3 Best Resume Formats (Plus Examples and FAQs)

A neat and well-formatted resume can leave a big impact on recruiters, as well as increase your chances of getting hired. It shows that you're attentive to detail and organised, encouraging hiring managers to read it to the end. 

When developing a resume, there are many factors to consider. A professionally written resume has an appropriate length, a suitable font size, and sufficient line spacing. Formatting should also be consistent throughout. It should also contain some core elements. This includes your contact information, a professional summary or career objective, work experience, skills, and education. If you’re keen to apply all of these factors and more to your resumé, here's what this article will cover:

• Resume formatting guidelines
• Understanding the core elements of a resume
• 3 free resume templates
• Modern resume template
• Professional resume template
• Simple resume template
• Types of resume
• Adapting your resume for an applicant tracking system (ATS)
• Addressing special cases in resume formatting
• FAQs
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Resume formatting guidelines

Before you start writing your resume, here are some guidelines to consider: 

• In general, try to keep your resume to one page. But if you have over five years of work experience, consider writing a two-page resume.
• Divide your resumé into clear sections, including contact information, professional summary, work experience, education, and skills.
• Set one-inch margins on all four sides.
• Use single or 1.5 line spacing so the information doesn't look cramped. 
• Avoid putting a photo on a resumé unless the job description specifically asks for one.
• Use an attractive, professional font like Ubuntu, Roboto, or Overpass. Choose an 11- or 12-point font size and use it throughout your resume.
• Bullet points can make your resumé easier to read. You can use them in the work experience, education, and skills sections to list your responsibilities, achievements, and skills. 
• Be consistent when formatting the text. For example, use the same date format throughout.
• Save your resumé as a PDF file. This ensures the layout stays the same on all devices. Avoid submitting your document in JPEG or PNG format. 
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Understanding the core elements of a resume

There are different resume formats that you can use to suit your work and career goals. However, each of these different formats contains core elements that should be included in every resume. As you write the main section of your resume, consider these tips on writing and remember to include the following core elements

Incorporating contact information

In this section, include your full name, mobile number, email address, and the general area in which you live. You can also include a link to your website, professional social network site, or online portfolio. Consider using a different colour or larger font size for this section. This
helps hiring managers find it quickly if they want to contact you for an interview. 
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Crafting a resume summary or objective

A professional summary gives an overview of your key achievements, years of experience, and primary skills. You can also include your career goals, certifications, and any industry awards you've won. It's usually longer than an objective statement as it provides more details about
your experience and skills. This makes professional summaries ideal if you have more work experience. Remember to keep the summary to two to four sentences.

If you have limited work experience or are changing careers, use a resume objective instead. An objective statement is usually quite short, with only one or two sentences. It focuses on the value you can add to a position and specifies the career you're looking for. It includes a brief statement of your skills and qualifications. 
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Highlighting work experience

Choose two or three of your most recent work experiences for this section. Describe your key duties and any achievements, such as an employee of the month award. Use percentages or numbers to show the impact of your work. For example, instead of writing "Created policies to motivate employees", you could write "Developed policies that improved employee performance by 25% and increased sales revenue by 40%."
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You can have two sub-sections here. Create a hard or technical skills sub-heading and another for soft skills. You gain hard or technical skills through formal training and education. They're usually measurable and specific to job duties. You usually acquire soft skills through
various professional and personal experiences. 
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Include your educational qualifications, starting from the highest and most recent. Mention the name of the certification and the school's name. Add the year you graduated if it was less than five years ago. Include any significant accomplishments, such as a high grade point average. 
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If you have professional certifications or licences, include a section for these. List the name of the certificate or licence, the awarding institution, and the year you obtained it or the year it expires. If you're studying for a certification or licence, write in progress and include the estimated completion date. 
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3 free resume templates

Looking for a resume template to help you get started? Here are examples of modern, professional, and simple resume templates that you can use. Understanding the features
and functions of each one can help you decide which template suits your needs     . 
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Modern resume template

Looking at a design or creative field of work? Here’s all you need to know about what a modern resume template is and when to use one.       

A modern resume format has a current and stylish feel. These resume formats usually have unique colour palettes, clean lines, and bold typography. They also have a cool and calm design. Use a modern resume template to show you're stylish and up to date with the latest trends. It can also help to convey that you're forward-thinking and innovative. 

