
Resume Writing Tips for Experienced Professionals | How to Write a Resume for Fresher 2026

onJob.io
5 minutes read
Dec 19 2025
Resume Writing Tips for Experienced Professionals | How to Write a Resume for Fresher 2026
Creating a winning resume in 2026 requires more than just listing your work history. Whether you're an experienced professional looking to advance your career or a fresher preparing how to write a resume for first job, understanding modern resume writing tips for experienced professionals and entry-level candidates is essential. Studies show that 75% of resumes never reach human eyes because they fail to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), making it crucial to know how do you write a resume for a job that stands out both to technology and recruiters.
This comprehensive resume writing guide 2026 covers everything you need to know about how i write a resume, including proven strategies, templates, and examples for both experienced professionals and freshers. Whether you're wondering how to type a resume for a job or seeking advanced resume writing strategies, this guide provides actionable advice for resume writing that delivers results. You'll discover resume making tips, learn how to write work experience in resume, master resume bullet points, and avoid common resume mistakes to avoid that cost candidates interviews.
Quick Overview – How to Write a Resume for a Job (2026)
Understanding how do i write a resume for a job starts with following a proven framework that works for both ATS systems and human recruiters. Here's your complete 10-step checklist for how to do resume for work:
Step 1: Choose the Right Format
Select reverse chronological format for experienced professionals (most recent job first) or functional/combination format for freshers with limited experience. This decision directly impacts how can we make a resume that highlights your strengths.
Step 2: Type Resume in ATS-Friendly Layout
When learning how to type a resume for a job, use simple, clean layouts with white backgrounds, one-column structure, and readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (10-12 point size). Avoid tables, text boxes, images, and complex graphics that confuse ATS systems.
Step 3: Add Complete Contact Information
Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, city and state, and LinkedIn profile URL. Never include unnecessary personal details like date of birth, marital status, or photographs (especially important in India).
Step 4: Write a Professional Summary or Objective
Experienced professionals should write a professional summary highlighting achievements and expertise. Freshers should write a career objective explaining career goals and how they add value to the employer.
Step 5: Detail Your Work Experience
This is critical for how to write resume for job with experience. List jobs in reverse chronological order with 3-5 bullet points focusing on quantifiable achievements, not just duties. Freshers should list internships, projects, and volunteer work here.
Step 6: Add Education Section
For freshers, education comes before work experience. For experienced professionals, it comes after. Include degree, institution, graduation year, and relevant coursework or honors.
Step 7: Showcase Your Skills
Create separate sections for hard skills (technical abilities, certifications, software) and soft skills (leadership, communication, teamwork). Align these with job description keywords.
Step 8: Add Extra Sections
Include certifications, languages, publications, volunteer work, awards, or relevant hobbies that demonstrate your fit for the role.
Step 9: Optimize for ATS
Use relevant keywords from the job posting naturally throughout your resume. Don't keyword stuff, but ensure resume keywords appear in your summary, experience, and skills sections.
Step 10: Proofread and Save as PDF
Eliminate typos and grammatical errors. Save your final resume as PDF (unless the job posting specifically requests Word format) with a professional filename: "FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf"
Resume Writing Tips for Experienced Professionals (2026)
Mastering resume writing tips for experienced professionals requires understanding what recruiters and hiring managers prioritize: proven achievements, quantifiable results, and clear career progression. Here's your comprehensive guide to creating a winning resume format for experienced candidates.
Best Resume Format for Experienced Candidates
The reverse chronological resume format is the gold standard for experienced professionals. This resume format for job interview lists your most recent position first and works backward chronologically, making it easy for recruiters to see your career growth and most relevant experience immediately.
Why Reverse Chronological Format Works:
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Recruiter-preferred: 90% of recruiters prefer this format because it clearly shows career progression
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ATS-friendly: Applicant Tracking Systems easily parse this structured format
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Highlights growth: Demonstrates promotions, increased responsibilities, and skill development
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Familiar structure: Follows expected conventions, making it easy for hiring managers to scan quickly
Standard Reverse Chronological Structure:
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Header (Name, contact information)
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Professional Summary (2-3 lines highlighting your value proposition)
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Work Experience (most recent to oldest, last 10-15 years)
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Skills (hard skills and technical proficiencies)
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Education (degrees, certifications)
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Additional Sections (certifications, languages, professional affiliations)
This resume format for experienced professionals ensures your strongest credentials appear first, capturing attention within the 6-second initial scan most recruiters give each resume.
How to Write Work Experience in Resume (Experienced)
Learning how to write work experience in resume effectively is the single most important resume writing technique for experienced candidates. Your work experience in resume section should tell a compelling story of achievement, not just list resume job duties.
What to Include for Each Position:
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Job Title: Use the exact title from your employment (e.g., "Senior Marketing Manager")
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Company Name and Location: Include city and state
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Employment Dates: Month and year format (e.g., "January 2020 – Present")
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3-5 Achievement-Focused Bullet Points: This is where you demonstrate impact
The PAR Formula for Writing Experience:
The most effective way to write experience in resume format uses the PAR (Problem-Action-Result) framework:
Problem: What challenge or situation did you face?
Action: What specific actions did you take?
Result: What measurable outcome did you achieve?
Example Transformations:
❌ Weak (Duty-focused): "Responsible for managing social media accounts"
✅ Strong (Achievement-focused): "Orchestrated social media strategy across 5 platforms, increasing engagement by 127% and generating 2,400+ qualified leads worth $450K in pipeline revenue"
❌ Weak: "Handled customer service inquiries"
✅ Strong: "Resolved 95% of customer complaints on first contact, improving satisfaction scores from 3.2 to 4.7/5.0 and reducing churn by 23%"
Industry-Specific Examples for How to Write Resume for Job with Experience:
Sales Professional:
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Exceeded annual sales quota by 134%, generating $2.8M in revenue and earning President's Club recognition for 3 consecutive years
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Expanded territory client base by 67 new accounts, contributing $890K in recurring annual revenue
IT Professional:
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Implemented cybersecurity measures that reduced data breaches by 41% and saved $1.2M in potential liability costs
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Led team of 8 developers to deliver software project 3 weeks ahead of schedule and 15% under budget
HR Professional:
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Streamlined recruitment process by implementing ATS system, reducing time-to-hire from 45 to 28 days and improving candidate experience scores by 38%
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Designed employee retention program that decreased turnover by 29% and saved $340K in replacement costs
Marketing Professional:
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Launched integrated marketing campaign that increased brand awareness by 156% and generated 12,500+ qualified leads
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Optimized email marketing strategy, improving open rates from 18% to 34% and conversion rates from 2.1% to 5.8%
Resume Bullet Points That Get Results
Understanding resume bullet points and bullet points for resume formatting is crucial for how to write experience in resume. Every bullet point should begin with a strong action verb and include quantifiable results whenever possible.
