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How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide

For most job-seekers, a good resume is what stands between a dream job and Choice D. Get your resume right, and you’ll be getting replies from every other company you apply to.

If your resume game is weak, though, you’ll end up sitting around for weeks, maybe even months, before you even get a single response.

So you’re probably wondering how you can write a resume that gets you an interview straight up.

Well, you’ve come to the right place!

In this guide, we’re going to teach you everything you need to know about how to make a resume, including:

• The 8 Essential Steps to Writing a Resume
• 11+ Exclusive Resume Tips to Up Your Resume Game
• 27+ Real-Life Resume Examples for Different Professions

….and more!

So, let’s dive right in.

How to Make a Resume (The Right Way!)

Before we go into detail about how you should make a resume, here’s a summary of the most important steps and tips to keep in mind:

• Choose a resume format carefully. In 99% of cases, we recommend the reverse-chronological format .
• Add the right contact details. Leave your headshot out and make sure to include your job title , a professional email address, and any relevant links. (E.g.: your LinkedIn profile , online portfolio, personal website, etc.).
• Write an impactful resume summary. Unless you’re an entry-level professional, always go for a resume summary. If you do it right, it’s your chance to get the hiring manager to go through the rest of your resume in detail.
• Pay attention to your work experience section. Take your work experience section from OK-ish to exceptional by tailoring it to the job ad, making your achievements quantifiable, and using action verbs and power words.
• Add the right skills for the job. Keep this section relevant by only including the hard and soft skills that are required for the position.
• Keep your education short and to the point. Your most recent and highest degree is more than enough for a strong education section. You only need to add more details here if you’re a recent graduate with barely any work experience.
• Leverage optional resume sections. Optional sections like languages, hobbies, certifications, independent projects, and others can set you apart from other candidates with similar skills and experience.
• Include a cover letter. That’s right, cover letters matter in 2024, and the best way to supplement your resume is by adding an equally well-crafted cover letter to your job application. To make the most of it, check out our detailed guide on how to write a cover letter .

To get the most out of our tips, you can head over to the resume builder and start building your resume on the go as you read this guide.

New to resume-making? Give our ‘7 Resume Tips’ video a watch before diving into the article!

#1. Pick the Right Resume Format

Before you start filling in the contents of your resume, you have to make sure it’s going to look good. 

After all, the first thing hiring managers notice is what your resume looks like, and then they start reading it. So, this is your best chance to make a great first impression.

Start by choosing the right resume format.

There are three types of resume formats out there:

• Reverse-chronological. This is by far the most popular resume format worldwide and, as such, it’s the best format for most job-seekers.
• Functional. This resume format focuses more on skills than work experience. It’s a good choice if you’re just getting started with your career and have little to no experience in the field.
• Combination. The combination resume format is a great choice for experienced job-seekers with a very diverse skill set. It’s useful if you’re applying for a role that requires expertise in several different fields and you want to show all that in your resume.

So, which one should you go for?

In 99% of cases, you want to stick to the reverse-chronological resume format . It’s the most popular format and what hiring managers expect to see. So, in the rest of this guide, we’re going to focus on teaching you how to make a reverse-chronological resume.

Fix Your Resume’s Layout

With formatting out of the way, let’s talk about your resume’s layout , which determines the overall look of your resume. 

Does it look organized or cluttered? Is it too short or too long? Is it boring and easy to ignore, or is it reader-friendly and attention-grabbing?

Here are some of the best practices you should apply:

• Stick to one page. You should only go for a two-page resume if you have decades of experience and you’re sure the extra space will add significant value. Hiring managers in big companies get hundreds of applications per job opening. They’re not going to spend their valuable time reading your life story!
• Add clear section headings. Pick a heading and use it for all the section headers so the hiring manager can easily navigate through your resume.
• Adjust the margins. Without the right amount of white space, your resume will end up looking overcrowded with information. Set your margins to one inch on all sides so your text fits just right on the page.
• Choose a professional font. We’d recommend sticking to a font that’s professional but not overused. For example, Ubuntu, Roboto, or Overpass. Avoid Times New Roman, and never use Comic Sans.
• Set the correct font size. As a rule of thumb, go for 11-12 pt for normal text and 14-16 pt for section titles.
• Use a PDF file. Always save your resume as a PDF file, unless the employer specifically requests otherwise. Word files are popular, but there’s a good chance they’ll mess up your resume’s formatting.

Another thing you need to consider in terms of your resume’s layout is whether you’re going for a traditional-looking resume template or something a bit more modern :

If you’re pursuing a career in a more traditional industry, like law , banking , or finance , you might want to stick to the first.

But if you’re applying to a tech company where imagination and innovation are valued, you can pick a more creative resume template .

Want to Save Time? Use a (Free) Resume Template

Anyone who’s ever tried creating a resume from scratch knows how boring the formatting can be.

Before you can even start filling in the contents, you need to tweak the margins, adjust font sizes, and make sure everything fits into one page while still looking good.

What if you could skip past all that and still create a compelling resume?

Try one of our free resume templates . They’re pre-formatted, so all you have to do is fill in the contents.

They’re also created in collaboration with recruiters from around the globe, ensuring that the templates are visually appealing and ATS-friendly!

See for yourself how one of our templates compares to a resume created in a standard text editor:

#2. Add Your Contact Information

Now that we’ve got all the formatting out of the way, let’s get into what your resume is all about— the information you put on it .

The first thing you want to do when filling out the contents of your resume is to add your contact information .

This section is pretty straightforward but crucial. Your contact details belong at the top of your resume in a designated resume header , so the hiring manager can easily find them.

Even if everything else about your resume is perfect, that all flops if you misspell your email address or have a typo in your phone number. If the hiring manager can’t contact you, it’s a missed opportunity.

So, double-check, and even triple-check your contact information section and make sure everything is factually correct and up-to-date.

Must-Have Information

• Full name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top of your resume.
• Email address. Stick to an address that’s professional and easy to spell, like a combination of your first and last name. (E.g.: [email protected])
• Phone number. Add a reliable number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
• Location. Add your city and state/country. If you plan to relocate for the job or want a remote position, specify it on your resume.

Optional Information

• Job title. Add your professional title underneath. Write it down word for word, whether it’s “Digital Marketing Specialist” or “Junior Data Scientist.” Just don’t make up job titles like “Marketing Wizzard” or “Data Manipulator.” They’re not quirky; they’re just unprofessional. 
• LinkedIn profile . We recommend that you include a link to your updated LinkedIn profile since over 77% of hiring managers use the platform when evaluating a candidate. 
• Relevant links. Include links to personal websites or any social media profiles that are relevant to your field. For example, a developer could include a Github profile, while a graphic designer could link their Behance or Driblle account, and so on.
• Date of birth. Unless this is specifically required in the job ad, the hiring manager doesn’t need to know how old you are. It’s not important for their decision-making, and at worst, it might lead to age-based discrimination.
• Unprofessional email address. Your quirky, old high school email address doesn’t belong on your resume. Instead of [email protected] , go for a [email protected] type of address.
• Headshot. (USA, UK or Ireland) Depending on the country where you’re applying, it might even be illegal to include a picture of yourself on your resume . While it’s the norm to include a picture in most of Europe and Asia, always check the regulations for each specific country or industry you’re applying to.

All clear? Good! Now, let’s look at what a great example of a resume's contact information section looks like:

#3. Write a Resume Headline (Summary or Objective)

It's no secret that recruiters spend an average of less than seven seconds on a resume .

When you receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications daily, it's physically impossible to spend too much time on each.

So, what the hiring managers do to go through resumes more effectively is to skim through each resume and read it in depth only if it piques their interest.

This is where the resume headline comes in.

Placed right next to (or underneath) your contact information, this brief paragraph is the first thing the hiring manager is going to read on your resume.

Now, depending on how far along in your career you are, your resume headline can be either a resume summary or a resume objective.

So, how do you choose between a resume summary and a resume objective? Here’s all you need to know:

Resume Summary

A resume summary, as the name suggests, is a two to three-sentence summary of your career so far. If done right, it shows that you’re a qualified candidate at a glance and gets the hiring manager to give you a chance.

Here’s what your resume summary should include:

• Your job title and years of experience.
• A couple of your greatest professional achievements or core responsibilities.
• Your most relevant skills for the job.

Here’s an example of a well-written resume summary: 

Experienced Java Developer with 5 years of experience in building scalable and efficient applications. Contributed to a major project that enhanced application performance by 25%. Strong background in Spring Framework and microservices. Aiming to apply robust coding skills to develop innovative software solutions at XYZ Tech Solutions.

Unless you’re a recent graduate or amid a career change, we recommend you stick to a resume summary. Otherwise, a resume objective might be a better option for you.

Resume Objective

A resume objective is supposed to express your professional goals and aspirations, academic background, and any relevant skills you may have for the job.

It communicates your motivation for getting into a new field, so it’s the go-to headline for recent graduates and those going through a career change. As with a resume summary, a resume objective should be brief—around two to four sentences long.

So, here’s what it would look like if you’re a student:

Hard-working recent graduate with a B.A. in Graphic Design from New York State University seeking new opportunities. 3+ years of practical experience working with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, creating illustrations and UX/UI design projects. Looking to grow as a designer and perfect my art at XYZ Design Studio.

Or, on the other hand, if you’re going through a career change, it might look more like this:

IT project manager with 5+ years of experience in software development. Managed a team of developers to create products for several industries, such as FinTech and HR tech. Looking to leverage my experience in managing outsourced products as a Product Owner at Company XYZ.

