The 7 Best Sample Resumes to Get You the Job You Want

What Makes These Example Resumes the Best?

Creating an outstanding resume is both an art and a science. With only seconds to capture a recruiter’s attention, your resume must immediately convey your value and potential. A strong resume combines clarity, relevance, and impact, showcasing why you’re an ideal fit for the role. Below, we break down the essential components of a great resume, with examples to help you craft your own sample of a great resume that can get results.

1. Clear Structure and Formatting: The Foundation of an Excellent Resume

The first impression a resume gives is visual, and a clean, structured layout is essential for your resume to be considered one of the best sample resumes. Cluttered resumes with inconsistent formatting or lack of organization can be overwhelming and quickly dismissed. Use a readable font, clear headings, and sufficient white space to make the resume inviting to read.

Tips for Formatting:

Consistent Headers: Use bold headers for sections like “Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”
Bullet Points: These help break up text and make accomplishments easy to scan.
White Space: Leave room between sections to make the document less dense and more readable.

Why It Works: A well-organized resume shows attention to detail and professionalism, making it one of the keys to a sample of a great resume that appeals to employers.

Helpful Article: 3 Common Resume Formats: Tips and Examples

2. Tailored Content for Each Job: The Secret of Efficient Resumes

A great resume is never one-size-fits-all. Tailoring it to each job application shows that you understand the role and are genuinely interested in the company. Including keywords from the job posting and emphasizing experiences or skills that align closely with the position’s requirements are essential steps in making your resume a standout.

Steps to Customize:

Analyze Job Descriptions: Look for repeated keywords and required skills.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Focus on achievements or skills that directly relate to the job.
Omit Irrelevant Details: Streamlined content keeps the focus on what’s important.

Why It Works: Customizing each resume makes it a sample excellent resume, as it is more likely to pass ATS screenings and impress hiring managers with its relevance.

3. Quantifiable Achievements: How to Make Your Resume Stand Out

Recruiters and hiring managers want to see the tangible impact of your work. Whenever possible, include numbers, percentages, or specific achievements that reflect your contributions. Using metrics makes your resume a strong example resume by showing your value clearly.

Examples of Quantifiable Achievements:

“Increased sales by 30% in the first quarter.”
“Reduced department costs by 15% over six months.”
“Managed a team of 10, improving productivity by 20%.”

Why It Works: Numbers tell a story, giving context to your achievements and making your sample of a great resume more compelling and credible.

4. A Strong Summary Section: The Hallmark of the Best Resumes

The summary or profile section at the top of your resume serves as a quick snapshot of your professional background. A concise summary that highlights your career level, core skills, and primary achievements helps make your resume one of the best sample resumes.

Tips for Crafting a Great Summary:

Be Specific: Mention years of experience, primary skills, and a key achievement.
Use Keywords: Include terms that align with the job description to improve ATS compatibility.
Show Enthusiasm: Add a touch of personality or passion for the field.

Why It Works: A strong summary is essential for any sample of a great resume, as it helps recruiters quickly understand who you are and why they should keep reading.

Helpful Article: How To Write A Professional Résumé Summary, With Examples And AI Links

5. Key Skills Section: How to Highlight Your Competencies in a Resume

Including a skills section not only helps your resume pass ATS screenings but also makes it easy for recruiters to spot relevant skills. Focusing on skills related to the job role makes this section one of the primary features in sample excellent resumes.

Examples of Hard Skills: Project management, data analysis, software proficiency (e.g., Excel, Salesforce)
Examples of Soft Skills: Communication, leadership, teamwork, adaptability

Why It Works: A clear skills section strengthens your example resume by demonstrating that you meet the core qualifications for the role.

6. Impactful Experience Section: The Key to Credibility in Your Resume

The experience section should emphasize achievements rather than merely listing job duties. Describe your accomplishments, skills, and the outcomes that relate directly to the job you’re applying for. This is where an excellent resume sample truly stands out.

Tips for Describing Experience:

Action Verbs: Start each bullet point with strong verbs like “led,” “developed,” or “streamlined.”
Focus on Impact: Explain the “why” or “how” behind your achievements (e.g., “Developed a training program that reduced onboarding time by 20%”).
Be Concise: Each point should be brief and centered on results.

Why It Works: This approach makes your sample of a great resume more effective by highlighting your ability to achieve results, which is what recruiters prioritize.

7. Education and Certifications: Know How to Include It

While your experience often takes precedence, education and certifications are critical components, especially in fields requiring specific qualifications. Even if you’re more established in your career, including relevant certifications can set your resume apart.

Key Tips:

List Relevant Degrees or Certifications: Include these if they’re important for the role.
Include Honors or Awards: Mention these if they add value.
Date Optional: If it’s been several years, you may omit the graduation date.

Why It Works: Education and certifications add credibility to your resume, particularly if they align with job requirements.

Helpful Article: Your Resume: Addressing Education

8. Meticulous Attention to Detail: A Trust Factor

Mistakes on a resume can convey carelessness, which may be a red flag for hiring managers. Ensuring that your sample excellent resume is error-free and meticulously proofread reflects your professionalism and dedication.

Tips for Proofreading:

Read Aloud: Helps you catch mistakes more easily.
Get a Second Opinion: Have a friend or colleague review it.
Use Spell Check: While not foolproof, it can catch obvious errors.

Why It Works: Attention to detail is a highly valued trait, and an error-free sample of a great resume reflects this quality.

Why Hiring a Professional Resume Service is a Smart Investment

If you have a lot of time, you can create and update your resume yourself, but hiring a professional resume service is often what transforms an average or good resume into an excellent resume that gets interviews. Professional resume writers can craft a document that not only meets industry standards but also captures attention in competitive fields.

Key Benefits:

Expertise: Professionals know what recruiters look for and can make your resume meet these standards.
Fresh Perspective: They highlight strengths you might overlook.
Saves Time: Having an expert craft your resume allows you to focus on your job search.

Hiring a professional resume writer can pay off significantly by helping you land the job you want.

Take the Next Step with Jack Wolf’s Professional Resume Services

If you’re ready to create a resume that stands out, reach out to Jack Wolf for a free consultation. With over 35 years of experience and more than 10,000 resumes crafted, Jack knows what it takes to make your resume exceptional. That’s why he’s the most recommended resume writer on LinkedIn.

Contact Jack Wolf today to start on a resume that will help you secure your ideal job.