Starting a resume can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re staring at a blank page and unsure where to begin. Whether you’re applying for your first job, changing careers, or updating your professional profile, knowing how to start a resume the right way can make a big difference. A well-structured resume not only highlights your skills and experience but also helps you stand out to hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS).
In this guide, we’ll walk through the essential steps to start a resume that is clear, professional, and optimized for job applications.
Choose the Right Resume Format
Before writing your resume, decide on the format that best fits your experience and career goals. The three most common resume formats include:
Chronological Resume:
This is the most widely used format and lists your work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent job first). It works best for candidates with consistent work experience.
Functional Resume:
A functional resume focuses on skills rather than work history. This format is useful if you’re changing careers or have gaps in employment.
Combination Resume:
This format blends skills and work experience, making it ideal for professionals with strong qualifications and relevant work history.
Choosing the right format ensures your resume presents your strengths clearly to employers.
Add Your Contact Information at the Top
Every resume should begin with clear contact details. Place this information at the top of the page so employers can easily reach you.
Include:
Full name
Phone number
Professional email address
City and state
LinkedIn profile (optional but recommended)
For example:
John Smith
Palo Alto, CA
(555) 123-4567
JohnSmith@email.com
linkedin.com/in/JohnSmith
Make sure your email address looks professional and avoid nicknames or outdated addresses.
Write a Strong Resume Summary or Objective
The next section of your resume should introduce who you are professionally. This can be either a resume summary or a resume objective.
Resume Summary:
Best for candidates with work experience. It highlights your key achievements and professional background.
Example:
“Results-driven marketing specialist with 5+ years of experience in digital marketing, SEO strategy, and content creation. Proven ability to increase website traffic and generate leads through data-driven campaigns.”
Resume Objective:
Ideal for students or entry-level job seekers. It focuses on career goals and transferable skills.
Example:
“Motivated business graduate seeking an entry-level marketing position where I can apply strong analytical and communication skills to support company growth.”
Keep this section concise—about 2–4 sentences.
Start With Your Work Experience
After your introduction, begin listing your work experience. Use reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job.
Each job entry should include:
Job title
Company name
Location
Employment dates
Key achievements or responsibilities
Example:
Marketing Coordinator
ABC Marketing Agency – San Francisco, CA
June 2022 – Present
Managed social media campaigns that increased engagement by 40%
Developed SEO-optimized blog content to boost website traffic
Collaborated with design and sales teams on marketing strategies
Focus on achievements rather than simply listing job duties.
Highlight Relevant Skills
Employers often scan resumes for specific skills related to the job. Adding a skills section helps showcase your strengths quickly.
Examples of skills to include:
- Communication
- Project management
- Data analysis
- SEO and digital marketing
- Microsoft Office or Google Workspace
- Leadership
Try to include a mix of hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (personal strengths).
Include Education and Certifications
Your education section should include:
Degree earned
School name
Graduation year (optional if extensive experience)
Example:
Bachelor of Business Administration
University of California, Berkeley
You can also add certifications, training programs, or online courses that strengthen your qualifications.
Tailor Your Resume for Each Job
One of the most important tips when starting a resume is to customize it for each job application. Carefully read the job description and include keywords that match the employer’s requirements.
This helps your resume pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and increases your chances of getting an interview.
Final Thoughts
Starting a resume doesn’t have to be difficult. By choosing the right format, clearly listing your contact information, writing a strong summary, and highlighting your experience and skills, you can create a resume that makes a strong first impression.
Remember, your resume is often the first step toward landing an interview. Take the time to structure it thoughtfully, keep it concise, and tailor it to each opportunity.
With a well-organized resume, you’ll be one step closer to securing your next job.