how to write a va resume

Resume Worded   |  Proven Resume Examples

• Resume Examples
• Administrative Resumes

5 Virtual Assistant Resume Examples - Here's What Works In 2024

With the world being a lot more interconnected, and the covid pandemic making remote work a normal reality, the virtual assistant industry has been booming. virtual assistants provide a support system for individuals or companies to make sure things run smoothly and logistics are taken care of. this guide will explore different types of virtual assistance and we will show you strong resumes for each position, as well as give you tips to help you create a resume that recruiters will be interested in..

As the name suggests, a virtual assistant is a professional who assists their employer with a variety of tasks, and who works remotely. These tasks can be administrative, research-based tasks, logistics-based tasks, etc. The functions assigned to a virtual assistant will be based on their skill set and can change as their client's needs change. Because of this, virtual assistants are encouraged to continually build on their skill sets. 

Some virtual assistants work part-time and may have multiple clients, while others may work for one employer full-time. Luckily for newcomers, there is no set expectation for one's educational background, though a degree in business administration, management, or in the industry your client operates in, would be highly beneficial. Also beneficial would be certified virtual assistant courses you have done or certification for tools commonly used in the profession. For this position, experience is king, so get as much experience on your plate as possible. 

Here are some successful virtual assistant positions for you to model your resume off of.

Virtual Assistant Resume Templates

Jump to a template:

• Virtual Assistant
• Entry-Level Virtual Assistant
• Freelance Virtual Assistant
• Virtual Administrative Assistant
• Sales and Marketing Virtual Assistant

Jump to a resource:

• Keywords for Virtual Assistant Resumes

Virtual Assistant Resume Tips

• Action Verbs to Use
• Related Administrative Resumes

Get advice on each section of your resume:

Template 1 of 5: Virtual Assistant Resume Example

A virtual assistant is there to make their client’s life and/or business run smoothly. Working remotely, you will engage in a myriad of tasks including administrative tasks, social media management, scheduling, project management, etc. You might be working for an individual or a business. Your previous experience is going to be the biggest selling point on your resume so ensure you list the variety of tasks that you have completed. Also because you are creating a general virtual assistant resume, showing your range in ability is key. This extends to the skills section as well, so list any skill that you think could be of any use as a virtual assistant. Take a look at this strong virtual assistant resume.

We're just getting the template ready for you, just a second left.

Tips to help you write your Virtual Assistant resume in 2024

   constantly expand your tools and frameworks section..

The tools section is particularly important to clients looking for a virtual assistant. They want to see if you have experience using the systems that they use. So ensure you keep tabs on all the new and popular tools being used in the virtual assistant industry and get some experience using them before you add them to your tools section.

   Consider including the hardware and software you have at your disposal.

Do you have a headset and software to make calls to other countries? Do you have a powerful computer and very fast internet? Include these details if they apply to you. They may make the difference between you and a competitor.

Skills you can include on your Virtual Assistant resume

Template 2 of 5: entry-level virtual assistant resume example.

The virtual assistant industry is huge and constantly expanding. For entry-level virtual assistants, this is a good thing because there is bound to be an opportunity for you to get started. Entry-level VAs might not be assigned very complex tasks and might instead be assigned relatively simple tasks such as data collection, secretarial tasks, logistics, etc. When creating an entry-level virtual assistant resume, include any experience in any position where you performed tasks that a virtual assistant would perform. For example in this resume, the applicant included their administrative assistant experience because that position is very similar to a virtual assistant position.

Tips to help you write your Entry-Level Virtual Assistant resume in 2024

   make yourself interesting by including your extracurricular achievements..

Make your resume individualistic by including your achievements outside of professional achievements. It will be an interesting read for recruiters and you just might have a volunteering activity, hobby, or extracurricular or two in common.

   List your virtual assistant strengths.

You may not have loads of experience at the start of your career, so give recruiters an idea of who you are by including your virtual assistant strengths in the intro of your resume. So if you are particularly good at multi-tasking, or communicating, be sure to include that.

Skills you can include on your Entry-Level Virtual Assistant resume

Template 3 of 5: freelance virtual assistant resume example.

As the name suggests, this VA works on a freelance basis and not a full-time basis. You will hopefully have more than one client to whom you will be offering your services. Because this position is remote, you will be able to acquire clients from all over the world. As with other VA positions, recruiters will be looking closely to see your experience level as well as the skills you have and tools you have experience using.

Tips to help you write your Freelance Virtual Assistant resume in 2024

   include your location, time zone, and available hours..

Because this is a freelance position, you will be sharing this resume continuously. So you will want to put as much relevant information as you can. Including your location, time zone, and available hours will help you attract only those clients who you can feasibly work with.

   Include the demographics of previous employers.

To give potential clients a good idea of where you excel, list the number of clients you have had over the years and the industries you have worked extensively in. So if you usually work for companies in the telecommunication field, include that. You can also mention if you mainly work with clients from a specific region.

Skills you can include on your Freelance Virtual Assistant resume

Template 4 of 5: virtual administrative assistant resume example.

This type of VA specializes in administrative tasks. These tasks can include email management, calendar management, scheduling meetings and trips, etc. To excel in this position, you need to be experienced with all the industry-standard software and tools including Google suites and Microsoft Office 360, so ensure your tools section is up to date with all the tools and software you have used in previous positions. This job also requires multitasking and very good communication skills so be sure to include experiences where you used these skills successfully.

Tips to help you write your Virtual Administrative Assistant resume in 2024

   highlight previous clients’ increased efficiency due to your efforts..

As an administrative VA, your job is to do all the small jobs that would allow for the client’s business to move smoothly. It would therefore be beneficial to highlight how your efforts have led to increased efficiency and productivity. So if you managed to shorten the reply time to emails or if you assisted in organizing a successful event, be sure to list it.

   Highlight how you handle sensitive information.

An administrative VA handles a lot of potentially sensitive information. Show either in your experience section or your intro that you know how to handle sensitive information. It will show clients that you have a good understanding of what is required as a VA.

Skills you can include on your Virtual Administrative Assistant resume

Template 5 of 5: sales and marketing virtual assistant resume example.

This type of VA specializes in sales and marketing. This is a more front-facing position where you will be talking to your client’s customers either over the phone or via email. Because of this, your communication, negotiation, and sales skills must be very strong. Your resume should highlight your experience and success interacting with potential customers, as well as a detailed skills and tools section that shows what you use to close the deal with customers. Take a look at this strong resume for this position.

Tips to help you write your Sales and Marketing Virtual Assistant resume in 2024

   include which crms you are experienced with..

If you are doing sales and marketing, you will most likely use CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software to keep track of all potential customers you are connecting with. Examples of CRMs include Zoho, Salesforce, Hubspot, etc. List those you are experienced with, in the tools section of your resume.

   Include communication perks like accents and languages.

Because this position is heavy in speaking with potential customers, any communication skills that may differentiate you from your competition is key to list. So if you have a popular accent like an American accent, or if you speak extra languages, be sure to include them to get a leg up.

Skills you can include on your Sales and Marketing Virtual Assistant resume

As a hiring manager who has recruited for top companies like Apple, Amazon, and Google, I know what it takes to create a winning virtual assistant resume. I've seen countless resumes over the years and have learned to quickly identify the ones that stand out from the rest. In this article, I'll share some of the most important tips and strategies for crafting a virtual assistant resume that will get you noticed by potential employers.

   Highlight your communication skills

As a virtual assistant, your ability to communicate effectively is crucial. Make sure to emphasize your communication skills throughout your resume, including in your summary statement and work experience section.

Instead of simply listing 'communication skills' as a bullet point, provide specific examples of how you've used your communication abilities to achieve results. For example:

• Managed email communication for a team of 10 executives, ensuring all messages were responded to within 24 hours
• Collaborated with a remote team of 5 designers to create marketing materials, using Slack and Zoom to communicate effectively

   Showcase your technical proficiency

Many virtual assistant roles require proficiency with various software programs and tools. Be sure to highlight your technical skills, particularly those that are relevant to the job you're applying for.

Some examples of technical skills to include:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience with project management tools like Asana and Trello
• Familiarity with social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

If you have certifications or have completed courses in specific software programs, be sure to mention those as well.

   Demonstrate your organizational abilities

Virtual assistants are often responsible for managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously. Employers want to see that you have strong organizational skills and can handle a variety of responsibilities.

In your work experience section, highlight specific examples of how you've stayed organized and managed competing priorities. For example:

• Created and maintained a detailed calendar and scheduling system for a busy executive, ensuring all appointments and deadlines were met
• Managed travel arrangements for a team of 15 salespeople, coordinating flights, hotels, and transportation for multiple trips per month

   Tailor your resume to the job description

One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is using the same generic resume for every application. To stand out, you need to customize your resume to the specific job you're applying for.

Take a close look at the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is looking for. Then, make sure to highlight those skills and experiences in your resume.

For example, if the job description emphasizes the need for strong writing skills, you might include something like this in your resume:

• Wrote and edited monthly email newsletter for a client with a distribution list of 10,000+ subscribers

By tailoring your resume to the job, you'll show the employer that you're a strong fit for the role.

   Quantify your accomplishments

Whenever possible, use numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements. This helps employers understand the impact you've had in previous roles and makes your resume more compelling.

For example, instead of saying:

• Managed social media accounts for a small business

Try something like:

• Grew Facebook following from 1,000 to 10,000 followers in 6 months through targeted content and ad campaigns

By using specific numbers, you give the employer a clear sense of the results you're capable of delivering.

   Include relevant projects and accomplishments

In addition to your work experience, be sure to highlight any relevant projects, volunteer work, or other accomplishments that showcase your skills as a virtual assistant.

For example:

• Created a virtual event plan and managed logistics for a nonprofit's annual fundraiser, which raised over $50,000
• Developed a new filing system for a small business client, resulting in increased efficiency and time savings

These types of achievements demonstrate your initiative and problem-solving abilities, which are valuable qualities in a virtual assistant.

By following these tips and crafting a tailored, achievement-oriented resume, you'll be well on your way to landing your dream virtual assistant job. Remember, the goal is to showcase your unique skills and experiences in a way that sets you apart from other candidates. With a strong resume in hand, you'll be ready to take on new challenges and excel in your career as a virtual assistant.

Writing Your Virtual Assistant Resume: Section By Section

  header, 1. put your name front and center.

Your name should be the most prominent element in your header, typically centered at the top of the page or left-aligned. Use a larger font size (18-24 points) than the rest of your resume text.

Here are some examples of how to format your name in the header:

• MICHAEL R. JOHNSON
• Sarah E. Davis

Avoid nicknames or unprofessional email handles:

• [email protected]

2. Include essential contact details

After your name, add your key contact details:

• Phone number
• Email address
• LinkedIn profile URL
• City and state of residence

You can list these on one line, separated by vertical lines or bullets. For example:

[email protected] | 555-123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/janesmith | Seattle, WA

Including your full mailing address is no longer necessary. For virtual assistant jobs, employers mainly need to know your general location and how to reach you electronically.

3. Optionally include your VA job title

If you have an established career as a virtual assistant, you may want to include your specific job title in your resume header. This quickly communicates your professional identity to employers. For example:

Jane Smith Senior Executive Virtual Assistant [email protected] | 555-123-4567 | Seattle, WA

However, if you are new to the virtual assistant field or are applying to roles that differ from your past job titles, it's best to leave your title out of the header. You can always specify the title you're targeting in your resume summary or cover letter.

  Summary

As a virtual assistant, your resume summary is an optional section that can help provide additional context about your background and highlight key qualifications. While not required, a well-written summary can grab the attention of hiring managers and complement the details in your work history. Avoid using an objective statement, as these are outdated and focus on your goals rather than what you offer employers.

When crafting your virtual assistant resume summary, focus on your most relevant skills, experience, and achievements. Tailor your summary to the specific job you're targeting by showcasing qualifications that align with the position's requirements. Keep your summary concise and impactful, ideally no more than a few sentences or a short paragraph.

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Virtual Assistant resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Virtual Assistant Resume Summary Examples , or Virtual Assistant Resume Objective Examples .

1. Highlight your key virtual assistant skills

In your resume summary, emphasize the key skills that make you a strong virtual assistant candidate. Focus on abilities that are directly relevant to the job, such as:

• Proficiency in virtual communication tools like Slack, Zoom, or Skype
• Experience with project management software such as Asana or Trello
• Strong organizational and time management abilities
• Expertise in specific areas like social media management or data entry

By showcasing your most relevant skills upfront, you'll quickly demonstrate your qualifications to potential employers. Avoid generic or irrelevant skills that don't directly apply to virtual assistant roles.