#4. Prioritize Your Work Experience

The most important part of your resume is your work experience.

This is where you get to sell yourself and show off your previous accomplishments and responsibilities.

If you manage to master this section, you’ll know most of what’s there to know about how to make a resume.

There are plenty of good practices for writing your work experience . But before we dive into all the nits and grits, let's start with the basics.

The standard format for each work experience entry is as follows:

• Job title/position. Your job title goes on top of each work experience entry. When the hiring manager looks at your resume, you want them to know, at a glance, that you have relevant work experience for the job.
• Company name/location/description. Mention the name of the employer and the general location, such as the city and state/country where you worked. In some cases, you may also want to briefly describe the company, like when the organization isn’t particularly well-known.
• Dates employed. Add the approximate timeframe of your employment at each company. You don’t need to give exact dates since the standard format for this is mm/yyyy.
• Achievements and responsibilities. This is the core of each work experience entry. Depending on your field, you want to list either your achievements or responsibilities. List them in bullet points instead of paragraphs, so they’ll be easier to read.

Here’s a real-life example:

Your work experience entries should always be listed in reverse chronological order , starting with your most recent job and working your way back into the past.

Now that you know how to list your experience, we’re going to show you how to write about it in a way that makes you stand out from the competition, starting with: 

Are you a student with no work experience? We’ve got you covered. Check out our guide to writing a resume with no experience here.

Focus on Achievements Whenever Possible

One of the most common resume mistakes is only listing responsibilities in your work experience section.

Here’s the thing—in most cases, the hiring manager knows exactly what your job responsibilities are.

For example, if you’re a sales manager, your responsibilities would be:

• Reach out to potential clients over the phone or email.
• Maintain relationships with existing company clients and upsell relevant products.
• Tracking and reporting on leads in CRM.

Coincidentally, this is also the same list of responsibilities for every sales manager out there. So, 90% of all other resumes probably mention the same thing.

To stand out from the competition, you want to focus on writing achievements in your resume instead. These can be how you helped your previous company grow, reach quarterly quotas, and so on.

Let’s compare how responsibilities hold up next to achievements for the same job:

• Exceeded sales team KPIs by 30%+ for 3 months straight.
• Generated over $24,000 in sales in 1 month.
• Generated leads through cold-calling
• Managed existing company clients

Keep in mind, though, that in some fields, there just aren’t that many achievements you can mention. Let’s say you’re a warehouse worker .

Your day-to-day responsibilities probably include:

• Loading, unloading, and setting up equipment daily.
• Packaging finished products and getting them ready for shipping.
• Assisting in opening and closing the warehouse.

In fields like this, it’s pretty hard to distinguish yourself through achievements, so it’s okay to stick to responsibilities instead. You can still make them shine by following the rest of our advice about listing your work experience.

Keep in mind, though, that in some fields, there aren’t that many achievements you can mention. Let’s say you work in a warehouse. Your day-to-day responsibilities probably involve:

• Loading, unloading and setting up equipment on a daily basis.
• Package finished product and get it ready for shipping.
• Assist in opening and closing the warehouse.

In such fields, it’s pretty hard to distinguish yourself, so it’s totally OK to stick to responsibilities instead.

Tailor Your Resume to the Job

Tailoring is what sets an amazing resume apart from an okay one.

Hiring managers don’t need to know about every single job you’ve ever worked at or every single skill that you have.

They only want to know about your jobs, experiences, or skills that are relevant to the role you’re applying for.

For example, if you’re applying for a job doing Google Ads, you don’t need to talk about your SEO internship from eight years ago.

By focusing your resume on whatever is important for the specific role, you’re a lot more likely to stand out and catch the hiring manager’s attention.

Let’s take a look at an example of a job ad:

As you can see, we’ve highlighted the most important requirements.

To tailor your resume accordingly, you just need to mention how you meet each of these requirements in your resume.

You can highlight your relevant achievements and qualifications in different parts of your resume, such as:

• In your resume summary, where you should recap your years of experience.
• Throughout your work experience section, where you should list achievements and responsibilities that reflect your social media marketing experience.
• In your education section, where you can let the hiring manager know you have the degree that they’re looking for.

Include the Right Amount of Work Experience

If you’ve got over a decade’s worth of work experience, you’re probably wondering whether all of it belongs on your resume. In most cases, you’d end up writing a novel if you listed everything you’ve ever done, and that’s not how long a resume should be .

If you’re new to the job market, on the other hand, you probably don’t have any experience, and you’re wondering what you could even add to this section.

So, here’s how much information your resume should include, depending on your level of experience:

• No experience. If you’re looking for your first job , you won’t have any work experience to fill this section with. So, you can either keep it empty and focus on all the other sections or fill it up with any experience gained in student organizations, extracurricular activities, volunteering, and other projects.
• Entry-level. List all your work experience so far. While some of it won’t be relevant, it can still show the hiring manager that you do have some actual work experience.
• Mid-level. Only mention relevant work experience to the position you’re applying for. There’s no need to waste space on jobs that aren’t related to what you’re after.
• Senior-level. List up to 15 years of relevant work experience, tops. If your most recent experience is as a marketing executive , the hiring manager doesn’t care how you started your career as a junior marketing specialist 23 years ago.

Consider Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Software

Did you know that over 70% of resumes don’t even make it to the hiring manager ?

Most companies these days use ATS to evaluate hundreds of resumes instantaneously and automatically filter out the ones that don’t meet their criteria.

For example, if a resume doesn’t mention a specific skill or isn’t formatted correctly, the ATS will automatically reject it.

Fortunately, there are some easy ways to make an ATS-friendly resume .

Here are a couple of tips to help you get past those pesky robots:

• Stick to one page. Sometimes employers set a limit on how long a resume should be. This means that if your resume is longer than one page, it might get automatically disqualified.
• Incorporate keywords. Tailoring your resume to the job helps a ton with beating the ATS. Just carefully read the job description to find hints for what the ATS will be looking for. Then, whenever you find keywords related to your responsibilities and achievements, make sure to include them in your work experience section.
• Use an active voice. Passive voice is too vague and unclear, so make sure to use active voice as much as possible when describing your previous jobs. (E.g.: “Managed a team of ten people,” instead of “ A team of ten people was managed by me.” )
• Leverage powerful action words. Instead of starting each of your sentences with “was responsible for," make your work experience impactful by using words that can grab attention. Saying that you “spearheaded” or “facilitated” something sounds a lot more impressive than “helped.”

Want to make sure your resume formatting passes the ATS test? Choose one of our tried and tested ATS-friendly resume templates , and you’ll be good to go! 

#5. List Your Education

The next section on your resume is dedicated to your academic qualifications. Let’s start with the basics!

Here’s how you should format the education section on your resume :

• Program Name. Your major and degree type should be listed. (E.g.: “B.A. in Business Administration” )
• University Name. Add the name of the institution. (E.g.: “New York State University” )
• Dates Attended. Use a mm/yyyy format for the dates you attended. (E.g.: “08/2008 - 06/2012” )
• Location. If your university is less well-known, you can also add the location. (E.g.: “Stockholm, Sweden” )
• GPA. Use the appropriate grading system for the country you’re applying to work in. (E.g.: In the USA, it would be “3.9 GPA” )
• Honors. Add any honors and distinctions you’ve been given. (E.g.: Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude )
• Achievements. You can mention interesting papers you’ve written, projects you’ve done, or relevant coursework you’ve excelled in.
• Minor. “Minor in Psychology”

Pretty simple, right? Now let’s see what an education section looks like in practice:

This example includes all the necessary information, plus an eye-catching award and relevant classes this candidate has taken.

Resume Education Tips

Now that you know how to list your education on your resume, let’s take this section to the next level.

Just follow these expert tips:

• If you’re making a resume as a student and don’t have any work experience yet, you can list your education section at the beginning of the page instead of work experience.
• You can add your expected graduation date if you’re still pursuing your degree.
• If you already have relevant work experience, just keep this section short and sweet. Recent graduates can expand on their education more and add optional information like projects, classes, academic achievements, etc.
• Always list your degrees in reverse chronological order, starting with your highest degree on top. Your highest and most recent degree is usually enough, so if you have a Master’s degree that’s relevant to the job, there’s no need to mention your earlier degrees.
• Don’t add your high school degree to your resume if you already have a university degree. It doesn’t have as much weight, and you can use the space for something else.
• Only mention your GPA if you had an impressive academic career. Anything below a 3.5 GPA doesn’t need to be on your resume.

Are you in the process of applying for college? Check out our guide to writing a college application resume to wow that admissions officer!

#6. Emphasize Your Know-How in the Skills Section

After your work experience, your skills are the first thing the hiring manager is going to look for. In fact, together, work experience and skills make up 90% of the hiring decision .

So, this is the place where you want to mention all the know-how that makes you the perfect candidate for the job.

There are two types of skills you can include when writing your resume:

• Hard Skills. These are measurable abilities. What you can list here can be anything from coding in Python to knowing how to cook Thai cuisine.
• Soft Skills. Also known as personal skills, these are a mix of communication skills , personal traits, career attributes, and more. They can include leadership, critical thinking, and time management , just to name a few.

Your resume should always cover both hard skills and soft skills . Here’s an example in action:

Now, let’s discuss how you should list your most important skills on your resume.

There are a few essential steps you need to follow:

Always List Hard and Soft Skills Separately

Your resume should be easy and neat to navigate. The hiring manager shouldn’t have to waste time looking for a specific skill because you didn’t separate it into the appropriate subsection.

