What to Put on a Resume: Practical Checklist

Feeling overwhelmed by a blank page? You're not alone. Writing your first resume can feel daunting, but a well-structured resume format can turn that anxiety into confidence. This practical checklist walks you step-by-step, helping you showcase your skills, experiences, and accomplishments effectively, while keeping your resume readable and ATS-friendly.

Step 1: Start with Your Contact Information

Place your contact info at the top in a clear format. Include:

Full name
Professional email address
Phone number
Location (city and state/country)
LinkedIn profile or online portfolio (if relevant)

Keep it concise and professional. Avoid unnecessary details like marital status or birthdate unless required. This ensures recruiters can reach you quickly and shows attention to detail.

Step 2: Craft a Compelling Summary or Objective

A short, tailored summary or objective tells employers who you are and why you’re a strong candidate. For beginners, focus on relevant skills, internships, or projects.

Example:

Motivated marketing graduate with internship experience in social media campaigns and content creation, eager to contribute creativity and data-driven insights to a dynamic marketing team.

This sets the tone and captures attention immediately.

Step 3: Highlight Education

List your educational background in reverse chronological order:

Degree or certification
Institution name
Graduation year
Relevant coursework, projects, or honors (optional)

Education is often one of your strongest assets as a beginner, so showcase it clearly.

Step 4: Showcase Skills: Hard and Soft

Create a dedicated skills section. Divide your skills into:

Hard skills: Technical abilities like Excel, coding, design software, data analysis
Soft skills: Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability

Tip: Use keywords from job postings to ensure your resume passes ATS scans.

Step 5: Detail Your Experience

Include internships, part-time work, volunteering, or projects. Focus on achievements, not just duties.

Use reverse chronological order
Highlight measurable results (e.g., Increased social media engagement by 30% in three months)
Include portfolio links if applicable

Example:

Led a social media campaign that boosted engagement by 45%, generating a 20% increase in leads.

Step 6: Add Certifications, Awards, and Extracurriculars

This optional section helps you stand out. Include:

Relevant certifications (Google Analytics, HubSpot, etc.)
Awards or recognitions
Leadership roles in clubs, volunteering, or projects

Select items that show initiative, skills, or accomplishments applicable to the job.

Step 7: Tailor Your Resume for Each Job

Adjust your resume format and content for each application:

Highlight relevant skills and experiences
Integrate keywords to pass ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)
Maintain clean formatting and readability

Step 8: Practical Formatting Tips

Use a simple, clean layout:

Clear headings, bullet points, and white space
Professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica
Keep to one page for beginners

Pair your resume with a matching cover letter—see CV Letter Format Guide for alignment tips.

Conclusion: Take Action Today

Your resume is your personal marketing tool. By following this checklist—contact info, compelling summary, education, hard and soft skills, experience, certifications, and tailored formatting—you increase your chances of landing interviews. Start drafting today, optimize for ATS, and confidently submit your resume. Your next opportunity is just a few edits away!