The Winning Bullet Point Formula:
[Action Verb] + [What You Did] + [Quantifiable Result/Impact]
30+ Powerful Action Verbs by Category:
Leadership: Spearheaded, Orchestrated, Directed, Championed, Pioneered, Led, Managed, Supervised, Oversaw, Coordinated
Achievement: Achieved, Exceeded, Surpassed, Outperformed, Delivered, Accelerated, Maximized, Increased, Boosted, Elevated
Innovation: Developed, Launched, Designed, Created, Engineered, Implemented, Initiated, Established, Pioneered, Transformed
Improvement: Optimized, Streamlined, Enhanced, Improved, Strengthened, Revitalized, Reorganized, Upgraded, Refined, Modernized
Before and After Bullet Point Transformation:
❌ Before: "Worked on improving team productivity"
✅ After: "Implemented agile methodology and project management tools, increasing team productivity by 43% and reducing project delivery time by 3 weeks"
❌ Before: "Responsible for budget management"
✅ After: "Managed $4.5M departmental budget, reducing operational costs by 18% ($810K annual savings) through vendor renegotiation and process optimization"
❌ Before: "Handled recruitment activities"
✅ After: "Recruited and onboarded 47 high-performing employees across 5 departments, achieving 94% retention rate after 12 months and reducing time-to-fill by 35%"
Resume Writing Secrets & Strategies for Senior Professionals
These resume writing secrets and resume writing strategies represent insider knowledge from recruiters and hiring managers. Apply these winning resume tips to create a perfect resume that stands out.
Secret #1: The 10-15 Year Rule
Focus your detailed work experience in resume on the last 10-15 years. Older positions can be summarized briefly in an "Additional Experience" section or omitted entirely. This resume writing technique keeps your resume focused on recent, relevant achievements.
Secret #2: Show Promotions Prominently
When promoted within the same company, use a "stacked" format to highlight career progression:
ABC Corporation, Chicago, IL
Senior Marketing Director (January 2021 – Present)
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[3-4 achievement bullets]
Marketing Manager (March 2018 – December 2020)
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[2-3 achievement bullets]
This format immediately shows growth and increased responsibility.
Secret #3: Quantify Everything Possible
Numbers catch the eye and provide context. Quantify:
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Revenue: Generated, increased, or saved
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Percentages: Growth rates, improvement rates, efficiency gains
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Volume: Number of projects, clients, team members, accounts
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Time: Deadlines met early, processes accelerated
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Rankings: Awards, recognition, top performer status
Secret #4: Strategic Keyword Alignment
This is perhaps the most important resume trick for passing ATS. Carefully read the job description and identify:
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Required technical skills
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Preferred certifications
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Key responsibilities
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Industry-specific terminology
Incorporate these exact keywords naturally into your professional summary, work experience bullets, and skills section. Use both acronyms and full terms (e.g., "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)" and "SEO strategy").
Secret #5: The "Accomplishment Inventory" Method
Before writing your resume, create an accomplishment inventory for each role:
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What problems did you solve?
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What processes did you improve?
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What revenue did you generate or save?
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What initiatives did you lead?
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What recognition did you receive?
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What teams did you build or lead?
Mine this inventory when crafting your bullet points for resume sections. This resume writing strategy ensures you never undersell your impact.
How to Write a Resume for Fresher & First Job (2026)
Understanding how to write a resume for fresher is fundamentally different from experienced candidate strategies. When you're learning how to make a resume for first job, you must emphasize potential, education, and transferable skills rather than extensive work history.
Pattern of Resume for Freshers (Structure & Length)
The ideal pattern of resume for freshers follows a specific structure optimized for candidates with limited professional experience. This resume format for freshers example has been proven effective across industries.
Optimal Fresher Resume Structure:
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Header (Name, phone, email, LinkedIn, city)
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Career Objective (2-3 lines about career goals and value offer)
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Education (degrees, university, CGPA, relevant coursework, academic projects)
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Internships/Projects (practical experience, even if unpaid)
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Skills (technical skills, software proficiency, soft skills)
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Certifications (online courses, professional certifications)
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Additional Sections (languages, volunteer work, achievements, relevant hobbies)
Key Differences in Resume Styles for Freshers:
Length: Strict one-page limit for freshers. Recruiters expect concise resumes from entry-level candidates and will question why a fresher needs more than one page.
Education Placement: Unlike experienced professionals, freshers should place education at the top (immediately after objective) since it's your strongest qualification.
Focus: Emphasize potential and learning ability rather than extensive track record. Highlight academic projects, internships, volunteer work, and extracurricular leadership.
India-Specific Considerations for Resume Format for Job Fresher:
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Academic Marks: Including Class X and XII marks is common practice in India. Include if above 70%; consider omitting if lower.
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CGPA/Percentage: Always include your college CGPA or percentage
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Photograph: Generally not recommended for private sector jobs (waste of space, potential bias). May be required for government positions.
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Personal Details: Avoid including marital status, religion, caste, father's name, or Aadhaar/PAN numbers (privacy and relevance concerns)
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Date of Birth: Optional; include only if specifically requested
Sample Format Resume for Freshers Layout:
text
[NAME IN LARGE FONT]
City, State | Phone | Email | LinkedIn Profile
CAREER OBJECTIVE
[2-3 lines about what you're seeking and what you offer]
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science | 8.2 CGPA
XYZ University, City | Graduated: May 2025
Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Machine Learning, Web Development
INTERNSHIPS & PROJECTS
[Position/Project Title] | [Company/University] | [Dates]
• Bullet point describing what you did and impact
• Bullet point with quantifiable result if possible
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Programming: Python, Java, JavaScript, SQL
Tools: Git, Docker, AWS, TensorFlow
Soft Skills: Problem-solving, Team collaboration, Communication
CERTIFICATIONS
• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (Coursera, 2025)
• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (2024)
ADDITIONAL
Languages: English (Fluent), Hindi (Native), Odia (Conversational)
Volunteer: Led tech workshops for 50+ underprivileged students
Resume for Fresher Sample & Templates (Examples)
Here are two complete resume sample for fresher examples showing different approaches to sample resume template for freshers creation.