So, just create separate categories for your hard and soft skills.

Depending on your field, you could customize the name of your “hard skills” subsection to something like “technical skills," “marketing skills," or something else related to your field.

Let’s look at an example of what skills look like on a project manager’s resume :

Methodologies & Tools

• Agile Methodology
• SCRUM Framework
• Waterfall Project Management
• Microsoft Project
• Critical Path Method (CPM)
• Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Risk Management

Soft Skills

• Team Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Negotiation

Tailor Your Skills to the Job

You might have some awesome skills, but the hiring manager only needs to know about the ones that are relevant to the job.

For example, if you’re applying for a job as an accountant, your gourmet chef skills shouldn’t be on your resume.

Look at the job ad and list at least two to three essential skills you have that are required for the role. Remember—there’s no need to list every skill you have here; just keep it relevant.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Graphic Design or a related field.
• Tech-savvy, with some background in CMS systems such as WordPress.
• Thrives in a stressful environment and juggles multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Self-reliant, with the ability to manage their own work.
• A can-do attitude and an outside-the-box thinker.
• Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Keynote, and Pages.
• Basic understanding of Office software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

So, the must-have hard skills here are Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Keynote, and Pages. Other good computer skills to have are WordPress or similar CMS systems.

While you can also mention Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, it’s pretty much assumed that you know how to use them since they’re required for most office jobs.

List Hard Skills with Experience Levels

For each hard skill you list on your resume, you should also mention your proficiency level. This tells employers what they can expect from you and how much training you might need.

• Beginner. You have some experience with the skill, whether it’s from some entry-level practice or classroom education.
• Intermediate. You’ve used the skill in a work environment with good understanding.
• Advanced. You’re the go-to person for this skill in your office. You can coach other employees, and you understand the skill at a high level.
• Expert. You’ve applied this skill to more than a handful of different projects and organizations. You’re the go-to person for advice about the skill, not just in your office but even amongst some of the best professionals in your field.

Just make sure to never lie about your actual skill level. Even if you get the job, once you need those skills you exaggerated, it will be pretty awkward for both you and your employer.

Include Transferable Skills

These are the types of skills that are useful for almost any job out there.

Transferable skills can be both soft skills (e.g.: teamwork, creativity, problem-solving skills, and others) and hard skills (MS Office Suite, HTML, writing, etc.)

Whatever job you’re applying to, chances are you have transferable skills from your experience that can come in handy one way or another. So, feel free to include them, even if they’re not specifically required for the position.

Not sure which skills to mention on your resume for your specific field? Check out our list of 101+ essential skills for inspiration!

#7. Leverage Optional Resume Sections

The sections we’ve covered so far are must-haves for any resume. They’re the bread-and-butter for any job application, and if you get them right, you’ll land any job you apply to.

But if you have some leftover space, there are a few optional sections you can choose from to give your resume a boost!

Are you bi-lingual? Or even better  – multi-lingual? You should always mention that on your resume!

Even if the position doesn’t require you to know a specific language, it can still come in handy at some point. At the end of the day, it’s always better to know more languages than less.

To list languages in your resume , just write them down and assign them the appropriate level:

• Intermediate

You can also use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) or the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency scales.

As a given, you should never lie about your language skills. You never know—your interviewer might turn out to be fluent in the language or even be a native speaker!

Hobbies and Interests

If you want to spice up your resume, hobbies and interests could be just what you need.

While this section isn’t a game-changer, it can help the hiring manager see who you are as an individual.

For example, if you listed “teamwork” as one of your skills, hobbies like team sports can back up your claim.

And who knows? Maybe you and your interviewer have some hobbies or interests in common!

Volunteering Experience

If you’re the type of person who devotes their free time to helping others while expecting nothing in return, chances are that you’re the type of employee who’s in it for more than just the money. 

Seeing volunteer experience on your resume tells hiring managers that you’re a loyal employee who’s after something meaningful.

Several studies show that listing your volunteer experience can boost your chances of getting hired, especially if you have little to no work experience.

Certifications

Hiring managers love candidates who invest in themselves, and that’s exactly what they see when you list certifications on your resume .

If you value continuous learning and strive to expand your skill set, that’s always a plus.

Certifications can also show employers how much expertise you have.

For example, if you’re a Microsoft Cloud Engineer and you specialize in Microsoft Technologies, you should definitely include all essential certifications on your resume, such as the Azure Solutions Architect Expert one.

Awards and Recognitions

There’s no harm in showing off a little on your resume. After all, you want to be a candidate that shines above the rest.

So, if you’ve received any awards or recognitions that make you stand out in your field, make sure to add them.

For example, if you’ve been recognized for your contributions to data science or received a hard-to-come-by scholarship , mention it in your resume. Just keep your entries here relevant to the field you’re applying to.

Publications

Whether you’re a freelance writer or a distinguished academic, publications are always impressive.

If you have any published works (online or in an academic journal), you can add them to your resume. Just make sure to include a link so the hiring manager knows where to check your work!

Are you looking for a career in academia? Check out our guide to writing the perfect academic CV to get started!

Working on side projects can show off your passion for your field. Whether they’re university class projects or part-time entrepreneurial endeavors, they’re relevant.

For example, if you worked on a mock software product as part of a university competition, it shows you went through every step of product creation, from ideation to creating a marketing strategy.

This project also shows off your organizational skills , and if you mention it in your resume, you stand a better chance of landing the job you had your sights set on.

But projects can also be personal, not academic. For example, you might manage an Etsy store where you sell hand-made arts and crafts to customers online. This is a great opportunity to highlight your creativity, management, and customer service skills .

Overall, hiring managers love employees who do cool work in their free time, so projects are always a great section to add to your resume.

Looking to kickstart your career? Check out our guide on how to get an internship for useful tips and real-life examples!

Extracurricular Activities

Every college freshman knows that extracurricular experience can make a difference in their application.

Especially if you don’t have a lot of experience outside of school, extracurricular activities are a great way to show potential employers your skills and give them insight into you as a person. Different clubs and after-school projects can help you gain real-life skills and considerably increase your chances of landing your first job after college.

For example, joining a student government organization can hone your leadership skills and teach you how to work as part of a team.

For example, if you’re part of a student government or public speaking club, these activities can help you hone your leadership and presentation skills.

11+ Expert Resume Tips

You’ve got the gist of how to make a resume. Now, it’s time to make it really stand out from the crowd!

Follow these exclusive resume tips to take your resume game to the next level:

• Match the professional title underneath your name to the job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
• Mention any promotions from your previous jobs. Use the work experience entries for them to focus on the achievements that helped you earn them.
• Describe your achievements using Laszlo Bock’s formula : accomplished X as measured by Y by doing Z . This way, your work experience can go the extra mile and show the hiring manager what you can bring to the table.
• Always list your achievements and responsibilities in concise bullet points. This makes your resume more reader-friendly, and it’s more likely that the hiring manager will see your impressive achievements at a glance.
• Don’t use personal pronouns like “I” or “me,” and don’t refer to yourself by name. Stick to a slightly altered third person, like “managed data integrity at XYZ Inc.” instead of “he managed data integrity at XYZ Inc.”
• Name your resume sections correctly, or it might get rejected by the ATS. Swapping out quirky names like “career history” or “expertise” for “work experience” and "skills" makes it easier for the hiring manager to find what they’re looking for, too.
• Prioritize important keywords instead of adding all of them. Make sure the relevant skills, qualifications, and experiences you add all make sense in context, too. Your goal is to get past the ATS and impress the hiring manager.
• Focus on transferable skills if you don’t have a lot of relevant work experience. Any extracurricular activities or personal projects can help you stand out here.
• Add a strategic pop of color to headings, bullet points, or key elements you want to highlight. It can help your resume stand out, but don’t overdo it—you want the information to be more impressive than the color palette.
• Don’t include the line “references available upon request.” Hiring managers already know they can request a list of references from you, so there’s no need to waste valuable space on it.
• Make sure your resume is optimized for mobile viewing. Most hiring managers use their mobile phones as often as desktop computers, so save your resume to a PDF file and make sure your formatting stays intact across any device.
• Rename the resume file you plan to send so it includes your name and the name of the position you’re applying for. It’s a small detail that can turn into a crucial mistake if you forget it.
• Read your resume out loud when you’re done. This is a great way to catch awkward phrases or spelling mistakes you might have missed otherwise.
• Use a tool like DocSend to track your resume. You’ll get a notification any time someone opens your resume, and you can see how long they spend reading it.

FREE Resume Checklist

Are you already done with your resume? Let’s see how it holds up!

Go through our checklist for perfecting your resume and see where you stand!

If you missed some points, just go through your resume one more time and perfect it.

And if you ☑’d everything—congrats! You’ve learned all there is to know about writing a resume, and you’re good to go with your job search.

Need to write a CV instead of a resume? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to write a CV with dozens of examples!

9 Resume Templates for Different Industries

Looking to create an effective resume without dealing with the formatting hassle? Just choose one of the templates below.

#1. Traditional Resume Template

Good for traditional industries like finance, banking, law, and manufacturing.

#2. Modern Resume Template

Good for both contemporary and forward-looking industries, including entrepreneurship, medical technology, and engineering.

#3. Creative Resume Template

Good for creative industries, including entertainment, design, and architecture. 

#4. Minimalistic Resume Template

Good for experienced professionals in basically any industry who want to let their achievements do the talking. 

