How to Write a College Resume + Templates | College Essay Guy (2024)

How to Write a College Resume + Templates | College Essay Guy (1)

Written by Alexis Allison, College Essay Guy Team

How do you sum up your life’s work on a single piece of paper?

First things first. Remember that you are not your college resume. You are a human being, not a human doing. If you don’t have a rockstar resume, that’s okay. Work with what you’ve got.

Now that we’ve got the touchy-feelies out of the way, let’s talk about how to write an amazing resume.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
  • How Important is the College Resume?
  • How Do I Pick a College Resume Template?
  • What Are The Most Important Parts of a College Resume Template?
    • Contact Information
    • Education
    • Experience
    • Awards and Honors
    • Skills
  • Finishing Touches
  • What do I do With My College Resume?

How Important is the resume for college?

Well, it depends.

In general, most colleges have a dedicated space on their application system called the Activities List where you will be able to list out all of the things you’ve been involved in outside of school. That section is your BEST place to share those details. Don’t skip it.

However, some colleges offer the option of submitting a separate, more traditional style resume. (Think PDF-style resume that you upload.)

If you feel like you’ve totally communicated all of the important details in your Activities List, you may not need to submit a separate resume. In fact, for many colleges, you may not even have the opportunity to upload a traditional PDF resume.

But if given that option, should you do it?

Some colleges strongly recommend that you submit a resume along with your application (see UT Austin’s policies for certain programs.) While others forbid it (see UVA’s FAQ section.) So be sure to check with individual colleges to see what they prefer.

However, keeping a professional resume on hand will serve you in a few other ways. How?

Your resume:

  1. Serves as a foundation for the Common App Activities List (or vice versa—see this post if you’ve already written your activities list).

  2. Gives teachers and counselors a framework for their letters of recommendation.

  3. Provides you with a list of ready-made talking points for an admissions interview.

  4. May inspire your Common App essay.

  5. Is a requirement for many scholarships or internship and employment opportunities (read: $$).

Finally, it’s like having your own business card. There’s a “professional cool” factor when you’ve got a slick resume to slap on someone’s desk.

Now, let’s make one.

For this post, we use examples from this resume template—but feel free to use any of the others linked below.

College Resume Templates:

College Resume Template #1: Microsoft Word or Google Docs

College Resume Template #2: Microsoft Word or Google Docs

College Resume Template #3: Microsoft Word or Google Docs

College Resume Template #4: Microsoft Word or Google Docs

College Resume Template #5: Microsoft Word or Google Docs

College Resume Template #6: Microsoft Word or Google Docs

Note: To use these example college resume templates yourself: Click on the link, go to "File" > "Make a copy..." > "Ok"

We also recommend checking out some of Canva’s ready-to-use, customizable resume templates. Choosing the right template is kind of like choosing the right outfit for an interview. You want it to look sharp and feel like you. Ultimately, though, the outfit (or template) doesn’t guarantee success—it’s how you rock what you’ve got that matters the most.

For whichever template you choose, make sure you do the following: Go to File > Make a copy, and copy the document to your Google Drive.

Read along and make it your own!

How do I Pick a College Resume Template?

You’ve heard it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Well, when it comes to college resume templates, looks matter too. Think of the resume like your first impression.

Here are some things to consider when it comes to format and design.

  1. (Don’t) Give ‘em Helvetica. Choose a serif font. What’s a serif font? It’s a font with little feet at the bottom of each letter, like Times New Roman. The opposite of a serif font is a sans-serif font, like Helvetica—no feet, see? A serif font looks a little more traditional and professional on a resume.

  2. Create a style for each level of information. Bold or capitalize headings. Use italics or underline if you’d like. Make use of bullet points. The key here is consistency. There’s not one right way—just choose a style and stick to it.

  3. Commit to one page. Your concision will gain you brownie points from college admissions counselors who’ve read one too many applications.

  4. Respect white space. Leave the document’s margins at 1 inch. Keep a space between each section. White space is both a useful design tool and gentle on the reader’s eyes.

