What to Put on a Resume in 2025: Essential Sections & Tips
Jun 10, 2025
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12 min read
Top resume skills, formats, design tips, and ATS strategies to help you land more job interviews in 2025.
In 2025's competitive job market, your resume is more than a list of past roles—it’s a strategic tool that showcases your potential, skills, and adaptability. Employers want to see how you align with their values and can thrive in fast-changing environments.
Think of your resume as a marketing document. Done right, it offers a clear snapshot of your qualifications and opens doors to new opportunities.
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Key takeaways
- A modern resume highlights value through skills, achievements, and relevance.
- Focus on a strong summary instead of outdated objective statements.
- Use strategic sections even without traditional work experience.
- Highlight technical and soft skills tailored to the role.
- Avoid filler language and outdated formats.
- Include relevant interests and awards to showcase personality.
Resume formats for different experience levels
Choosing the right resume format is critical. It not only structures your experience effectively but also influences how hiring managers interpret your qualifications. Each format suits a different career stage and goal.
Reverse-chronological format
The chronological resume format is the most widely used and ATS-friendly resume format.
It lists your most recent experience first and is ideal for:
- Experienced professionals
- Applicants with a steady career progression
- Roles where job titles and companies carry significant weight
- •Led a team of 8 educators in curriculum improvements, resulting in a 10% increase in student satisfaction scores.
- •Designed and implemented an advanced English test prep course, leading to a 95% pass rate on standardized exams.
- •Mentored 12 first-year teachers, helping 90% of them achieve ‘proficient’ or above in their evaluations.
- •Organized annual interschool debates and literature festivals, boosting student participation by 40%.
- •Developed IB-specific lesson plans that increased student engagement and understanding, evidenced by a 25% rise in IB test scores.
- •Managed classroom behavior effectively, reducing incidents of misconduct by 60%.
- •Implemented a differentiated learning strategy that improved academic performance by 15% across all grade levels.
- •Authored school-wide English curriculum guidelines that elevated teaching consistency and quality.
- •Conducted after-school tutoring sessions resulting in a 20% improvement in exam results for stressed students.
- •Integrated technology in lesson delivery, increasing engagement in over 75% of students.
- •Collaborated with special education staff to adapt materials for diverse learners, resulting in a 30% improvement in their test scores.
- •Developed a thematic teaching method that increased literature comprehension by 20%.
- •Coordinated school-wide campaigns for literacy awareness, improving reading scores among freshmen by 30%.
- •Led professional development workshops for 25 teachers to share best practices in English instruction.
- •Directed the school’s creative writing club, increasing membership by 50% over two years.
- •Instructed students in grades 9-12 in English language arts with a 98% course completion rate.
- •Crafted comprehensive lesson plans that catered to various learning styles, improving overall class GPA by 1.2 points.
- •Facilitated study groups that resulted in a 25% improvement in test scores.
- •Participated in a cross-curricular initiative to integrate literature with history, increasing student interest in both subjects.
Functional format
Also called a skills-based resume, this format prioritizes skills and achievements over work history.
It works best for:
- Career changers
- Entry-level applicants
- Individuals with employment gaps
However, be cautious: some applicant tracking systems (ATS) struggle with parsing functional layouts.
- •Led a team of 8 educators in curriculum improvements, resulting in a 10% increase in student satisfaction scores.
- •Designed and implemented an advanced English test prep course, leading to a 95% pass rate on standardized exams.
- •Mentored 12 first-year teachers, helping 90% of them achieve ‘proficient’ or above in their evaluations.
- •Organized annual interschool debates and literature festivals, boosting student participation by 40%.
- •Developed IB-specific lesson plans that increased student engagement and understanding, evidenced by a 25% rise in IB test scores.
- •Managed classroom behavior effectively, reducing incidents of misconduct by 60%.
- •Implemented a differentiated learning strategy that improved academic performance by 15% across all grade levels.
- •Authored school-wide English curriculum guidelines that elevated teaching consistency and quality.
- •Conducted after-school tutoring sessions resulting in a 20% improvement in exam results for stressed students.
- •Integrated technology in lesson delivery, increasing engagement in over 75% of students.
- •Collaborated with special education staff to adapt materials for diverse learners, resulting in a 30% improvement in their test scores.
