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12 CV cover letter examples

A  cover letter  for your CV, or covering note is an introductory message that accompanies your CV when applying for a job.

The purpose of the cover letter is simple… Persuade the reader to open your CV.

Learn how to write a cover letter properly, and you will hugely increase your chances of getting responses and landing job interviews.

This guide, with 12 annotated cover letter examples will show you everything you need to know about creating a winning cover note.

CV templates 

How to layout a cover letter for your CV

This annotated example of a cover letter shows you how you should structure your cover letters, and the type of information you should be including.

You should always write your CV in the body of your email (or j ob site messaging system) so that it can be read instantly. Never attach it as a separate document, or the recipient probably won’t open it.

Example CV cover letters

These 11 example CV cover letters from a range of industries should give you some good inspiration for creating your own cover letter.

Admin CV cover letter

This cover letter is aimed at administrative roles , so it highlights the candidate’s abilities in efficiency, report writing and meeting deadlines, whilst demonstrating the types of environments they have worked in.

Learn how to write a cover letter step-by-step here.

Customer service CV cover letter

This customer service cover letter briefly explains the candidate’s length of experience in the field and highlights some of the more important customer service skills such as call handling, order taking and complaint resolution.

This gives the reader an excellent introduction to the candidate and should certainly encourage them to open the CV.

See our full customer service cover letter guide,  sales assistant cover letter example  and waiter/waitress cover letter example .

Finance CV cover letter

As a finance professional, it’s important to highlight your specialisms within finance, the types of companies you’ve worked for, and high level functions you’ve carried out within your cover letter. This will give the hiring manager a good overall feel of your abilities, and if it’s well tailored to the role, should provide them with enough info to excite them about your CV.

Quick tip: Use our job application tracker spreadsheet to track your applications and follow up with employers who don’t respond.

Events CV cover letter

This events manager candidate has done a great job of summarising the type and size of events they manage, along with details of core skills such as leadership, project delivery and stakeholder management.

This certainly provides enough info to create a buzz around the CV attached and encourage the recipient to open it.

Executive assistant CV cover letter

This executive assistant CV cover letter provides a good high level intro to the candidate showing the reader key business support knowledge in areas such as admin, diary management and document management. It also shows that the candidate is confident supporting senior business figures.

Graduate CV cover letter

As a graduate , your cover letter will need to be a little longer than an experienced candidates, to compensate for your lack of experience and really sell yourself.

This candidate speaks in lots of detail about their education, qualifications, and extra-curricular work which relates to the roles they are applying for.

IT CV cover letter

As an IT candidate, it’s important not only to highlight your technical skills, but also show how you apply those skills in the workplace to translate real benefits for your employer.

This candidate gives a good overview of the candidates technical abilities and the types of projects they apply them to, along with results they achieve.

Marketing CV cover letter

This marketing cover letter provides readers with a summary of the candidate’s core marketing abilities such as media planning, brand awareness and cost reduction. It also explains the types of marketing campaigns and companies they have experience with – a great high-level intro.

Cover letter examples

Warehouse Operative cover letter – Training Contract cover letter – Cleaning Job cover letter – Nursery Assistant cover letter – Recruitment Consultant cover letter – Dental Nurse cover letter –

Chef cover letter – Editorial Assistant cover letter – Aircraft Mechanic cover letter – Biomedical Science cover letter – Cabin Crew cover letter – Finance Assistant cover letter – Hotel Receptionist cover letter – Asset Management cover letter – Assistant Psychologist cover letter – Beauty Therapist cover letter – Cafe Worker cover letter – HR Administrator cover letter – NQT cover letter – Quantity Surveyor cover letter

More cover letter examples

• Academic cover letter
• Account Manager cover letter
• Accountant cover letter
• Accounting cover letter
• Accounts Assistant cover letter
• Acting cover letter
• Admin Assistant cover letter
• Administrator cover letter
• Apprenticeship cover letter
• Architecture cover letter
• Assistant Manager cover letter
• Banking cover letter
• Bar Staff cover letter
• Barclays cover letter
• Barista cover letter
• Bartender cover letter
• Business Analyst cover letter
• Business Development Manager cover letter
• Car Sales Person cover letter
• Care Assistant cover letter
• Career Change cover letter
• Catering Assistant cover letter
• Civil Engineer cover letter
• Computer Science cover letter
• Consulting cover letter
• Copywriter cover letter
• Cyber Security cover letter
• Data Entry Clerk cover letter
• Data Scientist cover letter
• Delivery Driver cover letter
• Digital Marketing cover letter
• Electrician cover letter
• Engineering cover letter
• Estate Agent cover letter
• Event Manager cover letter
• Exam Invigilator cover letter
• Executive Assistant cover letter
• Fashion Designer cover letter
• Finance cover letter
• Financial Analyst cover letter
• Google cover letter
• Graduate cover letter
• Graduate Engineer cover letter
• Graduate Scheme cover letter
• Graphic Design cover letter
• Health Care Assistant cover letter
• Hospitality cover letter
• HR Assistant cover letter
• HR cover letter
• Interior Designer cover letter
• Internal Position cover letter
• Internship cover letter
• Investment Banking cover letter
• Investment Manager cover letter
• IT Support cover letter
• Journalist cover letter
• JP Morgan cover letter
• Lawyer cover letter
• Legal Assistant cover letter
• Legal cover letter
• Library Assistant cover letter
• Manager cover letter
• Marine Engineer cover letter
• Marketing Assistant cover letter
• Marketing cover letter
• Marketing Intern cover letter
• Marketing Manager cover letter
• McKinsey cover letter
• Mechanical Engineer cover letter
• Medical Receptionist cover letter
• Medical Writer cover letter
• Model cover letter
• Nanny cover letter
• Nurse cover letter
• Nursing cover letter
• Office Assistant cover letter
• Office Manager cover letter
• Operations Manager cover letter
• Optical Assistant cover letter
• Paralegal cover letter
• Part Time cover letter
• PE Teacher cover letter
• Personal Assistant cover letter
• Personal Trainer cover letter
• Pharmacist cover letter
• Pharmacy Assistant cover letter
• PHD Application cover letter
• Photographer cover letter
• Placement cover letter
• Private Equity cover letter
• Product Manager cover letter
• Production Assistant cover letter
• Production Operator cover letter
• Project Coordinator cover letter
• Promotion cover letter
• PWC cover letter
• Quantity Surveyor cover letter
• Receptionist cover letter
• Research Assistant cover letter
• Researcher cover letter
• Retail Assistant cover letter
• Retail cover letter
• Retail Manager cover letter
• Sales Advisor cover letter
• Sales Executive cover letter
• Sales Manager cover letter
• Scrum Master cover letter
• Security Officer cover letter
• Ski Season cover letter
• Social Media Executive cover letter
• Social Media Manager cover letter
• Software Developer cover letter
• Software Engineer cover letter
• Speculative cover letter
• Student cover letter
• Support Worker cover letter
• Teaching Assistant cover letter
• Team Leader cover letter
• Trainee Dental Nurse cover letter
• University cover letter
• UX Designer cover letter
• Volunteer cover letter

Project manager CV cover letter

A project manager’ s cover letter needs to quickly explain to recipients the types of projects they lead and the technical expertise they bring to the projects. It’s also important to describe level of experience, seniority and background.

See full project manager cover letter example + writing guide

Operations manager cover letter

This operations management CV provides a brief introduction to the types of operations the candidate manages and the firms they work for.

They also touch upon some core operations skills such as efficiency, logistics and ROI improvement.

Sales CV cover letter

As a sales candidate, this cover letter shows the types of business this person can generate and the size and scale of the impact they create by highlighting some sales results.

It also mentions some core sales skills like business development, presenting, working under pressure and closing deals.

Cover letter templates

Teacher cover letter

This teacher cover letter does a great job of introducing the candidate, and showing the recipient the key facts they will be looking for, such as; the age group they teach, subject specialisms, and the results they have achieved.

The cover letter is brief and gets to the point quickly, so that readers will instantly look to open the attached CV .

How to write your CV cover letter

Now that you’ve seem good examples of cover letters to accompany your CV (or resume if you are in the USA) this guide will show exactly how to write your own, and the content that needs to be included .

Send your CV cover letter in email format (when possible)

When applying for jobs online you usually have 2 choices…

1) Send a message via the job website’s messaging system

2) Send the recruiter an email directly

If you can find an email address for the recruiter, then I would always recommend sending an email directly because it gives you more control.

When you send a message through a job website, it will transfer into an email with basic formatting and an auto-generated headline , which will look like this when the recruiter receives it.

If you cannot find an email address for the recruiter on the job advert, then try searching LinkedIn or the company website to find the relevant contact.

You may not always be able to find an email address, but when you can – always send a job application by email .

Make your subject line appealing

As you can see in the picture above, a bad subject line can kill your chances of actually having your email read in the first place.

Your subject line should stand out and give the recruiter a reason to open your email.

When recruiters look into their inbox, they are looking for one thing; a candidate who can do the job they are advertising – so give that to them in your subject line.

Your subject line should be a short summary of your experience that relates directly to the job you are applying for.

The following are good subject line examples;

KS2 Teacher with 5 years experience

Front End Web developer with HTML, HTML & JavaScript experience

Junior Graphic designer with 1st BA Hons Graphic Design

If your subject line shows that you have one or two of the most important requirements for the job, your email should get opened every time.

Address the recruiter by name

To get the relationship off on the right foot, you should try to address the recruiter by name if you can.