How to Write a College Resume + Templates | College Essay Guy (3)

Use this one. Ex: Times New Roman

How to Write a College Resume + Templates | College Essay Guy (4)

Don’t use these. Ex: Helvetica

How to write the college resume:

Here are 5 things you need for your college resume:

  1. Relevant contact information

  2. Detailed education history + test scores

  3. Experiences (think “Activities List”!)

  4. Awards/honors

  5. Additional skills

I recommend sharing those details in this order, from top to bottom: contact information, education, experience and skills. If you’ve received honors and awards, you’ll have a separate section for those, too—but not all of us are that cool.

1. Contact Information

Include the following:

  1. Your name. If you go by a nickname, use the name that’s attached to your college application—again, consistency is key.

  2. A professional email that you check regularly. If you don’t have one, make one. If you’re still using ZendayaLover99 from middle school, it’s time to make a change—for everyone’s sake.

  3. Your cell phone number.

It might look something like this:

John Smith

john.smith@gmail.com

123-456-7891

2. Education

This section requires a little more work. Include the following:

  1. High School Name, City, STATE (start year – end year).

  2. GPA, weighted and unweighted.

  3. Best test scores (ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests, AP).

  4. Relevant coursework. This section allows you to show off any extra classes you’ve taken in high school that reflect an interest in your major. So, if you want to be a doctor and you’ve taken Anatomy, add it!

Here’s a sample:

North Shore High School, Somewhere, TX (2015-2019)

GPA: Weighted: 3.6 / Unweighted: 3.2

SAT: 1200

ACT: 30

Relevant Coursework: Advanced Journalism, Desktop Publishing, Multimedia Graphics

3. Experience

Remember those kids who started random clubs like underwater basket-weaving just so they could write “Club President” on their resumes? Even if the club never met? Right.

This section is your chance to show that you’re different, because it’s more than just your responsibilities. It’s also about your accomplishments. What’s the difference?

Responsibilities vs. Accomplishments

Maybe the underwater basket-weaving club president was responsible for hosting meetings, planning events and organizing a fundraiser. But if she didn’t actually accomplish any of those things, she can’t add them to her resume. So consider both your responsibilities and accomplishments, whether in a club, on a team, at a job, through a service project, etc. and then think of those accomplishments in terms of numbers.

Why numbers matter

Numbers give context and scale, plus they can help you stand out. Here’s what we mean:

Say you’re the editor of your school’s newspaper. Think back to how many papers you’ve published. How many articles? How many meetings have you led? How many students in each meeting? Say you babysit neighborhood kids. How many kids? How old are they? How often do you babysit? For how long each time? Maybe you work at a coffee shop. How many shifts per week? How many hours per shift? How many people do you serve on average each shift? Maybe you’re the team captain for your lacrosse team. How many warm-ups do you lead each week? For how many teammates? Do you lead team study sessions to help keep everyone’s grades up? How often?

Use strong active verbs

Once you’ve got the numbers, think of active verbs that describe exactly what you did. Here’s your chance to show that you’ve led, managed, organized, created, problem-solved, budgeted, maintained, coached, produced, written, presented, scheduled, built, developed, traveled, bought, bid, sold, delivered, etc.

Some tips for organizing the Experiences section of your college resume:

  1. List experiences in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent activities and working backward.

  2. For each activity, list the organization/business (even if it’s just your school), location, your position, and the dates of experience. The dates show much you’ve invested in that activity.

  3. Avoid first person. Instead of saying “I managed,” just say “managed.”

  4. Keep verb tenses consistent. So, if you’re still participating in the activity, use present-tense verbs. If you’re not, use past-tense verbs.

Want a huge list of verbs you can use to perfectly describe your experiences? Boom, here you go.

Need help thinking about your experiences?

Sit down with a parent, guardian, teacher who knows you well, or good friend, and ask them to help you remember what you’ve done.

Note that “experiences” can include lots of things. Don’t sell yourself short; even taking care of your younger siblings could count (if you’ve spent significant time and energy!).