#5. IT Resume Template

Good for any IT-related profession like software development, cyber security, and DevOps engineering.

#6. Tech Resume Template

Good for the tech industry and everything it encompasses.

#7. College Resume Template

Good for college students and recent graduates alike.

#8. General Resume Template

Good for multiple industries, including HR, education, and customer service.

#9. Executive Resume Template

Good for senior professionals across different industries, including hospitality, marketing, and logistics.

17+ Resumes for Different Jobs

Knowing how to write a resume is one thing, but making a resume that stands out is something entirely different. Without inspiration, even top career experts might stumble on a roadblock or two.

Check out the following effective resume examples for specific jobs to get a better sense of what a good resume looks like:

#1. Nurse Practitioner Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a nurse resume here.

#2. Data Scientist Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a data scientist resume here.

#3. Business Analyst Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a business analyst resume here.

#4. Digital Marketing Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a digital marketing resume here.

#5. Software Engineer Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a software engineer resume here.

#6. Construction Project Manager Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a construction project manager resume here.

#7. Customer Service Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a customer service resume here.

#8. High School Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a high school resume here.

#9. Student Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a student resume here.

#10. Server Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a server resume here.

#11. Actor Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing an actor resume here.

#12. Web Developer Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a web developer resume here.

#13. Engineering Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing an engineering resume here.

#14. Computer Science Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a computer science resume here.

#15. Architect Resume Example 

Check out our full guide to writing a data analyst resume here.

#17. Remote Job Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a remote job resume here.

#18. Sales Associate Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a sales associate resume here.

#19. Receptionist Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist resume here.

Want to see more examples? Check out our compilation of 80+ resume examples for different fields .

• Administrative Assistant Resume
• Bartender Resume
• DevOps Engineer Resume
• Executive Assistant Resume
• Flight Attendant Resume
• Graphic Designer Resume
• Paralegal Resume
• Pharmacist Resume
• Recruiter Resume
• Supervisor Resume

Next Steps After Your Resume

Now that we’ve covered everything you need to know about how to make a resume, it’s time to talk about the rest of your job application.

After all, your resume is only the first step in your job search. To land the job you deserve, you also need to write a captivating cover letter and ace that upcoming interview. Here’s how:

#1. How to Write a Convincing Cover Letter

The companion piece to every resume is the cover letter.

Most job-seekers flinch when they hear that they have to write a cover letter. What do you even mention in a cover letter, anyway? If you were good at writing cover letters, you’d be applying for a job as a writer !

In reality, though, writing a cover letter is very simple once you know its purpose.

Think of your cover letter as a direct message to the hiring manager. It’s your chance to briefly explain why you’re such an awesome fit for the position. And with a few cover letter tips to point you in the right direction, you’ll write the perfect cover letter for your job application.

Just follow this structure:

• Add the contact details. Include the same contact information as on your resume, plus additional contact details for the hiring manager, including their name, job title, the company’s name, and location.
• Introduce yourself. Start your cover letter by mentioning who you are, what your work experience is, and why you’re interested in the position. Mention a standout achievement or two, relevant skills, and what you’d like to do for the company you’re applying for.
• Explain why you’d excel at the job. Find the requirements in the job ad that you meet, and elaborate on how you fulfill the most important ones. Research the company so you know what you like about it, and mention it in your cover letter. Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for the job and confidence that you’ll be a great fit for their team.
• Wrap it up politely. Conclude your cover letter by recapping your key selling points and thanking the hiring manager for their time. Then add a call to action, such as “Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided phone number so that we can discuss my application in greater detail.” Then, add a closing line and follow it with your full name.

Sounds easy, right? Here’s a real-life example to drive the point home:

Do you need more help perfecting your cover letter? Learn what the most common cover letter mistakes are and check out cover letter examples for all professions here.

#2. How to Ace Your Next Interview

Once you’ve perfected both your resume and cover letter, there’s only one thing left.

It’s time for the final step—the dreaded job interview.

Whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert, you probably hate the interviewing process. No matter how experienced you are, it can be nerve-wracking. Sitting there while someone’s prodding into your past experiences and judging you isn’t fun.

But did you know that most interviewers ask the same questions?

That’s right—all you have to do is learn how to answer some of the most common interview questions, and you’ll be an interview away from landing your dream job!

Just check out our complete guide to the 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers and learn how to ace your next interview.

FAQs on How to Make a Resume

Do you still have some questions about making a resume? Check out the answers to the most frequently asked questions below!

#1. What does a good resume look like in 2024?

For your resume to look good in 2024, make sure it’s organized and clean and isn’t longer than one page.

Be sure to include information that adds value to your application—leave out the focus on your relevant work experience and skills that you can back up, and list as many achievements as possible. 

If you’re using a resume template, choose one based on your industry. Conservative industries like law, banking, and business require more traditional resume templates. But if you’re going for an industry like design, architecture, or marketing, you can go for a creative resume template . 

Remote work is also big in 2024, so if that’s what you’re after, tailor your resume to match the job you want.

#2. How do you make a resume in Word?

The best way to create a resume in Word is to use a pre-designed Microsoft Word template. To access them, you should: 

• Open MS Word
• Click “file” from the menu bar 
• Select “new”
• Type “resume templates” in the search bar 

That said, Word resume templates are generic, hard to personalize, and overall not very stylish.

Want a resume that looks good and is extremely easy to make? Check out resume templates to get started!

#3. How do I write a resume for my first job?

If you’re writing your first-ever resume for an entry-level position, the hiring manager won’t expect you to have any work experience.

However, you can make up for your lack of experience with your skills and academic achievements.

For example, you can take advantage of extracurricular activities, internships, volunteering experiences, and other non-professional experiences. You can use them to highlight the skills you’ve gained and what you’ve achieved so far.

So, your first job resume should have a resume objective, emphasize your education, and replace your work experience with any internships, volunteering, independent projects, or other experiences.

#4. How to make a resume on Google Docs?

You can make a resume on Google Docs by choosing one of their templates and filling it in on the go.

All you have to do is go to your Google Drive’s template gallery, choose your preferred template, fill in your information, and your Google Docs resume is ready to go! 

That said, Google Docs templates aren’t the most user-friendly choice. You don’t have much flexibility with the layout and formatting isn’t that easy. For example, you tweak a section to the slightest, and the whole resume becomes a mess.

If you want an easier option, check out our resume builder !

#5. What kind of resume do employers prefer?

Typically, employers prefer one-page-long resumes that follow the reverse chronological format. 

Hiring managers receive hundreds of resumes every day, so they don't have the time to read three-page resumes. Try one of our one-page resume templates so you don’t go over the recommended resume length.

Meanwhile, the reverse-chronological format is the most popular because it draws attention to your most recent jobs and professional achievements, which is the #1 most important thing hiring managers look at when evaluating a resume.

#6. How many jobs should you put on your resume? 

You should only include relevant job positions on your resume.

This means that your work experience section should be tailored to the job you are applying for. If you’ve worked five different jobs and they can all add value to your current application, then you should include all five. 

If, on the other hand, you’re applying for, say, a customer service position and some of your past jobs don’t have anything to do with customer service, you should skip them.

#7. Should I put my address on my resume? 

You can put your location (city, state, or country) on your resume, but you don’t need to put your entire physical address.

Putting a physical address on a resume was the norm back when companies would contact you via mail. In today’s world, everyone communicates via email, which is why adding a correct and professional email address to your contact information section is far more important than putting your physical address. 

So, just include your location or-–if you’re a remote worker—specify you prefer to work remotely by writing “working remotely from [location].”

#8. What information should I leave out of my resume?

As a general rule, you shouldn’t include your birthday or your headshot on your resume. This norm varies from country to country but it applies to the USA, Canada, and UK.

If you have plenty of achievements to list under your work experience, then you can leave your basic work responsibilities out of your resume. 

In your education section, you should only include your highest and most recent degree. So, if you hold a Ph.D., you can list that and your Master’s degree and leave your Bachelor’s degree and high school diploma out.

Finally, leave out any skills that aren’t relevant to the job you’re applying for.

#9. Is a resume a CV?

Depending on where you are, a CV (Curriculum Vitae) and a resume might be completely different things.

In most of the world, though, including Europe and Asia, they are used interchangeably for the same document. Both CVs and resumes are one to two pages long, and list skills and experiences relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Sometimes more detailed resumes that go over one page are referred to as CVs. These are typically only used by senior professionals, executives, CEOs, etc.

In the USA, however, a CV is a completely different document. Typically, CVs are detailed and comprehensive documents that highlight your entire academic and professional history. They’re often used for academic, scientific, or research positions, which is why this type of CV can also be referred to as an academic CV.

You can create your CV using one of our CV templates !

#10. Should I write my own resume?

Yes, you should always write your own resume.

Your resume is your opportunity to show the hiring manager your communication, writing, and presentation skills . Employers also evaluate you based on how effectively you can convey information about yourself, and there’s no one that can represent you better than yourself.

Writing your own resume lets you introduce yourself authentically. You have the best understanding of your skills and experiences, and you can personalize them to make your resume stand out.

And, as a bonus, the experience of writing your resume yourself can be reflective and insightful, so it might help you understand your professional journey and career goals better.

#11. Can a resume be two pages?

Generally, we strongly recommend that your resume stick to one page.

Hiring managers go through hundreds of resumes every day, and keeping your resume to one page increases the odds that they’ll see your qualifications faster.

In some cases, like when you have a lot of relevant experience, your resume can go over two pages. But this exception is reserved for senior professionals with over a decade of relevant experience and tons of skills and achievements that simply can’t fit on one page.

