basics: Is your contact information correct and updated? Are you using the right verb tenses? Does everything look consistent and accurate in terms of spelling and grammar?

Then do some cutting if your resume’s quite long. It’s no longer a hard-and-fast rule that all resumes must be only one page—but consider it a smart guideline for most applicants, especially if you've got less than 10 years work experience. The exception is if you’re very senior or very established in your career; in this scenario, a two-page resume isn’t completely out of the question. Everyone else, read this article for advice on how to cut your resume down.

Formatting-wise, it’s key to consider a couple things. First, what font are you using , and is it legible (for a human and a robot)? When in doubt, go with one of these simple, but sleek, options: Arial, Arial Narrow, Calibri, Cambria, Garamond, or Helvetica.

Second, are you going to save it as a Word document or PDF ? Neither option is wrong, although a PDF helps ensure that your formatting is maintained, no matter what type of computer the hiring manager uses to open the document.

Third, is your resume formatted in a way that it’s skimmable? If it’s feeling crowded or overrun with words, read this: 12 Tiny Changes That Make Your Resume Easy for Recruiters to Skim .

Once you’ve given it a few good looks, it may be worth sending it to a friend or colleague (or even a career coach ) to get a second opinion. Don’t just have them edit it for spelling and grammar—they should dig into your bullets and offer feedback on whether or not your resume is showing you in the best possible light (it’s smart to also send them the job description for something to compare it to).

Here’s the thing: Your resume won’t ever look exactly like someone else’s, nor should it. How you choose to format it, organize your information, and talk about specific experiences depends not just on your career path, but on your field, the job you’re applying for, the company that job is at, and more.

So there isn’t a universal way to do a resume. But there are common themes. To give you some context as to how yours might turn out, here are three examples of different kinds of resumes.

The Most Popular: A Reverse Chronological Resume

As previously mentioned, a reverse chronological resume is preferred by many coaches and HR experts, mainly because it’s super readable. When everything’s in a clear order, it’s easy to skim and even easier to draw lines between experiences.

Who it’s good for: Just about everyone—from students applying to internships all the way up to senior-level executives (with an optional resume summary statement)

Download an Example Chronological Resume for a Software Engineer

The Unorthodox Route: A Functional or Skills-Based Resume

Rather than listing out your experience in reverse chronological order, a functional or skills-based resume has bullet points that reflect how each of your skills is demonstrated by the work you’ve done over the course of your career. At the bottom, you’ll include everything else, such as your education, job history, professional achievements, community involvement, and other technical skills. This is a good option if you have a somewhat all-over-the-place work history and want to tie everything together neatly.

Who it’s good for: Career changers whose work experiences may not appear to be relevant and people with an abundance of temporary jobs or gaps in their work histories.

Download an Example Functional Resume for a Project Manager

The Creative Angle: An Infographic Resume or Resume Website

This resume type is characterized by how it’s formatted visually. You may choose a reverse chronological order or skills-based style to organize your information, but also use graphics, colors, unique fonts, and even multimedia elements to help that information pop. Keep in mind that any creative resume is still likely subject to an ATS—and certain elements may be unreadable by a robot. So consider going this route only if you know a human will be reading your resume (and that said human might enjoy it).

Who it’s good for: People applying to creative roles (designers, editors, writers, marketers, video producers, for example), startups, or fun companies, or to jobs where a creative resume is encouraged, if not required.

Download an Example Infographic Resume for a Designer

Not a designer but want your resume to look just as pretty as this example? Check out these articles:

• 5 Sites to Create an Awesome Infographic Resume (Even if You’re the Least Creative Person Ever)
• How to Build a Resume Website That Will Impress Every Hiring Manager Who Sees It
• 5 Digital Tools That Will Make Your Resume Infinitely More Beautiful

Your resume is a living, breathing document. So while you won’t go through this whole process every time you apply for a job, you should be thinking about all these things as you go to update your resume for your next career step. You might decide later on to switch up the order, or remove or add things, or even get creative and try out a whole new format. If you’re not getting the calls back you expect, you may decide to scrap it and start over —and that’s totally OK.

Regardless of where this piece of paper goes and how it grows, when you give it the care and attention it deserves, you set yourself up for success. And you’ll make it that much more likely that you’ll land an interview and get the chance to prove to the hiring manager—over the phone or in person—what you’ve got to offer.

How to Write The Perfect Resume in 2024 (With Examples)

The ultimate guide to learn how to quickly create a resume utilizing best practices to help you land your next job.

Introduction to writing a resume

We’ve all been there. You’re ready to apply for a new job or looking for a career change, and you haven’t updated your resume in quite some time. Or it’s your first job, and you’re not sure where to start. Resumes are a standard part of the job application process. Not having one - a good one - makes it very difficult to near impossible to land your dream job.

Unless you have some incredible connections that can help you bypass the interview stage, which is pretty rare, we highly recommend you give your resume a second look (or first!).

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

Why do you need a good resume?

Your resume is a way for you to market yourself and promote your career experience. Creating a resume lets hiring managers see how you'll bring value to their company.

It's important to know that your resume doesn't need to present all there is to know about you. It should summarize the most important aspects of your professional experience. As well as your education, interests and activities - when applicable. We recommend you tailor your resume to the position you're seeking. This means highlighting specific accomplishments and skills to the job you're applying for.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the following sections to help you craft the perfect resume:

• Understanding the basics of creating a resume
• Breaking down the resume layout and formats
• Maximizing information on your resume to provide the most value

What tools should you use to build your resume?

Tip: Use an online resume builder . Don't use Microsoft Word. Always use an online resume builder. You'll never have to worry about finding files and you can export your resume as a PDF.

So you’re ready to get started on your resume. The most obvious of choices is to open up Microsoft Word, create a new document and get writing. If you haven’t already done this before, formatting in Microsoft Word is a painful experience.

You'll end up with an ugly resume template that has poor legibility and incorrect margins. Or due to the lack of design options, you’ll end up with a resume that looks standard and boring. In both cases, the chances of potential employers overlooking your resume are pretty high!

Crazy isn’t it? You've spent years building job experience but have to use Microsoft Word to tell that story. And if you can’t navigate around complicated tools, it'll lead to poor results. You might miss the opportunity to land your dream job. That doesn’t sound fair, and it isn’t.

Why should you use a resume builder?

Luckily, there are other options that exist. We’ve created the fastest and easiest resume builder available online. With a variety of pre-existing templates that are professional and field-tested. And there’s no messing around with font sizes, margins or colors. We’ve taken care of all that for you.

The benefits of using an online resume builder like the one we’ve created are much higher. Here are some of the top reasons to use a resume builder:

• Hosting your resume online (in the cloud)
• This means you can access your resume at any time and anywhere. Your resume will always be available through our website. You'll never worry about having the right computer programs installed. Or finding files on a messy desktop.
• Creating unlimited resumes at no cost
• We manage it for you and make finding your resumes super easy, so you never have to worry about things getting lost. Go ahead and create unlimited versions of your resumes!
• High-quality resume designs
• This is where we specialize. Our design team has tested the exact elements required for perfecting resume templates. We sweat the details so you never have to. We’ve spent countless hours choosing the most appropriate font and color combinations. Including ones that pass the stress tests of relentless Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

The other benefits of using Easy Resume’s online resume builder are:

• Download your resume as a PDF. We recommend this file format so your resume always looks consistent.
• Share a direct link to your resume. We’ll even host it for you at no cost.
• Get exclusive access to guides, tutorials, and tips from career and industry professionals.

Understanding the 3 types of resume formats

Let’s break down the different types of resumes that employers generally look for.

• Reverse Chronological
• Combination

Tip: When in doubt, use a reverse chronological resume format. - About 95% of resumes use the reverse chronological format. Hiring managers are used to this as it lets employers see how your career has progressed.

1. Reverse Chronological Format

The most common is the Reverse Chronological format. It’s the most used and formatted to tell the story of your work experience in a chronological way. Employers prefer this format, as it gives them a historical overview of your career. Including the different job titles and responsibilities that you’ve had.

When should you use a reverse chronological resume template?

• You have had a lot of prior work experience. This means either the number of jobs or the amount of work experience you’ve had.
• You want to show how your career has progressed. For example, if you started as an associate and worked your way up to a senior-level position. The reverse-chronological format is a great way of showing your progression.

What if you have gaps between your work experience?

This is a very common question that we often receive. It’s usually in the form of:

“I’ve been out of work for 6-7 years after a certain life situation (i.e. having kids). The last job I had was in 2012, but recently I'm starting to apply for jobs again in 2019. What’s the right resume format for someone like me?”

First of all, no worries. This is a very common situation and happens with many people. As a hiring manager, having a gap like this can lead to questions and uncertainty about your resume. Which is why we recommend that you use a combination format.

2. Functional Format

The second type of resume format is the Functional or Skills-Based resume. This can be common for students and recent graduates starting to apply for their first job.

When should you use a functional / skills-based resume template?

• You’re a student or recent graduate applying for jobs for the first time with no prior work experience.
• You’re looking to make a career change.

Reasons why this is common for students and recent grads is due to their lack of prior experience. Given the fact that they’re starting to enter the workforce and apply for their first job. It’s well understood amongst employers that students won’t have a huge depth of work experience. There are other ways to let them know what you can help bring to the role you’re applying for by showcase the list of skills that you excel at.

It usually depends on the role you’re applying for. But there are some common ones that you can try to focus on like: Communication, Organization, Customer Driven, Effective Listener, Teamwork, etc.

What else can you add to your resume besides skills?

We recommend adding some extra activities for your career. Even if you haven’t attained any professional work experience yet. The few ways you can do that as a student is:

• Find internships
• Help volunteer at student-led or non-profit organizations
• Participate in extracurricular activities
• Take on side-projects

Not only will you have more examples of experience to show on your resume. You can show employers how much initiative and leadership you’ve performed on your own. This helps you stand out much better than a candidate who only lists generic skills.

