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Resume Writing Tips
33 stand-out phrases to freshen up your resume, upgrade your resume and hook hiring managers at first glance with these proven and punchy phrases.
If I asked you to list 10 words that describe your personal brand to include on your resume could you do it? You might think itās an easy task, but the numbers say itās pretty difficult.
Would you be surprised to hear that while 92% of people *think* theyāre self-aware, in reality only 15% of people actually are self-aware?
What does this have to do with your resume and job search, I hear you asking?
Well . . . a lot actually.
In this article, I’m going to discuss:
– the importance of self-awareness and its role in writing your resume
– where to uncover accurate phrases that best reflect your accomplishments
– how to incorporate these memorable phrases into your resume
– swipeable phrases that you can use for inspiration for your own resume
The Importance of Self-Awareness
Tasha Eurich, author of the book Insight reveals, āSelf-awareness is critical for career success. People who are more self-aware tend to perform better at work , get more promotions and lead more effectively .ā
When youāre aware of your talents, skills, unique differentiators, and strengths, you have a word bank to draw from when writing your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile.
If you lack awareness of your strengths and differentiators it becomes virtually impossible to create a resume that will stand out from similarly qualified candidates.
Before you can articulate what makes you a great hire, you have to understand what makes you a great hire–which requires self-awareness.
If you have not read Emotional Intelligence 2.0 or taken the EQ quiz, I encourage you to do so. My favorite aspect of the quiz is that it provides you with a list of actionable steps you can take to heighten your EQ. Theyāre simple and doable like āgreet people by nameā but they help you strengthen your EQ in the areas you need it most.
Just so you know, I donāt earn commission from recommending the book or quiz. I just think itās really that good.
Consider it taking your first step towards greater self-awareness. Your future salary is going to thank you.
Where to Uncover Hidden Gems That Convey Your Accomplishments
The foundation of the resume writing process in our work with clients is uncovering what makes them unique.
Thatās why we always start the resume writing process with an in-depth client interview. Weāre able to dig deep into our clientās career history and painstakingly search for:
- Repeated successes
- Recurring themes
- Unique differentiators
- Examples and stories of value added
- Numerical data to back up and give credibility to accomplishments
If youāre working on your resume, these six areas are where youāll find your secret sauce.
Your key differentiators–the content employers crave most in resumes–is just waiting to be discovered.
To help you root out your personal brand, look for areas of consistency and themes that recur no matter where you go.
Remember those little black chalkboard easels we had as kids? In second grade, I would gather my younger cousins around mine, write C-A-T on it, and teach them to read.
The desire to teach has stayed with me throughout my entire life.
My favorite articles to write are āhow toās.ā Much to my husbandās chagrin, I obsessively collect and share information. You donāt want to see my bookshelves.
My top two Clifton Strengths are Input and Learner. Iām a big olā information-collecting nerd.
Educating is one of my greatest strengths, and even though I am not a school teacher I still use my experience and knowledge to educate every single day.
Now itās your turn . . .
Where are there recurring themes in your life?
Are you an achiever?
Diplomatic?
Take charge?
A go-getter?
A powerful negotiator?
Ask yourself:
- What am I known for?
- What do my supervisors, colleagues, friends, and family members come to me for?
- What am I most proud of in my career?
- What brings me immeasurable fulfillment?
Try to create a list of at least ten strengths, talents, or skills.
Next search for examples of these strengths in action.
What challenge were you facing when this strength was utilized?
How did you use the strength to take action?
What happened as a result of your efforts?
Before you know it you have the key ingredients to powerful resume bullets that reflect your value.
How to Incorporate Noteworthy Phrases into Your Resume
I see the same phrases repeated on hundreds of resumes. (Iām looking at you āresponsible forā and āduties includedā!)
The problem with these worn-out words is that they carry no weight or power.
Theyāre weak and vague.
One surefire way to pack more punch in your resume is to switch out the tired, overused phrases with strong action verbs that tell your story.