#12. Is a simple resume okay?

Absolutely, a simple resume is often more than okay—it's preferable.

Before your resume even gets to the hiring manager, a complicated layout could get it rejected by the applicant tracking system (ATS). A simple resume template can help get your application straight to the hiring manager.

A clean layout can also make sure that your resume is easily readable and looks professional. This can focus the hiring manager's attention on your work experience and skills without excessive clutter or flashy colors to distract them.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap!

If you’ve followed all of our advice until now, congrats! You’re probably an expert on how to make a resume.

To recap, let’s go through some of the most important lessons we’ve learned so far...

• Use the right resume builder to make the process as smooth as possible. You don’t want to mess around with formatting for hours before even starting to work on your resume!
• Focus on your achievements over responsibilities. This can help you stand out from all the other applicants, especially if you back your claims up with data.
• Include all the must-have sections, like the resume summary, work experience, education, and skills. Then leverage optional sections if you have leftover space.
• Tailor your resume for the job you’re applying for. Everything listed on your resume should be relevant to the specific job you’re applying for, and you should write a new resume for every new job application.
• Take the time to perfect your cover letter. It’s just as important as your resume, so make sure you pay as much attention to it!

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Can a Resume Be Two Pages? Your 2024 Guide

We’ve all been there. You’re up late one night scrolling through job boards, and amidst the travel ads, the perfect job opportunity appears. You can almost hear the heavenly hosts cheering you on as you rush to update your resume . But before you add your latest and greatest skills and accomplishments, your brain interrupts with the job seeker debate: Can a resume be 2 pages? The answer is, it’s all subjective.

Google this topic and you’ll get 100 different sources with 400 different pieces of advice. The truth is, we’ve been conditioned by the old-school tradition of the one-page resume. But the current digital age (where resumes aren't always submitted on paper anyway!) has blazed a trail of new opinions.

That said, there are a few good rules of thumb to consider when deciding if a +1 should accompany your resume. Here's everything you need to know. 

Got that resume in shape? Find  open jobs on The Muse and maximize your chances of getting an interview »

When can a resume be 2 pages?

A single-page resume is the standard in most industries. However, there are some situations when writing a two-page resume is not only acceptable but also recommended. Senior-level candidates  might find it challenging to fit all their relevant professional experience into a single page without making the resume look a little squeezed.

Below, you'll find a list of situations where it's OK to break the only-one-page rule.

If the quantity equals quality

Learn to recognize when compromising the quantity of your experiences will impact the quality of your employment story. If you have enough relevant experience, training, and credentials pertaining to the position to showcase on more than one page of your resume, then go for it.

Note: This doesn’t mean you detail all your accomplishments since your high school babysitting job. It also doesn’t mean listing every college course you've taken and certification you've earned.

When it helps telling your story

As a recruiter, I can tell you, if I’m going to read a resume that’s more than one page, it better tell a good story about what you bring to the table. Listing every task you did as a manager doesn't make you a good manager. But if you tell me that you increased productivity by 25% or highlight process changes for multiple teams at several companies—you're justifying that space.

If you can succinctly quantify your accomplishments to tell how you made a role, job, project, or assignment better and you need more than one page to demonstrate it effectively, that’s time (and space) well spent.

If simply couldn't fit all in one page

Your content is impeccable. You’ve edited, downsized fonts, tweaked margins, and finagled text boxes to abide by the one-page golden rule. But unfortunately, space is no longer on your side.

Once you get to this stage, it’s fine to go ahead and supersize your resume to more than one page. Trust me, you will not be cast away to the Island of Misfit Resumes.

Honestly, the hiring manager will grant you extra brownie points for not assaulting their eyesight with eight-point fonts or instigating what I call the eyeball cha-cha—where your eyes have to dance all over the page to find information you need.

When your resume is looking squeezed

You've exhausted all formatting options, and although your resume finally fits in one page, it still looks cramped and cluttered. In such cases, it's better to extend it to a second page.

If employers have the impression you can’t organize your thoughts effectively on paper, they may second-guess how you’ll perform in the role. Better to be safe than sorry and spread your wealth of experience to a second page.

When not to use a 2-page resume

In certain situations, going for a two-page resume is not the best move. Rather than showcasing your skills and experience effectively, it might give the impression to recruiters that you lack attention to detail and have a hard time prioritizing. Here's when you should avoid it:

When the extra information is irrelevant

Picture this: You're not an entry-level candidate , but you're not quite a seasoned pro yet either. As you try to fill up your resume, you start cramming in all your certifications, skills, and experience. Mid-career job seekers often fall into this trap, adding too much irrelevant information to their resumes.

Be mindful of that. As you evolve in your career, you'll find that things that were once relevant on your resume aren't anymore. For example, if you've been in the same field for a few years or are changing careers , there's no need to list every duty for every position. Focus on relevant experience and accomplishments for that specific role and you'll see that one page is enough.

If the second page has only a few lines

If the text on the second page is only one or two lines, you may want to consider reformatting and sticking to the one-page rule. Otherwise, don’t be overly concerned about the extra space on the second page. Recruiters have short attention spans and won’t want to scan more information than they have to.

But if you feel compelled to fill that space, be strategic and make sure the information is relevant. If you haven’t already done so, add information on your leadership, organizations, volunteer work, hobbies, or sports activities. This will show employers you have a life outside of work and give some insight into your personality.

Also keep in mind that this information doesn’t have to be in text format. I’ve seen some great resumes recently that have outlined these items using pie charts, timelines, and graphs. Just remember these fancy formats don’t always translate well when applying online and can wind up a jumbled mass of code. (Here's how to create a killer infographic resume , in case you were wondering.)

How to write a two-page resume in 3 steps

If you find yourself needing to write a two-page resume, that's OK. You can make it work. Just check out these tips and tricks:

1. Pay close attention to the header

If you plan to print your resume, don't forget the two-page-resume header. It's a good idea to include your name and contact information at the top of both pages, just in case it gets mixed up with other resumes. But if you're submitting your resume online as a PDF, this may not be necessary, as the two pages will likely stay together in one file.

2. Make sure your resume is ATS-friendly

No matter how many pages long is your resume; it should be ATS-friendly . If you're not familiar with the term yet, ATS stands for applicant tracking system, which it's a software used by companies to scan resumes and identify the most suitable candidates for a particular position.

The ATS operates by searching for specific terms or keywords that match the job description and requirements. Both pages of your resume should include those keywords.

For example, if the job description mentions critical thinking skills and knowledge in HTML, CSS, and Javascript, you could use these terms in your skills or summary section. (This is how you read a job description the right way .)

3. Don't forget the typical resume sections

When crafting a two-page resume, it's easy to focus only on adding all your work experience and relevant accomplishments and end up overlooking other important sections. To avoid that, here's a check list of sections to put on your resume:

• Header with your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn
• Work experience
• Languages (if applicable)
• Certifications (if applicable)
• Awards and recognition (if applicable)

Prefere a more visual approach? Check out these 40 resume templates to find 2-page resume examples that will work for you.

2-page resume: FAQs

Still have questions about two-page resumes or the ideal resume length? We've compiled a Q&A with frequently asked questions about this topic:

1. Do employers care if your resume is 2 pages?

Most employers won't complain about a 2-page resume as long as it contains relevant information for the role. In fact, in certain industries, such as academia, science, medicine, and research, resumes with two pages are expected because candidates have to list published work, awards, and recognitions, besides the usual resume sections.

2. Is 2 pages too long for a resume?

Not necessarily. In the digital application world, size doesn’t really matter. As long as you tell a compelling story about your employment history that’s easy on the eyes, your page breaks will be forgiven. However, if you're adding too much irrelevant information that doesn't relate to the specific position, it's best to make it one page only.

3. If my resume is 2 pages, should I print it double-sided?

No, it should be printed on two pages. Most recruiters won't bother flipping to the back of your resume, which might give the impression there's information missing. Keep in mind that recruiters often scan resumes quickly, so the more accessible and visible your information is, the better.

4. Can a resume be longer than 2 pages?

Submitting a resume longer than two pages is not recommended, unless you're in a specific industry that requires a lengthy and detailed resume. If not, it's better to stick to the one to two pages standard. For senior-level candidates, a good strategy to reduce excess information is to include only experiences from the past five to ten years.

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• Whether or Not to Use a...

Whether or Not to Use a Two-page Resume

11 min read · Updated on March 12, 2024

If you're wondering whether it's OK to have a two-page resume, the answer is almost always a resounding YES! While a one-page resume used to be the norm, two pagers are now considered best practice in most situations. But of course, one size doesn't fit all and you may need some guidance on how to achieve a two-page resume, so in this article we'll be looking at:

When to use a two-page resume

When not to use a two-page resume, the benefits of a two-page resume.

How to fit a resume onto two pages

Whether a 1.5 page or 2.5 page resume is OK

Whether a two-page resume can be printed double-sided

How far back a resume should go

Whether a two-page resume is a deal breaker

Without further ado, let's investigate the ideal resume length so that you can decide whether a one- or two-page resume is best for your personal situation.

As we've already said, a two-page resume is ideal in most situations. They're particularly popular with professionals who are settled into their careers and looking to continue along the same path. In this situation, the reverse-chronological resume format is common and will generally fit within two pages.

Of course, not everyone is settled into their career and looking to pursue the same trajectory. Freshers, graduates and school leavers often don't have enough work experience to justify a two-page resume and can be better off sticking to one page. Similarly, career changers may not have enough experience relevant to their new aspirations and can consider trimming their resume to one page to eliminate irrelevant details.