Example 1: Engineering Fresher Resume Sample for Fresher
text
RAJESH KUMAR PATEL
Bhubaneswar, Odisha | +91-9876543210 | rajesh.patel@email.com | linkedin.com/in/rajeshpatel
CAREER OBJECTIVE
Recent Computer Science graduate seeking entry-level Software Developer position to apply programming skills, problem-solving abilities, and passion for creating innovative solutions that drive business value.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science Engineering | CGPA: 8.5/10
National Institute of Technology, Rourkela | May 2025
Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Database Management, Software Engineering, Machine Learning
ACADEMIC PROJECTS
E-Commerce Website with Payment Integration | Jan 2025 – Apr 2025
• Developed full-stack e-commerce platform using React.js, Node.js, and MongoDB serving 200+ test users
• Integrated Razorpay payment gateway and implemented user authentication with JWT tokens
• Optimized database queries, reducing page load time by 40% and improving user experience
Machine Learning Price Prediction Model | Aug 2024 – Dec 2024
• Built predictive model using Python, Scikit-learn, and Pandas to forecast product prices with 87% accuracy
• Analyzed dataset of 10,000+ records, performed feature engineering and model tuning
• Presented findings to faculty panel, earning "Best Project" recognition
INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
Software Development Intern | TechStart Solutions, Bhubaneswar | Jun 2024 – Aug 2024
• Collaborated with team of 5 developers to build CRM features for 15+ client companies
• Wrote clean, maintainable code following agile methodologies and Git version control
• Fixed 23 bugs and implemented 7 new features, improving application performance by 25%
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Programming Languages: Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, SQL
Web Technologies: React.js, Node.js, Express.js, HTML5, CSS3, RESTful APIs
Tools & Technologies: Git, Docker, MySQL, MongoDB, AWS (EC2, S3), VS Code
Core Competencies: Data Structures, Algorithms, OOP, Database Design, Problem Solving
CERTIFICATIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS
• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (Amazon Web Services, 2024)
• Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate (Coursera, 2024)
• Secured 1st place in college Hackathon among 45 teams (2024)
• Published research paper on "AI in Healthcare" in IEEE conference (2024)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Languages: English (Fluent), Hindi (Native), Odia (Native)
Interests: Open-source contribution (3 accepted pull requests), Technical blogging, Chess
Example 2: Student First Job Resume Format for Freshers (Non-Technical)
text
PRIYA SHARMA
Cuttack, Odisha | +91-9988776655 | priya.sharma@email.com | linkedin.com/in/priyasharma
CAREER OBJECTIVE
Dynamic Business Administration graduate seeking Marketing Executive position to leverage analytical skills, creative thinking, and digital marketing knowledge to drive brand growth and customer engagement.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) | CGPA: 8.9/10
Ravenshaw University, Cuttack | May 2025
Specialization: Marketing & Finance
Academic Excellence Award 2024 | Dean's List (All Semesters)
INTERNSHIP & WORK EXPERIENCE
Marketing Intern | Digital Heights Agency, Bhubaneswar | Jan 2025 – Apr 2025
• Assisted in developing social media campaigns for 4 client brands, increasing follower engagement by 65%
• Conducted market research and competitive analysis, presenting insights to senior marketing team
• Created content calendar and wrote 20+ social media posts generating 15,000+ impressions
Campus Ambassador | XYZ E-learning Platform | Aug 2024 – Dec 2024
• Promoted online courses among 500+ students through presentations, social media, and events
• Achieved 2nd place nationally among 200+ ambassadors with 87 course enrollments
• Earned ₹12,000 in incentives through successful referrals
PROJECTS & LEADERSHIP
Digital Marketing Campaign (Academic Project) | Sep 2024 – Nov 2024
• Led team of 4 students to create comprehensive digital marketing strategy for local restaurant
• Managed ₹10,000 virtual budget across Google Ads, Facebook, and Instagram campaigns
• Delivered 35% hypothetical ROI improvement through targeted audience segmentation
Student Council - Events Coordinator | Aug 2023 – May 2024
• Organized 5 major college events including annual fest attended by 2,000+ participants
• Managed event budget of ₹2.5 lakh and coordinated with 8 vendors and 20 volunteers
• Negotiated sponsorship deals worth ₹1.8 lakh from 6 local businesses
SKILLS
Digital Marketing: Social Media Marketing, Content Creation, SEO Basics, Email Marketing, Google Analytics
Software: MS Excel (Advanced - VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables), MS PowerPoint, Canva, Mailchimp, Hootsuite
Languages: English (Fluent), Hindi (Fluent), Odia (Native)
Core Strengths: Market Research, Creative Thinking, Team Leadership, Client Communication
CERTIFICATIONS
• Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate (2024)
• HubSpot Content Marketing Certification (2024)
• Facebook Blueprint Certification - Advertising Core Competencies (2025)
ADDITIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
• Winner - College Business Plan Competition (2024)
• Volunteer - Taught English to 30 underprivileged children for 6 months
• Sports: Represented college in state-level badminton championship
How to Make a Resume/CV for First Job (Step by Step)
This detailed guide covers how to create resume for first job, answering the exact questions: how to make cv for first job, how to write cv for first job, how to make cv for job for freshers, and how to prepare a resume for fresher.
Step 1: Brainstorm All Your Experiences
When learning how to make a job resume for your first position, start by listing everything:
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Academic projects (individual and team)
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Internships (paid or unpaid)
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Volunteer work
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Part-time jobs
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College clubs and leadership positions
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Competitions and awards
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Certifications and online courses
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Relevant hobbies that demonstrate skills
Step 2: Choose a Simple, ATS-Friendly Template
Download or create a clean sample resume templates for freshers with:
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Standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
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0.5 to 1-inch margins
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Clear section headings
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No images, tables, or fancy graphics
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Single column layout
Step 3: Write a Strong Fresher Career Objective
Your objective should answer:
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What position are you seeking?
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What relevant skills/education do you have?
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What value will you bring to the employer?
Formula: [Your qualification] seeking [position type] to apply [2-3 key skills] and contribute to [company goal/value]
Example: "Computer Science graduate seeking Software Developer role to apply programming expertise in Python and JavaScript, problem-solving abilities, and passion for building user-centric applications that drive business innovation."
Step 4: Place Education Section First
For first job resume, education is your strongest asset:
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Degree and major
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University/college name
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Graduation month and year
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CGPA/Percentage (if above 7.0/70%)
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Relevant coursework (3-5 courses related to target job)
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Academic honors or awards
Step 5: Detail Internships, Projects, and Volunteering
This replaces the traditional "work experience" section. For each entry:
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Use the same bullet point format as experienced professionals
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Focus on what you learned and contributed
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Quantify wherever possible (team size, project scope, users impacted, results achieved)
Step 6: Create Targeted Skills Section
Divide into:
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Technical Skills: Software, tools, programming languages, certifications
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Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, time management
Important: Only list skills you actually possess and can discuss in an interview.
Step 7: Add Certifications and Additional Sections
Include:
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Online certifications (Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning)
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Professional certifications (Google, AWS, HubSpot)
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Languages spoken (with proficiency levels)
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Relevant volunteer work
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Publications or presentations
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Hobbies that demonstrate valuable skills
Step 8: Keep It to One Page
This is crucial for student first job resume format for freshers. Edit ruthlessly:
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Remove irrelevant details
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Combine similar experiences
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Use concise language
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Adjust margins (minimum 0.5 inches) and font size (minimum 10 point) if needed
Step 9: Tailor for Each Application
Never send the same generic resume to multiple jobs. Customize:
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Career objective to mention the specific company/role
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Skills section to prioritize those mentioned in job description
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Project descriptions to emphasize relevant technologies or methods
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Keywords throughout to match job posting
Step 10: Proofread Multiple Times
Typos are especially damaging for freshers. Check:
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Spelling and grammar (use Grammarly or similar tools)
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Consistency in formatting (dates, bullet styles, fonts)
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Contact information accuracy
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File name (FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf)
Resume Making Tips, Tricks & Advice (for All Levels)
These essential resume making tips and tips for resume making apply to both experienced professionals and freshers, providing universal advice for resume writing that improves your chances of landing interviews.
Essential Resume Making Tips (Beginners)
Tip #1: Study the Job Posting Carefully
The job description is your roadmap. Highlight:
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Required skills and qualifications
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Preferred skills and experience
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Specific technologies or methodologies mentioned
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Company values and culture keywords
Mirror this language in your resume without simply copying sentences.
