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How to Create a Resume Using Canva

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I couldn't imagine using reddit without these 9 features, pegasus email scams are hitting inboxes: here's how to avoid them, key takeaways.

• Canva is a user-friendly platform that offers options for creating a resume, including starting from scratch or using a template.
• The process of creating a resume on Canva involves selecting a design, customizing the background, choosing elements like shapes and graphics, adding text, and filling out sections.
• Canva also allows users to add links or other visual elements to their resume and provides the option to group elements for easy editing and organization.

Creating a resume is a time-consuming, yet important process—especially if you’re starting from scratch. Luckily, there are online design platforms that can help you achieve the perfect resume for the job.

Canva is a great resource to use for any style of resume you’re looking to create, especially since you have options during the building process. You can start from a blank canvas or fill out a template with your information.

In this article, you’ll learn how to create a resume using Canva, either by starting from scratch, or with a template.

Creating a Resume on Canva From Scratch

Canva's user-friendly platform makes it simple to navigate and easy to build a document, even if you're starting with a blank page. Feel free to dig into a few more tips to get the most out of Canva once you're ready to elevate your design. But first, let's nail the basics.

Here's how to create a resume on Canva.

1. Start With a New Page

On Canva’s main page, go to Create a Design and type in Resume . Several types of resumes will appear in the search. Make sure to click on Resume with the measurements of 8.5 x 11 in.

2. Change the Background

Blank designs start with a white page on Canva’s Editor page . If you want to change the color, click Background Color towards the top left-hand corner of your workspace. This will bring up a list of colors that you can use.

You can also click the + icon to bring up the Color Picker , to give you an even bigger range of options.

3. Choose Your Elements

Next, click on the Elements tab to find the shapes and graphics. Be aware that elements with a crown on them aren't free as they are part of the benefits of the Canva Pro subscription .

Using a basic shape to emphasize your resume is always a safe choice, we're going to pick one to use in the top corner of our resume. To find these shapes, go to Elements > Shapes > See All . Choose a shape that you think helps accentuate your resume.

If you can’t find one you like, you can always type in a shape name in the search bar. The shape will appear under the headings Shapes, Graphics, Photos, and more.

Make sure to alter the size if need be. You don’t want anything too large that takes over the design. If you want to change the color, use your color picker in the top left-hand corner of your workspace to do so. You can see how the shape is arranged in the next step.

4. Add Your Header

After you're done adding any Elements, click on the Text tab. You'll see several different ways to insert written content into your resume.

Canva creates heading/subheading combos for different types of documents. Plus you can also choose to insert a heading, subheading, or body text individually.

If you click on a heading/subheading combo, you’ll find it's too big for the header. It’ll also be in the wrong spot. To fix this, click on one of the anchor points of the text box and drag that point inwards. Once it's the right size, position your mouse over the text box, click and hold, then move the box to the right spot.

When you move the text box, you might see pink lines pop up in different positions. These pink lines are guides to help you line up your text with the shapes on your page.

To change the alignment of your text from centered to left-justified, click on the Alignment button to see a menu with the different options.

To change the font, click on the text you want to adjust—no highlighting is needed. Then, click on the font drop-down menu in the top left-hand corner. Pick a font from the choices available.

To change the text to say something different, click inside the box and start typing.

5. Add Your Professional Profile

Having a professional profile is very important for your resume. Make it a quick, one-to-two-sentence blurb for why you're awesome and why you should be hired.

To add your own, click Add a Subheading in the Text tab. Rename the subheading to "Professional Profile" or something meaningful to your industry. Choose a clear font and then position the text box on the page under your heading.

Next, click on Add a little bit of body text . This will open up a new text box where you can fill out your profile. Once done, position it beneath the “Professional Profile” subheading.

If you're not sure where to begin writing, you can try some of these tips for writing a resume headline that gets noticed .

6. Add a Divider

After your professional profile, you may want to add a graphic element to separate your profile from the rest of the resume.

To create one, go to Elements > Shapes > Lines and find the line you want to use. Something simple and non-obtrusive is recommended, so it doesn't draw attention away from the top of the page. Reposition it and change the size and color as needed.

7. Fill Out Your Sections

Next is filling out the different sections of your resume. List your contact details, accomplishments, work history, and education. Just make sure not to list things you don’t need on a resume .

To add the text boxes, follow the same instructions for creating text as the last step.

An easy way to keep your formatting the same across each section is to copy the subheading and body text from the professional profile. Once copied, just change the text inside the box.

8. Add Links or Other Visual Interest

Most of the time, you want your resume to be simple, so it’s easy to read. However, if you’re applying online, adding visuals to your online resume can be a nice touch. If you don't have any visual material that's relevant, including a few links can be incredibly useful (e.g. links to your portfolio, previous publications, or personal website etc.)

Adding a link to your resume in Canva is easy. After creating a new section titled “Links”, and typing the info you want, click on the words you want the link to be attached to. When the text box is highlighted, a three-dot icon will also appear. Click on the three dots, select Link , enter the URL, and press Enter .

9. Revise Your Resume and Group the Elements

Always make sure to check for grammar or visual errors. Learning how to proofread your resume will ensure you create a professional document.

"Grouping" means that separate elements on your page will be read as a unit. In Canva specifically, this means that you can edit each item by itself, but move the elements as one unit across the page. This is helpful if you want to tweak your design but keep individual sections organized.

To group items, click and drag over the elements you want to group until their bounding boxes show up in purple. Once they are selected, click on Group .

Make any final adjustments to the look of your resume and your finished.

Creating a Resume on Canva Using a Template

Not everyone has the time to build a resume from scratch, or perhaps they don't feel like being particularly creative. If that's the case for you, creating a resume using one of Canva's templates is the way to go.

1. Select a Template

Crafting a resume from a template is an incredibly easy process compared to creating one from scratch. On Canva’s main page, type Resume into the search bar and press Enter .

The next page will have thousands of resume templates to choose from—some even come with a cover letter template. Select one that you think will work for you and click Customize This Template .

2. Fill Out the Template With Your Information

Each template comes equipped with different sections that you’ll need to fill out. Just like creating a resume from scratch, if you click on the text box, you’ll be able to edit as you go.

If you find that some aspects of the resume don't fit the style of resume you’re trying to build, you do have the option of deleting or moving sections. Remember, all templates are completely customizable.

If you have to move a full section for any reason, even to a different page, it would be much easier to group the section first, then move it. Refer to step nine above for how to group a section.

