Competition for a job can be fierce these days, so you have to be armed with a head-turning resume that stands out if you want to get a job interview. No pressure, right?
Don’t worry! We‘ve got your back. Resume Now has hundreds of great resume examples to guide you through writing a resume that’ll convince hiring managers you’re the only one for the job.
Our professional resume examples come in various styles and can be used for most jobs, titles, industries and work experience levels. Use our resume samples along with our Resume Builder and you’ll be a resume genius in no time!
Pick an example resume below for some fresh resume ideas and learn how to:
Avoid common mistakes when writing a resume.
Showcase your most relevant skills.
Highlight your measurable achievements in your resume work history section.
Customize your resume for each job and fill out all resume sections appropriately.
Understand how to use a professional summary versus a resume objective.
Anatomy of a perfect resume example
A professional resume example always:
List contact details correctly. Always provide your name, phone number, email address and location at the top of your resume, as shown in our job resume example. Also ensure to add links to your LinkedIn profile and professional website or portfolio if you have them.
Use a professional summary or objective statement. As our example shows, a brief, three- to five-sentence resume summary or resume objective always goes right under the contact information.
List work experience in reverse-chronological order. The resume sample shown is a chronological resume example, but the functional and combination resume formats also display resume work history starting with an applicant’s most recent job. That way, employers can see at a glance what job applicants have done most recently.
Provide measurable achievements in the resume work history section. As you can see by our sample resume, bullet lists that emphasize measurable achievements have more impact than listing job descriptions.
Show a variety of resume skills. While an impressive resume work history section anchors a resume, a substantial resume skills section containing a mix of hard, soft and transferable skills can enhance a job seeker’s work credentials. The job applicant in our example of a resume made themself more marketable by highlighting their top strengths with a variety of skills that show they are well-rounded.
Include educational details, including school(s), degree(s) and course(s) of study. All resumes must have an education section, so look for professional resume examples that include one. The job candidate in our software engineering job resume example displays their degree and the school where they got it. If you did not receive a college degree or a high school diploma, you should still include this section on your resume. Include coursework relevant to your field, a degree-in-progress, and any other training you have received that is specific to the job. It’s best to create a separate designation for certifications and licenses if you have them, like in our work resume example.
Pro tip: Include a section for awards and honors, if applicable.
Creating a separate section on your resume for accolades works best if you have more than one to list and they are relevant to the industry or job you want. Awards and honors can come from various experiences, not just former positions, as you can see in our resume sample. Always list the award title first, the year(s) you received the honor, and a brief description.
Resume examples by industry and job title
We have great resume examples that cover a wide variety of industries, including:
How to use resume examples
The benefits of professional resume examples are numerous! They show which resume sections to include, how to format your information for maximum impact, and how to apply keywords to ensure you get noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and hiring managers.
Follow these tips to get the most from our sample resumes:
Choose an example of a resume that matches your industry and job title.
Study the sample for resume-writing best practices.
Pay particular attention to the resume’s formatting.
Jot down keywords and key phrases that match your own experience.
Look closely at the resume skills to help you narrow down your own.
Pick the appropriate resume format for your experience.
Choose a free downloadable resume template to get started crafting your resume.
Use our Resume Builder to build a resume quickly and easily.
More resume resources
But wait! — there’s more! Check out our rich library of free articles to learn how to create resumes that wow employers.
Resume-writing articles:
Don’t forget to write a cover letter! We’ve got lots of information to help you get started.
Cover letter-writing articles:
FAQ
What should I avoid when using an example of a resume?
Avoid copying from resume samples. Your resume must reflect what makes you uniquely qualified, and it should speak directly to the company and the position. You’re bound to get rejected otherwise.
How do I choose keywords to use in my resume?
Look at the job description closely to find keywords to use in your resume. Notice which skills and other qualifications in the job requirements match yours. If the employer lists “nice to have” credentials, then add those too because they will help you stand out even more. But be honest! Only choose words that genuinely reflect your employment history and skill set — chances are hiring managers will ask for details should you get an interview. Plus, your employer will expect you to put those qualifications to use if you get the job. Once you have a substantial list of keywords to use, study an example of a resume letter for guidance on how to place them in your resume sections.
How do I reflect a career change or gap on my resume?
Your resume format can help you explain a career change or a gap in your resume work history section. The functional resume format, for instance, works well for job seekers with employment gaps because it emphasizes resume skills over experience. It makes your qualifications clear to prospective employers before noticing inconsistencies in your job history.
Another way to address job changes or gaps when writing a resume is to explain them in a cover letter. In about three sentences or less, explain what you learned from your experience in a way that assures the hiring manager that you learned from it (if it’s a gap) or why you feel a new job path is right for you (if you seek a career change).
How can I make a resume that stands out?
There are many ways to build a resume that stands out, but pay particular attention to the following six:
Start with a professional resume example that matches your industry and desired job.
Use the correct resume format and design for your industry and goals.
Add quantifiable achievements, such as “Delivered an average of 45 meals per day on time and efficiently while maintaining excellent customer service.”
Use keywords from the job description without overdoing them.
Write a three-sentence professional resume summary or resume objective explaining who you are and what you can do for the prospective employer.
Proofread it so that it's error-free!
Do I need a cover letter?
Yes! You should always send a cover letter with your resume when you apply for a job unless explicitly told not to hand one in. Not only will it help you stand out but it’s also your chance to introduce yourself to the employer, explain any possible red flags on your resume (such as many short-term jobs), and show your personality. Plus, it lets you convey your enthusiasm for the job and tell the employer exactly why you want to work for them. We have many excellent cover letter examples to help you get started.
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