Results-driven virtual assistant with 5+ years of experience supporting remote teams. Skilled in project management, social media marketing, and data analysis. Proficient in Asana, Hootsuite, and Microsoft Office. Proven track record of improving efficiency and streamlining processes for clients across various industries.

2. Quantify your achievements and impact

To make your virtual assistant resume summary more impactful, include specific achievements and quantify your results whenever possible. Hiring managers love seeing concrete examples of how you've driven success in previous roles. Compare the following examples:

• Experienced virtual assistant skilled in administrative tasks and project management

While this summary mentions relevant skills, it doesn't provide any context around the candidate's actual impact. Instead, try quantifying your achievements like this:

• Experienced virtual assistant who has supported 15+ clients across 8 industries. Implemented project management system that increased team efficiency by 20%.

By including specific numbers and results, you give employers a clearer picture of the value you can bring to their organization. When possible, showcase achievements that are most relevant to the virtual assistant job you're targeting.

  Experience

Your work experience section is the most important part of your resume. It's where you show hiring managers what you've accomplished in your career and how you can help their company succeed. Use these tips to write a work experience section that will get you hired as a virtual assistant.

1. Highlight your most relevant virtual assistant experience

When listing your work experience, put your most relevant virtual assistant jobs first. These should be positions where you provided administrative support, managed schedules, handled customer inquiries, or performed other duties commonly required of VAs.

For example, instead of a generic description like this:

• Answered phones and responded to customer emails
• Managed executive's calendar and scheduled meetings

Provide more specific details that show the scope of your responsibilities and the results you achieved:

• Managed busy executive's calendar, scheduling an average of 15 meetings per week and coordinating with high-level clients and partners
• Responded to 50+ customer inquiries daily via phone and email, resolving issues and answering questions to maintain a high customer satisfaction rating

Not sure if your resume highlights your most relevant experience? Try our free Targeted Resume tool. It scans your resume and compares it to a job description, identifying the most important keywords to include.

2. Use strong, specific action verbs

When describing your virtual assistant experience, start each bullet point with a strong action verb that shows what you did. Use words that are specific to administrative support and managing business operations, such as:

• Coordinated
• Facilitated
• Streamlined

Avoid overused, generic verbs like "Helped with..." or "Responsible for...". These don't give hiring managers a clear picture of your actual contributions.

After drafting your work experience section, paste your resume into our free Score My Resume tool. It will assess how effectively you've used action verbs and provide suggestions for improvement.

3. Showcase your impact with numbers and metrics

Whenever possible, quantify your achievements with numbers or metrics. This helps hiring managers understand the scope of your responsibilities and the impact of your work. For example:

• Implemented a new filing system that reduced time spent searching for documents by 50%
• Processed an average of 25 expense reports per week, ensuring timely reimbursement for employees
• Managed travel arrangements for a 10-person executive team, booking over 75 flights and hotel stays per quarter

If you don't have access to exact numbers, use estimates or ranges:

• Drafted 7-10 business letters per week on behalf of CEO
• Managed a budget of approximately $5,000 per month for office supplies and vendor contracts

Numbers catch a hiring manager's eye and make your accomplishments more memorable. Go through each of your work experience bullet points and ask yourself, "How can I add a number here to show my results more clearly?"

4. Highlight promotions and increased responsibilities

If you've been promoted or taken on more responsibilities in your past jobs, make sure to showcase that in your work experience section. This demonstrates your ability to succeed and grow in a role. You can show promotions by listing your job titles separately:

Administrative Assistant ACME Corporation, May 2018 - June 2020 Executive Assistant to the CEO ACME Corporation, June 2020 - Present

Or you can call out a promotion in your bullet points:

• Promoted from Administrative Assistant to Executive Assistant after demonstrating exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Took on additional responsibilities including managing CEO's calendar and serving as primary liaison with board members

If you have a strong career trajectory, consider bolding your job titles to make them stand out. This will catch the hiring manager's eye and highlight your career progression.

  Education

Your education section is a key part of your resume for virtual assistant jobs. It shows hiring managers your relevant training and knowledge. It's also a chance to highlight academic achievements. Here's how to write an effective education section on your virtual assistant resume.

1. Put education at the top if you're a recent grad

If you graduated within the last 1-2 years, place your education section above your work experience. This is because your degree is likely your strongest qualification at this stage in your career.

Include the following details for each degree:

• Name of school
• Location of school
• Name of degree
• Graduation year
• Relevant coursework, honors, or GPA over 3.5

Bachelor of Business Administration University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX Graduated: May 2022 GPA: 3.7, Magna Cum Laude Relevant Coursework: Business Communications, Project Management, Marketing

2. Keep the education section short if you have 5+ years of experience

If you're an experienced professional, limit your education section to 1-2 lines with just the essentials:

• Bachelor of Arts in Communication, University of Southern California

Hiring managers will be more interested in your recent work accomplishments. Avoid listing:

• Graduation year, to prevent age discrimination
• Coursework, honors or GPA from many years ago
• High school diploma once you have a degree

3. Add certifications to showcase specialized skills

Virtual assistants can boost their qualifications by earning certifications in key areas like:

• Social media marketing
• Bookkeeping and accounting
• Project management
• Specific software programs

You can list certifications in your education section or in a separate "Certifications" section. Be sure to include the full name of the certification and the issuing organization.

Certifications: Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), International Association of Administrative Professionals Advanced Google Analytics, Google

Action Verbs For Virtual Assistant Resumes

Strong action verbs tell a recruiter your role in a specific task. Virtual assistant resumes should use action verbs that are relevant to virtual assistant tasks. Action verbs like "Coordinated", "Organised" or “Contacted" are examples of strong action verbs that can be used by a virtual assistant.

• Established
• Transcribed

For more related action verbs, visit Customer Service Action Verbs .

For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs .

Action Verbs for Virtual Assistant Resumes

Skills for virtual assistant resumes.

A virtual assistant is a multi-functional position. When we speak of skills, most importantly, you will want to list communication skills as well as tools and software you are experienced with.

Here is a list of skills you would expect to see in a virtual assistant’s resume. Add those that you are experienced with to your resume to impress recruiters.

• Executive Administrative Assistance
• Administrative Assistance
• Customer Service
• Microsoft Access
• Strategic Planning
• Business Strategy
• Event Planning
• Business Planning
• Company Secretarial Work
• Office Administration
• Marketing Strategy
• Social Media
• Administration
• Meeting Scheduling
• Community Outreach
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Adobe Photoshop
• Film Production
• Event Management
• Fundraising
• Higher Education

How To Write Your Skills Section On a Virtual Assistant Resumes

You can include the above skills in a dedicated Skills section on your resume, or weave them in your experience. Here's how you might create your dedicated skills section:

Skills Word Cloud For Virtual Assistant Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Virtual Assistant job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.

How to use these skills?

Other administrative resumes.

Human Resources (HR)

Warehouse Manager

• Customer Service Resume Guide

Virtual Assistant Resume Guide

• Administrative Assistant Resume Guide
• Executive Assistant Resume Guide
• Office Manager Resume Guide
• Research Assistant Resume Guide
• Customer Success Resume Guide
• Back Office Resume Guide
• Inventory Manager Resume Guide
• Desktop Support Resume Guide
• Loan Processor Resume Guide
• Warehouse Manager Resume Guide
• Fundraising Resume Guide
• Service Desk Resume Guide
• Help Desk Resume Guide
• Administrative Coordinator Resume Guide
• Administration Resume Guide
• Scheduling Resume Guide
• Gig Economy Resume Guide
• Project Administrator Resume Guide
• Facilities Resume Guide
• Revenue Cycle Resume Guide
• Virtual Assistant Resume Example
• Entry-Level Virtual Assistant Resume Example
• Freelance Virtual Assistant Resume Example
• Virtual Administrative Assistant Resume Example
• Sales and Marketing Virtual Assistant Resume Example
• Tips for Virtual Assistant Resumes
• Skills and Keywords to Add
• All Resume Examples
• Virtual Assistant CV Examples
• Virtual Assistant Cover Letter
• Virtual Assistant Interview Guide
• Explore Alternative and Similar Careers

Download this PDF template.

Creating an account is free and takes five seconds. you'll get access to the pdf version of this resume template., choose an option..

• Have an account? Sign in

E-mail Please enter a valid email address This email address hasn't been signed up yet, or it has already been signed up with Facebook or Google login.

Password Show Your password needs to be between 6 and 50 characters long, and must contain at least 1 letter and 1 number. It looks like your password is incorrect.

Remember me

Forgot your password?

Sign up to get access to Resume Worded's Career Coaching platform in less than 2 minutes

Name Please enter your name correctly

E-mail Remember to use a real email address that you have access to. You will need to confirm your email address before you get access to our features, so please enter it correctly. Please enter a valid email address, or another email address to sign up. We unfortunately can't accept that email domain right now. This email address has already been taken, or you've already signed up via Google or Facebook login. We currently are experiencing a very high server load so Email signup is currently disabled for the next 24 hours. Please sign up with Google or Facebook to continue! We apologize for the inconvenience!

Password Show Your password needs to be between 6 and 50 characters long, and must contain at least 1 letter and 1 number.

Receive resume templates, real resume samples, and updates monthly via email

By continuing, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Lost your password? Please enter the email address you used when you signed up. We'll send you a link to create a new password.

E-mail This email address either hasn't been signed up yet, or you signed up with Facebook or Google. This email address doesn't look valid.

Back to log-in

These professional templates are optimized to beat resume screeners (i.e. the Applicant Tracking System). You can download the templates in Word, Google Docs, or PDF. For free (limited time).

   access samples from top resumes, get inspired by real bullet points that helped candidates get into top companies.,    get a resume score., find out how effective your resume really is. you'll get access to our confidential resume review tool which will tell you how recruiters see your resume..

Writing an effective resume has never been easier .

Upgrade to resume worded pro to unlock your full resume review., get this resume template (+ 4 others), plus proven bullet points., for a small one-time fee, you'll get everything you need to write a winning resume in your industry., here's what you'll get:.

• 📄 Get the editable resume template in Google Docs + Word . Plus, you'll also get all 4 other templates .
• ✍️ Get sample bullet points that worked for others in your industry . Copy proven lines and tailor them to your resume.
• 🎯 Optimized to pass all resume screeners (i.e. ATS) . All templates have been professionally designed by recruiters and 100% readable by ATS.

Buy now. Instant delivery via email.

  instant access. one-time only., what's your email address.

I had a clear uptick in responses after using your template. I got many compliments on it from senior hiring staff, and my resume scored way higher when I ran it through ATS resume scanners because it was more readable. Thank you!

Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

• Career Blog

Virtual Assistant Resume: Example and Template for Success

As the world of remote work continues to grow, many individuals are seeking job opportunities as virtual assistants. A virtual assistant (VA) is an individual who provides administrative and other support services to clients from a remote location, typically from a home office. In order to secure a VA position, it is important to have a well-written virtual assistant resume.

A virtual assistant resume is a document that outlines an individual’s qualifications, experience, and skills relevant to the role of a virtual assistant. It typically includes a summary of the individual’s professional background, education, and work experience, along with any relevant certifications or training.

The Importance of a Well-Written Virtual Assistant Resume

In today’s competitive job market, a well-crafted virtual assistant resume can help a candidate stand out from other applicants. It serves as a marketing tool and communicates the candidate’s value proposition as a virtual assistant.

A poorly written virtual assistant resume can result in missed job opportunities. A well-written resume, on the other hand, can grab the attention of potential employers and demonstrate that the candidate is a qualified and competent VA.

Virtual Assistant Resume Overview

When it comes to creating a compelling virtual assistant resume, it is crucial to understand the basics of what makes one stand out. This section will provide you with the necessary information that makes a virtual assistant resume effective.

A. The Basics of Virtual Assistant Resume

A virtual assistant resume is similar to any other resume. It should contain your name, contact information, work experience, education, skills, and other relevant information. However, for virtual assistant resumes, you should emphasize your remote work experience and your ability to work independently without supervision.

B. The Importance of Keeping Your Resume Up-to-Date

Keeping your virtual assistant resume updated is crucial for many reasons. First, it helps you stay organized and on top of your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Second, it reflects your continuous learning and growth as a virtual assistant, which is an essential trait for potential employers.

C. The 4 Key Components of a Virtual Assistant Resume

A successful virtual assistant resume should have four key components:

1. Professional Summary

A professional summary is a brief statement that highlights your relevant work experience, skills, and achievements. It should be tailored to the job you are applying for and provide a brief summary of what sets you apart from other virtual assistants.

