There are a number of reasons why you should consider looking at resume samples when you start writing your resume. Job seekers who want to step outside the box and create a great resume that makes a good first impression will find resume examples beneficial for these reasons:
Creating an ATS-friendly resume is essential in today’s job market. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) check resumes for keywords and required job titles; if your resume doesn’t pass, then it won’t even be seen by a recruiter. Considering a relevant example, such as an engineering resume sample, will allow you to make a list of hard skills and soft skills that you should include in your own job application. For example, if the job description you intend to apply for requires you to manage a team and meet deadlines, then “project management” would be a crucial keyword in your skills section.
If you take the time to consider a range of relevant resume examples and samples, then you will get an idea of how hiring managers view the resumes that they receive. Look at how different examples list work history, skills, and academic achievements to get ideas for how to best present your own qualifications.
Sometimes the thing that holds a job seeker back during the resume writing process is a lack of ideas. A few good resume samples can help jumpstart you when you feel stuck and help you complete your own resume more quickly.
Whether you want to work in human resources or child care, or as an entry-level worker or as a manager, there are certain resume formats and styles that will be best for your job application. If you look at resume examples specific to your field and the specific job you intend to apply for, then you will have a better chance of writing the best resume for you.
We don’t just stop at resume examples, either; ResumeNerd also has a full array of cover letter examples, and detailed guides on how to write a cover letter, designed to help you craft a standout application and secure your next job with confidence.
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The first step in ensuring that you get the best from available resume examples is to research examples that fit into your industry. Once you have identified a range of resume examples that are suitable for your desired job title, whether that is an office manager or graphic designer, there are some steps you should take.
First, you should highlight all of the technical skills, certifications and experience in these examples that you also have. Consider every part of the sample resume, including the resume summary: note specific qualifications or experiences that signal what employers are looking for (e.g., “Exceptional attention to detail” or “Creating PowerPoint presentations”). Once you have done this, you will have a good idea of which skills are crucial to the industry and job title.
Second, you should note which format works best. If most of the features you like are in examples with a chronological resume format, for example, then you might want to consider using this format yourself (unless it is unsuitable for your work history).
Finally, you should look to see if these examples use any design elements that are appropriate to the industry. If you work in healthcare, for example, then you may not want a resume layout that has bold logos or design elements, but you might want that layout for a creative industry.
Once you have looked through a selection of resume examples that you like and you have gathered all of your information together, you should consider using a resume builder to streamline the process of creating your resume. See for yourself—browse the success stories shared by professionals who’ve advanced their careers with our Resume Builder on the ResumeNerd reviews page.
If you have a lot of experience in conducting a job search, then resume examples may not be a necessity for you when updating your own resume. However, there are a number of situations in which a job seeker might find resume templates and examples beneficial. Some examples include;
These are just some examples of times when looking at resume examples might be beneficial for a job seeker. The truth is that resume examples can be useful for just about any situation, since it’s good practice to update your resume regularly. If you check examples regularly, then you can prevent your own resume from becoming dated.
A good resume example provides a clear structure and format, helping you understand how to present your information. Resume examples can inspire you to highlight your transferable job skills and work experience in a way that aligns with industry standards.
Yes, ResumeNerd offers a variety of free resume examples across different industries and job titles. You can browse them to gain insights into effective resume writing.
To edit ResumeNerd's resume examples, you can use our online resume builder. This tool allows you to select one of our resume templates, input your personal information, and customize the resume content to suit your experience and the job you're targeting.
If you can't find a resume example matching your job title, consider looking for examples in related fields or industries. They will offer you valuable resume tips and insights. For a more comprehensive guide, visit our article on how to write a resume for any job.
A good resume example is tailored to the specific industry or job role. It highlights relevant job skills, work experience, and quantified accomplishments, using bullet points for easy readability. Effective examples also incorporate industry-specific keywords to pass Applicant Tracking Systems.
A well-structured resume should include the following sections:
1. Contact Information: Your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile.
2. Resume Introduction: A brief statement highlighting your key qualifications. Takes the form of a resume summary or a career objective.
3. Work Experience: Detailed information about your previous jobs, including job titles, company names, dates of employment, and key responsibilities and achievements.
4. Education Section: Your academic qualifications, including degrees earned, institutions attended, and graduation dates.
5. Skills Section: A list of relevant hard and soft skills that pertain to the job you're applying for.
Bonus Sections: Any additional certifications, honors, awards, known foreign languages, or other things that enhance your qualifications.
Most often, a resume should be one page long, especially for early to mid-career professionals. However, if you have extensive experience, a two-page resume is acceptable. Maintain two pages as the maximum resume length.
In 2025, the reverse-chronological resume format remains the most effective. This format lists your work experience starting with the most recent position, showcasing your career progression clearly. It's favored by employers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) for its straightforward structure.
Yes, aligning the design and formatting of your resume and cover letter creates a cohesive and professional appearance. Using matching headers, fonts, layouts, and templates demonstrates attention to detail.
To format your resume:
1. Select clean, easy-to-read resume fonts like Arial or Times New Roman in 10-12 point size.
2. Maintain one-inch margins on all sides of the resume.
3. Use bullet points to list responsibilities and job achievements.
Incorporate adequate white space to prevent clutter and improve the document's visual appeal.
Yes, we offer a variety of cover letter examples tailored to different industries and job roles. These examples can guide you in crafting a compelling cover letter that complements your resume. We also have a cover letter builder to make writing a cover letter quick and easy.
Yes, ResumeNerd’s cover letter templates are designed to be ATS-friendly. By using our cover letter templates, you can ensure that your cover letter is not only visually appealing but also optimized to meet modern hiring technology standards.
