Check your resume against a job
Paste or upload your resume (.txt, .docx or .pdf), then paste the job. Your file stays on your device.
The short version
- Put your name and contact details at the top.
- Add a 2 to 3 line summary of who you are and what you want to do.
- List your work history, newest first, with 3 to 5 bullets that show what you did and achieved.
- Add education, skills and any certifications.
- Tailor it to the job ad, then proofread and get someone else to read it.
1. Contact details
Name, phone, email and, if you have one, a LinkedIn link. The UK National Careers Service says to leave out your age, date of birth, marital status and nationality. Canada's Job Bank says never to include your Social Insurance Number. A city and region is enough for location on most applications; see CV vs resume.
2. Summary or objective
A few short lines just under your contact details. Experienced? Write a professional summary. New to work or changing field? A short objective can work.
3. Work history
For each job: employer, job title, dates, and bullets. Start bullets with an action verb and say what changed because of your work. Job Bank suggests keeping each section to about 5 to 7 bullets and showing achievements, not just duties.
Weak: "Responsible for stock."
Better: "Counted and restocked 3 aisles each shift and flagged low items to the manager."
4. Education, skills, certifications
See education, skills and certifications. Early in your career, education can go above work history.
5. Tailor to the job
Read the ad, note the required skills you really have, and make sure they are easy to find in your resume. Use the checker on this page to see which of the job's keywords your resume already covers. Leave real gaps as gaps; see how to tailor without making anything up.
6. Check it
- Spelling and grammar, read by someone else too.
- Same date format and style throughout.
- A clear font, see resume font and size.
- The right length and format.
Related: Resume format · Resume with no experience · ATS-friendly resume. Check your resume with the free ATS resume checker.
Sources
- National Careers Service (UK): CV sections
- Job Bank (Government of Canada): How to write a good resume
- Harvard Mignone Center for Career Success: Guide to creating a strong resume
Advice differs by employer and country. Follow the job ad when it asks for something specific.
FAQ
What are the main sections of a resume?
Contact details, a short summary or objective, work history, education, and skills. Add certifications, volunteering or projects if they help.
Should I use "I" on my resume?
Usually no. Job Bank and Harvard's career center both advise against personal pronouns like I, my or me.
How do I tailor my resume?
Read the job ad, find the required skills you really have, and make them easy to see. Do not add skills you do not have.
Check your resume against a real job
Paste your resume and a job listing. Get a 0 to 100 fit score, matched and missing keywords, and section checks. Free, no signup, runs in your browser, no AI.
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