Strong action verbs are perfect to energize your resume bullets so they āWOWā employers.
Extra credit: theyāre also great for leading into results-based statements.
An example of an accomplishment bullet using action verbs and stand-out phrases could sound like:
- Turned around $750M budget deficit into a $300K surplus within 1 year by creating infrastructure, optimizing expenses, and cultivating strategic partnerships with 21 hospitals and medical device manufacturers.
When we work with clients we use a C.A.R. formula to help us create memorable bullets.
C – Challenge
A – Action
R – Result
I also often recommend this formula to my LinkedIn connections when they ask for resume writing advice:
(Action verb)(noun)(quantifiable metric or result)(action you took to achieve result)
An example of this formula filled out as a resume bullet would sound something like this:
- Boosted revenue 64.5% by designing and implementing strategies to cut costs, improve efficiencies, and optimize production of 325 styles and 6.2M SKUs.
Try the formula out in your resume as you work to write about your accomplishments.
33 Swipeable Phrases to Inspire You
I spoke with a senior-level job seeker last week who confided to me how hard it was to assess her own work.
She hesitantly shared, āI struggle to convey my value.ā
I get it. Boy, do I get it.
Most of us struggle to explain our value. We know weāre talented and competent, but conveying that on a resume suddenly induces all kinds of writerās block and analysis paralysis.
If you want to reflect what youāve accomplished and point out your value to employers, try using a few of these proven resume phrases:
The key is not to throw all of them into your resume. You want to use these sparingly so that theyāll have maximum impact.
Read through the list and choose 2-3 that reflect you most accurately.
Include one in your career summary and another in your ānotable accomplishmentsā section in the top third of your resume.
These 33 phrases are high-impact and sure to grab attention–but only if you choose ones that accurately reflect YOU and your personal brand.
Employers will be looking for evidence that you possess these qualities as they read through the remainder of your resume.
Thatās where the formula comes in that I shared with you earlier in the article. Use that formula to create bullets that prove you possess these qualities and characteristics.
If you need more inspiration for resume power words, I wrote this article with 178 words and phrases that you can incorporate into your resume.
You might also like this āhow-toā for using action verbs or this one on resume keywords .
Phewā¦ weāve covered a lot in a short time.
We discussed the importance of self-awareness and its effect on your career (and earnings!). That was certainly a wake-up call.
I showed you where to uncover phrases that best reflect your accomplishments and how to incorporate these memorable words into your resume, and gave you a list of the top swipeable phrases we use with our own clients so you can use them for inspiration in your resume.
Want to binge-read more resume articles?
Check out this guide we use as an internal reference tool for career summaries when we write our clientās resumes.
Letās be real for a second . . . with errands to run, meals to cook, the kidsā practices, work, and the 100 other plates youāre spinning, trying to DIY may be too much.
Whether youāre over trying to write your own resume or discouraged with the lack of responses from your applications, weāre here to help.
We equip strong, smart women like you with knockout career marketing materials so you can get in front of hiring managers, communicate your value, and land the position you deserve.
Ready to punch job search frustration in the face?
Letās do this.
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About the author
Jessica hernandez, president, ceo & founder of great resumes fast.
Hi, Iām Jessica. I started this company back in 2008 after more than a decade directing hiring practices at Fortune 500 companies.
What started as a side hustle (before that was even a word!) helping friends of friends with their resumes has now grown into a company that serves hundreds of happy clients a year. But the personal touch? Iāve kept that.
You might have seen me featured as a resume expert in publications like Forbes, Fast Company, and Fortune. And in 2020, I was honored to be named as a LinkedIn Top Voice of the year!
Iām so glad youāre here, and I canāt wait to help you find your next perfect-fit position!
