Writing your resume and feeling stuck? Resume samples can help you get beyond staring at a blank page. Whether you’re just starting your career, recovering from an unexpected layoff, or just hoping to make a change to something better, resume samples can inform your writing and get your CV on the right track.
After all, a good resume is a sales tool. In just one page, this document must showcase your most compelling work experience, skills, and qualifications–and convince the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the job. Seeing how other job seekers have made their pitches can help you craft your own.
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5 Resume Samples That Will Get You Hired
According to a recent study, your resume has 7.4 seconds to catch the hiring manager’s attention before they finish scanning and move on to the next CV. To maximize that time, choose a resume format that brings your best qualities front and center.
These resume samples offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a new grad or a mid-career job changer, you’ll find inspiration here.
Resume Formats: Chronological, Functional, Combination
There are three main types of resume formats. Here’s what each style has to offer and how you can use it to your advantage.
Chronological Resume Sample
As their name suggests, a chronological resume lists your work experience first–or just below a resume profile, as in this sample–starting with the most recent position and moving in reverse chronological order. This resume format is useful if you have a great deal of related work experience that you’d like to show off.
Functional Resume Sample
A functional resume typically highlights skills over work experience. This format is a good choice if you have the skills to do the job, but not necessarily a great deal of work experience that’s relevant to the position. Functional resumes are also useful if you have a gap in your work experience due to a layoff, job loss, or time out to take care of family members.
Combination Resume Sample
A combination resume combines work experience and skills sections to give a well-rounded view of your qualifications. This resume type is often a good choice if the employer insists on seeing related work experience but you feel that your skills make a compelling case for your candidacy.
New Graduate Resume
New graduates often lack extensive work experience, but may have related coursework, internships, or job-specific skills to highlight. A new graduate resume sample is structured around a profile that highlights the student’s qualifications.
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Career Change Resume
Changing careers? Your career change resume should highlight your transferable skills. These include hard skills, like software packages and writing skills, and soft skills, like time management and the ability to work well with others.
Also be sure to include any work experience that would be an asset to your new role. For example, you may learn customer service skills as a cashier that would come in handy in a sales assistant role.
How To Use Resume Samples
Of course you know better than to copy a resume sample off the internet, swap in your name and details, and send it off to hiring managers. But to really make your finished resume work for you, keep the following in mind:
Customize Your Resume For Every Job Opportunity
It’s tempting to create your own templates and then send those documents in to every similar job listing. But even gigs with the same job title have slightly different requirements. Take the time to learn what the hiring manager is looking for and make your resume reflect that.
Write A Killer Cover Letter
Even if the employer doesn’t insist on a cover letter, writing one will help elevate your profile. A cover letter can help direct the hiring team to the parts of your experience that you most want to emphasize.
Proofread And Edit
There’s nothing less persuasive than a job application with mistakes in it. Have a friend or career coach review your materials before you submit them. Pay special attention to the spelling of individual and company names.
Where To Get Help With Your Resume
Resume samples can help you get started on writing–or rewriting–your resume. But if you need more help perfecting your pitch, you might consider hiring a resume writing service. It’s cheaper than you think: most have a free resume review option, as well as several tiers of services with prices that typically start around $150.
Depending on the package you select, you’ll get personalized feedback from resume experts, phone consultations with skilled resume writers, even a fully keyword-optimized expert-written resume. Some services even offer cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and interview coaching.
Don’t have time to wade through the options yourself? CareerCloud’s experts spent 45 hours researching packages to select the best resume writing services to get you noticed. You’ll find pricing information, pros and cons, and a full description of what each level of service offers you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best resume format?
The best resume format varies depending on the job, your qualifications, and the specifications provided by the employer. Choose a format the highlights your most impressive skills and achievements and don’t be afraid to use different formats for different job openings as needed.
What looks best on a resume?
A resume should highlight the work experience, skills, and qualifications that match the requirements of the job listing. To impress the hiring manager, be sure to proofread and edit your resume and be consistent in your choice of font and formatting.
What kinds of resumes do employers prefer?
Employers sometimes give job seekers hints about the types of resume they’d prefer to see. For example, if the job listing stresses the importance of related work experience, you should choose a resume format that highlights your previous jobs (as long as they’re relevant).
What is the preferred file format for a resume?
Hiring managers may specify a file format in the job listing. If they don’t, use a standard file format like a Word document or a PDF.
The Bottom Line
Resume samples can help you recognize your strengths and learn how to highlight them when you apply for jobs. Use these samples the right way, and you’ll catch the hiring manager’s attention, stand out from the competition, and get the interview.
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