How to Write a Resume From Scratch: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting a resume from scratch can seem overwhelming, especially if you haven’t updated yours in years or are entering the job market for the first time. However, writing an effective resume is a skill that can be mastered with the right approach. This detailed guide will walk you through each step of the process, ensuring you create a document that effectively showcases your value to potential employers.

Step 1: Gather Your Information

Before diving into the writing process, it’s crucial to gather all the raw materials you’ll need. Here’s what to focus on:

Employment History

• List every job you’ve held, including:
  • Company names
  • Job titles
  • Dates of employment
  • Key responsibilities and achievements
• Example:
  • Company Name: XYZ Corp
  • Job Title: Sales Associate
  • Dates of Employment: June 2020 - Present
  • Key Achievement: Increased sales by 30% within the first year.

Education

• Include:
  • Degrees and majors
  • Certifications
  • Schools attended
  • Graduation dates
  • Academic honors or relevant coursework
• Example:
  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Marketing
  • School: University of Washington
  • Graduation Date: June 2020
  • Honors: Dean’s List, 2018-2020

Skills

• Hard Skills: Technical abilities, software proficiencies, languages.
• Soft Skills: Leadership, communication, problem-solving.
• Example: Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Adobe Creative Suite, and fluent in Spanish.

Achievements

• Quantify your accomplishments with specific examples. Did you increase sales by a specific percentage or complete a project ahead of schedule? Numbers speak louder than words!
• Example: “Reduced project completion time by 20% by implementing Agile methodologies.”

Step 2: Choose the Right Resume Format

Your resume format is crucial for making a great first impression. Here’s a breakdown of the three main formats:

Chronological Format

Best for those with a steady career progression in one field. This format lists work experience in reverse chronological order, making it easy for hiring managers to see your career growth.

Functional Format

Focuses on skills over work history. This is ideal if you have gaps in employment or are changing careers. Highlight your skills and achievements rather than your job titles.

Combination Format

A hybrid of chronological and functional, this is ideal for experienced professionals wanting to highlight both skills and a solid work history.

Tip: For most job seekers, the chronological format is ideal because it aligns with what hiring managers expect and is easily parsed by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Check your resume with our ATS Checker to ensure it meets industry standards.

Step 3: Write a Compelling Header

Your resume header should be clean and professional. Include the following:

• Full Name (make it slightly larger than the rest of your text)
• Phone Number
• Professional Email Address (avoid using nicknames)
• LinkedIn Profile URL (optional but beneficial)
• City and State (full address is not needed)

Example:

John Smith  
(555) 123-4567 | john.smith@email.com | linkedin.com/in/johnsmith  
Seattle, WA

Step 4: Craft Your Professional Summary

This is your elevator pitch on paper. In 3-4 sentences, summarize who you are and what you bring to the table:

• Professional Title or Identity
• Years of Experience
• Key Skills or Areas of Expertise
• A Notable Achievement

Example:
"Results-driven marketing manager with over 8 years of experience developing data-driven campaigns for B2B technology companies. Proficient in SEO, content strategy, and marketing automation. Increased qualified leads by 150% at my current company through targeted content initiatives."

Step 5: Detail Your Work Experience

This section is the heart of your resume. For each role, include:

• Job Title
• Company Name and Location
• Dates of Employment (month and year)
• 3-6 bullet points detailing your responsibilities and achievements

Tips for Writing Bullet Points:

• Start with strong action verbs (managed, developed, increased, created, led).
• Quantify achievements: Instead of saying "responsible for social media," try "Grew Instagram following from 5,000 to 25,000 followers in 12 months."
• Focus on results, not just duties. Employers want to see what you accomplished.

Example:

Marketing Coordinator | ABC Company, Seattle, WA | June 2019 - Present
• Manage social media accounts with a combined following of 50,000+ users.
• Increased email open rates by 35% through A/B testing and segmentation.
• Coordinate quarterly webinars with an average of 500+ registrants each.
• Collaborate with sales teams to develop targeted collateral, shortening the sales cycle by 2 weeks.

Step 6: Add Your Education

List your educational background in reverse chronological order:

• Degree and Major
• School Name and Location
• Graduation Date (or expected graduation)
• Relevant honors, GPA (if above 3.5), or coursework (optional)

If you’ve been in the workforce for several years, keep this section brief. Recent graduates can expand with relevant projects or extracurricular activities.

Example:

Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design  
University of California, Los Angeles  
Graduated: June 2021  
GPA: 3.8

Step 7: Include a Skills Section

Create a concise list of your most relevant skills. This helps with ATS scanning and provides hiring managers with a quick reference.

Tips:

• Include a mix of hard and soft skills.
• Match skills to keywords in the job description.
• Be specific (e.g., "JavaScript Development" instead of just "Programming").

Example:

• Project Management
• SQL Database Management
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems

Step 8: Final Touches

Proofread

Before sending out your resume, ensure it is free from grammatical errors and typos. Consider using tools like Grammarly or Hemingway to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Customize for Each Job Application

Tailor your resume for each position you apply for by adjusting keywords and skills to match the job description. This can increase your chances of passing ATS filters by up to 75%.

Save and Send

Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting. Name your file clearly (e.g., "John_Smith_Resume.pdf") to make it easy for hiring managers to find.

Conclusion

Writing a resume from scratch doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these actionable steps, you can create a compelling resume that showcases your qualifications and achievements. Remember to tailor your resume for each application and keep it updated as you gain new experiences. Ready to get started? Create Your Resume today!