Often the recruiter’s details will appear on the job advert but sometimes you may have to check out the company website or do some digging around on LinkedIn.

If you really can’t find the name, then it’s not the end of the world – just start with a simple friendly opening like “ Hi ”

(If you applying to a more traditional organisation such as an academic post for a university, you may want to use something a bit more formal like “ Dear sir or madam ”)

Use a friendly yet professional tone

It’s important to sound professional when writing a cover letter but you also need to demonstrate your ability to communicate with other people and show some personality.

If your email is too casual and written in an over-familiar tone, then you will come across us un-professional.

But on the other hand, if your email is too formal and shows no signs of rapport building, you risk appearing as somebody who lacks social skills.

So when writing your cover letter, try to strike a nice balance of professionalism and friendliness.

Opening with a line such as “ hope you’re well ” is a nice way to breathe a bit of personality into your cover letter.

Ensure that your spelling and grammar is perfect throughout your cover letter because sloppy mistakes are a huge red flag for recruiters.

Quick tip:  If you struggle with spelling and grammar, try our quick-and-easy CV Builder

Keep it brief

Unless the job advert specifies otherwise; keep your cover letter short and sweet.

Recruiters and employers receive hundreds of job applications per week, so they don’t want to read a 2 page cover letter.

Depending on the role, around 2-4 sentences should be enough for the content of the cover letter.

You just need to write enough to persuade them to open your CV – It should roughly contain the same amount of information as your CV profile or personal statement.

Show how your skills match the job

To ensure that recruiters open your CV, you simply need to explain how your skills and experience match the job requirements from the advert.

Scan the job advert to discover what the most important candidate abilities are, and show how your previous experience has prepared you to cover these.

In particular, look out for any requirements that are essential to the job .

Focus on what you have to offer at this stage and not what you want.

At this stage, your covering letter is simply a means of getting the recruiter to open your CV, so it’s too early to talk about salary demands etc. Save that for your initial conversation with the recruiter.

Include a professional signature

End your cover letter with a friendly salutation such as “Regards” and a smart signature which includes your name and most direct contact method (usually mobile phone for most people)

A professional email signature will show recruiters that you understand business-email etiquette and ensure they have a means of contacting you – even if they can’t open your CV for any reason.

Writing a CV cover letter

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to create a winning cover letter that will ensure you CV gets opened every time you send it.

Just remember to keep it brief, be friendly, tailor it towards your target role, and give recruiters some good reasons to be interested in you.

Good luck with the job hunt!

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

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

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

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

Well, you’ve come to the right place!

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

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

….and more!

So, let’s dive right in.

How to Make a Resume (The Right Way!)

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

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

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

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

#1. Pick the Right Resume Format

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

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

Start by choosing the right resume format.

There are three types of resume formats out there:

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

So, which one should you go for?

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

Fix Your Resume’s Layout

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

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

Here are some of the best practices you should apply:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#2. Add Your Contact Information

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

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

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

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

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

Must-Have Information

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

Optional Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is where the resume headline comes in.

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

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

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

Resume Summary

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

Here’s what your resume summary should include:

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

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

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

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

Resume Objective

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

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

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

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

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

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

#4. Prioritize Your Work Experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s a real-life example:

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

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

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

Focus on Achievements Whenever Possible

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your day-to-day responsibilities probably include:

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

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

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

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

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

Tailor Your Resume to the Job

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Include the Right Amount of Work Experience

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

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

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

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

Consider Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Software

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#5. List Your Education

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

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

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

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

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

Resume Education Tips

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

Just follow these expert tips:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are a few essential steps you need to follow:

Always List Hard and Soft Skills Separately

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

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

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

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

Methodologies & Tools

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

Soft Skills

• Team Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Negotiation

Tailor Your Skills to the Job

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

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

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

Qualifications:

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

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

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

List Hard Skills with Experience Levels

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

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

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

Include Transferable Skills

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

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

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

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

#7. Leverage Optional Resume Sections

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

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

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

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

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

• Intermediate

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

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

Hobbies and Interests

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

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

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

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

Volunteering Experience

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

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

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

Certifications

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

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

Certifications can also show employers how much expertise you have.

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

Awards and Recognitions

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

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

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

Publications

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Extracurricular Activities

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

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

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

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

11+ Expert Resume Tips

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

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

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

FREE Resume Checklist

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

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

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

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

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

9 Resume Templates for Different Industries

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

#1. Traditional Resume Template

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

#2. Modern Resume Template

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

#3. Creative Resume Template

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

#4. Minimalistic Resume Template

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

#5. IT Resume Template

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

#6. Tech Resume Template

Good for the tech industry and everything it encompasses.

#7. College Resume Template

Good for college students and recent graduates alike.

#8. General Resume Template

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

#9. Executive Resume Template

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

17+ Resumes for Different Jobs

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

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

#1. Nurse Practitioner Resume Example

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

#2. Data Scientist Resume Example

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

#3. Business Analyst Resume Example

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

#4. Digital Marketing Resume Example

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

#5. Software Engineer Resume Example

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

#6. Construction Project Manager Resume Example

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

#7. Customer Service Resume Example

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

#8. High School Resume Example

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

#9. Student Resume Example

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

#10. Server Resume Example

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

#11. Actor Resume Example

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

#12. Web Developer Resume Example

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

#13. Engineering Resume Example

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

#14. Computer Science Resume Example

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

#15. Architect Resume Example 

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

#17. Remote Job Resume Example

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

#18. Sales Associate Resume Example

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

#19. Receptionist Resume Example

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

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

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

Next Steps After Your Resume

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

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

#1. How to Write a Convincing Cover Letter

The companion piece to every resume is the cover letter.

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

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

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

Just follow this structure:

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

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

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

#2. How to Ace Your Next Interview

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

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

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

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

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

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

FAQs on How to Make a Resume

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#5. What kind of resume do employers prefer?

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

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

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

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

You should only include relevant job positions on your resume.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#9. Is a resume a CV?

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

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

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

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

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

#10. Should I write my own resume?

Yes, you should always write your own resume.

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

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

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

#11. Can a resume be two pages?

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

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

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

#12. Is a simple resume okay?

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

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

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

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap!

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

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

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

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• Career Planning
• Finding a Job
• Cover Letters

How to Write a Job Application Letter (With Examples)

What Is a Job Application Letter?

Tips for writing a job application letter, how to get started.

• Writing Guidelines
• What to Include in Each Section

Simple Formatting Using a Template

Tips for writing an effective letter, sample job application letter, sending an email application, review more letter examples.

Do you need to write a letter to apply for a job? Most of the time, the answer is yes. Even when employers don’t require a job application letter , writing one will help you highlight your skills and achievements and get the hiring manager’s attention. The only time not to send one is when the job listing says not to do so. It can help, and it definitely won't hurt to include an application letter with your resume.

A job application letter, also known as a cover letter , should be sent or uploaded with your resume when applying for jobs. While your resume offers a history of your work experience and an outline of your skills and accomplishments, the job application letter you send to an employer explains why you are qualified for the position and should be selected for an interview.

Writing this letter can seem like a challenging task. However, if you take it one step at a time, you'll soon be an expert at writing application letters to send with your resume.

Melissa Ling / The Balance

Before you begin writing your job application letter, do some groundwork. Consider what information you want to include, and keep in mind that space is limited.

Remember, this letter is making a case for your candidacy for the position. But you should do more than just regurgitate your resume. Instead, highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and abilities.

Analyze the Job Posting

To include the most convincing, relevant details in your letter, you'll need to know what the employer wants.

The biggest clues are within the job advertisement, so spend some time decoding the job listing . Next, match your qualifications with the employer's wants and needs.

Include Your Most Relevant Qualifications

Make a list of your relevant experience and skills. For instance, if the job ad calls for a strong leader, think of examples of when you've successfully led a team. Once you've jotted down some notes and have a sense of what you want to highlight in your letter, you're ready to start writing.

Writing Guidelines for Job Application Letters

Writing a job application letter is very different from a quick email to a friend or a thank-you note to a relative. Hiring managers and potential interviewers have certain expectations when it comes to the letter's presentation and appearance, from length (no more than a page) and font size to style and letter spacing . Keep these general guidelines in mind, but always stick to any explicit instructions in the job listing or application portal.

Length: A letter of application should be no more than one page long. Three to four paragraphs are typical.

Format and Page Margins: A letter of application should be single-spaced with a space between each paragraph. Use 1-inch margins and align your text to the left, which is the standard alignment for most documents.

Font: Use a traditional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. The font size should be between 10 and 12 points.

What to Include in Each Section of the Letter

There are also set rules for the sections included in the letter, from salutation to sign-off, and how the letter is organized. Here's a quick overview of the main sections included in a job application letter:

Heading: A job application letter should begin with both your and the employer's contact information (name, address, phone number, email), followed by the date. If this is an email rather than an actual letter, include your contact information at the end of the letter, after your signature.

•   Header Examples

Salutation: This is your polite greeting. The most common salutation is "Dear Mr./Ms." followed by the person's last name. Find out more about appropriate cover letter salutations , including what to do if you don't know the person's name or are unsure of a contact's gender.

Body of the letter: Think of this section as having three distinct parts.

In the first paragraph , you'll want to mention the job you are applying for and where you saw the job listing.

The next paragraph(s) are the most important part of your letter. Remember how you gathered information about what the employer was seeking, and how you could meet their needs? This is where you'll share those relevant details on your experience and accomplishments.

