how to make a resume with a link

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How to Create a Link for your Resume

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In this guide, you will learn how to create a URL/Link for your Resume , so that can share it online for job applications.

Steps Create a Link for your Resume

To create a link for your resume, you can follow these steps:

Upload your resume to a file hosting service: There are many free file hosting services available, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. Choose one of these services and upload your resume to it.

Get the shareable link: Once you have uploaded your resume, you can get a shareable link to it. In most file hosting services, you can right-click on the file and select “Get shareable link” or “Share.”

Shorten the link (optional): If the shareable link is long, you may want to use a link shortening service such as Bitly or TinyURL to create a shorter, more manageable link.

Add the link to your resume: Once you have your shareable link or shortened link, you can add it to your resume by including it in the contact information section or in a separate section for links or attachments.

By creating a link for your resume, you can easily share it with potential employers or colleagues online.

If you need further assistance with creating a professional resume, consider working with a professional resume writer. You can learn more about resume writing services here.

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A Guide to Posting Your Resume Online With Google Docs

So you’ve researched, prepped, streamlined and finalized your resume.  You’re now ready to start sending your work of professional art out into the career space to let it reap the rewards of a job offer.  When it comes to submitting your resume to potential employers, modern job-seekers have a wealth of options beyond the traditional envelope stuffing of yesteryear.

And sure, you’re more than welcome to send your resume off as an attachment to a potential employer, but that approach is far less advanced and convenient than modern sharing platforms, like Google Docs.

Posting your resume on Google Docs can yield a variety of benefits:

• Easily send a link to your resume rather than bulk digital attachments
• Collaborate with professional colleagues for resume review
• Create a permanent, easily editable home for your resume for future additions and editing

Posting and sharing your resume via Google Docs is easier than you’d think.  All you’ll need is a Gmail email address and a little bit of know how. Don’t let any lack of knowledge of the Google platforms scare you away.  Read below for our step by step guide to posting your resume online.

Instructions:

•  Head on over to the Google Docs main page ( http://docs.google.com/ ).  Here you’ll be prompted to either create an account or sign up for a new one.  Don’t have a Google account already? Never fear, we’ve got the handy link for Google sign up here.
•  After you’re logged in, you’ll see the main Google docs page.  If you’ve recently created your account, you won’t see any specific items.  Now it’s time to get to creating and filling this space up. Click on the handy red circular plus sign to create a new doc.  Your default choice will be the word processor. Google Docs also has a wide selection of handy templates, including resumes.  You can also add existing files by selecting the file picker option and browsing your computer for your resume.
•  Spend some time exploring the navigation bar located above the live typing area.  Here you’ll find plenty of plain sense formatting options as well as print and download features.  Google docs allows you to download your completed resume in a variety of popular formats, including Microsoft Word.
• Once you’ve finished your edits, it’s time to choose the privacy options for your document.  Click on the “Share” button in the upper right corner of the page. Here is where you will be able to select who can view and/or edit your resume.  Here we break out the most common sharing options:
• Private: Only yourself and people you have specifically invited can view the document.  If you’re in the drafting stages, this may be the best bet until your resume is shiny and polished.
• You can enter email addresses directly for people who you’d like to receive the link to your document.  You can also create a custom link to our document which can be easily pasted into an email or message.
• Anyone with Link Can: Use this to decide what people who have the link to your resume can do with it.  Can they view, edit, or only comment? Be sure to check out the advanced options for fine tuning your document privacy.
•  When you’re ready to share your resume, simply ensure you have the correct sharing settings and copy the URL.  Your recipient will be able to easily access your document from any computer and most mobile devices.

See, that wasn’t so hard now, was it.  Now that you’re a Google Docs pro, get to sharing that resume!

Article Updated from the Original on April 19, 2018

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The Answer to: What's the Right Way to Include Links on Your Resume?

When I was applying for editorial jobs, I desperately wanted to show off all the stuff I’d written. Of course, some applications asked for writing samples . But many didn’t, and I had to wonder—was not sharing my work holding me back from landing jobs?

So, as the story goes (if you read this article’s title, that is), I decided to link to my portfolio and author pages on my resume.

But of course, I wasn’t entirely sure if this was something I could or was supposed to do. And, did I even do it right? And the bigger question I had was: Do hiring managers even like and look at them?

So, I reached out to Muse career coach and job search expert Clayton Wert for his thoughts. Luckily, I was in the clear:

It’s acceptable to use links in your resume, cover letter, or any form of the job application—assuming you’re submitting it online. I’m of the belief that 90% of applications are now online, and you should be adding links to your portfolio, your LinkedIn page, and possibly more depending on your industry and the type of work that you’ve done. It’s best to put as much out there as possible when applying to jobs, because attention is everything in the job search.

Wert, who works primarily in the tech space, says that it’s essential to show off your work if you’re an engineer: “It’s imperative that an employer or recruiter knows that you’ve built out various projects, and that they can easily click to and from them on your resume, cover letter, portfolio, etc.” But that doesn’t mean it’s not important for other fields as well—editorial, production, marketing, PR, design, to name a few. Even webinars or speaking engagements you were a part of are sometimes worth including. And, as Wert suggests, it’s helpful for anyone to list their LinkedIn if it contains more helpful information.

The most important thing is to link to your proudest and best work, as well as projects that are the most relevant to the role you’re applying to.

But it’s key to note how you’re presenting your links. Like your resume’s font or format (a.k.a., whether it’s a doc or PDF ), this element is crucial not only for attracting a hiring manager’s attention and making it easy for them to navigate your application, but also for looking polished and professional.

Wert says, “When including links, you should be hyperlinking the links on your materials. This means instead of the long URL strand, it should be a hyperlink. If you’re going in-person for an interview, or you’re at a networking event where you’ve brought your resume, the alternative should be the entire URL written out—but I would recommend staying away from that for a cleaner format.”

For example, here’s a before-and-after of what my own resume might look like:

With this, it’s probably smart to shorten and personalize your LinkedIn URL , and make sure your website has an appropriate domain name . Bit.ly is also a great, free resource for shortening long links.

If you’re struggling to decide what to include, or you have a variety of work you want to showcase, consider condensing them into a portfolio or personal website and including that link instead. Don’t scatter the page with an abundance of links—no recruiter’s going to open them all.

Where should you put them? Wert suggests that you “place your links in the header or beside your contact information .” That said, if they apply to a specific job or highlight some of the work you did at past companies, you can also place them under that role’s heading, like my resume above.

Finally, make sure you can actually click on them. Download your resume and have a friend test it out to be sure.

Like your resume bullets and list of accomplishments on your cover letter, links are another great way to show your potential and expertise—and there’s little risk in adding them into your application. But like any other aspect of your job search, just be sure they’re professional, relevant, and presenting the best image of you.

How To Create a Resume Link?

You have to be extra vigilant when applying to different jobs, whether remote or on-site. Your efficiency in handling the tasks impacts your chances of being hired. The more you’re quick and responsive, your image lifts up.

While applying to remote jobs your resume link Plays an essential role in taking things to the next level. If your resume is easily accessible it makes your work easy. Keeping a link always in access helps you quickly respond to any employer or recruiter.

Now, know what a resume link is and how to create a connection. It’s pretty simple to make, and you can share it on your chat or a meeting.

What is a Resume Link?

In today's digital world, you need to do multiple things in less time; that’s where comes sharing your document or resume online. You create a resume link instead of uploading a file and making your recruiter wait for it to download.

It’s usually made in Google Drive, where you make a resume, and a link is assigned to your document. You can share this link on the go; anyone can see your resume in seconds!

How to Create a Resume Link?

A resume link links anyone to the resume template you’ve created in your drive with other documents.

Here’s how easily you can create a resume link:

• Go on google chrome and start by typing “Google Drive”.
• Next, you’ll be asked to choose an account to access.
• After choosing your account, you can access the google drive.
• To upload more than two files you can use this way to keep things organized and accessible.
• Click on the “New” sign.
• You’ll have to click on the “Folder” and assign it a name. 
• If your resume is already downloaded or saved on your computer, you can click on the “Upload file”.
• This option will take you to the folder where you’ve saved your folder. You can upload it into the drive now.
• Select your folder and press “ok,” and you’re done with uploading your folder in Google Drive.

Create the link:

In the next step, you can copy the link for sharing.

• Go to your folder
• Click on the file of your resume/CV
• “Right” click and you’ll get some options.
• Click on the “CopyLink”
• The link is copied to your clipboard, and you can paste it easily.

Why Is Creating a Resume Link Important?

The resume link is just a shortcut that makes your life easier. Instead of uploading the documents, finding your files, and making someone wait, you can share your folder’s link .

Easy access:

The link gives you and anyone quick access and display of your resume documents o. resume template . This saves you time and helps you get noticed and create an impression.

Anyone who wants to look at what you are can click a link. Remember you’ll have to keep the access updated of all your files.

Manageable:

Your resume link is managed effortlessly, as you don’t have to constantly find where your resume is. On the other hand, uploading documents or saving the folders and files on your device can put you in hassle. You’ll have to search for the files and then upload them individually. 

Creating a link saves you.

How to Create Your Resume?

You can choose any template from Google Docs or Word to create a resume in less time. This helps you create a quick layout of your resume. 

Creating a resume from scratch can take time and result in no significant output.

The templates have sample text, which helps you understand what the resume would look like. You can customize the template according to your content and add more pages.

What Should You Add in Your Resume ?

In your resume, you should use the spaces wisely. Making a good resume takes excellent creativity. 

What Should You Add Into It:

• Your profile picture
• Your Work experience
• Your ambitions, your about me section
• Contact Information
• Jobs and accomplishments
• Certificates

Stay on the Safe Side:

Generate duplicates of your resume in Google Drive.

After finalizing the construction of your resume utilizing the selected template, generate duplicates for every distinct job application through Google Drive.

 Tailor the details in your initially saved resume on Google Docs in alignment with the requirements of a new job posting. Subsequently, navigate to the "File" tab and name it different. This step saves your original and copy files in the google drive easily.

What More Options Do You Have Other Than Google Drive?

There are multiple options to create your resume link. You can either choose a website that creates a connection for you. You must log in to the website and share your resume. The rest makes your work easy. The websites are reliable and create a link free of cost.

Can You Share Your CV or Resume with everyone?

When sharing your CV, you should include "Resumé" or "CV" in the subject line, along with your name and the job title you're applying for. Before providing the CV link, introduce yourself and kindly request the recipient to review your CV at their convenience.

Sharing your CV with friends, colleagues, and individuals within your organization is entirely acceptable. There's no risk of them replicating your skills and achievements from your resum é.

What To Say Along With Resume Attachment?

To create a good impression, you need to say something along a resume. This makes a professional connection and strengthens you in front of the recruiter. You can start with greetings and then simply thank them for getting in touch. Next, you can share your link and include a powerful CTA (Call to action). For example:

                           “Hi, {Name}

Thanks for messaging me. Here’s the link to the resume you asked about. Check it out, and I’ll wait for your positive response.” 

