What Does a Great Resume Look Like in 2025

what does a great resume look like

Your resume is your golden ticket to career opportunities. But what does a great resume look like in 2025?

It’s more than just a list of jobs, it’s a snapshot of your professional identity, showcasing your skills, achievements, and potential in a competitive world.

Did you know?

  • Recruiters only spend 6-10 seconds per resume, as per Forbes.

  • As many as 75% of qualified job applicants are filtered out by automated systems before their resumes even reach a human recruiter.

  • According to a McKinsey report, 60% of recruiters said that the most common mistake job seekers make on their resumes is overloading them with buzzwords.

These stats show the need to ask – what does a great resume look like?

In this hiring landscape shaped by automation and fierce competition, your resume is your first impression. So, let’s answer what does a great resume look like and how to create one.

What Does a Great Resume Look Like?

A great resume stands out because of its clarity, relevance, and professional tone. It provides a clear snapshot of your skills, experience, and achievements. Thus, showing exactly why you are the right fit for the role.

Additionally, every section of a great resume is tailored to the job. As a result, this ensures that recruiters quickly see the value you bring.

In 2025, resumes will evolve to match the digital age. Moreover, thanks to recruitment challenges, recruiters now expect you to know the answer to what does a great resume look like.

Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all resumes. Today, standing out means being specific. Whether you’re applying for tech or creative roles, showing measurable results is key. So, highlight achievements in numbers, not just responsibilities.

Why a Strong Resume is Essential for Job Seekers

Resume for job seekers

A strong resume is your best tool for making a positive first impression on potential employers. It is the first thing recruiters see and often determines whether you advance to the next stage. Additionally, without a great resume, even qualified candidates risk being overlooked.

Automated tracking systems (ATS) screen for relevance and keyword usage, meaning that the answer to what does a great resume look like is often determined by both content and format. Furthermore, using tailored language can dramatically increase your visibility.

Moreover, employers receive hundreds of applications for a single position. Therefore, a compelling resume saves recruiters time, helping them quickly understand why you are the best fit. 

What Does a Great Resume Look Like: Key Elements

what does a great resume look like

Creating a standout resume requires careful attention to several key elements. When you ask what does a great resume look like, it’s not just about listing experiences, it’s about compellingly presenting your story.

1. Clear and Professional Layout

Firstly, a clean, easy-to-read design is essential. Hiring managers have limited time to review resumes, so they appreciate a layout that allows them to scan information quickly.

So, focus on hierarchy and structure. Moreover, use headings, concise bullet points, and appropriate spacing to highlight key sections.

Additionally, a well-structured layout will guide the reader’s eyes to your most important details without distractions.

2. Relevant Contact Information

Secondly, your contact information is the gateway to connecting with you. Make sure to include your email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile link at the top of your resume.

Also, avoid unnecessary personal information such as marital status, age, or a photo. Moreover, ensure your email address sounds professional and avoid nicknames or slang.

This is a key element of what does a great resume look like.

3. Engaging Summary or Objective Statement

The summary or objective statement should grab attention right away. Think of it as your resume’s elevator pitch.

Moreover, tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for and highlight your key strengths. Keep it concise, ideally 3-4 sentences. Furthermore, focus on what you can offer the employer, not just your career goals.

4. Detailed Work Experience

Your work experience section should be a highlight of your resume. Focus on accomplishments, not just duties. Instead of simply stating responsibilities, show measurable results.

Additionally, use action verbs like “led,” “improved,” or “managed,” and quantify achievements wherever possible, such as “Increased sales by 20%.”

As a result, this helps answer what does a great resume look like – it’s a reflection of real-world success and impact.

5. Skills Section

A well-crafted skills section can make your resume stand out. Focus on both hard skills (e.g., programming, and data analysis) and soft skills (e.g., communication, and leadership).

Moreover, keep the skills relevant to the job you’re applying for. Plus, group related skills together for clarity and mention specific tools, software, or certifications.

Also, by tailoring your skills to the job description, you give yourself a competitive edge. A skill section is one of the key elements of what does a great resume look like in 2025.