For example, instead of only listing skills like:

• Communication
• Collaborative

An employer might prefer to move forward with a resume that looks like this:

• Summer Intern at XYZ
• Volunteered for non-profit at XYZ
• Ran student organization for XYZ

What if you’re unable to get any kind of experience?

Fear not, your chances towards landing your first job can still be within grasp. We recommend taking an approach that explains the skills you’ve acquired. And how you’ve applied them in real-world settings.

Here’s an example of adding depth to your skill sets:

• Demonstrated effective teamwork and leadership in various class projects by taking the initiative to organize group’s goals, objectives, and tasks.
• Received consistent praise and admiration from course professors and team members as being highly collaborative, an effective communicator and group leader with clear presentation skills and abilities.
• Organization
• Meticulous about even the smallest of details. Always taking the extra effort towards making sure that filenames, folder hierarchy and labeling are descriptive, versioned, tagged and easily discoverable.
• Received constant praise from past and present team members who were able to jump into any collaborative project and accurately trace back previous versions to see how decisions were made.

Do you see how this can be more effective than listing out a set of skills? Taking this approach will let employers know that you’re not only listing skills. But have also demonstrated how you were able to apply these skills and put them into action.

3. Combination Format

The final type of resume that we mentioned earlier is the Combination or Hybrid format. This combines concepts from both reverse chronological and functional/skills-based formats.

We recommend this format for jobs that expect relevant experience and technical skills. An example might be a Graphic Designer who has experience working in design agencies. As well as necessary skills like Branding, Sketching, Illustration, and Adobe Creative Suite.

Take a look at our in-depth guide on how to select the right resume format .

Choosing the best resume template

Now that we know which software to use and the most common resume formats, let’s break down the actual template. This is the make-or-break deal. Picking the right resume template can be the deciding factor if a hiring manager gives you a call. Or if they skip past your resume and never bother to read it.

Our mission here at Easy Resume is to make sure that never happens to you! We’re working hard to make sure your resume is high quality and presented in a way that will impress recruiters.

When speaking with hiring managers, we found that 78% of the time they skip your resume is because of the design. Again, we don’t think that’s fair.

Here’s a checklist to use for your resume

We always use this checklist whenever creating any new resume template.

Use a clear heading structure

Incorrect : Don’t make all headings and body copy the same size.

Correct: Do use typographic hierarchy by using varying heading sizes and font weights.

Use legible, friendly and professional font combinations

Incorrect : Don’t use quirky and eccentric fonts like comic sans or papyrus.

Correct : Do use professional fonts that are easy to read and familiar. Fonts like Georgia, Helvetica, Calibri, and Cambia.

Use an ample amount of spacing

Incorrect : Don’t go overboard with spacing. Using a lot of white-space might spark joy, but not when your resume becomes three pages long because of it.

Correct: Do keep your margins tight but spaced even enough that your text isn’t hugging the borders of the page.

Incorrect : Don’t try to write your entire life story with every single job responsibility you’ve ever had. Recruiters on average spend about 7-8 seconds skimming through resumes. If it's two pages, the chances of them not spending even more than 2-3 seconds reading the second page is pretty low.

Correct: Do keep your information brief, relevant, and clear. If you REALLY need another page, make sure it’s valuable information. Otherwise, choose the right template that can fit the most words on a single page.

Use bullet points

Incorrect : Don’t write very long paragraphs about your work experience. Remember, your resume is a summary and a brief overview of your career. Your resume is not an autobiography of everything you’ve ever done.

Correct: Do use 3-4 bullet points to briefly describe your responsibilities. Feel free to add more bullet points if you have worked at only one or two jobs to fill up some more space.

Overview for writing a resume

Whew, that was a lot of information. Let's quickly summarize what we've learned.

1) Always use an online resume builder, instead of Microsoft Word

• It’s always better to use an online tool instead of Microsoft Word.
• Creating a resume template on Easy Resume will allow you to access your resume at any time. And access to unlimited resumes and a great selection of professional design templates.

2) There are 3 types of resume formats

• Reverse Chronological -This is the most common. Use it if you have a lot of work experience and want to show your career progression over the years. ‍
• Functional - If you lack work experience, use this format to emphasize your skill set. It’s great for students or recent graduates entering the workforce for the first time. ‍
• Combination - If you have a lot of experience and a diverse skill set that is relevant to your job, use this advanced technique. For example, a web developer who has worked at a few technology startups. And has programming skills in languages like Python, PHP, and Javascript.

3) Follow our resume design guidelines

• Utilize clear heading hierarchy, don’t make all fonts the same size. This will help your resume be easy to parse. Remember, recruiters spend an average of 6 seconds scanning your resume. Highlight the most important sections! ‍
• Use legible fonts that are easy to read . Using professional fonts will make your resume more legible. Choose from fonts like Georgia, Calibri, Garamond, Arial, Helvetica, Cambria, Times New Roman, Verdana, Trebuchet, Gill Sans, and Tahoma
• ‍ Use white-space conservatively . If you rely too much on white-space, you might end up with a 2-3 page resume. Keep your margins tight but spaced evenly to make it easy on the eyes for the reader. ‍
• Use 1 page . As previously mentioned, hiring managers and recruiters spend an average of 6 seconds. They might look at hundreds of resumes and applications every week. The chances of them reading every single page from top to bottom is pretty slim. ‍
• Use limited amount of color depending on your industry. Hiring managers need to notice the right parts of your resume. Using the right amount of color on your resume can help. ‍
• se bullet points . As previously mentioned, hiring managers and recruiters spend an average of 6 seconds. They might look at hundreds of resumes and applications every week. The chances of them reading every single page from top to bottom is pretty slim.

Resume sections and details

Let’s take a closer look at the resume itself now. Resumes are typically broken down into the common sections:

Common sections to add on your resume

Resumes tend to have some common sections that employers are used to seeing. Here's a list of what's generally expected as best practice:

• Heading / Name
• Additional Contact Info
• Your Objective
• Your Education
• York Work Experiences
• Your Skills

Of course not all people are alike. There’s no one-size-fits-all model for resumes. Depending on your job, you might want to include more unique sections. Remember any information you include on your resume should have valuable insight into your experience. Employers want to know why you would be a great hire.

Other sections to include on your resume

If you don't have enough information for the sections described above, you can try to add some of these sections below. Keep in mind that you should only add it if it's relevant to the position you're applying for.

• Volunteering
• Achievements
• Organizations
• Certificates
• Publications

As you can see, there are many sections to add depth to your resume. So don’t be alarmed if you’re lacking skills or experiences, there are other ways to let employers learn of your potential.

Tip: Only add information that’s relevant to the job you’re applying for. As a best practice, always remember that the most valuable details is the information that recruiters are specifically looking for in the job description that you’re applying to.

Let’s break down each of these sections and how to add the most value to them.

Adding contact information

Information about yourself is a critical element for your resume. It provides a brief description of who you are, where you're based and how to get in touch with you.

The most necessary contact information to add on your resume

There are quite a few ways to add your contact details, but here's what's most necessary.

• Your First & Last Name . You may use a preferred name if that's what you'd rather go by. So for example, someone named "Robert" might prefer to go by a nickname like "Bob". You may also optionally include your middle name or initial. ‍
• Your Email Address. Your email address is necessary if employers want to be able to reach you. Email is generally the most common way that recruiters use to get in contact with applicants.

Always use a professional email address.

Incorrect : Don't use an email address that sounds like you're still in grade school. Something like [email protected] will not look professional on your resume.

Correct : If you don't already have one, create a professional email address with your name on a service like Gmail. An email like [email protected] sounds much more professional.

• Your Phone Number. Adding a phone number will let recruiters know that they can also reach you via phone call if that proves to be more convenient for them. If possible, use your work or cellphone number instead of your home number. ‍
• Your Location. Adding your location lets employers know that you'll be able to physically make it to work. It's preferred that you list your city and state. Some people like to add their full mailing address. However, based on our research, we learned that it's not always important to add in your entire street address.

Let employers know where you're based, not your exact address.

Incorrect : Don't list your entire mailing address like 305 Main St, Apt#25. It's not always necessary. If an employer needs to know your mailing address, ask them and only provide if required.

Correct : You can simply list your city state and sometimes zip code, for example: New York, NY 10010. This will let employers know that you live and work in this geographic location. If you need a work visa or are looking to relocate, be sure to call that out.

Secondary contact information to add on your resume

• Your Website or Blog. If you have a website or a blog, feel free to add it on your resume. Having a website can add to the professionalism of your experience.

Unnecessary contact information for your resume

• Your Photo or Headshot. Adding a photo to your resume is a bit of a controversial topic. While it's not always recommended, and most ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) will ignore it - some countries like South Korea may prefer it. However, in most cases, it's not necessary. ‍
• Your Date of Birth. To avoid any kind of age-based discrimination, it's best to leave your birthday out of your resume.

Adding social media profiles

If you have accounts on social networks, you might want to include them depending on how relevant it is. This will let employers know that you're active and knowledgeable about commonly used platforms online.

• Linkedin is the most popular platform for networking amongst professionals. We recommend that you create a Linkedin profile if you don't already have one.
• If you use Twitter for professional reasons, adding your Twitter handle can be a good way to show off your personality and interests for topics that you like to talk about. However, if you use it purely for personal reasons, you shouldn't add it.

Tip: Only add social media profiles if they showcase your professional experience. Normally, you shouldn't add your personal social media profiles on your resume. Unless you're using social media networks like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest to demonstrate your expertise and interests, there's no reason to include them on your resume. For example, if you're a web developer, you might want to include your Github or if you're a designer, you can include a link to your Behance portfolio.

Writing the perfect resume objective

Your resume summary or objective gives employers a very brief overview of your goal and what kind of position you're looking for. It should always be at the very top of the resume. Usually placed directly below your name and contact information. It's always important to leave a great first impression. Remember, hiring managers are spending only 6 seconds scanning your resume.