Conclusion:

Your resume link can help to manage things efficiently and save you a lot of time. A small move can make you look and sound more brilliant, and the chances of being noticed can increase visibly.

Most candidates need to work more smartly, which can give them an edge to stand out in the crowd.

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How Do I Share My Resume and Cover Letter?

When your resume is ready, you can use Resume.io to share an online link to your resume for free. By default your materials are private and only shared if you choose to use our sharing features. You can easily download a PDF of your cover letter to be saved and shared with employers.

Sharing a link is a convenient and modern way to send your resume/and or cover letter via email, social media message, or even via text message. You can use our premium design themes online for free without upgrading to a premium account.

How to Share a Resume

Each version of your resume has its own unique URL that can be shared. If you have multiple versions of your resume, you'll have different URLs you can share as well. 

To share a resume, go to your resume dashboard and click “More” on the drop-down menu to access the “Share a link” option. You can also access the “Share a link” option by clicking on the “…” on the bottom right side of the preview page. See the screenshot below. 

From there you'll see a page where you can:

• Copy & paste the URL to send via email, message, or text or
• Click the button to share on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

How It Works

Sharing on social media.

If you share your resume on social media, we add formatting to your post to get you started but you can always edit anything about the post before you share it. 

Statistics Feature

Our unique Statistics feature that allows you to see your resume views over the short and long term. Find out how long someone viewed your resume and from what location. Being able to identify global opportunities based on the city/country of your resume viewers will help to ensure you don’t miss engaged recruiters! Track the changing trends in your resume views to gauge the interest of viewers and make changes when you feel necessary. 

Editing 

Any updates or edits you make to your resume will be visible right away in the resume displayed on the public webpage. 

Deleting and/or Making a Resume Private 

Once you share a URL, your resume is no longer private. Technically, somebody can copy and share that URL in the future.

Don’t forget your Cover Letter

In addition to quickly creating your dream resume you can also draft the perfect Cover Letter to accompany it in just minutes. Choose from one of our professionally designed cover letter templates and take your application to the next level in no time. We offer 18 innovative and fresh Cover Letter Templates that have been carefully designed to match and compliment your resume. Achieving a winning and cohesive Resume and Cover Letter combo has truly never been easier! Simply look for the drop-down “Cover Letter” tab on our main page @ Resume.io and follow the easy steps to have your Cover Letter finished today.  

If you have shared a URL but want to make sure that resume is no longer accessible at that URL, the best way to do this is to duplicate your resume that was shared and then delete it. That way your resume will be associated with a URL that hasn't been shared yet. 

Once a resume is deleted, the old URL will redirect to a 404 page. 

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Related Articles

• Can I download my resume to Word or PDF?
• How can I customize my resume?
• Can I change the language of my resume or cover letter?
• How Do I Create a Resume?
• Will My Resume or Cover Letter Be Public?

Create A Resumé Link

Easily share your resumé online, a free way to showcase and share your resumé.

When it comes to sending your resume to prospective employers, modern job seekers have more options than the traditional envelope stuffing of yesteryear. Leverage Tiiny Hosts in-built analytics to optimise your resumé for employers based on real-time metrics.

How to share your resumé In 3 easy steps

1. Drag and drop your PDF resumé

Drag and drop the PDF resumé that you want to share.

2. Name your resumé link

Name the link you want to share your PDF resumé under.

3. Share With Recruiters

Click “launch” and that’s it! Your PDF resumé is ready to share with recruiters and agencies!

What else is there?

🔗 personalised link.

Say goodbye to random URLs. Choose your own unique and memorable link-name to share your resumé using a personalised URL.

📂️ Drag & Drop

Sharing your resumé couldn’t be easier. All you have to do with Tiiny Host is drag and drop your PDF resumé.

📊 Analytics

Automatically track and analyse who's viewing your CV or Resume

🔒 Password protection

Keep your resume private by restricting access with a password.

🆓 Free To Use

Use us for free, no need to subscribe to a paid plan to share your resumé.

⚙️ Reliable

Built upon Amazon Web Services, Tiiny Host provides a very reliable service to share your resumé.

Easier to share your resumé than popular hosting providers

SmallPDF.com

Keepandshare.com, 3 types of resumés you can share on tiiny host.

Chronological Order Resumé

The traditional resumé and the one we’ve all been using since school. Work experience and education are typically listed chronologically on chronological resumes.

Skills Based Resumé

Focus on the abilities and qualities that employers in your specific industry value. If you’re an engineer or technical professional then this might be the CV format that recruiters want you to use.

Combination Resumé

You guessed it from the name. This approach see’s you combine the strengths of the aforementioned 2. You might use fonts and comments to highlight specific sought after skills throughout the document.

How to share your resumé PDF as a link with a recruiter

Static websites: the ultimate résumé solution.

In today’s competitive job market, having a unique and eye-catching résumé is more critical than ever. What better way to stand out than by creating your own professional résumé website?...

How To Share A PDF As A Link

Why would you want to create link to a pdf? Great question! It’s very common to share a PDF via email. However, that requires the recipient to download and save the PDF to view it. It’s also difficult to share a PDF to a large audience (100+) through email...

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i share my cv, what should i say when sharing my cv, is it okay to share your cv with others, where can i advertise my cv, create a link to your resumé in less than 30 seconds.

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How to create an online resume

An online resume is a digital version of a resume.

It is an overview of your experience, skills, education, and achievements.

It can be used to apply for a job, freelancer gig, consultancy engagement, or apply to a school.

The value of having it online as a website is that people from all over the world can access it easily.

What is a resume

The resume is an overview of your experience, competence, and skills.

It is most known for being a document, used to apply for jobs.

Companies and hiring managers use the resume to get an understanding of who you are as a professional and what you are capable of doing.

Your online resume can be shared by its link to companies, hiring managers, and recruiters, so that they can notice you.

Why create an online resume

A resume is relevant for every professional.

Your resume as a website makes it easy for others to access and view your resume.

It can be used to E.G. get a job, freelancing gig, consultancy engagement, or apply to a school.

Having it online makes it possible for people from all over the world to find you.

The design of the resume gives the reader an impression of who you are. Make sure that it appears in a good and presentable way!

What do I need to know to create my resume as a website?

HTML, CSS and JavaScript are the basic languages to create a website.

You can come a long way just using these three!

• Create the structure with HTML. The first thing you have to learn, is HTML, which is the standard markup language for creating web pages.
• Style with CSS. The next step is to learn CSS, to set the layout of your web page with beautiful colors, fonts, and much more.
• Make it interactive with JavaScript. After studying HTML and CSS, you should learn JavaScript to create dynamic and interactive web pages for your users.

How to create a resume step-by-step

Follow the steps to create your online resume from the ground up.

Preparations

Decide which code editor to use and set up your environment.

W3Schools has created an easy to use code editor called W3Schools Spaces . Sign up and get started in a few clicks.

Create your index.html file. So that you are ready to enter the code.

All set up. Lets go!

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Step One: Add a Website Layout

Create a responsive website from scratch.

Read here for how to create a website layout: How to create a Website Layout

A resume can be created in different ways.

There is not a one-size fits all .

Keep in mind why, how, and what , you are building it for.

Build the resume that is right for you.

Step Two: Plan your content

Think about how you want to design your resume.

• What information do you want to include?
• What impression do you want to give the reader?
• How do you as a professional want to be presented?

Step Three: Add content

Include the essential sections:

• Contact Information section
• Key Summary section
• Education section
• Work Experience section

Check out our How To library for more code snippets: How To Library

1. Contact Information section.

Add your name and contact information.

The contact information section lets the reader know how to get in touch with you.

2. Key Summary section.

Write a short summary that highlights your experience, competence, and skills.

Personalizing the text can make you stand out.

The key summary helps the reader to get an understanding of who you are as a professional.

Keep it short and simple.

3. Education section.

Give an overview of your educational background.

Include details such as the institution, degree, and year.

Professional courses and certifications can also be listed as education.

4. Work Experience section.

List the jobs that you have had.

Add details to each job, which includes what year, your role, and your responsibilities.

Other experiences such as projects and freelancing gigs can also be a part of this list.

We have made you a template that you can use and build with.

You can load the CV template in W3Schools Spaces . Get started with publishing your online resume in a few clicks.

* no credit card required

CV Template

W3Schools Spaces

Build and publish your online resume with w3schools spaces..

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If you want to use W3Schools services as an educational institution, team or enterprise, send us an e-mail: [email protected]

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If you want to report an error, or if you want to make a suggestion, send us an e-mail: [email protected]

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How to Include Hyperlinks on Your Resume: Best Practices and Examples

In This Guide:

The pros and cons of including links on your resume, how to include links on your resume, which resume sections work best with links, links within the header of your resume, experience section and resume links, should you include resume links in the education and certifications sections, other resume sections for your links, key takeaways.

Take a stroll down the hyperlinks rabbit hole to face one of the BIGGEST debates in the resume-writing industry.

In the words of a modern-day Shakespearean candidate, it is: "To link or not to link?" That truly is the question.

Should or shouldn't you include hyperlinks on your resume?

On that school of thought, you should give the green light to any resume section that helps you build a consistent and enticing story to highlight that you're the best fit for the job.

If you decide on including links on your resume (apart from your email address) consider how they help you to

• highlight expertise/ skill alignment to the role you're applying for;
• display your achievements;
• validate the legitimacy of your experience, accomplishments, and certifications;
• stand out .

Be wise about how effective links would be to your overall resume writing strategy.

For example, if you're applying for:

• the creative industry - your portfolio could be just the proof you need of your expertise;
• academia - research, and publications definitely carry weight;
• jobs in the IT sector - home labs would work to show your unique know-how and further interests.

Final words of warning, before we get into the how-to section of this Enhancv guide.

Never add links just for the sake of not having an empty resume section.

Consider whether the links would make a memorable impression on those assessing your resume - or not.

What you’ll learn in this Enhancv guide

• Experts debate: the pros and cons of including links on your resume;
• URLs vs Hyperlinks: which works best for your resume?
• Tweaking your resume links: best practices and examples;
• Advice on perfecting the links to your portfolio and projects;
• Apart from your resume header, which other sections could be used to curate your links?

Upload & Check Your Resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

This is the exciting part of our guide: where we observe two sides of the same coin - or the pros and cons of links on resumes.

Let's start with the advantages of you including links on your resume.

Integrating them within resume sections allows recruiters to easily

With resume links, you'd ultimately be highlighting:

These are some pretty valid points to win your case. But, of course, you can't brush off the disadvantages of including links on your resume.

Links are sometimes seen as a distraction from the point you're trying to make with your resume: that you're the ideal fit for the job .

We need to also address these resume links-related issues that could be:

1. Technical

Your links could either break in between or be incorrect, making you look unprofessional. Ultimately, resulting in a lost job opportunity.

N.B. remember to always check all of your links, before sending your resume out.

2. ATS-related

Links affect the optimization of your resume; with fewer advert buzzwords appearing at the top.