Create a One-of-a-Kind Resume on Canva

Canva is a great platform to use for all your creative needs—even when it comes to building your resume. It doesn’t matter what your skill level is either. You have the option of simply choosing a template and inserting your information or creating a resume from a blank canvas.

Next time you’re job hunting, try using Canva on the desktop or the mobile app to create your most appealing resume yet.

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• Resume & CV

20+ Best Free Canva Resume CV Templates to Download for 2024

Do you need to make a resume but lack design skills? During a job hunt, your resume must look professional and leave a good impression on the hiring manager.

So how do you make a resume without design skills? Use a template!

Canva is a place where people design free and premium templates. So, does Canva have resume templates? Absolutely!

Using a template can help you save time. Because designing a resume from scratch can be difficult and take a lot of time. A template is already designed to look professional and impressive. Just find the template that suits you, download it, and add information.

What to Look for in a Resume Template

Before choosing a resume template, knowing what to look for can be helpful. Here are five things to look for:

1. Decide Your Goal

When considering what template you use, decide your goal when writing your resume. Depending on your goals, you may wish to vary what template you choose.

For example, if you’re applying to a creative job like graphic designer, you want a resume that showcases your work and creativity. But a resume that works for a creative field wouldn’t work for a corporate job.

2. Analyze the Company

After deciding on your goal, research the company you’re applying to. Look at the company culture and values to know what kind of company it is. If the company is modern and positive, consider a resume that reflects that. It’s also important to consider the position that you’re applying to. For example, if you’re applying for a job analyzing data, then have a data-driven resume template.

3. Consider Layout Options

There are several different resume template layout options that you can choose from. When deciding which layout, consider the research you’ve done on the company you’re applying to. Here are the different layout options:

• Traditional . This resume type has standard fonts like Times New Roman or Courier. Also, it's got one color and doesn’t have a border or graphics. Typically, they've got a single column and have the applicant’s name and contact information in the header at the top of the document. Below the header are the experience, education, certifications, and other information.
• Creative . This resume type has columns, charts, patterns, borders, and colorful graphics. In addition, this resume type can use multiple font types and sizes.
• Modern . The modern resume is a mix of traditional and creative resumes. The goal is that your resume be easy to read and scan. Generally, this template has two columns containing basic information, history, and experience. These templates typically have colors, hard lines, and geometric shapes. But the colors and shapes are muted or used to separate columns and subheadings.
• Functional . This resume focuses on the applicant’s skills and abilities because it's got the skills and goals at the top of the template.
• Chronological . In this resume template style, the most recent experience is listed at the top of the section, then the past experiences are below. The goal is to showcase your recent experience.

4. Determine What Meets Your Needs

Most templates can be customized to suit your needs. But you still want to choose a template that covers most of your needs. Here are some resume features to consider when deciding what meets your needs:

• single or double columns
• muted shapes or colorful shapes
• skills or graphs
• resume photo

5. Choose an Introduction

Resume introductions are the hiring manager's first impression of the applicant. So, you want it to be impressive and represent you well. There are three different types of introductions that you can use. Here are the three types of introductions.

• Summary . This is a two to three-sentence summary of your educational accomplishments and work experiences. It showcases your qualifications and skills.
• Objective . The resume objective is a summary of your professional goals. This can range from two to three sentences. The goal is to tell the hiring manager why you’re applying to the job.
• Personal Brand Statement . This one or two sentence statement is where you state what makes you unique. It shows what you professionally stand for.

20+ Top Free Canva Resume CV Templates to Download (2024)

Canva has many free high-quality resume templates.

Here are some of the best free Canva resume templates:

1. White Modern Digital Marketing Specialist Resume

This Canva CV has a fun but professional design. This resume template has clear section titles. It also comes with icons and graphics. Everything in this template can be easily edited.

2. Yellow Modern Abstract Resume

The Yellow Modern Abstract Resume is a Canva free resume template that can be used for any type of potential job that you apply to. This resume highlights your experience and skills. So, if you want to highlight them in your resume, this is a good choice.

3. Blue Light Color Blocks Flight Attendant CV

This Canva resume template has a nice bold information section that'll make your information stand out. It also comes with icons that draw attention to certain parts of the resume. The Blue Light Color Blocks Flight Attendant CV is 8.5 x 11 size. 

4. White Purple Simple Software Engineer CV

The best resume templates on Canva have a simple design that also comes with matching icons. The clean simplicity of the design won't distract the reader from the necessary information on your resume. Plus, the purple titles add a pop of color to your resume without it being overwhelming.

5. Grey Clean CV Resume

The Grey Clean CV Resume has a simple resume design. In the design, each part of your resume is separated into sections. As a result, this resume is easy to read and professional.

6. Beige Minimalist Academic Resume

Most people have a white resume, meaning that if you use this Canva CV with a beige background, you’ll stand out. This resume is designed for newly graduated students. It also comes with a language section where you can showcase any languages you speak.

7. Minimalist Clean Signature CV Resume

The Minimalist Clean Signature CV Resume has an elegant and fancy design. If you’re looking for a stylish and minimal template, this is one of the best resume templates on Canva. The colors featured in this template are light pink and gold.

8. Modern Grey Resume

The Modern Grey Resume is another resume that would stand out among the stack of white resumes. It’s one of the best Canva resume templates with colorful background professional resumes. Another feature of this resume is the icons in the contact section.

9. White & Black Modern Simple Architect Resume

The main focus of the White & Black Modern Simple Architect Resume is your work experience. So, if you've got a lot of experience in your field, this Canva free resume template is a great option. The bar on the side makes your skills stand out to the reader.

10. Brown and Cream Minimalist Graphic Designer CV Resume

This Canva CV would stand out among the white resumes with a lovely cream background. There's a section for you to add your headshot. Everything in this template can be edited, including graphs.

11. Minimalist Web Designer Resume CV

If you want a template that'll show off your creative side while also looking professional, this resume template free download from Canva is a great choice. The muted colors add visual interest without distracting the eye from important information.

12. Blue Simple Professional Resume

The Blue Simple Professional Resume is one of the best resume templates on Canva in the professional resume category. The navy blue adds color without distracting the reader. It also makes your name, title, and contact information stand out.

13. Cream Minimalist Professional Resume

The Cream Minimalist Professional Resume is one of the best Canva resume templates with minimal design and a pop of color. This template focuses on your experience with a big section for it in the middle of the resume. Also, it comes with icons in the contact section that'll make your information stand out.