A modern resume format usually has square brackets, bullet lists, infographics, and icons. These features help gain the employer's attention. They encourage the hiring manager to look through your work experience and achievements.

When to use a modern resume format

If you work in innovative or creative fields, such as tech, IT, marketing, design, or media, using a modern resume might benefit you. This format can also help when applying to startups and companies with on-trend or youthful branding. It helps you match the company's style and make a bold, creative first impression. 

Template of a modern resume

Think this applies to you? Use the following template for a modern resume format: 
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[Full name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
[City], [State]

[Social media handle]
[Social media handle]

Professional Summary 
[Two to four sentences that sum up your years of experience, key skills, education, or certifications and accomplishments.]

Experience
[Job Title] | [Company Name]
[Employment dates] | [City], [State]

• [Responsibility]
• [Responsibility]
• [Responsibility]

[Job Title] | [Company Name]
[Employment dates] | [City], [State]

• [Responsibility]
• [Responsibility]
• [Responsibility]

Skills

• [Skill with icon]
• [Skill with icon]
• [Skill with icon]

Education
⁠[Degree and major]
⁠[Name of school or university]

Certifications
[Name of Certification], [Awarding Organisation] - [Year of completion or expiration date]
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Here's an example of a modern resume format:

Nur Liyana
+60 99-000-1111
[email protected]
Malacca City, Malacca

@nur.liyana
www.nurliyana.com

Professional Summary

Deadline-oriented Graphic Designer with over four years of experience in layout
and production. Completed over 120 graphic design projects in previous role.
Worked on an advertising project that received the Best Advertisement award in
2022. Possesses creativity and teamwork, client relationship management, and
time management skills. 

Work Experience
Graphic Designer | Design Works
Jun 2021–May 2023 | Malacca City, Malacca

• Met and worked closely with clients to understand their design needs.
• Conceptualised and designed 50+ logos that represented brands accurately and appealed to the target audience.
• Assisted in managing weekly deadlines and deliveries of a team of three associate graphic designers.

Associate Graphic Designer | Shibya Corp
Jul 2020–May 2021| Malacca City, Malacca

• Selected colours, images, font styles, and layouts for website redesigns for 10+ clients.
• Developed graphics and layouts for product illustrations and logos that reflected the company brand style.
• Worked with two senior graphic designers to finalise layouts for sales presentations to over 30 potential clients.

Skills

• Storytelling
• Idea generation
• Adobe InDesign
• Typography
• Problem solving 

Education
Diploma in Visual Communication
Malacca University of Design 
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Core elements of a modern resume

A modern resume format should contain a personal branding statement, usually one or
two sentences long. It sums up your experience, skills, and passion, showing employers your personality and what you can do for the company. Think of it as a slogan or tagline to market yourself. The best personal statements are catchy and memorable. 

Infographic elements are a unique component of modern resumes. You can use timelines, graphs, or icons to make your resume more visually appealing. For example, you could use an icon of a trophy for the awards section of your resume. This type of resume usually has links to social media handles, such as Facebook or Instagram. Make sure that you vet your profiles to ensure there's no negative content that could affect your chances of getting the job.
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Professional resume template

Aiming for a bigger role? Find out what’s involved in a professional resume format so you know when to use it.      

A professional resume format is more suitable for job seekers looking for formal positions at traditional companies. To do this, you will need to understand the company's image by visiting its website and social media pages. See if the company seems traditional rather than stylish and trendy. If staff members in the photos wear formal attire, like blazers and ties, it might mean that the employer prefers a professional resume format. 

This resume 's colour palette is usually quite muted, using neutral colours like black, dark blue, and grey. It usually has a streamlined design and uses clean lines. This conveys that you're serious about the job and can complete tasks with a high level of professionalism. A professional resume format typically has space for a headshot or logo. 

This resume format is especially valuable for roles in traditional or corporate industries, as it contains clean formatting and emphasises skills. For example, use this template if you want to work in the medical sector, administration, law, finance, or civil service.

Use a professional resume layout if you want to present a formal, polished image. If you have an academic background or are applying for a senior position, consider using a professional resume . This format is also well-suited for companies and roles with long, linear career paths. 

