How to Write a Resume in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide + Free Template
Quick answer: To write a resume, choose a clean template, add your contact details, write a 2–3 line summary aimed at the job, list your work experience in reverse order with achievement-based bullet points, then add education and skills that match the job advert. Keep it to one page if possible and save it as a PDF.
Key takeaways
Tailor every resume to the job you are applying for.
Write achievements, not duties — show results with numbers.
Use a simple, ATS-friendly layout and standard section headings.
Proofread twice; one typo can cost you an interview.
Step 1: Choose the right resume format
There are three common resume formats. The chronological format lists your most recent job first and suits most people. The functional format focuses on skills and suits career changers, but some recruiters distrust it. The combination format starts with a strong skills section followed by work history and works well for experienced professionals.
Step 2: Pick a template
Use a clean template with clear headings and plenty of white space. For online applications, choose a single-column design that applicant tracking systems can read.
Start with the free ATS Simple template →
Step 3: Add your contact information
Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, city and country, and a LinkedIn or portfolio link if you have one. You don't need your full home address. Only add a photo, date of birth or marital status if this is normal in your country or the employer asks for it.
Step 4: Write a resume summary
Your summary is 2–3 sentences at the top that tell the recruiter who you are, how much experience you have, your strongest skills and what you can offer. For example: "Customer service representative with 3 years of call-centre experience and a 94% satisfaction score, looking to bring fast, friendly support to a growing retail team." See more in our resume summary examples.
Step 5: List your work experience
Start with your current or most recent job. For each role, add the job title, employer, location and dates, then 3–5 bullet points. Start each bullet with an action verb (led, built, improved, reduced) and include a result: "Reduced customer waiting time by 25% by reorganising the shift schedule."
Step 6: Add education
List your highest qualification first with the institution and year. Fresh graduates can put education above experience and add relevant projects, coursework or a strong grade.
Step 7: Add skills that match the job
Read the job advert and pick out the skills and tools it mentions. Include the ones you genuinely have, mixing hard skills (Excel, SQL, forklift licence) with a few soft skills (communication, teamwork). Our guide to ATS resume keywords explains how.
Step 8: Add optional sections
Certifications, languages, volunteer work, awards and projects can make you stand out — especially if you have little work experience. Read how to write a resume with no experience.
Step 9: Proofread and save as PDF
Check spelling, dates and contact details. Ask someone else to read it. Save it as a PDF named like FirstName-LastName-Resume.pdf, unless the employer asks for Word.
Common resume mistakes to avoid
Using one generic resume for every job
Listing duties instead of achievements
Fancy designs, columns or images that ATS software can't read
An unprofessional email address
Spelling mistakes and inconsistent dates
Free resume template you can edit
[FULL NAME]
[City, Country] | [Phone] | [Email] | [LinkedIn]
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
[Job title] with [X] years of experience in [field]. Skilled in [skill 1], [skill 2] and [skill 3]. Known for [key strength or result].
WORK EXPERIENCE
[Job Title] — [Company], [City] [Month Year] – Present
• [Action verb] + [what you did] + [result with a number]
• [Action verb] + [what you did] + [result]
• [Action verb] + [what you did] + [result]
[Job Title] — [Company], [City] [Month Year] – [Month Year]
• [Achievement]
• [Achievement]
EDUCATION
[Degree], [Institution] — [Year]
SKILLS
[Skill] · [Skill] · [Skill] · [Skill] · [Skill]
CERTIFICATIONS & LANGUAGES
[Certification] · [Language – level]Build this resume in the free resume builder →
Frequently asked questions
How do I write a resume for my first job?
Put education first, then add internships, part-time work, volunteering, school or university projects and skills. Focus on what you achieved and what you learned.
What should not be included in a resume?
Avoid salary history, reasons for leaving, references (write them on request), personal details that aren't expected in your country, and anything older or irrelevant to the job.
Should I write my resume in first person?
Write without pronouns. Instead of 'I managed a team', write 'Managed a team of 6'. This keeps it short and professional.
How many bullet points should each job have?
3–5 for recent and relevant jobs, 1–2 for older or less relevant roles.
Is a resume builder better than Word?
A resume builder saves time because the layout is already done and stays tidy as you edit. You can still download the finished resume as a Word file from Jobsiz.