Here are the key pieces of information that your resume objective should include:

• Your Job Title = e.g. Server
• Your Experience (in years) = e.g. 10+ Years
• Your Achievements = e.g. Managed parties and events upwards of 250+ guests and maintained customer satisfaction rate above 98%
• Your Desired Goal = e.g. Looking for new opportunities to bring expertise to fine-dining establishments
• Your Desired Goal (Personalized) = e.g. Looking to gain new skills and further develop fine-dining expertise at an upscale establishment like Janes Riverside Restaurant

Personalizing your resume objective to the specific company you're applying for can be a great way to make a first impression. We highly recommend tailoring each resume objective to the specific job and company you're applying to.

Follow these tips to write a great resume objective

This checklist will help summarize your experience into a resume objective that leaves a good first impression.

Avoid writing your resume objective in first person.

Incorrect : I am a server and have lots of experience working in various restaurants. I love working with customers.

Correct : Dynamic and engaged server with over 10+ years of experience who loves to provide warm and friendly customer service.

Quantify your achievements.

Incorrect : I worked many catering events and parties, and provided good customer service.

Correct :  Managed parties and events upwards of 250+ guests and maintained customer satisfaction rate above 98%.

Be clear about your desired goal.

Incorrect : I'm looking for a new job to get better at managing people and stores.

Correct : Looking for new opportunities to further develop hospitality and personnel management experience at fine-dining restaurants.

Putting all this together, a bad example of a resume objective might be the following:

Bad example of a Registered Nurse's objective

I am an experienced registered nurse, that has worked at large hospitals with experience taking care of patients and providing medical expertise. I'm looking for a position to help grow my nursing career.

Let's turn that into a better example of a resume objective, based on our guidelines:

Good example of a Registered Nurse's objective

Experienced and veteran RN with 12+ years of experience taking care of patient health. Skilled in providing high quality patient care in ER situations under intense pressure. Hired and trained a staff of 27 nurses and nurse assistants. Looking for a new role to bring empathetic care to the patients at Lincoln Hospital.

Take a look at our guide on how to write a killer resume summary or resume objective to learn more.

Summarizing your job experience

Your resume experience section is the most important aspect of your entire resume. It's a summary of your career experience and progression that outlines your responsibilities and achievements.

This is the section that you'll most likely spend most of your time on. It's good practice to make sure you consistently jot down any new experiences you've had, even if you're not looking for a job.

For example, if you recently landed a $200,000 deal by bringing on a new client at your firm, write that down somewhere you can remember. Over time, you'll have dozens of bullet points you can copy over to your resume when you are ready for a new job.

Here's a simple example of work experience

Server, red lobster.

November 2018 - Present • New York, NY

• Greeted incoming guests and directed them to comfortable seating.
• Memorized and informed guests of daily menu specials.
• Made recommendations about food and beverages as well as other services provided by the restaurant.
• Provided exceptional and friendly customer service by taking food and beverage orders and entering them in our PoS system.
• Job Title = e.g. Server
• Company Name = e.g. Red Lobster
• Start & End Dates = e.g. November 2018 - Present
• Location = e.g. New York, NY
• Responsibilities & Tasks = e.g. Made recommendations and answered questions about our food, beverages and other restaurant functions and services.

This is a simple example, but it can be improved by adding more detail.

Follow these guidelines to really maximize your career experience

These principles will make your resume look more professional, relevant and attractive to hiring managers. This is where most job-seekers have the toughest time when writing their resume.

We highly recommend emphasizing your experience section with these guidelines:

• Focus on achievements and outcomes. Instead of just writing about all of the tasks you did. Try your best to quantify some of the most key and impactful achievements you've made at the company. Using actionable verbs can help. ‍
• Use keywords from the job description. If you're applying to multiple jobs, make sure you tailor each resume to the job description . A great way to tailor your resume is to use keywords from the job description itself. Not only will this feel more relevant to recruiters, but it significantly increases the chances of your resume passing an ATS which scans for common keywords. ‍
• List only key responsibilities. Your experience section isn't meant to be a huge list of every single task you've ever done. Try to narrow your responsibilities to the ones that most relevant ones.

Here's a better example of work experience

• Implemented Happy Hour pre-dinner special that drove an extra $7,500 in weekly revenue.
• Trained and onboarded 6 servers to help increase waitstaff.
• Promoted to Team Lead after receiving exceptional feedback from repeat customers.
• Made food recommendations to customers that helped increase ordering by up to 15% for select items.

Adding skills to your resume

Showcasing skills on your resume lets employers understand the variety of your strengths. While skill sets can vary, the best approach is to use keywords from the job description to show how your skills are relevant.

In general, there are two types of skills you should consider adding to your resume.

• Soft or Transferable Skills
• Hard or Technical Skills

What are soft skills?

Soft skills (sometimes known as "transferable skills") are self-developed skills that will be valuable to employers to many different types of jobs. Some examples of these include communication, teamwork, organization and leadership. Listing soft skills is recommended if you're thinking about a career change where your skills would serve both industries.

For example, there might be a job that requires candidates to be very strong in teamwork skills. If you’ve worked in team settings, and enjoy collaborating with other group members, this is a skill that you might want to call out.

Here's a list of common soft skills:

• Taking Initiative
• Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Collaboration
• Time Management
• Critical Thinking
• Decision Making
• Presentation
• Facilitation

What are hard skills?

Hard skills (also known as "technical skills") are specific skills that are learned to perform a certain task or master a craft. These skills are often completed during your job, and sometimes require specific education or training to learn and master. For example, some technical skills can include computers or hardware for jobs like a Web Developer or an IT person.

Adding technical skills to your resume will let employers know how you can solve different challenges using these skills you've acquired. We recommend using your career experience, as described above, to show real examples of how you applied your hard skills at your job. Make sure to keep them relevant to the job you're applying for.

Here's a list of hard skills for specific roles:

Web Developer

• Ruby on Rails
• HTML & CSS
• Cross Browser Testing

Graphic Designer

• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe InDesign
• Adobe Illustrator
• Wireframing

Data Analyst

• Database Management
• Google Analytics
• Microsoft Excel

We have come up with a list of over 100 skills that you can include on your resume .

Listing your education

The education section of your resume is an important call-out for showing your school experience and the degree(s) you've received. It's important that the education section of your resume is relevant to fit the position you're applying for.

Here's an example of the information you should add for your education.

• School / University Name = e.g. Harvard University
• Degree & Major = e.g. B.F.A in Arts & Literature
• Minor = e.g. Minor in Spanish
• Years Attended = e.g. Fall 2004 to Spring 2008
• GPA ( optional ) = e.g. 3.8/4.0 GPA
• Honors ( optional ) = e.g. Magna Cum Laude

The most important information to include is your degree (multiple if you have more than one), the schools you attended and during which dates. If relevant, providing more specific pieces of information like your major and minor can also help.

Tip: Always be truthful on your resume. It's not worth lying on your resume. Employers will quickly find out whether you're telling the truth or lying during an interview if they ask specific questions that you are unable to answer. Same goes for your Education. Employers can request a transcript to verify that your school information is correct.

You'll notice we also added GPA and Honors as optional. For GPA, it's not necessary nor required, and should be generally avoided unless you have a high GPA (greater than 3.8). Adding honors and achievements is also likely to be ignored by recruiters. Only add it if you have plenty of extra space on your resume. Otherwise save that space for more important and relevant information.

Additional sections for your resume

Now that we've learned about the most important sections to add on your resume, let's explore some other ways to demonstrate your full potential to future employers.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all model. Every person, every situation and every job is different. Your resume should be tailored based on a variety of these circumstances.

Here are some sections you can include on your resume:

Keep in mind, that you should only add these sections if 1) you have extra space or 2) it's very relevant to the job you're applying for.

• Hobbies & Interests. This is a great way to show off your individual personality. Employers often care about maintaining company culture. Showcasing your different hobbies and interests can be a great way for them to get to know you, before even meeting you! Our advice on how to include hobbies on your resumes will be helpful.
• Languages. Do you speak multiple languages? This is a skill that can become useful, even if it isn't required for the job. When listing languages, you may also write a proficiency level (native, fluent, basic) to show how skilled you are at communicating in that language. ‍
• Volunteering Experience. If you spend time volunteering at different organizations, this can demonstrate to future employers that you're mission-driven and passionate about solving problems for others. If you're a student, acquiring volunteer experience can be a great way to substitute (with real impact!) for any lack of work experience. ‍
• Certifications & Awards. Have you received any certifications and awards that celebrates achievements you've made in your career? If it's relevant to the job you're applying to, then this could be a great way to level up your expertise and skills. Take a look at our guide on including achievements and awards on your resume as well as including certifications on your resumes.

Browse more resume templates that fit your role

Get inspired with more resume examples

Read our how-to guides on making your resume perfect, how to choose the correct resume format in 2024 (with examples).

Choosing the best resume format will be the first step you'll need to get right in order to lay the groundwork for your entire resume.

How to Write a Resume with No Work Experience in 2024 (With Examples)

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How to Describe Work Experience on a Resume in 2024 (Examples & Tips)

Your work experience is a summary of all your hard work, dedication and achievements over the years. Here's how to do justice to your work history.

How to List Contact Information on Your Resume in 2024

Learn how to format contact information on your resume and what information to share with the hiring manager.

More advice that will accelerate your career path

How to organize your resume with resume layout examples in 2024.

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

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

15+ Key Healthcare Skills to List on Your Resume in 2024 (With Examples)

Healthcare is a massive and important industry that contains all sorts of professionals. To land a job in healthcare, you must understand what relevant skills employers are searching for. In this guide, we will cover key healthcare skills to include on your resume and why doing so is so important.

How to Create a Resume in Microsoft Word (Step-by-Step Guide)

If this is your first time creating a resume in Microsoft Word, the process may seem overwhelming. Luckily, this article is here to help! In this step-by-step guide, we will cover how to create an effective resume from start to finish using Microsoft Word.

Professional resume templates to help land your next dream job.

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30+ Creative Resume Templates for 2024 [Grab One Now!]

