How to Make a Resume in All Formats

Save your resume and update it regularly.

While you have options for personalizing the format of your resume, all resumes should follow the same basic outline and include the same information. A resume should positively reflect the person who's looking for a job. Your main goal is to present your experience and qualities in the best light possible and catch the attention of whoever picks up your resume.

Instructions

1. Type up your resume in an easy-to-read font at a size that's not too large or small -- stick to a traditional font in a size 11 or 12. Unless you have a ton of experience in your field, keep your resume to one page.

2. Put your personal information at the top of the page, including your first and last name, e-mail address, website address, mailing address and phone number. You can either center this information or keep it flush left or right.

3. Write your career objective, which should be no longer than one sentence.

4. List your work experience, starting with your most recent or current job. Include the company name, employer, your job title, location and the dates that you worked in that position. Write a sentence or two describing your job duties in each position. This is a good opportunity to tailor your past experience to the job you're seeking.

5. List your education, starting with the most recent experience. If you're in school currently, put that information first. Include the name of the school and location, your degree and major, graduation year, cumulative GPA and any relevant coursework.

6. Add relevant information, such as special skills, honors, awards and any special interests that apply to the job you're hoping to get. You can create a separate section for skills, honors and awards and special interests. Include computer and language skills, academic and athletic honors, and any leadership positions you've had.

7. State that your references will be available upon request. Include this information at the bottom of your resume.

Tips & Warnings

• When you've finished organizing and writing your resume, you can play around with the layout and style. Look up resume examples to see which you like best.

References

• Trincoll: Resume
• Rockport Institute: Resumes