2. Work Experience

Your work experience section should highlight your past virtual assistant positions and responsibilities. It should also showcase successes and achievements gained during previous projects, significant outcomes, and how you contributed to the success of projects.

Include a section listing your relevant skills, especially those specific to virtual assistant work. Examples include communication, time management, project management, administrative abilities, and technical capabilities.

4. Education and Certifications

List your relevant education and certifications that showcase your expertise in virtual assistant work, including courses in software programs, virtual event management, and project management certifications.

By understanding what makes a great virtual assistant resume, you will be able to tailor your resume to attract potential employers, showcase your talents and achievements, and stand out in a rapidly growing industry.

Virtual Assistant Resume Content

When crafting your Virtual Assistant resume, it’s important to organize it in a way that showcases your experience and abilities. Below are the key sections that you should include in your resume.

A. Header and Personal Information

Start with a clear and concise header that includes your full name, contact information, and professional title (e.g., Virtual Assistant). Make sure that your email address and phone number are up-to-date and easy to read.

B. Profile Summary or Professional Objective

Your profile summary or professional objective is a brief statement that highlights your skills and experience as a Virtual Assistant. This section should be no more than 3-4 sentences and should include keywords that are relevant to the position you are applying for.

C. Core Competencies and Skills

Create a skills section that lists your core competencies and skills as a Virtual Assistant. These may include your proficiency in various software programs, time management skills, communication skills, and more. Use bullet points to make the information easy to read.

D. Employment History

Your employment history should begin with your most recent Virtual Assistant position and work backwards. For each position, include the company name, job title, employment dates, and a brief description of your duties and accomplishments. Be sure to highlight any experience you have with administrative tasks, project management, customer service, and other relevant skills.

E. Education and Certification

List your education and any relevant certifications or licenses. Be sure to include the name of the institution, degree, and year of graduation or certification.

F. Relevant Trainings and Seminars

If you have completed any relevant trainings or seminars, include them in this section. This could include online courses, professional development workshops, or conferences you have attended.

G. Volunteer Experience

If you have volunteer experience that is relevant to the position you are applying for, be sure to include it in your resume. This could include work with non-profit organizations, community groups, or other relevant experience.

H. Professional Memberships and Association

List any relevant professional memberships or associations you are a part of. This could include industry-specific groups, networking organizations, or other related groups.

I. Awards and Recognitions

Lastly, make sure to highlight any awards or recognitions you have received throughout your career as a Virtual Assistant. This could include recognition from clients or employers, or other related awards.

Make sure to tailor your resume to the specific position you are applying for, and use keywords that are relevant to the job description. By following these guidelines, you can create a strong Virtual Assistant resume that showcases your skills and sets you up for success.

How to Write a Virtual Assistant Resume

When it comes to writing a virtual assistant resume, there are several important factors to consider. In this section, we will outline the key steps to creating a successful virtual assistant resume.

A. Identifying the Purpose and Target Audience

Before you begin writing your resume, it’s important to clarify the purpose of your application and identify your target audience. Ask yourself: what job are you applying for and who is the hiring manager or recruiter reviewing your application?

Once you have a clear understanding of your target audience, you can tailor your resume to speak directly to them.

B. Researching the Target Company and Job Description

Researching the target company and job description is crucial in crafting an effective virtual assistant resume. Look for keywords and phrases in the job posting and company website that align with your skills and experience.

Tailor your resume to the specific job requirements and highlight relevant experience and qualifications. Use the company’s language and values to showcase how you can contribute to their team.

C. Choosing the Right Resume Format and Style

Choosing the right format and style for your virtual assistant resume is essential to making a good impression. Depending on your experience and skills, a chronological or functional format may be more appropriate.

In terms of style, keep it professional and easy to read. Use clear headings and bullet points to organize your information and make it easy to skim.

D. Organizing Information for Maximum Impact

Organizing your information for maximum impact is key to making a strong first impression. Use a clear and concise summary at the top of your resume to highlight your experience and skills.

When listing your work experience, use bullet points to highlight key accomplishments and responsibilities. Focus on measurable achievements and use specific numbers and metrics to showcase your impact.

E. Writing Compelling and Impactful Content

When it comes to writing content for your virtual assistant resume, be sure to use impactful and compelling language. Use action verbs and descriptive language to showcase your skills and accomplishments.

Highlight your ability to multitask, prioritize, and collaborate with others. Talk about how you have helped previous organizations achieve their goals and how you can do the same for your potential employer.

Writing a successful virtual assistant resume involves identifying your purpose and target audience, researching the target company and job description, choosing the right format and style, organizing information for maximum impact, and writing compelling and impactful content. By following these steps, you can create a powerful and effective resume that will help you land your dream job as a virtual assistant.

Virtual Assistant Resume Example or Sample

A. chronological virtual assistant resume example.

Here is an chronological example of a virtual assistant resume:

John Smith 123 Main Street, City, State 12345 (555) 123-4567 |  [email protected]

Summary: Highly organized and detail-oriented virtual assistant with 5+ years of experience providing administrative support to clients. Proficient in managing calendars, coordinating travel arrangements, and handling confidential information. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Experience:

Virtual Assistant | XYZ Company, City, State | 20XX – Present

• Manage and prioritize CEO’s calendar, scheduling meetings and appointments.
• Coordinate travel arrangements, including flights, hotels, and transportation.
• Prepare and edit correspondence, reports, and presentations.
• Conduct research on various topics and compile data for reports.
• Respond to emails and handle phone calls, taking messages and forwarding as appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and ensure data security.

Administrative Assistant | ABC Corporation, City, State | 20XX – 20XX

• Assisted with general office tasks, including filing, data entry, and document preparation.
• Managed office supplies inventory and placed orders when necessary.
• Scheduled and coordinated meetings, conferences, and travel arrangements.
• Prepared and distributed meeting agendas and minutes.
• Handled incoming and outgoing mail and maintained office correspondence.

Associate’s Degree in Business Administration | City College, City, State | 20XX

• Time management and organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks

B. Functional Virtual Assistant Resume Example

Elizabeth Johnson 456 Elm Street, City, State 12345 (555) 987-6543 |  [email protected]

Summary: Highly adaptable and efficient virtual assistant with a proven track record of delivering exceptional administrative support. Skilled in managing multiple tasks simultaneously, coordinating schedules, and providing remote assistance. Proficient in various virtual communication and collaboration tools.

• Task and project management
• Calendar management and scheduling
• Email and correspondence handling
• Travel coordination
• Document preparation and editing
• Data entry and research
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Remote collaboration tools (Slack, Zoom, Trello)
• Time management and organization
• Problem-solving and multitasking

Virtual Assistant | ABC Services, City, State | 20XX – Present

• Provided virtual administrative support to multiple clients, managing calendars, scheduling appointments, and coordinating travel arrangements.
• Handled email correspondence, responding to inquiries and forwarding important messages.
• Prepared and edited documents, reports, and presentations using virtual collaboration tools.
• Conducted research on various topics and compiled data for client projects.
• Assisted in the organization and execution of virtual meetings and conferences.

Virtual Customer Support Representative | XYZ Company, City, State | 20XX – 20XX

• Responded to customer inquiries via email, chat, and phone, providing timely and accurate information.
• Resolved customer complaints and issues, ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Handled order processing, tracking, and delivery updates.
• Maintained customer databases and updated customer records.

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration | City University, City, State | 20XX

Certifications:

• Virtual Assistant Certification
• Customer Service Excellence Certification

C. Combinational Virtual Assistant Resume Example

Emily Thompson 789 Oak Avenue, City, State 12345 (555) 567-8901 |  [email protected]

Summary: Dedicated and resourceful virtual assistant with a strong background in providing administrative support. Proficient in managing schedules, coordinating travel arrangements, and performing various office tasks. Skilled in both administrative and customer service roles, ensuring efficient and professional support.

• Manage executive calendars, scheduling meetings and appointments.
• Coordinate travel arrangements, including flights, accommodations, and transportation.
• Prepare and edit documents, reports, and presentations.
• Respond to emails and handle phone calls, addressing inquiries and providing information.
• Perform data entry tasks and maintain organized digital files.
• Provide customer support via email and chat, resolving issues and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Customer Service Representative | XYZ Corporation, City, State | 20XX – 20XX

• Assisted customers in person, over the phone, and through email, addressing inquiries and providing product information.
• Resolved customer complaints and issues, ensuring a positive customer experience.
• Processed customer orders and facilitated product returns or exchanges.
• Handled cash and credit transactions and maintained accurate records.

Associate’s Degree in Office Administration | City College, City, State | 20XX

• Customer service and support
• Data entry and file management
• Organization and multitasking
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
• Remote collaboration tools familiarity

Resume Writing Tips and Tricks

A virtual assistant resume is your ticket to getting hired as a remote worker, and it is essential to make it stand out from the crowd. As an experienced copywriter and subject matter expert, I have come up with some valuable tips and tricks to help you create a winning virtual assistant resume.

A. Highlighting Your Specialization and Niche

Your virtual assistant resume should clearly highlight your specialization and niche. Identify the skills and services you offer, such as social media management, email marketing, bookkeeping, scheduling, project management, customer service, or content creation.

You want to showcase your expertise in a particular area to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Mention any industry-specific knowledge or experience you have that matches the job requirements to position yourself as the ideal candidate.

B. Quantifying Your Achievements for More Impact

One way to make your virtual assistant resume more impactful is to quantify your achievements. Use numbers, percentages, and tangible results to demonstrate how you have contributed to your past clients or employers.

For example, instead of saying, “Managed social media accounts,” say, “Increased Instagram followers by 50% in three months through engaging content and strategic hashtags.”

Quantifying your achievements shows that you are results-oriented, proactive, and accountable, and it gives prospective employers an idea of what you can achieve for them.

C. Including Relevant Keywords and Skills

Since virtual assistant jobs are often found online, it is vital to include relevant keywords and skills on your resume. This will ensure that it comes up in search results when potential employers are looking for candidates.

Research job descriptions in your field to identify commonly used keywords and skills and include them in your resume. Also, ensure that your resume lists your technical skills, such as proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and other relevant software.

D. Following a Consistency and Clarity in Writing Style

Consistency and clarity in writing style are critical in creating an effective virtual assistant resume. Use bullet points to make your resume easy to scan quickly, and avoid lengthy paragraphs or confusing jargon.

Use active verbs to describe your experience, such as “Managed,” “Developed,” “Implemented,” or “Created.” Use proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation and keep a consistent font and formatting throughout the document.

E. Proofreading and Editing Your Virtual Assistant Resume

Finally, it is crucial to take the time to proofread and edit your resume carefully. Even a small error can be enough to get your resume tossed aside, so ensure that it is polished and professional.

Read through your resume several times and ask a trusted friend or colleague to review it for you. Check for any typos, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies and ensure that it is tailored to the job you are applying for.

By following these tips and tricks, you can create a compelling virtual assistant resume that showcases your skills, experience, and suitability for the job.

Virtual Assistant Resume Template

When it comes to creating a successful virtual assistant resume, having a well-designed and professional-looking document can make a big difference in your job search. To help you get started, we’ve created two resume templates that you can use as a starting point to showcase your skills and experience in the best possible light.

A. Downloadable Virtual Assistant Resume Template in MS Word

Our downloadable Virtual Assistant Resume Template in MS Word format is designed to be easy to use and customize, even if you’re not a tech expert. Simply download the template, open it in Microsoft Word, and start replacing the placeholder text with your own information. The template includes all the essential sections you need to highlight your professional experience, education, skills, and more. Plus, its clean and modern design will impress potential employers and make your resume stand out from the rest.

B. Ready-to-Use Virtual Assistant Resume Template for Quick Start

For those who want to get started quickly, our Ready-to-Use Virtual Assistant Resume Template is the perfect solution. This pre-designed template is ready for you to fill in with your information and start applying to jobs right away. It’s easy to use and can be customized to fit your unique qualifications and experience. With this template, you can save time creating your resume and focus on what matters most – landing your dream job as a virtual assistant.

With these two resume templates, you can create a powerful resume that will get you noticed by hiring managers and stand out from the competition. They are designed to highlight your skills and experience in the most effective way possible, giving you the best chance of success in your job search. So why wait? Download our Virtual Assistant Resume Templates today and start your job search off on the right foot.

Cover Letter Writing for Virtual Assistant

As a virtual assistant, your cover letter is your first chance to make a great impression on potential employers. It’s your opportunity to showcase your skills, interests and experience, and demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for the job. In this section, we’ll cover the importance of a cover letter for virtual assistant jobs, how to write an effective cover letter, and provide examples of successful virtual assistant cover letters.