This type of resume suits companies with well-structured hierarchies rather than flat structures. It's also ideal for companies with a serious image. A professional resume format helps emphasise a strong industry background, showing your in-depth experience in the field.
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Template of a professional resume

Find it suitable for your career goals? Here's a template for a professional resume:

[Full name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] [City], [State]

Professional Summary 
[Two to four sentences that sum up your years of experience, key skills, education, or certifications and accomplishments.]

Experience
[Job Title]
⁠[Company Name]
[Employment dates] | [City], [State]

• [Responsibility]
• [Responsibility]
• [Responsibility]

[Job Title]
⁠[Company Name]
[Employment dates] | [City], [State]

• [Responsibility]
• [Responsibility]
• [Responsibility]

Skills
⁠Hard skills

• [Skill]
• [Skill]
• [Skill]

Soft skills

• [Skil]
• [Skill]
• [Skill]

Education
⁠[Degree and major]
⁠[Name of school or university]
⁠[City], [State]

Certifications
[Name of Certification], [Awarding Organisation] - [Year of completion or expiration date]
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Here's an example of a professional resume:
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⁠Abdul Hakim
+60 44-555-6666| [email protected] | Kuching, Sarawak

Professional Summary 
Self-motivated business development manager with over six years of experience in new business development in the tech industry. Looking to channel my strong negotiation skills, problem solving, and knowledge of omnichannel processes to support TechBuoy International. Proven ability to identify areas for growth, execute strategies, and build and lead teams. 

Work Experience
⁠Business Development Manager
Myra Holdings
Jun 2019–Current | Kuching, Sarawak

• Research the latest trends in the tech industry and monitor competitor products and pricing. 
• Perform market analysis to identify new growth opportunities.
• Work with business development, marketing, and product development departments to create attractive proposals for potential clients. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and key contacts in the industry.
• Increase sales production by 50% year-over-year by facilitating product sales in multiple markets.

Business Development Associate
Denfield Corp
Feb 2017–Jan 2019 | Kuching, Sarawak

• Generated an extensive database of prospective customers and potential projects.
• Created presentations for potential clients.
• Worked closely with the business development manager to identify and help develop strategic relationships with business partners or potential clients.

Skills
Hard skills

• Google Analytics
• Market research
• Lead generation

Soft skills

• Negotiation
• Team building
• Presentation

Education
Master of Business Administration
Kuching Business University

Bachelor of Business Administration
Ipoh State University

Certifications
Certified Business Development Manager, The American Institute for Business Management and Communication - 2020
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Core elements of a professional resume 

A professional resume usually includes a comprehensive work history. This section is the focus of the resume . Use strong action verbs to emphasise your leadership skills and competence. You should only include your most relevant experience, leaving out entry-level positions that don't show your achievements. Use a professional tone when describing your responsibilities and accomplishments. 

The skills section is usually detailed and highly specialised. The template may allow room to explain how you use each skill. A professional resume also mentions professional affiliations, such as memberships with industry organisations.
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Simple resume template

If you’re looking for something simple, here are some details explaining a simple resume format, when to use it, and what to include.

A simple resume format is well-organised and easy to scan through. The template is simple so the hiring manager can focus on your experience and achievements. This style saves you time when creating a resume and helps you highlight your unique qualities to find a job quickly. 

It has a clean, elegant design and looks consistent. Most templates use a greyscale colour scheme. The sections are usually roughly the same size and feature bold lines to separate them. The simple resume format also uses traditional font styles and has a good balance of white space and text.

This template might work for you if you're applying for an entry-level position. It's also ideal if you have limited work experience. For example, it's suitable for students applying for internships or apprenticeships. This is also suitable if you're planning to work in law, education, marketing, or any other field where the focus is on experience and skills. 

A simple resume is especially useful for positions involving physical labour and technical skills. Use it if you plan to work in construction, automotive, transport and logistics, maintenance and repair, retail, or food service. This resume format indicates that you're a clean, organised, and task-oriented person who focuses on doing your duties well. The template prioritises clarity and readability to keep the employer's focus on the content. 
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Template of a simple resume

Think this format suits your needs? Here's a template for a simple resume : 

[Full name]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State]

Career Objective
[One to two sentences describing your skills, experience, and goals.]

