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Resume Section Order: What to Place Where for Maximum Impact

Ever wonder why some resumes get noticed instantly, while others get lost in the pile? Often, it's not just what you write, but where you put it. Let's crack the code on resume section order.

7 min read
29K views
Intermediate
Resume SectionsOrderStructureFormatResume Design

What You'll Master in This Guide

The optimal resume section order for different experience levels.
How to strategically highlight your strongest skills and achievements.
Why section order matters for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
How to use RebuildCV to quickly reorder sections and preview your resume.
1

Introduction

Hey everyone! Let's talk about something crucial for resume success: section order. Think of your resume as a story; you want to grab the reader's attention immediately and keep them engaged until the very end. A poorly ordered resume, no matter how stellar the content, can get overlooked.

The Golden Rule: Always put your strongest selling points first. For most freshers, this is often your skills section. If you have great experience, then lead with that. For experienced professionals, a compelling summary or professional profile is a great opener.

Typical Section Order (Adjust based on your experience):

  • Contact Information: Name, phone number, email, LinkedIn profile (optional). Keep it concise and professional.
  • Summary/Professional Profile (Optional but Recommended): A brief, powerful overview of your skills and career goals. This is your elevator pitch. For freshers, consider a compelling objective instead. Check out our guide on /knowledge-center/how-to-write-a-resume-objective-that-works for more tips.
  • Skills: List both hard and soft skills relevant to the job. Using keywords from the job description is key! the Naukri Resume Blog discusses how keyword optimization is crucial for passing ATS screening.
  • Experience: Showcase your achievements using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Quantify your results whenever possible. Learn how to describe internship experience effectively by visiting /knowledge-center/how-to-describe-internship-experience-in-your-resume.
  • Education: Include your degrees, majors, GPA (if above 3.5), and any relevant coursework.
  • Projects/Portfolio (Optional): If applicable, highlight personal projects or a portfolio link.
  • Awards and Honors (Optional): Showcase any recognitions or achievements.

Why Section Order Matters for ATS: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes for keywords and specific information. Placing your most relevant sections early on can greatly increase your chances of passing the ATS filter. LinkedIn Talent Solutions provides data on how AI impacts hiring and the importance of ATS optimization.

Tailoring to the Job: The best section order will depend on the specific job you're applying for. Always customize your resume to match the job description. Our guide on /knowledge-center/how-to-tailor-your-resume-for-each-job-description will help.

Using RebuildCV: RebuildCV’s AI-powered resume builder helps you easily reorder sections and preview your resume in various formats to see what recruiters see. You can experiment with different orders to find what works best for you.

Remember, your resume's goal is to get you an interview. A well-structured resume with a strategic section order is your first step to success!

Expert Pro Tips

#1

Use RebuildCV's drag-and-drop interface to easily reorder your resume sections.

#2

Always tailor your resume section order to the specific job description.

#3

Use strong action verbs and quantify your achievements to make your resume stand out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I always put my work experience first?

Not always! If you're a fresher with limited work experience but strong skills, prioritizing your skills section might be more effective. For experienced professionals, a strong summary or profile might be better. The best order depends on your strengths and the job requirements.

Resume StructureFreshersExperienced Professionals
How does section order impact ATS?

ATS scans resumes for keywords and specific information. Placing your most relevant sections early on maximizes the chance that the ATS will find and highlight the information it's looking for, increasing your chances of getting past the initial screening.

ATSResume OptimizationKeywords

Continue Your Learning Journey

Best Resume Layout for Indian Job PortalsResume Summary Examples That Actually Impress RecruitersHow to Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Description

How AI Impacts Resume Section Order

With AI playing a larger role in resume screening, optimizing your resume for both human and machine readers is crucial. The order of sections can significantly affect how AI algorithms interpret your qualifications. RebuildCV uses AI to help you structure your resume for maximum impact, ensuring your strengths are highlighted effectively for both recruiters and ATS.

Ready to Transform Your Career with RebuildCV?

Apply these design strategies with RebuildCV's AI-powered optimization and join 100,000+ professionals who've accelerated their careers

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