- •Developed a thematic teaching method that increased literature comprehension by 20%.
- •Coordinated school-wide campaigns for literacy awareness, improving reading scores among freshmen by 30%.
- •Led professional development workshops for 25 teachers to share best practices in English instruction.
- •Directed the school’s creative writing club, increasing membership by 50% over two years.
- •Instructed students in grades 9-12 in English language arts with a 98% course completion rate.
- •Crafted comprehensive lesson plans that catered to various learning styles, improving overall class GPA by 1.2 points.
- •Facilitated study groups that resulted in a 25% improvement in test scores.
- •Participated in a cross-curricular initiative to integrate literature with history, increasing student interest in both subjects.
Combination resume
Also known as the hybrid format, this structure merges elements of chronological and functional resumes. It highlights your core competencies and achievements up top, followed by a concise order of jobs.
Use this format if you:
- Possess a mix of transferable skills and experience.
- Want to emphasize accomplishments over job titles.
- •Led a team of 8 educators in curriculum improvements, resulting in a 10% increase in student satisfaction scores.
- •Designed and implemented an advanced English test prep course, leading to a 95% pass rate on standardized exams.
- •Mentored 12 first-year teachers, helping 90% of them achieve ‘proficient’ or above in their evaluations.
- •Organized annual interschool debates and literature festivals, boosting student participation by 40%.
- •Developed IB-specific lesson plans that increased student engagement and understanding, evidenced by a 25% rise in IB test scores.
- •Managed classroom behavior effectively, reducing incidents of misconduct by 60%.
- •Implemented a differentiated learning strategy that improved academic performance by 15% across all grade levels.
- •Authored school-wide English curriculum guidelines that elevated teaching consistency and quality.
- •Conducted after-school tutoring sessions resulting in a 20% improvement in exam results for stressed students.
- •Integrated technology in lesson delivery, increasing engagement in over 75% of students.
- •Collaborated with special education staff to adapt materials for diverse learners, resulting in a 30% improvement in their test scores.
- •Developed a thematic teaching method that increased literature comprehension by 20%.
- •Coordinated school-wide campaigns for literacy awareness, improving reading scores among freshmen by 30%.
- •Led professional development workshops for 25 teachers to share best practices in English instruction.
- •Directed the school’s creative writing club, increasing membership by 50% over two years.
- •Instructed students in grades 9-12 in English language arts with a 98% course completion rate.
- •Crafted comprehensive lesson plans that catered to various learning styles, improving overall class GPA by 1.2 points.
- •Facilitated study groups that resulted in a 25% improvement in test scores.
- •Participated in a cross-curricular initiative to integrate literature with history, increasing student interest in both subjects.
Regardless of format, aim for a clean layout and use resume templates that are both professional and ATS-compatible. Always consider your audience and choose the layout that best supports your career narrative.
Must-have resume sections
A resume that resonates with employers is more than a data sheet—it's a strategically crafted document that tells the story of your career path, skills, and potential.
To ensure your resume reflects the standards of 2025, it should contain the following core sections:
Professional header
Your professional header is the first thing hiring managers see. It should be clean, informative, and accessible. Include your full name, up-to-date contact information, and a working link to your LinkedIn profile or personal portfolio. Use a professional email address—not one tied to old domains or personal nicknames.
An unprofessional email or missing profile link can derail even the strongest resume. Keep this section minimal but impactful, with consistent formatting that aligns with the tone of the rest of the document.
Best practices for resume headers
- Name: Use your full name, bolded or in a slightly larger font.
- Professional title: Match the role you're targeting or your most recent title.
- Location: City and state are enough (no full address needed).
- Contact info: Phone and professional email (avoid casual usernames).
- Links: Only include relevant ones (e.g., portfolio, GitHub, LinkedIn).
Resume summary or objective
Your resume profile provides a quick snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the role. Think of it as your elevator pitch, compressed into a few lines.
Best suited for experienced candidates. Highlight years of experience, standout achievements, and key competencies.
Tips for writing a strong resume summary
- Lead with your role or field: E.g., “Marketing professional,” “Software engineer,” or “Customer success manager.”
- Add years of experience: Only if it adds credibility (especially 5+ years).