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Resume Examples for 2024 & Guides for Any Job [90+ Examples]
In todayās competitive job market, having an impactful resume is more essential than ever.Ā
However, many job seekers struggle to craft a resume that effectively highlights their skills and experience and, in turn, misses out on potential job opportunities.Ā
This is where our extensive library of resume examples comes in.Ā
By looking at examples of resumes for different industries and professions, you can gain great insight into what works and what doesnāt, get inspired to present your own qualifications, and stand out from the competition.
Letās dive in!
15+ Resume Examples
#1. architect resume example.
Hereās what this architect resume example does right:
- Lists related experience. This resume highlights the relevant professional experience the candidate gained in the field during their internship.
- Mentions achievements and responsibilities. The candidate backs up their claims by going into detail about their achievements and responsibilities.Ā
- Focus on personal projects. By dedicating a section to their personal projects, this candidate makes up for their lack of work experience and shows off their dedication to the industry.Ā
#2. Business Resume Example
Hereās what this business-related resume example does right:
- Prioritizes work experience. The work experience section is arguably the most important section in every resume, which is why this candidate has given it a priority by giving it enough resume space and going into detail about their previous positions.Ā
- Highlights accomplishments. To make their professional experience even more impactful, this candidate has supported all their claims with quantifiable achievements.Ā
- Lists the right optional sections . The candidate adds more value to their resume by including the organizations, honors, and conferences as optional sections.
#3. Computer Science Resume Example
Hereās what this computer science resume does right:Ā
- Prioritizes technical skills. Technical skills are essential when it comes to IT-related roles, which is why this candidate has prioritized them over soft skills.
- Keeps the education section concise. With such extensive professional experience in the field, the candidate has opted to keep their education section short.
- Lists relevant social media profiles. Listing websites like GitHub and LinkedIn is a great way to provide recruiters with additional information about your skills.
#4. Data Analyst Resume Example
Hereās what this data analyst resume does right:Ā
- Includes a strong resume summary . This candidate showcases their key skills and qualifications from the get-go, which is much more likely to get recruiters to read their resumes from start to finish.
- Highlights technical skills. Data analysts work with ābig data,ā so this candidate prioritizes their quantitative and technical skills over other resume sections.
- Lists relevant professional certifications . The resume lists the candidateās most noteworthy professional certificates.
#5. College Resume Example
Hereās what this college resume example does right:Ā
- Lists relevant social media profiles. By including their Medium and LinkedIn accounts, this candidate gives the hiring manager a chance to know them more professionally.Ā
- Highlights achievements . Although they lack work experience, the candidate has listed everything theyāve achieved during their academic career, thus showing theyāre a promising candidate.Ā
- Mentions the right optional sections. Adding hobbies and interests and foreign languages to a resume is a huge plus for a candidate with no work experience.
#6. Customer Service Resume Example
Hereās what this customer service resume does right:Ā
- Includes both soft and hard skills . Customer service roles require a mix of soft and hard skills, so this candidate has listed both.Ā
- Mentions quantifiable achievements. To make their achievements more impressive, the candidate has backed up their work achievements with data and numbers.Ā
- Lists foreign language skills. Foreign languages are a huge plus when youāre working in customer service and this resume does a good job highlighting the candidateās foreign language skills.Ā
#7. Digital Marketing Resume Example
Hereās what this digital marketing resume does right:Ā
- Follows the reverse chronological format . This format is the most popular one worldwide and is easily the safest choice.
- Grabs attention with a resume summary. In a single glance, the recruiter can tell that the candidate is a digital marketing professional with the right amount of experience.
- Lists relevant skills. The digital marketing specialist resume above lists in-demand marketing skills like Google Ads, SEO, and others.