Other ideas for your Experiences section:

  1. Taking care of an elderly neighbor.

  2. Volunteering at your house of worship.

  3. Organizing weekly pick-up basketball in your neighborhood.

  4. Working on your parent’s/friend’s car.

  5. Organizing a fantasy football league in your class.

  6. Serving on the board or council for an organization/group.

  7. Taking summer art classes.

  8. Selling homemade crafts on eBay.

  9. Teaching your little sister to play the guitar.

  10. Writing a regular blog about baking cakes.

  11. Showing pigs through your local 4-H troupe.

  12. Competing in local beauty pageants.

Click here for a list of other activities you may not have consideredbut that count.

4. Awards and Honors

Think of this section as your trophy case on paper. Maybe your essay last year received second prize in the school-wide writing competition, or your science fair project or miniature pony got you best-in-show. Maybe you’re an Eagle Scout and you earned all 137 merit badges (yes, it’s possible!). Maybe your ball-handling skillz got you Most Improved Player on your JV basketball team.

Get this: you can also include if you were selected for something. (Examples: “1 of 200 students selected to serve as student/admin liaison” or “1 of 4 students chosen to represent our school at the national conference.”)

And, as with the Experiences section, take the time to give a brief, specific summary that captures just how awesome you are. Make sure to do this:

  1. Include the name of the award and, if it’s obscure—or only someone from your town would recognize it—briefly describe what it is.

  2. List the organizations involved, your position and the date you received the award (month and year works).

  3. Be specific and use numbers. First place out of how many schools/teams/participants?

  4. Avoid using “I.”

4. Skills

This final section should be short and sweet, like a toddler eating a cupcake.

What are skills? Anything you can do that could be relevant for college or your major. If you’re hoping to study theater and you can do the Daffy Duck voice or know how to swing dance, include a few gems! These often create great conversation starters for an interview, for example.

Tips for writing the Skills section of your college resume:

  1. Avoid cliches like “punctual,” “passionate,” “organized,” “hard-working,” “team-player.” These days everyone and their mother is a punctual, passionate, organized, hard-working team-player.

  2. Instead, focus especially on computer and language skills. Modern employers lurve ‘em

    1. If you’re a Google Drive maven, add “Google Apps for Work”

    2. If you can rock Word, Powerpoint and Excel, add “Microsoft Office Suite”

    3. If you know how to hack or code, include it.

    4. If you’ve taken Spanish I, include it. If you’re studying Arabic through Rosetta Stone, or High Valyrian through Duolingo, include it!

  3. Some examples of other skills you might include:

  • Sports-related skills

  • Technical skills (welding, fixing cars, construction, computer repair, etc.)

  • Data analysis skills

  • Communication or teaching skills

  • Writing skills (Maybe you can create comics, or write screenplays or newspaper articles; maybe you know AP style or APA style like the back of your hand—include it!)

  • Speech and debate skills

  • Artistic skills (Which mediums can you work with? With which types of paint do you thrive?)

  • Interpretation/translation skills (This goes beyond just speaking a language!)

  • Musical proficiencies (Can you read music? Play five instruments? Sight-read?)

Keep going on the Skills section until it starts to feel ridiculous. Or until you’ve listed, say, 8-10 max, whichever comes first. How do you know if it’s starting to get ridiculous? Give it to at least one person (but no more than three) to edit before you send it out.

NEXT STEp: STAY AHEAD BY GETTING FAMILIAR WITH COLLEGE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Finishing Touches

Save your resume as a PDF with a professional, clear title. Include your name and the word “Resume.” Avoid titles like “asdjks.pdf” or “Resume.pdf,” which can come across as unprofessional or confusing. Remember, details matter.

Example: JohnSmith_NYU_Resume.pdf

  1. Don’t write, “References available on request.” It sounds nice, but whoever reads your resume knows to contact you if he or she needs references, so it’s just wasted space.

  2. Don’t include an “Objective.” They know your objective is to get into college, get a job/scholarship/internship. Anything more specific will come across in your essays and interviews.

How to submit your resume for college applications

You’ve got a slick digital resume. Now what?

If you’ve decided it makes sense to share your resume with colleges beyond what you’re sharing in your resume, you can typically do so within each school’s application system.

The Common App typically lets schools decide whether or not to offer an upload function within each colleges individual supplemental section.

