by What should a resume look like? It is more than just a document—it’s your personal marketing tool.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, your application should effectively highlight your skills, experience, and accomplishments.
In this guide, we’ll break down how should a resume look like, how to make it stand out, and help you create one that makes a lasting impression.
What should a resume look like?
Creating great-looking resumes begins with understanding the structure and selecting the best format for your experience. Below, we’ll explore the key components and how to format them to maximize your chances of standing out.
- Selecting the Right Structure
One of the first decisions in how should your resume look like is choosing the correct format. This influences how your information is presented and can vary depending on your career level and the role you’re pursuing. Here are the primary types.
1. Chronological Resume
This format lists your work experience in reverse order, showcasing your most recent position first. It’s perfect for those with a consistent path in one field. Employers value this structure because it clearly demonstrates progression.
John Martin
john.martin@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | New York, NYSummary
Experienced marketing manager with over 13 years of success in driving brand awareness, engagement, and sales growth. Adept at leading teams and developing strategic marketing campaigns.
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Market Research
- Brand Management
- Digital Marketing
- Team Leadership
Experience
Marketing Manager
Apple Inc. | Cupertino, CA | June 2019 – Present
- Lead a team of 15 marketing professionals, increasing brand recognition by 30% in key demographics.
- Manage a $5M marketing budget, optimizing spend across digital and traditional channels.
- Develop a successful product launch strategy that drove a 20% increase in sales for new product lines.
Marketing Coordinator
Nike | Beaverton, OR | May 2015 – May 2019
- Supported the development and execution of global marketing campaigns.
- Conducted market research that led to a new regional strategy, improving market share by 15%.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of marketing assets.
Marketing Assistant
Coca-Cola | Atlanta, GA | January 2012 – April 2015
- Assisted in the creation of promotional campaigns and social media content.
- Analyzed campaign performance data, contributing to strategy adjustments that improved engagement by 25%.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
University of California, Berkeley, CA | Graduated: May 2011Certifications
- Google Analytics Certified (2023)
- HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certified (2021)
2. Functional Resume
This style highlights your skills and qualifications rather than job history. This is ideal for people changing careers or those with gaps in employment. It allows you to emphasize what you can do rather than where you’ve been.
Anna Lewis
anna.lewis@email.com | (555) 987-6543 | Chicago, ILSummary
Dynamic and creative marketing professional with expertise in strategic planning, content creation, and team leadership. Proven ability to drive brand growth and enhance customer engagement.
Skills
Marketing Strategy
- Developed targeted marketing strategies for Fortune 500 companies, boosting brand awareness by up to 40%.
- Led market segmentation efforts to tailor campaigns for diverse demographics.
Digital Marketing
- Proficient in Google Analytics, SEO, SEM, and social media advertising.
- Designed and managed online campaigns that resulted in a 25% increase in online sales for clients.
Leadership and Team Management
- Successfully managed teams of up to 20 people, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
- Trained junior marketers, improving their skills and performance through mentorship.
Experience
Marketing Specialist
Tesla | Palo Alto, CA | March 2016 – Present
- Lead the digital marketing strategy that contributed to a 30% growth in online sales.
- Coordinate product launches, creating marketing collateral and executing email campaigns.
Content Manager
Amazon | Seattle, WA | June 2012 – February 2016
- Developed engaging content for Amazon’s digital channels, improving customer engagement by 25%.
- Optimized content strategies, resulting in a 15% increase in page views across platforms.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | Graduated: May 2012Projects
- "Sustainability Campaign": Spearheaded a project that focused on sustainable product offerings for Amazon, resulting in a 20% increase in eco-friendly product sales.
- "Brand Revitalization": Led a project that repositioned a Tesla vehicle line, increasing brand engagement by 25%.
3. Combination Resume
This hybrid format blends aspects of both structures. It allows you to highlight skills and accomplishments while still providing a detailed job history. This type works well for individuals with diverse experience who want to showcase both.