14. Colorful Fun Illustration Artist Resume

This Canva free resume template focuses on a creative design. This template is a good choice if you want a template that'll show your art off and have a beautiful design. Everything in the template can be edited to suit your needs.

15. Black & White Simple Professional Resume

Black and White Simple Professional Resume is a Canva resume template with a design that looks stylish and professional. The design centers around a vertical timeline for all of the information in the template.

16. Kindergarten Teacher Aesthetic Pastel Pink and White Creative Resume

This creative template is one of the best resume templates on Canva. It's got an abstract design that can be used for any purpose. The color adds fun and whimsy without being distracting. You can easily customize this template, including the charts.

17. Purple White Modern Simple Minimalist Resume CV

If you’re looking for a minimal resume with color, then this is the best Canva resume template. This template focuses on your experience, skills, and accomplishments. The font is a fun purple color and easy to read.

18. White Black Simple Patterns Nurse Resume

The White and Black Simple Patterns Nurse Resume is a Canva free resume template that's got a fun design with a black and white theme. You can edit everything in this template to suit your needs. In addition, this template showcases an expert skills section where you can show your employer why they should hire you.

19. Green Modern Fashion Designer Resume

This Canva resume template has a beautiful design that can be used in a creative field. The earth tones are calming and add color without distracting from important information. Along with an education and experience field, the resume has a skill and reference field.

20. Black and White Minimalist Simple Design Freelancer Resume

The Black and White Minimalist Simple Design Freelancer Resume is a very simple Canva CV. Since there's no design, this template can work for any job field you’re applying to. In addition, the font is easy to read, making the whole resume template professional and not distracting.

5 Quick Tips to Make Professional Resume Designs

A well-designed resume can make an excellent first impression. When applying for a job, you want to do all you can to give a potential employer a good impression. Here are five tips for creating professional resume designs:

1. Choose the Right Font

Each Canva resume template comes with professionally selected fonts. Part of choosing a resume is choosing a font that not only matches your resume design but also looks stylish. You want the font to be professional, pretty, and easy to read. If you've got a font that's hard to read or tacky, it can come off as unprofessional.

Even if you aren’t sure about what font to use in your resume template design, stick to the same font throughout your whole resume. If you’re familiar with many fonts, you can try using a different font for your header and section than for the rest of your resume.

2. Make Your Header Pop

Headers are a vital part of your Canva resume template. The heading has the following important information:

• your full name
• professional title
• email address
• telephone number

Also, in the heading, include websites linking to your work. These websites can consist of LinkedIn and a personal website or online portfolio. Most of the time, the heading is what the hiring manager reads first. So, you want to make an excellent first impression.

3. Set the Margins

A well-designed Canva CV has identical margins on all four edges. For the safest size, your margins should be one inch on each side. But if you want a minimal look for your resume, try using one-and-a-half-inch margins on each side of your Canva CV or resume template.

Margins are necessary because if your margins are too narrow, your template can get filled with too much text. This would make your resume look unprofessional and sloppy. On the other hand, if your margins are too large, it can make your resume look empty and unimpressive.

4. Have Clear Section Headings

Most Canva resume templates have sections designed into the template. Sections can make the resume look organized and neat. It can also make your resume easier to read. Typically, your resume would have the following areas in this order:

• contact information
• resume summary or objective
• work experience
• additional sections

Having all your resume sections clearly labeled is essential so the hiring manager can easily read and find what they're looking for in your resume.

5. Use White Space

It’s essential to have white space in your Canva CV. White space makes your resume easy to read. Minimalist design templates have a lot of white space.

Make the spacing between sentences one or one and a half across your whole resume to take advantage of white space. Also, add space after every heading and every bit of information.

Learn More About Making Great Resumes in 2024

Making a good resume can be difficult. It's essential to have an impressive resume. If you want more information read this tutorial on How to Create a Great Resume . Here are some helpful articles:

Download a Free Canva Resume Template Today!

Now you know the answer to does Canva have resume templates ? ( It’s Yes! ) So, try out their templates today! But before trying a resume, read the helpful articles and tutorials to linked in this article.

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• The Truth About Using Canva...

The Truth About Using Canva for Resumes

8 min read · Updated on March 18, 2024

Is Canva a good tool for creating and designing your resume? Here's what to consider.

Everyone wants their resume to look nice, but unfortunately, we're not all graphic designers. That's why many people will try to find a “hack” to create a more visually appealing resume that will help them stand out from the crowd.

One of these hacks is Canva , a popular design tool. It's free and easy to use, and it allows you to create social media graphics, presentations, posters, and, yes, resumes without any graphic design know-how.

It has dozens – if not hundreds – of resume templates you can choose from, with categories including modern, infographic, minimalist, corporate, photo, and even acting resumes. All you have to do is drag and drop your text into the template. You can even upload your own images before downloading or printing your resume.

Sounds easy, right? Sure – but is Canva good for resumes? Let's break down the truth about using Canva for resumes.

Are Canva resumes good?

Using Canva to design your resume sounds smart; it's free, easy to use, and the templates look pretty sharp. However, using Canva to create your resume may not be as effective for your job search. Here are some of the biggest downsides to the design tool.

Canva resumes do not pass applicant tracking systems

When you apply for a job, there's a good chance a human won't be the first to see your resume. Many companies employ applicant tracking systems, a/k/a the ATS or “resume bots,” to collect, sort, scan, and rank resumes based on certain programmed elements.

There are several strategies you can use to beat the resume bots , and a lot of these strategies focus on the design of your resume. For instance, with resume bots, it's important to use a clean resume design. This means no complex designs or unusual formats; applicant tracking systems have a difficult time reading these. 

It's also important to avoid using any images or charts . These often become a garbled mess in the ATS.

Canva resume templates employ, at the very least, a bunch of text boxes that you can use to copy and paste your resume content. Resume scanning systems simply can't parse information from text boxes properly. This means that your resume will look like it has a bunch of nonsensical characters in it, leading the ATS to reject your resume as an incompatible file. 

Important Note: ATS rejection is one of the main reasons that job seekers are ghosted by companies. The ATS kicks out your resume submission, making it so the human beings at the company don't even know you exist.

As a rule of thumb, less is more, so stick to simple resume fonts , straightforward bullet points, and an overall minimalist look. There's no need to include a headshot, infographics, or cute little icons.

Write for the ATS and human beings

Your goal is to get past the applicant tracking systems and into the hands of recruiters and hiring managers. Even the humans reading your resume are more concerned with your skills and experiences – not the design of your resume. Since you have two different audiences for your resume, it's best to use something more common, like the reverse-chronological format . 