If you can afford it and plan to do interviews in person, go to your local office supply store and buy some thick, white or off-white resume paper. Grab a professional-looking folder while you’re at it (no folders with kittens or polka-dots). Print 10 or so copies to keep on hand. When you ask teachers for letters of recommendation, give them a copy. When you walk into an interview, whether it’s for college or a job, bring a copy for every interviewer. Hand one to your significant other’s parents! J/K.

Finally, keep your resume updated. As you gain new experience, skills and awards, add them! If you stay on top of your resume, sending it out in will be a snap (after all, you’ll be in college—you’ve got better things to do).

How to Write a College Resume + Templates | College Essay Guy (6)

More Resources

Already written your Activities List and want to turn it into a resume? Here’s how.

Want to see some other college resume templates? Feast your eyes.

Check out my free one-hour guide

Check out my pay-what-you-can course

How to Write a College Resume + Templates | College Essay Guy (2024)

FAQs

How do you format a college application essay? ›

> Format Your Document
  1. Margins: Use a 1” margin on all sides.
  2. Line Spacing: Use a 1.5 or double line spacing. ...
  3. Paragraphs: Indent the first line of each paragraph with a tab.
  4. Fonts: Use a standard, easy-to-read font like Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri in 12-pt type.

How many paragraphs should a college essay be? ›

There is no set number of paragraphs in a college admissions essay. College admissions essays can diverge from the traditional five-paragraph essay structure that you learned in English class. Just make sure to stay under the specified word count.

Which resume template is best for college students? ›

The most common resume format for a college student is “functional” or “skill-based”, which allows the hiring manager to immediately see the benefits in hiring you. We recommend college students starting with this format.

What should you not put on a college resume? ›

Don't include on college resumes:

Unrelated details of any variety. Bad job/internship experiences that will reflect poorly on you. Irrelevant padding on any relevant content.

Can a resume be 2 pages for college? ›

Yes, your resume can be two pages if you have a lot of relevant information to put on your resume, like work experience, certifications, educational details, and skills. It's acceptable to use a two page resume if making it one page would hurt your chances of landing an interview by omitting essential qualifications.

How do I make my college essay stand out? ›

Tips for a Stellar College Application Essay
  1. Write about something that's important to you. ...
  2. Don't just recount—reflect! ...
  3. Being funny is tough. ...
  4. Start early and write several drafts. ...
  5. No repeats. ...
  6. Answer the question being asked. ...
  7. Have at least one other person edit your essay. ...
  8. Test Your College Knowledge.

What should you avoid in a college application essay? ›

15 Topics to Avoid in Your College Essays
  • Inappropriate Topics.
  • A Rehash of Your Activities List and Transcripts.
  • Relationships, Romance, and Breakups.
  • Writing About Your Hero.
  • The Sports Story.
  • Tragedies.
  • Highly Personal Topics.
  • Controversial Topics: Politics, Religion, and More.
6 Oct 2022

What is a good hook for a college essay? ›

Start with Quotations. You can use two types of quotes here: literary citations and inspirational quotes from famous people or influencers in the field. A literary quote would be a perfect hook for your application essay, while quoting influencers helps to support an argument you represent in your paper.

Should you title your college essay? ›

Every essay should have a title that relates to the essay thesis. In this example, the title explains to the reader that the essay will discuss the functions of the Green Man theme in medieval art. Titles should be centered.

Can you say your name in your college essay? ›

Finally, remember that personal names are acceptable when writing your college essay. However, keep in mind that you should follow the rules and practice good essay writing manners when writing an essay.

Is 700 words a lot in college essay? ›

Rarely will you see a word limit higher than around 650 words (over one single-spaced page). College essays are usually pretty short: between 150 and 650 words. Admissions officers have to read a lot of them, after all! Weigh your words carefully, because they are limited!

Should you put GPA on resume? ›

Putting a GPA on a resume is optional (most of the time). List your GPA if the employer requires you to. Add your GPA if it's equal or higher than 3.5. Consider putting your GPA only if you have under 3 years of experience.

How can I spice my college resume? ›

Emphasize your education and honors/awards received in college. Take advantage of the many opportunities college gives to you and use those to spice up your resume. Make your resume job/internship application-specific. Include extracurriculars, volunteer experiences, certifications, and publications, if you have any.

