Resume Outline: Example for Professional Job Seekers
A resume outline is a basic structure that includes all the relevant information and sections but allows you to customize your skills and experience to the role. Starting with a resume outline can get your document together more quickly and ensure it looks professional. Learn how to use an outline effectively and see resume structure examples in this resume writing guide.
Why Use a Resume Outline?
A resume outline ensures the content of your document is organized effectively, which results in a professional appearance and a solid first impression with the hiring manager. Using a resume outline also ensures you remember all essential details that could affect your candidacy.
You can also use a resume outline for different job roles to simplify the process. With an outline, you have to swap out some essential skills, change some phrasing, and move a section or two around to emphasize your most relevant experience. This is much easier and faster than creating a new document for each role.
Essential Sections of a Professional Resume Outline
Header and contact information
Include your full name, phone number, and email in the header. It’s also a good idea to add a link to your LinkedIn profile, where hiring managers can get more details on your background and see your industry-relevant posts. Creative roles, such as graphic designers or content writers, can also include a link to a portfolio.
Profile summary
A strong profile summary is an integral part of a professional resume because it’s the section the hiring manager reads first. Three to four sentences briefly overview your background and highlight your most relevant qualifications. Incorporate strong action verbs and metrics, and use keywords from the job description for the most impact.
Work experience
The professional experience section will likely take up the most significant portion of your resume. Jobs should be listed in reverse chronological order and only go back 10 to 15 years or as many years as the position requires. Generally, a resume should be one or two pages, so focus on the most recent and relevant roles.
Each position should include a list of job responsibilities, but this shouldn’t be a boring list of essential duties you were “responsible for.” Use strong action verbs to be more descriptive, and include numbers and metrics to indicate the impact of your achievements. For example, “implemented quality assurance program that led to a 10% decrease in expenses” is more potent than “responsible for quality assurance.”
Education
A professional resume should include your relevant education and note the degree, institution, and graduation date. If you’re currently enrolled, add an expected graduation date. In some situations, including academic honors or relevant coursework may be appropriate, but this shouldn’t overshadow your professional experience.
Skills
A critical skills list highlights your core competencies and makes it easy for the hiring manager to see if you have the must-have qualifications without reading your entire resume word for word. Include both technical and professional skills, and focus on those listed as very important in the job description.
Certifications and licenses
Some professional positions require candidates to have specific certifications or licenses to qualify. If this applies to you, ensure these are listed clearly in their section. It can help to mention these in your profile summary as well.
Additional sections
Other sections can be added as necessary, depending on your industry and role. Potential headings include awards, volunteer work, professional affiliations, and other languages you are fluent in. However, keep the resume outline template manageable. Only add these if they are required for the position or are directly relevant to the role.
How To Create a Resume Outline for Different Job Roles
Tailor it for industry-specific requirements
While an outline provides the basic structure for your resume, you still need to customize the resume outline to fit the specific needs of the industry and role. Move sections around as necessary to put the most relevant toward the top of your resume, and constantly adjust the wording to incorporate keywords and phrases from the job description.
Adjust for experience level
The best resume outline format depends on your experience level. A resume for a senior-level position will spend more time on professional experience, while an entry-level resume might focus more on education and transferable skills. Look for an outline that matches your experience level to get a head start.
Tips for Using an Outline for Writing a Resume
- Keep it simple: Resumes should always be straightforward to read. Avoid unnecessary sections or providing too much detail, which can clutter your resume.
- Use consistent formatting: Utilize the same font throughout, and double-check bullet points, spacing, and headers for consistency to ensure a professional experience.
- Update your resume regularly: As you gain new skills and experience, update it to reflect these changes and ensure it’s up-to-date.
- Proofread for accuracy and clarity: Even just one or two typos can throw your resume into the “no” pile, so triple-check for errors and inconsistencies. When possible, ask someone else to look it over as well.
- Use resume builders and templates: An online resume builder tool or template provides the structure and formatting you need to get started. ResumeTemplates.com has resume outlines and examples for dozens of roles across industries.
Sample Resume Outlines for Job Seekers
Resume Outline for Information Technology Professionals
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[City, State Abbreviation, ZIP Code]
[LinkedIn Profile] | [Portfolio Website]
Profile
- A brief summary of your IT experience, key skills, and qualifications relevant to the position.
Key Skills
- Skill 1: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 2: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 3: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 4: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 5: Brief description (if needed)
Professional Experience
[Job Title, Company Name, Location]
[Start Date] – [End Date or Present]
- Responsibility/Task 1: Description of your achievements and impact.
- Responsibility/Task 2: Description of your achievements and impact.
- Responsibility/Task 3: Description of your achievements and impact.
[Job Title, Company Name, Location]
[Start Date] – [End Date]
- Responsibility/Task 1: Description of your achievements and impact.
- Responsibility/Task 2: Description of your achievements and impact.