The third and last part of the body of the letter will be your thank you to the employer; you can also offer follow-up information.

Complimentary Close: Sign off your email or letter with a polite close, such as "Best," or "Sincerely," followed by your name.

• Closing Examples

Signature: When you're sending or uploading a printed letter, end with your handwritten signature, followed by your typed name. If this is an email, simply include your typed name, followed by your contact information.

• Signature Examples

Overwhelmed by all these formatting and organization requirements? One way to make the process of writing a job application easier is to use a template to create your own personalized letters. Having a template can help save you time if you are sending a lot of application letters.

Be sure that each letter you send is personalized to the company and position; do not send the same letter to different companies.

• Always write one. Unless a job posting explicitly says not to send a letter of application or cover letter, you should always send one. Even if the company does not request a letter of application, it never hurts to include one. If they do ask you to send a letter, make sure to follow the directions exactly (for example, they might ask you to send the letter as an email attachment or type it directly into their online application system).
• Use business letter format. Use a formal business letter format when writing your letter. Include your contact information at the top, the date, and the employer’s contact information. Be sure to provide a salutation at the beginning and your signature at the end.
• Sell yourself. Throughout the letter, focus on how you would benefit the company. Provide specific examples of times when you demonstrated skills or abilities that would be useful for the job, especially those listed in the job posting or description. If possible, include examples of times when you added value to a company.

Numerical values offer concrete evidence of your skills and accomplishments.

• Use keywords. Reread the job listing, taking note of any keywords (such as skills or abilities that are emphasized in the listing). Try to include some of those words in your cover letter. This will help the employer see that you are a strong fit for the job.
• Keep it brief. Keep your letter under a page long, with no more than about four paragraphs. An employer is more likely to read a concise letter.
• Proofread and edit. Employers are likely to overlook an application with a lot of errors. Read through your cover letter, and if possible, ask a friend or career counselor to review the letter. Proofread for any grammar or spelling errors.

This is a job application letter sample.  Download the letter template (compatible with Google Docs or Word Online) or read the example below.

Sample Job Application Letter (Text Version)

Elizabeth Johnson 12 Jones Street Portland, Maine 04101 555-555-5555 elizabethjohnson@emailaddress.com

August 11, 2024

Mark Smith Human Resources Manager Veggies to Go 238 Main Street Portland, Maine 04101

Dear Mr. Smith,

I was so excited when my former coworker, Jay Lopez, told me about your opening for an administrative assistant in your Portland offices. A long-time Veggies to Go customer and an experienced admin, I would love to help the company achieve its mission of making healthy produce as available as takeout.

I’ve worked for small companies for my entire career, and I relish the opportunity to wear many hats and work with the team to succeed. In my latest role as an administrative assistant at Beauty Corp, I saved my employer thousands of dollars in temp workers by implementing a self-scheduling system for the customer service reps that cut down on canceled shifts. I also learned web design and timesheet coding, and I perfected my Excel skills. 

I’ve attached my resume for your consideration and hope to speak with you soon about your needs for the role.

Best Regards,

Elizabeth Johnson (signature hard copy letter)

Elizabeth Johnson

When you are sending your letter via email include the reason you are writing in the subject line of your message:

Subject Line Example

Subject: Elizabeth Johnson – Administrative Assistant Position

List your contact information in your signature, rather than in the body of the letter:

Email Signature Example

Elizabeth Johnson 555-555-5555 email@emailaddress.com

Review more examples of professionally written cover letters for a variety of circumstances, occupations, and job types.

CareerOneStop. " How Do I Write a Cover Letter? "

University of Maryland Global Campus. " Cover Letters ."

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• Job Application Documents

How to Make the Perfect CV (Proper Format, Tips, and Samples)

Last Updated: January 18, 2024 Fact Checked

Template for a CV

Proper order of sections, best practices for writing a cv, formatting standards, what’s the difference between a cv and a resume, what are the differences between an academic and professional cv, expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ. and by wikiHow staff writer, Madeleine Flamiano . Brandy DeOrnellas is a Professional Certified Coach specializing in life and career aspirations and transitions. She also serves company founders and small business owners. She is a former attorney with more than three years of experience as a coach. Brandy holds a JD from Harvard Law School. She also holds a BA in Social Welfare and a BA in Political Science from The University of California, Berkeley. In addition to her formal education, she has multiple coaching certifications, including a Professional Coaching Certification from The University of California, Davis, and a Relationship Coach Certification from Prepare/Enrich. She is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 8,941,555 times.

A company you want to apply to has asked you to send in a CV and you're thinking, "Wait...what is that?" Don't worry! Curriculum Vitae (CV) means "course of life" in Latin, and that's a really accurate description. Basically, a CV is a handy and impressive document that summarizes your past education as well as your professional skills, proficiencies, and experiences. Here, we'll go through each and every part of a CV so yours is perfectly formatted. We'll even throw in an example of a full CV for you to review. So, if you're ready to win over recruiters and employers with all you've accomplished over the years, read on—you'll be able to really "sell" yourself and share your whole story with a stellar CV!

Things You Should Know

• Tailor your CV to your ideal role—review the job posting for specific requirements and include the most relevant past jobs, skills, interests, or hobbies you have.
• Start your CV with a short description of yourself—known as an Objective or Summary—so employers get a "snapshot" of what you offer as a candidate.
• If you've just recently graduated from a program, then fill your "Work Experience" section with roles you took on while you were a student, like internships.
• Use standard formatting for your CV so it's easy for recruiters and employers to skim over. Also include keywords that a company's hiring software might search for.

• Harper Madison Los Angeles, California (424) 555-6000 [email protected] linkedin.com/in/harper-madison

• A recent college grad with an MFA (Master in Fine Arts): Independent and dynamic writer with a Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television offers a wealth of knowledge about cinematography and the craft of thought provoking documentaries. Seeking to join National Geographic to curate and create exceptional content that educates a global audience.
• A seasoned professional with 11 years of experience as a magazine editor: Accomplished Magazine Editor with over 10 years of experience overseeing and managing content for premier publications with an international readership. Knowledgeable about selecting feature stories that are timely and fresh. Brings a repertoire of refined writing skills and a keen passion for quality journalism. Adept at guiding writers to produce compelling and noteworthy pieces.

• Graduate Student UCLA — May 2019 - August 2022 Cast, directed, and produced various film and television projects. Planned, organized, and budgeted documentary shorts and films with Celtx. Edited documentaries using Black Magic DaVinci Resolve. Performed sound editing with Sound Forge. Conducted interviews, curated archival footage, and wrote scripts. • Directed and produced documentary shorts and films • Budgeted, planned, and organized film shoots • Scouted and secured filming locations • Communicated with all participants cited in documentaries • Produced The Last Laugh: Female Comedians Bite Back, a project that was showcased at the DOC LA Film Festival

• The title of your dissertation
• Your favorite fields of study
• Coursework that's relevant to the job you want
• Your key achievements
• Your extracurricular activities Education Degrees : Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Film and Television (2022) University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California Bachelor of Arts in Film & Media (2018) University of California, Berkeley, California Dissertation : "Strange Encounters in the Eastside: Urban Unrest in Los Angeles" International Study: University of Belgrano, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Summer 2019) Latin American Cinema, Human Rights and Cultural Representation Honors and Scholarships : Charles F. Scott Fellowship ($15,000) Marilyn Yarbrough Dissertation Award ($36,000) Coursework of Interest : Documentary Research Methodologies Feature Film Writing Extracurriculars : Vice President of The Film & Photography Society at UCLA Mentor for the Youth Cinema Project

• A seasoned professional with 11 years of experience as a magazine editor: Certificates Certified Journalism Educator (CJE) Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS) Industry Awards Editorial Director of the Year, Editor-in-Chief for Artful Living Conferences The American Copy Editors Society (ACES) – 2022, 2018, 2017 Memberships American Copy Editors Society (ACES) American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME)
• A recent college grad with an MFA (Master in Fine Arts): Activities and Interests Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese Volunteers weekly at Home Again L.A. Member of the LA Film Society Freelances for Filmless Runs a personal blog, The Doc is in the House

• Awards Best First Film, Audience Favorite (DOC LA) Best of Show, Humanitarian Award (IndieFEST Film Awards) Publications "Breaking the Bystander Effect: How a Viral Documentary Inspired Action." Los Angeles Magazine, 8 August 2022.

• A chronological CV is the most common format and is usually preferred by recruiters because they get a sense of your recent work history.
• A functional CV is ideal if you've had gaps in your employment or if you want to switch careers, so you only want to share some of your work history. [8] X Research source
• A hybrid CV allows you to expand on your skills. For example, you can start with a "Skills Summary" section, then share your "Work Experience" section.

• For example, you might be applying to both teaching positions as well as research positions. Use keywords like "presented lessons" and "facilitated workshops" for teaching roles. Try phrases like "performed data analysis" and "maintained detailed records of experiments" for research roles.