Tip #2: Use Clean, Scannable Structure
Recruiters spend 6-7 seconds on initial resume screening. Make those seconds count:
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Clear section headings in bold or slightly larger font
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Consistent formatting throughout (same bullet style, date format, spacing)
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White space between sections for easy scanning
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Hierarchy with your name largest, section headings prominent, and body text readable
Tip #3: Use Bullet Points, Not Paragraphs
This is critical advice for resume writing:
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✅ Bullet points are scannable and highlight key information
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❌ Paragraphs are dense and hard to skim quickly
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Limit to 3-5 bullets per position
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Each bullet should be 1-2 lines maximum
Tip #4: Keep It Concise
Length guidelines:
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Freshers: 1 page strictly
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Experienced (2-5 years): 1 page preferred, 2 pages acceptable
-
Experienced (5-10 years): 2 pages
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Senior professionals (10+ years): 2 pages maximum
Remove:
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Irrelevant jobs from 15+ years ago
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Outdated technical skills
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Excessive detail on early-career positions
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Personal information (age, marital status, religion)
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References (provide separately when requested)
Tip #5: Action Verbs Over Passive Language
❌ Weak: "Was responsible for managing team"
✅ Strong: "Led cross-functional team of 12 members"
❌ Weak: "Duties included customer service"
✅ Strong: "Resolved customer inquiries, maintaining 4.8/5 satisfaction rating"
"Resume Trick" – Master Resume & Tailoring Process
This powerful resume trick dramatically improves your application success rate. It's one of the best resume tips that work for job seekers at any level.
The Master Resume Concept:
Create one comprehensive "master resume" document that contains:
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All positions you've ever held (even those you won't always include)
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Every achievement from each role (10-15 bullets per position)
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All skills you possess
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All certifications, awards, and accomplishments
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Various versions of your summary/objective
This master resume might be 5-6 pages long – and that's perfectly fine because you'll never send it to employers.
The Tailoring Process:
For each job application:
Step 1: Open your master resume and a new blank document
Step 2: Copy the header and contact information
Step 3: Read the job description carefully and highlight keywords
Step 4: From your master resume, select:
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The 3-5 most relevant positions (or all recent ones for experienced)
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The 3-5 most relevant bullets from each position that match the job requirements
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The skills specifically mentioned in the job posting
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The certifications and additional sections most relevant to this role
Step 5: Customize your summary/objective to mention the company name and role
Step 6: Rearrange skills to list the most important ones first
Step 7: Ensure you've naturally incorporated 8-12 keywords from the job description
Before and After Tailoring Example:
Generic Master Resume Bullet:
"Managed social media accounts across multiple platforms for client campaigns"
Tailored for Digital Marketing Manager Role:
"Orchestrated social media strategy across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for 8 B2B clients, increasing engagement by 143% and generating 2,100+ qualified leads"
Tailored for Content Marketing Specialist Role:
"Developed and executed content strategy across social platforms, creating 150+ posts that achieved 4.2M impressions and 67,000+ engagements"
This resume trick ensures every application is targeted and relevant while saving time by not starting from scratch each time.
How to Improve Your Resume & Make It Stand Out
Understanding how to improve your resume is essential for anyone wondering how to make resume stand out in competitive job markets. These resume improvement strategies transform average resumes into interview-generating powerhouses.
What Makes a Good Resume in 2026?
A good resume in 2026 balances ATS optimization with human appeal. Here's what makes a good resume that satisfies both:
1. Clear, Scannable Structure with Visual Hierarchy
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Name and contact info immediately visible at top
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Section headings clearly differentiate content areas
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Consistent formatting creates professional appearance
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Adequate white space prevents overwhelming dense text
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Bold and strategic emphasis draws eye to key achievements
2. ATS-Friendly Format
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Simple one-column layout without tables or text boxes
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Standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, Helvetica)
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No headers/footers containing critical information
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No images, graphics, charts, or icons
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Saved as PDF (unless .docx specifically requested)
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Standard section headings (Work Experience, not "My Journey")
3. Strong Professional Summary or Career Objective
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For experienced: 2-3 lines highlighting years of experience, key expertise areas, and major accomplishments
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For freshers: 2-3 lines stating career goals, relevant education/skills, and value proposition
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Includes keywords from target job description
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Captures attention and makes recruiter want to read more
4. Achievement-Focused Bullet Points with Metrics
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Every bullet begins with strong action verb
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Focuses on accomplishments and impact, not just duties
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Includes quantifiable results whenever possible:
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Revenue generated or saved
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Percentages of improvement
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Time saved or efficiency gained
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Size of team, budget, or project managed
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Recognition or awards earned
5. Tailored to Specific Job Description
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Keywords from job posting naturally incorporated throughout
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Skills section prioritizes requirements from posting
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Experience bullets emphasize relevant achievements
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Summary/objective mentions role or company when appropriate
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Irrelevant experience minimized or removed
Practical Ways to Improve Your Current Resume
This 12-point resume improvement checklist shows exactly how to improve your resume step by step:
☐ 1. Replace Generic Summary with Achievement-Based Statement
❌ Before: "Experienced marketing professional seeking new opportunities"
✅ After: "Results-driven Marketing Manager with 7+ years driving brand growth for B2B SaaS companies. Proven track record increasing lead generation by 200%+ and reducing CAC by 40% through data-driven digital campaigns and marketing automation."
☐ 2. Transform Duties into Quantified Accomplishments
Review every bullet point. If it describes what you were "responsible for" or your "duties included," rewrite to show results:
❌ Before: "Responsible for managing customer accounts"
✅ After: "Managed portfolio of 45 enterprise accounts worth $3.2M, achieving 96% retention rate and 32% year-over-year revenue growth through strategic account planning and quarterly business reviews"
☐ 3. Fix Formatting and Consistency Issues
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Ensure all dates use same format (e.g., "Jan 2020" or "January 2020" – not mixed)
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Check all bullet points use same style (•, ▪, -, or ○ – not mixed)
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Verify consistent spacing between sections
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Confirm font type and size consistency throughout
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Align all elements properly (left-align or justified, not mixed)
☐ 4. Remove Irrelevant or Outdated Experience
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Delete jobs from 15+ years ago unless highly relevant
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Remove ancient certifications or outdated technologies
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Eliminate irrelevant early-career positions (especially for senior professionals)
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Consider combining very old roles into "Additional Experience" section with minimal detail
☐ 5. Add Missing Critical Sections
Most resumes are missing at least one of these valuable sections:
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Certifications: Professional credentials that validate expertise
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Projects: Especially important for freshers and tech professionals
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Publications/Presentations: Establishes thought leadership
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Languages: Increasingly valuable in global market
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Volunteer Work: Shows character and leadership (especially for freshers)
☐ 6. Optimize Keyword Usage Without Stuffing
-
Identify 10-12 keywords from job description
-
Incorporate naturally in summary, experience bullets, and skills
-
Use both acronyms and full terms (e.g., "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)")
-
Don't repeat same keyword more than 3-4 times
-
Place most important keywords in first half of resume
☐ 7. Strengthen Action Verbs
Replace weak, overused verbs with powerful alternatives:
-
"Managed" → Spearheaded, Orchestrated, Directed, Championed
-
"Helped" → Facilitated, Enabled, Supported, Contributed to
-
"Did" → Executed, Implemented, Delivered, Accomplished
-
"Made" → Developed, Created, Established, Built
☐ 8. Add Numbers to Every Bullet Point Possible
Review each bullet and ask:
-
How many (people, projects, accounts, customers)?
