How to Create a Resume Outline (with Examples)
Feeling uncertain about what to include in your resume? Starting with a resume outline is an excellent strategy. Just like any outline, a resume outline helps you systematically organize and structure a compelling, visually appealing resume.
Remember, your resume is often the first impression you make on a hiring manager.
This article will guide you on how to structure and format your resume outline, setting you on the path to crafting an effective resume that stands out.
Key Takeaways:
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A resume outline is a useful template for organizing your skills and experiences.
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Your resume should ideally be one page, containing only relevant information.
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Your resume outline should incorporate the following sections:
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Resume summary/objective
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Professional experience
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Education
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Skills and qualifications
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What is a Resume Outline?
A resume outline serves as a guiding framework for developing your resume. Creating an outline allows you to effectively organize the various components that should be included in your document, making the final product clearer and more impactful.
Before you start drafting your outline, gather all relevant information. Review the job postings that interest you to identify what experiences and skills should be highlighted in your resume.
This will enable you to tailor your resume precisely for each job.
Why Create a Resume Outline?
Developing a resume involves careful planning of every detail you wish to include. An outline helps you organize your thoughts effectively, leading to a polished resume that enhances your chances of landing an interview.
How to Create a Resume Outline
If you already have a resume, use it as a foundation for your outline. You can add or remove information based on its relevance to the job you’re applying for.
While drafting your resume, consider not only the content but also the font and format. Although you may be tempted to include everything you’ve accomplished, keep in mind that your resume should be succinct. Focus on your most relevant experiences to help you stand out during the hiring process.
Here are the essential elements to include in your resume outline:
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Resume Heading: This section should present your contact information prominently at the top of your resume. Include your full name, address, phone number, professional email, and a link to your LinkedIn profile (if applicable).
Example
Jane Smith
123 Main St
(555) 555-5555
jane.smith@email.com
linkedin.com/in/jane-smith -
Resume Introduction: After your contact details, create a persuasive professional summary that outlines who you are and what you bring to the table.
This summary will provide the hiring manager with an overview of key skills that make you a strong candidate.
Alternatively, you might choose to write a resume objective, which briefly explains your interest in the specific position.
However, it’s worth noting that the resume objective is becoming less common, as many hiring managers prefer a focus on what you can contribute to the company.
Professional Summary Example
An exceptionally dedicated individual with over 5 years of experience in planning and executing cost-effective strategies that enhance sales performance.
Resume Objective Example
Experienced administrative assistant seeking to leverage 5+ years of expertise in operational efficiency as a Project Coordinator.
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Professional Experience: Include a list of professional experiences relevant to the position you’re pursuing. If you have an extensive work history, focus on the roles that will help you stand out.
After selecting the positions, provide a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements at each organization.
Consider how you will structure your resume. A chronological format is often preferred, as it allows hiring managers to easily track your career progression.
Professional Experience Section Example
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Company Name | City, State
Job Title | Start Date – End Date (MM/YYYY)-
Notable accomplishment (quantify when possible)
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Key responsibilities or achievements
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Impact on company goals
Earlier Company Name | City, State
Earlier Job Title | Start Date – End Date (MM/YYYY)-
Relevant achievements from past positions
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Utilize past tense for previous roles
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Include fewer details for earlier experiences
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Education: Include your educational background and any relevant certifications that demonstrate your qualifications.
If higher education is not applicable, consider adding your high school diploma or GED, along with any notable academic achievements.
Example Education Section:
EDUCATION
Most Recent School Name | City, State
Graduation Date (or Anticipated Graduation Date)
Degree Earned -
Skills and Qualifications: Finally, list any skills and qualifications that set you apart from other candidates. Focus on skills relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Be sure to include a well-rounded mix of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are those acquired through education or training, while soft skills pertain to interpersonal abilities like being detail-oriented or a team player.
Example Skills Section:
RELEVANT SKILLS
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Hard Skill #1
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Hard Skill #2
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Hard Skill #3
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Soft Skill #1
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Soft Skill #2
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Soft Skill #3
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Resume Outline Template and Examples
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Resume Template
First and Last Name City, State | (000)-000-0000 | emailaddress@email.com | linkedin.com/in/yourlinkedinprofile
RESUME SUMMARY STATEMENT[Industry/Field] professional with [X] years of experience. Eager to apply my [relevant skills] to [solve problem, improve process, or otherwise help the company].