At the other end of the spectrum, C-suite executives, freelancers , and contractors may find that they have too many projects, gigs, or interim roles to fit snugly onto two pages and may choose to expand on to three. In that case, though, it's important to make sure that the content is as tight as it can be – don't use this extra page as an excuse to get extra wordy!

Academic , federal and medical resumes fall into a category of their own and have no recommended length limits, due to the publications, peer-reviewed articles, conferences, training and rotations that can be involved.

There is a plethora of benefits to keeping your resume to two pages. Firstly, it's what recruiters expect, so why throw them a curveball? Presenting a resume aligned with current best practices and expectations shows that you're up to date and understand the constraints on your reader's time.

And speaking of time, did you know that, on average, a recruiter only spends 6-7 seconds on their first scan of a resume? That's not an awful lot of time to make a spectacular first impression but, with a well laid out resume with on-point content, you can achieve that in two pages. Even if the recruiter isn't reading every word, you can still make the important information jump out within this timeframe. That's less likely if you've presented a dense 10-page life story.

Aiming for a two-page resume is also a good way of reining in your more verbose side, if you're prone to waffling. Setting a limit on the length of your resume will really help you to focus on including only the most important and impactful information.

Tips and tricks to fit a resume on to two pages

So you've decided to aim for a two-page resume, but that's easier said than done! Especially if you have a long career behind you, it can seem like a Herculean task to summarize your working life on two pages. Luckily, the experts at TopResume have some handy tricks up their sleeve that they're willing to share with you.

Focus on one role at a time

You can start with a master resume, containing all the information you can think of regarding your skills, experience, and education. That master resume can be as long as you like – but you'll never send it out. Instead, select only the most relevant parts to include on any one application . Not only will that significantly reduce the length, it will also ensure that your reader doesn't have to wade through irrelevant detail to find the bits they're interested in.

Bullet point achievements over responsibilities

Rather than exhaustively listing your responsibilities, combine them with achievements to show how you've excelled in the role. No one wants to read a long, dry list of what you did every day, so pick out the most important bits to show how you made a difference. The rest can be discussed in an interview, if required.

Present this information in concise bullet points of 1-2 lines, rather than a paragraph. Paragraphs tend to be more wordy, take up more space, and aren't as easy to pick key points from.

Adjust the margins and font

Now this tip needs to be thoughtfully considered. If you have a line or two dangling onto a third page, you can change the font style, font size and margins to create more space and reduce the document to just two pages. The caveat here is that you should never do this at the expense of readability. Keep your font to a minimum of 10-point, in a sans serif style, with margins of at least 0.5 inches all round. Solid walls of tiny, illegible text are more off-putting than that third page, so use a critical eye with this tip.

Summarize or remove outdated or irrelevant detail

A recruiter doesn't want your entire history, they want to know whether you fit their open vacancy. To that end, allocate more space to recent and relevant roles, qualifications, skills and training, and either summarize or delete anything else. For example, if you still have your degree modules listed on your resume after five years in the workplace, it's an easy win to delete them and free up a few lines of space for something more compelling.

Cut out hobbies and interests

Unless your hobbies and interests are relevant to your target role, there's no need to include them on your resume. If your pastimes are aligned with your career aspirations, by all means include them – but keep them to one line.

Remove references

Have you included reference contact details, or “references available on request?” That can be deleted immediately. Everyone knows that reference checking is part of the recruitment process, but giving this information on your resume won't change a thing – and it won't contribute anything to selling your candidacy.

Share information elsewhere

You may have limited your resume to two pages, but that doesn't mean you can't provide additional information elsewhere. Writing a cover letter gives you the chance to expand on your key selling points and convey a bit of personality, as does adding a link to your LinkedIn profile in your contact details.

Are half pages OK?

While it's not the end of the world to have a 1.5 or 2.5 page resume, it doesn't scream polish and attention to detail. Consider whether you could make a few adjustments to get the resume onto fewer pages or, if not, use that extra half page to add more information to sell your candidacy.

If you really feel the resume is complete and you're only half-way down the last page, use the opportunity to improve the layout. Remember that white space around the text is just as important as the text itself, so consider re-spacing or re-formatting the document. After all, you want your first impression to be that of a consummate professional, not someone who's just thrown some words together in a rush.

Should a two-page resume be printed double-sided?

Most resumes these days will be viewed on a screen initially, but there may be times when you want to print your resume – for example, if you're attending an interview or jobs fair. In these eco-friendly times, it's tempting to print your resume double-sided, to save paper, but we'd advise against it. 

Firstly, it's useful if an interviewer can place both pages side by side to scan and make notes as you chat (for the same reason, we recommend paper clips over staples). Secondly, it doesn't look as good when both sides are printed. Thirdly – and most importantly – it's not common to print resumes double sided, so the recruiter might not even look at the back, meaning they miss out on half your sales pitch.

How far back should a resume go?

In our tips and tricks above, we said that you can reduce the amount of information you include by summarizing or removing outdated information. One of the best ways to do that is to consider how far back your resume goes. As a rule, we'd recommend no more than 10-15 years. You'll be able to go into detail on your recent jobs, achievements and qualifications, whilst taking the focus from roles prior to this.

If you like, you can even eliminate your earliest roles – this technique is particularly useful if you think that age discrimination might be an influencing factor.

If you choose to keep the jobs on the resume in a summarized form, you can either create an Early Career Summary, specifying job title, employer name and dates of employment only, with no detail on responsibilities or achievements, or you can add a Career Note. This is simply a one- to two-line explanation of your career prior to your chosen cut-off point.

Similarly with your education, you only need to include your highest-level qualification. If you attended university, you can ditch the high school section. If you have a long list of training courses and certifications, you can either remove the earliest ones or select only those that will have the biggest impact on your reader. The key here is to be selective about the information you're presenting.

A word of caution

You may find two-page resume templates in Word or Canva that look appealing. Apart from the fact that these templates often have very tricky spacing constraints, as they aren't designed around your specific career, they also aren't designed to be read by an Applicant Tracking System. It's important that your resume can be parsed into, and accurately interpreted, by an ATS, so that it has the best possible chance of ranking highly in keyword searches. Often Word and Canva templates use tables, text boxes and graphics, all of which can introduce errors to your beautifully-crafted resume. Even columns can confuse some of the older systems. We recommend using a single-column format, free of text boxes, tables, graphics, icons and photos for a truly professional and polished resume.

Is a two-page resume a deal breaker?

In short, no, having a resume of exactly two pages is unlikely to be the deciding factor in the success of your application. It will, however, affect the reader's initial perception of you as a professional and we all know that you don't get a second chance to make a first impression.

 Offering up a two-page resume says a lot about your attention to detail, your ability to write concisely, your knowledge of current professional standards, your self-awareness, and your ability to choose the most pertinent information to present. It's definitely worth putting the extra effort into creating a two-page resume that positively reflects you and your professionalism.

The takeaways

In this article, we've discussed why a two-page resume is the norm and how you can achieve that yourself. To summarize:

One-page resumes are great for applicants with minimal professional experience and career changers

Two-page resumes are ideal for most professionals in most situations

Three-page resumes are to be avoided except in a very few cases

You can tweak the content and the format of the resume to achieve your desired length

Half-pages should be avoided if possible

Focus on the last 10 years

And don't forget the golden rule – all the information on your resume should be relevant to the job you're applying for.

Does your resume reflect the very best version of you? Is it an appropriate length for your past career and current aspirations? Submit it now for TopResume's free resume review before you apply for that job!

Recommended reading:

5 Easy Ways to Spring Clean Your Resume

11 Steps to Writing the Perfect Resume

What Are the Best Fonts for a Resume?

Related Articles:

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How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

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A resume builder is an online tool designed to help users create the perfect resume with minimal effort. Resume Trick provides resume templates with formatting options and AI help along the way, guiding users through each section of the resume. The resume maker helps to tailor the resume to the user's specific needs, ensuring that all relevant data is included in the final document.

A resume is a document that provides an overview of your work and educational experience. It is typically used as part of a job application process and helps employers understand your qualifications for a particular position. Information such as work background, skills, achievements, and education are commonly included in a resume.

A CV, or curriculum vitae, is a comprehensive summary of a person's qualifications as a specialist. It should provide potential employers with an outline of the education, skills, work experience, and accomplishments. In the US, a CV is used to apply for jobs in academia.

A resume and a CV are both documents used to apply for a job. A resume is usually one page long. A CV is longer than a resume and includes more details about your academic activities. It is often several pages long and goes into much more depth about your publications and awards.

To create a resume begin with choosing a template that establishes a tone for your resume. Then provide contact information, objective, details about your education and experience, supported by achievements metrics. Use keywords from job postings to align your skills with the desired qualifications for the job you are seeking. Avoid superfluous language and vague phrases without measurable results. Build a resume that is no longer than one page.

The first step in using Resume Trick builder is choosing a resume template that best fits the position you are applying for and inserting your personal data. Once all the relevant information has been filled in, review and edit the resume to make sure that it accurately reflects your expertise. Download it in PDF and use it to apply for jobs.

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Types of Resumes

Reverse chronological resume.

The reverse chronological resume is the standard for most companies and hiring managers. This is where your list your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. After your work history, generally, you’ll include education, and then any awards, accolades, and certifications followed by miscellaneous information, such as volunteer roles or literacy with a certain computer program that’s important for the job.