Emily Carter
emily.carter@email.com | (555) 321-7654 | San Francisco, CASummary
Results-driven financial analyst with 7+ years of experience in data analysis, forecasting, and financial reporting. Skilled in identifying business trends and optimizing financial strategies to drive growth.
Skills
- Financial Modeling
- Data Analysis
- Budgeting and Forecasting
- Excel and Financial Software
- Strategic Planning
Experience
Senior Financial Analyst
Google | Mountain View, CA | January 2020 – Present
- Lead the creation of detailed financial models to support decision-making, reducing forecasting errors by 15%.
- Work with cross-functional teams to optimize budget allocation, increasing operational efficiency by 10%.
- Conduct variance analysis for quarterly reports, providing actionable insights for senior management.
Financial Analyst
Facebook | Menlo Park, CA | June 2016 – December 2019
- Provided detailed financial analysis to inform strategic planning and investment decisions.
- Supported budgeting and forecasting for a department with a $50M budget.
- Prepared financial reports and presentations for the executive team.
Junior Financial Analyst
JP Morgan Chase | New York, NY | July 2013 – May 2016
- Assisted in the preparation of monthly and quarterly financial statements for internal use.
- Conducted financial data analysis, leading to actionable insights that helped optimize company cash flow by 10%.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Finance
University of Chicago, IL | Graduated: May 2013Professional Affiliations
- Member, CFA Institute
- Member, American Finance Association
- How Much Detail to Include
The length of your resume should reflect your experience level.
1 Page Resume
If you’re new to the workforce, have less than 10 years of job history, or are pursuing an entry-level role, keep your document to one page. Focus on showcasing your most relevant skills, education, and any internships or volunteer positions.
2 Pages Resume
For those who have held multiple roles, a two-page application is appropriate. You can list more detailed job descriptions, accomplishments, and relevant skills.
Click "Use template" to view the second page.
More Than 2 Pages
This is less common, but some individuals with significant accomplishments, such as multiple publications, patents, or complex project histories, may extend their resumes even more.
However, every section must remain relevant and clearly demonstrate value.
- Keyword Optimization
In today's digital age, many companies have Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter documents before they ever reach a hiring manager.
This means using relevant keywords is crucial. ATS scans for terms that match job descriptions, so ensure you include specific words related to the position.
If you’re applying for a digital marketing position, you might want to add these:
- "SEO"
- "Content Management"
- "Google Analytics"
- "PPC Campaigns" -"Brand Strategy"
- What Does a Professional Resume Look Like
The design should be clean and easy to read. A cluttered or overly complex layout can be distracting, so focus on simplicity and clarity.
- Font: Choose professional options like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Keep the font size between 10-12 points.
- Headings: Make your section headers bold and slightly larger to create clear divisions between different parts.
- Spacing: Use standard 1-inch margins and leave enough white space between blocks for an organized look.
- Bullets: Add bullet points to break up large blocks of text and make key information quick to scan.
A good looking resume template ensures hiring managers can quickly find the qualifications they need without feeling overwhelmed by clutter.
Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE
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- Ensuring Perfection
One of the most critical steps is reviewing and proofreading. Typos, grammatical errors, or inconsistent formatting can hurt your chances of landing an interview.
- Use a tool like Grammarly or Microsoft Word’s built-in spell check to catch obvious mistakes.
- Reading your document aloud can help you identify awkward phrasing.
- Have a trusted friend, colleague, or mentor review your application. A fresh pair of eyes may catch errors you overlooked and can provide valuable feedback.
Key sections of a nice-looking resume
1. Contact Information
The contact details is the first impression a recruiter will have of you, so clarity and professionalism are paramount.
- Full Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- LinkedIn Profile (optional but beneficial)
- Portfolio or Personal Website (if relevant)
2. Opening Statement
A short paragraph outlining your career goals and key strengths.
The summary suits experienced individuals.
Results-driven marketing expert with over 7 years of experience in content creation, SEO, and social media strategies. Committed to increasing brand visibility and engagement. Seeking a senior role to contribute innovative ideas and drive business growth.
An objective is better for those just starting.