• Proper margins help people skim over your CV. Plus, with 0.5–1 in (1.3–2.5 cm) margins, you can fit more on the page. Most CVs should be 1 page unless you've had 5-10 years of relevant work experience. [12] X Research source

• Example 1: Editor-in-Chief Artful Living - Minneapolis, MN Arts and Entertainment Editor Lavender - Minneapolis, MN Example 2: Graduate Student Texas Tech University, May 2019 - August 2022 Assistant Lecturer Texas Tech University, 2020-2021

• Special Projects "Activism in Film" Class — Guest Lecturer July 2022 Los Angeles, CA FilmLA • Served as a guest lecturer for a workshop designed for aspiring filmmakers • Facilitated a discussion on culturally responsive practices • Outlined how documentaries are a form of activism

• If everything you've done during your academic path is extremely relevant to a role you're interested in, then a CV is also an excellent choice.
• If you've spent most of your life working and have plenty of job experience, it's probably better for you to make a resume —especially if you weren't in higher education for a very long time.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://careers.ucsc.edu/student/resources/resume_cover_letters/Curriculum%20Vitae.html
• ↑ https://online.wharton.upenn.edu/blog/how-to-write-a-career-change-resume/
• ↑ https://gradschool.cornell.edu/career-and-professional-development/pathways-to-success/prepare-for-your-career/take-action/resumes-and-cvs/
• ↑ https://education.indiana.edu/students/careers/docs/CV%20Guide.pdf
• ↑ https://grad.ucla.edu/asis/agep/advcv.pdf
• ↑ https://www.fullerton.edu/career/students/resumes-cover-letters/curriculum-vitae.php
• ↑ https://help.open.ac.uk/types-of-cvs
• ↑ https://icc.ucdavis.edu/materials/resume/cv/convertingcv
• ↑ https://careerservices.uic.edu/students/resumes-cvs-cover-letters/
• ↑ https://postdocs.nd.edu/assets/146643/tips_formatting_academic_cv.pdf
• ↑ https://careercenter.georgetown.edu/major-career-guides/resumes-cover-letters/curriculum-vitae-cv/
• ↑ https://cdn1.sph.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2016/06/Resume-Guide-June-2016.pdf
• ↑ https://www.training.nih.gov/assets/Guide_to_Resumes_and_Curricula_Vitae.pdf
• ↑ https://www.wellesley.edu/careereducation/resources/cv-curriculum-vitae-guidelines
• ↑ https://www.britannica.com/story/whats-the-difference-between-a-rsum-and-a-cv

About This Article

To write a CV, include your name, address, and contact information at the top, as well as a 1-sentence personal summary that says something like "Enthusiastic and adaptable recent graduate looking for an editorial position." Then, include education and work-experience sections that are in reverse chronological order. You should also create a skills section that lists any relevant skills you have. Finish your CV with a references section with contact information for your previous employers. To learn how to format your CV, read the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write a Beginner Resume Summary with No Experience [Examples]

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When you’re diving into the job market with limited experience, writing a strong resume is key to landing your dream job. A well-written resume starts with a resume summary —the elevator pitch that shows the reader your greatest accomplishments, skills, and passions. A beginner summary for your resume is the starting point to wow-ing the hiring team and proving you’re the best candidate for the job.

An entry-level or beginner resume isn’t about listing everything you’ve accomplished or can do. Instead, it’s a strategic dance of weaving together your enthusiasm, soft skills, and unique experience. Then, you connect it to the job description and what the hiring manager is looking for.

• What a resume summary is.
• The critical components of a resume summary.
• Step-by-step instructions on how to write an entry-level or beginner summary for resumes.
• Examples and templates of successful resume summaries.

Understanding the resume summary for beginners

Your resume summary is a snapshot of your professional life—only 3 to 5 sentences—curated with each job description in mind. Job seekers include their professional title, years of experience, skills , and measurable achievements to entice the recruiter to read the rest of the resume.

As you navigate the job search, you’ll see how your resume summary is one of the most valuable sections of your resume.

What is an entry-level resume summary?

When you’re an entry-level applicant, the snapshot summary likely isn’t full of accolades, impactful accomplishments, or advanced skills. Rather, an effective resume summary for a beginning job seeker highlights an eagerness to learn, adaptability, and growth potential.

For entry-level applicants, “It’s not just about bullet points and job titles; it’s about weaving together the threads of your journey, painting a picture of resilience, ambition, and growth,” says Harleny Vasquez , a visionary Career Coach and CEO of yourEVOLVEDmind. “It’s a chance to showcase not just what you’ve done, but who you are and where you’re headed. Each section is a story, each accomplishment a milestone on the path you’ve forged with passion and purpose.”

The purpose of an entry-level summary

A professional summary is the attention-grabbing highlight reel. A successful summary keeps the hiring team reading your resume to learn more about you. In a hot job market where standing out is critical, resume summaries can be a positive differentiator.

Resume summaries provide key context to your resume. It helps the hiring manager frame your candidacy in their mind—they learn why you’re applying, how your skill set translates to the job, and key accomplishments that show you off in the best light. Many other applicants are jumping from the resume headline into the work experience, losing out on the opportunity to capture the hiring team right away.

Want to see examples of resume summaries for any stage of your career? Read 86+ Resume Summary Examples to Inspire You

Resume summary vs. objective

Resume summary and resume objective are often used interchangeably, but the two are very different. They serve different purposes and are used to convey different types of information.

Resume objective

A resume objective states your career goals and the type of position you are seeking. It is forward-looking and focuses on what you want to achieve in your career.

Primarily, it includes your career aspirations and what you aim to contribute to the employer.

For example, a resume objective could say something like:

Seeking a position as a Marketing Coordinator to utilize my skills in digital marketing and content creation in a dynamic, growth-oriented company.

Recruiters and career coaches argue against the resume objective because it’s more focused on the applicant, rather than the company you’re applying to.

Kelli Hrivnak , Founder of the boutique recruitment firm, Knack Digital shares, “I never like to see a resume objective on a resume. An employer is seeking an employee who will solve their problem, as opposed to prioritizing the wants and needs of the applicant.”

Jazlyn Unbedacht , Resume Writer and LinkedIn Optimizer argues we should just get rid of resume objectives altogether. “I’m not sure why they ever were a thing to begin with. Harness expertise from other experiences in your life, like education, volunteer work, hobby pursuits, and more and use that to create a short summary of what you can bring to the table as an employee.”

Resume summary

A resume summary provides a brief overview of your professional background, highlighting your key achievements and skills. It is backward-looking, summarizing what you have already accomplished in your career.

The short paragraph includes your key qualifications, experience, and major achievements. A summary is designed to quickly give employers an idea of your expertise and the value you can bring to their organization.

Many entry-level applicants and those writing beginner summaries for their resumes tend to default to objectives. They worry they have nothing impressive to highlight in their summary.

But Kelli Hrivnak urges you to think outside the box. “For job seekers who don’t have relevant work experience, can you include other experience or skills acquired in your project work instead?”

For example, Kelli suggests writing something like:

Google-certified Marketing graduate with 4 months of experience as an Audience Development intern at a nationally recognized publication firm. Grew audience engagement on Facebook by 30% by developing social strategy and initiatives.

Key pieces of a beginner resume summary

Think of your resume summary like a formula. Just like a math equation has values that you need to solve the problem, your resume summary has critical components that make it impactful to the hiring team.

Follow the formula below to write a standout summary:

Versatile [Your Professional Title] with over [X Years] of experience in [Field/Role]. Skilled in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3]. Proven success in [Measurable Accomplishment 1] and [Measurable Accomplishment 2].

Tailor your resume summary

You can’t write your resume summary once and use it for every application. Your resume—including the summary—should be tailored to each job description.

To tailor your resume summary, you should read the job description closely and pick out keywords and skills to integrate into your resume. This process can take a few hours per job posting, but you can do it quickly with Jobscan’s resume optimization tools.

If you don’t have a resume and are starting from scratch, the Resume Builder tool can help you create a base resume, then you can move directly into Power Edit to tailor your resume to the job description.

Quantify your achievements

Numbers and percentages showing time or money saved, revenue generated, or team members managed can show the hiring team how you help an organization thrive, rather than telling them what you’ve done.

For example, you can write:

Boosted sales by 30% through innovative product displays and promotions, and successfully managed inventory turnover, reducing excess stock by 20%.

Use Power Words and Action Verbs

Boring word choices make it easy for the hiring team to gloss over your resume. Inspire emotion and paint a picture with the words you use. Ditch common resume words and use more powerful words instead.

Discover the best power words and action verbs to integrate into your resume: 500 Action Verbs to Use on Your Resume Today

Step-by-step guide to writing an entry-level resume summary

Even if you know the resume summary formula, how can you ensure you’re making a successful impact on the hiring team? There are a handful of steps you can follow to knock your resume summary out of the park every time.

Step 1: Do a self-assessment

Before you write your resume summary, you first have to have a firm understanding of your strengths, skill set, and achievements. Take time to think about a few dimensions of your professional journey.

Using education in your resume summary

Consider your degrees or certifications and any projects and coursework. If you’re short on hands-on experience, using experience from school or other learning can show off your experience and professional growth.

Draw on untraditional experience for your resume summary

When you’re writing a beginner summary for your resume, your experience is limited. But you can draw on volunteer work, part-time jobs, clubs, or even hobbies to link to skills the hiring manager is looking for.

Highlight your transferable skills in your summary

At the start of your career, highlight your transferable skills —or soft skills . These skills are interpersonal skills or behavioral traits you bring to every workplace. Unlike hard skills —job-specific technical skills—transferable skills are difficult to measure, but they’re still incredibly valuable at work.

Add metrics to your resume summary

Numbers and figures show concrete impact and quantify your contributions to an organization. You can use time-based metrics, efficiency metrics, growth comparisons, and more. If you’re a new grad or entering employment for the first time, draw on your other experiences of clubs, school, or volunteering to make an impact.

Increased readership by 15% during tenure as Editor-in-Chief of university magazine.