The ATS knows how to read a reverse-chronological resume, and it's what hiring managers expect to see. In fact, the human beings looking at your resume know exactly where to find pertinent information in a reverse-chronological format. You don't want to present something to them that they have to spend time deciphering because, in reality, they're only spending a few seconds skimming through your document. 

Canva resumes are only one page

It used to be frowned upon to have a resume longer than one page — even if you had 20 years of experience under your belt — but times have changed.

Now, recruiters, hiring managers, and HR pros don't mind a resume that's more than one page. In fact, a study from ResumeGo found that recruiters are 2.3 times more likely to prefer a two-page resume over a one-page resume, regardless of an applicant's job level.

Young professionals today tend to have a lot more valuable experiences, even when they're fresh out of school, like internships, co-ops, freelance work, and study abroad experiences. This isn't just fluff – these are experiences recruiters are interested in seeing from recent grads and entry-level job candidates.

When you use Canva for your resume, you'll notice a common trend: Almost all of the templates are built for one page. Not only that, they're difficult to edit into two pages. Sure, you can duplicate the first page of the resume, but that duplicates every section on the first page, which isn't necessary.

If you want to use a Canva template for the first page of your resume, you'll have to tap into your inner graphic design skills to figure out how to format the second page in a way that's congruent with the first (Spoiler: It's going to be difficult with the way Canva has these set up).

Canva resumes leave out valuable information

When you're perusing Canva resume templates, you'll probably find quite a few designs that look clean and sharp. The design pros certainly know how to create a simple template and utilize white space. However, upon further inspection, you'll notice there's not a whole lot of room to list your experiences. Plus, you'll find there are quite a few missing sections.

For instance, the “gray and black professional resume” looks nice. But upon closer inspection, you'll notice there's very little room to list your job experiences – just a corner of the page. Additionally, you'll notice valuable real estate dedicated to character references , which you should not list on your resume at all.

There's also a chunk of space on a resume reserved for contact information . While this information is important, you can, oftentimes, condense it and include it in one line at the top of your resume, under your name.

Some of these templates also lack important sections, including a key skills section , an achievements and awards section, and a career summary.

In general, these templates look minimalist and airy – which is great – but they also don't leave you much space to showcase your experience and qualifications, which is essential when you're building your resume. Instead, use this ultimate resume guide to determine which sections you need to include in your resume.

Should I ever use a creative resume? 

OK, so is it time to just write off the notion of using Canva for your resume? Generally, yes. In reality, they're just not right for most people. They won't pass applicant-tracking systems, they'll constrict you to one page, and they don't allow you to show off all your qualifications, skills, achievements, and experiences in an effective way that'll land you the job.

Many times, a creative resume design will work against you. If you do want to show off your design, photo, or other creative skills, consider building an online website or portfolio where you can show off your skills to your heart's desire. 

On the other hand

With that said, if you're attending a career fair or networking event and need something that's short and crisp, you could use Canva for your resume. Basically, anytime you're not applying for a job online, it's probably OK to have a Canva-designed resume. Just remember that you'll want to get the email address of the person you hand your Canva resume to so that you can send them your real resume – you know, the one that has more of the relevant information the hiring manager wants to see. 

Canva could harm your job search success

We know it's tempting to use a Canva resume because they are free, quick, and easy, but they may be harming your job search more than they are helping it. You're better off working with a professional resume writer who knows the ins and outs of resume design. They'll ensure your resume passes applicant tracking systems and overall are formatted for your success.

Key takeaways:

Canva resumes do not pass the ATS

Canva resumes utilize improper formatting, like text boxes, tables, and images

Canva resumes cannot be downloaded as .doc or .docx files

Canva resumes do not provide enough space to include relevant information

Canva resumes emphasize all the wrong things (like your contact information and references)

Stick with writing a reverse-chronological resume in Word or Google Docs to get past the ATS

Only use Canva when you're giving your resume directly to a human being

Not thrilled with your resume's format and design? Let a professional resume writer clean it up .

This article was originally written by Carson Kohler in 2021 and updated by Marsha Hebert in 2024. 

Recommended reading:

Resume Builders Versus Resume-Writing Services: Which Should You Choose?

QR Codes on Resumes: A Genius Move or a Silly Distraction?

Should I Put My Pronouns on My Resume?

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

From Bland to Beautiful: How We Made This Professional's Resume Shine

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11 Beautiful Canva Resume Templates for Any Profession

Creating a resume can feel overwhelming. To get a headstart on the design and elements you need to include, take a look at these Canva resume templates.

Yes, you can use Canva for more than images and infographics. Each template on our list is available for free, offers a unique design and effective layout, and can help you impress at a glance.

1. White and Grey Professional Resume and Cover Letter

This first Minimalistic White and Grey Resume template is an excellent option if you want a cover letter to match. You receive two different resume layouts to choose from: one with spots for a profile and two work experience positions and the other with an expertise section and three previous positions.

The cover letter header matches that of each resume layout and includes a place for your signature at the bottom.

2. Blue Professional Modern CV Resume

If you’d like a template with a little pizzazz, such as your professional photo, check out this Blue Modern CV Resume. Simply swap out the sample photo with your own to personalize the appearance of your resume.

You then have sections for Experience and Education, along with a Skills Summary using bars and percentages. Then, take advantage of the Language and Expertise areas structured with bullet lists.

3. Brown Cream Simple Resume CV

If you’re a student or recent graduate, this Brown Cream Simple Creative Resume template is a good choice. It offers equally sized sections for Education, Experience, (professional) Skills, and Personal Skills.

You can also use the About Me area at the top to introduce yourself and highlight your capabilities.

4. Blue and White Simple Resume

Another resume template that’s ideal for students or those without work experience is this Blue and White Simple Resume. You can add your photo and contact information on the left with your Education, Skills, and Interests on the right.

The template gives you a neat and clean appearance that’s also attractive and professional.

5. Minimalist Modern Resume

For a Canva resume template that provides enough room to add detailed paragraphs about your previous positions, look to this Minimalist Modern Resume. The contemporary design gives you a splash of blue as it highlights your contact information, education, and skills.

You can then add a profile statement or paragraph and all the details you need for your work experience.

6. Black and Yellow Bold Resume

Are you in an industry where emitting boldness and confidence is the way to go? If so, this Black and Yellow Bold Creative Resume template might be just what you’ve been looking for. It offers a black background with large gold headings and black-and-white graphics.