6. Education and Certifications

Your educational background should be listed in reverse chronological order, with the most recent achievements at the top. Include relevant certifications, especially if they align with the role you’re applying for.

However, only include graduation dates if you’re a recent graduate, otherwise, focus on the degree and institution.

As a result, this section helps employers gauge your qualifications and whether your background aligns with the job requirements.

7. Additional Sections for a Competitive Edge

Lastly, adding extra sections can help you stand out, especially if they are relevant to the position. Consider including volunteer work, personal projects, or publications.

Moreover, if applicable, mention hobbies that reflect the skills required for the job. Thus, these sections provide a fuller picture of who you are and what you bring beyond the basics.

It’s a smart way to answer what does a great resume look like.

Formatting Tips for a Standout Resume

Formatting plays a crucial role in making sure your resume gets noticed. Let’s dive into some formatting tips that will help you create a great resume.

1. Optimal Resume Length

The ideal length of a resume varies depending on your experience. For entry-level applicants, a one-page resume is often enough. However, for those with more experience, up to two pages may be appropriate.

Remember, hiring managers are looking for a concise, yet detailed summary of your qualifications. Moreover, avoid overcrowding your resume with excessive details.

In addition, focus on the most relevant and impactful information, highlighting achievements and skills that align with the job you’re applying for.

2. Font Styles and Sizes

The answer to what does a great resume look like depends greatly on font styles. A Font choice is more important than it might seem. So, stick with professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. 

Furthermore, when it comes to font size, use 10-12 points for the body text and 14-16 point for your name and section headings.

Also, avoid using multiple font styles throughout the resume. Thus, this confirms a clean, cohesive look and makes your great resume easy to read.

3. Use of White Space

White space isn’t just empty space – it’s crucial for enhancing readability. Adequate spacing between sections, margins, and lines makes your resume easy on the eyes.

Furthermore, crowding too much information on one page can overwhelm the reader. To maintain a clear structure, ensure that each section is distinctly separated.

As a result, this will help create a visually appealing and professional resume.

4. ATS-Friendly Formatting

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. To pass these systems, your great resume must be formatted correctly. So, stick to standard fonts and avoid complex layouts, graphics, or images.

Also, use traditional section titles like “Work Experience” and “Education” to increase your chances of making it through ATS scans.

As a result, this simple formatting allows your resume to be read and ranked correctly by the system. So by now, you might have had a good idea about what does a great resume look like.

But that’s not all, let’s understand the challenges first.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s important to steer clear of some common mistakes before we look at what does a great resume look like. These errors can hurt your chances of landing that interview. Let’s look at a few resume pitfalls and how to avoid them.

  • Overloading with buzzwords: Firstly, too many buzzwords can make your resume sound generic. So, focus on showcasing your skills with clear examples, rather than just industry jargon.
  • Using an unprofessional email address: Secondly, your email address should be simple and professional. Avoid using nicknames or overly casual phrases. Moreover, if you already received an interview invitation, here’s how to respond.
  • Forgetting to proofread: In addition, typos and grammatical errors can make your resume look sloppy. Always proofread your resume or have someone else review it. Furthermore, clean, error-free documents show attention to detail.
  • Using a one-size-fits-all approach: Lastly, each job requires a tailored resume. Customize your resume for each position by focusing on relevant skills and experiences that match the job description.

What Does A Great Resume Look Like: Examples Of Great Resumes

what does a great resume look like

In this section, you will truly understand what does a great resume look like. Let’s explore some sample resumes for different career stages.

1. Sample Entry-Level Resume

Name
[Your Contact Information]
Email: [Email Address] | Phone: [Phone Number] | LinkedIn: [LinkedIn URL] | Location: [City, State]

Objective Statement
Enthusiastic and detail-oriented recent graduate with a strong academic background and internship experience in [Industry]. Seeking to contribute [specific skills] to the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].

Education
Bachelor of Arts in [Your Major] | [University Name] | [Graduation Year]
Relevant Coursework: [Course Name 1], [Course Name 2], [Course Name 3]
GPA: [Your GPA]

Internship Experience
[Internship Job Title] | [Company Name] | [Dates]

  • Contributed to [specific project or task].
  • Assisted with [responsibilities], gaining experience in [skill/area].
  • Worked with the team to [specific achievement or result].