For more insights about adding metrics to your resume, read 67 Resume Accomplishments Examples to Show Your Value

Step 2: Conduct your research

To create an effectively optimized resume, you need to conduct research about the role, company, and industry.

• Dive deep into the job description : The job description always has insights into the responsibilities and qualities of the role. Often, there are details about the company’s values.
• Add the right keywords: By integrating keywords in your resume summary tailored to the company’s mission and values, you can make a powerful impression on the hiring team.
• Familiarize yourself with industry keywords, skills, and tools : Stay up to date on evolving trends and tools in your field to position yourself as the strongest candidate.

Power Edit features AI technology that not only scans your resume for keywords and skills, but provides ideas you can use to integrate them into your resume seamlessly.

Step 3: Draft your entry-level resume summary

Writing your beginner resume summary for an entry-level role can feel daunting, but you have more to offer an employer beyond traditional work experience. Think beyond your past roles and draw on other experiences to show off your value as a candidate.

Remember, you can use the following template to guide your writing:

Start with a strong introduction sentence

The first sentence needs to capture attention, so choose strong power verbs and open with the information you need the hiring manager to know.

Some examples of powerful resume summary openers include:

Recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from XYZ University, where I maintained a 3.8 GPA. Proven leadership skills as the President of the Business Club, organizing events attended by over 200 students. Passionate about project management, I completed a capstone project that improved campus event efficiency by 25%. Seeking an entry-level role in business operations.

Enthusiastic computer science graduate with hands-on experience in developing mobile apps as a hobby, resulting in over 10,000 downloads on the Google Play Store. Skilled in Java, Python, and Swift, with a keen interest in UI/UX design. Looking to leverage my self-taught programming skills and creativity in an entry-level software development position.

Dedicated environmental science graduate with a strong background in community service, having volunteered over 300 hours with the Green Earth Initiative. Led a tree-planting campaign that resulted in 1,000 new trees being planted in urban areas. Highly organized and committed to sustainability, seeking to start a career in environmental consulting.

Diligent Marketing graduate with over two years of part-time retail experience at ABC Store, where I consistently exceeded sales targets by 15%. Recognized for excellent customer service and awarded ‘Employee of the Month’ twice. Eager to apply my sales and marketing skills in an entry-level marketing role.

Versatile communications graduate with a strong foundation in public speaking and writing, honed through coursework and as a volunteer tutor at the local literacy center. Part-time experience as a social media coordinator, where I increased engagement by 40% across platforms. Adept at content creation and community engagement, seeking a role in public relations.

Recent graduate with a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology, combining academic excellence with leadership as the captain of the university soccer team. Coordinated training schedules and team-building activities, leading to a 30% improvement in team performance. Passionate about health and fitness, aiming to start a career in sports management.

Ambitious psychology graduate with hands-on research experience, having assisted in a faculty-led study on cognitive behavior that was published in a peer-reviewed journal. Strong analytical and statistical skills, with proficiency in SPSS. Seeking an entry-level research assistant role to further develop my expertise in psychological research.

Integrate keywords from the job description

A keyword-rich resume summary boosts your chances of showing up in ATS search results. The ATS , or applicant tracking system, houses every submitted resume for a job listing. When the hiring team looks for candidates to interview, the ATS helps them rank applicants based on keywords and skills from the job description.

“A professional summary is an amazing resource to optimize your resume with keywords and catch an employer’s attention,” claims Professional Resume Writer, Jazlyn Unbedacht .

Jobscan’s Power Edit can find keywords in the job description and help you find places to naturally integrate keywords. Below you can find an example of a keyword-rich resume summary example for inspiration.

Creative marketing graduate with strong skills in social media management and content creation . Successfully managed a university campaign that boosted social media engagement by 30%. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and familiar with SEO strategies . Seeking an entry-level marketing position to leverage creativity and analytical skills to support brand growth.

Avoid keyword stuffing. Adding keywords for the sake of having them can have a negative impact. If your summary isn’t authentic or personal and feels forced, your summary can be difficult to read. Strike a balance by finding other resume sections to integrate keywords.

Highlight your strengths

Your resume summary is the ideal place to humbly brag about your accomplishments . Stay honest and avoid embellishing, but put your best foot forward to make it impossible for the hiring manager not to invite you for an interview.

For example, include projects, assignments, or internships to make your beginner resume summary shine.

Natural leader and recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Management, achieving a 3.8 GPA. Led a student project team to complete a market analysis that was presented to local businesses, resulting in increased partnerships. Proficient in project management and team coordination. Seeking an entry-level management position to apply leadership and strategic planning skills to contribute to organizational success.

Use a resume summary generator

Include a resume summary, even when you have writer’s block. The resume summary generator in premium Power Edit can write the perfect resume summary, using content from your resume and keywords from the job description.

Here’s how it works.

If you don’t have a resume summary, you can go into the Editor and click “Generate Summary.” Using AI, the tool will write a customized resume summary highlighting all your key skills and accomplishments for the job. The AI draws on your education, skills, work experience, and certifications to create a tailored resume summary in seconds.

You can use the generated summary, or rephrase the summary until you find the variation you like best.

By the end, you’ll have an optimized resume to impress the hiring team and boost your chances of getting an interview invite.

Generate your resume summary in seconds with Power Edit and create a perfectly tailored resume for each job application.

Beginner summary for resume: Examples

Resume summary based on education

Recent high school graduate with a 3.8 GPA and a passion for technology. Completed a capstone project in computer science, developing an app that improved classroom attendance tracking by 20%. Seeking to apply technical skills and problem-solving abilities in a software development role.

Resume summaries based on volunteering

Enthusiastic volunteer with over 150 hours dedicated to community service at local food banks and shelters. Organized weekly meal distributions, aiding over 500 families. Passionate about social work and eager to contribute to a supportive team environment.

Multilingual individual fluent in English, Spanish, and French, with experience volunteering as a translator at community events. Assisted over 100 individuals in accessing services. Seeking to leverage language skills in a customer service or administrative role.

Community-focused graduate with a 3.9 GPA and extensive volunteer experience at local non-profits. Organized community clean-up events, improving local park conditions by 15%. Eager to bring organizational and community engagement skills to a professional setting.

Resume summaries based on certifications

Certified in Basic First Aid and CPR, with hands-on experience from part-time babysitting jobs. Known for reliability and excellent communication with parents. Managed schedules and provided educational activities for children, seeking to bring caregiving skills to a full-time position.

Certified in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript through online courses. Developed a personal website showcasing photography projects, increasing online portfolio traffic by 40%. Seeking to apply web development skills in a tech-related role.

Resume summary focused on extracurricular activities

Team-oriented individual with leadership experience as captain of the high school soccer team. Led the team to two state championships and organized weekly training sessions. Seeking to leverage leadership and teamwork skills in a dynamic work environment.

Learn how to incorporate extracurricular activities into your resume and read: Top Extracurricular Activities to Add to Your Resume (Samples)

Resume summary based on a mix of experience

Motivated recent graduate with a 4.0 GPA and a strong foundation in customer service from part-time work at a retail store. Volunteered at local animal shelter, managing 2 adoption events per month, increasing adoption rate by 15%. Eager to apply multitasking abilities and customer service skills to a professional role.

Resume summaries based on creative projects

Creative content creator with experience in managing a personal blog, growing its readership to 1,000 monthly visitors. Developed strong writing and content creation skills. Seeking to bring creativity and attention to detail to a marketing or content creation role.

Artistic graduate with experience in graphic design, having completed online courses in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Designed promotional materials for school events, increasing attendance by 25%. Excited to bring artistic skills to a design or marketing team.

Resume summary based on sports activities

Dedicated and disciplined athlete with experience in competitive swimming. Managed rigorous training schedules while maintaining a 3.8 GPA. Developed time management and resilience, aiming to apply these skills in a professional setting.

Resume summaries based on academics

Recent graduate with honors in Mathematics, achieving top marks in advanced calculus and statistics courses. Participated in math competitions, placing in the top 10 regionally. Seeking to apply analytical and quantitative skills in a data analysis role.

STEM enthusiast with a strong academic background in physics and chemistry. Completed a science fair project on renewable energy, earning first place at the district level. Seeking to apply analytical and research skills in a scientific or engineering role.

Resume summary based on part-time work

Passionate about fitness and health, with part-time experience as a gym assistant. Assisted with client schedules and maintained equipment, enhancing customer satisfaction survey results to a 4.7 star average rating. Looking to bring organizational skills and passion for health to a fitness-related role.

Resume summary based on leadership in clubs

Active member of the debate club with strong public speaking and research skills. Led the team to win regional championships and mentored new members. Looking to utilize leadership and communication skills in a challenging work environment.

A summary statement for a resume is a brief introduction that highlights your key skills, experiences, and what you aim to achieve in your career. For a beginner, this statement should focus on your education, any relevant skills, internships, volunteer work, and a clear career goal. It provides a snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table, making it easier for hiring managers to quickly see your potential. Example: “Recent Marketing graduate with a strong foundation in social media management, content creation, and data analysis. Proven ability to increase engagement and brand visibility through innovative strategies, increasing social media followers by 30% in six months. Seeking to leverage skills and knowledge to contribute to a dynamic marketing team.”

The beginning of your resume summary should immediately grab the reader’s attention. Start with a strong descriptor followed by your job title, relevant experience, or education. Mention a few key skills or achievements that align with the job you’re applying for. Example: “Highly motivated and results-oriented Computer Science graduate with hands-on experience in software development and database management. Skilled in Java, Python, and SQL, with a passion for developing efficient and scalable solutions. Developed a web application that improved process efficiency by 25%.”

