How to create a resume step by step

A good resume is clear, role-relevant, and honest. This guide walks you through building one from scratch using Jobapply.io, covering every section in the order that works best.

Step 1: Choose a template

Start with a template that fits the type of role you are applying for. Simple one-column layouts work well for most professional roles. Sidebar templates help if you have a lot of skills or certifications to show. Creative templates are appropriate for design, media, or creative industries.

• Browse templates and pick one that matches your industry and seniority.
• You can switch templates at any time without losing your content.
• If you are unsure, start with London or Berlin — both are clean and widely accepted.

Step 2: Add your contact information

Include your full name, job title, location (city and country is enough — no street address), email address, and a phone number. Add your LinkedIn URL if it is current and complete.

Step 3: Write your profile summary

Two to four sentences that describe who you are professionally, your strongest area, and what you bring to a role. This is read first — make it direct and specific to the kind of role you are targeting.

• Mention your years of experience and your field.
• Name one or two concrete strengths or outcomes.
• Avoid generic phrases like 'hard-working team player' — they add nothing.
• Tailor this section for each major role category you are applying to.

Step 4: Add your work experience

List jobs in reverse chronological order (most recent first). For each role, include the job title, company name, location, and dates. Then add bullet points describing what you did and, where possible, the results.

• Use action verbs to start each bullet: Led, Built, Reduced, Managed, Launched.
• Quantify outcomes where you can: percentages, team sizes, timeframes.
• Three to five bullets per job is enough. Prioritise impact over tasks.
• For roles older than ten years, you can keep entries brief — one or two lines.

Step 5: Add education

Include degree, institution, and graduation year. For recent graduates, you can add relevant coursework, grades, or awards. For experienced professionals, education can be brief — one or two lines per entry.

Step 6: Add skills

List technical skills, tools, and languages that are relevant to the role. Avoid padding with basic skills like Microsoft Word unless they are specifically required. Keep the list to what you can actually demonstrate in an interview.

Step 7: Preview and export

• Use the preview panel to check layout, spacing, and that nothing is cut off.
• Read through the full document for typos and unclear phrasing.
• Export as PDF for most applications, or DOCX if requested.
• Save a copy to your device before submitting.