Want your resume to stand out in a pile of 1,000+ applications?

Then you need a creative resume template!

Here’s the thing - most resumes look alike. They’re all black and white, with a standard layout, and very generic content.

Do you want to impress the recruiter with your creativity and ingenuity, or do you want to just blend in with everyone else?

We’re thinking you want to go with option #1.

So, in this guide, we’re going to cover 30+ of the most creative resume templates we’ve seen on the web.

30+ Creative Resume Templates

The 3 ways you can go about using these 30+ creative resume templates are:

• You can use an online resume builder with ready-to-go templates.
• You can fire up MS word and use a Word template .
• Or, you could use a Google Doc resume template that you can edit online.

We’re going to include both free and paid templates, so you get to pick whichever suits your needs.

Here are 30+ creative resume templates you can start using now.

Creative Resume Template by Novorésumé

Price: Free

As an example, let’s say you work in marketing (or any other creative field).

If that’s the case, then you probably have natural talents for design and understanding what makes a person buy a product.

Think of your resume as the product here.

You can also apply this knowledge and skills to create your own resume and make it stand out from other candidates.

This resume template does just that. You can use it as inspiration, or you could also choose and customize according to your needs and job role.

From the colors to the layout, our creative resume template can help you land your dream job in the industry and kickstart your career.

Modern Resume Template by Novorésumé

Need something more modern, that’s both professional as well as flexible?

You can follow our modern resume template to stand out from the crowd in just about any industry.

That’s what’s so good about it - it has pretty much every resume section you’re going to need, and it’s easy to follow as well.

With a clean and modern aesthetic, this resume is a great way to quickly sum up your qualifications and stand out from other resumes with its great design.

Though the focus of this template is on the work experience , you can always customize it to your liking within a matter of minutes.

Functional Resume Template by Novorésumé 

This functional resume template is super simple and works for creative entry-level and senior position jobs alike.

There’s plenty of space for work experience , organizations , honors and awards , and more.

So, you can focus on either of the sections, depending on where you’re at at this stage in your career. 

And with the vibrant colors and a clear layout , you can’t go wrong with this template.

College Resume Template by Novorésumé 

Are you in college or a recent graduate with not a whole lot of work experience?

You can use this college resume template to show off your resume objective , skills, and experience (if you have any).

If you don’t have a lot of work experience though, you can also use the template to prioritize other sections.

The resume is extremely easy to follow, while staying under 1 page, and is an updated version of the 21st-century college resume template.

It’s simple and straightforward.

• Don’t have a lot of experience and need help writing your first resume? Check out our guide on how to make a resume with no experience .

Basic Resume Template by Novorésumé

This basic resume template is very easy to personalize and you can make it truly yours in just under 10 minutes.

If you want something that’s professional , yet also creative , you can’t go wrong with this one.

It has a very straightforward approach and a color scheme design that stands out from other candidates.

And the best thing is, it’s 100% customizable to your liking.

Executive Resume Template by Novorésumé

Do you have a lot of experience as well as technical skills you want to show off without your resume becoming cramped?

This executive resume template might be more up your alley.

It has a contemporary approach with plenty of sections for your work chops, as well as an eye-catching design that will make sure your resume is spotted first.

Just because it’s for a higher-up position, doesn’t mean the design should be boring.

Professional & Modern Resume Template by Hired Design Studio

Where to Get It: Behance

This modern resume template is great for creatives of all levels.

If needed, you can also go onto the 2nd page , and it even comes with a sample cover letter .

The soft colors are a nice change from other traditional resume colors and it’s incredibly easy to follow along with too.

If needed, the resume ALSO comes with a free icon pack of 100+ extra icons and a detailed user guide.

Creatives can go wild with this as it has pretty much everything you’ll need.

All you have to do is fill in the outline .

Intern Resume by Design Studio Teti

Price: $5.50

Where to Get It: Etsy

You’ll save time with this intern resume template and make sure your resume is unique.

If you’re looking to land the internship of your dreams, this resume can help you showcase your skills and accomplishments in the best way possible.

It’s easy to edit in Google Docs and comes with a cover letter template , as well as some extra resume writing tips and tricks.

And since it’s 100% editable, you can switch up any section , color , or even the font of the resume to match your vision.

PS - need more help with constructing an internship resume? Read more on our internship resume examples + writing guide .

Creative Resume Template for Word by Resume Studio Group

Where to Get It: Etsy 

This creative resume template for Word is a modern take on the one-page resume format.

It’s super functional as well as presentable. 

If needed, the template also comes with an easy-to-edit 2-page template , a cover letter , and as a cherry on top - a free interview preparation workbook .

It has just about every section you’d need too. 

Modern Resume Template by MoreProfesh

Price: $18.00

This modern resume template makes sure your name stays on the recruiter’s mind and your resume on top of their stack.

The design legwork is already done for you - it’s fun, memorable, and has just the right amount of quirky.

Professional Minimalistic Resume Template by Ease Design Studio

Price: $2.40

Sometimes, good old minimalism is what it takes to stand out.

If people in your industry tend to use fancier resumes with a lot of colors, a minimalistic resume could be what you need to stand out.

And that’s the case with this professional minimalistic resume template.

The clear structure guarantees to stand out from other candidates and the resume also comes with a guide on how to write a strong resume and a catchy cover letter .

You can edit pretty much the whole template (from the text to the colors and the font), and if needed, it also comes with its own icon pack.

So, if the design catches your eye, the template has pretty much everything else you’ll need.

One Page Resume With Photo by GetLanded

Price: $15.21

Want to beat the competition?

Get ahead with this photo resume template!

If the price tag seems expensive, know that this template also comes with detailed instructions , a FAQ file, and a guide on more resume tips and tricks.

As for the actual resume layout , the primary focus is on work experience, and if needed, you can continue onto the second page.

If you have the experience, this resume has the design.

All you have to do is fill in the blanks.

PS - wondering if you should include a photo in your resume? It might depend a lot on your location. Check out our full guide on including a photo on a resume for more info.

Clean and Simple Resume Template by ZokiDesign

Where to Get It: ZokiDesign

Clean and simple resume template with a minimalistic aesthetic, easy to format, and a layout that covers a lot of sections.

You can show off your work experience , background , education , skills , and even your hobbies .

There’s plenty to do here.

You can change the color scheme too, and with its format and layout - it’s ideal for almost all creative roles.

Clean Resume/CV + Cover Letter Combo by Tamzid Hasan

This clean resume/CV cover letter template is both professional AND creative!

It follows a clean color scheme and a layout that mainly focuses on work experience.

Other then that, it also comes with:

• Microsoft Word (Docx) files.
• CV/Resume + Cover letter and references.
• 1 and 2 page version.
• Paragraph styles and free fonts.

Not too bad, right?

If you have plenty of work experience (5+ years), you can easily continue onto the 2nd page with this template and it’ll STILL look good.

Professional Personal Brand Resume by Mukhlasur Rahman 

Price: $8.86

Have a bright personality and want to express within your resume?

You can now do so with this professional personal brand resume template.

As long as you work within the creative industry, you can get away with having a resume that shines personality.

The Word template follows a consistent color scheme and a layout designed specifically for being loud.

It’s professional, beautiful, and most importantly - unique .

If needed, you can customize just about every detail of the resume.

But even when left as it is, it’s still going to stand out from a folder of resumes.

Free Resume/CV Template by Pune Design Studio 

With this creative resume template by Pune Design Studio, the default bright colors help you stand out, and you can always edit or customize them based on your vision.

The package comes with 4 PSD files so, the whole template is 100% customizable.

If you know your way around Photoshop, you can edit the layers as you wish. And if not, the resume also comes with a help file of instructions .

And once everything is to your liking, the resume is automatically print-ready.

Simple as that.

Resume Template 4 Pack by Refinery Resume Co

Where to Get It: CreativeMarket

Your life doesn’t fit into one page?

Then you might want this resume template 4 pack to get your resume refined and noticed.

As long as you have the experience for it, this resume has the space.

From the first hello in your cover letter down to the references, this pack is the full package.

What’s included:

• Photoshop, Illustrators, MS Word file.
• Optional 2nd page (and more), template.
• Optional references and cover letter template.
• All the fonts used.

Infographic Resume Template by Microsoft

Where to Get It: MS Office Templates

Show you know your way around design and you’re not afraid to get creative with this infographic resume template.

It follows a modern chronological order, starting with your most recent job experience, going down to your previous jobs.

With it, you can list your qualifications in an extremely unique way, while still being easy to follow.

This is a great example of custom tailoring your resume to your industry.

As far as creative resumes go, this one will definitely catch some eyes.

Free Resume Template by Fernando Báez 

This free resume template screams high quality.

After using it to get a few jobs with the very same template, Fernando is now sharing his resume secrets.

A free resume that’s already been tried-and-tested? 

What’s not to love.

In it, you’ll find all the fonts used, a free icon set , and an Adobe Illustrator file .

PS - Wondering what font to use in your resume? Check out our guide on what’s the best resume font, size, and format .

Creative Resume Designed by MOO

This creative template by MOO was made for jobseekers wanting to show off their creativity and eye for design.

It’s customizable to your needs, and with its neutral color scheme, you can show off your creative side with just a minute or two of editing.

It’s accessible for job-seekersof all levels. Even if you don’t have a lot of work experience, you’ll at least stay memorable with this resume.

And sometimes, being memorable is all that it takes to land the interview.

Slick and Elegant Resume Template by InkAndOcean

Price: $15.36

First impressions are everlasting.

Get noticed by employers with this slick and elegant resume now.

All you have to do is customize your text in the simple resume layout.

You can also easily edit text color , as it’s an MS Word format, and change the font type as well.

The cover letter also follows a similar black and jade design. So, if you want to stay memorable, half the work is already done for you.

All that’s left for you to do is fill in your background.

Bold Monogram Resume by Microsoft

Is your resume as bold as your personality?

If you’re using this bold monogram resume - you’re practically making a statement.

