How to Write a Resume (Step-by-Step That Works)
In today’s job market, your resume is more than a formality — it’s your personal marketing document.
Updated Apr 2, 2025
Modern resumes must impress both Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and human recruiters, blending clean design with strategic keyword placement, measurable achievements, and clear formatting. This guide walks you through everything — from choosing the right format to writing each section — with practical examples and tips along the way.
What Is a Resume (and Why It Still Matters in 2025)
A resume is a concise, tailored summary of your work history, skills, and education designed to show employers why you’re a strong fit for a specific role. While digital portfolios and LinkedIn profiles have gained traction, the resume remains the core document most hiring managers rely on to make interview decisions.
In 2025, resumes have evolved to emphasize clarity, keyword optimization, and storytelling. They combine data and personality to communicate your value in seconds.
☝️ Pro Tip. For a deeper dive on when to use each type of document, see our cluster article: CV vs Resume: Key Differences in 2025.
Choose the Right Resume Format
The format you choose determines how recruiters and ATS software perceive your experience. The best format depends on your career stage, job goals, and work history.
For a complete breakdown, see Best Resume Format in 2025: Chronological vs Functional vs Hybrid.
Chronological Resume Format
Lists work experience from most recent to oldest.
Best for professionals with consistent career progression.
Clearly shows growth and promotions.
Functional Resume Format
Focuses on skills rather than job history.
Ideal for those with gaps in their work experience or professionals transitioning careers.
Highlights transferable expertise.
Combination (Hybrid) Resume Format
Blends skills-first approach with chronological experience.
Works well for senior-level professionals or technical roles.
Resume Structure: Key Sections That Matter
While layouts vary, every strong resume shares the same core elements. Below is a structure optimized for both ATS scanning and recruiter readability.
Contact Information
Keep it simple and professional. Include:
Full name
City and state (no full address required)
Phone number
Professional email address
LinkedIn profile or portfolio link (optional but highly recommended)
Example:
Avoid sharing personal details such as age, marital status, or a photo (unless required by regional regulations).
Resume Summary or Objective
This is your elevator pitch — 3–4 lines that quickly summarize your professional identity and value.
Summary Example (for experienced candidates):
“Results-driven Marketing Manager with 10+ years of experience leading cross-channel campaigns that increase brand visibility and ROI. Skilled in digital strategy, team leadership, and data-driven decision making.”
Objective Example (for entry-level or career changers):
“Motivated Computer Science graduate seeking a software development role where I can apply strong problem-solving skills and contribute to innovative projects.”
Pro Tip: Tailor this section for each job. Use keywords from the job description naturally.
Work Experience
This is the heart of your resume — where you prove impact through measurable results.
Structure for Each Role:
Job Title
Company Name, Location
Dates of Employment
3–6 bullet points highlighting achievements
Example:
Software Engineer | AzureTech | Austin, TX | 2019–Present
Led the migration of 12 enterprise applications to Microsoft Azure, improving system efficiency by 25%.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design cloud-based solutions serving 10K+ users.
Streamlined CI/CD pipelines, reducing deployment time by 30%.
Pro Tips:
Start each bullet with a strong action verb (e.g., developed, implemented, led, improved).
Focus on results and quantify wherever possible.
Avoid generic duties — emphasize impact.
Education
List your education in reverse-chronological order. Include degrees, institutions, and graduation years (optional for senior professionals).
Example:
B.S. in Computer Science
University of Illinois, 2019
For entry-level candidates, include coursework, GPA (if strong), or academic achievements.
Skills Section
Include 6–12 hard and soft skills relevant to the role. Separate into categories for clarity.
Example:
Technical Skills: Java, .NET, Azure, SQL, Kubernetes
Soft Skills: Leadership, Communication, Problem Solving
Pro Tip: Use skills that naturally match the job description naturally. This improves ATS ranking. For more ideas, see Resume Skills Section Guide: Top Hard and Soft Skills for 2025.
Optional Sections (If Relevant)
Depending on your background, you can add:
Certifications (e.g., PMP, AWS Certified Solutions Architect)
Projects (especially for tech, design, or students)
Volunteer Work
Awards or Publications
Only include these if they strengthen your application or align with the job.
Teanca Holt is a recruiting expert and digital content writer from Utah with over five years of experience helping people craft resumes that get noticed. At Wensa, she shares practical tips on writing, career growth, and landing the job you want.