3. Format-wise

If the hiring managers tend to print all documents that they receive, an HTTPS address would serve absolutely no purpose.

What is more, recruiters may not even click on your links due to the:

• rising cyber threat of ransomware/ malware posed by external links;
• other 200+ candidates they have to assess for the role.

Weighing in on both sides, be smart about the way you curate the links on your resume.

Candidates often ask, "How many links should my resume include?"

This depends on a few factors - the industry and role you're applying for; your achievements and expertise; etc.

So, think about how much sense the links would make to your experience , and move on from there.

We recommend a bare minimum that consists of your:

• professional email
• LinkedIn profile

Now that you've selected your relevant links, we'd like to highlight one aspect that most candidates tend to underestimate.

That is the format of the links. Or the URLs vs hyperlinks debate.

Use this resume below!

“Most Fortune 500 companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to track candidate applications and screen resumes.”

Aditya Malik, Forbes Councils Member

Why are we all of a sudden mentioning the ATS ?

We know for a fact that top-notch ATS (e.g. Workable) can cope absolutely fine with your resume hyperlinks.

But other applicant tracking systems and CRMs do struggle. When they transform your resume into text-only files , they often lose your hyperlinks.

URLs remain intact no matter what. Hyperlinks are voided null when your resume is printed or converted by the ATS.

Our word of advice: enter your links as URLs.

One more thing about the ATS and hyperlinks.

The systems tend to assess your resumes for relevant keywords , with a focus on the top one-third of your document.

Imagine having links that are quite heavy and go on and on and on with symbols and numbers.

That would ultimately play a bad trick on your application.

To save spac e on your resume and make your links more readable via a link shortener (e.g. bit.ly; tinyurl.com; ow.ly; short.io).

Some platforms even allow you to add custom name tags for an even more personalized experience.

If you want further "brownie points", select a link shortener platform that allows you to track clicks.

You'd ultimately be able to see just how many times recruiters viewed your portfolio of work.

If you’re looking for further how-to advice, we've included six best practices about resume links.

Now that you've considered the relevancy of the links to your application, comes the fun part - integrating them through your resume.

You could include links within your resume:

• Header : add your professional email, LinkedIn profile, portfolio, or blog;
• Experience : company publications that don't breach your NDA;
• Education and certifications : to further highlight the legitimacy of your experience;
• Projects and publications : link to the most notable achievement;

The best window of opportunity to include links on your resume is within its header .

The header is never "something nice to have", but an essential element of your professional presentation.

What is more, it allows for a links-focused approach within three core sections.

Professional Email

This one is pretty obvious, but make sure that the first link on your resume is your professional email .

Your platform of choice - whether it's Gmail or Yahoo - doesn't matter, as long as you have access to it.

Also, make sure that your email account name is a professional one.

Substitute your "[email protected]" with "[email protected]".

Want to help recruiters, who are assessing your digital resume, even further?

Add a "mailto:" hyperlink to your email address.

LinkedIn Profile

You've submitted your resume for the given role. Now, why would recruiters need your LinkedIn profile ?!

LinkedIn isn't just an online version of your resume. It's employers' and hiring managers' #1 research platform.

So, even if you think your LinkedIn profile is well hidden within the depths of the platform, trust us. Any recruiter could easily find you.

That's why it's a good idea to include your LinkedIn profile in your resume header.

For starters, make sure that your LinkedIn profile mirrors accurately the information on your resume. Pay specific focus on your experience items: start-and-end dates, companies, and expertise.

Be strategic about LinkedIn - use your profile to add more value to your application.

What we mean is that you shouldn't just copy and paste everything you have on your resume on LinkedIn.

Instead, use your profile to save space by

• including a link to your portfolio in the featured section;
• showcasing all the projects you'd like to bring to recruiters' attention;
• detailing the impressive list of clients, you've worked with in the past;
• pinpointing the referrals from past employers or clients;
• highlighting your communication style with comments and posts.

Remember that your LinkedIn activity could be a vital instrument to hint at an array of your hard/ technical and soft skills.

Let's not forget the LinkedIn link formatting; it needs to be shortened as so:

https://linkedin.com/in/ FirstName-LastName

You could also decide to hyperlink your LinkedIn profile. Just make sure that you've written out your full URL address, in case your resume is printed.

Portfolio link

Sometimes your resume isn't enough for hiring managers to understand your expertise. They need further evidence of your technical capabilities.

A link to your portfolio - that includes your projects and/or publications - can be the sole proof of your expertise.

Your portfolio link goes one step further to personalize the experience for your potential employers.

Turning the "I can do this and that" narrative into "Check out how I've done this".

How do you curate your project portfolio?

Best practices point that you could:

• complement your resume with all past projects that showcase your know-how;
• focus on just the biggest achievements of your career and highlight those;
• create a dedicated landing page: to highlight the alignment between the job's required skills and your projects.

Entry-professionals who are still wondering whether they should include their portfolio - it's a big YES from us!

Even if your work or personal projects are not that glass-shattering, highlight them with an engaging, visual presentation.

It's extra effort, but at the end of the day, this demonstrates to hiring managers your desire to learn more.

Going about building your project portfolio: it doesn't have to be a thorn in your side.

There are plenty of free platforms (with portfolio templates) you could choose from, including

Just make sure to select the one that is most relevant to your industry and allows hiring managers to get the best feel of your work.

Within the next section of this guide, we'll focus on one standard and two innovative ways to present your work.

If you're in the IT industry, GitHub is the best platform to host your home labs, while demonstrating your unique know-how.

If you're looking to curate client work on your GitHub profile, be extra cautious about the legal framework and NDAs you've signed.

It's most often the case that your employers are the sole owners of the codes and programs you're working on.

Our best advice is to include personal projects you've developed (including apps, websites, etc.) to show that you're actively learning and growing your skills .

2. Social media

If you're looking for a job in social media/ digital marketing, you definitely have to demonstrate your brand presence on the expected platforms.

Employers don't expect to see your #slay #yasqueen #travelbuddies Instagram/ TikTok profiles as part of your professional resume.

Rather, they'd like to preview bespoke, professional accounts.

Ones, that are centered around your personal brand, that have nice KPIs (e.g. healthy amount of followers, likes, impressions, etc.).

Or, alternatively, hiring managers are looking to understand how your style of writing and content creation could fit their organization.

So, if you're to include a link to your social media channel on your resume, just make sure that it adds value to your application and isn't just another #instalikeforlike account.

3. Video portfolios

And for those outside-the-box thinkers - there's one more channel that could do wonders for your resume portfolio.

Including a link to your professional vlog could make your application even more interactive for recruiters.

Especially, if your channel focuses on teaching know-how within your area of expertise.

Even though YouTube (or even TikTok) portfolios may be less common - if you've invested the time to create quality content on the platform, use it as a trump card for your application.

To recap it all, here’s an example of how to curate links within the header of your resume:

There are two schools of thought about links in the experience section of your resume.

Some say that it's nice to have links to your previous projects within the description of each experience item.

Those links could lead to either your current/ previous employer's website or your LinkedIn profile.

Candidates opt to do so to save space on their resume and at the same time - to showcase their work even further.

Whatever you decide to do, first check the NDA you've signed to see your copyright legal obligations.

The second school of thought - against including links - points out that URLs make each of your experience items less ATS-friendly and information-heavy.

The choice is entirely up to you.

Before you decide on including links in your experience, check out the below example to get a better sense of the potential look and feel of your resume.

Long story short: it's entirely up to you. For starters, consider what value would the links (within these two separate resume sections) bring to your application.

Perhaps it could be the "social proof" recruiters need of your

• remarkable publications and projects within your education section ;
• certificates you've attained at the end of a given training session;
• projects you've built, thanks to your certifications .

It’s not a definite, 100% must, but could be something extra to add to your resume.

There are plenty more sections within which you could decide to curate your resume links, including

• Projects - links to up to two projects that are really something (within the relevant industry);
• Publications - to showcase the further effect you have on the academia and research environment.

But don’t get too caught up in including your proof for every single section of your resume. Instead, select the ones which you believe would really impress recruiters and take it a step further by curating a dedicated link.

It’s a win-win strategy for all.

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Should You Include Links In Your Resume? Yes, Here’s How.

3 key takeaways

• Adding links to your resume can provide more context around your professional experience.
• Resume links can include your LinkedIn profile, career portfolio, and more.
• Teal’s AI Resume Builder adds URLs to the right spot in your resume.

When you’re on the job search, you want to provide any materials that support your candidacy for the role. A professional resume and cover letter are standard, but adding links in your resume can showcase more of your skills and abilities and can complement your other materials. Whether you should include links in resumes is sometimes hotly debated and it depends on the situation and the type of URL.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• The importance of resume links
• Whether you should include links in your resume
• Which social media links (if any) to include in your resume
• How to include links in your resume using various tools
• The best place to put links in your resume

The importance of links in a resume

Why should you include links in your resume if you already have a cover letter and resume? Links can enhance a resume and add a layer of depth to your application. You can point hiring managers and recruiters in the right direction and show your skills, not just state them. But how important they are for your resume depends on your industry. 

For example, a career portfolio can be used for designers, writers, developers, and other creators. Your portfolio can show your talent in action and boost your credibility. Adding social media links is appropriate for social media and marketing roles. And if you don’t have your own personal website or need to share social media links, include your LinkedIn profile URL . 

Putting links in your resume can also give you more control. Let’s face it, potential employers are probably going to Google you and scope out your online presence. By providing the right links, you have a better chance of owning your narrative—well before they go digging. 

Using Teal’s Resume Builder , you can easily add and format your URL (the link address) and turn it into a hyperlink (clickable text going to the link address). Including the raw URL (full website address spelled out, rather than embedded) is beneficial if your resume is printed out, so people know where to go. A hyperlink makes everything one click away if your resume is submitted online.

Should you include links in your resume?

There are many dos and don’ts when searching for jobs. One of the age-old questions is should you include links in resumes? The short answer: it depends.

But this simple follow-up question will help you decide:

Will adding the links help or hurt your chances of scoring an interview? 

Some creative and project-based positions get the most out of including links in a resume. A link can house your portfolio or showcase your relevant projects, bringing your skills to life. 

Links to personal social media accounts (outside of LinkedIn) shouldn’t be included in your resume unless you’ve built a following and it relates to the job you want. For example, social media managers or influencers may use links to show proof of their social skills. 

If you’re on the fence about whether to include links in your resume, consider the pros and cons of resume links:

• Show creativity 
• Demonstrate skills and abilities
• Establish expertise and credibility 
• Links could break
• Not everyone will click 
• Design may be impacted with some Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) or the link may not come through at all

The last two cons are key. Even if you have a stunning website and include your portfolio URL, you can’t control what others do. In other words, there’s always the possibility that someone will skim past it and not click on it. Additionally, Applicant Tracking Systems may treat links differently. 