A good resume profile summary is concise, focused, and tailored to the job description. It should clearly state your professional identity, highlight your key strengths and achievements, and convey your career aspirations. Use action words and quantify achievements whenever possible to make a stronger impact. Example: “Certified Project Manager with over 5 years of experience in leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and within budget. Expert in Agile methodologies, risk management, and process optimization. Successfully managed a project portfolio worth $2 million, achieving a 95% on-time delivery rate.”

Introducing yourself in a resume summary involves providing a brief yet comprehensive overview of who you are professionally. Start with your current role or recent educational achievement, followed by your most relevant skills and a statement of your career goals. Example: “Enthusiastic and creative Graphic Designer with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and 2 years of experience in creating visually compelling digital and print media. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, with a keen eye for detail and a strong commitment to delivering high-quality work. Designed marketing materials that boosted client sales by 15%. Looking to contribute my design expertise to a forward-thinking company.”

Kelsey is a Content Writer with a background in content creation, bouncing between industries to educate readers everywhere.

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How To List Microsoft Office Skills on Your Resume (+ Examples)

3 key takeaways

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is essential in most office environments.
• Tailoring your skills to match those required in the job description can improve your chances of landing an interview.
• Teal's AI Resume Builder surfaces the top tech skills and other keywords to add to your resume.

The Microsoft Office suite remains the gold standard for productivity software in the workplace.

According to Inc, Microsoft Office is the most popular app used by businesses. With over 1.2 billion users and applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook deeply embedded in daily business operations, proficiency in Microsoft Office suite is more than a resume booster—it's a necessity. 

Employers across industries want candidates who know how to leverage these productivity tools to streamline processes and drive results. This guide walks through the process of effectively showcasing Microsoft Office skills on your resume, including which Microsoft Office suite apps are worth mentioning.

Struggling to land interviews with your resume? Get started with Teal’s AI Resume Builder for free.

The importance of Microsoft Office skills

Microsoft Office, or MS Office, skills refer to the ability to efficiently use applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for various tasks. These skills enable employees to create and manage documents, analyze data, deliver presentations, and handle email communications effectively.

Mastering these applications enhances productivity, facilitates collaboration, and supports a wide range of business operations across different industries.

Those well-versed in Microsoft Office are highly valued by employers for several reasons:

• Increased productivity and efficiency in daily tasks
• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members
• Versatility in handling various business-related projects

Mastering these applications demonstrates your ability to contribute to a company's workflow and adapt to different job duties and responsibilities.

Key Microsoft Office applications

When listing your Office skills, focus on the following core apps:

• Word: Document creation and formatting
• Excel: Data analysis and visualization
• PowerPoint: Presentation design and delivery
• Outlook: Email management and scheduling
• OneNote: Note-taking and organization
• Access: Database management (if relevant to the position)

Assessing your Microsoft Office skill level

To accurately represent your skills, it's essential to understand the different proficiency levels:

• Beginner: Basic understanding and usage of core programs in the MS Office suite
• Intermediate: Comfortable with most features and some advanced functions
• Advanced: Expert-level knowledge, including macros, VBA, and complex formulas

Evaluate your skills using these methods:

• Online skill assessment tools and quizzes
• Microsoft Office certification programs
• Practical application of skills in real-world scenarios

Basic Microsoft Office skills for a resume

If you want an office job, basic Office skills are a non-negotiable. Unless the job description specifically mentions basic Microsoft Office apps like Word and and Outlook, assume they are implied and omit them in favor of more niche software skills. The exception: if you possess advanced Word and Outlook skills that could set you apart. For instance, basic functions for data entry or mail merging set a solid foundation for administrative roles.

• Word : Document creation, basic formatting, and templates
• Excel : Data entry, basic formulas, and charts
• Outlook : Email management, calendar scheduling

Intermediate Microsoft Office skills for a resume

Once you master the basics, adding intermediate and advanced skills can significantly enhance your efficiency. Skills like advanced Excel functions and PowerPoint presentations are crucial for many desk roles.

• Excel : Pivot tables, conditional formatting, advanced charts
• PowerPoint : Slide design, animations, and transitions
• Access : Basic database management and queries

Advanced Microsoft Office skills for a resume

Mastering advanced Microsoft skills can open doors to in-demand positions. Skills like complex Excel formulas, VBA, and project management software are essential for higher-level roles.

• Excel : VBA, complex formulas, data modeling
• Project : Advanced project tracking and resource allocation
• Access : Advanced database design and management

How to choose the best Microsoft Office skills to add to your resume

Before you can list Microsoft Office skills, you need to choose the right ones to highlight. Selecting the right ones can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed by employers and passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS). Here are three tips to choosing the right MS Office skills for your resume:

Study the industry

Research the specific skills required in your industry. Different industries prioritize different Microsoft Office skills, so understanding what is essential in your field will help you highlight the most relevant abilities on your resume.

Study the company

Learn about the company's preferred tools and technologies. Each organization may have its own set of preferred software and systems, and knowing these can give you an edge in the application process. The most critical company systems and software are often outlined in the job description.

Study the job description

Analyze job descriptions to identify the most frequently mentioned skills, or use Teal's Matching Mode to automate this. Teal grades your resume based on how well it aligns to the job description and then suggesting keywords to maximize your fit. Tailoring your skills to match the job description not only showcases your job qualifications but also demonstrates your attention to detail.

How to list Microsoft Office skills on a resume

Effectively listing Microsoft Office skills on a resume can showcase your technical expertise and make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

How to add Microsoft Office skills to a professional summary

Incorporate Office skills in your professional summary to complement your most notable accomplishments and technical expertise. For example: "Detail-oriented professional with 5+ years of advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint experience, specializing in data analysis and compelling presentations."

Pro tip: To add skills to your professional summary using Teal's AI Resume Builder, scroll to Professional Summaries, click the drop-down button, then "Add Professional Summary." You can create one from scratch or click the "Generate With AI" button.

How to add Microsoft Office skills to the skills section

Create a dedicated resume Skills section to highlight your skills related to the job description. This section should list your most proficient and in-demand Office skills to catch the employer’s attention quickly.

• Microsoft Word : Advanced (Expert in document formatting, mail merge, and collaboration tools)
• Microsoft Excel : Expert (Proficient in complex formulas, pivot tables, and VBA macros)
• Microsoft PowerPoint : Intermediate (Skilled in creating engaging presentations with animations and multimedia elements)

Pro tip: To add skills to your "Skills" section in Teal, scroll to Skills, click the drop-down button, then "Add Skills." Here you can list your skills individually in addition to incorporating them into a summary or achievements.

How to add Microsoft Office skills to the work experience section

Including Microsoft Office skills in your work experience achievements can illustrate how you effectively applied these skills to achieve impact.

"Developed complex Excel models that reduced reporting time by 30% and improved forecast accuracy by 15%."

Pro tip: To add skills to your work experience, from the Resume Builder, scroll to Work Experience. Click the drop-down button, then "Add Work Experience" to create a new section or "Add an Achievement" to incorporate skills into an existing work history.

Tips for adding Microsoft Office Skills to a resume

Use a skills matrix.

Create a visual representation of your skills and proficiency levels:

Microsoft Word: ●●●●○ (Advanced)

Microsoft Excel: ●●●●● (Expert)

Microsoft PowerPoint: ●●●○○ (Intermediate)

Incorporating skill bars

Use horizontal bars to indicate proficiency levels:

Microsoft Word     [████████░░]

Microsoft Excel    [██████████]

Microsoft PowerPoint [██████░░░░]

List skills with proficiency descriptions

Provide brief explanations of your capabilities:

- Microsoft Word: Advanced (Expert in document formatting, mail merge, and collaboration tools)

- Microsoft Excel: Expert (Proficient in complex formulas, pivot tables, and VBA macros)

- Microsoft PowerPoint: Intermediate (Skilled in creating engaging presentations with animations and multimedia elements)

Demonstrate your Microsoft Office skills with specific examples

Quantifiable Achievements

Highlight productivity improvements and showcase cost savings or revenue increases:

"Automated monthly reporting process using Excel macros, saving 10 hours of work per month and reducing errors by 95%."

Project-Specific Applications

Describe how you've applied Microsoft Office tools in specific projects:

"Created a comprehensive project management dashboard in Excel, enabling real-time tracking of key metrics across 15 concurrent projects."

Microsoft Office Certifications on Your Resume

Types of Microsoft Office Certifications

1. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

2. Microsoft Office Specialist Expert

3. Microsoft Office Specialist Master

How to List Microsoft Office Certifications

Include certification names, dates obtained, and expiration (if applicable):

"Microsoft Office Specialist Expert (Excel 2019) - Obtained May 2021"

Microsoft Office skills for resume examples

It's critical to tailor skills to each job as the same role could require different skills depending on the company's tech stack.

Here are examples of how to group and list specific Microsoft Office skills for common roles:

Example 1: Accountant

• Microsoft Excel : Advanced functions and macros
• Microsoft Access : Database management
• Microsoft Word : Financial reporting

Example 2: Digital marketer

• Microsoft Excel : Data analysis and reporting
• Microsoft Word : Content creation
• Microsoft PowerPoint : Presentation design

Example 3: Administrative assistant

• Microsoft Outlook : Email management and scheduling
• Microsoft Word : Document creation
• Microsoft Excel : Basic data entry and analysis

Example 4: Project manager

• Microsoft Project : Project planning and tracking
• Microsoft Excel : Budget management
• Microsoft PowerPoint : Presentation of project plans

Example 5: Data analyst

• Microsoft Excel : Advanced data analysis and visualization
• Microsoft Word : Report generation

Using Teal’s Resume Skills Management feature, you can easily add skills to your resume, ensuring they're presented in a clear and compelling manner.

