1. How long should my resume be? ▼
For most professionals, a one-page resume is ideal. It forces you to be concise and focus on your most relevant achievements. If you have over 10-15 years of extensive, highly relevant experience in a senior role, a two-page resume can be acceptable. The key is that every single line should add value and be pertinent to the job you are applying for. Always prioritize quality over quantity.
2. What's the difference between a resume and a CV? ▼
A resume is a concise, one-to-two-page summary of your skills, experience, and accomplishments, tailored to a specific job. Its purpose is to get you an interview. A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is more detailed and comprehensive, often multiple pages long. It provides a full history of your academic and professional career, including publications, research, and awards. CVs are typically used in academia, medicine, and for international job applications.
3. Should I include a photo on my resume? ▼
This depends heavily on your location and industry. In countries like the US, UK, and Canada, it's strongly recommended *not* to include a photo to avoid unconscious bias in the hiring process. However, in many parts of Europe and Asia, a professional headshot is a standard and expected component of a resume. Our tool provides the option so you can decide based on your specific cultural context and career field.
4. How do I tailor my resume for a specific job? ▼
Start by carefully analyzing the job description. Identify the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities the employer is looking for. Then, update your resume to highlight your experiences that directly match these requirements. Use the same keywords found in the job description in your professional summary and work experience sections. Quantify your achievements with numbers whenever possible. Use our "Resume Versions" feature to save a tailored copy for each job application!
5. What file format is best for submitting my resume? ▼
PDF is almost always the best and safest choice. It preserves your formatting perfectly across all devices and operating systems, ensuring that what you see is what the recruiter sees. PDFs are professional, secure, and compatible with virtually all Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Only use a Word (.doc or .docx) format if the job application specifically and explicitly requests it.
6. Is this resume builder really free? ▼
Yes, absolutely. MakeResume.net is 100% free to use. There are no hidden charges, premium features, or watermarks on your downloads. Our mission is to provide accessible career tools to everyone, without any financial barriers. You can create, edit, and download as many resumes and cover letters as you need.
7. How is my data stored and is it secure? ▼
Your privacy and security are our top priorities. All the information you enter is stored directly in your web browser's local storage on your own computer. Your data is never sent to our servers, and we have no access to it. This means you have full control over your information. To delete it, simply clear your browser's cache and local storage.
8. What are Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)? ▼
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software programs that many companies use to scan and filter resumes before they are ever seen by a human recruiter. To ensure your resume is ATS-friendly, use a clean and simple format (like our templates), standard section headings (e.g., "Work Experience"), and include keywords from the job description. Avoid using complex graphics, tables, or columns that can confuse the software.
9. Can I create more than one version of my resume? ▼
Yes! We highly encourage you to tailor your resume for each job you apply for. You can use the "Save Current Version As" feature to save different copies of your resume. For example, you might have one version for a project management role and another for a software development role. You can then easily load any saved version from the dropdown menu.
10. Should I include references on my resume? ▼
It is generally no longer standard practice to include the line "References available upon request" or to list your references directly on your resume. This practice takes up valuable space. Instead, prepare a separate document with your references' contact information. You can provide this document to the employer when they specifically ask for it, which is usually later in the hiring process.