A resume is a concise, formal document that summarizes your professional qualifications for a specific position or opportunity. Resume length, style, and content vary by field, experience level, and purpose (e.g., professional role, program or scholarship application, etc.), but a resume should typically be 1-2 pages of relevant, specific information. This handout is a general resource, so always tailor your work to your audience, industry, or position.
Note: Outside the U.S., the term “resume” may refer to a CV or different type of document. Academic positions may instead require a CV, which provides a more comprehensive overview of your scholarly work.
When writing a resume, consider first creating a comprehensive resume document where you track all your work experience, education, and skills, including detailed information about position titles, work responsibilities, length of employment, etc. Expect to continually update your comprehensive resume document as you gain experience, increase qualifications, and apply for new positions.
When tailoring your resume, copy your comprehensive resume document to a new version as you draft, update, and tailor your resume for specific positions and opportunities. Review the job description and research the employer and the organization’s mission, values, and priorities. Identify how your experience and skills align with the position, and highlight that fit using clear, specific language and relevant keywords from the job description. This demonstrates familiarity with the role and can help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) before reaching a reviewer. Additionally, employers often scan resumes quickly, so prioritize keywords and concise, relevant details and sections.
Your resume should be organized into clear, concise sections that highlight your relevant qualifications. Resume order and content will vary by industry and experience, so arrange your sections strategically. For example, you might emphasize education if your degree is directly relevant to the position, whereas you might list work experience first if it is more relevant than your education. To understand the resume content expectations of your field, seek information and feedback from trusted colleagues, mentors, or advisors in your industry.
As you consider what content to include, be mindful that personal information, including photos and dates, may reveal protected class information such as age, gender, marital status, pregnancy, religious affiliation, or citizenship. Though most resumes use dates to establish a clear professional timeline, dates may be omitted strategically (e.g., when listing older experiences or minimizing employment gaps).
Place your name at the top of your resume as a header. Increase the font size to add emphasis and draw attention. Near your name, include your phone number and professional email address. Include other contact details such as your city and state, professional social media information, or website, if relevant.
The experience section of your resume highlights your relevant professional, academic, and service-based work (e.g., employment, internships, research, lab work, or volunteer roles). Your experience demonstrates how your responsibilities and skills align with the position or opportunity you are applying for. Each entry should include your title or role, the name of the company or organization, the location, and the dates of involvement, followed by a concise bulleted list of responsibilities and accomplishments. Each bullet should begin with a strong action verb and describe what you did, how you did it, and the result or impact. Whenever possible, quantify achievements (e.g., numbers, percentages, or other measurable outcomes).
Examples of Active Verbs:
Use present tense if describing a current responsibility and past tense for past experiences or responsibilities.
In an education section, list your most recent degree or certification first, whether you have completed that degree or are in the process of doing so. Do not include information about your high school education or experience unless recent or directly relevant. As applicable, include the following details:
Depending on your experience, audience, and purpose, you may also include the following sections:
Effective formatting shapes how your resume is read and remembered. Because a resume functions as a series of detailed lists organized into sections, clear structure and consistent design are essential. A wellformatted document enhances readability, highlights key information, and reflects professionalism.
Strong formatting also improves compatibility with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and screen readers, which may have difficulty processing complex designs. While templates can provide a helpful starting point, many include multiple columns, decorative graphics, or unusual fonts that reduce clarity or ATS readability. Choose a simple, professional layout that you can easily adapt to your needs.
Resume conventions vary by discipline and profession, so review examples from your field and seek feedback from mentors or colleagues to ensure your format aligns with industry expectations. When formatting, consider the following:
The organization of a resume is generally either chronological or functional:
When selecting a resume format, consider how an employer or program will evaluate your qualifications. A chronological format conveys stability and growth, while a functional one emphasizes capability and adaptability. Select the format that best fits your audience and purpose.
