Outline for Creating a Resume

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Not sure what to include on your resume? A resume outline or template shows you all the information you need to put on your resume. It will help save you time when you write.

Tips for Using a Resume Outline

A resume outline is a great starting point for your resume. Before you write your resume, collect all the information you will need. Then fill in the outline with that information.

A resume outline is only a jumping-off point. You can, and should, make any changes to the resume outline that you want.

Reorder the Resume Elements. You can reorder some of the elements of the resume outline. For example, if you are a current student, you might include your education information right after your resume summary statement, rather than towards the end of your resume.

Add or Delete Information. You might also remove or add some information. For example, if you do not want to include a resume summary statement, but instead want to add a briefer resume branding statement, you can do so.

Choose a Resume Style. Finally, you can also change the style of the resume outline. For example, if the resume outline is in Arial font, and you want your resume to be in Times New Roman, simply change the font. Use headlines and bullets to make your resume easy to scan. Leave plenty of white space so your resume is easy to read.

Focus on Your Qualifications. Make sure that your resume includes information specific to you, and is organized in a way that highlights your skills and qualifications.

Be sure to carefully proofread your resume before submitting it.

Professional Resume Outline

Here's an outline of the elements that are included in a professional resume. Also see a sample resume and download a template to use as a starting point for your own resume.

Resume Heading

The heading section of your resume should include your name, address, phone number, and email address (be sure to use a professional email address). It might also include the URL of your LinkedIn profile or personal website:

First Name Last Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip
Phone Number
Email Address
LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)

If you are concerned about privacy or are relocating, you may want to consider other options for including your physical address on your resume. 

Branding Statement (optional)

A branding statement is a very brief (15 words or less) phrase that highlights your most relevant expertise and skills. If you choose to include a branding statement, you can elaborate on your skills and experiences in a resume summary statement just below it.

Resume Objective (optional)

A resume objective is a brief statement (a sentence or two) stating your employment goals. If you choose to include an objective on your resume, tailor it to match what the employer is seeking in the job posting you're applying for. However, many employers now prefer a resume summary statement rather than a resume objective.

Career Highlights/Profile/Summary Statement (optional)

A career highlights/qualifications section, also called a resume profile or a resume summary statement, is an optional customized section of a resume that lists key achievements, skills, traits, and experience relevant to the job for which you are applying. This section, if you use it, should be customized as well.

Professional Experience

Include a list of the most recent companies you have worked for in the Experience section of your resume. If you have extensive work experience you don't need to include more than the last 10 to 15 years on your resume. Include the name of the company, its location, the dates of employment, and your job title. After briefly describing your work responsibilities in a short paragraph, include a bulleted list of your specific achievements and / or contributions in the role (quantified with numbers if possible):

Company, City, StateJob Title,Dates Worked

Description of work responsibilities (in present tense if you still hold this position; in past tense if it is a previous job).

  • Achievement #1
  • Achievement #2

Education

Include college, graduate school, continuing education, certifications and relevant seminars and classes in the education section of your resume. If you are a recent graduate, you might move this education section to the top of your resume. You might also choose to include your GPA if you are a current student or very recent graduate:

  • Name of College, Degree Awards, Honors

Qualifications and Skills (optional)

Include a list of qualifications and skills related to the job for which you are applying in this section. A bulleted list is the best way to format this section:

  • Skill #1
  • Skill #2

Professional Resume Template

Download the free resume template (compatible with Google Docs or Word Online) or read the text version below.

Resume Sample (Text Version)

Susan Smith
1375 Pacific Street
Ocean Shores, OR 98569
(555) 123-4567
susan.smith@email.com

Qualifications Profile

Charismatic Retail Associate energized by providing engaging shopping experiences for store patrons.

Upbeat and sales-savvy professional offering superb knowledge of rising fashion trends; easily generate customer engagement through personal attention and consultative dialogues. Well-versed in creating dynamic merchandising and window displays to attract custom by visiting tourists. Bilingual in English and Mandarin Chinese.

Professional Experience

COASTAL CLOTHIERS, INC., Ocean Shores, OR
Retail Associate (10/2017-Present)

Merchandise and present fashions for unique clothing store generating $750K in annual sales revenue. Greet and support customers in item selections; stock and continuously tidy shelves and exhibits.

  • Conceptualized and acquired management support for seasonal fashion shows that regularly generated over $10K in sales.
  • Exceeded all established quarterly sales goals by more than 20%.

BOHO BOUTIQUE, Portland, OR
Retail Associate (06/2015-09/2017)

Provided first-class service to clients at upscale fashion boutique. Skillfully assessed individual needs to establish preferences and deliver exciting product solutions.

  • Consistently ranked as #1 sales producer on 10-member team.
  • Promoted to keyholder status within two weeks of hiring in recognition of perfect work attendance, attention to detail, and leadership potential.

OSU BOOKSTORE, Corvallis, OR
Retail Associate (09/2014–06/2015)

Concurrent with education, honed expertise in retail operations as Associate at high-volume bookstore. Assisted customers, operated point-of-sale system, and stocked shelves.

  • Earned “Employee of the Month” title five times during position tenure.
  • Willingly worked overtime and on weekends to ensure uncompromised staffing levels.

Education

OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY (Corvallis, OR), B.S. in Merchandising Management,
Dean’s List; Alpha Kappa Psi; Social Impact Club