Online Resume

If you’re thinking an online resume is the best fit, one of the common places to post yours is on LinkedIn . This way, hiring managers can not only see your resume but also learn more about you through your summary, recommendations, and any additional information, like links to work samples, you can provide. This, in turn, can paint a vivid picture as to why you’re the best fit for a particular job opportunity. Even if you submit a traditional resume in a Word document or as a PDF, having a LinkedIn URL is a great way to stand out. Again, you can provide more information than what will fit your resume.

Functional Resume

A functional resume leads with your skills and specific experience most relevant to the position. Next, you’d list your education and work history sections. This resume format is more flexible and allows you to showcase your strengths without being confusing due to the many roles. It’s best used if you’ve had a lot of freelance, contract, or temporary jobs in the past. However, keep in mind that some hiring managers are wary of resumes in functional formats. Many candidates attempt to hide employment gaps using this approach. It’s best, instead, to be upfront about a gap rather than trying to draw attention away from it.

Hybrid Resume

This resume is what it sounds like: a combination of both the reverse chronological and functional resume formats. The first part of it highlights your qualification and skills that are most pertinent to the position through a “Summary of Qualifications” section at the top. The work history is then listed in reverse chronological order. This gives the hiring manager a clear view of your background and your strengths, while also taking advantage of highlighting your most relevant skills right at the top. Hybrid resumes can work well for anyone with experience. If you’re a recent graduate or entry-level worker, for instance, you might want to stick to a more traditional reverse chronological resume. However, if you have a proven track record of success you’d like to highlight, a hybrid resume allows you to do that.

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How to make a resume in Microsoft Word

Whether you’re just entering the workforce or need a resume refresh, you’re probably considering Microsoft Word for the task. We’ll walk you through options for making a resume in Word, from using helpful templates to creating a resume from scratch.

Use a built-in Word resume template

Use a word resume template on the web, use a third-party word resume template, create a word resume from scratch.

The quickest and easiest way to make a resume in Word is using one of Microsoft’s templates . You can look for one directly in Word and choose from a large collection of options.

Open Word, select File > New , and pop “resume” into the Search box. You can then browse the templates with resumes for specific jobs and industries along with those for any type of position.

Choose a template to see a description and pick Create to use the resume.

The Microsoft resume templates come with placeholders that you can simply swap out for your own details. This is handy if you like the appearance of all elements in the template. Of course, if you’re not fond of the color scheme or font styles, you can change those types of items.

Remember to go to File > Save As to save a copy of your resume.

Maybe you don’t have Microsoft Word on your computer yet but need your resume in that format. You can use Word on the web for free with a Microsoft account and take advantage of resume templates.

Visit the Microsoft Create website and explore the resume templates . If you see one you like, select it to open it directly in Word for the web.

Alternatively, select Create from scratch and choose Resumes, flyers, brochures . When Word opens, use the Designer sidebar on the right to browse through and choose a resume template.

Then, swap out the placeholders for your own details and customize the resume as you like.

If you like the template idea but don’t care for any of the Microsoft options, you can check out third-party templates for your resume. Here are just a few of the top options and samples of resume templates they offer for free.

Resume Genius

With Resume Genius , you can pick from over a dozen custom Word templates to download. From simple to professional to aesthetically pleasing to visually appealing, you’re sure to find at least one resume template you like.

Hloom offers over 15 resume and CV templates for free and even more if you don’t mind paying. Be sure to select Free on the left below License if you want to narrow down the no-charge options. As a bonus, you’ll also see a tab for cover letters if you’re in the market for one of those too.

Template.net

One more place to check out for Word resume templates is Template.net . You’ll find a large variety of attractive options specific to position or resume style. Like with Hloom, select Free beneath License on the left, and be sure to take a look at the cover letter collection too.

After you download a resume template from one of the above sites, simply customize it with your own details.

Maybe you’d prefer to simply create your resume from scratch; this is always an option if you have the time. Consider reviewing the above templates and samples for the information you should include and ideas for formatting.

To get started, add the following details to your resume:

Full name and current position : Place your name and position at the top. If you don’t have a current position, you can certainly omit it.

Objective (optional) : Provide a brief description of your goal to potential employers beneath your name and position. This is an optional inclusion — if you add one, try to keep it short and sweet with one to two meaningful sentences.

Contact details : Include at least your email address and phone number. If you have an up-to-date website or LinkedIn profile, you can add these as well. Make sure these details are kept together in a specific location so they’re simple to find.

Work experience : List your work experience in chronological order with the most recent first. Start with your position, then move onto the employer, month, and year you worked there, and your duties. You should include your duties and responsibilities in a list format making them easy to review.

Education : List your educational history in chronological order with the most recent first. Start with the degree, then add the school with the month and year you attended.

Skills, awards, and more : Use a list format to add your skills, awards, certifications, volunteer work, and any other details you feel important to the position or company.

Here are several tips when formatting your resume in Word:

• Use a heading or larger font for your full name at the top.
• Add headings for the Experience, Educations, and Skills sections.
• If you decide to use color, keep it to just one or two complementary colors.
• Try to use the same font style throughout, taking advantage of font sizes, headings, or bold formatting for more prominent details.
• Use a font that’s easy to read like a 12-point Arial, Calibri, Georgia, or Times New Roman for the main body text. You might also consider which font style works better for reading on the web versus on a printed piece.
• If you include a headshot, make sure it’s a professional one.
• Consider using a table to structure your resume, as shown above.

Finally, be sure to keep the appearance and content of your resume consistent.

Is it OK to make a resume in Word?

Absolutely! This is exactly the type of document you should create in a word processing application like Microsoft Word. If you prefer, you can also use a web application like Google Docs to make a resume or downloadable software like LibreOffice Writer.

Once your resume is complete, you can save it as a PDF or other requested format in most word processing applications for submission to the potential employer or hiring manager.

How far back should a resume go?

Most experts recommend 10 to 15 years is appropriate for a resume. Keep in mind that you should include relevant work experience for that time period . For example, if you’re a nurse who worked at a fast-food chain for two months 12 years ago, you can likely exclude that job.

How many pages should a resume be?

The standard for a resume is one to two pages. However, this can depend on the length of your experience and education in relation to the position for which you’re applying. For instance, someone who’s been in the workforce for 20 years might require two pages, but a recent college graduate would probably only need one page.

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Upgrading to Windows 11 comes with a few requirements, and that includes a bump in random access memory (RAM). And with Windows 10 nearing the end of support, many users will soon need to consider switching to Windows 11 regardless of how much memory it consumes.

Windows 11, while it introduces a host of new features, may consume more RAM than its predecessor, but the amount of memory that it uses is not universal. Below, we'll explain what RAM is, explore how much RAM Windows 11 actually uses, and how to lower that amount if your PC is having a hard time. Windows 11: RAM usage when idle

Microsoft Teams is reportedly testing a new design that merges the app's channels and text chat into one user interface, a lot like Slack. This could potentially streamline text communication for organizations and businesses, as The Verge's Tom Warren mentioned in his Notebook newsletter post.

The newsletter mentioned that Microsoft is currently testing a change combining the text chat and channels into one UI. An internal Microsoft message said: "Our new experience brings chats and channels together to get you to what matters faster."

Since releasing the original Surface tablet in 2012, Microsoft has grown its PC business into a multibillion-dollar enterprise. The mobile Surface line has expanded to include 2-in-1 and traditional clamshell laptops in various form factors. There's the Surface Pro 11, Surface Laptop 7, Surface Laptop Go 3, and Surface Laptop Studio 2. That's quite the lineup, and you'll find a Surface on a number of our best-of lists such as best tablets and best laptops.

The two most mainstream lines, though, are the Surface Pro 11 and the Surface Laptop 7. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and you'll want to keep them in mind if you're looking for a Surface and choosing between the two. Specs and configurations

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Radiation treatments, stroke care resume at McLaren and Karmanos sites after cyberattack

McLaren Health Care was still working to fully restore operations at its 13 Michigan hospitals and medical offices a week after a cyberattack rattled the Grand Blanc-based health system, forcing delays in radiation treatments for cancer patients, diagnostic heart testing, as well as other procedures.

It remained unclear whether the Aug. 5 cyberattack breached the personal data of patients or employees , according to a status update McLaren issued Monday evening.

There also was no timeline for when McLaren's tech systems will be fully restored, McLaren spokesperson David Jones told the Free Press.

"Emergency departments continue to be operational and open to patients arriving for care. A few locations are on ambulance diversion for certain conditions (meaning emergency teams will transport patients to the next closest facility), and those locations remain in regular communication with their local medical control authorities to ensure efficient coordination between facilities," the statement said.

Jones said each hospital's emergency department was working with its local medical control authority to determine on a case-by-case basis when ambulances should be diverted to other hospitals.

"It is only for certain conditions," he said, "and can vary by day and location."

The Comprehensive Stroke Centers at McLaren Flint and McLaren Macomb are fully operational, the health system said, and all radiation therapy units at Karmanos Cancer Institute facilities across Michigan have resumed treating cancer patients.

More: Michigan AG Nessel: Details 'scarce' about what data was leaked in McLaren cyberattack

"Some sites ... started treating patients over the weekend," McLaren's statement said. "This includes Gamma Knife Radiosurgery in Farmington Hills and the McLaren Proton Therapy Center in Flint. Patients whose appointments were delayed should expect a call from their care team, who are working diligently to reschedule appointments."