A. Importance of Cover Letter for Virtual Assistant Jobs

A cover letter is your chance to stand out from the competition and make a strong first impression with potential employers. It should complement your virtual assistant resume and provide additional context to your experience and qualifications. A well-written cover letter demonstrates your motivation, attention to detail, and communication skills.

When applying for virtual assistant jobs, it’s important to remember that employers are looking for candidates who can work independently and efficiently, with excellent organizational and communication skills. Your cover letter should reflect these qualities and make it clear that you have the experience and skills necessary to thrive in a virtual assistant role.

B. Writing an Effective Cover Letter for Virtual Assistant Jobs

To write an effective cover letter for a virtual assistant job, you should keep the following tips in mind:

• Start with a strong opening that grabs the reader’s attention and sets the tone for your letter.
• Research the company and tailor your letter to their needs and values.
• Highlight your relevant skills and experience, including any virtual or remote work experience you may have.
• Use specific examples to demonstrate your accomplishments and how you’ve added value to previous roles.
• Convey your enthusiasm for the position and why you’re excited to work for the company.
• Close with a strong, confident statement that thanks the employer for considering your application and invites them to contact you.

Remember, your cover letter should be concise and focused, ideally no more than one page in length. You want to make a strong impression with the employer without overwhelming them with too much information.

C. Examples of Virtual Assistant Cover Letter

Here are some examples of successful virtual assistant cover letters that demonstrate the tips outlined above:

This cover letter highlights the candidate’s experience working in a remote, virtual environment and their dedication to providing excellent customer service. It also includes specific examples of how they have added value to previous roles and why they’re excited about the opportunity to work for the company.

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the virtual assistant position at your company. With 3 years of experience working remotely, I have honed my customer service skills and developed a strong work ethic. I take pride in delivering exceptional support and adding value to every task I undertake. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise and dedication to your team. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

This cover letter is tailored specifically to the company’s needs, with a focus on the candidate’s experience managing social media and coordinating projects. It includes specific examples of how they have managed multiple tasks and worked independently to achieve goals.

I am thrilled to apply for the social media coordinator position at your company. With 2 years of experience managing social media platforms and coordinating projects, I have successfully built brand presence and engaged audiences. I am adept at multitasking, working independently, and meeting deadlines. I am confident that my skills and passion for social media will contribute to your team’s success. Thank you for considering my application.

This cover letter highlights the candidate’s organizational and administrative skills, as well as their experience working with a variety of software and tools. It includes specific examples of how they have managed schedules and supported team members in previous roles.

I am writing to apply for the administrative assistant position at your company. With a strong background in organization and administrative tasks, I am confident in my ability to support your team effectively. I am skilled in using various software and tools, such as Microsoft Office Suite and project management platforms. In my previous roles, I have managed schedules and provided exceptional support to team members. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your organization’s success. Thank you for considering my application.

Remember to personalize these examples by replacing [Your Name] with your actual name and customizing the content to reflect your own experiences and qualifications.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Virtual Assistant Resumes

A. the top 10 mistakes in virtual assistant resumes.

When it comes to crafting a winning virtual assistant resume, there are some common mistakes that job seekers often make:

Not tailoring the resume to the job posting  – Using a generic resume for every job application won’t cut it. Take the time to customize your resume to the specific job posting to highlight how your skills and experience match the job requirements.

Including irrelevant work experience  – Avoid including job experiences that are not relevant to the virtual assistant position you’re applying for. Instead, focus on showcasing your skills and accomplishments that directly relate to the job.

Focusing too much on duties instead of accomplishments  – Rather than simply listing your job duties, emphasize your achievements and the impact you made in your previous roles.

Not using strong action verbs  – Use strong action verbs to describe your previous job responsibilities and accomplishments. This will help make your experiences more impactful and memorable to potential employers.

Listing only basic computer skills  – In today’s digital age, basic computer skills are not enough. Be sure to mention more advanced skills you possess, such as proficiency in specific software and programming languages.

Being too vague  – Avoid being too vague in your experiences and skills. Use specific examples and provide details to demonstrate your capabilities.

Including personal information  – Personal information such as age, marital status, or religion has no place in your resume. Keep it professional and focused on your qualifications for the job.

Neglecting to include keywords  – Many companies use software to screen resumes for certain keywords. Be sure to include relevant keywords throughout your resume to improve your chances of making it to the interview stage.

Including errors or typos  – Spelling and grammar mistakes can be a big turn-off for potential employers. Always proofread your resume and have someone else review it before submitting.

Not providing metrics or numbers  – Including metrics or numbers can help quantify your achievements and provide context for your previous experiences.

B. How to Avoid These

To avoid making these common mistakes, follow these tips when crafting your virtual assistant resume:

• carefully read the job posting and tailor your resume to the specific requirements listed.
• Only include relevant work experiences and focus on achievements.
• Use strong action verbs and avoid vague language.
• Demonstrate your advanced computer skills.
• Focus solely on professional qualifications and avoid personal information.
• Include relevant keywords throughout your resume.
• Always proofread, and ask someone to review it before submitting.
• Provide metrics and numbers to quantify your achievements wherever possible.

By following these tips, you’ll be sure to avoid the common mistakes made in virtual assistant resumes and set yourself up for success in your job search.

Related Articles

• Channel Marketing Manager Job Description for 2023
• Different Types of Job Applications to Use in 2023
• Degrees on Your Resume: How to List Associate & Bachelor
• Job Interview Dress Code: What Not to Wear in 2023
• Crafting a Thank You Letter for a Job Referral in 2023

Rate this article

0 / 5. Reviews: 0

More from ResumeHead

Virtual Assistant Resume: Complete Examples [+Pro Tips]

You’re your boss's right hand – his watch, the calendar, and the diary.Without you, the whole operation would become inefficient. You’re taking half the work from your CEO’s workload and completing them with perfection so that they can focus on the strategies to grow the business.

All resume examples in this guide

Virtual Assistant Resume Example

Christina Caroline

Virtual Assistant [email protected] (234)763-2462

Professional summary

A dedicated virtual assistant with over 5 years of experience in secretarial and office administration seeks to join TED Corporation to manage the CEO’s calendar. I have worked as a VA to a CEO of a $30M startup tech firm freeing up 30% more time for him every month.

Work experience

Aug 2019 to Present Space Digital Virtual Assistant to CEO

• Managed CEO’s calendar scheduling meetings and setting up daily task reminders
• Communicated with 20+ designers, developers, and project managers on the work progress and created summarized reports for the CEO
• Read CEOs email box and replied to the emails – briefed him daily on important information
• Administered Space Digital official Twitter and LinkedIn accounts creating and managing content – worked with content creators to come up with relevant content ideas ‍

Freelance experience

June 2020 - Nov 2020 Craft Eye Solutions Administrative consultant

• Developed a general administration strategy for the startup
• Trained 12+ staff on tools for better communication in the organization
• The initial 3 months contract was extended to 6 months ‍

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, 2015-2018 University of California, CA

• Business strategy
• Digital marketing
• General administration ‍
• Social media savvy
• Microsoft Word
• Organizational skills
• Clear communication
• Time management ‍

To communicate you have what it takes to become a virtual assistant, you need a professional virtual assistant resume .

Is it that important?

As this is a remote position, recruiters receive hundreds of resumes for a well-paid virtual assistant jobs from around the world – the right job will give you the flexibility of working from anywhere in the world.

Your resume needs to be impressive from its look to its content if you want to stand out. This article has everything you need to land a well-paid virtual assistant job.

• Complete virtual assistant resume examples and templates
• A guide to picking the right format and layout to create your resume
• Examples to write each section of your VA resume
• Pro Tips to make your application stand out

If you’ve already found the perfect job, don’t wait till the last moment – use one of our ready-to-fill resume templates to create your resume in less than 10 minutes.

Here’re some more illustrations of similar articles that you could refer to get inspiration from👇

• Secretary resume
• Administrative assistant resume
• Data entry resume
• Office assistant resume
• Sales assistant resume
• Customer service resume
• Administrative coordinator

Plan Your Work – Work Your Plan

As a VA, your work should be well-organized and the recruiter will judge you based on your application.

Though your major is not in HR, they will expect you to have an understanding of modern resume writing – you’ll get to shortlist and recruit people as part of your job. Therefore, your resume itself is demonstrating your skills. You can’t compromise its quality whatsoever.

Modern resume writing starts with a little bit of planning. This simplifies the process of writing and reading the resume.

You’ll realize this is the same way you manage complex administration work of CEOs – plan the work – work the plan.

In resume writing, we should define the layout of our resume followed by the format. Then we should pick the right template.

Virtual Assistant Resume Layout

The resume layout is a list of sections and subsections that we’re going to write on the resume. Having defined the layout first makes it easy for us to prepare the information – also, we don’t miss any important information.

For a virtual assistant resume, we recommend the following layout:

• Header: name and contact information.
• Professional summary.
• Work Experience.
• Freelance experience.
• Additional sections (certificates, languages, and interests).

The Right Resume format for Virtual Assistants

The format of a resume defines the order in which you put together the information in each section. Simply put, you could write the information from their importance or you could order them based on the years.

There’re 3 standard resume formats in use:

• The functional (skill-based) format : In your experience section, you should list your key skills and provide examples where you demonstrated those in your work – mostly suited for freelance and project-based work.
• Reverse chronological order (traditional) format : Here you should list your most recent experience first – list the rest of the experience based on the years.
• Combination format : This is a combination of the above two formats.

For a virtual assistant resume, we recommend you to use the reverse chronological resume format. However, if you have freelance or project-based experience, you could use a combination format.

Remember, the one who read your resume is a busy person and that’s why they’re looking for someone like you – don’t waste their time – make the important information readily available for them to decide on your application. A good layout and a format help that too.

A Killer VA Resume Template

As a VA, you might have worked on many document templates for multiple clients – a resume template does the same purpose – it defines the general appearance of your resume.

The significance of this is that it creates the first impression for the hiring managers.

If you’re one of the pro users of MSOffice, you could create your own template without hassle. However, we have created plenty of professional resume templates suitable for virtual assistants, administrative assistants, and secretaries. You could check them out here .

A great resume template should:

• Have a color theme that matches the personality of the candidate.
• Have consistent fonts, font colors, and sizes for headings, subheadings, and texts.
• Have consistent margins from all sides.
• Be able to fit more information on the resume while maintaining clarity.

Start Your Virtual Assistant Resume with the Header

Your VA resume should start with the header. A resume header consists of the applicant's name and contact information. This is the first part of your resume the hiring manager reads. In fact, they only read your name.

Most VA candidates get this section right – with a few exceptions that we have mentioned👇

A good & a bad header

Virtual assistant

(234)456-2784

Virtual Assistant

11, main street, apt 407,

Washington DC,

A good and a bad resume header is subjective – we define a good header as one that tells the hiring manager who you are and how to contact you. Any header that doesn’t serve this purpose is a bad header.

• Make your name bigger than all other texts.
• Put the right job title as in the job advertisement.
• Put your personal email address and mobile number.
• Include a link to your LinkedIn profile if that’s where you’re professionally active.
• Do not include your physical address.

Hook the Reader with an Outstanding Professional Summary

Do the elevator test!

If you met the potential employer in an elevator where you have 30 seconds to describe yourself, what would be the two sentences you would use – that’s basically your professional summary.

As that 30 seconds on the elevator could lead to an hour-long meeting, the right resume summary would hook the reader to read it in full and call you for a meeting.

A professional summary should consist of about 2 short sentences: where the first sentence describes your experience, key skills, and the passion to join the new team and the second sentence should explain how you excelled in your previous work.

Entry-level candidates could consider writing a virtual assistant resume objective highlighting your enthusiasm for joining the company as a VA.

Here’re a few tips to write a great professional summary:

• Answer the dominant questions of the employer. Most CEOs need to free up their time from less value-adding activities. Tell them how you did it.
• Use numbers to add credibility.
• Add relevant keywords.

Example professional summary

A passionate virtual assistant with over 6 years of experience in administrative and organizational support seeks to join The Synergy Tech to provide exceptional customer service. In my previous job as a VA handled multiple clients for a B2B tech company creating the link between all customer-facing departments – generating over $200,000 in annual sales.

A passionate candidate with 5 years of experience in administrative support seeks a virtual assistant position

Example objective summary

An aspiring virtual assistant with experience in providing high quality customer service for technology-based products seeks to join AMD Technologies to assist the management in daily administrative and client handling tasks saving them more time for strategic business functions.