-
How much (revenue, budget, savings, growth)?
-
How long (time saved, project duration)?
-
What percentage (improvement, growth, reduction)?
-
What ranking or recognition (awards, top performer)?
☐ 9. Reorder Sections Strategically
-
Experienced professionals: Work Experience → Skills → Education → Additional
-
Freshers: Education → Internships/Projects → Skills → Certifications → Additional
-
Put your strongest qualification first (after summary/objective)
☐ 10. Remove Personal Information and Photos
Delete these from your resume:
-
Date of birth
-
Marital status
-
Religion or caste
-
Photograph (unless specifically requested)
-
Aadhaar/PAN numbers
-
Current salary
-
Hobbies irrelevant to job (unless they demonstrate valuable skills)
☐ 11. Update Contact Information and Links
-
Use professional email address (
-
firstname.lastname@email.com
-
)
-
Verify phone number is correct
-
Add LinkedIn profile URL (customize your URL first)
-
Include city and state (full address not necessary)
-
Consider adding portfolio website or GitHub (for relevant roles)
☐ 12. Proofread with Fresh Eyes
-
Run spell-check in Word or Grammarly
-
Read resume aloud to catch awkward phrasing
-
Have someone else review it
-
Check for:
-
Typos and spelling errors
-
Grammatical mistakes
-
Inconsistent verb tense (use past tense for previous jobs, present for current role)
-
Missing words or incomplete sentences
Resume Mistakes to Avoid in 2026
Learning from resume mistakes to avoid is just as important as knowing what to include. These 12 common errors cost candidates interviews:
Mistake #1: Weak, Generic Objective or Summary
❌ "Seeking a challenging position where I can utilize my skills and grow professionally"
This tells recruiters nothing about your qualifications or value. Every candidate wants to use their skills and grow.
✅ Instead: Write specific summary highlighting your experience level, key skills, and proven achievements relevant to target role.
Mistake #2: Typos, Grammar Errors, and Inconsistent Formatting
Even one typo signals carelessness. Common errors:
-
Spelling mistakes (especially company names)
-
Incorrect punctuation
-
Inconsistent date formats
-
Mixed bullet point styles
-
Varying fonts or sizes
-
Grammatical errors
Prevention: Use spell-check tools, read aloud, and have others proofread.
Mistake #3: Overdesigned Resumes That Break ATS
Creative resumes with graphics, columns, tables, images, and fancy fonts may look impressive but often fail ATS parsing:
-
Text in tables becomes scrambled
-
Multiple columns confuse reading order
-
Graphics and images are ignored completely
-
Unusual fonts aren't recognized
-
Information in headers/footers is missed
Stick to simple, single-column layouts for maximum compatibility.
Mistake #4: Listing Duties Instead of Results
❌ "Responsible for social media management"
❌ "Handled customer service inquiries"
❌ "Worked on sales team"
These tell what you did but not how well you did it or what impact you made.
✅ Focus on achievements with quantifiable results showing your effectiveness.
Mistake #5: Including Irrelevant Experience
Every line on your resume should support your candidacy for the target role. Remove:
-
Jobs from completely unrelated fields (unless showing transferable skills)
-
Very old positions with no relevance
-
Excessive detail on early-career roles
-
Personal information unrelated to job performance
Mistake #6: Wrong Resume Length
-
Too short (half page for experienced professional): Looks like you lack substance
-
Too long (3+ pages for mid-level professional): Shows inability to prioritize and communicate concisely
Follow standard length guidelines: 1 page for freshers, 1-2 pages for experienced professionals.
Mistake #7: No Keywords or Excessive Keyword Stuffing
No keywords: Resume fails ATS screening and misses opportunity to show relevant skills
Keyword stuffing: Resume reads unnaturally, appears spammy, and turns off human recruiters
❌ "SEO SEO marketing SEO expert SEO specialist with SEO experience in SEO strategies"
✅ Balance: Incorporate keywords naturally where they fit contextually in your experience, skills, and summary.
Mistake #8: Using Same Generic Resume for Every Job
Sending identical resume to all applications significantly reduces success rate. Each job has unique requirements, and your resume should reflect how you meet those specific needs.
Always tailor: summary, keywords, skill prioritization, and bullet point selection.
Mistake #9: Including Unnecessary Personal Details
These waste space and can introduce bias:
-
Date of birth or age
-
Marital status
-
Religion, caste, or ethnicity
-
Photograph (India context: avoid unless specifically requested)
-
Current or expected salary (discuss in interview)
-
Full home address (city and state sufficient)
Mistake #10: Saving in Wrong Format
-
Saving as .docx can cause formatting issues when opened on different systems
-
Using unusual formats (.pages, .odt) may not open properly
-
Not following application instructions (when specific format requested)
Best practice: Save as PDF unless job posting specifically requests Word format.
Mistake #11: Misordering Resume Sections
Section order matters:
❌ Wrong for experienced: Education before extensive work experience (buries your strongest qualification)
❌ Wrong for fresher: Attempting to lead with minimal internship before impressive education
✅ Correct principle: Lead with your strongest qualification relative to the job requirements.
Mistake #12: Missing or Incorrect Contact Information
Surprisingly common errors:
-
Old phone number or email you don't check
-
Unprofessional email address (
-
partygirl123@email.com
-
)
-
Broken LinkedIn URL
-
Contact info buried in header that ATS misses
Verify your contact information is accurate, professional, and prominently displayed.
Resume Writing Best Practices (2026 ATS Optimization)
Understanding resume writing best practices and how to write a great resume requires mastering ATS (Applicant Tracking System) optimization while maintaining human readability.
Best Practice #1: Use ATS-Friendly Fonts
Stick to these proven, easily-parsed fonts:
-
Arial (modern, clean, highly readable)
-
Calibri (default in many systems, professional)
-
Times New Roman (traditional, conservative)
-
Helvetica (clean, simple, popular)
-
Georgia (readable, slightly more distinctive)
Font size: 10-12 points for body text, 14-16 points for name, 11-13 points for section headings.
Best Practice #2: Avoid Tables, Text Boxes, and Graphics
ATS systems struggle with:
-
Tables: Text order becomes scrambled, columns mix together
-
Text boxes: Often completely ignored by ATS
-
Graphics and images: Cannot be read, waste space
-
Charts and graphs: Data not extracted
-
Logos and icons: Not recognized, may cause parsing errors
Exception: Simple borders or subtle horizontal lines between sections are usually acceptable.
Best Practice #3: Use Standard Section Headings
ATS systems are programmed to recognize conventional section names. Use these instead of creative alternatives:
✅ Standard: Work Experience, Professional Experience, Employment History
❌ Risky: My Career Journey, Where I've Been, Professional Background
✅ Standard: Education, Academic Background
❌ Risky: My Learning Path, Academic Journey
✅ Standard: Skills, Technical Skills, Core Competencies
❌ Risky: My Toolkit, What I'm Good At, Areas of Expertise
Best Practice #4: Always Save and Submit as PDF
Why PDF is preferred:
-
Preserves your exact formatting across all devices and operating systems
-
Prevents accidental editing
-
Looks more professional
-
Most ATS systems now parse PDFs effectively (major improvement from 5 years ago)
Exception: Submit .docx format only if job posting specifically requests it.