For more tips, check out this guide on adding computer skills to a resume .

Importance of Microsoft Office skills in various industries

Microsoft skills are critical in many industries. Here’s how Office skills translate into five popular sectors:

• Managing patient records with Excel
• Using Word for documentation
• Scheduling with Outlook
• Financial modeling using Excel
• Reporting with Word
• Presentations with PowerPoint
• Creating lesson plans with Word
• Managing grades with Excel
• Presenting lectures with PowerPoint
• Data analysis with Excel
• Content creation with Word
• Campaign presentations with PowerPoint
• Documentation with Word
• Project tracking with Project

How to learn Microsoft Office skills

Learning Microsoft apps is essential for staying competitive in today's job market. Here are some effective ways to learn and improve your Microsoft skills:

Online courses and tutorials

Online courses and tutorials are a convenient way to learn Microsoft skills at your own pace. Many platforms offer comprehensive courses on a wide range of topics, from basic literacy to more advanced skills in data analysis.

• Coursera : Offers courses from top universities on Microsoft Office applications.
• edX : Provides access to courses from institutions like MIT and Harvard.
• LinkedIn Learning : Features a vast library of courses on Microsoft skills.
• Udemy : Offers affordable courses on specific Microsoft Office applications.

Certifications

Earning certifications can validate your skills and make you more attractive to potential employers. Many organizations offer certification programs for various Microsoft skills:

• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) : Demonstrates proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Microsoft Office Specialist Expert : Advanced certification.
• Microsoft Office Specialist Master : Highest level of certification.

For more certifications worth adding to your resume, check out this guide on resume certifications .

Hands-on practice

Practical experience is crucial for mastering Microsoft skills. Here are some tips for gaining hands-on experience:

• Work on personal projects : Create reports, presentations, and spreadsheets.
• Volunteer : Offer your skills to non-profits or local organizations.
• Internships : Look for internships that offer opportunities to work with Microsoft Office applications.

Free resources

There are many free resources available to help you learn and practice Office suite skills:

• Khan Academy : Offers free tutorials on Microsoft applications.
• YouTube : Features countless tutorials on how to use Office apps.

Online communities

Participating in online communities can provide support, resources, and networking opportunities:

• Reddit : Subreddits like r/Office365 offer advice and resources.
• Stack Overflow : A question-and-answer site for troubleshooting.
• GitHub : A platform for sharing Excel templates and VBA scripts.

Tips for expanding your Microsoft Office knowledge

• Set specific goals : Identify which skills you want to learn and set clear, achievable goals.
• Create a learning schedule : Allocate regular time for learning and practice.
• Stay updated : Keep up with the latest features and updates.
• Apply your skills : Look for opportunities to use your new skills in your current job.
• Seek feedback : Ask for feedback from peers or mentors.

Jobs that require Microsoft Office skills

Microsoft Office is integral to many jobs. Here are ten popular roles where key Office skills are crucial, with varying use cases:

• Data analyst : Analyzing data sets using Excel.
• Graphic designer : Creating visual aids and reports in PowerPoint.
• Digital marketer : Managing data and content using Excel and Word.
• Software developer : Documenting code and processes in Word.
• Administrative assistant : Handling email, scheduling, and document management using Outlook and Word.
• Customer service representative : Using Excel and Word to manage customer interactions.
• Financial analyst : Building financial models using Excel.
• Human resources specialist : Managing HR information systems using Excel and Word.
• Project manager : Using Project, Excel, and PowerPoint to track and present project progress.
• Medical records technician : Managing patient records with Excel and Word.

Why are Microsoft Office skills important for your career?

The Office suite encompasses a broad range of abilities that enable you to perform essential tasks efficiently. Here’s a deeper look at why they matter:

• Versatility : Applicable across various industries and roles.
• Efficiency : Increases productivity at work.
• Marketability : Makes you more attractive to potential employers.

Gaining and improving Office skills can dramatically impact your earning potential. As the demand for tech-savvy professionals grows, those with advanced Excel skills often command higher salaries and have access to a wider range of job opportunities.

Don't neglect your Microsoft Office skills

Effectively showcasing your Microsoft Office skills on your resume is crucial in today's competitive job market. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can significantly improve your chances of landing interviews and securing your desired position. Remember to tailor your skills to each job application, provide specific examples of your expertise, and continue developing your Microsoft Office proficiency to stay ahead in your career.

Ready to create a standout resume that highlights your skills? Use Teal's Resume Builder to craft a professional, ATS-friendly resume that showcases your expertise and helps you land your dream job.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you prove microsoft office skills to potential employers.

You can demonstrate your skills by obtaining Microsoft certifications, providing specific examples of projects where you've used these skills, and being prepared to showcase your abilities during interviews or skills assessments.

Is it necessary to include Microsoft Office applications on your resume if you're applying for a tech-heavy position?

Even for tech-focused roles, including Microsoft skills can be beneficial. Many companies use these applications for documentation, reporting, and collaboration, so demonstrating proficiency can still be valuable.

How do you describe Microsoft Office skills?

Describe MS Office skills by listing relevant Microsoft office software in a dedicated skills section, indicating your proficiency levels, and providing context or examples in your work experience section.

Camille Trent

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A Guide to Adding Computer Skills to Your CV

Computer skills are a key requirement for most jobs. Digital literacy encompasses everything from the use of basic, everyday software to advanced, technical applications that require specialist qualifications. Whatever your career stage, it’s likely you’ll need some computer skills to get by, so it’s essential to include these on your CV. In this article, we discuss how to write a CV that showcases your computer skills, with a list of the key skills to include.

Why are Computer Skills so Important for My CV?

Listing computer skills on your CV is so important because the vast majority of modern jobs involve the use of a computer. According to a 2019 report by the UK government, at least 82% of advertised vacancies list digital skills as a requirement (1) , while a more recent study in the US puts the figure at 92% (2) . This means it’s highly likely that computer or digital skills will feature to some extent in any job description.

The emphasis employers place on your computer skills will depend heavily on the role, the sector and its level of seniority. Clearly, for roles in ICT or web development, a high level of digital skills will be absolutely essential. Computer skills are also likely to be critical to your chances of success for any technical or professional role, especially creative jobs or any office-based position. You could even find that entry-level and casual jobs require a basic level of digital literacy. This could include jobs in sales, retail or hospitality, where you might operate computers and other point-of-sale hardware.

Top Computer Skills for Different Types of Job

The types of computer skills required by employers will vary greatly from employer to employer, and from role to role. Some positions might demand a basic understanding of word processing or spreadsheet software, while others call for an in-depth working knowledge of certain technical applications or programming languages. Take a look below at some of the key skills in different areas of computing:

Operating systems

Operating systems are system softwares that manage a computer’s hardware and software. To navigate a computer or mobile device, you’ll need to understand how to use its operating system. Knowledge of operating systems also extends to technical roles such as IT support staff, web designers and software developers, as you’ll need to know how to make applications run across different operating systems. Some of the most prominent operating systems include:

• Microsoft Windows
• Android/ChromeOS

Programming

Any role that involves designing or developing software, websites or applications requires in-depth knowledge of programming languages. The languages required will depend on the types of applications you’ll be developing, but it’s often useful to have knowledge of more than one of the most popular languages. Some of the most widely used programming languages are:

Admin and productivity tools

Admin and productivity tools cover everything from word processing and spreadsheets, to presentation software and email management, to project management tools and applications. These are the types of software that make everyday working possible, including organising and delivering projects and communicating with colleagues and clients. They include:

Digital Marketing

If you work in digital marketing or any role related to communications, you’ll need to be familiar with the tools below. There are various providers of these tools, which help to manage and monitor online activity. Applications fall into the following categories:

• CMS (Wordpress, HubSpot, Joomla)
• SEO (SEMrush, SurferSEO, Ahrefs)
• Analytics tools (Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Similarweb) 
• Social media tools (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn)

Graphic design

Adobe is the most widely used provider of graphic design tools, but you may need knowledge of other design packages, depending on your role. Even some admin and office-based roles can require some knowledge of graphic design, though you’re more likely to use free and basic applications rather than specialist software. Graphic design packages include:

• Illustrator

How to list computer skills in your CV

The way you reference your computer skills on your CV will depend heavily on how prominent they are in the job description, and how crucial they are for the job. It’s almost always a good idea to mention computer skills somewhere on your CV, but for specialist computer-based roles, you’ll probably want to mention them throughout your document. Take a look at these CV examples for general tips on how to structure your CV, and follow the tips below on how to list your computer skills in each section of the document:

Profile section

Your personal profile section gives you the chance to briefly mention your computer literacy levels and any software that might be crucial for success in the role. If a specific digital skill or a particular application appears prominently in the job description or job title (for example, ‘Python Developer’), you’ll want to mention it in this section.

Take a look at this example CV summary for how to include reference to your digital skills:

An experienced digital marketing executive with strong interpersonal skills and a track record of project management success. Accomplished in digital marketing tools, including Wordpress, SEMrush, Google Analytics and social media platforms. Seeking opportunities to develop innovative campaigns using cutting-edge digital tools and platforms.