A dedicated candidate who previously worked as a customer relationship executive in an ERP company seeks to become a virtual assistant in a reputed company.

Demonstrate Your Virtual Assistant Experience

CEOs don’t have time to teach you how to do your job – they’re looking for candidates who can work with minimum guidance. Therefore, whether you’ve worked as a virtual assistant or not, you should write an extensive work experience section on the RELEVANT experience.

We’ve given you two examples of experienced and entry-level virtual assistants.

Let’s say you don’t possess any virtual assistant experience – still, you can apply for VA jobs.

Working as a virtual assistant is a comparatively new progression in the job market. Previously, CEOs hired secretaries, administrative assistants, and personal assistants (PA) to support their work. If you’ve worked in any of these positions or happened to work in administration, you could turn that into a killer experience section. Refer to our examples and use a similar writing style.

Experience Section for a Pro VA

Aug 2019 to Present

Intel Vision

• Carried out calendar management for the CEO
• Booked travel tickets and scheduled meetings
• Worked with other staff to meet deadlines
• Communicated with partners, clients, and suppliers
• Booked travel and accommodation for the management for travels in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East – managed an annual budget of $120,000
• Managed CEO’s calendar scheduling meetings with staff and shareholders
• Worked as the VA to the CFO for 6 months until a full-time VA was assigned to her – I was praised for time management
• Introduced a Saas CRM system for inbound marketing which from the CEO’s words “revolutionized” the work in marketing, sales, and services

Most experienced virtual assistants get to work with C-level executives in different size companies. These CEOs delegate most of their team management and administrative tasks to the VAs.

Therefore, focus on demonstrating your leadership, team management, and delegation skills more often in your experience section.

Experience Section for an Entry-level VA

Aug 2021 to Present

• Hired freelance designers and developers
• Paid freelancers monthly
• Helped the CEO to free up his time
• Involved in content management on the website
• Worked with the founder and CEO in developing a content strategy for the brand and planned on execution
• Maintained communication with over 15 freelance designers and developers in creating website content and developments
• Advertised, shortlisted, and hired over 10 freelancers – scheduled final interviews with the CEO
• Helped the CEO to free up his time on administrative functions and focus on strategic growth – 35% monthly time saving

Most entry-level virtual assistants are hired by solopreneurs. The work you’ll get would be more technical such as managing CMS platforms, sending emails, and managing social media platforms could be part of your work. You’ll also get to hire and work with other freelancers.

In such incidents, you should focus your experience around skills such as team building, recruitment, and other relevant technical skills.

Does Your Freelance Experience Make a Difference?

There’s no doubt that most VAs are freelancers – some of their work lasts a couple of weeks or months. Can you include them on your resume?

Of course! Freelance experience demonstrates your ability to handle multiple projects at the same time. Also, freelancers are typically exposed to different industries and niches making them invaluable to VA positions.

Here’s how to list your freelance experience:

The virtual assistant to the CEO Founder, 2019-2020 (4 months)

• Carried out the total recruitment process- hired 6 freelancers and 2 full-time developers.
• Assisted CEO in scheduling meetings with potential investors and partners – received $2M seed funding after rounds of meetings.
• Setup the tools and systems required for cross-team communication.

Virtual assistant, 2020 (2 months)

• Developed the company’s social media content plan for the next 6 months.
• Worked with the content team to conceptualize content ideas and coordinated from writing drafts to publishing.
• Created analytics reports for the management decisions.

Your Academic Background Matters

Your academic background matters to a remote job more than it matters to a physical job.

Because that’s a legit way for the recruiter to know you’re smart and you have the qualifications. A bachelor’s degree or a Master’s qualification would be ideal.

Some virtual assistant job descriptions highlight the type of academic qualifications they expect from the candidates – even if they don’t, you should include them in a separate section on the resume.

Start the education section with your highest qualification – use a consistent format highlighting the type of degree, institution, years of graduation, and any other relevant information.

2019-2023 (Expected in Nov 2023)

Columbia University, NY

• Marketing and branding
• Management reporting

Diploma in Office Administration

Project management Institute, NY

• General administration
• Virtual business management
• Talent acquisition

The Most In-Demand Skills for Virtual Assistants

We know you could easily write a list on a full page with your virtual assistant skills – that’s how many skills you should possess to become a productive VA.

However, each job is different – the requirements of each CEO are different. If your resume does not address the right virtual assistant skills required to perform the particular job you’re applying for, your resume falls into the same 95% of resumes that goes to virtual trash.

There’re two types of skills a virtual assistant should put on their resume:

Your resume skills section should have 4 to 6 key skills required for the job. Identify the right skills by reading the job advertisement – focus on the type of skills the recruiter expects from an ideal candidate and be that candidate.

Soft Skills for Virtual Assistants

• Multitasking
• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Reliability & resourcefulness
• Leadership skills
• Accountability
• Analytical skills
• Critical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Time management
• Presentation skills
• Problem-solving

Hard Skills and Tools for Virtual Assistants

• Project management
• Editing & proofreading articles and legal documents
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Typing speed (wpm)
• Experience in CRMs
• Business planning
• Performing market research
• Event planning
• Social media accounts management
• Transcription services
• Adobe creative suite
• Zoom, Microsoft team, Google Meets, and similar communication software
• Slack, Airtable
• WordPress Content Management
• Google documents

Additional sections for Virtual Assistant Resumes

We’re writing a virtual assistant resume that is better than 95% of the other CVs.

How do we do that?

By including key information that most candidates ignore.

One way is to put a couple of small additional sections to make the hiring manager confident about their decision of shortlisting your resume.

Why small sections when we could include this information under the main sections?

• Small sections easily catch the hiring manager's eye.
• You could include a range of information under different headings.

Therefore, pick the right additional sections for your VA resume to make it stand out.

Here’re some example sections:

• Computer skills & certifications
• Extracurricular activities
• Freelance work

Computing Skills & Certifications

It’s now easier than ever to get certified with globally recognized qualifications.

Both career-specific certificates and IT skill certificates would add value to your profile as a VA.

Most certifications are free and you can complete them online. Here’re some powerful certifications you should consider including in your resume:

• Microsoft Office Specialist Certification (MOS)
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) by the Project Management Institute
• HR Certified Professional by The International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR)
• Talent Management Practitioner Certificate by the Talent Management Institute
• Hubspot Content Marketing Certification
• Google Analytics IQ Certification
• Google Digital Garage: Fundamental of Digital Marketing
• Hootsuite Social Marketing Certification
• Hubspot Inbound Marketing Certification

Check out our complete guide to list certifications on your resume with tons of examples for different professions here .

Your language proficiency would be something of interest to the hiring manager. For example, if you are fluent in both English and German, you would have a better chance of getting a job as a VA to a German-speaking manager. Of course, you could demand higher pay.

Your language skills could be nicely presented on your resume with one of our resume templates.

State the level of fluency in each language for the recruiter to have a clear idea.

English Native

Japanese Full working proficiency

French Limited working proficiency

Before writing your interests section, go through the website of the company you apply for – check what are their values, beliefs, and purpose – some companies have strictly defined the type of employees they’re hiring and this applies to freelancers as well.

For example, some companies promote remote work and hire people who work from different destinations in the world while traveling – some companies hire people who believe that the future is Metaverse and crypto.

If you have the same interests your potential employer values the most, your interests section could get you the job.

Tips to Improve Your Virtual Assistant Resume

Apart from the tips we shared throughout the article, here’re some final notes to stand out:

• Proofread your resume before sending it through – use a tool like Grammarly to check accuracy.
• If you don’t have the experience they’re looking for, it’s not your mistake – but if you don’t have the key certifications required, it’s your mistake – so acquire them before applying.
• Tailor your resume to each job – research the company and the industry to see what their ideal candidate would look like – be that candidate.
• Structure your resume sections effectively using a professional resume template with multiple columns.

Key Takeaways: Writing a Winning VA Resume

• Start your VA resume with the header.
• Write a powerful professional summary to hook the reader.
• Your VA experience section is the critical element on your resume – take more time to optimize it.
• Use a consistent format to write your education section – more qualified candidates have more chance of getting high-paid jobs.
• List both soft skills and hard skills – read the ob description to pick what skills to write.
• Use the additional sections such as skills certifications, languages, and interests to create a pleasant surprise for the hiring manager.

Complement Your Resume with a Cover Letter

In most virtual assistant jobs, you’ll be asked to submit a cover letter along with your resume. In some cases, the cover letter is optional – therefore, most candidates skip it. However, if you’re serious about the position, you should write a killer cover letter that should be tailored to the job.

Writing a cover letter is no magic. It would be an extension of your professional summary. Keep your virtual assistant cover letter to about 3 short paragraphs.

In the first paragraph, state the reason why they should hire you – how you could solve the most troubling issues the employer is facing.

In the second paragraph, demonstrate how you solved those problems for your previous clients and employers – give examples with figures.

In the final paragraph, state your interest to join their team – give reasons as to why you’re particularly interested in the company.

When you’re applying for multiple jobs, creating cover letters for each position would be unmanageable. Our resume builder has a cover letter creating functionality in which you could easily create a perfect cover letter with the same template you used for the resume – easy to tailor saving you hours of your time.

How do you make a Virtual Assistant resume with no experience?

Most companies prefer to hire virtual assistants with solid working experience. However, the VA job description is not a unique one – it’s a combination of administrative jobs, secretary, personal assistant, and many more.

Read the VA job description and see whether your previous work experience aligns with the roles and responsibilities. In your experience section, focus on writing relevant achievements and accomplishments without just repeating the roles and responsibilities. Be specific about the details.

For example, if the virtual assistant job you’re applying for is a customer communication role, you could give examples from your sales job where you were providing exceptional customer service.

How to increase my chances of getting hired as a virtual assistant?

Here’s a list of ways to increase your chances of getting hired as a VA:

• Write an exceptional resume and a cover letter for the job.
• Check the relevant certifications you could acquire that add value to your position – start working on them.
• Research about the company at the CV writing stage and interview stage – you should have a clear idea of where the company and the industry are heading – their new projects – and the culture they promote.

Create your resume with the best templates

What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

Static and dynamic content editing

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

How to customize formatting for each rich text

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

Create your resume in 15 minutes

Our free collection of expertly designed cover letter templates will help you stand out from the crowd and get one step closer to your dream job.

Sample letters to download

Cover Letter

Advice for getting a job, instructions.

The analyses and opinions presented on Career Cloud are our own. We may receive commissions from purchases made after visiting links within our content.

What To Include On A Virtual Assistant Resume + VA Skills

Table Of Contents

What is a virtual assistant, what is unique about a virtual assistant resume, what should be included on a virtual assistant resume, contact information, summary or objective statement, work experience, education and certifications, what should be left off a virtual assistant resume, important job skills for virtual assistant resumes, hard skills, soft skills, frequently asked questions , what should a virtual assistant put on a resume, what skills does a virtual assistant need, how do i write a resume for a virtual assistant with no experience, do you need a resume as a virtual assistant, the bottom line.

If you want to work from home in an administrative capacity, you may be trying to figure out how to write a virtual assistant resume. Don’t worry. We’ll share everything you need to know so you can create a resume that lands you an ideal role.

Want to take the guesswork out of writing a top-quality resume? Consider using a professional resume writing service .

If you are ready to land a job as a virtual assistant, start your job hunt on ZipRecruiter. ZipRecruiter is easy to use and free for jobseekers . You can also upload your resume to their resume database so that employers and recruiters who use ZipRecruiter can find you!

get started with ziprecruiter

As a virtual assistant, you’ll take various tasks off the full plate of a busy professional or entrepreneur. You could find yourself serving in a secretarial capacity, tackling duties such as managing calendars, drafting correspondence, or responding to customer inquiries. You may also be responsible for more niche responsibilities like blogging, graphic design, or social media management.

Note: You can be a virtual assistant as an employee of a company, but it’s common for businesses to fill this role with a freelancer . For more information, check out our guide on how to become a virtual assistant.

A virtual assistant resume has much in common with any other type of resume. However, the critical difference is that it’s written intentionally to try and secure a work-at-home job as a virtual assistant.

Your virtual assistant resume should include several sections. Let’s review each one.

The recruiter, hiring manager, or business owner needs to be able to reach you quickly and easily to set up an interview. So, list your cell phone number and professional-looking email address under your name.

Warning: Avoid using an email address that contains slang, profanity, or a nickname, as it could turn off the person reading your resume.