Education
[Degree and major] | [Name of school or university]
[City], [State]

Certifications
[Name of Certification], [Awarding Organisation] - [Year of completion or expiration date]

Experience
[Job Title] | [Company Name]
[Employment dates] | [City], [State]

• [Responsibility]
• [Responsibility]
• [Responsibility]

[Job Title] | [Company Name]
[Employment dates] | [City], [State]

• [Responsibility]
• [Responsibility]
• [Responsibility]

Skills

• [Skill]
• [Skill]
• [Skill]
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Simple resume example

Here's an example of a simple resume format:

Joanne Ong
+60 11-222-3333 | [email protected]| Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Career Objective
Ambitious recent business school graduate seeking an entry-level position in
finance where I can contribute my knowledge of market analysis to increase the
organisation's profitability.

Education
Bachelor of Accounting| Kelantan University
Kota Bahru, Kelantan

Experience
Finance Intern | Finly Enterprise
May 2022–Jul 2022 | Kota Bahru, Kelantan

• Assisted in processing payment to all approved supplier invoices within the credit term.
• Helped to perform financial statements review, other reports, and data checking.
• Recommended actions by analysing and interpreting data and making comparative analyses, with an adoption rate of 80%.

Accounting Intern | Seafair Corporation
Jun 2021–Dec 2021 | Kuala Lumpur,
Selangor 

• Investigated accounting and documentation discrepancies.
• Assisted in accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.
• Maintained backup copies for all accounting records and performed document filing.

Skills

• Analytical thinking
• Risk assessment
• Cash flow management
• Problem solving
• Interpersonal communication
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Core elements of a simple resume format

Write a clear and concise career objective of one or two sentences. In it, highlight your skills, experience, and goals. Make sure your writing is straightforward and professional.

Create a list of your relevant abilities, including hard and soft skills. If you have little work experience, list the skills you've built during internships or volunteer jobs. Use strong action verbs to emphasise the impact of your accomplishments.
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Types of resumes

As you dig deeper into developing the best resume that matches your career goals, you’ll discover there are four main types of resume formats that you can further apply. Here's an overview of how and when to use them. 
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Chronological resume format

The chronological or reverse-chronological format is very popular and practical. It's best for jobs that emphasise experience. Use this format if you have years of industry experience and are looking for a job in the same sector. It's also great if you have no employment gaps in your work history. 

Pros of the chronological resume format

Here are the pros of using a chronological resume format:

• Gives a clear overview of your career path: It shows the position you started in and how you advanced in your career. 
• Makes it easier for hiring managers: Most hiring managers are familiar with this format and know what to expect. They can quickly scan your resume and locate all the relevant information.
• It's more compatible with an ATS:  Employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan your resume for particular words. They usually base their programming on a chronological resume.

Cons of the chronological resume format

Here are the cons of using a chronological resume format:

• Makes employment gaps more noticeable: The gaps in your job history are more obvious when using this format, especially a long break between two jobs. 
• It's disadvantageous if you're changing careers: If you're switching careers, this format may be unsuitable, as explaining why you're making the change can be challenging.
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Chronological resume example

Here's a sample resume with a chronological resume format:

⁠Jennifer Ow
+60 11-222-3333 | [email protected] | Johor Bahru, Johor
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⁠Professional Summary 
Marketing Specialist with over eight years of experience in the health and wellness industry. Possesses strong strategic, leadership, and SEO marketing skills. Able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
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⁠Work Experience
Marketing Specialist | June 2020–Current
Jubilee Agency | Johor, Malaysia

• Led a 10-member team in brainstorming ideas for new campaigns to engage target audiences.
• Collect and accurately input client data into the system.
• Research and prepare briefings on sales prospects.
• Partner with the sales team to acquire new clients and strengthen existing client relationships.
• Increase social media following by 150% by creating attractive campaigns

Marketing Coordinator | April 2018–May 2020
Rudman Corporation | Kuala Lumpur, Selangor

• Assisted the sales team to increase local brand awareness by 30% through targeted social media marketing.
• Collaborated with the business development team to plan projects.
• Developed marketing strategies and tactics in cross-functional teams.