Best Practice #5: Use Professional File Naming
❌ Bad: resume.pdf, my_resume_final_v3.pdf, RESUME2024.pdf
✅ Good: FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf
Example: "Rajesh_Patel_Resume.pdf" or "Priya_Sharma_Marketing_Resume.pdf"
This naming convention:
-
Makes file easily identifiable in recruiter's downloads folder
-
Looks professional
-
Includes your name for easy reference
Best Practice #6: Test Your Resume with ATS Checkers
Before submitting, test your resume using these free tools:
-
Jobscan (compares your resume against specific job descriptions)
-
Resume Worded (provides instant feedback on ATS compatibility)
-
TopResume (free ATS-friendly resume review)
Simple manual test: Copy your entire resume and paste into Notepad. If text appears clean and in correct order, ATS can likely read it. If scrambled or missing text, reformatting needed.
Best Practice #7: Strategic Keyword Placement
Where to place keywords for maximum ATS impact:
High Priority Sections:
-
Professional Summary (5-8 keywords)
-
Skills Section (10-15 keywords, divided into categories)
-
Work Experience Bullets (2-3 keywords per position)
Medium Priority:
-
Section headings (if role-specific, like "Digital Marketing Experience")
-
Certifications section
Distribution Strategy:
-
Place most important keywords in first half of resume
-
Use keywords in context, not listed randomly
-
Include both acronyms and full terms: "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)"
-
Vary keyword usage slightly: "project management," "managed projects," "led project teams"
Optimal Keyword Density: 2-3% for your most important keywords (appears 6-8 times in 2-page resume).
Best Practice #8: Submit Through Correct Channel
-
Apply through company website/ATS portal when possible (better tracking)
-
Follow exact submission instructions
-
If emailing, use clear subject line: "Application for [Position] - [Your Name]"
-
Don't rely solely on Indeed or LinkedIn "Easy Apply" (less effective)
-
If referred, mention referrer's name in application and resume
Professional Resume Examples (Experienced & Fresher)
These professional resume examples demonstrate effective resume format for job interview for both experienced professionals and freshers.
Experienced Professional Resume Example
text
AMIT KUMAR SINGH
Mumbai, Maharashtra | +91-9876543210 | amit.singh@email.com | linkedin.com/in/amitsingh
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Results-driven Senior Marketing Manager with 8+ years driving revenue growth for B2B SaaS and technology companies. Proven expertise in digital marketing, demand generation, and marketing automation, delivering 250%+ lead growth and $12M+ in pipeline revenue. Skilled in leading cross-functional teams, optimizing marketing ROI, and implementing data-driven strategies.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Marketing Manager | TechVision Solutions, Mumbai, MH | Mar 2021 – Present
• Spearheaded demand generation strategy across 5 digital channels, generating 4,800+ qualified leads and contributing $6.2M in closed revenue (145% of annual target)
• Implemented marketing automation platform (HubSpot) that reduced lead nurturing time by 40% and improved lead-to-opportunity conversion rate from 12% to 23%
• Led team of 6 marketing professionals across content, digital, and events functions, achieving 98% on-time project delivery rate
• Optimized paid advertising campaigns (Google Ads, LinkedIn) reducing customer acquisition cost by 35% while scaling monthly leads by 180%
• Established marketing analytics dashboard providing real-time visibility into pipeline contribution, reducing reporting time from 2 days to 15 minutes
Marketing Manager | InnovateTech India Pvt. Ltd., Pune, MH | Jun 2018 – Feb 2021
• Developed and executed integrated marketing campaigns across digital, email, and events that increased brand awareness by 167% and generated $3.8M in pipeline
• Managed annual marketing budget of ₹1.2 Cr, consistently delivering 4.2:1 ROI through data-driven resource allocation
• Launched company blog and content marketing program, growing organic traffic from 2,500 to 18,000 monthly visitors in 18 months
• Orchestrated 4 major industry events and 12 webinars attracting 2,000+ attendees and generating 850+ qualified leads
Digital Marketing Specialist | Creative Minds Agency, Mumbai, MH | Jul 2016 – May 2018
• Executed SEO strategies for 8 client websites, improving average organic rankings from page 3 to page 1 for 45+ target keywords
• Managed paid search campaigns with monthly budgets up to ₹25 lakh, achieving average ROAS of 380%
• Created and optimized landing pages that improved conversion rates from 2.1% to 5.8% through A/B testing
EDUCATION
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Marketing | NMIMS, Mumbai | 2016
Bachelor of Engineering - Computer Science | University of Pune | 2014
CERTIFICATIONS & SKILLS
• Google Analytics Individual Qualification (GAIQ) | Google Ads Certified | HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certified
• Digital Marketing: SEO, SEM, Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing, Email Marketing, Marketing Automation
• Tools: HubSpot, Salesforce, Google Analytics, SEMrush, Ahrefs, Google Ads, Facebook Ads Manager, Marketo
• Leadership: Team Management, Cross-functional Collaboration, Stakeholder Communication, Budget Management
ACHIEVEMENTS
• "Marketing Excellence Award" for highest pipeline contribution (2023)
• Speaker at MarTech India Conference (2022, 2024)
• Published 12 articles in leading marketing publications
What Makes This Example Effective:
-
Strong summary with years of experience, key areas, and quantified results
-
Achievement-focused bullets with specific metrics (leads, revenue, percentages, budget sizes)
-
Clear progression showing career growth from Specialist → Manager → Senior Manager
-
Powerful action verbs (Spearheaded, Orchestrated, Implemented, Optimized)
-
Relevant keywords naturally incorporated (demand generation, marketing automation, SEO, SEM, HubSpot)
-
Reverse chronological format with most recent and relevant experience first
Fresher Resume Example (Annotated)
text
SNEHA PATEL
Bhubaneswar, Odisha | +91-9988776655 | sneha.patel@email.com | linkedin.com/in/snehapatel | github.com/snehapatel
CAREER OBJECTIVE
Computer Science graduate seeking Software Developer position to apply programming skills in Python and Java, problem-solving abilities developed through 8+ academic projects, and passion for building scalable applications that deliver user value and business impact.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science Engineering | CGPA: 8.7/10
Siksha 'O' Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar | May 2025
Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Database Management, Machine Learning, Web Development, Software Engineering
Academic Honors: Dean's List (6 semesters), Best Project Award (2024)
TECHNICAL PROJECTS
Full-Stack Task Management Application | Final Year Project | Jan 2025 – Apr 2025
• Developed complete task management web app using React.js, Node.js, Express.js, and MongoDB serving 50+ beta users
• Implemented user authentication, role-based access control, real-time notifications using WebSockets
• Designed RESTful API with 15+ endpoints, optimized database queries reducing page load time by 45%
• Deployed application on AWS EC2 with CI/CD pipeline using GitHub Actions
Machine Learning-Based Disease Prediction System | Aug 2024 – Dec 2024
• Built predictive model using Python, Scikit-learn, and TensorFlow to diagnose diseases from patient symptoms with 89% accuracy
• Processed and analyzed dataset of 12,000+ medical records, performed feature engineering and hyperparameter tuning
• Created interactive web interface using Flask for doctors to input symptoms and receive diagnostic suggestions
• Presented research findings to faculty panel, securing highest grade and recognition as "Outstanding Project"