You still have spots for Work Experience and Education but with plenty of flair. You can also include your Skills along the bottom and even replace the current images with icons to complement your skills.

As a bonus, this resume comes with a matching cover letter.

7. Beige and Brown Modern CV Resume

When you have a lot of details to include but want to stick to a one-page resume, this Beige and Brown Modern CV template works perfectly. Include your contact details, education, references, languages, and interests below your photo on the left.

Then, add your Hard and Soft Skills at the top using bar graph images and your Work Experience beneath.

8. Modern White and Black A4 Resume

If you’re in the creative industry working as a photographer or graphic designer, this Modern White and Black resume template helps you showcase a sampling of your work. You can swap out the example images with your own, giving you an easy and attractive way to display just some of your work along with your experience and education.

You can also include a link to your online portfolio at the bottom, which is the perfect addition to this creative template.

9. Multicolor Modern Musician Resume

If you’re a musician, DJ, instrumental artist, or music producer, this colorful and eye-catching template is for you. With the Multicolor Modern Professional Musician Resume, you have graphical elements in the form of music notes at the top and bottom.

The different colors for each section heading give the resume energy, which is ideal for showing a fun, contemporary music style or personality.

10. Black and White Minimalist Resume

Maybe it’s your skills and expertise you want to highlight. This Black and White Minimalist Resume template draws your eye to these sections at the bottom. You can use a bar graph design to show your experience levels in the Skills area and then expand with the Expertise section’s bullet list to the right.

The template offers a clean and sophisticated appearance, appropriate for almost any industry.

11. Simple Modern Resume Template

This last Canva resume template has a neat appearance but is also a modern one, making it suitable for those in the technology field. With the Simple Modern Resume Template, you have a standout location to add your Certificates and can use the area beneath to highlight your skills or something specific like programming languages.

Of course, you have the standard sections for Education and Experience as well as About Me and Contact areas for a comprehensive resume.

Create Your Resume With Ease

Whether you choose a template tailored to your industry or an elegant, all-encompassing option, you can pop in your elements for a professional-looking resume in no time. Which one of these Canva resume templates will you choose?

For more, look at these online resume-building services .

Related Posts

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Sandy Writtenhouse is a freelance technology writer and former Project, Department, and Program Manager. She turned her education, job experience, and love of technology into a full-time writing career. With all sorts of gadgets in her home and her hands, she seeks to help others make life easier through technology. Read Sandy's Full Bio

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Choose a free Resume Template and build your resume. Use our intuitive drag-and-drop resume builder and save it as a PDF in minutes. Start building your resume right now.

Double Column

Free, Two Column resume template. The most popular choice for most roles, including programming & marketing.

The classic Harvard template, updated for the 21st century with a refined design that recruiters love and an optimized structure for improved ATS performance.

Elegant template with a beautiful design and compact, easy-to-read layout that highlights your strengths and achievements.

The most popular template for upper management roles, project managers and product owners.

A refined template, especially great for positions where presentation is paramount: business development managers, sales leaders & other customer-facing roles.

A creative template that accents your header and makes recruiters want to read the rest. Built for any industry.

A timeline resume template. Organized neatly with a Timeline to show your career progress. For experienced professionals.

Are you a software engineer or a data scientist with a lot of skills & projects to list on your resume? This template allows you to create a perfect one-page resume.

Single Column

Free, simple resume template. Easily readable by both humans and ATS bots.

Designed as a one-page resume template for mid-level roles with 3-10 years of experience.

Multicolumn

Multicolumn resume template. Made for executives to fit additional info in a third column.

Traditional resume template. Fitting for conservative industries.

High Performer

Data-focused resume template. Perfect for project and product managers.

Minimalistic resume template. Blends whitespace and content, without clutter.

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Job-winning modern resume templates

Boost your image with our sleek, modern resume templates: showcasing your innovation and originality in a stylish, contemporary design.

Reviewed by the community. Trusted by professionals

Modern resume templates.

A current and stylish feel for forward-thinking candidates in innovative fields

If you’re a sleek candidate looking to prove that you’re with the times, our modern resume templates were built for you. These styles exude a sense of cool, calm and collected with interesting color palettes and strong fonts. They work great for hip companies with a focus on the here and now.

Write your professional resume in reverse chronological order, the most commonly used resume format. 

Include unnecessary activities or unrelated hobbies.

To get the most out of your professional resume template , make sure you keep your writing style fresh, using specific action verbs to connote your skills and achievements. You may choose a bold color that fits in with the style of the company, or you may opt for a template that keeps things simple while still showing off your eye for good design.

When to pick a modern resume template

Professionals in tech, IT , marketing , design and media can all benefit from a modern resume template. A modern resume can also work great for startups or in various other industries where companies promote themselves as youthful and on-trend. A modern resume template helps you match the company’s personal style and present yourself as fresh and innovative. If you need a more formal or professional look and feel check out our professional resume templates . 

A modern resume can also help you stand out in the application pool. A pop of color and a bold design can keep your name swirling in a hiring manager’s mind. Just remember to keep your writing fresh and on-point to show what a well-rounded candidate you are.

We tend to think of the profile summary as the first thing a hiring manager sees, but a striking layout is truly the best way to make a great first impression. If your field or industry calls for a bold approach, don’t hold back! Choose a modern resume template to prove you’re the cream of the crop when it comes to industry-leading professionals.

Top 5 why choose a modern layout

• You want to show that you’re an up-to-date and innovative candidate
• You’re applying to a forward-thinking and youthful company
• You want to work in a field like tech or for a start-up
• You’re looking for a bold layout to make your application stand out
• You think a modern template will best capture your personality

What makes a modern resume template

A modern resume template is defined by exciting colors and a strong emphasis on the top of the resume. These templates offer ample space for a personalized profile summary and clever resume formatting to include all your most relevant skills. Strong lines lead the reader down and across the template so that no section is missed. These best  templates also contain enough white space to keep the resume from feeling cluttered.

Top 10 parts of a modern resume template

• Exciting colors are used at the top of the resume and throughout
• Interesting fonts to highlight the most important details
• Strong emphasis on name and job title
• Lines that separate sections for a clean feel
• Breathable design thanks to adequate white space
• Room for a photo or logo
• Strong emphasis on section headings
• Focus on contact details and website
• Creative a resume layout for the skills section
• Fresh feel without being too flashy

Free to download and use in Microsoft Word, as a PDF, or in Google Docs

As a modern professional, you don’t want to waste hours of precious time fighting with word processors and graphic design programs. Resume.io is the modern way to get the job done. Choose your perfect template, then try out our easy-to-use builder tool to add your work experience, hard skills, soft skills and achievements. Our builder tool has already been tested by thousands of satisfied customers who have found their dream jobs hassle-free.