Dr. Kyle Elliott, tech career coach, CaffeinatedKyle.com says:

“With hundreds of applicant tracking systems (ATS) on the market, you can't know for sure how your resume will be parsed. That said, it's best to avoid hiding any vital information behind a link on your resume. Instead, try to include the text directly on your resume when possible. If you do choose to include a link on your resume, provide the entire link (for example: LinkedIn.com/in/KyleCromerElliott ), rather than an abbreviation (for example: "LinkedIn Profile"), as many ATS will convert the contents of your document into plain text."

In addition to including links as raw URLs, Elliot recommends a description to accompany links in a resume:

“Be sure to provide context when providing a link on your resume. If you want to share a project you worked on, for instance, explain your role and impact. When in doubt, assume the link won't get opened, and only the content of your resume will be read by a prospective employer.”

Think of any resume links you provide as a bonus. A company may have a policy of not clicking on links due to suspected malware or viruses. So even if you put links in your resume, there's no guarantee the hiring manager will open the link, even if they want to.

For more tips on what to include in your resume, check out our guide on how to list contact information on your resume .

How to include social media links in your resume

Your social media accounts can give a glimpse of your personal brand and help the hiring manager get to know you better. At a minimum, job candidates can include their LinkedIn URL, as it’s a career platform. But should you include social media links in resume that aren’t LinkedIn?

If you’re considering another social media channel, review on a case-by-case basis. For example, if you’re applying for a role where you’ll be creating videos or content, including your TikTok may be relevant.

The question to always come back to: Is this directly related to the job I’m applying to? 

If it’s not, forget about it. If you decide to move forward with including social media links in your resume, it should be strategic and thoughtful. Here’s how to put links in your resume:

1. Identify relevant social media links

Do an audit of the social media links you want to include in your resume. Before adding, answer the following questions:

• Does your profile page represent who you are as a job applicant?
• Is the link relevant to the position you’re applying to?
• Do you have a professional headshot—and is it current? 
• Are your posts useful?
• Is the content free of any spelling or grammar errors? 
• Do you have any content that can be considered insensitive?

When not to include social media links: 

• If your photo is unprofessional and more than two years old
• If your posts are stream-of-consciousness or rambly 
• If the content isn’t related to the role you’re applying for
• If your posts include potentially offensive takes on hot-button issues 

2. Review URL address 

After identifying the social media links you want to include, copy each URL address so you can paste it into your resume. Your LinkedIn profile should be customized to include your full name. You can edit the LinkedIn URL by going to your profile and clicking on the pencil in the upper right “Public profile & URL” section. If the other links are lengthy, consider shortening them using a tool like Bit.ly. 

3. Add social media links to resume

You can paste the URL address at the top of your resume or near the contact information section.

Teal’s Resume Builder can simplify this process. After importing a resume or your LinkedIn URL, Teal will help you build a resume.

In the “Contact Information" section, you’ll see a place to add your LinkedIn or Twitter URL. 

Paste the URL address into the appropriate section. 

In Teal's AI Resume Builder, you can save all contact info, including various professional links.

In Teal's AI Resume Builder, you can turn any contact info (including URLs) on and off.

Make sure the box is checked to include the link in your resume. 

Teal’s Resume builder makes it easy to add links in resume and gives you the tools to match your resume with a job description for a specific role.

How to include hyperlinks in your resume

You can either paste the URL address directly into your resume or make it a hyperlink. Hyperlinks refer to clickable links within text (for example, all of the working links in this article are hyperlinks). Doing this saves resume real estate and directs hiring managers to your materials in one click. Typically, you need to highlight the URL or a string of text, insert the link, and paste the URL. But each platform may vary, so here’s how to include hyperlinks in your resume with various tools. 

How do I add a link to my resume in Word?

To add a link to your resume in Word:

• Copy the link you want to hyperlink 
• Highlight the URL address or text you want to hyperlink
• Go to “Insert”
• Go to “Links”
• Click on “Link”
• Paste the URL address

How do I add a link to my resume in Google Docs?

To add a link to your resume in Google Docs:

• Highlight the URL address or relevant text 
• Go to “Link”

• Paste URL address 
• Hit “Apply”

Pro tip: You can also edit a hyperlink after placing it in Google Docs by clicking on the hyperlink and selecting pencil icon.

How do I add a link to my resume in Canva?

To add a link to your resume in Canva:

• Click on the design template
• Click the link icon 

• Paste the link in “Enter a link or search” box
• Click “Done” 

How do I add a link to my resume in Teal?

To add a link to resume in Teal: 

• Log into your Teal account (or create one for free) 
• Go to “Resume Builder”
• Import your existing resume or LinkedIn URL
• Under “Contact Information” click on “Edit”
• Paste LinkedIn profile, Twitter profile, or website in the designated box

Choose when to hide or show URLs on your resume in Teal's AI Resume Builder by checking or unchecking boxes.

• Press “Save”
• Make sure the box with the link is checked, so it shows up on resume 

While you can add links in your resume using a variety of tools, Teal’s Resume Builder can help you effortlessly format and optimize everything in one place. It can also help you write about your achievements. 

Where to put portfolio and LinkedIn links on your resume

If you want the hiring manager to actually click on your portfolio URL or LinkedIn profile, location is key. Depending on the resume design, the links could be at the top or on the side in the contact information section. This can help maximize visibility and boost your chances of having the links clicked.  

Your portfolio and LinkedIn URL can provide additional information that may not be in your resume or cover letter. While the most important parts should always be in your resume and cover letter, adding other links that demonstrate your skills can add depth to your job application, providing more credibility. That can help differentiate you so you stand out to the hiring manager. 

Teal’s Resume Formatting feature can help simplify the process. You can put your website and LinkedIn profile in the “Contact Information” section . From there, you can choose a template design that fits your needs.

Can an ATS read hyperlinks?

Applicant tracking systems , or ATS, are used by hiring managers and recruiters to track applicants. Many employers use ATS to easily vet candidates for required skills and streamline the hiring process. 

There are different applicant tracking systems. Many of the sophisticated ones used today can read hyperlinks. Other antiquated systems may not be able to read a hyperlink . In some cases, your link may be garbled into a mix of characters.

While this seems to be somewhat uncommon, there’s little benefit to leaving it to chance. Mike Peditto, director of recruiting at Teal, recommends including the full URL just in case:

“I’ve never heard of a hyperlink disrupting an ATS, but sometimes the link doesn’t come through. The advice I’d offer is to write out the actual web address rather than ‘LinkedIn’ [anchor text] so if the link doesn’t parse, people can still copy and paste the URL.”

That’s why it’s always a good idea to spell out the URL address and hyperlink it. If the hyperlinked text isn’t read by the ATS or the resume is printed, the needed information is still there to type the address in manually. Teal’s Resume Formatting Feature places your links at the top with the URL address, making it ATS-friendly.

Best practices for adding links

Whether you add hyperlinks in your resume or not is a personal decision. It should only be done if it adds value. The links should help you score an interview, not take you out of the running. 

Before putting links in your resume, double-check the link. A simple copy-and-paste error can lead to a broken link and defeat the purpose entirely. To help you format your resume and easily add links, use Teal’s Resume Builder to get started. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i ensure that the links on my resume remain active and accessible to employers, what types of links are appropriate to include on a professional resume, how can i tastefully integrate links into my resume without cluttering it.

Melanie Lockert

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How to Include Your LinkedIn URL on Your Resume

• Before You Add a Link

What to Include in Your Profile

Linkedin custom url options, how to create a custom linkedin url.

• List LinkedIn on Your Resume
• List Your URL in Your Signature

Add Your Resume to LinkedIn

Frequently asked questions.

Shannon Fagan / Getty Images

One of the benefits of LinkedIn is that it gives prospective employers and professional connections a synopsis of your credentials. Viewing a LinkedIn profile is a quick and easy way to get insight into someone's career history.

You can create a custom LinkedIn URL to add to your resume, email signature, and anywhere else you'd like to market your credentials. Hiring managers will be able to easily access your LinkedIn profile and see recommendations and skill endorsements from your colleagues, clients, and managers.

Get advice on how to include your LinkedIn URL on your resume, create a custom URL, and make your profile stand out to employers.

Spiff Up LinkedIn Before You Add a Link to Your Resume 

You want your LinkedIn profile to be polished and robust. If your profile simply restates the same information that's included on your resume, it won't improve your chances of getting an interview.

A less-than-compelling LinkedIn could even hurt your candidacy. No one likes to feel that they've wasted a click, and hiring managers may assume that your sparse profile is an accurate picture of your qualifications.

Prospective employers can visit LinkedIn to learn more about you and your skills and credentials.

Here's what to include on your LinkedIn profile and how to give it a makeover, if it needs one.

Add a Summary

Along with listing your work experience, be sure to add a summary section to your profile. This is similar to a  resume summary statement ; it allows you to highlight your greatest strengths and work experience.

You can write your summary in the first person; this is an opportunity to be authentic and show a bit of personality.

Write a Headline

Be sure to write a headline at the top of your profile—this is like a  resume headline , which is a short phrase that summarizes who you are as a professional.

One element of a LinkedIn profile that makes it different from a resume is that people can give you recommendations.

Request Recommendations

LinkedIn recommendations are written references supporting your work. Job seekers should include a  variety of recommendations  with their profile to show that others respect the quality of their work. 

You can request these recommendations from clients, colleagues, professors, coaches, fellow volunteers, and subordinates as well as people who have supervised your work.

Include Skills

Skill endorsements are a way for your connections to verify that you have the skills and qualifications that hiring managers seek. LinkedIn does not provide a way to request skill endorsements, but you can encourage your connections to offer them by endorsing their skills first.

Add Samples

LinkedIn allows members to showcase samples of their work in the featured section of their profile. Incorporate writing samples, design samples, slide presentations, spreadsheets, websites, and other examples of your work. Include any information that demonstrates your skills. Of course, avoid sharing any proprietary information that would be damaging to your employer.

Creating a distinctive LinkedIn profile URL can help you to convey a strong brand as you network and job search. Unless you create a custom URL, LinkedIn will assign a URL that typically contains your name as well as some numbers and letters. It's much better to create your own short version for employers and connections to click on.

Here are options for creating an easy-to-remember URL.

Use Your Name

A custom URL can be as simple as just your name, which will be more memorable to prospective employers and networking contacts. If your name is taken, consider adding your middle initial or middle name to the URL.

Use a Phrase or Label

Another approach to customization is to include a phrase or label that might get picked up by search engines more readily. For example, someone who wants to establish an identity as a quantitative analyst might include "quantguy[name]" in their URL.

Here's how to customize your LinkedIn profile URL:

• When you are logged in to LinkedIn, click on your own profile page. Then, click on the "Edit public profile & URL" link on the upper right corner of the page.
• On the right side of your public profile page, you will see your current URL. Immediately underneath it, you will see a link to "Edit public profile URL." Click on the pencil icon, and you will see a box where you can fill in your new custom URL.
• Type in a new URL composed of 3-100 letters or numbers, with no spaces, symbols, or special characters allowed.
• Click on "Save" just below the box, and you will be all set with your new custom LinkedIn profile URL.