- Highlight areas of expertise: Use keywords relevant to your industry or role.
- Show value and impact: Mention achievements or qualities that set you apart.
- Tailor it to the job: Align your summary with the role you're applying for.
Better for recent grads or career changers. Share your ambitions and how the position aligns with your goals.
Tips for writing a resume objective
- Start with your current status (e.g., recent graduate, career changer).
- Mention the role or field you’re targeting.
- Highlight 1–2 relevant skills or areas of knowledge.
- Show enthusiasm and a willingness to contribute.
- Keep it short—2 to 4 lines maximum.
- Avoid vague language; be specific and goal-oriented.
- Tailor it to the job description when possible.
- Use a confident, professional tone.
An engaging and well-written summary or objective grabs attention and guides the reader into your qualifications. It's one of the first places hiring managers look to assess alignment with the role.
Work experience
The heart of your resume lies in the professional work history section. Go beyond job descriptions to emphasize results.
- List your positions in reverse chronological order.
- Include company name, job title, and dates of employment.
- Focus on accomplishments and measurable outcomes.
Use action verbs and quantify achievements when possible. Instead of "responsible for social media," say "increased Instagram engagement by 45% through weekly campaigns."
This section should show progression, leadership, and impact, even if your roles have been entry-level. Structure it using a clear section hierarchy to guide ATS parsing.
Tip: Unsure how far back to go on resume? Generally, 10–15 years is sufficient.
06/2022 - Present 
- •Increased Instagram engagement by 45% in 12 months by launching targeted weekly content campaigns.
- •Managed a $25K quarterly paid social budget, improving click-through rates by 32% through A/B testing and audience segmentation.
- •Collaborated with product and sales teams to align messaging across email, web, and social, leading to a 20% lift in lead conversions.
- •Trained and supervised two marketing interns, introducing onboarding templates that cut ramp-up time by 50%.
01/2022 - 06/2022 - •Designed and scheduled client content across five platforms, contributing to a 12% average growth in social reach per account.
- •Conducted keyword research and wrote SEO-optimized blog posts, three of which ranked in the top 10 on Google SERPs.
- •Analyzed monthly campaign data and delivered reports with actionable recommendations, several of which were implemented by full-time staff.
Why this works
- Reverse-chronological format is used.
- Each role starts with company, title, location, and dates.
- Bullet points begin with strong action verbs.
- Achievements are quantified where possible.
- The section demonstrates progression from intern to coordinator.
Skills section
This area provides a high-level overview of your strengths. Divide your skills into categories if needed:
- Technical (Hard) skills: Software, programming, analytics, platforms
- Soft skills: Collaboration, adaptability, leadership, communication
Make sure your listed skills reflect what is asked for in the job description. Use ATS keyword optimization tools like our free AI Resume Builder.
Education
Your academic background supports your credibility, especially early in your career.
Include:
- Degree(s) earned
- School(s) attended
- Dates of attendance or graduation
- Relevant coursework, GPA (if 3.5 or above), honors (such as Cum Laude), and projects
Don’t be afraid to go beyond the basics. Highlight any achievements that demonstrate your ability to meet deadlines, research independently, or work on long-term assignments.
05/2019 - 05/2023 - •Relevant Coursework: Data Structures and Algorithms, Human-Computer Interaction, Software Engineering, Machine Learning, Web Development
- •Capstone Project: SmartWaste: IoT-based Waste Management System
Designed and coded a prototype application using Python and Arduino to optimize trash collection schedules in urban settings.
Collaborated with a team of 4—project received top marks and was featured in the annual Engineering Showcase. - •Research Assistant:
Supported a graduate research project on machine learning bias detection—responsibilities included data preprocessing, literature review, and weekly progress reporting.
This format shows initiative, collaboration, and technical skill—qualities employers value—especially for early-career candidates.
In summary, these five sections work together to showcase your qualifications. Whether you're applying for a traditional office job or a remote-first tech role, they provide the framework you need to stand out in today's market.
Resume formatting and design
A resume must do more than list qualifications—it must be visually clear, logically organized, and easy to scan. In 2025, hiring managers and ATS tools expect clean layouts that prioritize usability.
Visual design basics
- Use professional fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica.
- Maintain consistent font size (10–12pt) and bold section headings.
