A strong resume helps you stand out in a competitive job market.

Many companies now use special computer programs, called Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), to sort job applications. Because of this, you must format your resume well, choose the right keywords, and organize your information clearly.

This guide helps you create a professional and modern resume for 2025.

You will pick the best resume format, highlight your skills, and ensure your resume works well with ATS. 

By following these steps, you clearly show your qualifications.

Why Your Resume Matters in 2025

The Role of Resumes in Job Applications

Even though LinkedIn profiles and digital job applications are popular, a strong resume remains the most important document in the hiring process. 

It clearly shows your qualifications, work history, and skills in an organized way. This helps employers quickly understand if you are the right fit for a job. A well-structured resume helps you stand out in a competitive job market. 

Many companies use special computer programs called Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sort job applications. 

Because of this, you must format your resume well, choose the right keywords, and organize your information clearly. This guide helps you create a professional and modern resume for 2025. 

You will pick the best resume format, highlight your skills, and ensure your resume works well with ATS. By following these steps, you clearly show your qualifications.

How Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) Affect Hiring

Many companies use ATS software to check resumes before a recruiter sees them. To make sure your resume is ATS-friendly, follow these steps:

• First, use a simple resume format. The best one is reverse-chronological, which lists your most recent job first.
• Next, add important keywords from the job description. Use these words in your work experience, skills, and summary sections.
• Finally, do not use fancy designs, images, or special formatting. These can make it hard for the ATS to read your resume.
• By following these steps, your resume will have a better chance of passing the ATS check.

Common Resume Mistakes That Can Cost You a Job

Many people miss job chances because of small mistakes in their resumes. Here are some common errors to avoid:

• Using personal words like “I” or “me”—Resumes should sound professional and clear.
• Adding too many details—Recruiters take only 6-7 seconds to check a resume. Keep it short and important.
• Using too many keywords—It is good to add keywords, but repeating them too much makes your resume look unnatural.
• Not showing results—Employers want to see numbers and facts, not just a list of tasks.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Resume That Gets Hired

Choosing the right resume format is very important. It should match your work experience and career goals.

Step 1: Top Resume Formats for 2025

1. Reverse-Chronological Resume – This format lists your jobs from the most recent to the oldest. It is the best choice for people who have a steady work history.
2. Functional Resume – Instead of focusing on job history, this format highlights skills. It is useful for people who are changing careers or have gaps in employment.
3. Combination Resume – This format includes both skills and work experience in order. It is good for those who want to show their abilities while also listing their job history.

The reverse-chronological resume is the top choice for 2025. It works well with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and is preferred by most recruiters.

Explore our custom free resume templates

Step 2: Add Contact Information in a Professional Header

Your resume header should contain:

• Full Name
• Professional Title (e.g., Business Analyst, Software Engineer, Digital Marketer)
• Phone Number
• Professional Email Address
• LinkedIn Profile (optional but recommended)
• Location (City & State, optional for remote roles)

What to Avoid:

• Including personal details like age, marital status, or a photo (unless applying for an actor or modeling position).

Step 3: Write a Strong Resume Headline (Summary or Objective)

A resume summary gives a brief overview of your work experience, while a resume objective is helpful for those who are new to the workforce or switching careers. However, when comparing resumes vs. application forms:Why the stubborn reliance on resumes? It is worth considering whether resumes truly capture a candidate’s full potential or if alternative methods provide a more comprehensive evaluation.

Examples:

Resume Summary (for experienced workers):
“Hardworking Business Analyst with over 5 years of experience in data study and process improvement. Moreover, led teams to use Agile methods, which increased work efficiency by 25%.”

Resume Objective (for beginners):
“A computer science graduate seeking a Software Engineer role with strong skills in Python, JavaScript, and cloud computing. Experienced in developing robust applications through university projects, demonstrating problem-solving abilities and technical expertise.”

Pro Tip: To improve your chances, use job-related words so your resume can pass ATS checks.

Step 4: Showcase Your Work Experience

Your work experience section should highlight your accomplishments, not just your job duties. This makes your resume more impressive and helps employers see your value. Once you know your skills and career goals, your professional resume can clearly showcase your preparation and abilities to a prospective employer.

How to Structure Work Experience

Follow this format when listing your past jobs:

Job Title | Company Name | Location | Dates Employed

To make your experience stand out, follow these tips:

• Use strong action words like “Created,” “Managed,” or “Improved.”
• Show results by adding numbers, such as “Increased sales by 25%.”
• Demonstrate growth by mentioning promotions or leadership roles.

Example:

Marketing Manager | Google | New York, NY | 2020 – Present

• Led SEO and digital marketing efforts, increasing website visitors by 45%.
• Managed a $500K advertising budget, improving ad performance on Google Ads and social media.

Adjusting for Different Jobs

If you work in a specific field, highlight relevant skills:

• IT Resume: Focus on programming languages and certifications.
• Nurse Resume: Emphasize patient care and medical expertise.
• Construction Resume: Showcase project management and cost-saving strategies.

By structuring your experience this way, you create a strong and professional resume.

Step 5: Add Education & Certifications

Your education section should include:

• Degree and Major
• University Name
• Dates Attended
• Important Courses, Honors, or Awards (if any)

Example:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Stanford University | 2019–2023
GPA: 3.8/4.0 | Dean’s List
Important Courses: Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering

Also, adding certificates from Coursera, Google, Microsoft, or Udemy can make your resume better.

Step 6: Highlight Key Skills & Tailor Resume to the Job

Your skills section should highlight abilities related to the job and skills that can be used in different roles.

Examples of Job-Specific Skills:

• Software Engineer Resume – Python, Java, DevOps, Agile.
• Digital Marketing Resume – SEO, Google Ads, Content Management Systems (CMS).
• Project Management Resume – SCRUM, Agile, Waterfall, Trello.

To make your resume better for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), include skills from the job description.

Step 7: Add Optional Resume Sections

To make your resume more special, you can add extra sections. These can help show your skills and experience better. Here are some ideas:

• Languages: If you can speak more than one language, write it down. For example, “Bilingual in English and Spanish.”
• Certifications: If you have special training, list it. For example, “AWS Certified Solutions Architect.”
• Volunteering Experience: Helping others can show your kindness and teamwork. For example, “Worked on community projects.”
• Awards & Publications: If you have won awards or written something important, mention it. For example, “Published research paper in a well-known journal.”

For creative jobs, use a Creative Resume Template. It should have a simple yet modern design. This will help your resume look neat and professional.

Final Resume Checklist Before Submitting Your Application

• Proofread for spelling and grammatical errors.
• Ensure ATS compliance with correct formatting.
• Save as PDF (preferred) or Word format.
• Use a Resume Builder like jumpresumebuilder for a polished layout.

Follow this guide to craft a professional resume that meets hiring standards. 

Whether you need a Remote Job Resume, Web Developer Resume, or Executive Resume, these expert tips will help you stand out. Additionally, take advantage of free tools like Jump Resume Builder, Microsoft Word, or Google Docs templates to simplify the process.Furthermore, utilizing an online resume builder simplifies the resume creation process, helping you craft a professional, ATS-optimized document that stands out to recruiters. Start building your job winning resume today!