#8. Graduate Resume Example
Hereās what this graduate resume example does right:
- Starts off with a well-written resume objective . The resume objective does a great job of showing off the candidateās promise and industry-related experience.Ā
- Includes work experience. The candidate has gained professional experience while they were a student and theyāve made sure to include that in their resume.Ā
- Takes advantage of optional sections. Sections like volunteer experience, and personal projects and achievements can help make up for the lack of extensive experience in the industry.Ā
#9. HR Resume Example
Hereās what this human resources resume example does right:Ā
- Follows the right format. The reverse chronological format lists the candidateās latest experience and achievements first, which is exactly what recruiters want to see.Ā
- Highlights professional experience. With so many years in the industry, this candidate has dedicated the biggest part of their resume to their work history.Ā
- Includes courses and certificates. To make their achievements even more impressive, the candidate has included all their courses and certifications.Ā
#10. Medical Assistant Resume Example
Hereās what this medical assistant resume example does right:Ā
- Starts off with a memorable resume summary. The candidate lists their years of experience, skills, and passion for the industry, making it more likely for the hiring manager to read the rest of their resume.Ā
- Lists the candidateās certificates. There are many certifications one can obtain in the medical field, and this candidate proves how professional they are by listing theirs.Ā
- Highlights the candidateās extensive work experience. Experience speaks louder than a thousand words, which is why this resume example provides the work experience section its due space.Ā
#11. Project Manager Resume Example
Hereās what this project manager resume example does right:Ā
- Uses bullet points. The candidate uses bullet points to organize and present the information which makes this project manager resume example look neat and structured.
- Keeps their education section relevant. The candidate only includes their key education details, such as their Bachelorās degree and a field-related minor.
- Takes advantage of additional sections. The candidate takes advantage of the extra space on their project manager resume by including relevant additional sections, such as their industry-related certifications and academic achievements
#12. Bar Manager Resume Example
Hereās what this bar manager resume example does right:
- Includes relevant social media profiles. Details such as your LinkedIn profile or Instagram handle make you look more professional (as long as theyāre work-related).Ā
- Mentions industry-related skills. Instead of listing a bunch of unrelated skills, the bar manager resume example above only lists industry-relevant skills.
- Quantifiable achievements. This applicant quantifies their achievements as much as possible, showing the bar owner how they stand out amongst other candidates.
#13. Supervisor Resume Example
Hereās what this supervisor resume example does right:Ā
- Lists relevant contact details . The supervisor resume example above leaves out redundancies like marital status or age and includes relevant information, like a LinkedIn URL.Ā
- Features as many accomplishments as possible. To really highlight their candidateās professional experience, the supervisor example lists achievements over responsibilities.Ā
- Lists the right kind of skills. This supervisor's resume example doesnāt list every skill under the sun. Instead, they keep the section relevant by only listing skills required from a supervisor.Ā
#14. Teacher Resume Example
Hereās what this teacher resume example does right:
- Mentions industry-relevant skills. The candidate lists all the soft and hard skills a teacher should have.Ā
- Includes hobbies and interests . By including hobbies and interests, the hiring manager will see the candidate as more than just a resume.Ā
- Lists volunteer experience. The candidate reinforces their teaching experience by including their teaching volunteer gigs and experience.Ā
#15. Writer Resume Example
Hereās just what this writer resume example does right:Ā
- Impressive resume summary. The resume includes a brief but effective resume summary that highlights the candidateās skills and top achievements.
- Relevant contact details. This writer resume example contains relevant contact information, including the candidateās name and surname, email address, phone number, location, professional website URL, and LinkedIn URL.Ā
- Short education section. A writerās skills and experience matter more than their education. For this reason, this candidate kept their writer resumeās education section short and sweet.Ā
#16. Web Developer Resume Example
Hereās what this web developer resume example does right:Ā
- Focuses on technical skills. Technical skills are essential for web development, which is why this candidate has prioritized theirs.
- Grabs attention with their work experience. Their rich work experience, listed in reverse chronological order, shows the candidate is a promising professional.
- Keeps their education section minimal. With such extensive work experience and training, the candidate has kept their education section concise.
65+ More Resume Examples and GuidesĀ
Couldnāt find a resume example for your field? Worry not!