Skills
Content marketing | Data analysis | Critical thinking | Presentation | Storytelling

Education
Bachelor of Marketing
Johor Institute of Marketing 

Certification
Certified Marketing Professional (CMP), Marketing Association of Malaysia - 2022
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Functional resume format

A functional resume focuses on your skills and abilities instead of your job history. This format is best for jobs that require specialised skills. It's a great choice if you're a skilled tradesperson, freelancer, gig worker, student, or fresh graduate. 

Pros of the chronological resume format

Here are the pros of using a functional resume format:

• Helps with employment gaps: As a skills-based resume, it draws attention away from the gaps in your work history. 
• Helps career changers: A functional resume is a great way to show your transferable skills. For example, a former cook could highlight their abilities to manage stressful situations and work in a fast-paced environment. These abilities are also valuable for customer service
  roles. 

Cons of the chronological resume format

Here are the cons of this format: 

• Isn't always recognised by an ATS: Your resume may not pass selection if the company uses an ATS for chronological resume formats. 
• Raises suspicion: Hiring managers may assume that people use a functional resume format to veil their work history. 
• Lacks context: Your skills and accomplishments may lose context and relevance unless you tailor your resume to the job and the company. 
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Here's a sample of a functional resume: 

Mohamed Faizal
+60 44-555-6666
[email protected]
Kuala Lumpur, Selangor

Professional Summary
Detail-oriented Administrative Assistant with three years of experience and a diploma in business administration. Proficient in maintaining filing systems and preparing reports. Strong interpersonal communication and teamwork skills. Earned the Employee of the Month award for punctuality, responsibility, and hard work. 

Relevant Skills
Computer skills:

• Used Microsoft Office Suite to create presentations, reports, spreadsheets, graphs, charts, and diagrams.
• Improved document organisation and management using Quickbooks Pro.

Customer service:

• Answered phone calls, took and delivered messages, and routed calls.
• Greeted visitors, responded to general enquiries in a friendly way, and communicated with clients.

Planning and organising:

• Organised and scheduled appointments for managers and executives.
• Booked travel arrangements for overseas client meetings and projects.
• Planned and coordinated on-site and off-site meetings, prepared meeting agendas, and took minutes.

Work Experience
Administrative Assistant | Sunway Industries
Jun 2022–Current

Office Clerk | Alliance International
Jan 2020–Dec 2021

Education
Diploma in Business Administration
Selangor University, 2019
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Combination resume format

The combination resume combines the best features of the chronological and functional resume formats. It has an equal focus on your skills and work experience. It's ideal for you if you're a mid-level candidate with key, relevant skills that fit the job description. It's also suitable if you're going through a career change or have employment gaps in your work
history. This format helps you emphasise the skills you've gained and connect them to your work experience. 

Pros of the combination resume format

Here are the pros of this format:

• Shows skill set and relevant work experience: It helps you organise your information to highlight it and de-emphasise your employment history in less relevant jobs.
• Provides an employment timeline: Recruiters may prefer your work history in reverse-chronological order, as it's easy to scan. 

Cons of the combination resume format

Here are the cons of this format: 

• Can be repetitive: The content may be repetitive if similar skills apply to different positions.
• May be lengthy: A combination resume may be longer than other resume formats. This can make it less attractive to recruiters. 
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Combination resume example

Here's an example combination resume format: 

Divya Shanmugam
+60 88-999-0000
[email protected]
George Town, Penang

Professional Summary
Hotel Manager with exceptional leadership skills and 10 years of experience in running boutique hotels. Eager to help Penang Star Hotel ensure smooth daily operations and exceed guest expectations. Previously boosted a hotel's TripAdvisor ratings from 3.4 to 4.7. 

Skills

• Reservations management 
• Guest experiences
• Budgeting
• Marketing
• Strategic planning
• Restaurant management
• Interpersonal communication
• Hotel operations

Work Experience 
Hotel Manager | Mar 2020–Jun 2023
Penang Rest Hotel 

• Hired and trained staff to improve their language and customer service skills, resulting in an increase of 15% in guest satisfaction.
• Implemented a new process in housekeeping that reduced staffing needs and saved the hotel RM10,000 per month.
• Collaborated with the sales team to brainstorm and implement sales strategies, leading to a 25% increase in occupancy levels.