If you have a qualification related to computer skills, mention this in your education section. You can also use this section to mention any specialist IT skills you developed as part of your studies.

See below for an example education section for an ICT specialist:

BSc Computer Science, University of Kent, Canterbury, September 2018 - June 2021

• Specialised in security systems, data science and physical computing

Your skills section is the ideal place to mention either general or specialist IT skills. You could either add your computer skills in a general skills list, or a list of hard or technical skills. If digital skills are particularly important for the role, you may also consider adding a separate section just for your computer skills.

Professional experience

If you’ve used computers prominently in your previous work, and the employer has listed digital skills prominently in the job description, you might want to mention them in your work experience section. This CV section is particularly useful if computer skills form a major part of the everyday requirements for the role.

Here’s an example of how to mention your computer skills in your work experience section:

UX Developer, Wild West Digital Ltd, St. Albans, November 2016 - present

• Developing responsive web interfaces for various clients, enhancing user satisfaction by 32%
• Implementing front-end components using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript frameworks
• Working closely with the UX team to create user personas, journey maps, and wireframes

Training and certifications

If you’ve completed any training, or gained any certifications in particular computer skills, software packages or programming languages, it’s useful to mention them in this section. You can add them as a simple bullet list, with the name and level of the training or certification, where you studied and your dates of study or graduation. For example:

• Microsoft Excel Expert Certification, Microsoft Learn, October 2020
• Python Certified Entry-Level Programmer, Python Institute, July 2021

Hobbies and interests

Your hobbies and interests section can be a useful place to mention any computer skills or hobbies that you haven’t had the chance to reference elsewhere in your CV. If you’ve learned a computer skill in your spare time, this is the ideal place to include it. It shows you’ve taken the initiative and dedicated your spare time to learning a skill that you can use in your career.

Cover letter

If computer skills are a key requirement for the role, you may also wish to mention them in your cover letter . Pick one or two of your most accomplished skills to emphasise in this part of your application. For guidance on how to write a strong cover letter, read our cover letter articles .

It’s almost always a good idea to mention computer skills somewhere on your CV, but for specialist computer-based roles, you’ll probably want to mention them throughout your document.

Dos and don’ts of adding Computer skills to your CV

Follow these quick tips to ensure you maximise the impact of your computer skills on your CV:

• Use each section of your CV to highlight useful computer skills
• Tailor the computer skills in your CV to every application, according to the job description
• Keep practising your computer skills to ensure you retain the knowledge
• Add to your digital skills by seeking training opportunities or learning in your leisure time
• Mention digital skills that aren’t relevant to the role
• Use unnecessary computer jargon where simple language will suffice
• Lie or exaggerate your computer skills
• Over-emphasise digital skills at the expense of valuable soft and transferable skills

Expert tip:

Depending on the emphasis of computer skills in the job description, consider adding a separate ‘computer skills’ section to your CV. Rather than adding your computer skills in the same section as your other hard skills, this gives more space and prominence to your digital skills in the document.

Key Takeaways for Adding Computer Skills to Your CV

For most jobs, it’s crucial to mention your digital skills on your CV. Consult the job description to understand how important computer skills are, and ensure your CV reflects this. Use every section to highlight different digital skills, and show how you’ve used these to make an impact. Jobseeker’s CV templates can help you craft a professional CV that showcases your digital skills and stands out from the crowd. Sign up today to access a wealth of resources, including cover letter templates . You can also read more about how to create a winning CV with our library of CV articles .

(1) BBC.com: Why ‘digital literacy’ is now a workplace non-negotiable

(2) National Skills Coalition: New Report: 92% of Jobs Require Digital Skills, One-Third of Workers Have Low or No Digital Skills Due to Historic Underinvestment, Structural Inequities

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How to Write an Outstanding SEO Resume (with Examples)

Find your new job.

Look for your perfect career match with the Jobillico job search!

Showcase your skills and highlight your experience by knowing how to write an outstanding SEO resume.

A strong resume goes a long way in helping you land that dream job. For SEO professionals in today’s competitive job hunt, a resume should go beyond simply listing your skills and experience. 

It’s about displaying your SEO ability and resonating with today’s potential employers. 

But, where do you start? 

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll provide practical tips and examples to help you craft an outstanding SEO resume so you can land that dream job. 

Let’s dive in. 

How to Craft an Outstanding SEO Resume

An SEO resume showcases your SEO skills, such as developing an effective SEO strategy, technical SEO, understanding site architecture and SEO tools, and more. 

To get hired, you need to do it right. Where do you start? 

1. Introduce Yourself with a Large, Bold Header

An outstanding SEO resume begins with a bold header introduction . Include your full name, job title or headline, contact details, and portfolio website (if available).

Take a look at the introduction of this SEO resume. Notice how prominent it is.

Image via Beamjobs 

2. Add a LinkedIn Profile 

A LinkedIn profile is necessary for any outstanding SEO resume. Having a profile on one of the world’s largest professional networking sites broadens your reach and increases your credibility significantly. 

Ensure it’s an open profile so anyone can message you directly, even if they’re not yet connected on LinkedIn. 

Create a strong profile that showcases your SEO expertise and accomplishments to boost your chances of getting noticed. It’s also a great way to generate leads on LinkedIn , especially for opportunities that may not be publicly advertised. 

3. Craft an Attention-Grabbing Career Summary

Your career summary is the first thing a hiring manager will read on your resume. It’s your chance to make a strong first impression and entice them to continue reading. 

Keep your summary concise and impactful. It should also focus on your most relevant SEO skills, experience, and achievements.

Take a look at this summary and how the professional concisely summarized their SEO skills. 

Image via Resume Genius 

4. Highlight Your Technical SEO Skills

This is where you showcase your technical skills , including any tools you’re proficient in and achievements demonstrating your SEO expertise. 

For instance, proficiency in using some of the top SEO auditing tools explored in the Attrock curated list can be a great asset. An outstanding SEO resume should always highlight such niche experiences.

The following is an example of an SEO manager’s resume listing their technical SEO skills and competencies. 

Image via Teal HQ

Listing your skills in SEO strategy and techniques optimizes your resume. It allows hiring managers to see at first glance if you possess the required skills as listed in the job description. 

5. Quantify Your Achievements

Numbers and metrics are powerful aspects of any outstanding SEO resume. 

Instead of simply listing your responsibilities or achievements, use quantifiable data to demonstrate the impact of your work . This could include a percentage increase in organic traffic and improved website conversion rates. 

Look at how this SEO pro quantifies their achievements to display the value they can bring to the organization.

Image via Resume Genius

6. Include Your Work Experience

Highlighting your work experience is crucial in creating an outstanding SEO resume. In this section, you can showcase your hands-on SEO expertise and achievement. 

Here’s what you can include here:

• Previous roles in reverse chronological order , including your job title, company name, employment dates, and a concise summary of your key responsibilities
• Quantitative data on your achievements to help demonstrate the tangible impact of your efforts
• Any specific SEO campaigns, strategies, or projects you’ve worked on
• A description of the challenges you faced and the solutions you implemented to help showcase your technical and problem-solving abilities

Take a look at how this SEO expert added their work experiences and how they quantified their achievements for each role.

Image via EnhanceCV

7. Add Educational Qualifications

While practical experience is paramount in SEO, educational qualifications can still boost an outstanding SEO resume. This section includes your academic background and commitment to professional development.

Here, you can include:

• Degrees and Diplomas : List your relevant degrees or diplomas, including the institution, graduation year, and major (if applicable). You can also include your expected graduation date if you’re still a student looking to enter the job market after graduation. 
• Relevant Workshops or Seminars : Participating in SEO-related workshops or seminars shows your initiative and desire to learn and improve continuously .
• Relevant Academic Projects or Achievements : Show your theoretical knowledge and potential for growth based on completed academic projects which are relevant to the industry you wish to enter.

This outstanding SEO resume is a great example of how you can include all your educational qualifications. 

Image via FreeCodeCamp

8. Other Sections To Include

In addition to your work experience and educational qualifications, you can include other sections to enhance your SEO resume’s overall strength and appeal. 

Consider adding the following:

• SEO-related courses, certifications, and licenses
• Awards and achievements for your SEO efforts
• SEO-related publications or speaking engagements
• Volunteer work or community involvement
• References from teachers, colleagues and peers

For instance, this SEO expert included several SEO-related courses and certifications in their resume.

9. Incorporate Keywords for ATS Optimization

Today’s potential employers, including 90% of Fortune 500 companies , use Applicant Tracking Systems ( ATS ). These tools manage and automate the recruitment process, including resume screening. 

These systems look for keywords in your resume that match the job description and requirements. Use keywords to ensure your outstanding SEO resume surpasses the ATS and reaches human eyes.

10. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job Opportunity

An outstanding SEO resume involves customization. It shouldn’t be generic. Instead, customize your resume for each job you apply for, even if you are a multi-talented SEO professional. 

Take a look at these two resume examples.

The first resume is tailored for an SEO copywriter. 

Image via QwikResume

Now, take a look at this other one that’s tailored for an SEO analyst. 

Go through the job description and requirements of the role you’re applying for. Adjust your resume to highlight skills , experience, and achievements that are relevant to the role.

Your resume is often the first impression a potential employer will have of you. 

Implement these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to creating an outstanding SEO resume that will get you noticed by hiring managers. 

All the best in your job hunt!

Reena Aggarwal

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