Below you can find a number of other resume examples for different fields and industries:
- Accountant Resume
- Administrative Assistant Resume
- AI Engineer Resume
- Animator Resume
- Babysitter Resume
- Banking Resume
- Bank Teller Resume
- Barbie's Resume
- Barista Resume
- Bartender Resume
- Bookkeeper Resume
- Business Analyst Resume
- Career Change Resume
- Caregiver Resume
- Cashier Resume
- College Application Resume
- College Freshman Resume
- Consultant Resume
- Construction Project Manager
- Creative Resume Examples
- Data Entry Specialist Resume
- Data Scientist Resume
- Dentist Resume
- DevOps Engineer Resume
- Digital Marketing Manager Resume
- Editor Resume
- Electrical Engineer Resume
- Elon Musk's One-Page Resume
- Engineering Resume
- Esthetician Resume
- Europass CV
- Event Planner Resume
- Executive Assistant Resume
- Federal Resume
- Financial Analyst Resume
- Flight Attendant Resume
- Fresher Resume
- Game Designer ResumeĀ
- Graphic Designer Resume
- High School Resume
- Illustrator ResumeĀ
- Interior Designer Resume
- Internship Resume
- Java Developer Resume
- Military to Civilian Resume
- Marketing Executive Resume
- Minimalistic Resume Examples
- Nanny Resume Example
- Nurse Resume
- Office Assistant Resume
- Office Manager Resume
- Operations Manager Resume
- Paralegal Resume
- Pharmacist Resume
- Photographer Resume
- Program Manager Resume
- Real Estate Agent Resume
- Receptionist Resume
- Recruiter Resume
- Research Assistant Resume
- Restaurant Manager Resume
- Retail Manager Resume
- Richard Branson's One-Page Resume
- Sales Resume
- Sales Associate Resume
- Satya Nadella's One-Page Resume
- Server Resume
- Social Worker Resume
- Software Engineer Resume
- Stay-at-home Mom Resume
- Student Resume
- Student Resume Templates
- Taylor Swift Resume
- Video Editor Resume
- Volunteer Resume
- Waiter/Waitress Resume
- Warehouse Worker Resume
- Web Developer Resume
- Welder Resume
5+ Examples of Resume Templates
Your resume template can play an important role in helping you make a great first impression on the hiring manager.Ā
Specifically, your industry, work experience, or skills all impact how your resume should look, so make sure to choose the right template when making your resume:Ā
#1. Traditional Resume
A straightforward format that gives equal importance to all resume sections , emphasizing skills and work experience.
#2. Creative Resume
Land your dream job in the creative industry by using this creative resume template.Ā
#3. Minimalist Resume
A simple and easy-to-follow resume template. Perfect for more conservative industries which prefer less flashy templates.
#4. Basic Resume
This easy-to-personalize basic resume layout can be ready in under ten minutes through our resume builder .
#5. IT Resume
One of the best resume layouts to choose when you wish to showcase your IT expertise.
#6. Modern ResumeĀ
It can be hard to stand out from the crowd, but this modern resume sample will take care of this.
#7. General Resume
5+ Resume Examples by Career Level
#1. no experience resumeĀ .
Are you a student with no experience ? Learn how to write a compelling resume with our guide!Ā
#2. College Freshman Resume
Learn how to ace your college freshman resume with our comprehensive guide!Ā
#3. Graduate Resume
Fresh out of college? Write an impactful graduate resume to land your first gig after college.Ā
#4. Career Change Resume
Going through a career change? Perfect your career change resume to make the transition as smooth as possible.Ā
#5. Manager Resume
#6. Executive Resume
The Perfect Resume StructureĀ
Not sure how to structure your resume?
Hereās our tried-and-tested resume layout :
- Choose the right resume format or pick a template. If youāre formatting your resume yourself, follow the reverse-chronological format and make sure to follow the right layout rules. Alternatively, you can use one of our premade resume templates and not have to worry about formatting your resume one bit.Ā
- Add relevant contact details and make sure theyāre mistake-free. You shouldnāt be missing information such as your full name and job title, e-mail address, and where youāre based. Optionally, you can also include some relevant social media profiles, such as your LinkedIn.