What resume template is most successful? ›

In 99% of the cases, we'd recommend going with a reverse-chronological resume format. In 2022, it's the most common and useful format: Applicant tracking systems can read it without any problems. All recruiters and hiring managers are familiar with this format.

What are 3 items that should not go into a resume? ›

11 things not to put on your resume
  • Too much information. ...
  • A solid wall of text. ...
  • Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. ...
  • Inaccuracies about your qualifications or experience. ...
  • Unnecessary personal information. ...
  • Your age. ...
  • Negative comments about a former employer. ...
  • Too many details about your hobbies and interests.

What words should you never use on a resume? ›

Never Use These 5 Words or Phrases in Your Resume
  • “Hard Worker” Sure enough, you are a hard worker. ...
  • “Creative” “If you were creative you would find a less vague word to phrase it,” says Samantha Engman, content strategist and career specialist behind Bid4Papers. ...
  • “Expert” ...
  • “Responsible” ...
  • “Dynamic”
17 Aug 2018

What are 3 things you should not put on your resume? ›

Certain personal details are unnecessary to put on your resume and could even send the wrong message.
...
Don't include:
  • Your marital status.
  • Sexual orientation.
  • Religious or political affiliations.
  • Social security number.
  • Anything else that a prospective employer can't ask about.

Should I put references on my resume? ›

Do not include references on a resume unless an employer asks you to. Look for alternative methods of spotlighting a former employer's endorsement, like a recommendation letter. Never include professional references without first checking with each person you list. If you do include references, list three of them.

Should a resume have a picture? ›

Should you include a picture on your resume in 2021? No, you shouldn't include a picture on your resume if you're applying for work in the US, UK, or Canada. Many employers from these countries will reject applications with photos on them to avoid being accused of discrimination or bias in the hiring process.

How long should my college resume be? ›

The short answer is that a college student's resume should usually be one page, with some exceptions. Longer answer: This will depend on your background, the purpose of your document (job or internship search, or grad school application), and the industry on which you're focusing.

What are the 7 college essay prompts? ›

Tackling the Common App Essay Prompts
  • Prompt #1: Share your story.
  • Prompt #2: Learning from obstacles.
  • Prompt #3: Challenging a belief.
  • Prompt #4: Solving a problem.
  • Prompt #5: Personal growth.
  • Prompt #6: What captivates you?
  • Prompt #7: Topic of your choice.
  • Describe a person you admire.

What do colleges want to hear essays? ›

The context that admissions officers are looking for could be anything about you that differentiates you from other students. It could include your ethnic or socioeconomic background, your values, your passions, or anything else that sets you apart from your peers.

How do I make my college essay stand out at least 6 tips? ›

To make your college essay stand out, consider these expert tips.
...
  1. Choose a Thoughtful Title. ...
  2. Jump Right In. ...
  3. Don't Be Afraid to Use Humor. ...
  4. Use Specific Examples. ...
  5. Channel Your Most Unusual Passions. ...
  6. Be Vulnerable and Authentic. ...
  7. Draw Connections.

Is it OK to talk about depression in a college essay? ›

It is okay to write about mental illness and Depression in your college essay as long as it proves that you're a suitable student. Thus, you should be asking yourself, “how does my experience with mental illness or Depression make me a strong candidate?”

What are the most common mistakes when writing the college essay? ›

Poor Presentation & Proofreading

One of the most common mistakes students make when writing their college essays is failing to reread their writing. Looking out for basic spelling and grammatical errors and having someone else read it is one of the best ways to notice mistakes.

How long does it take to write a college essay? ›

While timelines will differ depending on the student, plan on spending at least 1–3 weeks brainstorming and writing the first draft of your college admissions essay, and at least 2–4 weeks revising across multiple drafts.

Do you introduce yourself in a college essay? ›

A college essay is absolutely a way to introduce yourself to the college, but it shouldn't be taken so literally. Rewriting your application in the form of an essay is a waste of valuable time, for both you and the college admissions officer. Instead, focus on a unique way to introduce yourself.