The summary or objective statement is your opportunity to grab your reader’s attention and should highlight why you’re an ideal candidate. If you’re a seasoned professional, you should write a summary statement that captures your best career achievements to date. But, if you’re new to the field (or the workforce in general), you should opt for an objective statement explaining your desire to succeed in the role and how your transferable skills will help you do that.

Pro Tip: This section should be a maximum of three or four concise, compelling lines.

In this area, list your work history in reverse chronological order. That means your most recent role should appear first.

You should include your title, the company you worked for, and the dates you held the position for each job. Then, write three to five bullet points showcasing your most remarkable achievements during your tenure.

Here are some examples that could appear on an effective virtual assistant resume:

• Maintained the business and personal calendars for six executives.
• Wrote and published two weekly blog posts of 1,000 words each on the company website.
• Managed the company’s social media marketing strategy across five platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok).

Remember: Your bullet points should feature an action word to illustrate a specific skill you have and a number to demonstrate the scope of your position or what you accomplished.

In this section, you should list the relevant degrees and certifications you’ve earned. If you’ve got an extensive work history, you can keep it short like this:

Bachelor’s in Business Administration

ABC University

Join The Break Community

However, if you’re new to the workforce or field, it’s a good idea to flesh out this area. Here’s what that could look like:

Bachelor’s in Business Administration — 3.8 GPA

• Related coursework included Digital Marketing, Principles of Online Business, and Intermediate Copywriting.
• Served as the marketing professor’s assistant and entered grades for 200 students two to three times per week.
• Completed an internship as a Social Media Marketer, where I grew the company’s Twitter following by 75%.

Note: You could also list your internship as a separate entry in your work experience section.

Pro Tip: Be sure to include any notable online courses you’ve taken recently to expand your skill set — especially if that capability or knowledge is listed as a requirement in the job description.

You should feature your most relevant skills here, including any additional languages you read, write, or speak. But, while it may be tempting to share everything that you can do, keep this list to ten items or less. That way, your resume appears focused, and the section doesn’t overwhelm the reader (or take up too much valuable space on the page).

Use this section to end your virtual assistant resume with a bang. Include any relevant recognition you’ve gotten, such as Employee of the Month or Administrative Professional of the Year. If you’re early in your career, it’s appropriate to include the accolades you received in school or while you held a volunteer position.

When editing your virtual assistant resume, you should omit any information that doesn’t make you look like a great candidate for the job. For example, your potential client or employer probably doesn’t need to know that you were a heavy machinery operator 15 years ago because it’s unrelated to the work you’ll do as a virtual assistant.

Note: If your sole or most recent professional experience is unrelated, include it. For example, if you’ve always worked as a heavy machinery operator, you should focus your resume on the transferable skills you honed in the role, such as attention to detail. However, if you're currently a heavy machinery operator but have previously held other, more relevant positions, just mention this job briefly to show steady employment history.

Let’s dive into the important job skills you should include on your virtual assistant resume, breaking them down into hard and soft categories.

Hard skills are capabilities that are specifically related to the role and are often more technical in nature. Here are several examples:

• Calendar management
• Email inbox management
• Content writing
• Social media management
• Graphic design
• Podcast editing
• Video editing

Soft skills are competencies that are universally applicable, regardless of what position you hold. Examples of soft skills include but aren’t limited to:

• Communication (oral and written)
• Attention to detail
• Organization
• Time management
• Customer service
• Problem solving or resourcefulness

Remember: Each virtual assistant role will be unique, so your resume should showcase the skills listed on the job posting (if you have them!).

A virtual assistant should list their experience, education, certifications, skills, and significant accomplishments on their resume.

A virtual assistant needs many universally applicable skills, like communication, organization, attention to detail, etc. They may also need position-specific skills such as graphic design, content writing, or social media management.

If you have no experience, you can still write a resume for a virtual assistant position. Highlight your education, certifications , and transferable skills you picked up in school, during an internship, or while serving in a volunteer capacity.

A well-written resume can help you land virtual assistant jobs. However, you can also create an online portfolio or launch a website featuring similar information.

We know you’ve got what it takes to write a winning virtual assistant resume. But, if you’d like some support, check out one of these best resume writing service providers. Then, be sure to look for your next role on ZipRecruiter!

Macy Westlund

Macy Westlund is the editorial content and project manager for CareerCloud. Macy graduated from Iowa State University with a Journalism and Mass Communications degree. Through her blog and social media accounts, Macy has collaborated and been quoted in with a variety of wellness media platforms including Women’s Health Magazine, Yahoo, ISSA Online, Real Simple, Further Foods, 1-800 Contacts, Liquid IV, Clif Bar, and Lean Cuisine. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and Goldendoodle.

What To Include On A Data Entry Resume + Data Entry Skills

What To Include On A Writing Resume + Writing Skills

Want to build an unbreakable career.

Military to Civilian Resume Example for Veterans [Updated 2024]

Transitioning from a military lifestyle to that of a civilian is far from easy.

According to a Pew Research Center study, 95% of veterans seek employment after serving in the military.

26% of veteran respondents, however, found shifting from the military to the civilian lifestyle to be somewhat difficult.

Coincidentally, one of the biggest struggles for veterans is creating a compelling military to civilian resume that’s going to help them get a job that’s well-paid and enjoyable.

To help solve that problem, though, we wrote this guide. Read on to learn everything you need to know to create a compelling veteran resume, including:

• Military to Civilian Resume Example
• How to Write a Military Veteran Resume (8 Simple Steps)
• Free Military to Civilian Resume Template
• Essential (Free) Job-Search Resources for Veterans

In case you’re looking to brush up on the resume basics, watch the video below.

If you’re ready to get started, though, let’s start by reviewing a well-written military to civilian resume example.

Military to Civilian Resume Example (for Veterans)

Compelling, right? Here’s what the above military to civilian resume example does right: 

• Follows a functional resume format. The functional resume format focuses more on your skills and strengths rather than work experience. It helps convey how your military experience is going to help you perform well in the civilian role you’re applying for.
• Lists the contact information the right way. It includes the applicant’s full name, email, location, phone number, and even a LinkedIn URL while skipping out on a photo.
• Captures the hiring manager’s attention with a resume summary. The summary on top of the military to civilian resume example offers a brief snapshot of the candidate’s career, instantly showing the recruiter their value.
• Focuses on transferable skills instead of work experience. Instead of mentioning military buzzwords that civilians wouldn’t understand in the first place, the resume example instead focuses on how the candidate's experiences helped them develop valuable skills.
• Mentions achievements when possible. Achievements help convince the recruiter that they’re not just any candidate - you’re an overachiever who plays to win.
• Uses bullet points to make the resume easier to skim. The recruiter doesn’t have all day - they have hundreds of other resumes to review just for a single role. Making the resume easy to skim makes it more likely to be read.
• Includes educational history (in brief). The military to civilian resume example describes the candidate’s educational background, which includes taking a leadership course and basic training.
• Makes use of the optional sections. The achievements and interests sections help shed light on the candidate’s personality outside of work, as well.

Now, let’s talk about how YOU can make your resume as impressive as the example above.

How to Write a Military Veteran Resume (8 Easy Steps)

In this section, we’re going to walk you through the 8 steps to creating a powerful military veteran resume, starting with:

#1. Pick a Functional Resume Format

These are the 3 most popular resume formats out there:

• Reverse-chronological . This format focuses on your work history over education or skills.
• Functional . It focuses less on your work background and more on your skills and how they make you a qualified candidate.
• Combination . This format is a mix of the other two formats. It puts equal emphasis on skills and experiences. 

As a military veteran, you’re better off with a functional format .

As you can see above, the resume example focuses more on key strengths instead of just listing out work experiences.

This improves your odds of landing a civilian job for one important reason: 

Most recruiters aren’t really familiar with military lingo.

Your experiences in the military might be super compelling, but chances are, most recruiters won’t understand how these experiences make you a good candidate for the role.

By framing your experiences around your skills, on the other hand, your resume becomes more understandable for a civilian.

Once you’ve decided on the format, you also need to sort out your resume style, layout, font, and more. Here’s what this includes:

• Don’t go over one page . Your resume should be concise and to the point. More often than not, if you’re going over one page, you’re probably including information that isn’t relevant for the role.
• Pick the right font and font size . In terms of size, go for 11-12 pt for body text. For the font, pick something like Ubuntu, Times New Roman, etc. That way your resume will look professional AND stand out at the same time. 
• Use the military-to-civilian resume template . Want to skip the hassle of formatting a resume? Hit the link and pick from one of our free templates! Our templates are easy to use AND look much more compelling than the conventional black-and-white ones.

#2. Include Contact Information

Now that we’ve got the formatting hassle out of the way, let’s talk about resume content.

The first thing in your veteran resume is the contact information section.

Here, you need to include:

• Descriptive title. This should include your title in the military, as well as the title you’re applying for. Something like “Security Officer Seeking a Role as Customer Support Specialist.”
• Phone number.
• Professional email address. Think, [name][lastname]@gmail.com
• Location. City and state are good enough, you don’t need to include an address.
• (Optional) LinkedIn URL. If you have an up-to-date LinkedIn profile, you can include a URL in the contact information section.

And finally, make sure NOT to include a photo in your military to civilian resume. In the US, employers prefer that you don’t include a picture to avoid unconscious bias during the hiring process.

Here’s what your resume contact information section should look like at the end:

Security & Customer Service Professional

[email protected]

416-821-9879

Seattle, US

linkedin.com/in/john.doe

#3. Capture the Hiring Manager’s Attention with a Military Veteran Resume Summary

When reading your resume for the first time, the recruiter will spend roughly 7 seconds skimming it to make sure that you’re qualified for the role.

If the resume catches their attention, they’ll give it a more in-depth look.

If it doesn’t, they’ll simply move on to the next one.

This is where a compelling resume summary can come in handy.

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence “summary” of your past work experience. It helps the recruiter understand your skill-set and whether you’re relevant for the role in a single glance.

Here’s what a convincing military to civilian resume summary looks like:

Dedicated professional with over 9 years of outstanding performance and results in the U.S. Military. Earned three promotions and excelled as a leader. Seeking to apply the skills I gained in the military as a Customer Support Specialist at Company X.

When writing your resume summary, make sure to include the following information:

• Your title in the military and the role you’re applying for.
• Years of experience.
• Top achievements and experiences.

#4. Summarize Your Experiences with a Key Strengths Section

This one’s arguably the most important part of your military to civilian resume.

At the end of the day, the main deciding factor in whether you get invited for an interview or not is if your resume manages to convince the recruiter that you’re capable of doing the job…

And that’s where the key strengths section comes in handy.

To create yours, start by listing out your top strengths as section headers. Then, underneath each header, list your achievements and responsibilities that prove you actually have the relevant skill.

Here’s what this looks like on a resume:

Customer Service

• Promoted within a short period by demonstrating an over-achieving dedication that maximized results for the entire team. 
• Proved internal customer service by relating to all personnel in a professional manner that facilitated the development of a diversified group. 
• Enhanced soldiers’ individual and professional growth, developing them into independent decision-makers.
• Accounted for the safety of equipment valued at over $1.3 million. 
• Secure the personal safety, training, and performance of fifteen U.S. Army soldiers.

Operations and Administration

• Organized schedules for over 45 soldiers. 
• Implemented new routes, resulting in savings in gas time and reduced work time. 
• Prevented over 10 cancellations and negotiated over 20 contract renewals with the local government.

Applying for a Military or Private Security Role? Do This

Now, in case you’re applying for a role that’s somewhat related to your experience in the military (e.g. in private security), then you can simply create a conventional Work Experience section instead of Key Strengths .

If that’s your case, here’s how you should format the section:

• Create a section header called “ Work Experience .”
• Start by listing your most recent role and go backward in time from there.
• For each entry, include your title, company name, dates employed, and 3-5 top achievements.
• For older positions, you can include fewer achievements and responsibilities.

Now, if you want your work experiences to stand out from the rest of the candidates, we recommend you to include achievements over responsibilities.

• Achieved a 99.5% average delivery rate on all assignments, resulting in no losses of materials or assets.
• Conducted deliveries of materials and assets.

The first example shows just how the candidate stands out from other applicants. The 2nd, on the other hand, does not.

#5. Mention Your Education (the Right Way)

On to the next section!

The next step to creating a convincing military to civilian resume is mentioning your educational background .

This is where you mention your higher educational degrees, as well as training (e.g. boot camps) and any personal development courses you’ve taken.

First things first, here’s how you’d go about the formatting part:

• Create a header called “Education”
• Add your latest degree right on top. Then, include older degrees underneath.
• If you have a B.A. or an M.A., you can skip your high school degree altogether.
• You can skip mentioning a GPA. These days, no one cares about your grades.

