Ask any ten people what your resume should look like, and you’ll probably get twenty different answers (actually, Google now returns 156 million results for the “how to structure your resume” search query, so quite a few more than 20). Make sure it’s only one page. Include every job you’ve ever had. Only include your last five years. Use a template. Never use a template. Make it one column, include all relevant skills, but only if naturally integrated into the text, not as a list. …and on, and on.
At the end of the day, there is no single answer for how the perfect resume is structured. However, there are clear best practices and approaches that can help your resume stand out and win in a crowded job market. Below, we’ll break down the essential sections of your resume and provide tips on how to organize and format your resume to make the most of the space you have so that each item carries its weight and fits into a coherent whole.
Should You Use a Template to Structure Your Resume?
Before we dive into resume content, let’s discuss templates. Templates are widely available and can be a helpful starting point, especially if you’re feeling stuck. But there are a few caveats to keep in mind:
- Avoid Templates with Many Design Elements: While flashy templates may seem appealing, they often use space inefficiently and also often distract from the most important messaging, preventing you from effectively showcasing your accomplishments.
- Avoid Overly Busy Templates: Your resume should be easy to scan and to read in detail, so make sure there’s enough white space for a clean, professional look.
Ultimately, whether or not to use a template is your decision. But keep in mind that your goal is to ensure that your resume is easy to read and highlights the most important aspects of your experience. For a simple but polished look, try our Jobalope Resume Templates—clean, professional, and free to use.
Top of Your Resume: Organizing Your Contact Information and Professional Title
The top of your resume should immediately communicate who you are. Start with your name in a bold, large font, followed by your contact information (phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile). While you don’t need to include your full address, mentioning your city and state can be important, especially if the job has location-specific requirements.
After your name but before other details, include a professional title. Think of this as your elevator pitch: a concise statement that explains what you do. This title should be appropriate for each application, ensuring that your title aligns with the job you’re applying for. For example, if you are a product manager, your title might be Product Manager, or Senior Product Manager or Product Management Leader, or Product Leader. It should be very short and make it immediately clear what function you will fulfill for the company and at what level of seniority you wish to be considered.
A Targeted Summary of 2 or 3 bullets
A compelling summary at the top of your resume can significantly improve its effectiveness. Write a brief, tailored summary that enhances readability and showcases your suitability for the specific job. Aim for bullet points that cover:
- Your experience level and seniority
- The most relevant skill sets you possess
Here is an example for a senior product management professional:
- Hands-on Senior Product Management leader of cross-functional agile teams delivering revenue growth, product innovation, and continuous operational improvement.
- Experienced in both core product (discovery research, specification, iterative development) as well as growth product (GTM, pricing, SEO, paid media, partnerships, business model and channel strategies).
A concise summary tailored to the job can make a very powerful first impression. It’s job is to reassure the reader that their time spent continuing to read the resume will be well spent. Using tools like Jobalope’s AI-powered summary generator can make this step faster and easier.
Work Experience: The Most Important Section of Your Resume
The Work Experience section is arguably the most critical part of your resume. It should showcase your relevant roles, accomplishments, and the impact you’ve had in previous positions.
Here’s how to format and structure this section effectively:
- List Jobs from Most Recent to Oldest: Always start with your most recent job.
- Include Key Details: For each position, list the job title, company name, and the months/years you worked there.
- Focus on Outcomes: Don’t just list duties—focus on the impact and outcomes of your work
- Use Active Voice: Use action verbs to demonstrate your accomplishments.
- Tailor Your Experience: Update the descriptions to highlight skills and achievements that are most relevant to the role you’re applying for.
Use Jobalope’s Resume Tool to scan the job description and ensure your resume aligns with the specific language and keywords that will make your resume stand out.
Certifications, Skills, and Education: What to Include
If you have relevant certifications, list them after your work experience. Include the certification name, the issuing organization, and any relevant dates. Be selective about which certifications to include—only list those that directly relate to the job you’re applying for.
Finally, list your Education at the bottom of your resume, starting with your most recent degree. Include the degree title, school name, and graduation year.
Frequently Asked Questions: Resume Structure and More
Do I Need to Include Every Job I’ve Ever Had?
No. Only include relevant work experience, and avoid listing jobs that don’t pertain to the position you’re applying for. While resumes are no longer expected to be one page, avoid excessive details, especially those not relevant to the job.
Do I Need to Worry About “Gaps” in My Work History?
If you’re including only relevant job experience, gaps are less of an issue. If you do have gaps, consider using the heading “Relevant Work Experience” instead of “Work Experience” to emphasize what matters most.
Should I Add a Section That Lists Skills?
Yes! Skills are an essential part of your resume, especially those listed in the job description. However, rather than adding a separate “Skills” section, we recommend integrating your skills naturally within the work experience section to showcase your abilities in context.
Conclusion: How to Format and Organize Your Resume for Success
When it comes to how to structure a resume, it’s important to focus on clarity, relevance, and impact. Organize your resume to highlight your most relevant experiences, skills, and accomplishments. Whether you choose a template or create one from scratch, make sure your resume is clean, easy to read, and tailored to each job you apply for. By following these formatting best practices, you’ll have a resume that stands out and helps you land your next job.
Jobalope can also help you customize the perfect cover letter for any job. Add your resume and the job description to our cover letter generator, and you’ll get a personalized output that will wow any hiring manager.