Hotel Manager | May 2013–Jan 2020
East Signora Hotel

• Led the overall operation of this 45-room hotel.
• Assisted the general manager in developing, implementing, and monitoring the budget.
• Renegotiated several contracts with suppliers, reducing annual expenses by RM200,000.

Education 
Bachelor of Arts in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Penang University
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Targeted resume format

A targeted resume is for a specific job opportunity. It emphasises qualifications and skills relevant to a specific job. This resume format involves editing or rewriting your resume for each job that you apply for. 

Pros of the targeted resume format

Here are the pros of this format:

• It is more compatible with an ATS: This format helps your application pass an ATS, as it includes many keywords from the job description.  
• It is direct: A targeted resume is brief and straightforward, which makes it easier for the hiring manager to review.

Cons of the targeted resume format

Here are the cons of this format:

• Can be time-consuming: As you customise your resume for each job application, it can take a significant amount of time. This is especially true if you plan to apply for lots of jobs. 
• Focuses on one job: As a targeted resume focuses on a specific job, it may contain insufficient content. You may also miss experience or skills that aren't in the job description, but employers might value. 

Here's an example of a targeted resume format:

Judy Lee
+60 33-444-5555 | [email protected] | Ipoh, Perak

Professional Summary 
Manufacturing Engineer with over three years of experience designing and testing processes in the automotive industry seeking a position at Gallaford Automotives. Areas of expertise include lean manufacturing, CNC machining, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement. Proven experience in streamlining operations, increasing output, and decreasing operational costs. 

Work Experience
Manufacturing Engineer | May 2020–Current
Halid AutoWorks

• Manage daily operations and directly supervise a team of 15 manufacturing engineers, technicians, and assemblers. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to recommend new projects for horizontal expansion.
• Develop and implement manufacturing processes and improvements that, last year, increased efficiency by 28%.

Mechanical Engineer | Mar 2018–April 2020
Bright Sparks International 

• Used a new CAM system to boost efficiency by 15%.
• Prepared technical documentation providing critical analysis and suggestions for improvements with an 85% adoption rate.
• Maintained a production error rate below 2% through close attention to detail.

Skills   

• Process improvement
• Root cause analysis
• Critical thinking
• Process documentation
• Kaizez
• Six Sigma 
• Project management 

Education 
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) | Ipoh University

• Completed an internship with Finbur Automotive Corporation.
• Did a final-year project on a propellor-based formula car.

Certifications
Six Sigma Green Belt, International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC) - 2022
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Adapting your resume for an applicant tracking system (ATS)

An ATS is a software program that companies use to manage and speed up recruiting and hiring processes. The ATS divides resume s into different sections, such as work experience and skills. It then searches for specific keywords and qualifications to decide whether you match the job description. The ATS then eliminates and recommends applicants by ranking resumes.

Review these guidelines: 

• Use a chronological resume format, as it's the most ATS-friendly resume format. 
• Choose the appropriate file type. Although most ATS programs can read PDFs, some older ones cannot. Check the job ad and use the file type it asks for. 
• Find the job title in the job description and put it in your resume headline.
• Use a simple layout to make it easy for an ATS to scan. This includes a simple font and a standard bullet circle or square.
• Use keywords exactly as they appear in the job description.
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ATS-optimised resume example

Here's a sample resume that is ATS-optimised:

Ramesh Kumar
+60 77-888-9999 | [email protected] | Kuala Lumpur, Selangor

Professional Summary 
Driven Copywriter with a Bachelor of Communication in Journalism seeking a role in Gogo Marketing Agency. Proven experience in managing a team of junior writers. Possesses strong leadership, communication, and time management skills.

Work Experience
Lead Copywriter
DigiSense
Aug 2021–Current | Kuala Lumpur, Selangor

• Write 10 Facebook and Instagram posts each week, leading to a 45% and 32% increase in followers, respectively. 
• Edit all material to ensure it adheres to the company's branding standard.
• Create monthly newsletters to an audience of 10,000+ users.
• Review junior copywriters' work and provide constructive feedback every week. 
• Drive an increase in consumer awareness scores by 12%. Widened market share by 4% and boosted sales by 8% within four months.

