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How to Make a Professional Resume in 2026

A complete step-by-step guide to create a resume that gets you interviews. Follow these 7 simple steps to build your professional resume.

7
Simple Steps
10-15
Minutes to Complete
ATS
Friendly Templates
1

Choose the Right Resume Format

There are three main resume formats. Choose based on your experience:

  • Chronological: Best for experienced professionals with consistent work history
  • Functional: Ideal for career changers or those with employment gaps
  • Combination: Perfect for those with strong skills and experience
Browse templates by format →
2

Add Your Contact Information

Always include:

  • Full Name (professional format)
  • Professional Email (firstname.lastname@email.com)
  • Phone Number with country code
  • LinkedIn Profile (customized URL)
  • Location (City, State or Country)
  • Portfolio or GitHub (if relevant to your role)
Learn more about contact information →
3

Write a Compelling Professional Summary

Your summary should be 3 to 4 sentences highlighting:

  • Years of experience and expertise
  • Key skills and technical competencies
  • Top achievements (quantified when possible)
  • Career goals and what you are seeking

"Results-driven software engineer with 5+ years of experience in full-stack development. Proven track record of building scalable applications serving 100,000+ users. Expert in React, Node.js, and cloud architecture. Seeking to leverage technical expertise to drive innovation at a fast-growing technology company."

See more summary examples by industry →
4

List Your Work Experience with Achievements

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to write impactful bullet points:

Weak: "Responsible for managing social media accounts"

Strong: "Led social media strategy across 5 platforms, creating 50+ posts monthly that increased engagement by 75% and grew followers from 10,000 to 50,000 in 6 months."

Learn to write better experience bullets →
5

Add Your Education Section

Include:

  • Degree name and field of study
  • University or college name and location
  • Graduation date (or expected date)
  • GPA (if 3.5 or higher)
  • Honors, awards, or relevant coursework
Education section examples →
6

Highlight Your Skills

Categorize your skills for better readability:

Technical Skills

  • Programming languages (Python, JavaScript, Java)
  • Frameworks (React, Node.js, Django)
  • Tools (Git, Docker, AWS)
  • Software (Excel, Photoshop, Figma)

Soft Skills

  • Leadership and Team Management
  • Communication and Presentation
  • Problem Solving
  • Project Management
See skills examples by industry →
7

Add Optional Sections That Stand Out

Add these if relevant to your career:

  • Certifications (PMP, AWS, CFA)
  • Projects (GitHub, portfolio)
  • Languages (include proficiency level)
  • Volunteer Work
  • Awards and Honors
  • Publications
  • Professional Memberships
All resume sections guide →

Pro Tips for Resume Success

  • Use keywords from the job description to pass ATS systems
  • Quantify achievements with numbers, percentages, and metrics
  • Keep your resume to 1 to 2 pages, focus on recent and relevant experience
  • Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica
  • Save as PDF to preserve formatting (unless specified otherwise)
  • Proofread multiple times - one typo can cost you an interview
  • Tailor your resume for each job application

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More Resume Resources

Resume Formatting Guide →ATS Tips 2026 →200+ Action Verbs →Common Mistakes to Avoid →Complete Sections Guide →Ultimate Resume Guide 2026 →

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