Volunteer Experience
[Volunteer Position] | [Organization Name] | [Dates]

  • Supported [task/project], enhancing [skills gained].
  • Collaborated with team members to [achievement].

Skills

  • [Skill 1]
  • [Skill 2]

2. Sample Mid-Level Resume

Name
[Your Contact Information]
Email: [Email Address] | Phone: [Phone Number] | LinkedIn: [LinkedIn URL] | Location: [City, State]

Objective Statement
Dynamic [Industry] professional with [X] years of experience in [field/role]. Proven track record of driving results and leading successful projects. Seeking a [Job Title] position at [Company Name] to leverage expertise in [specific skill/industry].

Experience
[Job Title] | [Company Name] | [Dates]

  • Led [project/initiative], resulting in [specific outcome/achievement].
  • Managed a team of [X] to successfully [goal].
  • Developed and implemented [process/strategy], improving [result].

[Job Title] | [Company Name] | [Dates]

  • Spearheaded [project/initiative] that led to [result].
  • Enhanced operational efficiency through [specific task/achievement].
  • Mentored junior team members, fostering skill development.

Education
Bachelor of [Your Degree] | [University Name] | [Graduation Year]
[Additional Certifications or Professional Development]

Skills

  • [Skill 1]
  • [Skill 2]

3. Sample Executive Resume

Name
[Your Contact Information]
Email: [Email Address] | Phone: [Phone Number] | LinkedIn: [LinkedIn URL] | Location: [City, State]

Executive Summary
Results-driven executive with over [X] years of experience in [industry]. Expertise in [specific leadership areas], with a proven ability to lead teams, drive business growth, and implement strategic initiatives. Seeking to bring innovative leadership and vision to [Company Name].

Core Competencies

  • Strategic Planning & Execution
  • Team Leadership & Development
  • Financial Management & Budgeting
  • [Other relevant competency]

Professional Experience
[Job Title] | [Company Name] | [Dates]

  • Led a team of [X] and managed a department budget of [$X] to achieve [specific result].
  • Oversaw [specific task or responsibility], resulting in [quantifiable success].
  • Championed the [initiative], which contributed to [major outcome or achievement].

[Job Title] | [Company Name] | [Dates]

  • Directed operations across [regions/divisions] to ensure alignment with company goals.
  • Drove revenue growth by [X]% through strategic business development and operational efficiencies.
  • Developed and executed leadership programs, resulting in improved team performance.

Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) | [University Name] | [Graduation Year]
Bachelor of [Degree] | [University Name] | [Graduation Year]
[Certifications, Board Memberships, or Notable Achievements]

Skills

  • Executive Leadership
  • P&L Management
  • Change Management
  • [Other relevant skills]

If you are selected for an interview, here are some questions to ask in recruitment.

Conclusion: What Does A Great Resume Look Like

Crafting a resume is an essential step in securing your dream job. Whether you’re just starting your career or aiming for an executive position, your resume should tell your unique story.

So, by following the tips, avoiding common mistakes, and using the examples provided, you can build a resume that stands out in a competitive job market.

At Humans Doing, we understand the importance of matching the right talent with the right company. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career or need help crafting a standout resume, reach out to our team.

Let us assist you in understanding what does a great resume look like.

Get in touch today and let us help you take the next step towards success.

Faqs About What Does A Great Resume Look Like

  1. How often should I update my resume?
    It’s a good idea to update your resume every six months or whenever you gain new skills or experiences.
  2. Should I include personal interests or hobbies on my resume to meet the expectations of “what does a great resume look like”?
    If relevant, yes. However, focus on skills or hobbies that align with the job you’re applying for.
  3. Can I use a resume template?
    Yes, but ensure you customize the template to reflect your unique experiences and skills.
  4. How long should my resume be for an executive position to truly reflect “what does a great resume look like”?
    An executive resume can be 2–3 pages long, emphasizing leadership accomplishments and strategic impact.
  5. Is it necessary to include a cover letter with my resume?
    While not always required, a well-crafted cover letter can enhance your application and showcase your enthusiasm for the role.

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