How To Start Off A Resume

So, you’re about to start your resume and you’re staring at that blank page wondering, “Where do I even begin?” Trust me, you’re not alone. Starting a resume can feel like trying to solve a puzzle without the picture on the box. But the good news is, there’s a simple way to approach it that makes the whole process a lot less overwhelming.

First things first, let’s talk about contact information. It might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people either forget this or don’t get it right. Your name, a professional email address, and your phone number should be right at the top. Some people like to add their LinkedIn profile or a portfolio link if it’s relevant. Just keep it clean and easy to read, no need to get fancy with fonts or layouts here.

Then comes the summary or objective statement. And look, I know some people will argue you don’t need one at all, but here’s my take: If you use it well, it can set the tone for the whole resume. Think of it as your elevator pitch. In just a couple of sentences, explain who you are, what you bring to the table, and what you’re looking for. For example, “Detail-oriented marketing professional with 5 years of experience in digital strategy, seeking a role to help brands grow their online presence. ” Something short, clear, and specific to the job you’re applying for. Skip the fluff.

Now, here’s where it can get tricky: deciding what section comes next. For most people, it’ll be your work experience because employers want to see the nuts and bolts of what you’ve done. But if you're a recent graduate or making a big career shift, you might lead with your education or skills. It depends on what makes the best case for you right out of the gate.

When you get into the work experience section, don’t just list your job titles and dates. That’s the bare minimum, and yeah, it’s boring. Instead, focus on results. What did you accomplish in that role? Use action verbs, be specific, and whenever possible, include numbers or measurable outcomes. Like, “Increased sales by 25% through a targeted email campaign, ” or “Managed a team of 10 to deliver projects on time and under budget. ” Employers don’t just want to know what you did, they want to know how well you did it.

Oh, and please, for the love of all things holy, keep it relevant. Your high school babysitting gig probably doesn’t need to be on there unless you’re applying for a childcare position. Every job you list should connect to the role you’re going after. If it doesn’t, leave it off.

The skills section is another area people overthink. You don’t need to list every single skill you’ve ever had. Focus on the ones that match the job description and show you’re a fit for the role. And be honest. No one’s expecting you to know everything, but you will get caught if you claim expertise in something you’ve never actually done.

Some people also ask where things like volunteer work or certifications should go. Honestly, that depends on how much space you have and how important they are to the job you’re applying for. If it’s directly relevant and you’re low on work experience, move it up. If it’s more of a bonus, tuck it toward the end. Just remember, resumes are about quality over quantity. You don’t need to fill the page just to fill it.

Lastly, readability matters. If someone spends more time trying to figure out your layout than reading your content, you’ve lost them. Stick to a simple design and keep your formatting consistent, same fonts, same margins, evenly spaced sections. And keep it to one page unless you have over a decade of experience or a very specialized field that calls for more detail.

Starting a resume isn’t about making it perfect on the first try. It’s about getting the basics down so you have a strong foundation to work with. You can always tweak and refine from there.

So, what’s stopping you? Get that name and contact info at the top, write a few lines about what makes you great, and start building out your experience. Once you get going, it’s not as intimidating as it seems. You’ve got this.