Here’s how the end result would look like:

B.A. in Communications Boston University 08/2016 - 05/2020

Now, if you don’t have the relevant experience needed for the role you’re applying for, you can use your education section to show off your knowledge or skills.

You can do this by including:

• Any honors you might have earned.
• Exact courses you’ve attended.
• Any other way you’ve excelled during your education.

#6. Include In-Demand Skills (For the Industry You’re Applying for)

Another must-have of a military to civilian resume is the skills section.

This is where you list out all of your hard and soft skills and (optionally) grade them by knowledge level.

The key here, though, is not to simply list out random skills like:

• Critical Thinking
• Microsoft Word

Rather, you want to include the skills relevant to the role . 

E.g. applying for a role in accounting? You should probably mention payroll tax accounting, cost reduction strategies, budgeting and forecasting , and so on.

You wouldn’t want to mention your Adobe Illustrator skills, for example (even if you’re an expert at it).

So, how can you know which skills are essential to your resume, and which ones aren’t?

The best way to understand this is to read the job ad you’re applying for. More often than not, they include an exact list of skills required for the role, and all you have to do is mention them in your resume (as long as you possess the said skills, of course).

#7. Take Advantage of the Optional Resume Sections

If you still have some space on your military veteran resume, you can take advantage of some optional resume sections.

While these sections won’t land you the job on their own, they can definitely help you stand out from other applicants seeking the same role.

Some optional sections you can include are:

• Projects. Any type of personal project you’ve worked on. This can be a local business you started, a side-gig, freelance work, and so on.
• Certifications. Any type of certification you might possess. If you don’t have the experience for the role you’re applying for, certifications can help show the recruiter that what you do have is the right skill-set.
• Volunteering Experience. If you’ve volunteered in the past, you should definitely include it in your resume. Employers love candidates who love to help others (even if there’s no monetary incentive for it).
• Hobbies & Interests. Including hobbies or interests in your resume helps the recruiter see more of your personal side. While your hobbies won’t land you the job, they might help you build rapport with the interviewer.

#8. Make Sure Your Military to Civilian Cover Letter is as Impressive as Your Resume.

At this point, your military veteran resume should be quite compelling…

But you’re not done just yet!

To have both a complete and compelling job application, you need to pair your resume with a cover letter that’s just as good.

Here are our top tips on how to write a quality cover letter :

• Start the cover letter by addressing the hiring manager directly. Sure, you could go with the default “Dear Sir or Madam,” but mentioning the hiring manager’s name shows that you’ve done your research and really care about working at the company.
• In your introduction, mention the most important parts of your background. E.g. years of experience, key achievements, top skills, and why you’re applying for the job in question.
• In the body section of your cover letter, expand on whatever you mentioned in the introduction. This is where you can also explain how the experiences mentioned in your resume make you a good candidate for the role.
• Conclude the cover letter with a call to action . E.g. “Looking forward to hearing more from you!” or “I’d love to discuss how I can help Company X as a Support Specialist over a call or an interview.”

Want to learn more? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter .

Essential Job-Search Resources for Veterans

There are a lot of free job-search resources for veterans on the internet - everything from dedicated job boards to free tools, programs, and more.

Here’s a comprehensive list of some of the very best resources:

Veteran Job-Search Resources

• Job board that helps you find federal organizations that prioritize hiring veterans over other candidates.
• Lots of quality resources to help you transition into civilian life.
• If you’re not sure what kind of career you want to focus on, you can use this website to discover different occupations and learn what they’re about.
• Website for finding veteran job fairs in your area.
• Free career consulting and job search help for veterans.
• American Corporate Partners matches you with a free, year-long mentor to help you build your career.
• For group discussions for veterans on resumes and gaining employment after service. (Veterans only/ screened and weeded out by questions and profile)
• For discussing Skill Bridge opportunities and military transitions. Skill bridge is a military program for giving veterans an opportunity to learn and work at civilian companies for 6 months before leaving the military.
• LinkedIn offers its Premium program to veterans for free for a year. You can use the platform to learn new skills, kick-start your career, as well as find and apply for jobs.
• A website dedicated to helping veterans transition into a civilian lifestyle. You can use it to find jobs, discover career events, attend job fairs, and more.
• Job board for US federal jobs. While it’s not specifically made for veterans, the US government prioritizes hiring veterans over other candidates.
• Job board for veteran-friendly roles and companies.
• Job board for roles in the private security industry.
• Another veteran-only job board.

Key Takeaways

And that’s all you need to know to create a strong military veteran resume!

Before you go, though, let’s do a quick recap of the key learning points we just covered:

• For a military to civilian resume, use a functional resume format to show off your skills instead of work history.
• Use a “Key Strengths” section to explain how your military experience distills into valuable skills for a civilian role.
• Don’t include every skill under the sun on your resume. Instead, pick the ones relevant for the role you’re applying for.
• Take advantage of the optional resume sections to show the recruiter that you’re an individual and not just a resume.
• Finally, make sure that your cover letter is just as impressive as your resume by following the tips we mentioned above.

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

How To Write an Effective Veteran Resume?

1. Choose an appropriate resume formatting style.

• A chronological resume lists work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with the most recent position. This format emphasizes work experience by providing detailed summaries of accomplishments for each position.

💡 When to use the Chronological Resume? 

This format is ideal for those with consistent career progression. If you have gained relevant and long-standing industry experience in and/or out of service, this format is for you. By using this format, veterans can showcase their extensive experience, demonstrate a clear career trajectory, and highlight their professional growth over time.

• A functional resume prioritizes relevant skills over work history. This format highlights the applicant's skill set that is most applicable to the position they are seeking.

💡 When to use the Functional Resume? 

If you have experienced extended periods of unemployment, have limited civilian work experience, or are in the midst of a significant career change (like transitioning out of the military), a functional resume may be worth considering. This format allows you to emphasize the skills and qualifications that are most relevant to the position you are seeking, rather than an employment history that may not fully align. 

• From the name itself, a combination resume combines the chronological and functional resume formats. It is an effective way to highlight both your work experience and relevant skills. The combination resume is a flexible format that allows you to choose whether to list your skills or work experience first, depending on which one is more relevant to the job.

💡 When to use the Combination Resume? 

If you are making a minor career change or have a varied employment history that may not immediately indicate relevancy to the role you are applying for, a combination resume can be the better option for you. This type of resume is useful if you are applying for a position where you have extensive experience but have never held an official role with the exact job title. You guessed it, this is generally the resume style for transitioning members.

2. Align your resume to the job description.

3. identify relevant contact information., 4. add a headline or career highlight section..

• Job Profile condenses your entire career into one to two paragraphs. Use restraint. We get it. It's hard to explain your missions and accomplishments in just a few words or even in a single sentence, but it is important to show restraint and focus on summarizing these accomplishments instead.
• Career Highlight should emphasize the value that you bring to the table. Your resume is not an efficiency report. Instead of duties, you should highlight accomplishments. Demonstrate how you added value to your organization by using quantifiable and measurable terms, while keeping information relevant to the position you are vying for.

When writing a headline for your resume, it is important to be honest about your abilities. While your goal is to impress your future boss, you should never oversell yourself. Just because you held a team lead position in your previous role does not automatically make you an executive leader.

5. Include a skills section.

6. write your resume for a corporate recruiter..

An effective resume must know its audience. You cannot assume that a recruiter will be familiar with the jargon inside the military. Since your chances rest in the hands of a civilian hiring manager, make sure you use words that the former would easily understand. Find ways to translate military language to corporate language. For example, you can find equivalent civilian titles to your MOS. Unlike in a military resume, you do not need to include ranks, unit names, equipment titles, etc. in your civilian resume. Job titles and skills should be enough. 

Your resume is your ticket to getting the attention of potential employers. It is a powerful tool to showcase your qualifications and skills and poke employers' interests. While there are plenty of resources available online on how to write a civilian resume, there are only a limited number of resources available that specifically cater to veterans. The above information aims to help veterans write effective resumes that aid in job hunting after their military service.

Va Resume Samples

This page provides you with Va resume samples to use to create your own resume with our easy-to-use resume builder . Below you'll find our how-to section that will guide you through each section of a Va resume.

Tips for writing your resume

To land the perfect job, you need the perfect resume. In today’s crowded job market, it is more important than ever to stand out among the competition. When you write your resume, it is vital that you get everything right, from the organization of the template to the details of your work experience. To make sure your resume is flawless, here are some tips for writing the best resume possible.

Let them know where to contact you

Your resume should begin with your contact information. It is very important that potential employers, having read your resume, know how to contact you! At the top of your resume, include your name, phone number, email address, and city.

Introduce yourself

A personal summary, though optional, is a great way to introduce yourself to an employer with your resume. This section is comprised of one or two paragraphs where you can feature your notable accomplishments and highlight your most valuable skills. Your summary should give employers a brief outline of your experience and capabilities and intrigue them to keep reading.

What do you do best?

Shorter than a work history section, in a skills section you can efficiently list your core competencies in a way that is direct and easy to read. Showcase the skills and abilities that you bring to the job, focussing on those which distinguish you from the competition. The more useful and unique your skills are, the more you will stand out to an employer.

Showcase your achievements

Display your work experience in reverse-chronological order, beginning with your most recent position at the top of the section. Describe for each job your title, responsibilities, and accomplishments, with a focus on performance and results rather than duties. Use action words like ‘developed, ‘produced’, and ‘delivered’ when describing your work history to create compelling and impactful descriptions of your experience. Highlighting quantifiable information, like performance metrics and revenue, is a great way to demonstrate your abilities.

What did you learn, and where did you learn it?

Your education section should include the name of any post-secondary schools you attended, the degrees you earned, and any academic distinctions you achieved that you deem worth featuring. If they are particularly relevant, you can also include major areas of study and important projects that you participated in. Like the work experience section, your education should be displayed in reverse-chronological order.

Copyright © 2024 Workstory Inc.

Select Your Language:

Veterans Service Representative Resume Sample

The resume builder.

Create a Resume in Minutes with Professional Resume Templates

Work Experience

• Conducting focused evaluations and reviews to determine authorization quality and accuracy
• Providing advisory services to management via preparation and presentation of quality trend information
• Developing training strategies and materials to address deficiencies and/or conducting training activities
• Analyzing performance deficiencies and quality trends to identify knowledge/skill gaps
• Providing quality-review services, feedback, and guidance to staff in order to correct unsatisfactory performance
• Make determinations on eligibility of benefits relating to adequacy of military service, medical evidence and lay testimony to establish claim
• Apply and interpret VA laws, existing statutes and procedures, precedent rulings and state laws related to benefits
• Adjudicate and issue decisions for the most complex and sensitive claims
• Research rules and regulations to make decisions on claims
• Explain benefit programs and entitlement criteria to internal and external customers
• Provide advice, counsel, and instruction to team members on technical and administrative matters
• Responsible for human resources administration and actions for the VSC to include performance management, promotions, etc
• Ensure the team's quality and timeliness of service meets VBA's performance and organizational goals
• Assign special projects and complete systematic analysis of operationsWork Schedule: Regular office hours; Alternate work schedules are available
• The incumbent works within a team environment
• Serves as a counselor or advocate for VA claimants providing information about a broad range of benefits and assisting with applications for VA benefits and services
• Serves as a legal technician gathering requisite evidence from medical, military, community and other sources to support benefits determinations
• Serves as a decision maker weighing the evidence and applying the controlling laws and regulations
• Uses computer systems to enter appropriate data to generate accurate benefit payments, control pending issues or schedule future actions, releases completed and correct notifications of benefits determinations
• Refers persons to other Federal agencies and State and local agencies when potential eligibility for non-VA benefits is indicated
• Informs the claimant of all evidence requirements needed to further process a claim for benefits and/or services and assists claimants with completion of the application and other forms
• Accurately reviews, controls, processes, or routes incoming mail and evidence received from all sources
• Makes determination on questions relating to adequacy of military service, adequacy of medical evidence and lay testimony to establish a claim, and evaluates evidence of income, net worth, employability, dependency and relationship
• Analyzes, develops, and requests required evidence for the following requiring a rating decision: original and reopened compensation, compensation claimed on basis of 38 U.S.C.1151, original and reopened disability pension, original and reopened D.I.C and basic eligibility issues requiring a rating decision
• Decides the necessity for and type of examinations or reexamination and opinions to determine the existence of or to evaluate disability resulting from diseases or injuries
• Assures proper application of VA laws and regulations and is accountable for proper analysis, appropriate development and final rating determinations
• Analyzes claims to determine service connection, percentage of disability, permanent and total disability and entitlement to compensation

Professional Skills

• Skill in interpreting and applying laws, regulations, and procedures to promulgate rating decisions, adjudicate cases and/or authorize claims; AND
• Skill in interpreting and applying laws, regulations, and procedures to adjudicate cases and promulgate rating decisions
• Skilled in analyzing and researching to request evidence needed for claims issues
• Motivate others to effectively perform in accomplishing the goals of the service center in an accurate and timely manner. This
• Determine priorities and successfully balance conflicting demands
• Communicate effectively in an oral and written fashion to explain claim adjudication decisions and/or facilitate training situations
• Skill in communicating both written and orally

How to write Veterans Service Representative Resume

Veterans Service Representative role is responsible for training, compensation, security, veterans, health, travel, benefits, education, research, insurance. To write great resume for veterans service representative job, your resume must include:

• Your contact information
• Work experience
• Skill listing

Contact Information For Veterans Service Representative Resume

The section contact information is important in your veterans service representative resume. The recruiter has to be able to contact you ASAP if they like to offer you the job. This is why you need to provide your:

• First and last name
• Telephone number

Work Experience in Your Veterans Service Representative Resume

The section work experience is an essential part of your veterans service representative resume. It’s the one thing the recruiter really cares about and pays the most attention to. This section, however, is not just a list of your previous veterans service representative responsibilities. It's meant to present you as a wholesome candidate by showcasing your relevant accomplishments and should be tailored specifically to the particular veterans service representative position you're applying to. The work experience section should be the detailed summary of your latest 3 or 4 positions.