Once you have created a customized URL, it's a good idea to add it to your resume and to your  social networking profiles .

Where to List Your LinkedIn URL on Your Resume

List your LinkedIn URL in the contact section of your resume after your email address.

LinkedIn URL on Resume Example

Your Name Your address Your city, state, zip code Your phone number Your email address LinkedIn (or personal website) URL

How to List Your LinkedIn URL in Your Signature

Email signature with linkedin.

Your Name Email Address Phone LinkedIn URL

Be sure to upload a new version of your resume when you get promoted, change jobs, add to your education or certifications, or upgrade your skills.

In addition to showcasing your LinkedIn profile on your resume, you can add your resume to LinkedIn, by either linking to it or uploading it. This is an excellent way to provide in-depth information about your employment history and expertise to prospective employers and business contacts.

You can either upload a resume file directly to LinkedIn or link to your resume document on another site. Here's how:

• When you are logged in to LinkedIn, go to your own profile page by clicking "Me" and then selecting "View Profile" from the dropdown menu.
• Go to the introduction section in the top right corner of your screen. This is the part of the page listing your name, headline, and location. Click "Add Profile Section."
• Open the "Featured" section, and select "Media."
• Upload your resume from your computer.
• Or: in the "Featured" section, select "Links" from the dropdown. Enter the URL of your online resume.
• Edit the "Title" and "Description" in the pop-up window.
• Click "Save."

How do I delete my resume from LinkedIn?

Deleting your resume from LinkedIn is just as easy as uploading the document in the first place. Scroll down to the featured section on your profile page. Click the pencil icon to edit. Then, click "Delete." This method works whether you've uploaded your document as a file or as a URL.

How do I update my resume on LinkedIn?

To update your resume, scroll down to the featured section on your profile page. Click the pencil icon to edit. Click "Edit" to tweak your title and description, or "Delete" to take down your existing resume and upload a new document.

Why is my resume blurry on LinkedIn?

Sometimes, resumes uploaded as PDFs to LinkedIn appear blurry due to image quality or compression issues. However, you can often work around this issue by hosting your resume on another site. Upload your PDF to your own website, then navigate to the featured section and add the URL instead of the document.

How do I list freelance work on LinkedIn?

There are several ways to highlight your freelance work on your LinkedIn profile:

• List your title in your headline (e.g., "Independent Consultant").
• Add descriptions of your work experience to your summary section.
• Add contractor roles to your experience section. To do this, click the "Add" icon at the top of the experience section, and fill in the relevant fields.
• Add work samples to your featured section by uploading links or documents.

LinkedIn. " Your LinkedIn Profile—Overview ." Accessed April 20, 2021.

LinkedIn. " Customize Your Public Profile URL ." Accessed April 20, 2021.

LinkedIn. " Skill Endorsements—Overview ." Accessed April 20, 2021.

LinkedIn. " Recommendations—Overview ." Accessed April 20, 2021.

LinkedIn. " Skill Endorsements and Recommendations ." Accessed April 20, 2021.

LinkedIn. " Feature Samples of Your Work on Your LinkedIn Profile ." Accessed April 20, 2021.

StackExchange. " Uploaded PDFs Are Blurry on LinkedIn Profile Page ." Accessed April 20, 2021.

LinkedIn. " Showing Self-Employed or Consultant on Your Profile ." Accessed April 20, 2021.

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How to Make Resumes in 5 Steps

Create a resume that your future employer will love quickly and easily with Visme. You can create a professional PDF resume, infographic resume, animated resume and more.

Learn how to create beautiful resumes in five steps with Visme so you can start sending out professional resumes and land your next dream job.

• Click the “Create Your Resume” button below to browse our available templates.
• Upload your headshot and put it in place. Add your name and contact details.
• Replace icons to make them relevant to your industry and personalize the content.
• Choose a professional font that is legible and serene color scheme.
• Download as a PDF or generate a shareable link for an animated resume.

How to Use the Resume Maker

Organize all the information for your resume in a document on your computer. Have a professional looking headshot ready. Make sure it’s good quality and not blurry or pixelated.

Click the “Create Your Resume” button to start using the free resume builder.

Upload your headshot and place it in the provided section of the template you chose. You can choose to not use a photo as well.

Start adding your name and contact information at the top of the template and choose the font or font pair you will use for the rest of the resume.

The resume maker has all the sections you need to design a custom resume. Insert all your information to personalize the resume.

Choose a color theme from the left-hand panel or change the colors of the elements one by one.

Use graphs, charts, and infographic diagrams to visualize your achievements and abilities which are worth mentioning.

Download your resume as a PDF or generate a shareable link. Share your finished resume with potential employers via email or with a private link.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does it cost to create a resume with the resume maker, how many resume templates can i choose from, are the resume templates completely customizable, can i use my brand kit with the resume maker, are there plenty of fonts to choose from, can i add icons, graphs and other visuals to my resume, your resumes deserve to be beautiful and so does the rest of your content.

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Use Custom Links to Present Your Resume/CV

Fumbling for a resume on the spot? Say goodbye to that worry! If you use LinkedIn, unlock the power of Rebrandly to create a customized, memorable URL for your profile.

What's the Advantage?

• Effortless Sharing : A branded link is easy to remember, pronounce, and share, making a great first impression.
• Professional Polish : Ditch the generic LinkedIn URL for a sleek, professional address that reflects your brand.

Example in Action:

• Imagine this: Davide.link/CV

Ready to Get Started?

Rebrandly empowers you to create a branded link that stands out. Upgrade your professional image today!

If Your CV is On a File Simply upload your resume/CV anywhere online, shorten the URL under your branded domain, and share the link with the next person that needs it. Here's how it works:

Use any of these services (or your own website, WordPress, or many other options) to upload your Resume: Google Docs, Google Drive, Dropbox, WordPress, Scribd, Wix, Squarespace, Filedropper, or many more.

Example of how to quickly use a short link to share a file from your dropbox:

1. In your Dropbox folder, simply right click any file (your resume for this example, but I'm using an image) and click "Copy Dropbox Link:"

 2. Open your Rebrandly Dashboard and click "New Link:"

3. Paste in the URL, and now you actually have two options:

• Leave the link as is, which will include a dl=0 at the end, and allow someone to open the dropbox file location to view the file.
• Change "dl=0" to "dl=1" which will automatically have the user download the file when they land on the page.

TIP: Type in your custom URL slug, such as /CV or /Resume (remember, caps do not matter) and you've got a resume with you anywhere you go!

This Article is About:

• Sharing Files Using Rebrandly
• Sharing Your Resume/CV with Others
• Branding a Dropbox file with Rebrandly
• A better Way to Present Your CV using Branded Links
• What is a Branded Link?
• Purchase and Register a New Branded Domain

Related articles

• Create Short Links for All of Your Social Channels
• What is Rebrandly?
• How to Use a Branded Link for Google+
• Connect a Sub-Domain as my Branded URL Shortener

 I use a program called mmini to shorten my links. Links and a little demo for the curious: https://mmini.me/GO .

Please sign in to leave a comment.

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Add LinkedIn to a Resume: Customize Your URL & Show Your Skills

Last Updated: February 1, 2024 Fact Checked

Customize Your LinkedIn URL

Add linkedin to your resume, what should my linkedin profile include, expert interview.

This article was co-authored by James Pak and by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA . James Pak is a Career Coach and Founder of LA Career Coaching. With over eight years of industry experience, James specializes in career guidance, professional development, and graduate school and college admissions consulting for students. He offers one-on-one coaching services and works with students in college and high school. He received his MBA from Columbia Business School and a B.S. from Boston College. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 10,796 times.

Should you add your LinkedIn URL to your resume? If so, where? Adding your LinkedIn URL to your resume gives hiring managers another place to see you, rather than just your resume. This wikiHow article teaches you how to customize your LinkedIn URL and add it to your resume. We'll also give you tips on where to place your LinkedIn link and help you figure out what to add to your profile.

Things You Should Know

• Before your add your LinkedIn profile URL to the header & contact info in your resume, make sure your URL is customized and that your profile is polished.
• Customize your URL on your computer by going to "View Profile > Edit public profile & URL > Edit > Save."
• Customize your URL on your phone by going to "View Profile > … > Contact info > Edit > Edit your custom URL > Save."

• For computers, click Edit public profile & URL on the far right side of the screen, then click the pencil icon in the "Edit your custom URL" tile.
• In the mobile app, tap the three-dot menu icon (it's to the right of "Open to" and "Add section") and tap Contact info . Tap the pencil icon next to the "Contact" header then tap your current public profile URL. When the next page opens, tap the pencil icon in the "Edit your custom URL" tile.

• To appear straight-foward you can use your name, but if you have a more common name try adding your current profession to the URL, like "jane-doe-developer."

• Get the URL by going to your LinkedIn profile and copying it from the address bar. [1] X Research source

• Use this method if your LinkedIn profile has recently been updated or polished and your profile URL is customized. There's nothing more embarrassing than including an unfinished or out-of-date LinkedIn profile URL on your resume and then having hiring managers point it out.

Charbel Atala

Link your online profiles prominently to make them easy to access. Make professional profiles like LinkedIn easy to access by listing URLs clearly on resumes. Enable one-click background vetting checks for recruiters.

• If your resume is digital (meaning it's not printed on paper) make it a hyperlink . In that case, the person can click the link to visit your LinkedIn profile.
• On the other hand, don't hyperlink the text if the resume is going to be printed. A hyperlink that's printed out will appear in a bright blue text that's distracting.
• If the job is mobile, consider putting a QR code instead so the hiring manager can use that instead.

Expert Q&A

• You can use a computer or the mobile app on Android to upload your resume. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If you want to hide or delete a resume from your LinkedIn profile, scroll down to the "Featured" section of your profile, click the pencil icon next to your resume, and click Delete . Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about finding a job, check out our in-depth interview with James Pak .

• ↑ https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a542685/manage-your-public-profile-url?lang=en

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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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How To: Create a Shareable Link to your Resume

Related media.

How To Write a Resume for Your First Job

Imagine yourself stumbling across your dream job listing. You’re reading through the responsibilities and job tasks and you find yourself getting more and more excited as the list goes on. Then, it’s time to apply. But you have no real-world job experience. You’re just a student! How will you ever write a resume for your first job when you haven’t had one yet?

Knowing how to write a resume for your first job does not come naturally. In fact, it feels like a daunting task. If you have little applicable experience yet, or you’re just entering the workforce, how can you prove you’re the right fit for the position? 

Resumes are an excellent way to tout your knowledge, training and (if applicable) skills in the field. You can create an attractive resume highlighting your candidacy without any direct experience or prior work history.

We’ll show you how to write a resume for your first job so you can kick off your work experience with preparedness and confidence.

• Do you need a resume?
• What should you put on a resume?

Crafting a resume with no experience

Finalizing your first job resume, quick guide: write your first resume in 6 steps, do you need a resume for your first job.