Though intermittent problems with the telephone system persist, McLaren said its primary and specialty care offices are "largely operational" and patients once again are able to make appointments. In addition, the McLarenNow platform, which is used for virtual medical appointments, is functioning and can be accessed at  mclaren.org/now .

More: McLaren patients say they can't get cancer treatments, heart tests in wake of cyberattack

However, McLaren's statement noted that there are ongoing problems accessing many of its other tech systems, so there could be longer than usual wait times and patients are urged to bring the following paper documents to appointments:

• A list of current medications or empty prescription bottles.
• Printed physician orders for imaging studies or treatments. 
• Printed results of recent lab tests available in the patient portals.
• A list of allergies.

"We remain truly grateful for the tireless effort and dedication displayed by our team members under these demanding circumstances, and we sincerely regret any impact this cyber attack may have had on our patients," the statement said.

This isn't the first time a cyberattack at McLaren has had ripple effects that disrupted patient care.

Last August, a ransomware gang  known as BlackCat/AlphV  claimed responsibility for another attack on McLaren, posting online that it stole 6 terabytes of data, including the personal information of 2.5 million patients.

The health system reported at the time that it had shut down its own computer networks "out of an abundance of caution" after its information technology security team found suspicious activity during routine monitoring.

Jones told the Free Press last week that the current cyberattack is not connected to the previous breach.

The $6.6 billion health system includes 13 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and imaging centers, along with pharmacy services and a clinical laboratory network. McLaren employs 28,000 people and more than 113,000 network providers throughout Michigan, Indiana and Ohio and runs commercial and Medicaid health insurance plans, which enroll 732,838 people in Michigan and Indiana.

McLaren says on its website  that it "operates Michigan’s largest network of cancer centers and providers, anchored by the Karmanos Cancer Institute." Karmanos  treats 14,000 new cancer patients  each year.

Contact Kristen Shamus: [email protected]. Subscribe to the Free Press.

Job seekers are getting increasingly bold by 'cheating' in interviews — and AI is making it worse

• Job seekers sometimes use AI to cheat in interviews, which highlights flaws in the hiring process.
• The rise of certain tech has made it easier to deceive interviewers.
• Experts suggest clearer guidelines and tech solutions to address cheating and improve hiring.

The interviewer asks you a question. You start reading a response generated by artificial intelligence from the side of your screen — maybe even using another app to make it appear your eyes are fixed on the camera.

It can feel like there are endless ways to dupe a hiring manager in a job interview — especially one that doesn't involve meeting IRL. The internet is, of course, filled with posts about how people try to sneak past the difficult questions interviewers sometimes ask.

It all points to a hiring process that can be terrible for job seekers — and for employers.

Executives told Business Insider that improving the hiring process would require more conversations about what constitutes cheating . Many employers will also need to better explain how the application process will unfold so fewer job seekers might be tempted to get sneaky.

"A lot of the efforts to cheat come from the fact that hiring is so broken. So you're just like, 'Oh, my God, how do I get through? How do I get seen? How to get assessed fairly?'" Lindsey Zuloaga, the chief data scientist at HireVue, told BI.

Is using AI during a job interview cheating?

Part of the problem now is that not everyone agrees on what's unethical. There are easy calls, like if someone feeds you answers during an interview. But what about a quick internet search to look something up? Or how about having an AI bot ingest a job description and toss out questions that could come up in an interview?

Zuloaga pointed to using chatbots to complete coding challenges as one example of a question without a clear answer.

"Customers have different views on whether using ChatGPT is even cheating or not," she said, adding that, according to one line of thinking, "it's just part of the developer's toolbox now."

Zuloaga said employers could take simple steps, like defining what cheating means and what the expectations are.

"They can say, 'Hey, we want to hear from the real you. Although tools like ChatGPT can be really useful in preparation for an interview, please speak from your own experience,'" she said.

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Zuloaga said there wasn't a reliable way to detect when a candidate might be using generative AI but that one tell might appear when a job seeker's answers lack specifics.

"Are they speaking comfortably and fluidly about things that they actually did?" she said.

Genuine answers, Zuloaga said, usually involve candidates walking through their experiences and the problems that they've solved.

Employers are trying to fight cheating during interviews

Kirthiga Reddy is the CEO of Virtualness, a startup that uses blockchain technology to authenticate certifications workers can earn through formal education or various boot camps.

She told BI that it's often too easy for people to say in an interview that they have completed coursework or training on a subject and even slap a phony achievement onto their résumé.

Reddy, who previously worked as a managing director at Facebook for India and South Asia, said the cost of verifying workers' credentials was high, both for employers and for workers.

Virtualness, which launched in late 2023, hopes that if employers use technology to verify a worker's credentials, they can worry less about the risks of taking on people who don't have the skills they claim or, worse, those who might have nefarious intentions. It can also help workers who have actually earned credentials stand out.

Even if people who misrepresent themselves get caught, Reddy said, those with fake bona fides could have kept more-honest job seekers from making it through the application process.

"You might have missed out on really great candidates or have included a bunch of candidates who you should not have included in that whole search process," she said.

Why it might be tempting to cheat

Zuloaga said part of the push to cheat came from job seekers' exasperation over what can be an arduous process. That can include what feels like unending interviews.

Octavius A. Newman previously told BI he went through a dozen interviews for a role as a creative lead and didn't get the job.

A drawn-out process isn't necessarily helpful for either side, according to Jennifer Schielke, the CEO of the staffing firm Summit Group Solutions and author of "Leading for Impact."

She tells clients they should be ready to hire as soon as they advertise a role. As Schielke previously told BI, layoffs and lengthy job searches have left many people looking for work without a sense of security.

Ravin Jesuthasan, a coauthor of "The Skills-Powered Organization" and the global leader for transformation services at the consulting firm Mercer, told BI that one challenge around hiring is that both sides are using AI more often.

Employers are using it in the hiring process, and candidates are using it to beef up their applications, help with interview prep, and even apply for jobs . And some, of course, are using it to cheat.

"It feels like this is an arms race that is just going to keep accelerating," he said. "I'm not sure that there is an end in sight."

Watch: US Bank has used AI for fraud detection as well as brand campaigns, but CMO Michael Lacorazza says the potential of the technology is yet to be fully understood

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Vineyard Wind construction resumes one month after turbine blade failure. What we know.

Even as investigations continue into what caused the blade on Vineyard Wind turbine AW-38 to collapse last month, sending splintered fiberglass, rigid foam and balsa wood into the ocean , limited construction is resuming on the 806-megawatt offshore project.

On Tuesday, Foss Maritime 's Prevailing Wind barge — one of only two vessels in the world capable of transporting Vineyard Wind's massive turbine components in an upright position — left the New Bedford Marine Commerce terminal loaded with tower sections and a nacelle and headed for the project area south of Martha's Vineyard .

Also on board was a rack of three blades, though according to the wind developer this was "solely for the purpose of ensuring safe and balanced composition for the transport," not for installation. The company said the blades will be returned to the commerce terminal later this week.

Towers can go up, minus the blades

The construction work was suspended immediately following the July 13 blade failure by order of the federal Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement , with the exception of survey work and inter-array cable installation. But as of Tuesday, the agency eased its suspension order to allow "certain limited additional activities, including the installation of towers and nacelles."

New blade installations, however, remain prohibited. The company also is not cleared to resume power production pending the ongoing investigation into the blade failure and inspection of all of the blades — both installed and awaiting installation at the marshalling pier — to ensure their integrity.

Engineers believe the football field-sized, GE Vernova -manufactured blade collapsed because of insufficient epoxy bonding that was not caught as part of quality control at the factory in Gaspe, Canada.

“As we take these important steps to resume installation activities, starting with towers and nacelles during GE Vernova’s ongoing blade inspection process, the safety of personnel and the environment remains our highest priority," Vineyard Wind CEO Klaus S. Møller said.

The federal agency is also undertaking its own investigation into the blade failure. Questioned about the agency's access to the site during last week's Nantucket Select Board meeting, a bureau representative acknowledged the agency doesn't have its own vessels. Instead, it relies on the Coast Guard, or uses a Vineyard Wind vessel, for which the company is reimbursed.

Critic: 'We remain concerned.'

Those who've raised concerns about offshore wind development and have pointed at the blade failure as reason to halt further work until all areas of concern are addressed, are critical of agency's decision to allow some work to continue.

Jerry Leeman , founder and CEO of the New England Fishermen's Stewardship Association is among them.

"Fishermen are waiting for a better account of the blade detachment," he said in an email Tuesday. "Without a more fulsome account from BSEE, we remain concerned that developers and regulators are prioritizing speed over safety and marine communities."

Recovery and cleanup continue

Work on removing what remains of the shattered blade also continued on Tuesday, taking out what Vineyard Wind and GE Vernova are characterizing as "a substantial amount" of the damaged blade. Land-based crews are also continuing efforts to recover debris that's washed ashore on the islands and Cape Cod.

”Our primary focus continues to be removing the parts of the blade that pose any risk of contributing further debris into the ocean,” said GE Vernova Chief Sustainability Officer Roger Martella .

Other continuing efforts may include additional cutting, removing debris from the turbine platform, removing the blade root, and addressing debris that's sunk to the seabed.

As of this week, 24 of 62 planned turbines are in place in the Vineyard Wind lease area, with a total of 72 blades installed. At least 10 of the turbines were commissioned and operational prior to the blade failure. The remainder, including the turbine with the broken blade, were still undergoing testing.

Heather McCarron writes about climate change, environment, energy, science and the natural world. Reach her at [email protected] .

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