How do you start a college essay about yourself? ›

To get started, check out these 9 tips on how to write an essay about yourself:
  1. Create a List of Questions. ...
  2. Brainstorm and Outline. ...
  3. Be Vulnerable. ...
  4. Use Personal Examples. ...
  5. Write in the First Person. ...
  6. Don't Be Afraid to Show Off…But Stay on Topic! ...
  7. Show Personality. ...
  8. Know Your Audience.
14 Jan 2020

What are 3 types of hooks that can be used in essay writing? ›

  • 5 Types of Hooks to Grab Readers' Attention. “The best writers hook their readers with voice, not just action.” — Stephen King. ...
  • Rhetorical question. ...
  • Provocative or strong statement. ...
  • Shocking fact or statistic. ...
  • Story or personal experience. ...
  • Quotation.
7 Jul 2020

What makes you a strong candidate for college essay? ›

A reader should be able to learn about at least some of the following: your passions, feelings, perspectives, values, your defeats and/or accomplishments. College essays should also demonstrate your ability to think and organize your thoughts. Above all… make sure you choose a topic you care about.

How do I make my college application stand out? ›

If you want to make your college application stand out memorably, take a look at these 16 tips.
  1. Choose Your High School Classes With Intention. ...
  2. Strive for Good Grades. ...
  3. Tell the Story of Who You Are. ...
  4. Participate in Extracurricular Activities. ...
  5. Volunteer. ...
  6. Keep Accurate Records. ...
  7. Manage Your Social Media Presence.

Do college essays matter? ›

Even if the rest of your profile makes you a top candidate for competitive colleges, your essay always matters. In fact, your essay could end up hurting an application for an otherwise strong candidate if it appears hastily written or not well thought-out.

Should you avoid saying I in an essay? ›

Avoiding “I” can lead to awkwardness and vagueness, whereas using it in your writing can improve style and clarity. Using personal experience, when relevant, can add concreteness and even authority to writing that might otherwise be vague and impersonal.

Is it OK to name drop in a college essay? ›

It will only significantly increase the likelihood of rejection. Name dropping in college essays is one of the items on our checklist of things that will make rejection exceedingly likely.

Does my college essay have to be exactly 500 words? ›

If your institution doesn't provide a specific word count, it's best to keep your essay between the length established by the longer college admissions essay format: 250 to 650 words. Word count is just one factor to consider as you craft your college admissions essay.

What happens if you go over the word limit on university essay? ›

Being over the word limit on your college essay is a great problem to have. All writing requires revision, and almost all revision entails condensing.

Is a 1000 word college essay too long? ›

Is 1000 words too long for a college essay? Yes, we don't think that college students will ever need to write such long essays. The average college essay word count is 550-650 words, whereas minimun length is 150 words.

How long does it take to write a 1000 word college essay? ›

The writing time for a 1,000-word essay varies depending on the type of essay. You could say that it takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours to write most 1000 word college essays.

What is the lowest GPA to put on a resume? ›

While there's no clear-cut rule that dictates when to include your GPA, most career experts say to only keep it on a resume if it's over 3.5.

What are the five parts of a resume? ›

Typically, a resume will include the following parts:
  • Header. Include your name, full address, phone number and email. ...
  • Professional Objective (optional) This is a phrase or sentence that highlights your intentions and accomplishments. ...
  • Qualifications Summary (optional) ...
  • Education. ...
  • Experience. ...
  • References.

Should I put my address on my resume? ›

Should you put your address on your resume? It's optional. In certain situations, including it could be helpful, but leaving it out won't get you rejected. Put the city and zip code of the employer in your professional summary if you're really concerned about being rejected by the ATS.

What are 4 common resume mistakes? ›

Common resume mistakes and how to avoid them
  • Including a resume objective instead of a professional profile.
  • Unrelated work experience.
  • Not providing enough detail.
  • No references or too many references.
  • Irrelevant skills to the job role.
  • Using the same resume for all your applications.
  • Outdated or missing contact information.