Motivated graduate with a B.A. in Business Administration, eager to apply strong communication skills and organizational abilities to support operations in an entry-level role.
3. Skills
Highlight the specific capabilities and expertise that make you an asset to potential employers. This part helps recruiters quickly understand what you bring to the table.
Example:
- Digital Advertising (Google Ads, Facebook Ads)
- Project Coordination
- Copywriting & Content Strategy
- Data Analysis (Excel, SQL)
- Client Relationship Management
4. Work Experience
This section presents your professional background, showcasing your employment history. Add your job title, company name, dates of employment, and main responsibilities or achievements.
Digital Marketing Manager
Tech Solutions | Los Angeles, CA | June 2018 - Present
- Lead the development of online campaigns, resulting in a 25% increase in lead generation.
- Manage a team of 6 to execute strategies that drove organic traffic by 50%.
5. Education
Provide details about your academic qualifications:
- Degree or Qualification
- Institution Name and Location
- Graduation Year (or expected date)
- Relevant Coursework or Honors (if applicable)
6. Certifications
Additional training highlights your expertise in a specific area and can make your application stand out.
Example:
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) | Scrum Alliance | July 2021
- Project Management Professional (PMP) | Project Management Institute | March 2020
7. Portfolio (Optional)
For roles that require creativity or specific knowledge (e.g., designers, developers), this section is essential. You can include links to your portfolio or detail projects you’ve worked on.
Website Overhaul for Google | Link: www.xyzportfolio.com
- Redesigned company website, improving user experience and increasing session time by 40%.
- Led a team to integrate new e-commerce features, boosting online sales by 20%.
8. Awards and Honors (Optional)
Highlight any recognitions you have received that speak to your achievements and distinguish you from other candidates.
Best Newcomer of the Year
Good-looking resume examples
Here are examples of what does a resume look like for different experience: entry-level, mid-career, and senior professional.
What a good resume looks like if I have no experience?
Emily Carter
(312) 555-7890 | emily.carter@email.com | linkedin.com/in/emilycarter | Chicago, ILSummary
Recent marketing graduate with a passion for digital campaigns and brand storytelling. Skilled in social media strategy, content creation, and SEO optimization. Eager to contribute creative ideas and analytical insights to a dynamic marketing team.
Skills
- Social Media Management (Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn)
- Copywriting & Content Strategy
- SEO & Google Analytics
- Adobe Photoshop & Canva
- Market Research
Experience
Marketing Intern
Bright Digital Agency | Chicago, IL | June 2024 – August 2024
- Assisted in the development of social media content calendars, leading to a 15% increase in audience engagement across all platforms.
- Conducted in-depth competitor analysis, providing insights that shaped digital marketing strategies for multiple clients.
- Wrote blog articles, landing pages, and promotional materials, contributing to a 10% boost in website traffic.
- Created basic graphic designs and visual assets for campaigns using Canva and Adobe Photoshop.
Social Media Coordinator (Freelance)
Self-Employed | Remote | September 2022 – Present
- Designed and managed customized social media campaigns for small businesses, increasing brand awareness and customer interactions.
- Wrote engaging posts and captions tailored to specific audiences, leading to higher organic reach and improved customer retention.
- Tracked social media analytics to identify patterns and adjusted strategies to maximize engagement rates.
- Collaborated with clients to refine their brand voice, ensuring consistency across digital platforms.
Education
B.A. in Marketing
University of Illinois at Chicago | May 2025
- Relevant Coursework: Digital Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Data Analytics
Certifications
- Google Analytics Certification | Google | 2025
- HubSpot Content Marketing Certification | HubSpot | 2023
Volunteer Experience
Marketing Volunteer
Chicago Animal Rescue | Chicago, IL | 2021 – 2022
- Developed engaging content for social media channels to promote pet adoption events and fundraising initiatives.
- Designed promotional materials such as flyers and digital ads, enhancing outreach efforts.
- Managed email marketing campaigns to increase donor contributions.
- Worked with photographers and volunteers to create compelling storytelling campaigns.
What should my resume look like mid-career?