Copywriter
JIP Agency
Dec 2019–July 2021 | Kuala Lumpur, Selangor

• Consistently wrote clear, concise, and grammatically correct copy, achieving 95% client
  satisfaction. 
• Took on additional writing or editing assignments as required, meeting all deadlines. 
• Worked closely with the editor and quality assurance specialist to incorporate feedback into my work. 

Skills

• Digital marketing
• Conversion rate optimisation (CRO)
• Social media marketing
• Content management systems (WordPress, Drupal, Wix)
• HTML and CSS
• Search engine optimisation (SEO) 
• Creativity
• Research

Education
Bachelor of Communication (Honours) in Journalism
Kuala Lumpur Arts University
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Addressing special cases in resume formatting

There are special circumstances that you will need to consider when developing your resume . This will affect your choice of formatting. Here are some special cases and recommended resume formatting you can use in these circumstances.

• If you've taken a gap year after graduating or are between jobs, avoid using a chronological resume format, as it shows gaps in your work history. 
• If you have employment gaps or are changing careers, use a functional resume format to focus on your skills rather than your work experience.
• If you have no work experience, include volunteer work or projects you did in school. Focus on your career objective to highlight your goals and skills. 
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Conclusion

Using the best resume format for the job and company you're applying to is essential to help recruiters see you’re the best fit for their company. Remember, when applying to creative industries, use a stylish and bold approach. Traditional industries often prefer a more formal template. Choose your format after considering the pros and cons of each one. Finally, select a template that highlights your strengths and downplays your weaker areas. With these steps, you can take your job-seeking quest to the next level.
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Frequently asked questions(FAQs)

1. What's the best resume format for my experience level?
   If you're an entry-level candidate, using a functional format is best. This skills-based format can emphasise your abilities rather than your experience. If you're a mid-level or senior employee, use a chronological format, as it focuses on work experience. 
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2. How do I know if my resume is too long or too short?
   ⁠If you're an entry-level candidate with less than five years of experience, keep your resume to one page. If you have many years of experience, consider using a two-page resume. Ensure your resume has enough white space for readability. 
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3. Should I include a photo on my resume?
   ⁠Typical resumes don't include a photo. If the job description requests one, you should include it. Photos are especially necessary for roles in the media and entertainment industry, such as acting or modelling. 
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4. How do I make my resume stand out from the competition?
   ⁠To stand out from others, use a template with a unique element, such as a bold colour or infographics. You can also use strong action verbs to describe your responsibilities. Quantify your accomplishments to show how you can contribute to the company you're applying for.
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5. Can I use a non-traditional resumeformat?
   ⁠Yes. It's especially beneficial when applying to companies that value creativity and innovation. A non-traditional resumé format can help you show your originality. 
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6. How do I tailor my resumé to a specific job posting?
   ⁠Read the job description carefully and highlight the keywords. Use these keywords on your resumé in the professional summary, experience, and skills sections. For example, if the job description states a specific skill, list it in the skills section and demonstrate it in the work experience section. 
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7. How do I explain gaps in my work history on my resume?
   ⁠If you took time off work to pursue higher education, show this in your education section and explain the knowledge you gained. If you were travelling, in the skills section, share the languages and skills you learnt. If you took an online self-study course between jobs, mention that in your education or certification section. 
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8. Should I include references on my resume?
   ⁠It's generally unnecessary to include references. If the company requests them, ask your referees for permission. Then, include their full name, position, and contact details. 
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9. How do I know if my resume is ATS-friendly?
   ⁠Ensure your resumé is free of images, icons, tables, or infographics. An ATS is likely to recognise standard titles on your resum3, such as  Work Experience, Education, and Skills. You can use online resume review tools to see how your resume performs on an ATS scan.
   
10. What should I include in my skills section?
    ⁠Include your hard or technical skills and soft skills. 
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    Hard Skills:
    • programming language
    • content development
    • user interface (UI) design
    • culinary skills
    • heavy equipment operation
    • carpentry
    • data analysis
    • SEO marketing
    • Illustration
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      ⁠Soft Skills:
    • communication
    • leadership
    • empathy
    • conflict resolution
    • problem solving
    • decision making
    • organisation
    • teamwork 
    • creativity
    • time management