Last updated January 18, 2024
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Rebecca Koehn has been working in content creation and editing for over ten years and search engine optimization for over five years. Koehn is the Content Marketing Manager for LawDepot...
What is a Resume Builder?
A Resume Builder is a template that allows you to create a custom resume in minutes. This tool guides you through the writing process, ensuring you include all the information that prospective employers typically look for.
Simply answer questions about yourself to customize the template. We’ll give you tips for describing your education, experience, and skills in a way that makes sense.
LawDepot’s Resume Builder has four template styles to choose from. You can also use the document editor to adjust font styles and sizes or to add or remove sections as needed. Then, download the file as a PDF or print off a few hard copies and start applying for jobs with confidence!
What’s the difference between a resume and a CV?
You can also use the Resume Builder to create a CV (curriculum vitae).
Unlike a resume, which is a short summary of your job qualifications, a CV gives a detailed explanation of your education and accomplishments. People might submit a CV along with their resume when applying for academic or research positions.
How to write a resume in six simple steps
1. Select a template
Choose between classic, modern, decorative, and creative styles. The template you choose should reflect the position you’re applying for.
2. Describe your work experience
Include past job titles and responsibilities, your former employer’s name, and the start and end date of when you held each position. Use action words when describing job responsibilities for strong impact.
When thinking about how far back your job history should go, consider what’s relevant to your job application. You might only talk about positions with similar responsibilities. On the other hand, you might not have much experience and want to list all your previous jobs. In either case, start with your most recent job and work backwards.
3. State your education
Give an overview of your education history, including the level of schooling acquired, the school’s name, and your degree (or field of study).
Optionally, you can also include your grade point average (GPA). This may help employers assess your capabilities. However, you should only include your GPA if it helps you stand out as a strong candidate or if the job posting requests it.
4. List your qualifications
Employers will tell you exactly what they’re looking for in their job postings. As such, you should highlight any qualities, skills, or work experiences you have that directly relate to the posting.
For example, a combination of hard and soft skills helps prove that you’re qualified for a job. Soft skills (i.e., character traits), such as problem-solving or being detail-oriented, can impact your work habits. Similarly, hard skills (i.e., trained knowledge and expertise), such as using different computer software or being fluent in another language, can be valuable team assets.
You can also describe any academic or professional awards you’ve earned to demonstrate recognition in your field. This might include scholarships, certificates, or any special awards for your work.
Finally, if applicable, you can mention any professional organizations or associations that you’re a part of. Some professions, such as dentistry and teaching, require membership in an association as a way to gain entry into the field.
Let recruiters know the best way to contact you for an interview. Give your phone and email address.
LawDepot’s Resume Builder also gives you the option to add your home address. However, employers often contact people by phone or on the internet, and it’s less common for them to ask for your address. Alternatively, you can add your home city and state if you think it’d be helpful to the person reading your application.
6. Add personalization
If you have a portfolio of work samples to show, it’s a good idea to compile them on a website and provide a link to it in your resume. You can use a website builder, like Wix, to easily craft a professional website to showcase your work.
You might also mention some of your personal interests, especially if they can demonstrate how you’d be a good fit with the company. For example, if you’re applying for a position with a landscaping company, you could mention hobbies like gardening or learning about native plants.
LawDepot’s Resume Builder also allows you to include a career objective, which is useful when applying for an entry-level position or when switching careers. In one or two succinct sentences, describe your career goals and how applying your skills in this position will help you reach them.
In other words, tell the recruiter why you’re interested in and are a good fit for this position.
How do I list references on my resume?
Generally, you should not include your references on your resume. Instead, have a Reference List ready to hand out during or after an interview.
Be sure to ask past mentors or employers if they’ll provide a reference for you. Also, give them a head’s up if they might get a call soon after you go to an interview.
LawDepot’s template does not include a space for references. However, some job postings request that you send references in with a resume. In this case, you can use our Reference List template or use the document editor to add a section for your Reference List.
What info should I leave out of my resume?
Generally, a resume shouldn’t include:
- Unprofessional information (e.g., the reason you left your last job, profanity, or salary expectations)
- Unnecessary personal details (e.g., your photo or marital status)
- A Reference List, which you should typically provide during or after an interview
- “Resume” as the document title
Using LawDepot’s Resume Builder ensures you’ll only include the proper details. We format our templates appropriately and won’t prompt you to add anything you won’t need.
How long should a resume be?
Most resumes are one or two pages long (the more succinct the better!).
However, your resume’s length depends on your past experience, education, and the type of job you’re applying for. In any case, your resume should give a high-level summary of your qualifications without excessive details.
Do I need a Cover Letter for my resume?
A Cover Letter is a great way to complement your resume.
Although some job postings won’t request a Cover Letter, you might choose to send one regardless. It helps recruiters gauge your interest and qualifications for a certain position.
For tips on writing an effective Cover Letter, read our Resources for Preparing a Job Application.