And that statement is that you’re not afraid to present your experience and talent in a stylish way.

The template also includes helpful tips for building an effective resume, with the focus being on your resume objective.

Meanwhile, the rest of the resume follows a smooth order in a way that makes sense.

Creative Watercolor Template for Word by TheArtofResume 

Price: $5.09

This watercolor template follows an interesting color scheme design that would only ever work in the creative industry.

If you’re a creative by craft, then you’re in luck.

The watercolor template is 100% customizable and there is no need to download anything else except just the resume pack.

The pack also comes with extra page templates, a cover letter, a reference page , 250+ extra icons, and even a resume writing guide.

A unique design with plenty of customizable options.

What else would you need?

Attention Resume by Spovv 

Where to Get It: Creative Market

Possibly the most unique resume template on this list so far, the attention resume template definitely lives up to its name.

And if it’s unique for this list, you know for a fact it’s going to stand out from other job applicants applying for the same job.

The template has been professionally designed, so editing it is a piece of cake for every beginner.

The clean and elegant look aside, the pack is also:

• A4 and US letter paper size.
• Print ready.
• Efficiently labeled with organized layers
• Easy to use.
• For any creative job.

Clean Resume Template by HalfCircle 

Where to Get it: Creative Market

A large part of having a clean resume that catches eyes is the design and the colors.

And that’s the case here.

This template comes with 3 different color schemes, with a clean layout and an easy-to-read font choice.

Though, probably the best thing about this template is the use of white space.

There’s plenty of space between each section, and nothing feels cramped.

No doubt the HR manager reading this resume will find it easy to do so.

It’s the exact blend of professional and creative that’ll be the main factor in landing you the job.

2 Column Resume Template for Word by OdonoDesign 

Price: $0.80

This 2 column resume is easy to use and professionally designed if you don’t have the time to format your own layout.

The template also comes with a 2nd page (if needed) and a cover letter file.

But unless you have a really long and extensive work history, you’ll have no problem fitting all of your work experience with 1 page.

And because of the column design, it’s all going to look great and be easy to follow.

For people in the creative industry, this is a really concise way to show off your qualifications.

Elegant Resume by Horea Nicodin 

Where to Get It: Dribble

Feeling fancy and want to leave a lasting first impression?

Why not do so with this elegant resume template.

Everything about it screams classy, while still being professional and modern.

If you’re the type of person who enjoys the finer things in life (yes, including your resume), this template might be more up your alley and be worth the price tag.

Though, remember the design can’t do all the work for you.

You won’t get hired just for the looks of your resume - the content inside has to be good too!

2 Page Resume/CV Combo by ResumeTemplates 

If you’re going to break the 1-page resume rule, then you’ll want to do so while looking good.

And that’s where this 2-page resume combo comes in. 

It’s compatible with Word, all image-editing software, and everything is well-layered and editable.

To top it all off, it’s also ready to print.

You can be up and running with your resume in your hands, after just 10 minutes of editing the template.

Professional Profile Resume Template by TheArtofResume

Where to get it: Etsy

Need a professional resume that presents your profile the best way?

This creative template has just the right amount of space for the About Me section. 

Start with a summary of your qualifications and skills, and then back them up with your work experience and skills sections .

All this, while having plenty of space within the sections and space to breathe.

If needed, the template also goes up to 3 pages, and even comes with a cover letter.

And on top of that - everything is customizable.

But even if you were to go with the default colors, you’d probably be fine as the color scheme and the design is on point here.

Key Takeaways

To recap, design isn’t everything.

But typically, it’s the first thing recruiters notice when looking at your resume.

Start there.

Pick a creative resume template that lets you stand out without costing you professionalism.

Once you’ve picked the right template, you need to work on the contents. Not sure how? Here are some of our best guides on perfecting your resume:

Suggested Reading:

• How to Make a Resume - Complete Guide
• How to Pick the Best Resume Format in 2024 [+Examples]
• 43+ Resume Tips and Tricks to Land Your Next Job in 2024

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• Resume & CV

25 Awesome Resume CV Templates (With Beautiful Layout Designs 2024)

A beautiful resume layout helps you present your education, experience, and skills in an organized manner. It also helps you get noticed by the HR managers and potential employers. A resume with a beautiful layout is more likely to stand out among hundreds of other resumes. 

If you’re looking for an awesome resume, you don’t have to go far. Envato Elements offers thousands of premium designs  to build a visually appealing resume. These beautiful resume templates help you craft stunning layouts in moments. They’ll wow anyone who reads them. 

25 Awesome Resume Templates With Beautiful Layouts From Envato Elements

Let’s explore the very best beautiful resume layouts from Envato Elements. These templates are perfect for anyone who wants to stand out with an awesome resume. You can easily customize the templates for each job application.

Join Envato Elements to enjoy thousands of templates and millions of digital assets just like these.

1. Minimalist Resume Template - Awesome Resume Layout

This minimalist resume template is perfect if you’re looking for a simple resume with an attractive layout. Your profile photo instantly stands out, so employers are bound to notice you. It comes in Photoshop and Illustrator format so it’s easy to edit. A help file is included with editing instructions. 

2. Resume CV Vol 15 - Clean Resume Template

Here is a beautiful resume example with a clean layout. Pops of color serve as an accent for different sections. You’ll be able to stand out with a prominent profile photo or an attractive logo right in the header area. Ample room remains for other details.

3. Modern Resume Template & Cover Letter - Bold and Beautiful Resume Template

The Modern Resume Template & Cover Letter features a modern and colorful design. The pack comes with a cover letter and resume, giving you all you need to submit a memorable job application. The template is editable in Adobe Photoshop and includes four different color schemes. 

4. Clean Resume Template Johnson - Elegant Resume Template

The Clean Resume Template Johnson comes in both Photoshop and Word versions. It makes your primary information stand out thanks to the colored background. The rest of the template uses a minimalist style, with plenty of space for your key details.

5.  Emma Beauty Resume Designer

This beautiful resume features a nice and structured design. It includes a cover letter template so it’s perfect if you’re applying for a position in a creative industry. The template comes in Adobe InDesign format so you can easily edit it.

6. Monopoly Resume

With a sleek black and white palette, Monopoly uses a unique design. It’s printed horizontally, giving you plenty of room for resume content. It’s print-ready and easy to adapt for any field or profession. 

7. Booklet Resume Template

Here's a resume design presented in booklet form. It's a useful option for artists and creatives with a portfolio to share. Built-in placeholders make it easy to share images and more. Choose from A4 and letter-sized layouts. 

8. Creative Resume & CV Template

This premium resume design features a purple and orange color palette. It’s a stylish way to bring your experiences and skills to life. A photo placeholder in the header lets you add a professional headshot. 

9. FLORAL Resume/CV + Cover Letter

With a floral design, this resume and cover letter pack offers timeless elegance. It's a powerful option for sharing your career portfolio. Free fonts are used throughout to style your text. 

10. Resume / CV Template

Built for your career, this template pack uses geometric styling. You’ll see five sections included: About, Experience, Awards, Education, and Skills. At the top, you can add your contact details.  

11. Resume / CV Template

Pastel colors help your resume stand out. And they feature throughout these beautiful resume templates. Simply drop in your key details, and you’ll be all set. The pre-built placeholders make it easy. 

A minimalist aesthetic is used to style the Resume template. Three pages are included in total, giving you room to build a resume and CV of your own. Edit the templates in Adobe InDesign, then share with the world. You’ll be able to choose from text and paragraph styles. 

13. Creative Resume & CV Template

Vector graphics and colorful styles make this premium design easy to recognize. It packs in tons of details without seeming messy or cluttered. Sections are clearly defined and each one stands out.

This is a modern eco template for your next resume. Green fonts used are fully editable, making it easy to drop your own content into place. The graphics are high-resolution, and the template is built for printing when it’s time to share with a recruiter. 

15. Colorful Resume & Cover Letter Template

Cubes are used to offset sections on this sleek modern resume. Unique features are included, like the ability to link to your social media profiles. It’s easy to update, and sure to stand out from hundreds of other resumes it might be grouped with. 

16. FERNS Resume/CV + Cover Letter

The FERNS resume and nice CV template uses a stylish, leafy border to style itself. Text presents in the center, using crisp modern fonts. Plus, the pack comes with a cover letter. This makes the template a fully featured option for your next career move. 

17. Cool Resume Template & Cover Letter

The name says it all: cool. These are modern beautiful resume templates for 2024 and beyond. A huge image placeholder helps you introduce yourself. And surrounding it, you’ll enjoy plenty of room for your achievements and skills. 

18. Corporate Resume & Cover Letter Template

Here's a corporate resume design like no other. The unique style is impactful without being overwhelming. As you edit, choose from three color schemes to work with. You can make edits in Microsoft Word or Adobe Photoshop. 

19. Executive Resume & Cover Letter Template

Ready to edit, this is a full pack with a beautiful resume and cover letter inside. You can convey your career story with a single glance. The fonts used are creative without being flashy. This keeps up the professional image you need. 

The best premium templates include a little something extra. This drives value creation! Here, the “ extra ” is a matching business card design. It pairs perfectly with the cover letter and beautiful resume set that works for every career journey. 

21. One Page Resume & Cover Letter Templates

One-sheet resumes are often favored for their brevity. They’re also useful if you’re new in your career. This is a stylish option for that, with an illustrated layout. It’s a top option to make a statement in a winning way. 

22. General Resume & Cover Letter Template

Color contrasts help content stand out. You can make individual sections instantly recognizable on your beautiful resume. That’s the design approach of this template pack. The layered designs are quick to edit using Adobe Photoshop. 

23. Stylish Resume & Cover Letter Template

Have a wide array of skills to share? These nice resume templates are a good option, with many categories. Fill in the blanks or create your own categories. At the top, you can feature an objective or even a short bio. 

24. Sketch Art Style Resume Template & Cover Letter

The sketch art featured here is sure to help your beautiful resume and CV stand out. Plus, you’ll enjoy a matching cover letter! This is a robust, fully featured template for anyone to use in their career. Choose from three color schemes to find one that works best for your own sense of style. 