While a resume may not be required to apply for your first job, it is highly recommended that you do so, and it will undoubtedly set you apart from the other applicants. A resume reflects your professionalism and commitment to the job application process. It showcases your knowledge, skills, training and prior experience in an easy-to-digest and relatively standard format, making it easy for potential employers to decipher between candidates to choose the best person for the job.

Even for entry-level positions, when many applicants don’t have a prior work history, sharing a resume will give you a competitive edge when written persuasively.

The role of a resume in job applications

A resume plays an important role when applying for jobs. It serves as an introduction to potential employers and those in the company who will decide whether or not to move forward with your application. It also provides a summary of what you bring to the table for those who will be interviewing you during the application process.

The resume is essential for showcasing your skills. A well-crafted and persuasive resume can highlight your achievements and knowledge, even if you have limited work experience in the field you’re applying to. Because your resume is the first contact point between you and a potential employer, it’s crucial to understand how to write a resume for your first job – and how to write it well.

What should you put on a resume for your first job?

There are a few things every resume must include – and those are some of the most essential details.

Contact information

We’d be remiss if we didn’t include the most important part of your resume – sharing your contact information. Start by listing your full name, phone number, email address and a link to your LinkedIn profile. Without your contact information, potential employers will have a hard time contacting you, which can prevent you from getting an interview.

Why share a link to your LinkedIn profile ? LinkedIn is now an essential part of the job search market. It serves as a shareable resume in addition to showcasing your network. Employers can see if you have any professionals in common from work or personal life, which may help build your credibility as a candidate.

Be sure to act professionally on LinkedIn. Share relevant news and insights to highlight your interest and knowledge of an industry, but be wary of getting too personal or engaging in inappropriate dialogue. Behave on LinkedIn as you would in an office setting with colleagues.

Educational background and achievements

Start by listing your educational information, such as schools attended, graduation dates and relevant academic achievements or awards. Include your major and minor, field of study and GPA. If you were enrolled in courses, projects or study abroad programs relevant to the job, include details to show your knowledge and interests.

Skills section

While you likely have some combination of hard and soft skills, a skills section will showcase the hard skills you’ve learned to prepare you for the job. Soft skills are best to be included in the bullet points to describe your accomplishments in your experience section.

• Hard skills include specific technical skills you’ve learned along the way. For example, computer proficiency, language skills, lab skills or specific training or certifications.
• Soft skills , or human skills, include job aspects that apply to many (if not all) job roles. These include communication, teamwork and problem-solving. If you’re particularly adept in any of these, showcase them and be prepared to share real examples of these skills in action.

Extracurricular activities and volunteer work

Employers look for candidates who go the extra mile to be involved in extracurricular activities. This demonstrates your commitment to becoming a well-rounded human being. Highlight clubs, sports or volunteer activities that you were involved in, especially emphasizing leadership roles or particular responsibilities you had in these activities. This extracurricular activity showcases your ability to multi-task, prioritize time and develop skills and interests.

Example Resume & Writing Guide

See a real-life example of a strong resume, including tips for gathering your own persuasive experience and skills using our Resume Writing Guide !

As a young adult or new graduate, you may wonder how to write a resume for your first job with no real-world experience. Don’t fear – there have been many in your shoes before you!

What does a resume look like for a first job?

Your resume should be straightforward with a clean and concise design. It should be easy to read with a simple flow highlighting information from most important to nice-to-have details. Do not go overboard with design details, fonts or graphics. 

Furman recommends that you use Microsoft Word to build your resume as it can be easier to make changes to a Word document than it is to change a template. However, you can use free resume builder tools online to build your resume in standard formats.

• Myperfectresume.com
• Resumenerd.com

Using strong action words and job-specific keywords in your resume for your first job will significantly impact you. Describe experiences and achievements using strong action verbs, such as:

• Collaborated
• Volunteered

What to put on a resume with no experience?

You can learn how to write a resume for your first job that impresses potential employers, even without relevant work experience, by emphasizing relevant coursework. Doing this demonstrates skills learned in a classroom or group project setting. Highlight personal or academic projects showcasing your abilities, such as experiences where you took the lead as a group or team leader.

Before submitting your first job resume, review and edit the document for mistakes or improvements.

Proofreading and editing

Attention to detail is critical to potential employers. Check your resume for typos and grammatical errors. Mistakes on your resume may eliminate you as a candidate, especially if grammatical adeptness or attention to detail is essential to the job.

Similarly, ensure a consistent design throughout your resume. Stick to one format, using one legible font and minimal design details. A professional resume appearance can set you apart from other applicants’ resumes that may appear messy or disorganized.

Seeking feedback

Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from friends, mentors or even career services at schools or community centers. A peer review from your fellow students, teachers or mentors can provide invaluable input on skills you may be forgetting, plus the extra set of eyes can help detect errors and typos.

Career services at your school or library also serve as an excellent third-party validation and review resource. Furman’s Malone Center for Career Engagement offers in-depth career preparation services for students, such as resume and cover letter assistance , career fairs and networking , personalized advice from advisors and interview prep – just to name a few.

Webinar: Polishing Your Resume & Preparing Your Pitch

Watch the free Polishing Your Resume & Preparing Your Pitch webinar for an in-depth look at creating your resume and preparing a pitch to potential employers straight from a Furman career advisor.

Now, do you feel ready and excited to write a resume for your first job? We hope you jotted down notes specific to your experience as you read through the post, but in case you didn’t, writing your resume can be simplified to these simple steps.

• Start with your contact information , including full name, phone number and email address. Consider adding a link to your LinkedIn profile.
• List your education experience , including relevant projects, courses and extracurricular activities.
• List both hard skills and soft skills relevant to the job.
• Explain your roles and responsibilities in your projects and extracurricular activities, especially those where you acted in a leadership capacity, using strong action verbs.
• Proofread and gather feedback.

If this is your first time writing a resume for your first job, approach the process with confidence and positivity. Your attitude will shine through the resume, so stay positive!

The perspectives and thoughts shared in the Furman Blog belong solely to the author and may not align with the official stance or policies of Furman University. All referenced sources were accurate as of the date of publication.

What Is the Purpose of a Cover Letter? (And How to Write One)

How to study abroad: a full guide for students, what can you do with a chemistry degree.

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Microsoft Copilot can boost your writing in Word, Outlook, and OneNote — here’s how

Copilot integration in microsoft 365 apps makes it a snap to generate first drafts, revise text, and get instant summaries for long docs or email threads. here’s how to use copilot for writing assistance in word, outlook, and onenote..

One of the most enticing uses for generative AI is to help you write. Anyone can get writing help from Microsoft’s Copilot genAI tool via the free Copilot web or mobile app. But Copilot becomes especially useful when it’s integrated with various Microsoft 365 apps.

As you compose, edit, or view a document in Word, for example, you can summon Copilot to assist you in several ways: It can generate rough drafts, polish or change the tone of your writing, and summarize long passages of text. Copilot can also help you compose or summarize emails in Outlook and help you rewrite or summarize notes in OneNote.

This guide will get you started on the basics of using Copilot for your writing in Microsoft 365 apps. But you’ll have to pay for a Copilot subscription in addition to your current Microsoft 365 plan.

In this article:

How to use copilot in microsoft 365 apps, generate a rough draft in word or outlook.

• Get email draft coaching in Outlook

Rewrite text in Word or OneNote

Summarize long documents, notes, emails, or threads.

Individuals with a free Microsoft account or a Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscription can purchase a Copilot Pro subscription for $20 per month. (A one-month free trial is available.) Each person who wants to use Copilot Pro must have their own subscription.

If you have a free Microsoft account, the Copilot Pro subscription lets you use Copilot in certain Microsoft 365 apps on the web only. If you have a paid Microsoft 365 plan, you’ll be able to use Copilot in the desktop and mobile versions of those M365 apps as well. Once you’ve signed up, you may need to refresh your Microsoft 365 license before Copilot becomes available in the apps.

If you’re on a Microsoft 365 business plan (such as through a company you work for), a Copilot for Microsoft 365 subscription costs $30 per user per month. This must be paid annually at $360 up front, and there’s no trial period. (Apparently, Microsoft presumes that your company will foot this hefty tab.) A Copilot Pro subscription cannot be used with a Microsoft 365 business account.

This guide goes over how to use Copilot in Word, Outlook, and OneNote to help you compose and revise text. I’ll demonstrate using Copilot Pro with an individual Microsoft 365 account, but the descriptions also apply to Copilot for Microsoft 365 used with a Microsoft 365 business plan. Most of the steps and user interfaces are alike. I’ll also note additional features that are available under the business versions of Copilot and Microsoft 365.

Note: Microsoft 365 apps aren’t completely consistent on different platforms — for instance, a menu choice in Word for Windows might be named differently from the same option in the web version of Word. In these cases, I’ve tried to include both names. You may still find instances where a button or menu item doesn’t match, but it’s generally obvious what to do.

Copilot can help you compose text drafts in Word and Outlook. In Outlook, you use Copilot through a panel that appears over the main area of the app. In Word, you can use Copilot from a similar panel that overlays the document, or from a sidebar that opens along the right of the page.

Using the “Draft with Copilot” panel in Word and Outlook

Word: Start with a new, blank document or open an existing document that you’d like to add more writing to. (Set the cursor where you want the generated text to be inserted.) Click the Copilot icon that appears in the left margin.

To get started with Copilot in Word, click the Copilot icon in the left margin or press Alt-I on your keyboard.

Howard Wen / IDG

The “Draft with Copilot” panel appears over the document. In the text entry box, you’ll type in a prompt that describes the text you want Copilot to write. (More on that in a moment.)

Type your prompt into the “Draft with Copilot” panel.

In the desktop version of Word for Windows, there’s a Reference a file button at the bottom of the Draft with Copilot panel. Clicking this may let you select a document in your OneDrive or SharePoint for Copilot to base its generated text on, including content, writing style, and formatting. (Business users can select up to three files for Copilot to reference.) You can also type your prompt followed by a / (forward slash) and a document’s file name to trigger Copilot to reference it.

But know that this function may not work for you – it apparently depends on whether Copilot itself thinks you have documents that it can reference for you.

Outlook: With the cursor in the message body of a new email, click the Copilot button on the Home tab of the ribbon toolbar. On the drop-down menu that opens, click Draft with Copilot .

To get started with Copilot in Outlook, click the Copilot button in the ribbon toolbar.

On the “Draft with Copilot” panel that opens, type your prompt inside the text entry box. The panel is similar to what you see in Word, but with an additional option: a button with two sliders on it that may say Adjust or Generate options , depending on your version of Outlook. When you click it, a drop-down menu opens that lists options for tone of voice and word length for the generated email draft.

In Outlook, you can designate tone of voice and general length for Copilot’s output.

Crafting your prompts

Prompts are sentences that you enter to instruct Copilot (or other AI assistants) how to compose the text you want created. Your prompt should minimally include the subject and a few specifics about the writing you want it to generate.

