A resume is a concise document that summarizes your work experience, education, skills, qualities, and accomplishments. It’s used to showcase your qualifications to potential employers and helps you stand out. It tells employers why you deserve a job interview in one or two powerful pages.

In the U.S. and elsewhere around the world, the terms "CV" and "resume" are often used in the same way. However, there are some differences. A resume is typically shorter, highlighting relevant skills and experience for a specific job. A CV (curriculum vitae) is more detailed, focusing on your entire career. For most U.S. job applications, a resume is the preferred format.

To choose the right resume template, consider the job you're applying for and your industry. If you're in a creative field, a more visually appealing template might be best. For traditional industries like finance or law, stick to a clean, professional layout. Ensure the template is easy to read, highlights your strengths, and aligns with your experience level. Avoid overloading it with too many graphics or colors that could distract from your qualifications. Choosing the best resume format for the template is also important: Chronological (or reverse chronological) - Most popular: Lists jobs in reverse order, starting with the most recent. Ideal for those with a consistent career track. Functional (skills-based): Highlights skills over chronological work history, perfect for career changers or those with employment gaps. Combination (hybrid): Merges elements of both chronological and functional formats, listing skills followed by employment history. Great for experienced professionals with varied transferable skills relevant to the job. Review our field-tested resume templates or job-specific resume examples to help pick the ideal template for you or change your template on the fly in the builder.

A resume should typically go back 10-15 years, focusing on the most recent and relevant experience, and not necessarily all your previous jobs. Older jobs may be summarized briefly or left out if they aren't relevant to the position you're applying for. The goal is to highlight your most valuable skills and accomplishments without overwhelming the reader by making your resume too long.

Yes, it's essential to tailor your resume for every job application. Tailored resumes are directly relevant to the job description. This impresses recruiters. Customize your resume by highlighting the skills, experiences, and accomplishments most relevant to the specific job. This increases your chances of standing out and showing employers you're a great fit for their position. However, you don't need to start from scratch; just tweak key sections to match the job description. With our resume builder, you can easily duplicate existing resumes, paste the new job listing link, and receive tailored advice to help you update your resume to match the specific job requirements.