25. Minimalist Resume

Despite the name, this template packs lots of style onto a single sheet. It’s a fun and modern design to use in 2024. With layered graphics, you can zero in on custom edits using Photoshop. And don’t forget to refer to the handy help file if you need an assist getting started.  

Awesome Resume Template Designs on Envato Elements (With Unlimited Use)

Searching for awesome looking resumes ?  Envato Elements is the perfect place to get started. It’s a subscription-based marketplace with thousands of great options. 

For a flat monthly rate, you can download and use as many beautiful resume templates as you want. You’ll enjoy designs that span the full range of modern styles.

Explore Resume Templates

But that’s not the only reason why you should start your beautiful resume search there. It’s also a place where you can find fonts and icons which you can use to make your resume even more visually appealing.

You can find beautiful resume templates for free online, but they usually aren’t as professional as those from Envato Elements. The best part about our offer is that you can download as many resume templates and other design assets as you want and use them in an unlimited number of projects.

How to Make a Beautiful Resume in Microsoft Word Quickly

Beautiful resume templates help you craft a stunning resume design in moments. And they're easy to edit in Microsoft Word. In fact, you can use Word to build a resume in just five quick steps.

Want to follow along? Download the robust Resume Word template from Envato Elements today. 

Now, let's get started! 

1. Launch the Template in MS Word

A premium beautiful resume template like this often includes many file formats. This lets you edit your resume in the design app of your choice! In this case, you’ll want to open the downloaded template file.

Inside the folder, you’ll see subfolders for different apps. Open the one for Microsoft Word, and you’ll see a .docx file inside. Double-click it, and the nice resume templates launch. You’re ready to start editing!

2. Fill in Key Details

With the template open, you’ll see text already in place. These are placeholder text boxes, helping you figure out where to place your key details. To add your information, click into one of the text boxes and select its contents. 

Then, start typing! You’ll see your own words appear. Repeat these steps across your resume, adding in your info. This includes your contact details, work experiences, education, and more.

3. Edit Text Styles

Once you’ve added text, you’re not finished making edits. Here is the advantage of premium beautiful resume templates. You’re able to enjoy unmatched flexibility. To edit text styles, begin by selecting some words on your resume.

Then, find the Home tab on Word. In the Font section on the left, you’ll see an array of options. Change the font size and style using the drop-down menus. Or, add effects like highlights and bolds by clicking on the buttons. It’s an easy way to add your own personal flair to your resume design.

Need a cool custom font? Envato Elements has you covered, with thousands of designs to choose from. All are included with your monthly membership. Don’t miss out!

4. Add a Professional Headshot

Professional headshots are a great add to your Word resume. They help put a face with a name when recruiters and hiring managers review your resume. To add one, go to Word’s Insert tab, and click on the Pictures drop-down.

Choose Picture From File . Browse to a stored image, click on it, and choose Insert. Word will import your headshot.

With it in place, pull on the corners to resize the photo. And finally, click and drag to move it into place. It’s the perfect complement to your skills and credentials. 

5. Export the Resume for Sharing

Once you’ve built your custom resume, it’s time to save and share it.

But if it isn’t specified, PDF files are generally your best bet. They’re easy to share. Plus, they’re readable on virtually any device. And if you’ve carefully formatted layouts, PDF files preserve them.

To export your resume from Word, go to File > Save As . Give your design a name. Then, from the File Format drop-down, click PDF. Finally, click Save . Word will export a PDF copy. Now, you’re ready to share it with the world and land your dream job!

5 Resume Design Tips

A beautiful resume template is only the starting point when it comes to creating an awesome resume. Here are five tips that'll help you create a standout resume.

1. Use Columns and Headers

The first tip is to use columns and headers to organize the information in your beautiful resume. A column-based layout makes it easy to group your contact information, skills, education and experience. A header is a perfect place to include a photo or a logo.

2. Always Include a Cover Letter

A cover letter is an essential part of a winning resume. Make sure you include it and personalize it to the job and the prospective place of employment. Many templates in this roundup include matching cover letter templates.

A cover letter is a great way to reinforce the information from your beautiful resume. It could be the deciding factor during the hiring process!

3. Create a Brand

Of course, your beautiful resume should showcase your experience and skills. But it should also show your personality. The best way to stand out is to use your resume to create a brand for yourself. 

You can easily do this by including your logo or colors that resonate with you. Some nice resume templates also have plenty of space in the header area. Use it wisely! Don’t be afraid to highlight what makes you different from other applicants.

4. Display Your Best Work

If you’re applying for a creative position that requires a portfolio, make sure to include only the best samples. After all, you want to impress your potential employer, not to mention you've got limited space.

5. Make Content Easy to Skim

According to research, HR managers will spend only six seconds on your resume. You need to make your content easy to skim to ensure they notice the most important information.

Try using a column format for easy reading. Then, use bullets for lengthy descriptions, and headings to split sections on your resume.

5 Awesome Resume Design Trends for 2024

I've shared with you five awesome resume design tips. Now, I'd like to give you some of the hottest resume design trends happening this year. You'll see interesting ways to make your resume a reflection of who you are as a professional. Plus, we'll explore eye-catching ideas to include in your CV!

1. Make It Memorable

To make your resume unforgettable, you need to think of ways to inject personality into it. There are two trends you can follow to personalize your resume and make it more reflective of who you are. 

The first is to add your personal signature to the design. Signing your name adds a personal touch in this overwhelmingly digital age. However, if your signature is too messy, you can always use a handwritten type of font to set your name instead. 

The other thing you can do to personalize your resume is to include a photo. Remember, this should be professionally taken, showing you in a professional, approachable light.

2. Include a Personal Brand Statement

Employers look at one specific item on a resume: your personal branding statement.

A personal brand statement is the packaging of your values, goals, and experience in a way that shows what unique solutions you can offer an employer.

Your personal brand statement can make your resume stand out. It sets you apart from the flood of sameness crowding your potential employer’s desk. It puts you first in line for that interview call.

3. Put the Impressive Stuff ‘Above the Fold’

‘ Above the fold’ comes from the world of newspapers and refers to the top half of a folded newspaper, the area that people see first. This top half is prime real estate and so the most important news items are placed there. 

The same principle applies when designing a resume as well. The top half is the area your potential employer will focus on first. Don’t waste space with huge headers for your name. Place the important information like your personal brand statement and work experience at the top. Here’s an example of good resume design:

4. Attract Attention With Infographics

A clever resume design trend is to add infographics to your resume. Data, numbers, and facts are best presented not in words, but in a visual manner. With infographics, you won’t just be dusting off your resume. You'll also be making certain information a lot easier to digest.

So, what information can you transform into infographics? Start with the skills section. Rather than listing your skills in a bullet form, spruce it up with infographics. Use icons, bars, or graphs to make your skills even more visually appealing.

5. Know When to Keep It Simple

Creative and colorful resumes are on trend. But in the professional world there's always a place for clean and elegant resume designs. 

Perhaps the role you’re applying for is more administrative, even if it’s within a creative company. Or, maybe the company isn't so much a youthful start-up but more an established, formal enterprise. In these cases, a more stripped-back resume design would be more fitting.

This usually means no photos, no graphics, and no bright colors that'll give a CEO a headache. But don't worry, a minimalist resume doesn't need to mean a boring resume with our templates:

Find More Beautiful and Creative Resume Templates 

Not sure how to start looking for more beautiful resume templates? We've got you covered with more beautiful and awesome resume templates for you, whether you need a professional business CV, or you need some inspiration to create the best resume you can:

Common Resume Questions Answered (FAQ)

Here, I've gathered up some of the most common questions people ask about resumes to provide you with some answers: 

1. What's the Difference Between a CV and a Resume?

Believe it or not, there's a difference between a CV and a resume. In the U.S., a resume refers to a one or two-page file applicants tailor for every job application. A good resume convinces a recruiter to interview you. 

On the other hand, Curriculum Vitae, or CV, means ‘course of life’ in Latin. A CV is more extensive than a resume. It can span five or more pages. These give a full account of one's work history, academic achievements, honors, publications, and more.

2. What Mistakes Should I Avoid When Making My Resume?

If you're currently job hunting, then this information will be very useful for you. Some of the top mistakes to avoid in your resume are inflating your professional title, choosing a poor layout and design, listing your responsibilities instead of your achievements and including irrelevant skills in your resume.

3. Which Skills Do I Need to Include in My Resume?

There are two main types of skills you need to include in your resume, because in the niche or competitive markets, applicants with sought-after skills are prioritized.

• Hard Skills . These are quantifiable and often learned from school or on the job. Operating machinery, programming languages, designing graphics, SEO, data analysis are all hard skills examples.
• Soft Skills . Also known as '"people skills", these skills are subjective, that’s why it’s harder to quantify. Public speaking, communication, patience, decision making, and conflict resolution are all soft skills.

4. What Format Should I Choose for My Resume?

When you finish your resume and you're ready to save the file, you usually choose between two main formats: .pdf or .docx.

The number one rule to know which one to go for is to read the job listing carefully and to follow any instructions in the listing. If it says to attach a resume in .docx format, use a MS Word resume format. If it asks applicants to attach a PDF file, use a PDF resume format. 

But if you're free to choose the format, then it's best to know the pros and cons of each.

5. Where Can I Find Free Beautiful Resume Templates?

Envato Elements offers top-quality premium templates with more customization options. With thousands of designs , you're sure to find the perfect one for you! 

But if you're strapped for cash, look at these beautiful resume templates for free. You can use them to package your experience without the expense:

Learn More About Making Great Resumes

As you probably know by now, making a resume isn't as easy as it sounds. It takes quite a few skills to write a good resume, structure it effectively and tell a concise story that fits your strengths to the company you're applying to, all while immediately grabbing attention visually with a professional design.

But don't worry, we've got a number of resume tutorials and resources featured in this ultimate guide that can help you do it yourself. With time and attention, you can craft a resume that you'll be proud of. 