- Responsibility/Task 3: Description of your achievements and impact.
Education
[Degree, Major]
[University Name, Location]
[Graduation Date or Expected Graduation Date]
Certifications
- [Certification Name], [Issuing Organization], [Year]
- [Certification Name], [Issuing Organization], [Year]
Projects (if applicable)
- [Project Title]: Brief description of the project, your role, and technologies used.
- [Project Title]: Brief description of the project, your role, and technologies used.
Resume Outline for Marketing Professionals
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[City, State Abbreviation, ZIP Code]
[LinkedIn Profile] | [Portfolio Website]
Profile
- A brief summary of your marketing experience, key skills, and qualifications relevant to the position.
Key Skills
- Skill 1: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 2: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 3: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 4: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 5: Brief description (if needed)
Professional Experience
[Job Title, Company Name, Location]
[Start Date] – [End Date or Present]
- Responsibility/Task 1: Description of your achievements and impact.
- Responsibility/Task 2: Description of your achievements and impact.
- Responsibility/Task 3: Description of your achievements and impact.
[Job Title, Company Name, Location]
[Start Date] – [End Date]
- Responsibility/Task 1: Description of your achievements and impact.
- Responsibility/Task 2: Description of your achievements and impact.
- Responsibility/Task 3: Description of your achievements and impact.
Education
[Degree, Major]
[University Name, Location]
[Graduation Date or Expected Graduation Date]
Certifications
- [Certification Name], [Issuing Organization], [Year]
- [Certification Name], [Issuing Organization], [Year]
Campaigns/Projects (if applicable)
- [Campaign/Project Title]: Brief description of the campaign, your role, and results achieved.
[Campaign/Project Title]: Brief description of the campaign, your role, and results achieved.
Resume Outline for Health Care Professionals
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[City, State Abbreviation, ZIP Code]
[LinkedIn Profile] | [Portfolio Website]
Profile
- A brief summary of your health care experience, key skills, and qualifications relevant to the position.
Key Skills
- Skill 1: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 2: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 3: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 4: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 5: Brief description (if needed)
Professional Experience
[Job Title, Company Name, Location]
[Start Date] – [End Date or Present]
- Responsibility/Task 1: Description of your achievements and impact.
- Responsibility/Task 2: Description of your achievements and impact.
- Responsibility/Task 3: Description of your achievements and impact.
[Job Title, Company Name, Location]
[Start Date] – [End Date]
- Responsibility/Task 1: Description of your achievements and impact.
- Responsibility/Task 2: Description of your achievements and impact.
- Responsibility/Task 3: Description of your achievements and impact.
Education
[Degree, Major]
[University Name, Location]
[Graduation Date or Expected Graduation Date]
Certifications
- [Certification Name], [Issuing Organization], [Year]
- [Certification Name], [Issuing Organization], [Year]
Clinical Skills/Training (if applicable)
- [Skill/Training Title]: Brief description of your training or expertise.
- [Skill/Training Title]: Brief description of your training or expertise.
Resume Outline for Administrative Assistants
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[City, State Abbreviation, ZIP Code]
[LinkedIn Profile] | [Portfolio Website]
Profile
- A brief summary of your administrative experience, key skills, and qualifications relevant to the position.
Key Skills
- Skill 1: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 2: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 3: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 4: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 5: Brief description (if needed)
Professional Experience
[Job Title, Company Name, Location]
[Start Date] – [End Date or Present]
- Responsibility/Task 1: Description of your achievements and impact.
- Responsibility/Task 2: Description of your achievements and impact.
- Responsibility/Task 3: Description of your achievements and impact.
[Job Title, Company Name, Location]
[Start Date] – [End Date]
- Responsibility/Task 1: Description of your achievements and impact.
- Responsibility/Task 2: Description of your achievements and impact.
- Responsibility/Task 3: Description of your achievements and impact.
Education
[Degree, Major]
[University Name, Location]
[Graduation Date or Expected Graduation Date]
Certifications
- [Certification Name], [Issuing Organization], [Year]
- [Certification Name], [Issuing Organization], [Year]
Resume Outline for Sales Professionals
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[City, State Abbreviation, ZIP Code]
[LinkedIn Profile] | [Portfolio Website]
Profile
- A brief summary highlighting your sales experience, key achievements, and expertise in client management and territory development.
Key Skills
- Skill 1: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 2: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 3: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 4: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 5: Brief description (if needed)
Professional Experience
[Job Title, Company Name, Location]
[Start Date] – [End Date or Present]
- Sales Achievement 1: Description of your sales metrics, goals met, and revenue generated.
- Client Management Task 1: Description of your approach to managing key accounts and client relationships.
- Territory Development Task 1: Description of your strategies for expanding market presence and client base.
[Job Title, Company Name, Location]
[Start Date] – [End Date]
- Sales Achievement 2: Description of any awards or recognitions received for sales performance.