To get started, describe the kind of text you want Copilot to generate and add a detail or two about it. These prompts can be simple or a little more complex. For example:

• “Create a brief business pitch for a new vegan restaurant that will be located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia.”
• “Write an opening paragraph describing my interest in a technical support job opening at Microsoft.”
• “Write a few sentences that inquire if there are any job openings in technical support at Microsoft.”
• “Compose a polite follow-up with the recipient about a video call we had last week.”

The more specifics you include in your prompt, the more likely you are to get good results. For instance, if you have notes that contain specific data points that you want to include in the generated text, copy and paste those notes into your prompt. If you have an outline for the topics you want to cover in the draft, paste that in as well.

But frankly, there are no hard rules about writing prompts — just use your imagination and see how Copilot responds. Expect that the AI may not generate results that you like (if it generates any at all). Keep experimenting with the descriptions in your prompts until you coax Copilot to produce a useful response.

Once you’ve entered your prompt (and optionally selected a tone and length in Outlook), click the Generate button or press Enter on your keyboard and wait for Copilot to work its AI magic.

The results are in – actions you can take

When Copilot has generated a draft, it appears in the document or email with a toolbar below it.

In Word, use the toolbar below the generated draft to keep, retry, discard, or refine the text.

You can use the toolbar to perform the following functions:

• Click the Keep it button to keep the newly minted words in your document or email. You can then edit the generated text in the doc or email as you see fit.
• Click the Regenerate button (two circular arrows) if you’re not satisfied with the result and want Copilot to generate a whole new one.
• Click the Discard button (a trashcan) to discard the result.
• Refine the result by typing more prompts in the text entry box (e.g., “add more details,” “make this sound more professional,” or “make it shorter”) and clicking the arrow. Copilot will generate an updated writing result using your additional commands and descriptions.
• Optionally click the thumbs up or down icon in the upper-right corner of the toolbar to rate the quality of the result that Copilot generated. Presumably, this helps train the Copilot to produce better results in the future.

In Outlook, the buttons and text entry box are arranged differently in the toolbar, but they perform the same actions on an email draft that Copilot generates for you. You can also use the Adjust or Generate options button to change the tone or length.

The toolbar that appears with generated text in Outlook offers the same functions as in Word.

Important: All AI-generated content can contain errors or outright fabrications, known as hallucinations. When you insert text that Copilot has generated into a document or email, be sure to fact-check it carefully.

AI-generated content also tends to be generic and a bit boring, so you’ll likely want to edit it to inject your own personality or writing style.

Using the Copilot sidebar in Word

On the Home tab in Word’s ribbon toolbar, click the Copilot button. This will open the Copilot sidebar to the right. At the bottom of the sidebar, type your prompt inside the text entry box and click the arrow button (or press Enter). Copilot will generate text and display it inside the sidebar.

Generated text in the Copilot sidebar in Word.

Click the Copy button to copy the writing to your PC clipboard. You can then paste it into a document, note, email, or elsewhere.

Unlike the Draft with Copilot panel, the Copilot sidebar doesn’t include tools for refining text it generates from scratch. What’s more, Copilot’s behavior in the sidebar feels a little unreliable, producing inconsistent results. The sidebar seems better used for summarizing your document or asking the AI questions about it than for generating text.

Get coaching on an email draft in Outlook

If you’d rather compose emails yourself but would like some suggestions for improvement, there’s a nifty Copilot feature in Outlook called email coaching. After you’ve written your email draft, click the Copilot button on the Home tab in the ribbon toolbar. On the menu that appears, choose Coaching by Copilot .

Copilot will review your draft and offer specific suggestions for improving it in terms of tone, reader engagement, and clarity.

Copilot can critique your email draft and offer suggestions for improvement.

You can rewrite passages of text in a Word document or a OneNote page. This can be useful if you feel that your writing could use a little more detail, or if a paragraph sounds too wordy.

In Word, you can use either the Copilot panel or sidebar (as described earlier in this guide) to command Copilot to rewrite. In OneNote, you can use the sidebar or a right-click menu option.

Note: As of this writing, Copilot is available for OneNote only in the Windows desktop app.

Using the “Rewrite with Copilot” panel in Word

Highlight the passage of text that you want Copilot to rewrite. The Copilot button will appear in the margin to the left of the text that you highlighted. Click it, and on the menu that opens, select Auto rewrite or Rewrite with Copilot . Alternatively, you can right-click on your highlighted text, and on the menu that opens, select Copilot > Rewrite with Copilot .

In Word, select the text you want to rewrite, click the Copilot icon in the left margin, and select Auto rewrite .

Either way, the “Rewrite with Copilot” panel appears below your highlighted text. Copilot will generate and present up to three rewritten versions in the panel. Click the arrows at the top of the panel to cycle through the rewrites.

Reviewing and refining Copilot’s suggested rewrite for the highlighted text.

Below the rewritten text, you can click the following buttons:

• Replace will replace the original text that you highlighted with the currently visible rewritten version.
• Insert below will insert the rewritten version below the original text you highlighted (so that you can decide later if you want to keep it).
• The Regenerate button (two circular arrows) will generate another result.
• In the Word desktop app for Windows, there’s an Adjust tone button (an icon with two sliders); it opens a menu that lets you select another writing style. Copilot will then adjust its result with the style you select.
• In the Word web app, there’s a text entry box where you can refine the result by typing more prompts.

Note: Users with Copilot and M365 business subscriptions can also have Copilot rewrite messages in Teams . This feature works similarly to the Rewrite with Copilot panel in Word.

Using the Copilot sidebar in Word or OneNote

On the Home tab in the ribbon toolbar, click the Copilot button to open the Copilot sidebar to the right. To have Copilot rewrite the whole document or note, type rewrite inside the sidebar’s text entry box. To have it rewrite a specific paragraph, supply the paragraph number. You can also describe how you want the text to be rewritten, such as rewrite first paragraph to be shorter or rewrite paragraph 3 to sound more professional .

Copilot’s rewritten text appears in the sidebar. Below this result you’ll see the Copy button to copy the rewritten text to your clipboard.

A rewritten paragraph in the sidebar.

If you want to adjust Copilot’s rewriting result, you can click one of the suggested prompts that appear in the sidebar below the generated text and above the text entry box. To see different prompt suggestions, click the circular arrow icon.

In the text entry box, you can refine the result by typing more prompts.

Although the Copilot sidebar offers more options for refining its rewritten text than it does for text it generates from scratch, it’s still underpowered compared to the Rewrite with Copilot panel. The best way to rewrite text with Copilot in Word is to use the Rewrite with Copilot panel.

Using the right-click menu in OneNote

Alternatively, in OneNote, you can right-click the top bar of a text field on a page. On the menu that opens, select Copilot and on the next menu, Rewrite .

In OneNote, you can use a text field’s right-click menu to trigger a Copilot rewrite.

This action will trigger Copilot to rewrite everything inside this text field. The rewrite will then be set inside the top of the text field.

The rewritten text appears in the text field above the original text.

You can have Copilot generate a brief summary of a long document in Word or a page in OneNote. For this to work well, Microsoft says the document or page should contain at least 300 words but no more than 20,000.

In Outlook, Copilot can summarize a long email and, even more useful, the conversation within an entire email thread.

Using the Copilot sidebar in Word and OneNote

With the document opened in Word or page opened in OneNote, highlight the text that you want summarized. (If you want a summary of the entire document or page, skip this step.)

Click the Copilot button on the Home tab of the ribbon toolbar to open the Copilot sidebar. Inside the text entry box, type summarize and click the arrow button.

Copilot will generate a summary and display it inside the sidebar.

Copilot’s summary of a long document appears in the sidebar.

Below the summary, there’s the familiar Copy button to copy the summary to your PC clipboard.

Below that, you can click References to see a list of citations within the document that Copilot used to generate this summary. Clicking a snippet of the cited text will show in the main window of the app where in the document or page these words are. Clicking the down arrow to the right of a citation will show the passage that Copilot used as a citation.

Click References to view citations from the document that Copilot used for its summary.

Between the results field and the text entry box, you’ll see suggested prompts that you can click to revise the summary. Click the circular arrow icon to refresh these prompts with new suggestions.

Right-click the top bar of a text field. On the menu that opens, select Copilot > Summarize . This action will trigger Copilot to summarize everything inside this text field. The summary will then be set inside the top of the text field.

Copilot summaries created via OneNote’s right-click menu appear at the top of the text field being summarized.

Summarizing emails and threads in Outlook

Open the email or conversation that you want to summarize. Click Summarize or Summary by Copilot at the top of the email thread. Copilot will generate a summary of the email or thread.

A Copilot-generated summary of an email.

This summary will be posted at the top of the email or thread. Thread summaries may include citations that Copilot used in generating the summary.  Clicking a citation (denoted by a number) will scroll down the thread to the cited email for you to view.

This Copilot-generated summary of an email thread includes citations you can click to go to the source email.

Getting a summary when sharing a Word doc (business plans only)

If you have Copilot with a Microsoft 365 business plan, you can use Copilot to generate a summary of a Word document when you share it with your co-workers. This summary is inserted as a passage of text inside the message that your co-workers receive inviting them to collaborate on the document.

With the document open in Word, click the Share button toward the upper right. On the Share panel that opens, click the Copilot icon inside the lower right of the “Add a message” composition box. The AI will generate and insert the summary. You can edit the summary before you send out the invite.

• Copilot for Microsoft 365 deep dive: Productivity at a steep price
• Is Copilot for Microsoft 365 a lying liar?
• Microsoft cheat sheets: Dive into Windows and Office apps

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Howard Wen ( www.howardwen.com ) is a longtime contributor to Computerworld . He specializes in explainer guides, how-tos, and reviews of office applications and productivity tools.

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19 Facts About Tim Walz, Harris’s Pick for Vice President

Mr. Walz, the governor of Minnesota, worked as a high school social studies teacher and football coach, served in the Army National Guard and chooses Diet Mountain Dew over alcohol.

• Share full article

By Simon J. Levien and Maggie Astor

• Published Aug. 6, 2024 Updated Aug. 9, 2024

Until recently, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota was a virtual unknown outside of the Midwest, even among Democrats. But his stock rose fast in the days after President Biden withdrew from the race, clearing a path for Ms. Harris to replace him and pick Mr. Walz as her No. 2.

Here’s a closer look at the Democrats’ new choice for vice president.

1. He is a (very recent) social media darling . Mr. Walz has enjoyed a groundswell of support online from users commenting on his Midwestern “dad vibes” and appealing ordinariness.

2. He started the whole “weird” thing. It was Mr. Walz who labeled former President Donald J. Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, “weird” on cable television just a couple of weeks ago. The description soon became a Democratic talking point.

3. He named a highway after Prince and signed the bill in purple ink. “I think we can lay to rest that this is the coolest bill signing we’ll ever do,” he said as he put his name on legislation declaring a stretch of Highway 5 the “Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway” after the musician who had lived in Minnesota.

4. He reminds you of your high school history teacher for a reason. Mr. Walz taught high school social studies and geography — first in Alliance, Neb., and then in Mankato, Minn. — before entering politics.