We've more useful resources to help you create the best resume for your needs:

Impress Employers With an Awesome Resume

With an awesome resume, you’ll have no problems finding your dream job. So, don’t rely on basic nice resume templates offered for free online.

Start your search by browsing our collection of awesome looking resumes  on Envato Elements. Remember: these are built by creative designers with you in mind. 

Don’t wait! Browse the Envato Elements library and download your favorite beautiful resume templates today. You’ll be ready to wow any future employer. 

Editorial Note:  This post has been updated with contributions from Andrew Childress . Andrew  is a freelance instructor for Envato Tuts+.

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What is a CV? (Examples & Templates for 2024)

3 key takeaways

• A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is an in-depth document showcasing your complete academic and professional history.
• A CV offers a detailed, comprehensive account of your entire career, potentially spanning multiple pages.
• Teal’s flexible design within the free CV Builder can help you build a CV that's optimized for every unique job.

You may know that a CV (Curriculum Vitae) is somewhat like a resume, but what sets it apart, and when should you use each format? 

In this guide, you'll learn the ins and outs of a CV, its purpose, and what sections you need depending on your industry, experience, and the job you're applying for.

Struggling to land interviews with your CV? Get started with Teal’s free CV Builder .

What is a CV?

The term "Curriculum Vitae" comes from Latin, meaning "course of life." This definition reflects the CV’s role in presenting a comprehensive overview of your professional experience.

A CV provides a detailed account of your academic background, professional milestones, and research contributions. It emphasizes your growth, achievements, and expertise and is particularly popular in fields like academia, research, and specialized industries.

Purpose and function of a CV

A CV serves as an extensive professional profile and biography, particularly in academia and research settings. Its primary function is to give a slightly more comprehensive view of professional accomplishments

A CV provides a thorough account of your professional life, allowing potential employers or academic institutions to assess your qualifications and contributions to your field.

When to use a CV instead of a resume

Both a resume and a CV should answer the same primary question about the value you bring to the workplace. And some job seekers even use these terms interchangeably. However, the choice between a resume and a CV often depends on your industry or geographic location.

While resumes are widely used across various industries, CVs are preferred or required in specific contexts:

• When requested by a prospective employer
• Academic positions (e.g., professorships, research fellowships)
• Medical or scientific positions
• Research roles in laboratories or institutions
• Grant applications
• Fellowship or scholarship applications
• International job applications outside the US, where a CV is more commonly used

CV vs. resume

Understanding the key differences between a CV vs. a resume can help you choose the right format for your job search.

While a US resume spans 1-3 pages, a CV may be slightly longer (depending on your experience and accomplishments) and typically includes two columns.  The length also hinges on where you're applying. An international CV may require a more comprehensive overview of your career experience that includes job responsibilities.

A CV also emphasizes your academic and research achievements, as well as relevant certifications, more than a traditional resume. That is to say, these sections aren't necessarily optional. A resume is a bit more focused on recent work experience, key skills, and achievements that are directly related to the job you're applying for. In either case, both documents should be tailored to the job you're applying for.

CV vs. cover letter

A CV and a cover letter serve different purposes in the job application process. A CV provides a detailed overview of your academic and professional history, including your skills, experiences, and accomplishments.

In contrast, a cover letter is a concise, personalized document that introduces you to the employer, explains why you’re a strong fit for the position, and highlights the most relevant aspects of your CV tailored to the job description. While the CV offers a comprehensive look at your qualifications, the cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong, tailored first impression.

Parts of a CV

Understanding the key sections of a CV helps in crafting a comprehensive document that effectively showcases your qualifications. Here’s the ones you need:

Contact Information

Your CV should begin with your contact information, including:

• Location (including address only if you're creating a CV in international job markets)
• Phone number
• Email address
• Professional social media profiles (e.g., LinkedIn, ResearchGate)

Ensure this information is current and professional. Use an email address that incorporates your name rather than a casual or humorous one.

Personal Statement

Known as a personal profile or personal statement outside the US, this CV summary offers a brief overview of your qualifications and career aspirations. It should be 3-5 sentences and tailored to the position you’re applying for—focusing on your most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. In academic CVs, this may align more closely with a research statement or teaching philosophy.

Career Experience

Your CV should detail your roles and achievements in reverse chronological order. It should also include quantifiable achievements where possible to demonstrate impact, particularly in research or technical roles.

• Name of company
• Dates of employment
• 3-5 CV bullet points that highlight your achievements (with impact) that are relevant to the position you're applying for

The education section is crucial in a CV, especially for academic positions. List your academic history in reverse chronological order, starting with your highest degree, and include:

University: List the full name of the institution. For international applications, fully spell out the location and institution’s name to avoid confusion.

Year graduated: This helps potential employers or academic institutions understand the timeline of your educational background and verify any details through background checks

Degree earned: Specify the degree (e.g., Ph.D., Master’s, Bachelor’s)

Dissertation or Thesis Title: Include if applicable to your role or industry

If you're a recent graduate or your industry requires, consider adding:

Honors: Outside of the US, these are often referred to as qualifications (e.g., First-Class Honors, Dean's List 2016-2018).

Coursework : Particularly if the courses are highly relevant to the job you’re applying for and you're creating a CV with limited career experience

Projects: Especially relevant for most job seekers in research-focused fields

Your CV Skills section should focus on the technical skills necessary for you to excel in your job. Usually referred to as hard skills, these abilities are specific and measurable.

Consider skills like:

• Lab techniques
• Programming languages
• Statistical analysis software
• Foreign languages

Pro Tip : If you're looking for an all-inclusive solution to creating a CV, Teal's flexible CV design has everything you need—without having to manually format every section or detail.

Choose from plenty of 2-column templates, incorporate additional sections, rename and reorder your experience to fit your industry and market, and more.

Optional parts of a CV

Much like a resume, which can be tailored with additional sections based on your industry and experience, a CV also offers flexibility with optional parts. These additional sections help you highlight specific skills, achievements, or experiences that are relevant to the role or field you’re pursuing, allowing you to present a more comprehensive picture of your qualifications.

CVs are popular for research positions, which require more in-depth sharing of past experience and expertise than resumes. In this CV section, highlight how your research has contributed to your field and any notable impacts or innovations resulting from your published work.

For research-focused positions, this section is vital. Include research experience such as:

• Research projects you’ve worked on
• Your role in each project
• Methodologies used
• Key findings or outcomes
• Funding sources (if applicable)

Teaching Experience

If you're applying for a teaching-focused academic position, such as a professor role, your teaching experience is the core of your career experience. However, a dedicated Teaching Experience section can also be valuable if you have instructional positions that complement your primary professional focus or if you're applying for positions where teaching is not the central responsibility but still plays a significant role.

For example, if you've taught courses or conducted training sessions in addition to your primary job duties in positions that combine research, industry expertise, and teaching or if you're an academic who has taken on significant teaching responsibilities beyond the norm for your role—such as designing new courses and leading educational initiatives

In this section, include the following:

• Institutions
• Achievements

Publications and Presentations

Publications and presentations are key components of a CV, especially in academic and research-focused fields, as they highlight your scholarly contributions and expertise. These can include various types of work, such as:

• Peer-reviewed journal articles
• Book chapters
• Conference presentations like invited talks or poster sessions
• Technical reports

The Awards section can be an important contribution to your CV that highlights the recognition you’ve received for your academic and professional achievements. This section not only showcases your excellence but also provides evidence of your contributions and impact in your field. Just remember any award should be relevant to the job you're applying for.

Consider including the following:

• Academic awards
• Research grants
• Fellowships
• Scholarships
• Professional honors

Professional Associations

This CV section highlights your active involvement in your professional community. Being a member of relevant academic or industry organizations demonstrates your commitment to staying connected with current professional development in your field, as well as your engagement with professional networks. Focus on:

• Organization names
• Your membership status
• Leadership titles held
• Significant contributions to the organization

CV examples and templates

Whether you're applying for an academic, research, or professional role, examining CV examples tailored to your field can provide invaluable insights into the formatting, content, and presentation expected by employers.

Academic CV example

An academic CV focuses on your educational background and academic achievements. It includes detailed information about your degrees, institutions attended, and relevant coursework. Additionally, it highlights your teaching experience, academic honors, professional skills, and a thorough list of publications and presentations.

Research CV example

A research CV is designed to detail your contributions to scientific or academic research. It includes an in-depth look at your research projects, methodologies, and significant findings.

This CV should also feature your published papers, conference presentations, and any research grants or funding received, providing a comprehensive view of your academic impact and expertise.

Professional CV example

A professional CV is tailored to showcase your career achievements and professional experience. It emphasizes your recent job roles, key responsibilities, and accomplishments in the workplace.

This CV is designed to highlight your industry-specific skills, leadership roles, and career progression, aiming to present you as a strong candidate for high-level positions in your field.

Pro Tip: Need more guidance? Explore CV examples broken out by experience level, sector, specialty, and more. Or, skip the search and get started with one of Teal's customizable CV templates to easily create a polished and professional CV tailored to your needs and industry.

Write your CV with Teal

Your CV is more than just a document—it's a strategic tool for shaping your professional narrative. By focusing on the right details and tailoring your content to each opportunity, you can craft an in-depth, compelling story that highlights your strengths and achievements.

Teal’s CV builder offers customizable templates designed to meet the needs of any industry or role. Whether you're applying for an academic position, transitioning to a new career, or aiming for a promotion, Teal's flexible design options ensure that your CV is formatted perfectly and includes all the right sections to underscore your value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a cv a resume or cover letter.

A CV is neither a resume nor a cover letter. A CV, or Curriculum Vitae, is a detailed document that provides an in-depth overview of your academic and professional history, while a resume is a concise summary of your most relevant experiences. A cover letter, on the other hand, is a personalized document that introduces you to the employer and explains why you’re a great fit for the job.

What is a CV for a job?