Finish your application strong by choosing the right file format to keep your professional resume consistent no matter how you send it. Within our builder tool , you can download your resume as a MS Word or Google Doc version completely free. You can also download your resume as a PDF or DOCX file. 

Say hello to resume writing success! In addition to offering helpful tips to guide you through your job search, we also offer 300+ resume examples to help you get that dream job.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to find your perfect template , add your personal touches and land your dream position in a few easy clicks! Impressing recruiters is easy with our selection of the best resume templates. You can even add a matching cover letter to your resume!

Try our professional Resume builder now!

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10 google docs resume templates to land your dream job.

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Today's NYT Connections Hints and Answer for June 14 (#369)

Ai search isn't the silver bullet google thinks it is, here's why, today's nyt connections hints and answer for june 15 (#370), quick links, google docs template gallery resumes, canvas resume template, windsor resume template, creative resume template, glimmer resume template, golder resume template.

Building a resume from scratch takes a lot of time. Instead of using your energy formatting and aligning your experience, skills, and education, why not start with a template ? Here are several Google Docs resume templates to get you started.

Google Docs does offer free resume options in its Template Gallery. However, you'll only find a handful. For additional options, we've included some third-party templates you can download to Docs or Drive and use for free.

If you want to look at the offerings in Google Docs before venturing to a third party, you can pick from five resume templates.

Visit Google Docs and select "Template Gallery" at the top. If you changed your settings to hide recent templates, hover your cursor over the plus sign on the bottom right and click "Choose Template."

Scroll down to the Resumes section to see the options. You can pick from Swiss, Serif, Coral, Spearmint, and Modern Writer.

Choose any template to open it in Google Docs. Give it a name on the top left like any other Google Doc and then simply replace the placeholder text in each section with your own.

Related: 7 Time-Saving Google Docs Features You Need to Know

If you have a lot of details to include in your resume but aren't sure of the best format, the Canvas resume template is ideal. It offers clearly divided sections making it easy for potential employers to read and find what they need.

To obtain the template, visit Resume Genius and scroll to the Canvas Resume Template. Select "Create a Copy of This Resume" below the image.

Then, pick "Make a Copy" on the subsequent screen.

When the template opens, just name the resume and swap out the details with your own.

Another option from Resume Genius is this Windsor resume template. It offers a splash of color with a single shade of blue. This is a good option if you have one educational item to include which is highlighted right at the top with the professional profile. The section for work experience is nice and big with a spot for additional skills at the bottom.

To get the template, visit Resume Genius and scroll to the Windows Resume Template. Select "This Free Resume Template" below the image and then like the template above, click "Make a Copy" to get started.

Give your resume a name and replace the information with your own.

Related: How to Insert a PDF Into a Google Doc

If you work in the creative field, you may want a resume that offers some pizzazz. This Creative resume template does just that while remaining professional and useful. You have a designated spot at the top for a summary statement which a great introduction to the rest of your resume details .

To use the template, visit Beam Jobs and scroll to the Creative template. Click "Creative" to open the template in Google Docs.

Once in Docs, select File > Make a Copy to copy the template for your own use. Give it a name and pick "Make a Copy."

When the template appears, swap out the placeholder text with your own.

If it's your skills that you want to highlight rather than your job experience, check out the Glimmer resume template for Google Docs. You have contact details and a summary at the top. Then, the skills area lets you use a star system to display your expertise and experience for each skill. Finish it up with your work history at the bottom.

To obtain this template, visit Hloom and click "Download Template" on the Glimmer option.

Once the file downloads, head to Google Docs to upload and open it like any other file. You can also upload the resume template to Google Drive and then open it in Docs. Give it a name and replace the sample details with your own.

Related: How to Create a PDF from a Google Docs Document

One more resume template for Google Docs you'll want to look at is the Golder template. With a subtle gray background, the template uses pops of gold color for the experience, education, and a skill star system.

To use the template, visit Zety and scroll down to the Golder option. Select "Copy" beneath the image and then "Make a Copy" on the subsequent screen.

Give your template a name, replace the sample text with your own, and you're set.

Gathering your details, wording them attractively, and finalizing your resume is a job in itself. You don't do it all from scratch with a Google Docs resume template to help.

For more, look at how to use the LinkedIn Resume Assistant if you use Word in addition to Docs.

• Google Docs

Canva Resume Templates

Canva is a program that simplifies graphic design so anyone can create professional-looking graphics without training in higher-level programs like Photoshop or Illustrator. 

Based in Australia and founded in 2013, Canva has free and Pro versions, with Pro subscribers gaining access to more graphic, audio and video options. If you regularly need graphic services, a Pro account is worth the investment. If not, the free version will cover your basic graphic-design needs. As of 2022, there are 75 million active Canva users per month, making the software an in-demand tool.

We’ve rounded up five Canva resume templates and provided you with alternatives to consider.

Before we dive in, we would be remissed to point out that Teal offers over 100+ free resume templates across a variety of resume formats and styles, from simple, traditional, creative, modern, chronological, functional, and more.

Pastel Pink Light Blue Clean UI Web Developer CV

This Canva resume template has a soft, colorful touch that doesn’t overpower the most important information: your experience. 

Using two columns, the template organizes your work history in the left-hand column and your contact information and skills in the right-hand column. The white background and black text makes the resume easy to read, and the font is clean and clear. 

This Canva resume template is best for people who want to incorporate a pop of color while still being subtle. 

To use this template, click here: Canva Pastel Pink Light Blue Clean UI Web Developer CV

Beige Dark Green Bold Modern Web Developer CV

If you have a lot of skills and work experience to fit into one page, this Canva resume template cuts out the fluff and gives you the appropriate room to work with. 

The template is less about flair and more about communicating your personal details in a direct way. A bold font in a deep-green color immediately draws the eye to your work and education history, with a short section to list relevant skills. 

If you are someone who has strong work experience and impressive educational achievements, this template best caters to your strengths.

The icons may cause issues with applicant tracking systems. So this template is best used when you're attaching your resume via email or another software that doesn't parse the sections.

To use this template, click here:  Canva Beige Dark Green Bold Modern Web Developer CV

Purple Grey Clean UI Copy Editor CV

This Canva resume template is best if you have a well-rounded career experience. In addition to work and education history, skills and contact information , this template includes a section for volunteer experience. 

