A strong resume is the first step toward landing a job interview—but building one can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a student, a career changer, or a seasoned professional, this guide will show you how to create a resume for a job using proven examples and templates. We’ll highlight what to include in a resume, what a good resume looks like, and share templates for all levels — from high school student resume templates to executive resume examples.
What Is a Resume for a Job, and Why Does It Matter?
A resume is a one to two page document that summarizes your work experience, education, skills, and achievements. It’s your first impression for a potential employer that is often scanned in seconds by recruiters and/or applicant tracking systems (AKA: ATS Systems).
To get noticed, your resume should be:
- Well-organized
- Easy to read
- Tailored to the role (every time, which is annoying…we get it)
Tip: professional resume templates and formatting strategies can give you an edge.
What to Include in a Resume (and What to Leave Out)
Understanding what to include in a resume is essential. Here’s a quick breakdown of must-have sections:
- Contact Information: Name, phone number, email, LinkedIn (optional).
- Professional Summary or Resume Introduction: 2–3 lines summarizing your qualifications and career goals.
- Work Experience: Use reverse-chronological order. Include job titles, company names, dates, and bullet points of achievements.
- Education: School name, graduation year, degree. (Include GPA if it’s strong.)
- Skills: Tailor to the job. Focus on hard skills like software tools, certifications, and industry-specific knowledge.
Optional sections: Projects, volunteer work, awards, and languages.
What Does a Good Resume Look Like in 2025?
Wondering what does a good resume look like today? It’s modern, skimmable, and job-specific.
A good resume is:
- One page (or two for experienced professionals)
- Customized for each job application
- Formatted with consistent spacing and font size
- Action-oriented, using strong verbs (e.g., led, developed, managed)
Need a visual? Search for easy simple resume examples to see high-impact, low-effort layouts.
If you’re still unsure, a professional resume builder can help automate formatting and structure.
Professional Resume Templates for Every Industry
Using a professional resume template can save time and instantly boost your resume’s appeal. Here are a few formats to consider:
- Chronological Resume Template: Lists work experience in reverse order. Best for consistent career paths.
- Functional Resume Template: Focuses on skills rather than job history. Ideal for career changers or gaps in employment.
- Executive Resume Template: Designed for leadership roles. Prioritizes impact, metrics, and strategy.
- Engineering Resume Templates: Emphasize technical skills, certifications, and projects. Combine clean design with structured content.
High School and College Student Resume Templates
If you’re just starting out, don’t worry—you don’t need tons of experience to create a strong resume. The key is highlighting school activities, leadership roles, coursework, and transferable skills.
- High School Resume Template: Ideal for part-time jobs, volunteer work, or internships. Include GPA, relevant classes, and extracurriculars.
- Resume Template for High School Students: These often feature a “skills” or “objective” section instead of a full work history.
- College Student Resume Template: Focus on academic achievements, student organizations, and relevant coursework or projects.
- College Student Resume Examples: Show how to turn limited experience into compelling content with action verbs and specific outcomes.
How to Write a Good Resume in 2025
Here’s a quick formula to write a good resume:
- Start with a strong summary: Use your resume introduction to highlight years of experience and key skills.
- Quantify achievements: Numbers speak louder than buzzwords. Use metrics like “increased sales by 20%” or “cut costs by $10K.”
- Customize for the job: Mirror keywords from the job description. This helps your resume get past ATS filters.
- Keep design clean: Avoid clutter, colors, or overly creative fonts (unless applying for a design role).
What Should a Resume Look Like?
Great design doesn’t mean flashy colors. When it comes to what a resume should look like, think professional and minimal:
- Font: Use Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica (size 11–12)
- Margins: Stick with 1 inch on all sides
- File type: Save and send as PDF unless told otherwise
- Layout: Use bullet points, bold headers, and consistent spacing
Bonus: Executive Resume Examples and Templates
If you’re applying for C-suite or director-level roles, a basic resume won’t cut it. You need an executive resume that showcases vision, leadership, and high-impact wins.
- Use a 2-page executive resume template
- Emphasize strategy, not just tasks
- Focus on metrics: revenue growth, team size, cost savings
Final Thoughts: Build a Resume That Opens Doors
Whether you’re a high school student applying for your first job or a senior leader seeking your next challenge, a well-written resume is your ticket in. With the right structure, the right content, and the right resume template, you’ll be prepared to grab attention and get interviews.
