Sample Resume Format

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Here is a sample resume format to give you a sense of how a resume will typically look once it is correctly structured.

Of course, each person's resume should be highly individualized, and there is a fair amount of flexibility in the way in which resumes may be formatted. So there will be variations, but this sample resume format demonstrates a common way to structure a resume that works for many people. It will give you a good general overview of the typical resume set up.

Jane Somebody
123 Anywhere Street, City, State
(555) 000-0000
janesomebody@emailprovider.com


OBJECTIVE

Include the title of the job you are seeking or note your area of expertise. Add one or two sentences that highlight your most impressive and marketable skills

SUMMARY OF SKILLS

  • Include five to eight of your most marketable skills and accomplishments here.
  • Ensure the skills you list are relevant to the type of job you are seeking.
  • Be as specific as possible.
  • If you want to highlight more than about eight skills, divide this section into two or three shorter sections with headings that fit with the skills you've highlighted.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Administrative Assistant
ABC Company, City, State

2006 to present

  • Use verbs (action words) to describe job duties and accomplishments that are most relevant to the work you are currently seeking.
  • Bulleted point form makes it easy to read at a glance.
  • List jobs in reverse chronological order - your most recent job goes first.
  • Notice the job title is bolded and on the left. This makes it stand out so employers notice your work history at a glance.

Administrative Assistant
XYZ Company, City, State

2000 to 2006

  • Continue to use verbs to describe job duties and accomplishments that are most relevant to the work you are currently seeking.
  • If you have held several jobs that were similar, ensure this section does not become repetitive.
  • Customer Service Representative 1998 to 2000
  • Another Company, City, State
  • Continue to use verbs to describe job duties and accomplishments that are most relevant to the work you are currently seeking.
  • Normally you should only include your most recent ten years of work experience on your resume.
  • There are times when it makes sense to go back more than ten years, but you do need to be careful about age discrimination or appearing as though your skills are not up to date if you are focused on older work experience.

EDUCATION

Administrative Assistant Certificate
Any College, City, State

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

  • Only include this section if it adds information that is relevant to the job you are seeking. 
  • You may also include hobbies here if they are positive and relevant to the job you are seeking.

Again, within this resume format there are many possible ways to individualize a resume to meet your needs. This sample resume format will get you started on the way to developing an effective resume.

Related: Detailed Description of Sections Within This Sample Resume Format

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