Volunteering is a great way to get a hiring manager or recruiter’s attention, and this resume template gives you ample room to incorporate your volunteer history. There is enough room to highlight two relevant volunteering examples. If you have more than two examples, incorporate the ones that best fit with the job opportunities you want. 

Although we don't recommend including your headshot on your resume, this Canva template includes a spot for it for those who'd like to give it a try.

To use this template, click here:  Canva Purple Grey Clean UI Copy Editor CV

Blue Bright Yellow Color Blocks Salesperson CV

If you want to show your colorful side, this Canva template incorporates bold colors without making too much noise. There is still enough solid whitespace to highlight all your greatest accomplishments. Similar to the Purple Grey Clean UI Copy Editor template above, this template has space for a headshot or graphic that best represents you. We don't recommend including your picture on your resume, though.

This template has your headshot, contact information, skills and portfolio link on the right hand side, with ample room for work history, volunteer experience and certifications on the left hand side. 

To use this template, click here: Canva Blue Bright Yellow Color Blocks Salesperson CV

Black Grey Color Blocks Project Manager CV

This Canva resume template features a simple, gray and white color combination and a strong font. There are no graphics splitting up the two columns. This template uses monochrome color blocks where the reader’s eyes flow from relevant skills to work experience. Your contact details are at the top of the page, which also lends more room for your work experience. 

As with many Canva templates, this resume could be hard to parse by applicant tracking systems because of the images included.

To use this template, click here: Canva Black Grey Color Blocks Project Manager CV

How To Find Free Resume Templates in Canva

Before you start browsing templates, you need to have a Canva account . It is quick and easy to set up a free or Pro account — just make sure you have your payment information ready if you choose a Pro account.

When you have your account established, you’ll see “Templates” listed right below the home icon, on the left-hand side. 

When you click on “Templates,” Canva takes you to a new page, where it hosts multiple template formats, ranging from invitations, social media posts and, of course, resumes. Canva puts its resume templates front and center — marketing them as ATS-Optimized CVs. 

In the above image, you can see the purple button that reads “Browse ATS-Optimized CVs.” Canva was founded in Australia, where "curriculum vitae" is more common than the term "resume".

After you click on the button, you will see more than many templates to choose from. 

Premium Resume Templates For Canva

As mentioned earlier, Canva offers a paid Pro option with access to more features. Investing in a Canva Pro account is best for people who regularly create graphics or need a simple way to edit sound and video. Canva isn’t the only place online to get resume templates, though. Below are other options you may want to explore. You can purchase these templates and then use them in Canva.

Creative Market

Browse through more than 11,000 resume templates with a paid Creative Market plan, which ranges from $19.95 to $49.95 per month. With a paid plan, you get a set number of download credits per month. There are also free options — Creative Market releases four different assets every week. 

The platform known for supporting independent artists is another place to purchase unique resume templates. Prices range from as low as $0.17 to as high as $17. By purchasing a resume template from Etsy, you are also supporting independent graphic designers.

Graphic Pear

Hosting both free and paid options, Graphic Pair features resume templates that range from unique and colorful to simple and straightforward. Like Canva, a free plan is limited. For paid plans, you can pay $39 for one month or $89 for a full year. 

Is Canva Good For Resumes?

Canva is a useful design tool, and it does provide professional-looking, ready-made templates. However, some resume templates on Canva aren't actually great for job applications. You don’t need a graphic design software to create an attractive resume. And your resume doesn't need to look like it was professionally designed. 

Here are some pros and cons to keep in mind. 

Pros of using Canva

• ‍ Canva is user-friendly. ‍ Canva lets anyone be a graphic designer with its easy-to-use interface. It features alignment and editing tools to keep your design looking sharp, as well as video-editing and sound capabilities. 
• ‍ There are thousands of templates. ‍ It is easy to find a Canva template for resumes, social media posts, fliers and more. Canva has templates that come in custom sizes - that way you don’t have to search for the right graphic dimensions.
• ‍ It has a free option. ‍ A free Canva account gives you access to the necessary tools to create an attention-grabbing resume. Even with its limitations, there are still thousands of design combinations through a free account. 
• ‍ You can adjust templates . As you get comfortable with using Canva, you can tinker with template layouts and create a customized design. Update templates by changing colors, fonts and deleting or adding graphics. 
• ‍ Collaboration is simple . Canva’s Teams feature lets you invite other users to your designs. Canva also allows sharing and every design has a link with editing permissions to send to another user. 

Cons of using Canva

• ‍ Templates are common . With so many people using Canva on a daily basis, it is easy to spot repeat designs on social media posts, resumes, invitations and more. A free account limits which tools and designs you can access, which causes many repeat situations. You are less likely to see repeats with a Pro account, however, they do happen.
• ‍ Potential alignment issues. Software like Photoshop and Illustrator offer more precise alignment options, which results in perfectly centered graphics and documents. Canva’s alignment feature is more simple, which can throw your design off. 
• ‍ No local file storage. ‍ Without local file storage, users cannot access their designs when Canva is down. If the website is down, nobody can work on their projects. 
• ‍ Limited on mobile . Canva’s mobile app has fewer options than its desktop counterpart. If you want to work on a design, the easiest and best option is to use Canva on a desktop computer. 
• Not ATS-friendly. Despite its marketing, all of Canva's resume templates are not formatted well for applicant tracking systems. For example, pictures and icons don't do well in applicant tracking systems — and many of Canva's resume templates include them.

Canva vs. Teal AI Resume Builder

Exploring the best resume format options is always a good idea, especially with how much helpful software is available for free. Teal's AI Resume Builder is one of those free tools that helps you build a resume that gets noticed during your job hunt. 

Teal’s AI Resume Builder is more effective than a Canva template because our tool  helps you build optimized resumes that land jobs — whereas Canva's templates focus only on the visuals. In the Resume Builder, you can choose various template options all while keeping your resume formatted well for applicant tracking systems.

Teal's AI Resume Builder also stores your work history and offers writing insights. The Achievement Assistant feature also helps you create effective bullet points. It saves you time, because you can create multiple versions of your resume for different job applications. You can easily import your LinkedIn profile, as well, to jumpstart the resume building process.

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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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15+ Best Canva Resume Templates to Make the Right Impression

• 🔨 Templates and Mockups
• Resumes & CVs

• Author: Daria Kritskaia

Are you looking for the best Canva resume templates to help you stand out from the competition? This platform has a wide array of professionally-designed resume templates that can be easily customized to match your desired job title and industry. So whether you’re a graphic designer, lawyer, teacher, or any other profession, there’s a perfect CV template just for you.