- Choose a minimalistic layout with adequate white space.
- Use bullet points, not paragraphs, for readability.
- Set clear resume margins (0.5–1 inch).
- Save your resume in PDF or Word unless otherwise instructed.
Template tips
Use one of our resume templates from our online resume builder.
Opt for:
- ATS-friendly formatting.
- Two-column layout for experienced candidates (if ATS-compatible).
- One-page resumes for entry-level roles, and two-page resumes only when justified.
Avoid overly fancy design elements, graphics, and color blocks that can confuse ATS parsing.
Best practices
- Use consistent section headings.
- Highlight quantifiable achievements with metrics.
- Align the content left for easier scanning.
- Run your resume through an ATS checker before applying.
- Consider resume examples to guide structure.
- Stick to a clear resume layout.
Proper formatting shows attention to detail and professionalism. It enhances readability and ensures your achievements aren’t lost to poor design.
What else to put on a resume
Entering the job market for the first time can be daunting, but a lack of professional experience doesn't mean you have nothing to offer. With the right approach, you can turn academic, volunteer, and extracurricular activities into a strong, compelling resume.
Begin by reflecting on the practical skills you've developed through school projects, club involvement, part-time jobs, or personal initiatives. Frame these experiences as evidence of your readiness to contribute in a professional setting.
Language skills
Presenting your language proficiency on a resume can give you a competitive edge, especially in roles with global teams or international clients.
What to include:
- Language and proficiency level (e.g., native, fluent, conversational)
- Any certifications (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS)
Place this section near your skills or education unless language ability is central to the role.
Hobbies and interests
Relevant hobbies can reflect transferable skills and help convey personality and cultural fit.
What to include:
- Activities tied to soft skills or job-relevant traits
- Specific interests, not generic labels
Keep this section brief—2–3 bullet points or one short paragraph—to enhance rather than distract from core qualifications.
Academic projects
If you’ve completed major assignments, research papers, or capstone projects, include them here. Demonstrating your ability to meet deadlines, apply knowledge, and solve problems is crucial.
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe these experiences in a way that’s outcome-oriented and focused.
02/2023 - 04/2023 - •Designed and developed a full-stack task management application using React, Node.js, and MongoDB.
- •Implemented user authentication, CRUD functionality, and real-time updates via WebSocket.
- •Followed Agile methodology with weekly sprints, code reviews, and version control using GitHub.
- •Conducted usability testing and integrated feedback to improve UI/UX, resulting in a 40% reduction in task completion time during beta testing.
- •Presented the project to faculty and peers; received top marks and positive feedback for functionality and design.
Volunteer work & internships
Volunteering shows initiative and a desire to learn. Even unpaid roles can provide valuable examples of communication, collaboration, and project ownership.
Be specific: What were your responsibilities? What outcomes did you influence? Quantify if you can.
02/2022 - Present - •Organized and led monthly food drives, coordinating 20+ volunteers to collect and distribute non-perishable goods to over 150 local families.
- •Developed partnerships with 5 local businesses to serve as recurring donation drop-off points, increasing monthly food contributions by 35%.
- •Created volunteer onboarding materials and trained new recruits, improving volunteer retention by 40% over one year.
- •Streamlined the intake and distribution process using Excel tracking sheets, reducing wait times for recipients by an average of 25%.
Why this works
- Responsibilities are clearly listed (organizing drives, training, process improvements).
- Outcomes are measurable (e.g., increased donations, improved retention).
- Action verbs are used to describe impact (e.g., organized, developed, created, streamlined).
- Quantification lends credibility to the contribution.
Certifications & training
If you’ve completed any industry-relevant courses, include them.
Some examples are:
- Google Analytics Certification
- Coursera’s Data Analysis tracks
- HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification
List the issuing organization and completion date. These credentials reinforce your commitment to growing professionally.
- •Completed an 8-course program covering data cleaning, analysis, visualization, and R programming.
- •Built real-world projects using spreadsheets, SQL, and Tableau.
- •Earned a final grade of 95% and received peer recognition for analytical problem-solving in capstone work.
Best practices for listing certificates
- Course name comes first and should match the official title.
- Provider/platform and issue date should follow.
- Include key skills, tools, or concepts covered in the course.