- Include a resume summary or a resume objective. Done right, a resume summary will show the hiring manager youāre a relevant candidate from the get-go and have them read the rest of your resume.
- List your work experience, placing special focus on your achievements. Your work experience becomes more meaningful if you include your achievements in your past roles and manage to make them quantifiable.
- Mention your top soft and hard skills. List any skills you have that are relevant to the job youāre applying for in a seperate section.Ā
- Keep your education section short and concise. Unless youāre an entry-level candidate with little-to-no work experience, keep your education section short and to the point.Ā
- Leverage optional sections like āLanguages,ā āCertifications,ā or āHobbies and Interests.ā Fill up the rest of your resume space with optional sections that can highlight your strengths and qualifications as a candidate (e.g. foreign languages you speak, certifications youāve obtained over the years, or your hobbies and interests).
3 Examples of Resume FormatsĀ
#1. reverse chronological resume format.
This resume format highlights your experience and key professional achievements by listing your latest position and acquired skills first. Itās the most popular resume format among recruiters and the one we advise job seekers to use in 99% of cases.Ā
#2. Functional Resume Format
A functional resume , also known as the skill-based resume, is a resume format that focuses on your professional skill test as opposed to work experience. Youāre better off using a functional resume if youāre a recent graduate with no work experience, if youāre switching careers, or if you have a long employment gap .Ā
#3. Hybrid Resume Format
A combination resume combines the two traditional resume formats: the reverse-chronological resume and the functional resume.
As such, this format places emphasis on a candidateās skills and work experience.Ā
Frequently Asked Questions About Resume Examples
1. Are resume examples helpful?
Resume examples are helpful for several reasons. For starters, they can inspire you to write an A+ resume that meets the industryās requirements.Ā
Also, resume examples can show you the best practices for listing your work experience and achievements, can guide you through your resume formatting and can help you understand exactly what the end result should look like.
2. How were these resume examples created?
All our resume examples and resume templates were created in full collaboration with industry-leading HR professionals.
This means that they meet all job market requirements, are modern and impactful, and meet recruitersā standards worldwide.
3. What if I canāt find a resume example for my job?
While weāve tried to list as many resume examples as possible for different jobs across several industries, it might happen that you canāt find the resume example that perfectly matches your needs.Ā
If thatās the case, you can check out our guide on how to write a resume , and learn to create an effective resume regardless of industry.
4. What is the best resume format in 2024?
The reverse-chronological format is still the best resume format in 2024. It remains the most widely used and preferred format by employers and recruiters alike. In this format, you list your work experience in reverse chronological format, starting with your most recent position and working backward.
This format showcases our most recent and relevant experience, making it easier for employers to see our career progression and accomplishments.Ā
5. Are these resume examples free?Ā
Yes, most of these resume examples can be used for free in the Basic account, while there is also a selection of templates included in the Premium account. All of them though can be tested for free in our editor.Ā
6. Do you also have cover letter examples?
Yes, we have an entire article dedicated to cover letter examples for different fields and jobs. Not just that, but you can also find tips on how to write a great cover letter and an FAQ section to answer any question you may have.Ā
7. Should my resume and cover letter match?
Yes, having a cover letter thatās consistent with your resume in terms of style, tone, and content can be a plus for your overall job application. In a nutshell, a matching resume and cover letter can increase your chances of getting an interview by demonstrating your professionalism, attention to detail, and suitability for the role.Ā
ConclusionĀ
And thatās a wrap!
We hope the examples and guides provided in this article can help you create a powerful and effective resume that highlights your unique qualifications and experiences.Ā
Whether you're a recent graduate, a mid-career employee, or a seasoned professional, there are tips and templates here to help you create a compelling resume for any job.
For more career advice, make sure to check out our career blog .Ā
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