If you need more options, check out our collection of editable templates for resume .

This article will show you 15+ best resume templates on Canva to help you make a great first impression with potential employers.

We’ve handpicked a range of templates in various formats and styles, so you’ll be sure to find one that suits your needs. So read on and start creating the perfect CV today!

10 Modern Canva Resume Templates to Try

Do you Google “resume templates Canva” and come up with hundreds of results? It’s hard to choose the best one. So we’ve put together a list of top picks that will help you stand out from the crowd.

Developer Resume Template

Developer theme is the perfect choice for programmers, business analysts, managers, and professionals who want to make a great impression. It features a unique two-column layout with stylish visuals that draw attention to the candidate’s experience.

The template is built with a modern, minimalist design that exudes professionalism and sophistication. The font choices are crisp and clean, while the alternating background color sections add visual interest.

Media Kit Template Canva

If your goal is to make money off of your blog or social media, then a Media Kit is an absolute must. By having one, you’ll be able to show businesses and brands why they should collaborate with you.

Additionally, potential advertisers will also get an idea of the opportunities that are available to them. If you’re a fashion, beauty or lifestyle blogger or influencer, this resume template is perfect for you.

HAUS Resume Kit

With 15 different, beautiful resume templates designed specifically for Canva, the HAUS Resume Kit allows you to easily create a one-of-a-kind resume that will definitely stand out from the rest.

Each template is fully customizable, with simple drag-and-drop functionality allowing you to upload your own images and text. You can also add detailed information to your resume, including the education and work experience sections.

Resume/CV Template | For Students

A minimalistic and chic resume template for students, perfect for those who want to exude professionalism with a unique edge. With its classic style and modern twist, this resume template will help you stand out from the crowd.

Its simple design allows for a well-organized layout highlighting all your key information. The template also includes a helpful profile section and a skills section to give employers an insight into who you are and what you can bring to their organization.

Bewerbungsvorlage, Lebenslauf Canva

Bewerbungsvorlage, Lebenslauf Canva template is a modern and minimalist choice designed for those who are looking to stand out from the crowd. This professionally-designed resume template is easy to customize and allows you to showcase your professional experience, skills, and education in a visually appealing way.

With its stylish design and well-organized layout, this template will make you look like a pro.

Minimal Resume Template | Carla

Carla CV theme is a minimalistic, professional design that showcases your experience and skills. The template features a clean and modern layout, with plenty of white space to help make the contents easier to read.

The colors are subtle and the font choices are clearly legible, making this template a great choice for anyone wanting to show off their qualifications in an attractive form!

Modern CV Template

This Modern CV Template is a perfect choice if you want to get a unique and innovative resume. Its modern design will make a lasting impression on any potential employer. It features a full-width header, an easy-to-read font, and a prominent profile picture section to showcase your best features.

The template also has sections for your work experience, education, skillset, and a short bio. The color palette is eye-catching and complements the sleek layout of the page while keeping it professional.

Canva Free Resume Templates

If you are looking for a way to create a polished and professional CV but have a limited budget, then consider using these free themes.

Here are our recommendations:

White Modern Digital Marketing Specialist Resume

Are you looking for a professional modern resume template to showcase your skills and experience? The White Modern Digital Marketing Specialist Resume Canva template is the perfect tool for job seekers in the marketing industry.

This clean and stylish design features a white background and bold titles to draw attention to your professional experience. It also includes a summary section, skills area, and work experience areas that help you create an engaging CV.

Gray Simple Profile Resume

Whether you are looking to create a simple yet professional CV or to make an impactful statement, the Gray Simple Canva template is a perfect choice. It features a sleek, modern design with a subtle gray background that creates a timeless look.

This theme includes all of the elements you need to create an effective and well-structured CV, including sections for education, experience, skills, and more.

Beige Brown Modern Resume

Use this theme to your advantage and create a resume that is sure to grab the attention of employers. The template features a modern, beige-and-brown color scheme with a canvas background. The combination of colors helps create a professional yet inviting look that allows your information to stand out.

White Pink Simple Data Scientist Analyst CV Resume

The White Pink Simple Canva resume template is perfect for those who want to create a modern, clean-cut, and professional look for their professional portfolio. This template features a timeless and minimal design, with simple elements such as white background, pink accents, and a classic font.

It is easy to customize, allowing you to change the font and colors, add images and adjust the layout.

Purple and Beige with Abstract Pattern Creative Resume

If you are a graphic designer looking to add some extra flair to your CV, this template is a great choice. It features a bold pink background, with a purple abstract pattern running through the center. The font is modern and easily legible, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to make a strong impression.

White Navy Simple Full Stack Developer CV Resume

This theme is ideal for those who prefer a simple, classic design, mainly for men. The white background of the resume template allows your work experience and skills to stand out. And the navy blue font gives a professional and stylish look. With a one-page layout, it is easy to navigate and provides enough space to mention all the important points.

Bottom Line

Overall, Canva is a great resource for creating aesthetically pleasing resumes optimized for success. With its wide range of templates, you can create a perfect CV for your profession that stands out from the competition.

Use Canva for resume templates provided and customize them with your own information to create an eye-catching resume that will have employers clamoring to interview you!

Are you creating unique Canva resume templates? Wow, that’s great! Become our vendor, upload your products in a few minutes through the Sell Your Deal form, and get an additional source of income! You’ll like working with us!

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Is canva good for marketing resumes.

Yes, Canva is a great choice for creating marketing resumes. It offers a wide selection of templates designed specifically with marketing professionals in mind. You can customize these templates with your own information and create a CV that stands out from the competition.

Does Canva have a resume template?

Yes, Canva has a variety of CV templates to choose from. You can choose from designs that feature graphic elements or simple, minimalist layouts. You can also customize them with your own information and design elements to create a CV that reflects your unique style.

What is the best resume format for 2022?

The best format for 2022 is one that is visually appealing, concise, and easy to read. Canva offers a wide selection of templates designed with this goal in mind. Choose a template that complements your experience, skills, and professional goals to create a CV that will make an impression!

What is the best template for a resume?

Printable A4 is the best template for a professional description of your work experience. It provides enough space to include all relevant information while also being concise and visually appealing. This format is widely accepted for professional CVs for any profession, so it’s a great choice for job seekers who want to make an impression.

• free resume templates
• chronological resume
• computer science resume template

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