5. He taught in China in 1989 and speaks some Mandarin. He went to China for a year after graduating from college and taught English there through a program affiliated with Harvard University.

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Watch CBS News

Kamala Harris running mate Tim Walz's accomplishments, setbacks during his time as Minnesota governor

By Stephen Swanson

Updated on: August 7, 2024 / 6:24 AM CDT / CBS Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS — Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her presidential running mate. While Walz might not be a household name, his political star has been on the rise in recent weeks after making several viral cable news appearances.

Walz was also credited with helping launch the "weird" movement among his fellow Democrats, which has gained traction and put former President Donald Trump, his vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance and other Republicans on the defensive.

He has also been applauded and condemned for several progressive laws passed while in Minnesota's highest office, especially in his second term when the DFL Party took total control of state government following the 2022 elections.

He also faced severe criticism in his first term for how he handled the dual crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic and the violent uprising that followed the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020. 

In an interview with CNN last month , host Jake Tapper pressed Walz about whether he could harm the Democratic ticket, as the Trump campaign works hard to portray Harris as an ultraliberal. Walz said he was "more than happy" to take any label they have.

"What a monster! Kids are eating and having full bellies so they can go learn, and women are making their own health care decisions. And we're a top-five business state and we also rank in the top three of happiness," Walz said.

Larry Jacobs, director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota, believes Walz is an asset to Harris' campaign because of his "attack dog" skills.

"I think we'd see Tim Walz really going after the Trump-Vance ticket, and it'd probably be a harsher tone than what we've seen here in Minnesota in his everyday conduct. And he'd really be counted on to win the key states in the Upper Midwest," Jacobs said.

Here are several of Walz's accomplishments — with an unusual number of legislative successes scored in March 2023 alone — and setbacks during his tenure as governor.

The pandemic

Walz's use of emergency powers during the pandemic — including the institution of a mask mandate, business shutdowns and a hotline number established to report people violating social distancing guidelines — outraged his critics.

Several lawsuits followed, including one filed in 2020 by the conservative Upper Midwest Law Center alleging Walz misinterpreted the Minnesota Emergency Management Act and illegally bypassed state lawmakers when issuing a peacetime emergency.

The case, which focused on the mask mandate, eventually made its way to the Minnesota Supreme Court , which sent it back to the Minnesota Court of Appeals. In July 2023, that court ruled that Walz indeed had the authority.

During his 2022 reelection campaign against GOP candidate Dr. Scott Jensen, who was banned from some social media platforms for spreading misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines, Walz consistently defended the "hard decisions" he made during the pandemic. He went on to defeat Jensen by nearly 200,000 votes.  

The murder of George Floyd and its aftermath

Conservatives lashed out at Walz for his delay in the historic activation of the Minnesota National Guard , which helped restore order on Twin Cities streets during the unrest in May 2020.

The delay drew the ire of then-President Trump , who went on to falsely claim he ultimately made the call. Months after the chaos, Democratic Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said he asked Walz for troops three days before he gave the green light.

Walz, who served in the Army National Guard for nearly a quarter of a century, clapped back at Frey .

"I don't think the mayor knew what he was asking for," Walz said. "I think the mayor said, 'I request the National Guard, this is great. We're going to have massively-trained troops.' No, you're going to have 19-year-olds who are cooks!"

In a recent interview with Fox News , Minnesota Republican Party Chair David Hann accused Walz of delaying guard activation because "he was fearful of alienating his progressive base, who were supporting the riots."

"[Walz has] been a disaster for Minnesota and is by far the most partisan governor that I can remember having," Hann said. "He displayed a remarkable lack of leadership in dealing with the riot that was very destructive, and the aftermath of which is still affecting the quality of life and the business climate in Minneapolis."

Abortion rights

In a 1995 ruling, the Minnesota Supreme Court upheld abortion rights in Minnesota. In January 2023, Walz signed the PRO Act (Protect Reproductive Options Act) into law, making abortion a "fundamental right," as well as access to contraception, fertility treatments, sterilization and other reproductive health care.

The law made Minnesota the first state to codify abortion rights in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 ruling in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which nullified Roe v. Wade after nearly 50 years of precedent.

"Your access to reproductive health and your right to make your own health care decisions are preserved and protected," Walz said during the signing ceremony. "And because of this law, that won't change with the political wins or makeup of the Supreme Court. This is a bill for Minnesota today and all future generations."

Republicans vigorously opposed the PRO Act, which was labeled as an "extreme law" by the party's top lawmakers, who failed to add amendments that would've banned third-trimester abortions and required clinics to be licensed.

In April 2023, Walz signed the  Reproductive Freedom Defense Act  into law, shielding women and providers from any legal action originating from the patient's state.  

Pro-LGBTQIA+ legislation

Walz has a long history of supporting LGBTQIA+ rights. While teaching at Mankato West High School in the 90s, he helped found its first gay-straight alliance group.

"You have an older, White, straight, married, male football coach who's deeply concerned that these students are treated fairly and that there is no bullying," Walz said in a 2018 campaign ad .

In March 2023, Walz signed an executive order to protect the right of residents to have access to gender-affirming health care . Weeks later, he signed the "Trans Refuge" bill, banning the enforcement of arrest warrants, extradition requests and out-of-state subpoenas for those who traveled to Minnesota for care.

"When someone else is given basic rights, others don't lose theirs," Walz said. "We aren't cutting a pie here. We're giving basic rights to every single Minnesotan."

Republicans sought to place an amendment in a separate bill to outlaw access in line with some neighboring states.

Other critics, including Christian conservative groups, claimed the law places vulnerable youths in danger of irreparable harm.

Proponents say gender-affirming care treatments are evidence-based with plans developed on a person-by-person basis, taking into consideration the patient's developmental stage.

The practice of putting LGBTQIA+ youths into " conversion therapy ," which aims to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, was also formally banned in early 2023, although Walz issued an executive order two years earlier to restrict the practice.

Opponents of conversion therapy, like Children's Minnesota pediatrician Dr. Angela Kade Goepferd, say the practice can cause psychological trauma, and increase the risk of self-harm and suicide.

Opponents of the ban said it was ultimately an attack on religious freedom .

Walz, an avid hunter, signed a public safety package  later that year including a "red flag" law that allows family members, roommates or law enforcement to petition the courts to remove firearms from the possession of anyone deemed a danger to themselves or others.

Another law within the package required private gun transfers to be subject to background checks.

"This is not about the Second Amendment," Walz said. "This is about the safety and security of our communities."

Republicans and gun rights advocates accused Walz and DFL lawmakers of burying the gun control measures into the enormous package, and unfairly impacting the rights of lawful gun owners.

Paid family, medical and sick leave

In May 2023, Walz signed a law creating a state-run program to provide paid family and medical leave for Minnesota workers, funded by a 0.7% payroll tax on employers, by 2026.

While proponents say the law is an "equalizer" that provides a road map for a similar federal effort, critics claim it would cost much more than estimated and devastate small businesses.

Legalization of recreational marijuana

In May 2023, Minnesota became the 23rd state in the nation to legalize recreational cannabis use . Three months later, people 21 and older could start to possess certain amounts of marijuana at home and on their person, in addition to legally growing up to eight plants at a time.

Minnesotans with minor marijuana convictions are also eligible to have their criminal records expunged, and residents from communities of color — which were disproportionately targeted for arrests and convictions for possession for decades — are given preferential status in applying for cannabis-related business licenses .

Republican lawmakers accused the Democratic majority at the Capitol of forcing through legislation that was full of loopholes that ultimately endanger youths and increase public safety risks, especially the prospect of more impaired drivers on state roads.

Driver's licenses for undocumented Minnesotans

Walz also signed a bill into law in March 2023 that allows Minnesota residents of any immigration status the ability to obtain a driver's license .

Advocates for the bill, which had strong backing from law enforcement, business and religious groups, said it would lead to safer roads and a stronger economy.

Opponents accused lawmakers and Walz of potentially opening a Pandora's box that could blur eligibility for voting and enrollment in other state programs.

Republican lawmakers also unsuccessfully sought to make special licenses for undocumented Minnesotans that would be easily distinguishable from the standard cards.

Restoration of voting rights for former felons

In that same watershed month, Walz signed a bill that restored the right to vote to more than 50,000 convicted felons who had already served their time .

"We are in a country of second chances, we're a country of welcoming people back in. And the idea of not allowing those voices to have a say in the very governing of the communities they live in is simply unacceptable," Walz said.

Several Republicans lambasted the legislation, saying those still serving probation for felonies should not have the right to vote. Sen. Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, went further, saying the law "opens our elections to being influenced by convicted felons and illegal immigrants."

Universal school meals

Amid the increase in food insecurity for many Minnesotans during the pandemic, and the subsequent strain on the state's food shelves that remains to this day , Walz signed a bill in March 2023 that ensures all K-12 students in the state have access to free breakfast and lunch on school days.

"As a former teacher, I know that providing free breakfast and lunch for our students is one of the best investments we can make to lower costs, support Minnesota's working families, and care for our young learners and the future of our state," Walz said.

Initially pegged to cost $388 million in the state's two-year budget, the cost ballooned by more than $80 million , stoking sentiment among Republican lawmakers that the program is a waste of taxpayer funds, and largely provides meals for students of families that can easily afford to pay for them.

Walz's clashes with Hennepin County's attorney

In April 2023, Walz became the first Minnesota governor in three decades to reroute a criminal case from a county attorney to the state attorney general's office .

The case involved the 2022 murder of 23-year-old Zaria McKeever . The father of her young child was sentenced to life in prison earlier this year for orchestrating her death. Two teenage brothers, one of whom fired the fatal shots inside her Brooklyn Park apartment, were also sent to prison.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty originally put together a plea deal for the brothers that would've seen them serve time in juvenile detention instead of being sent to adult facilities. The move angered McKeever's family and community members, and their outcry led Walz to intervene and place the case in the hands of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.

Earlier this year, Moriarty faced fierce criticism for charging a White Minnesota state trooper in the death of a Black motorist in 2023 . Her office eventually dropped the charges , and Walz told reporters soon after he had planned to intervene again if Moriarty hadn't made "the right decision."

Moriarty called Walz's move in the McKeever case "deeply troubling" and alarming to "prosecutors across the state." That sentiment was shared by the National Lawyers Guild , which called Walz's conduct "not just wrong, but in the context of other decisions, shows that you are making these sensitive decisions based on political expedience."

Following the end of the state trooper case in June 2024, Moriarty accused Walz of unfair treatment due to her gender and sexuality, as she is the first openly LGBTQIA+ Hennepin County attorney, pointing to the lack of criticism her predecessor Mike Freeman enjoyed.

When pressed by the media about Moriarty's claims, Walz simply said they were "false."

Stephen Swanson is a web producer at CBS Minnesota. A 21-year WCCO-TV veteran, Stephen was a floor director for a decade before moving to the newsroom, where he focuses on general assignment reporting.

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