Your resume is your ticket to new job opportunities — whether you’re applying for your first part-time role, an internship, or your first full-time job after college.
But in 2025, writing a resume that stands out means more than just listing your past experience. With more applicants and faster hiring processes, you need a resume that grabs attention quickly and clearly shows why you’re the right candidate.
We’ve gathered expert resume advice from our employer partners and researched the latest resume tips for 2025 to bring you this step-by-step guide. Whether you’re just starting your job search or updating an old resume, this is your go-to resource for writing a modern, professional resume that gets noticed — and gets interviews.
What to Include in a Resume (2025 Edition)
Before you start, here’s a quick checklist of the key resume sections most employers expect in 2025:
- Contact Information
- Professional Summary
- Key Skills
- Work or Volunteer Experience
- Education
- Optional: Projects, Certifications, Awards, Languages
Let’s break each one down!
1. Start With Your Contact Information
At the very top of your resume, include:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Professional email address (e.g.,johnsmith@gmail.com, not guitarhero2005@yahoo.com)
- City and state
- LinkedIn profile or portfolio (if relevant)
Pro tip: You don’t need to include your full address or date of birth — that’s outdated in 2025!
2. Write a Clear, Targeted Resume Summary
This is a short 2–3 sentence snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the role — think of it as your elevator pitch. If you don’t have formal work experience yet, your resume summary is the perfect place to show your enthusiasm and highlight transferable skills.
Examples:
Business student with strong communication and customer service skills, currently working part-time in retail. Passionate about digital marketing and seeking a summer internship where I can build hands-on experience.
or
Motivated high school senior with strong organizational and teamwork skills developed through volunteering and group projects. Eager to gain hands-on experience in a customer-facing role and build a career in retail and sales.
Pro tip: Tailor your summary to the job you’re applying for. Use keywords from the job ad, especially if the company uses Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Need a cheat sheet on how to master ATS resumes? Check out our blog!
3. List Key Skills That Match the Job
Employers love a quick-hit list of skills. In 2025, this section helps your resume get past resume scanners (ATS) and makes it easy for hiring managers to see your strengths.
Break it into soft and technical skills:
Soft Skills:
- Communication
- Time management
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
Technical Skills:
- Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets)
- Canva
- Point of Sale (POS) systems
- Social media content creation
Pro Tip: Look at the job description and mirror their language where it makes sense.
4. Work Experience or Volunteering (Even If It’s Entry-Level)
Even if you don’t have a ton of formal work experience, you probably have more to include than you think.
For each role or activity, include:
- Job title or role
- Organization or company name
- Dates (Month + Year)
- 2–4 bullet points of what you did and achieved
Example:
Retail Assistant, Camping World
August 2023 – Present
- Greeted customers and managed transactions in a fast-paced environment
- Restocked shelves and supported inventory checks
- Recognized for positive attitude and teamwork
Pro Tip: You can list unpaid roles too — volunteer work, internships, leadership roles, or school projects count!
5. Education and Qualifications
List your education in reverse chronological order — most recent first.
Include:
- Degree or program name
- School or college name
- Graduation year (or expected year)
- Relevant coursework or achievements
Example:
High School Diploma
Phoenix High School, Class of 2025
- GPA: 3.6
- Member, Student Council
- Completed Dual Enrollment: Intro to Business
Pro Tip: If you’re still in school, that’s totally fine — just list your expected graduation date.
6. Add Extra Sections If They Add Value
If space allows, consider adding a section for:
- Certifications (e.g., CPR certified, Google Career Certificate)
- Awards or Achievements
- Languages (with proficiency level)
- Clubs & Extracurriculars
- Personal Projects or Portfolios (especially for creative or tech roles)
7. Make It Look Good — But Keep It Simple
You don’t need fancy colors or wild fonts. In fact, those can confuse resume scanners, so best to keep it simple.
Formatting tips for 2025:
- Stick to clean, easy-to-read fonts (Arial, Calibri, Helvetica)
- Keep it to one page (unless you have lots of relevant experience)
- Use bullet points and consistent formatting
- Save as a PDF unless told otherwise
Pro Tip: Name your file something clear and professional like Firstname_Lastname_Resume_2025.pdf.
8. Tailor Your Resume Every Time You Apply
This is key in 2025. Employers are using software to scan resumes for keywords, and a generic resume won’t make the cut.
Do this:
- Read the job ad carefully
- Update your summary, skills, and work experience to match
- Mirror language from the ad where it’s natural
9. Proofread It (Twice!)
Spelling or grammar mistakes can land your resume in the “no” pile, even if you’re a great fit. Use a spell checker, read it out loud, and ask someone else to review it.
Pro Tip: Use free tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to clean things up.
Ready to Apply?
Now that you know how to write a resume in 2025, you’re already ahead of the game!
Remember:
- Keep it clear
- Keep it tailored
- Keep it professional
Interested in finding the right career for you and your new resume? Try our Career Quiz to see where you should get started!
