resume
How to Create a Professional Resume That Gets You Shortlisted in 2026
NaukriHunter Team · 8 Nov 2026 · 5 min read
Illustrative story:
Ritu had applied to more than forty jobs from her home in Noida and received just two calls. Her skills were solid: three years in digital marketing, real campaigns, happy clients. Then a recruiter friend looked at her resume and winced. "It's four pages, the font changes twice, and I can't see a single result in the first half-page. Recruiters spend very little time on each resume. Yours has to do its job fast." Ritu rewrote it over a weekend. Within a month she had several interviews.
This step-by-step guide shows you how to create a professional resume that gets you shortlisted in 2026, whether you are a fresher or an experienced professional.
What Recruiters Look For
Recruiters usually scan a resume quickly before deciding whether to read further. They look for the job title you want, relevant skills, recent experience, clear achievements and a clean, readable layout. Many companies also use applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan resumes for keywords from the job description.
Choose the Right Resume Format
Reverse-chronological: most recent role first. Best for most experienced candidates.
Skills-based (functional): leads with skills and projects. Useful for freshers or career changers.
Combination: a skills summary followed by experience. Good for professionals with varied backgrounds.
Section-by-Section Guide
1. Contact details
Full name, phone number, professional email, city and a professional networking profile link if you have one. A photo, date of birth and marital status are not necessary unless the employer asks.
2. Professional summary
Two to three lines that state who you are, your key skills and what you offer. Example: "Digital marketing executive with three years of experience in SEO and paid social campaigns for retail brands. Skilled in Google Analytics and content strategy."
3. Key skills
List eight to twelve relevant hard and soft skills. Use the same terms employers use in job descriptions.
4. Work experience
For each role, include job title, company, city and dates. Add three to five bullet points that start with action verbs and focus on results, not duties. Instead of "Responsible for sales", write "Grew monthly sales in my territory by building relationships with new retailers" and add a real figure if you have one you can verify.
5. Projects and internships
Essential for freshers, and useful for anyone who has done meaningful side projects.
6. Education
Degree, institution, year and, for freshers, marks if they are strong.
7. Certifications and training
Relevant courses, licences and certificates. If you have upskilled with a tutor or online course, mention the skill you gained. Learners who want structured help in subjects like maths, science or computers can find experienced tutors through TutorPapa's online tutoring service.
8. Languages and extras
Languages you speak, awards, volunteering and relevant interests.
Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly
Use a simple, single-column layout with standard headings.
Avoid tables, text boxes, images and unusual fonts that software may not read.
Use keywords from the job description naturally.
Save as PDF unless the employer asks for Word format.
Name the file clearly, for example "Ritu-Sharma-Digital-Marketing-Resume.pdf".
Tailor Your Resume for Every Job
Read the job description and highlight the top requirements. Adjust your summary and the order of your skills and bullets so the most relevant points appear first. This small effort often makes a big difference in shortlisting. Find roles to tailor for on NaukriHunter's latest jobs.
Design and Length
Length: one page for freshers; one to two pages for experienced professionals.
Font: a clean font in a readable size, used consistently.
Spacing: enough white space and clear margins.
Consistency: same date format and bullet style throughout.
Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid
Spelling and grammar errors
Generic objectives like "seeking a challenging position"
Listing duties without results
Exaggerated or false claims, which can be checked
Unprofessional email addresses
Outdated contact details
Resume Tips for Freshers
Lead with a clear objective and skills, then highlight projects, internships and achievements in college. Read our guide on fresher jobs in India and how to get a private job without experience.
Resume Tips for Experienced Professionals
Focus on the last ten years, show career progression and leadership, and quantify results where you honestly can. If you are targeting senior or better-paid roles, see high salary jobs in India in 2026.
Do You Need a Cover Letter?
Not always, but a short, tailored cover letter or email can help, especially for career changes. Keep it to three short paragraphs: why this role, what you offer and a polite closing.
Final Checklist Before You Hit "Apply"
Proofread twice, then ask someone else to read it.
Check that phone and email are correct.
Confirm the resume matches the job description.
Save as a clearly named PDF.
Resume Help in Person
Want someone to review your resume? Walk in at 293 & 294, Sahara Shopping Centre, First Floor, near Lekhraj Market Metro Station Gate No. 3, Lucknow 226016, between 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM, or call 8188998866 | 8188998899. You can also browse employers on the companies page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a resume be in 2026?
One page for freshers and one to two pages for experienced professionals is a good guideline.
Should I add a photo to my resume?
It is usually not necessary unless the employer specifically asks for it.
What is an ATS-friendly resume?
It is a resume with a simple layout, standard headings and relevant keywords that applicant tracking software can read easily.
How often should I update my resume?
Update it whenever you gain a new skill, finish a project or change roles, and tailor it for each application.