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Company Name | City, State
Job Title | Start Date – End Date (MM/YYYY)-
Notable accomplishment
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Responsibilities with measurable outcomes
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Goals achieved
Earlier Company Name | City, State
Earlier Job Title | Start Date – End Date (MM/YYYY)-
Previous accomplishments
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Past job duties with results
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Use of relevant skills
EDUCATION
Most Recent School Name | City, State
Graduation Date (MM/YYYY)
Degree EarnedRELEVANT SKILLS
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Hard Skill #1
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Hard Skill #2
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Hard Skill #3
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Soft Skill #1
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Soft Skill #2
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Soft Skill #3
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Example Resume Outline #1 – Project Coordinator
Jane Smith 123 Marathon Lane, New York, NY 21453 | (555) 555- 5555
jane.smith@email.com | linkedin.com/in/jane-smith
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARYA highly organized individual with over 5 years of experience in planning and executing cost-effective strategies to drive increased sales.
Project Coordinator | XYZ Company
New York, NY | June 2010 – November 2020-
Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring all deadlines were met
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Streamlined communication between departments, resulting in a 30% increase in efficiency
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Implemented cost-saving measures that reduced project expenses by 15%
Assistant Manager | ABC Company
St. Paul, MN | May 2007 – June 2010-
Contributed to a 20% increase in sales by developing promotional strategies
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Trained and mentored new team members to enhance productivity
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Maintained high customer satisfaction ratings through effective service
EDUCATION
B.A. Business Administration
Expected graduation date: December 2020Business Administration Department Award
GPA: 3.8SKILLS
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Data Analysis
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Resource Management
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Project Management Certification
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Effective Communication Skills
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Attention to Detail
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Example Resume Outline #2 – Elementary School Teacher
John Smith 123 Archer Ave, Denver, CO 21453 | (555) 555- 5555 | john.smith@email.com
RESUME OBJECTIVE
Dedicated elementary school teacher seeking a position at a progressive charter school where I can leverage my extensive experience in creating engaging and effective learning environments.PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
XYZ Institution | Denver, CO
Elementary School Teacher | June 2015 – May 2020-
Developed engaging lesson plans that improved student comprehension by 25%
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Implemented technology in the classroom to enhance learning experiences
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Organized extracurricular activities to promote student involvement
ABC Academy | St. Paul, MN
Elementary School Teacher | June 2010 – May 2015-
Created a positive classroom environment that increased student attendance
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Collaborated with parents to support student learning at home
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Led professional development workshops for colleagues
EDUCATION
M.A. in Education | University of Minnesota
GPA: 3.95SKILLS
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Classroom Management
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First Aid Certified
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Creative Lesson Design
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Excellent Communication Skills
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Attention to Detail
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Before you start drafting your resume outline, here are a few examples to inspire you.
Tips for Using a Resume Outline
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Consider Your Resume Format: The three primary resume formats are chronological, functional, and combination. The outlines provided here focus on the chronological format, but you can easily adapt them for functional or combination resumes by rearranging sections as necessary.
For a functional resume, prioritize your skills over work experience, providing detailed descriptions of each skill. In a combination resume, balance your skills and work history while ensuring each item adds substantial value.
If you’re a recent graduate, consider placing your education section before your professional experience.
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Tailor Your Resume for Each Job: Your resume should not be a one-size-fits-all document. Tailor it for each specific job application.
Highlight key action verbs and relevant skills from the job description, and seamlessly integrate those terms into your resume. If certain keywords are emphasized in the job listing, use them strategically throughout your resume.
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Highlight Accomplishments: Hiring managers are often more interested in your achievements than your mere responsibilities. Instead of listing tasks, focus on accomplishments that demonstrate your impact. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements with numbers or percentages.
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Keep Formatting Simple: With around 75% of companies utilizing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), it’s crucial to format your resume to pass these automated screenings. Avoid complex designs, and ensure your contact information is easily readable, typically located outside the header.
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Limit Your Resume to One Page: Unless you have extensive experience, aim to keep your resume to a single page. Maintain 1-inch margins, use a 12-point font, and eliminate any irrelevant details.
Condense bullet points and combine sections like “volunteering” or “certifications” under headings such as “additional experience.”
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Create a Master Resume: Consider developing a comprehensive master resume that includes all your experiences and achievements. This document can serve as a foundation for any job application, saving you time and ensuring you capture all relevant details.
When combined with your resume outline, a master resume can significantly streamline your job application process, making it more efficient and effective.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the art of creating a resume outline is a valuable skill in today’s competitive job market. It enhances your organizational skills and clarifies your career direction. Knowing what to include will facilitate the development of a standout resume that captures the attention of hiring managers.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
