A well-crafted resume is your ticket to landing a dream job. In today’s competitive job market, recruiters spend an average of just 6-7 seconds scanning a resume, making it crucial to create a polished and compelling document. Thankfully, with the help of a resume builder app, you can easily streamline the process and create a professional, ATS-friendly resume.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to build a professional resume using a resume builder app.

1. Choose the Right Resume Builder App

Not all resume builder apps are created equal. Some offer ATS-friendly templates, while others focus on creative designs. When selecting a resume builder, look for:

• User-friendly interface – Easy navigation and editing features.

• ATS compatibility – Ensures your resume passes through applicant tracking systems.

• Customizable templates – Various design and layout options to suit your industry.

• Export options – Allows you to download in multiple formats (PDF, DOCX, etc.).

Some popular resume builder apps include Zety, Canva, Resume.com, and Novoresume.

2. Select the Right Resume Template

Your resume’s layout and design matter. Choose a template that aligns with your industry and experience level:

• Traditional layouts – Best for corporate jobs and ATS optimization.

• Creative templates – Suitable for design and marketing roles.

• Minimalist styles – Clean and professional for most industries.

Ensure the template is simple, readable, and professional to make a strong first impression.

3. Add Your Contact Information

The contact section should be clear and up-to-date. Include:

• Full name

• Professional email address (avoid casual email addresses)

• Phone number

• LinkedIn profile (optional but recommended)

• Portfolio or website (for creative professionals)

Ensure your contact details are easy to find at the top of your resume.

4. Write a Compelling Resume Summary or Objective

A resume summary (for experienced professionals) or objective statement (for entry-level candidates) serves as an introduction to your qualifications.

Example of a Resume Summary:

“Results-driven marketing specialist with 5+ years of experience in digital campaigns and brand strategy. Proven track record in increasing social media engagement by 40% and driving lead conversions.”

Example of an Objective Statement:

“Motivated recent graduate with a degree in Computer Science. Passionate about software development and seeking an entry-level role to contribute coding skills and innovative problem-solving abilities.”

Keep this section concise—2-3 sentences max.

5. Highlight Your Work Experience

Your experience section should showcase achievements, not just responsibilities. Structure it like this:

[Job Title] – [Company Name]
[Month/Year – Present or End Date]

• Bullet points with accomplishments

• Quantifiable results (e.g., "Increased sales by 25% in six months")

• Use action words (e.g., "Developed," "Implemented," "Led")

Example:

Digital Marketing Manager – ABC Tech
Jan 2020 – Present

• Led a content strategy that increased website traffic by 60%.

• Managed a team of 5 marketing professionals.

• Developed an email campaign that boosted customer retention by 30%.

6. Showcase Your Skills

ATS systems scan resumes for relevant skills, so make sure you list the ones relevant to the job.

Hard Skills (Technical Skills):

• SEO & Content Marketing

• Python & Java Programming

• Project Management

• Data Analysis

Soft Skills:

• Leadership

• Problem-Solving

• Communication

• Time Management

Only include skills you can confidently demonstrate in an interview.

7. Include Your Education & Certifications

List your education in reverse chronological order:

Degree – University Name
Graduation Year
Relevant coursework (if applicable)

If you have additional certifications that boost your qualifications, list them too. Examples:

• Google Digital Marketing Certification

• PMP Certification

• AWS Cloud Practitioner

8. Add Optional Sections for Extra Impact

To stand out, consider adding sections that showcase your unique qualifications:

• Projects – Personal or professional projects related to the job.

• Volunteer Experience – Community service or leadership roles.

• Languages – If multilingual, list your proficiency levels.

• Awards & Recognitions – Industry awards or honors.

9. Optimize for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)

75% of resumes never reach recruiters due to ATS filters. To ensure your resume gets seen:

• Use keywords from the job description.

• Avoid images, graphics, or fancy fonts.

• Stick to standard headings (e.g., "Work Experience," "Skills").

• Save in PDF or DOCX format, depending on employer preferences.

10. Proofread and Export Your Resume

Before submitting your resume:

• Check for grammar mistakes using Grammarly or a similar tool.

• Read aloud to catch awkward phrasing.

• Have a friend review it for feedback.

Once finalized, export your resume to the required format and apply for jobs!

Conclusion

Building a professional resume no longer has to be overwhelming. A resume builder app simplifies the process by offering pre-designed templates, keyword suggestions, and ATS-friendly formats. By following these steps, you can create a polished, compelling resume that gets noticed by recruiters and helps you land your next job!