A CV for a job is a comprehensive document that outlines your academic background, professional experience, skills, and accomplishments. It is commonly used in academic, research, and international job applications, providing a full picture of your qualifications to potential employers.

Can I use my resume as a CV?

While resumes and CVs share similarities, they serve different purposes. A resume provides a brief overview tailored for a specific job, while a curriculum vitae offers a more comprehensive account of your entire academic and professional history. If both versions are accepted during the application process, then they can be used interchangeably. However, if a CV is required, make sure you expand your details to include the necessary information.

What is a resume CV?

A resume CV isn't a recognized term. Typically, a resume is a concise 1-3 page document focused on relevant work experience and skills, while a CV is a more detailed document covering your academic and professional history. It's important to choose the appropriate format based on the job or industry requirements.

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Best Color for Resumes

Like every job applicant, you want to make your resume stand out. As you optimize your application documents, you might wonder, “Should I add color to my resume?” Adding a touch of resume color might just differentiate you from the competition. However, it’s vital that you choose good resume colors. Learn more about putting color on resumes so you can identify the best shades for your application.

Should you add color to your resume?

First impressions matter immensely in job applications. When a hiring manager reviews your resume, the design and color scheme will have an immediate impact on their perception of you. Color psychology plays a vital role here. 

Resume color psychology is the study of how various colors can affect someone’s behavior and mood. This exciting field explores how a colorful resume can influence emotional responses and make certain aspects of your document more memorable. (1)  

Research has shown that colors will influence how readers perceive and interpret the information they are presented with. Different colors evoke various emotions and responses. Color can either help you stand out or make the wrong impression. (2)

Color can be a good addition to your resume. However, it’s important to consider industry norms and trends so you can create an application that aligns with the hiring team’s expectations and preferences. 

Even if color on resumes isn’t the norm in your field, there are still ways to make your application documents stand out. For example, you can add resume icons next to your email address and LinkedIn profile to break up the text. 

Best colors for resumes

When it comes to putting color on resumes, five options stand out as the most versatile and useful. 

Black is timeless and conveys a sense of professionalism and authority. It’s ideal if you are applying for corporate roles or you work in an industry where a formal and traditional appearance is preferred. Black text on a white background makes your documents easy to read. 

However, just because you use black doesn’t mean your resume has to be boring. Use bold headers with a slightly larger font than your body text to make your documents easier to skim through. You can also use borders and other subtle design elements to make your resume look clean and crisp. 

Navy blue is another excellent choice for a resume color. It suggests reliability and trustworthiness. These qualities are highly valued in most professional settings. 

Navy blue can make your resume look polished and serious. Consider weaving the color into your headers and borders. You can also use it to draw attention to key sections of your documents, including your experience and education headers. 

Gray can convey a modern and sophisticated vibe. It exudes neutrality and quiet professionalism. Gray can be a great choice for adding a modern touch to your resume without being overpowering. You might want to use gray if you work in a formal, tradition-minded sector but want to subtly differentiate yourself from other applicants. 

You can use gray in the headings, on the borders, or as an accent color. It pairs well with other colors, including black and navy blue. Don’t use it as your font color, as it may make your resume harder to read. 

White is essential for creating a clean and uncluttered resume. Obviously, you don’t want to use white font or accents, as they will get lost in the paper. However, you shouldn’t try to fill every square inch of your resume with colors and accents either. 

It’s vital to let your application documents breathe. Strategically using white in your resume can highlight key sections and prevent readers from getting lost in overcomplicated designs or huge blocks of text. 

Dark green is best suited for creative fields or industries that value innovation. It suggests growth and stability. Using this color in moderation can make your resume stand out without appearing too flashy. 

Avoid brighter greens, as they can come off as noisy, brash, and unprofessional. Stick with darker options, like forest or hunter green.

Expert Tip:

When incorporating color into your resume, ensure it compliments your overall design and does not distract from the content. Use colors to strategically highlight key sections, such as headings or achievements. Remember that content is the most important aspect of your resume, and colors are simply meant to magnify your text.

Colors to avoid on resumes

You can’t just slap any color on resumes and expect it to go over well with hiring managers. Even if you work in an industry where creative resumes are the norm, there are a few colors you should avoid. 

Bright red is associated with urgency and aggression. While it can attract attention, hiring teams may also perceive the use of red as overly bold or even cocky. It’s best to avoid using bright red altogether, even in small amounts.

Generally, you should avoid any bright or loud colors. If you are going to brighten up your resume, stay away from red and be sparing in your application of color. 

Neon colors

Neon colors are highly vibrant and can make your resume look unprofessional. They can be hard on the eyes and may distract from your text.

Stick to more subdued and professional colors to maintain a polished look. Focus on complementary colors like those discussed in the previous section. 

Pastel colors aren’t in your face like neon or bright red. However, they can make text difficult to read and may come across as too casual. 

If you choose to use pastels, ensure they are used sparingly and with high-contrast text. Make sure your copy is easy to read and that there is plenty of white background between the pastel accents and your text. 

For more do’s and don’ts, check out some resume examples . 

"Research has shown that colors will influence how readers perceive and interpret the information they are presented with."

Tailoring resume colors to industry

Different industries have varying preferences when it comes to resume colors. Tailoring your choices to match industry norms will make your resume more effective. 

For instance, hiring teams expect bright colors on resumes for UX designers . However, more traditional industries like finance or law might prefer a more professional and concise cover letter and resume. Here’s a closer look at three main industries and their color preferences:

• Corporate/Finance: Conservative colors like black, navy, and gray are preferred
• Creative Industries: More flexibility is allowed; dark green, muted tones, or even color combinations may be acceptable
• Tech: Modern and sleek colors like navy or gray are often favored

Keep in mind that these are general rules and don’t apply to every industry or business. Get to know the company you are applying to and adjust your resume to appeal to that hiring team’s sensibilities. 

How to implement colors in your resume

After you’ve identified the best color for resumes in your industry, it’s time to implement your chosen color palette into your application documents. Start by choosing a resume template that can accommodate colors. 

Once you’ve selected the right cover letter and resume templates, use the following tips to strategically integrate color into your documents:

• Use color for headings, borders, and subtle accents
• Ensure text remains readable with high contrast
• Explore examples of well-designed resumes

Check out Jobseeker and our collection of resume and job letter templates . These resources showcase well-designed resumes with tasteful color usage and provide inspiration for your own documents. 

Take care when using color on your resume 

Selecting the right colors for your resume is an important design choice and can help you position yourself as a strong candidate. Thoughtful color choices can also influence the hiring team’s decision-making process and may even make your documents more memorable. However, it’s vital that you do your homework and choose colors consistent with industry norms and hiring manager preferences. 

Need more insights about putting color on resumes? Check out Jobseeker and our library of resume articles . Our resources also include cover letter examples and templates you can use to make your application stand out. 

(1) Very Well Mind: Color Psychology: Does It Affect How You Feel?

(2) Britannica: The Psychology of Colour

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7 Construction Resume Examples for 2024

In the construction industry, a clear and effective resume is key. This guide will provide you with strong resume examples tailored for construction jobs. You will learn effective tips to highlight your skills, experience, and achievements. Whether you are a laborer, foreman, or technician, our advice will help you create a resume that stands out to employers and aligns with what hiring managers look for.

• 10 Aug 2024 - 5 new sections, including 'Position your education wisely', added
• 10 Aug 2024 - 5 new resume templates, including Transitioning to Construction, added
• 08 Aug 2024 - Article published

  Next update scheduled for 18 Aug 2024

Here's what we see in the best construction resumes.

Show Impact Using Numbers : The best resumes show impact by using numbers. Common metrics: project completion rate , reduction in costs , time to completion , safety incidents reduced .

Include Relevant Skills : Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are AutoCAD , Blueprint reading , Concrete pouring , Project management , OSHA compliance . Choose the ones you have and are mentioned in the JD.

Show Specific Industry Knowledge : Show industry knowledge. For example, mention green building practices or LEED certification if applicable.

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widget 2: red / but not serious Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. If your symptoms get worse or do not improve after 1 day, go to a lower altitude if you can. Try to go around 300 to 1,000 metres lower.

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Construction Resume Sample

Find out how good your resume is.

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Get feedback on your resume

Want to know if your resume stands out in the construction industry? Our resume scoring tool gives you a clear picture of where you stand. It evaluates your resume based on what hiring managers in construction look for, from technical skills to project experience.

Upload your resume now for an unbiased assessment. You'll get a score and useful tips to make your resume stronger. This helps you understand how to present your construction background in the best light.

Position your education wisely

If you are new to building projects or just finished your studies, show your education near the top of your resume. This helps the hiring manager see your training first. For example, include any construction management or trade certificates you have. It is important because this field values certified skills.

When you have been working in construction for years, your experience matters more. List your experience first and your education afterward. Still, make sure to mention any safety or specialized training you have. These details are very appealing in the construction sector.

Show technical skills

List relevant certifications like OSHA, LEED, or any specialized construction training you have. These show your qualifications to employers.

Mention specific tools or software you know, such as AutoCAD, Revit, or heavy machinery operation. These details set you apart in the construction field.

Junior Construction Worker Resume Sample

Ideal resume length for construction.

You need to focus on the right length for your resume. If you are new to the field or have a few years of experience, keep your resume to one page. This length is enough to show your skills and recent work in construction. Use the space well. Put the most relevant jobs and skills at the top.

For those with more than 10 years of work, two pages can be used. On the first page, list the most important and recent roles in construction. Include skills that match the job you want. Your second page can have older roles and other details. Be sure to keep everything clear and easy to read. Do not make the font too small or squeeze too much onto the page. Instead, cut less important things. This makes your resume easy for hiring managers to review quickly.

Senior Construction Manager Resume Sample

Highlight experience.

Include any projects you've completed, whether during internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work. Employers want to see practical experience.

Mention the scale of projects, types of materials used, and any safety protocols followed. This gives employers a clear idea of your hands-on abilities.

Construction with Green Building specialization Resume Sample

Transitioning to construction resume sample.

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