E-Learning Platform with Video Streaming | Jan 2024 – Apr 2024
• Collaborated with team of 4 to develop online learning platform supporting 100+ concurrent users
• Integrated video streaming functionality using AWS S3 and CloudFront CDN
• Implemented secure payment processing using Razorpay API and user progress tracking features
INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
Software Development Intern | CodeCraft Technologies, Bhubaneswar | Jun 2024 – Aug 2024
• Worked with development team of 8 to build inventory management module for retail clients
• Wrote clean, maintainable code following agile methodologies, participating in daily standups and sprint planning
• Resolved 28 bugs, implemented 5 new features, and improved application performance by 30%
• Utilized Git for version control, created detailed documentation for developed features
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Programming Languages: Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, SQL
Web Technologies: React.js, Node.js, Express.js, HTML5, CSS3, Bootstrap, RESTful APIs
Database: MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL
Tools & Platforms: Git, GitHub, Docker, AWS (EC2, S3, Lambda), VS Code, Postman, JIRA
Core Competencies: Data Structures & Algorithms, Object-Oriented Programming, Database Design, Agile Methodologies
CERTIFICATIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS
• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (Amazon Web Services, 2024)
• Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate (Coursera, 2024)
• 1st Place - College Level Hackathon among 52 teams (March 2024)
• Active contributor to 2 open-source projects on GitHub (15+ accepted pull requests)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Languages: English (Fluent), Hindi (Native), Odia (Native)
Leadership: Technical Lead - College Coding Club (2023-2024), Mentored 20+ junior students
Interests: Competitive programming (Codeforces rating: 1450), Technical blogging, Open-source contribution
What Makes This Fresher Example Effective:
-
Specific career objective mentioning position, relevant skills, and quantified experience (8+ projects)
-
Education placed prominently with relevant coursework and strong CGPA
-
Detailed project descriptions showing technical skills, tools used, and impact (quantified where possible)
-
Internship experience demonstrating real-world application of skills
-
Comprehensive technical skills section organized by category
-
Additional value through certifications, achievements, and leadership experience
-
One-page format appropriate for fresher-level candidate
Resume for Odisha Jobs – Bank, Postal & Government
If you're applying for bank job odisha, postal job odisha, or free job odisha opportunities in government sectors, your resume needs specific tailoring for these applications.
Tailoring Your Resume for Government and Banking Jobs in Odisha
Key Differences for Government Job Applications:
1. Format and Structure
-
Government jobs often require specific application formats or forms
-
Bio-data format may be preferred over modern resume format
-
Include all educational qualifications starting from Class X (unlike private sector)
-
Photograph may be mandatory for government applications
2. Information to Include:
-
Complete educational history (Class X, XII, Graduation, Post-graduation with marks/CGPA)
-
Date of birth (required for age verification)
-
Permanent and current address
-
Category (if applicable: General, OBC, SC, ST)
-
Nationality (Indian)
-
Father's/Guardian's name (often required)
3. Skills Emphasis:
For bank job odisha and postal job odisha applications, emphasize:
-
Computer proficiency (MS Office, typing speed)
-
Language skills (English, Hindi, Odia)
-
Numerical ability and accounting knowledge (for banking)
-
Customer service experience
-
Knowledge of government procedures
4. ATS Compatibility for Online Portals
Even government portals now use basic ATS. Ensure your resume:
-
Uses simple, standard fonts
-
Has no graphics or tables
-
Includes exact keywords from job notification
-
Is saved as PDF (unless portal specifies otherwise)
-
Follows maximum file size limits (usually 100KB-500KB)
5. Certificates and Documentation
Government jobs require submitting certificates. Prepare:
-
Educational certificates (Class X onwards)
-
Caste certificate (if claiming reservation)
-
Domicile certificate (Odisha residency proof)
-
Experience certificates
-
Character certificate
Finding Jobs in Odisha
For the latest free job odisha, bank job odisha, and postal job odisha notifications and application guidance, visit specialized job portals focusing on Odisha opportunities. Creating a targeted resume for each notification significantly increases your selection chances.
Internal Links: [Link to your Free Job Odisha page] | [Link to your Bank Job Odisha page] | [Link to your Postal Job Odisha page]
Comparison Table: Experienced vs Fresher Resume
This comprehensive comparison shows the key differences in resume approach for experienced professionals versus first-time job seekers:
|
Aspect |
Experienced Professional Resume |
Fresher / First Job Resume |
|
Format |
Reverse Chronological (most recent first) |
Functional or Chronological (education-focused) |
|
Length |
1-2 pages (2 pages for 10+ years experience) |
Strictly 1 page |
|
Top Section After Contact |
Professional Summary (2-3 lines of achievements) |
Career Objective (2-3 lines of goals and value) |
|
Primary Focus |
Work achievements with quantifiable results |
Education, projects, internships, potential |
|
Section Order |
Work Experience → Skills → Education |
Education → Projects/Internships → Skills |
|
Bullet Point Content |
Quantified accomplishments (revenue, %, metrics) |
Skills demonstrated, learning, contributions |
|
Work Experience Details |
3-5 bullets per role focusing on impact |
Internships, part-time work, volunteering with 2-4 bullets |
|
Education Placement |
After work experience (lower priority) |
At top immediately after objective (highest priority) |
|
Keywords Used |
Industry-specific, senior-level terms, specialized skills |
Entry-level terms, foundational skills, eagerness to learn |
|
Numbers/Metrics |
Essential in every bullet point if possible |
Include where possible (team size, project scope, users) |
|
Projects Section |
Optional, only if highly relevant to role |
Mandatory, detailed description of academic/personal projects |
|
Certifications |
Professional certifications, advanced training |
Online courses, basic certifications, academic honors |
|
Skills Emphasis |
Specialized expertise, leadership, management |
Foundational technical skills, willingness to learn |
|
Career Progression |
Shows growth, promotions, increasing responsibility |
Shows consistent learning, skill development |
|
Tone |
Confident, achievement-focused, results-driven |
Enthusiastic, eager, potential-focused |
|
Common Mistakes |
Underselling achievements, listing duties not results |
Stretching limited experience, overcrowding page |
|
Ideal Resume Style |
Professional, concise, metric-heavy |
Clean, well-organized, education and project-heavy |
FAQs – Resume Writing Questions Answered
Q1: How do you write a resume for a job?
Answer: To write a resume for a job, follow these steps: (1) Choose the appropriate format (reverse chronological for experienced, functional for freshers), (2) Add your contact information, (3) Write a tailored summary or objective, (4) Detail your work experience or relevant projects with achievement-focused bullet points, (5) List your education, (6) Include a skills section with keywords from the job description, (7) Add certifications and additional relevant sections, (8) Optimize for ATS using simple formatting and relevant keywords, (9) Proofread carefully, and (10) Save as PDF with professional filename. Always tailor your resume to each specific job application.
Q2: How do I write a resume for a job with no experience?