What are the 5 common resume mistakes? ›

Here are just a few of the most common CV mistakes, according to five employers.
  • Having spelling errors and bad grammar. ...
  • Exaggerating the truth. ...
  • Poor formatting. ...
  • An unoriginal personal profile. ...
  • Not focusing on your achievements. ...
  • Making your CV too long. ...
  • Putting the wrong contact information.

What does a good resume for college look like? ›

Your resume should give undergraduate admissions committees a brief rundown of your grades, past jobs, awards, leadership activities and presentation skills, and creative capabilities like music, art, writing, or interpersonal skills.

What are the 3 most important things to look for in a resume? ›

Including the most important parts of a resume is crucial to providing potential employers with an in-depth outline of your qualifications, experience and education. Commonly suggested parts are your contact information, resume profile or summary, experience, education and skills.

What is the best resume format to use in 2022? ›

1. Reverse-Chronological Resumes. The most widely used resume format among job seekers today, reverse-chronological resumes are also probably the easiest for recruiters and hiring managers to understand at a glance—which is itself an advantage.

What are the 3 formats of resume? ›

There are three common resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination. The table below describes and gives the pros and cons of each. Use it to decide which is best for you.

What is the correct resume format? ›

There are 3 common resume formats - reverse-chronological, functional, and combination (or, hybrid). The reverse-chronological format is the most popular one in 2022, and we always recommend you to go with that one.

What is the Harvard resume format? ›

Make it easy to read and follow, balancing white space. Use consistent spacing, underlining, italics, bold, and capitalization for emphasis. List headings (such as Experience) in order of importance. Within headings, list information in reverse chronological order (most recent first)

Which are red flags on a resume? ›

10 resume red flags to look out for when you're hiring
  • Spelling, grammar, and punctuation issues. ...
  • Poor formatting. ...
  • Failure to follow directions. ...
  • Lack of customization. ...
  • Unexplained employment gaps. ...
  • Regression or lack of progression. ...
  • Multiple career changes. ...
  • Unprofessional social media presence.
21 Jan 2022

What should resumes look like in 2022? ›

Reverse Chronological Format

The reverse-chronological work history format is the most common and is especially ideal for anyone who's on a traditional career trajectory. It lists your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your current engagement and ending with your first job.

What is the best resume format 2022? ›

1. Reverse-Chronological Resumes. The most widely used resume format among job seekers today, reverse-chronological resumes are also probably the easiest for recruiters and hiring managers to understand at a glance—which is itself an advantage.

What are the 5 golden rules of resume writing? ›

The 5 Golden Rules of CV Writing
  • Rule 1: Think Before You Type. ...
  • Rule 2: Write Your Professional Profile Last. ...
  • Rule 3: Summarise Your Responsibilities. ...
  • Rule 4: Make Achievements Your Key Area of Focus. ...
  • Rule 5: Write For Your Reader.

What are the 7 important sections of a resume? ›

Typically, a resume will include the following parts:
  • Header. Include your name, full address, phone number and email. ...
  • Professional Objective (optional) This is a phrase or sentence that highlights your intentions and accomplishments. ...
  • Qualifications Summary (optional) ...
  • Education. ...
  • Experience. ...
  • References.

What are the top 5 tips for a resume? ›

5 Tips to Building a Great Resume
  • Use real estate wisely. Cut the clutter in both appearance and content. ...
  • Focus on relevant experience. ...
  • Ditch the objective statement. ...
  • Highlight accomplishments instead of job duties. ...
  • Don't ignore the basics.

How do I make my resume stand out Harvard? ›

Resumes communicate who you are and what you have accomplished.
...
Here are some suggestions to make the format stand out positively:
  1. Use 10-12-point font or larger. ...
  2. Use a clean, professional-looking font. ...
  3. Use respectable margins. ...
  4. Use adequate spacing.
  5. Abbreviate months of employment.
  6. Include proper contact information.

How do I make my resume catchy? ›

7 Simple But Effective Ways to Make Your CV Stand Out
  1. Start strong. Start with a summary of your skills and key accomplishments. ...
  2. Emphasize results rather than responsibilities. ...
  3. Customize for the job you want. ...
  4. Highlight changes and growth. ...
  5. Demonstrate that you are connected. ...
  6. Show industry insight. ...
  7. Use power words.

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