How to Write a Resume (2026): Step-by-Step Guide + Templates & Examples

From a blank page to an interview-ready resume — format, sections, ATS rules, and real examples.

Start Now Use Resume Builder Run ATS Check
20+ Resources
15-30 Minutes
2026 Updated

Resume Fundamentals

What you'll learn

Learn the core decisions that shape your resume: overall workflow, format choice, length, and a clean baseline structure.

4 Resources

How to Write a Resume (2026): Step-by-Step From Blank Page
Complete workflow from blank document to interview-ready resume with actionable steps and examples.
How to Choose the Best Resume Format: Chronological vs Functional vs Hybrid
Which format matches your career situation and how to decide between chronological, hybrid, or functional styles.
How Long Should a Resume Be? (1 Page vs 2 Pages by Seniority)
When to use single page vs two pages based on your experience level and industry standards.
How to Make a Simple Resume That Still Looks Professional
Create a clean, professional layout that gets past ATS systems and impresses recruiters.
Start now

Templates & Examples

What you'll learn

Use templates and examples the right way — copy structure, not mistakes. Includes example sets and "bad vs good" patterns.

4 Resources

How to Write a Resume Summary (With 15+ Examples)
Proven summary formulas for different industries and experience levels that grab recruiter attention.
How to Pick the Right Resume Template (And Avoid Common Template Mistakes)
Which template characteristics matter for ATS and recruiter readability vs pure aesthetics.
How to Use Resume Examples Without Copying (Good vs Bad Examples)
Extract effective structure and phrasing without triggering plagiarism or looking unoriginal.
How to Build a Resume for Free (What's Actually Free vs "Free")
Navigate the "free" resume builder landscape and understand real costs vs limitations.
Start now

Write the Core Sections

What you'll learn

Write the 4 sections that decide interviews: bullets, experience, education, and keywords placement.

4 Resources

How to Write Resume Bullet Points That Get You Hired (STAR Method)
Transform job duties into compelling achievements using frameworks that demonstrate value to employers.
How to Add Work Experience on a Resume (Including Part-Time & Internships)
Structure employment history with proper formatting, achievements, and handling different employment types.
How to List Education on a Resume (Students & Graduates)
Education section placement and content based on your experience level and career stage.
What Keywords to Put on a Resume (And Where to Place Them)
Identify and place ATS keywords strategically throughout your resume without keyword stuffing.
Start now

Tailor + ATS Optimization

What you'll learn

Turn one resume into the right resume for *this* job — plus ATS formatting rules that keep your resume readable by systems.

4 Resources

How to Tailor Your Resume to a Job Description (JD): A Practical Checklist
Step-by-step method for customizing your resume for each application without starting from scratch.
How to Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly: 7 Formatting Rules to Pass the Robot
Quick rules for ensuring your formatting doesn't interfere with applicant tracking systems.
How to Make a Resume ATS-Friendly (Formatting Rules That Matter)
Detailed formatting specifications and common mistakes that cause ATS parsing failures.
How to Make a Resume Online (Builder vs Word vs Google Docs)
Choose the right platform for building your ATS-compatible resume between online builders and traditional tools.
Start now

Special Situations

What you'll learn

Handle the two hardest scenarios: no experience and "projects-first" resumes.

2 Resources

How to Write a Resume With No Experience (Freshers / Career Switchers)
Build a compelling resume when you're starting out, returning to work, or transitioning to a new field.
How to Include Projects on a Resume (Especially for Freshers)
Showcase academic, personal, and professional projects that demonstrate your capabilities when experience is limited.
Start now

Fix & Finish

What you'll learn

Diagnose why you're not getting callbacks and apply a fast QA checklist to eliminate silent errors.

2 Resources

How to Fix a Resume That Gets No Interviews (10 Quick Diagnostics)
Identify and fix common resume problems that prevent interviews without major rewrites.
How to Proofread a Resume Fast (A 10-Minute QA Checklist)
Quick quality control process to catch errors, inconsistencies, and formatting issues.
Start now

Turn This Guide Into Your Resume

Apply everything you learned. Build a resume that gets interviews.

Build My Resume →