Answer: When writing a resume with no work experience, focus on: (1) Education section first with your degree, relevant coursework, academic projects, and honors, (2) Internships, volunteer work, part-time jobs, or campus leadership positions, (3) Academic and personal projects demonstrating relevant skills, (4) Strong career objective explaining your goals and value proposition, (5) Skills section highlighting both technical and soft skills relevant to the job, (6) Certifications from online courses demonstrating initiative, and (7) Additional sections like languages, volunteer work, and relevant hobbies. Emphasize your potential, learning ability, and transferable skills rather than formal work experience.
Q3: How do I write a resume for a job with experience?
Answer: For an experienced professional resume: (1) Use reverse chronological format listing most recent job first, (2) Write a professional summary highlighting years of experience, key expertise, and major accomplishments, (3) Detail work experience with 3-5 achievement-focused bullet points per role using quantifiable metrics, (4) Focus on last 10-15 years of relevant experience, (5) Lead with strong action verbs and include specific numbers (revenue, percentages, team size), (6) Place education after work experience, (7) Include relevant certifications and professional development, and (8) Incorporate keywords from job description naturally throughout. Emphasize results you delivered, not just responsibilities you held.
Q4: How can we make a resume step by step?
Answer: Step-by-step resume creation process: Step 1 - Choose appropriate template (simple, ATS-friendly), Step 2 - Add header with name and contact information, Step 3 - Write summary (experienced) or objective (fresher) tailored to target role, Step 4 - Add work experience (or projects/internships for freshers) in reverse chronological order with bullet points, Step 5 - Include education section with degree, institution, dates, and relevant details, Step 6 - Create skills section organized by category, Step 7 - Add certifications, languages, and additional relevant sections, Step 8 - Review job description and incorporate relevant keywords naturally, Step 9 - Proofread multiple times for errors and consistency, Step 10 - Save as PDF with professional filename. Remember to tailor each resume to the specific job.
Q5: How to type a resume for a job at home?
Answer: To type a resume at home: (1) Use Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or free resume builders like Canva or Novoresume, (2) Select a simple, professional template without graphics or tables, (3) Set margins to 0.5-1 inch and use 10-12 point font size, (4) Type your information into each section following standard resume structure, (5) Use bullet points instead of paragraphs for readability, (6) Apply consistent formatting throughout (same font, bullet style, spacing), (7) Save frequently as you work, (8) When complete, save as PDF to preserve formatting, (9) Name file professionally (FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf), and (10) Test readability by copying into Notepad to ensure ATS compatibility.
Q6: What is the difference between resume summary and objective?
Answer: A resume summary is for experienced professionals and highlights your years of experience, key expertise areas, and major accomplishments in 2-3 lines. It focuses on what you've already achieved and the value you bring. Example: "Marketing Manager with 7+ years driving 200%+ lead growth for B2B companies." A resume objective is for freshers or career changers and states your career goals, relevant education/skills, and how you'll add value to the employer. It focuses on your aspirations and potential. Example: "Computer Science graduate seeking Software Developer role to apply programming skills and contribute to innovative solutions." Use summary for 2+ years experience; use objective for entry-level or career transition.
Q7: Should I put education or experience first on my resume?
Answer: For freshers and recent graduates (0-2 years experience): Put education first because it's your strongest qualification. For experienced professionals (2+ years): Put work experience first because it's more relevant to employers. Exception: If you recently completed an advanced degree highly relevant to the target role (e.g., MBA, specialized master's), you might place education first even with experience. The principle: Lead with your strongest, most relevant qualification for the specific job you're applying to. Recruiters should see your most impressive credentials immediately.
Q8: How long should my resume be?
Answer: Freshers and recent graduates: Strictly 1 page. You don't have enough experience to justify more, and longer resumes suggest inability to prioritize. Experienced professionals (2-5 years): 1 page preferred, 2 pages acceptable if you have substantial achievements. Mid to senior level (5-10 years): 2 pages standard. Senior professionals (10+ years): Maximum 2 pages, focusing on most recent and relevant 10-15 years. Executives (C-level): 2-3 pages acceptable. Quality matters more than quantity—every line should support your candidacy. Remove irrelevant details rather than cramming information into tiny fonts or narrow margins.
Q9: What file format should I save my resume in?
Answer: PDF is strongly preferred because it: (1) Preserves your exact formatting across all devices and operating systems, (2) Looks professional and polished, (3) Prevents accidental editing, (4) Is compatible with modern ATS systems (major improvement in recent years). Exception: Use .docx (Microsoft Word) format only if the job posting specifically requests it. Some ATS systems still prefer Word files, so always follow application instructions. File naming: Use "FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf" (e.g., "Rajesh_Patel_Resume.pdf") for professional appearance and easy identification. Never use generic names like "resume.pdf" or "myresume_final_v3.pdf".
Q10: How many bullet points should I have per job?
Answer: Optimal range: 3-5 bullet points per position. This provides enough detail to demonstrate impact without overwhelming the reader. Guidelines by role: (1) Most recent/relevant position: 4-5 bullets with your strongest achievements, (2) Previous positions: 3-4 bullets each, (3) Older or less relevant positions: 2-3 bullets or combine into "Additional Experience" section, (4) Very old positions (15+ years): 1-2 bullets or omit entirely. Quality over quantity: Better to have 3 powerful, quantified achievement bullets than 7 generic duty-listing bullets. Each bullet should be 1-2 lines maximum. If you find yourself with 8+ bullets for one role, you're likely listing tasks rather than achievements—consolidate related accomplishments.
Conclusion
Mastering resume writing tips for experienced professionals and understanding how to write a resume for fresher are essential skills in 2026's competitive job market. Whether you're a seasoned professional showcasing quantifiable achievements or a first-time job seeker highlighting your potential through projects and education, the principles remain consistent: clarity, relevance, and impact.
Remember these key takeaways from this comprehensive resume writing guide 2026:
For All Candidates:
-
Optimize for both ATS systems and human readers with simple formatting and strategic keywords
-
Use powerful action verbs and quantifiable results in your resume bullet points
-
Tailor every resume to the specific job description
-
Proofread meticulously—typos cost interviews
-
Save as PDF with professional filename
For Experienced Professionals:
-
Focus on achievements and results, not duties, in your work experience in resume
-
Use reverse chronological format showing career progression
-
Apply proven resume writing strategies like the PAR method
-
Quantify everything possible with specific numbers, percentages, and metrics
-
Highlight last 10-15 years of relevant experience
For Freshers:
-
Lead with education and academic achievements
-
Detail projects, internships, and volunteer work to demonstrate skills
-
Write a compelling career objective showing your value proposition
-
Keep strictly to one page
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Emphasize potential, learning ability, and transferable skills
Now that you know how to do a resume for work that gets results, it's time to take action. Open your current resume and apply the resume improvement strategies from this guide. Implement the resume tricks and tips for resume making that resonate with your situation. Transform your generic resume into a powerful marketing document that showcases your unique value.
Your perfect job is waiting—make sure your resume opens the door to the interview.
Need more career guidance? Explore our related articles on interview preparation, salary negotiation, and career development strategies. For the latest free job odisha, bank job odisha, and postal job odisha notifications, check our dedicated job portals updated daily.