Daniel Rodriguez
(646) 555-2345 | drodriguez@email.com | linkedin.com/in/danielrodriguez | New York, NYSummary
Project Manager with 7+ years of experience in software development and IT infrastructure projects. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, optimize workflows, and deliver projects on time and within budget. PMP-certified and highly skilled in Agile methodologies.
Skills
- Project Lifecycle Management
- Agile & Scrum Frameworks
- Risk Assessment & Mitigation
- Budget Planning & Cost Control
- Jira & Trello
Experience
Project Manager
InnovateTech Solutions | New York, NY | March 2021 – Present
- Lead multiple software development projects, improving delivery timelines by 20% through process optimization and clear milestone tracking.
- Manage project budgets totaling over $1.5 million, ensuring cost control while meeting all key deliverables.
- Facilitate Agile ceremonies, sprint planning, and retrospectives, enhancing collaboration among developers and stakeholders.
- Implemented a project tracking system that reduced miscommunication and improved reporting accuracy by 30%.
Assistant Project Manager
NextGen IT | Jersey City, NJ | June 2018 – February 2021
- Coordinated schedules and task assignments across multiple departments, ensuring timely completion of IT infrastructure projects.
- Assisted in risk assessments, identifying potential project bottlenecks and proposing mitigation strategies.
- Maintained financial oversight on project expenses, keeping spending within approved budgets.
- Developed reports for senior leadership, summarizing project progress and potential obstacles in an easy-to-digest format.
Education
B.S. in Information Systems
New York University | 2017
Certifications
- Project Management Professional (PMP) | PMI | 2020
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) | Scrum Alliance | 2019
Projects
- Led a cloud migration project for a Fortune 500 client, reducing operational costs by 15% while improving system reliability.
- Designed an internal task-tracking dashboard that enhanced project efficiency and visibility for stakeholders.
How is a senior resume supposed to look?
Sophia Bennett
(415) 555-6789 | sbennett@email.com | linkedin.com/in/sophiabennett | San Francisco, CASummary
Strategic finance leader with experience in corporate financial planning, risk management, and team leadership. Adept at driving cost-saving initiatives and maximizing revenue growth. Proven track record in Fortune 500 and high-growth startup environments.
Skills
- Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
- Risk Management & Compliance
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Budget Forecasting
- Executive Leadership
Experience
Director of Finance
WestBay Technologies | San Francisco, CA | January 2019 – Present
- Spearhead a cost-saving initiative that reduced operational expenses by 12% without compromising efficiency or service quality.
- Manage financial planning for a rapidly growing tech company, overseeing a $200M budget and ensuring optimal resource allocation.
- Lead a finance team of 10 professionals, fostering a data-driven approach to decision-making and strategic investments.
- Played a critical role in securing $50M in Series C funding, facilitating business expansion and technological innovation.
Senior Finance Manager
GlobalTech Inc. | Palo Alto, CA | July 2014 – December 2018
- Developed financial models that enhanced revenue forecasting accuracy, leading to an 18% improvement in annual financial planning.
- Managed due diligence for a $200M acquisition, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and risk assessments.
- Designed a reporting system that improved visibility into financial health, allowing executives to make informed business decisions.
- Advised senior management on investment opportunities, leading to strategic initiatives that increased profitability.
Education
M.B.A. in Finance
Stanford University | 2012
B.S. in Accounting
University of California, Berkeley | 2008
Certifications
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) | CFA Institute | 2025
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) | California Board of Accountancy | 2022
Achievements
- Recognized as "Top Finance Executive of the Year" by Bay Area Business Leaders in 2023.
- Led the implementation of an AI-driven budgeting tool, streamlining financial processes and reducing manual errors by 30%.
Conclusion
Knowing what does a resume look like to reflect your experience and skills is essential for landing your next role. Keep it concise, tailored to the position you're applying for, and free of errors.
Remember that a well-organized document can speak volumes about your professionalism and attention to detail.
With the right structure and content, your good-looking resume will be a powerful tool in your job search.
Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE
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