- Mention notable outcomes (projects, grades, or achievements) if applicable.
Personal projects
Don’t underestimate the power of self-initiated work. Whether it's a mobile app you built, a YouTube channel you manage, or a podcast you produce, personal projects highlight your passion, consistency, and initiative.
A candidate who shows they’ve built something meaningful outside the classroom often stands out more than one who hasn’t.
With creativity and careful framing, you can transform non-traditional experiences into resume assets that resonate with hiring managers and recruiters.
Common resume mistakes and best practices
Even the best resumes can falter due to avoidable mistakes. Understanding what not to do is just as important as knowing what to include.
Common mistakes
- Spelling and grammar errors: Always proofread or use grammar tools.
- Unprofessional email addresses: Stick to a format like firstname.lastname@gmail.com.
- Keyword stuffing: Use keywords naturally—ATS algorithms penalize overuse.
- Including references: These are no longer expected and take up valuable space.
- Outdated skills: Remove obsolete tech or irrelevant proficiencies.
- Overly fancy design: Complex layouts confuse ATS and distract readers.
Best practices
- Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate impact.
- Maintain a clear section hierarchy with logical progression.
- Proofread multiple times or ask a peer to review.
- Stick to professional, simple templates.
- Avoid long paragraphs—favor bullet points.
Resumes that follow best practices are easier to scan, more credible, and more likely to survive ATS filters. A little attention to detail can drastically improve your odds.
Top skills to highlight in 2025
As industries evolve and workplaces adapt to new realities, the skills employers look for are shifting. In 2025, it’s not just about what you know—it’s about how you think, how you work, and how you adapt. This section breaks down the most in-demand skills and how to present them on your resume.
Start by identifying the skills mentioned most frequently in job listings within your target industry. Then align them with your own strengths and experiences. Tailoring your skills section ensures relevance and makes it easier for recruiters to see your fit.
Soft skills
Soft skills remain essential and often differentiate top candidates.
Examples include:
- Adaptability: Embracing change, working in new environments
- Emotional intelligence: Navigating social dynamics, showing empathy
- Communication: Presenting ideas clearly, listening actively, and writing effectively
These qualities show you're someone who contributes positively to team dynamics and business goals.
Technical skills
As technology advances, so should your resume. Highlight relevant digital competencies such as:
- Programming languages: Python, JavaScript, SQL
- Data tools: Excel, Tableau, Google Analytics
- AI/ML applications: TensorFlow, ChatGPT, natural language processing platforms
Provide context by referencing tools and scenarios where you applied these skills to solve problems.
Remote & project tools
With hybrid and remote work models here to stay, knowing how to work effectively in digital environments is critical.
Include tools such as:
- Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams
- Trello, Asana, Monday.com
- Google Workspace, Notion, Miro
Mention projects or scenarios where these tools enhanced collaboration, communication, or task management.
When described well, your skills section tells a story of capability, versatility, and readiness for modern workplace challenges.
Tailoring and customization for job applications
Tailoring your resume for each job you apply to is no longer optional—it's essential. With the rise of applicant tracking systems, customization is the key to visibility.
Why tailoring matters
Applicant tracking systems scan resumes for job-specific keywords. If your resume lacks the right terminology, it may never reach a human reviewer. Tools like our free Resume Builder can help align your resume with job descriptions.
Strategies for customization
- Use industry-specific keywords in your summary, skills, and experience sections.
- Modify bullet points to reflect each role’s responsibilities.
- Highlight transferable skills and achievements relevant to the position.
- Maintain a "master resume" that you can quickly adapt.
- Leverage generative AI tools for drafting, but always refine for accuracy.
Hyper-personalization increases your chances of passing an ATS scan and demonstrates your genuine interest in the role. Take the time to tailor—it pays off.
Conclusion
In 2025, crafting a successful resume means showing more than just job titles. It's about illustrating your capabilities through relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Every section should have a purpose—whether it's your summary, your skills, or your education. Use the right structure to paint a clear picture of your potential.
If you're just beginning your career, there are still plenty of ways to build a standout resume. Highlight academic work, certifications, volunteer efforts, and personal projects that reflect your drive and aptitude. Tools like our AI resume builder can help present your qualifications in the most polished format possible, ensuring you make a strong first impression.
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