- Client Management Task 2: Description of your role in building and maintaining client relationships.
- Territory Development Task 2: Description of initiatives taken to develop new markets or territories.
Education
[Degree, Major]
[University Name, Location]
[Graduation Date or Expected Graduation Date]
Certifications
- [Certification Name], [Issuing Organization], [Year]
- [Certification Name], [Issuing Organization], [Year]
Resume Outline for Creative Professionals
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[City, State Abbreviation, ZIP Code]
[LinkedIn Profile] | [Portfolio Website]
Profile
- A brief summary of your creative experience, including your specialties, types of projects, and collaboration skills.
Key Skills
- Skill 1: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 2: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 3: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 4: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 5: Brief description (if needed)
Professional Experience
[Job Title, Company Name, Location]
[Start Date] – [End Date or Present]
- Project Description 1: Brief overview of a major project, including your role and impact.
- Collaboration Task 1: Description of how you worked with other team members or departments.
- Portfolio Highlight 1: Mention of a key piece from your portfolio that illustrates your skills.
[Job Title, Company Name, Location]
[Start Date] – [End Date]
- Project Description 2: Brief overview of another significant project.
- Collaboration Task 2: Description of your collaboration efforts and their outcomes.
- Portfolio Highlight 2: Mention of another piece from your portfolio that showcases your abilities.
Education
[Degree, Major]
[University Name, Location]
[Graduation Date or Expected Graduation Date]
Certifications
- [Certification Name], [Issuing Organization], [Year]
- [Certification Name], [Issuing Organization], [Year]
Resume Outline for Finance Professionals
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[City, State Abbreviation, ZIP Code]
[LinkedIn Profile] | [Portfolio Website]
Profile
- A brief summary emphasizing your finance experience, quantitative skills, and expertise in financial modeling and regulations.
Key Skills
- Skill 1: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 2: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 3: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 4: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 5: Brief description (if needed)
Professional Experience
[Job Title, Company Name, Location]
[Start Date] – [End Date or Present]
- Quantitative Task 1: Description of how you applied quantitative skills in your role.
- Regulatory Knowledge Task 1: Description of your experience with compliance and financial regulations.
- Financial Modeling Task 1: Overview of financial models you created and their impact on decision-making.
[Job Title, Company Name, Location]
[Start Date] – [End Date]
- Quantitative Task 2: Description of additional quantitative analyses performed.
- Regulatory Knowledge Task 2: Description of initiatives taken to ensure compliance.
- Financial Modeling Task 2: Overview of complex financial models created during this role.
Education
[Degree, Major]
[University Name, Location]
[Graduation Date or Expected Graduation Date]
Certifications
- [Certification Name], [Issuing Organization], [Year]
- [Certification Name], [Issuing Organization], [Year]
Resume Outline for Education Professionals
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[City, State Abbreviation, ZIP Code]
[LinkedIn Profile] | [Portfolio Website]
Profile
- A brief summary of your educational experience, highlighting your teaching philosophy, certifications, and key skills.
Key Skills
- Skill 1: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 2: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 3: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 4: Brief description (if needed)
- Skill 5: Brief description (if needed)
Professional Experience
[Job Title, School Name, Location]
[Start Date] – [End Date or Present]
- Teaching Task 1: Description of the subjects taught and methodologies used.
- Curriculum Development Task 1: Overview of any curriculum materials or programs you developed.
- Classroom Management Task 1: Description of your approach to managing classroom dynamics.
[Job Title, School Name, Location]
[Start Date] – [End Date]
- Teaching Task 2: Description of additional subjects taught and results achieved.
- Curriculum Development Task 2: Overview of collaborative efforts in curriculum development.
- Classroom Management Task 2: Description of innovative strategies employed for effective classroom management.
Education
[Degree, Major]
[University Name, Location]
[Graduation Date or Expected Graduation Date]
Certifications
- [Teaching Certification], [Issuing Organization], [Year]
- [Additional Certification], [Issuing Organization], [Year]
Frequently Asked Questions About Using a Job Application Resume Outline
The best resume layout for most professionals is the traditional resume, which focuses on your work history and presents your previous roles in reverse chronological order. This resume outline still includes a key skills list and your education, usually on a sidebar or at the bottom underneath the professional experience section.
If you appropriately tailor the resume outline to your skills and experience, a hiring manager likely won't know you used one. Recruiters and hiring managers expect candidates to use templates and other tools to help format and polish their resumes. It could only work against you if you leave placeholder text, use an outline that must be more relevant to the role, or include misleading or inaccurate information.
Some artificial intelligence (AI) tools can help you create a resume outline, but the formatting may not stay when you copy and paste it into a document. Working with a template or outline already in Google Docs, Word, or another easily editable form is often better.
Resume Templates offers free, HR approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes. Choose from several template options and even pre-populate a resume from your profile.