Representative Veterans Service Representative resume experience can include:

• Determines pension and vocational training, medical and dental treatment, automobiles or other conveyances, insurance, specially adapted housing, dependent education allowances, and other ancillary benefits
• Effectively work with others in a team environment to accomplish goals
• Gathering and requesting evidence to build service program case files, respond to claimant inquires, and identify errors, inconsistencies, or omissions
• Skill in writing that reflects organization of subject matter and support for your position and conclusions
• Review, control, process, route incoming mail and evidence received from all sources
• Review records, medical evidence, and testimonies to determine benefit eligibility

Education on a Veterans Service Representative Resume

Make sure to make education a priority on your veterans service representative resume. If you’ve been working for a few years and have a few solid positions to show, put your education after your veterans service representative experience. For example, if you have a Ph.D in Neuroscience and a Master's in the same sphere, just list your Ph.D. Besides the doctorate, Master’s degrees go next, followed by Bachelor’s and finally, Associate’s degree.

Additional details to include:

• School you graduated from
• Major/ minor
• Year of graduation
• Location of school

These are the four additional pieces of information you should mention when listing your education on your resume.

Professional Skills in Veterans Service Representative Resume

When listing skills on your veterans service representative resume, remember always to be honest about your level of ability. Include the Skills section after experience.

Present the most important skills in your resume, there's a list of typical veterans service representative skills:

• Knowledge of medical terms to include anatomy and physiology sufficient to assure that all issues have been addressed to promulgate rating decisions and/or authorize claims
• Read, understand, interpret and apply pertinent laws, regulations and procedures that include medical and/or legal terminology sufficient to make benefit or related decisions
• Skill in written communication to inform claimants of decisions, the reason and bases for decisions, appellate rights, and evidence requirements
• Planning and assigning of work priorities to a team of individuals
• Skill in orally communicating complex information to employees and special interest clientele
• Establish goals, priorities, plan, control, organize, assess status, identify viable solutions and ability to formulate and

List of Typical Experience For a Veterans Service Representative Resume

Experience for rating veterans service representative resume.

• Responsible for sharing authorization quality trend information with management on an ongoing basis and with the VSRs during training sessions
• Utilize various electronic data processing (EDP) systems to input data for processing claims and generating automated correspondence
• Request missing or additional documentation in relation to non-rating claims
• Participates in the formulation of policies, development of human resources, staff development, fiscal planning, and program evaluation of the Service Center
• Hear and resolve employee complaints, effect disciplinary actions, and identify training needs
• Gather and interpret a wide range of data addressing service concerns and recommend appropriate action based on that data
• Apply the principles of individual counseling and small group dynamics

Experience For Supervisory Veterans Service Representative Resume

• Develop non-rating claims to ensure existence and adequacy of documentation
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Make determinations as to the eligibility for the type of benefit sought to include questions relating to adequacy of military service, medical evidence and the evaluation of evidence of income, employability, dependence and relationship
• Request examinations, re-examination or opinions to evaluate disabilities resulting from diseases or injuries
• Prepare and release correspondence for use by other federal, state and local agencies
• Responsible for direct supervision of VSC coaches and, through them, assigned personnel. Recommends selections, prepares performance ratings, reviews serious disciplinary actions, hears and resolves grievances

Experience For Veterans Service Representative Rating Ctap Eligibles Resume

• Makes recommendations for incentive awards and/or promotions involving personnel under his/her jurisdiction
• Provides timely responses to Congressional, White House and other special inquiries concerning VA benefits
• Ensures equal employment opportunities for all Service Center employees
• Assumes responsibility for budgetary controls and expenditures of fund allocation for the Division
• Performs individual quality reviews to determine the authorization quality level of individual VSRs for purposes of individual performance standards in accordance with an established monthly schedule
• Conducts focused "in-process reviews" for cases to determine the accuracy of claims action taken. (Such reviews are for station-level feedback and improvement only, not used for individual performance standard purposes.)
• Reviews products or activities for quality of performance and enters the results into the on-line STAR checklists

Experience For Veterans Service Representative Rating Resume

• Evaluates and identifies deficiencies of all elements of a claim from evidence development, income and dependency issues, to award processing and authorization. Provides an explanation of errors and includes comments where attention is warranted
• Prepares STAR data reports and provides to personnel in the regional office who are authorized to request and receive such reports
• Develops various quality assurance processes with emphasis on work procedures and techniques that address unique work conditions and practices
• Determine service-connection percentages of disabilities permanent and total disability and entitlement to compensation, pension and vocational training. Assure proper application of the rating schedule and other applicable instructions, and is fully accountable for proper analysis, appropriate development, and final rating determinations
• Analyze claims to determine if diseases and injuries were incurred in or aggravated by the military service in the line of duty for purposes of compensation, hospital treatment, prosthetic appliances, and related employment and compensation benefits
• Uses electronic data processing (EDP) systems for inputting data related to claims adjudication, processing, monitoring, and correspondence preparation
• Reviews and approves work for technical accuracy, clarity, thoroughness, and sensitivity of notification
• Makes determinations relating to military service, character of discharge, domestic relations contested claims, death, line of duty, or willful misconduct, corpus of estate, violations of U.S. Code, attorney fees, administrative error and fraud
• Analyze and interpret laws, regulations, and rules as they affect operations and procedures

Experience For Veterans Service Representative Resume

• Possess final technical authority over the final work product
• Ensure that the team's quality and timeliness of service meets performance indicator goals
• Ensure that all ready-to-rate cases are processed as expeditiously as possible to provide the benefits sought
• Assess the readiness of individuals for the certification process
• Interview and make recommendations for position appointment, promotions, and reassignments, and initiate personnel administration and actions
• Assign special projects and complete systematic analyses of operations
• Evaluate the performance of the members of the team
• Adjudicates and issues decisions for complex and sensitive claims
• Make determination on questions relating to adequacy of military service, adequacy of medical evidence and lay testimony to establish a claim, and evaluate evidence of income, net worth, employability, dependency and relationship
• Analyze, develop, and request required evidence for claims not requiring a rating decision such as accrued benefits, apportionment decisions, and dependency
• Make administrative decisions and special determinations relating to quality military service, character of discharge, domestic relations, contested claims, homicide, presumed death, line of duty, or willful misconduct, corpus of estate and apportionment decisions
• Relays quality trend information with management on an ongoing basis for use in operations, decision making and planning
• Employs various training techniques to provide authoritative, consultant and troubleshooting
• Provides training to other Regional Office employees and service organization personnel, as requested
• Prepares documentation to support unfavorable finding in order to provide justification for error decisions and indicate required actions
• Conducts statistical analysis of quality reviews to identify trends, significant problems areas and processes requiring improvement
• Assign special projects and complete systematic analysis of operations
• Explains benefit programs and entitlement criteria, conducts interviews, identifies issues, gathers relevant evidence, adjudicates claims, and authorizes payments
• Makes determinations relative to VA hospitalization, outpatient treatment institutional or domiciliary care
• Adjudicates and issues decisions for the most complex and sensitive claims
• Prepares Statements of the Case on authorization appeals
• Conducts review of staff authorization quality in order to establish benchmarks for consideration of individual performance standards
• Provides feedback to relay the rationale and provide appropriate citation to support identified discrepancy
• WRITTEN COMMUNICATION: Prepares written correspondence to customers and co-workers via email, letters, reports, etc. using correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style; communicates information in a succinct and organized manner; provides information that is appropriate for the purpose and the intended audience
• Analyze, develop and request required evidence for claims not requiring a rating decision, such as accrued benefits, apportionment decisions, incompetency issues, etc., to develop and/or adjudicate claims or appeals.
• Plan, organize, and supervise the work activities of subordinate employees to achieve Regional Office goals. Ability to work independently with little direct supervision
• Experience analyzing medical evidence, benefit and/or legal evidence to identify and recognize required actions for claim development and
• Skills in written communication to inform claimants and colleagues of evidence requirements, the decision, the reason and bases for it and appellate rights
• Assign to and review work of subordinates, train and work effectively with subordinates from a variety of backgrounds and with
• Reviewing and examining evidence and making determinations as to the entitlement and/or eligibility of claimants for benefits and services
• Experience developing case file records and reports to support claim decisions
• Knowledge and ability to accurately interpret medical reports and other medical evidence, including expert opinions
• Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of all body systems to interpret medical reports and other evidence to make sound rating decisions
• Evaluate evidence allegations and draw sound conclusions
• Review and analyze medical and legal evidence to make determinations as to the entitlement and/or eligibility for benefits and services
• Interpreting and applying pertinent laws, regulations and procedures involving claims
• Processing claims for insurance company or pension programs
• Applying regulations such as quality control
• Human Resource positions which involved determining Employment Qualifications, Job Classification, or determining eligibility for benefits
• The ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations and policies in the management and processing of medical and benefit service claims
• 1) Interpreting laws and regulations to adjudicate claims,
• Locate, interpret, and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures

List of Typical Skills For a Veterans Service Representative Resume

Skills for rating veterans service representative resume.

• Effectively communicate orally with people of varying background
• Effectively work with others in a team environment; AND
• Examples of experience would typically include, but are not limited to
• Performing assessments on claims associated with medical/surgical issues
• Communicate, both orally and in writing with people having varying levels of understanding and from a variety of backgrounds
• Knowledge of state laws, involving dependency status, social services programs, Medicaid, special income-based local, state, and federal programs
• Responsible for ensuring that the team's quality and timeliness of service meets performance indicator goals
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, techniques and tools used in the analysis, design, delivery of training programs
• Knowledge of Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act requirements regarding the release of information to requesters

Skills For Supervisory Veterans Service Representative Resume

• Mandatory travel for 6-week training
• Mandatory 8-week travel for training
• Mandatory off-site 6-week training session
• Multi week off-site training required
• Use multiple computer applications to retrieve information, generate correspondence, and complete work in a production/processing environment
• Meet VA requirements as specified in the Participation Agreement
• Maintain acceptable performance as described in VA's approved performance management system
• Receive favorable recommendation by an official of VA
• REASONING:Identifies regulations, laws, rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions

Skills For Veterans Service Representative Rating Ctap Eligibles Resume

• CUSTOMER SERVICE: Works with customers to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services
• DECISION MAKING: Makes sound, well-informed and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action even in uncertain situations in order to assist customers and meet organizational goals
• SELF MANAGEMENT: Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works independently with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; sets well-defined and realistic goals that are in alignment with organizational goals and objectives
• ORAL COMMUNICATION:Expresses information (facts, decisions, and ideas) to individuals or groups clearly and concise, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); listens to others; asks questions and gains or shares information related to the claims review process
• COMPUTER SKILLS: Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work. This includes tasks such as entering, sorting and retrieving data; analyzing data; researching information; monitoring work; and preparing correspondence and reports
• WRITTEN COMMUNICATION:Prepares written correspondence to customers and co-workers via email, letters, reports, etc. using correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style; communicates information in a succinct and organized manner; provides information that is appropriate for the purpose and the intended audience
• Knowledge of federal laws pertaining to compensation and pension and VA regulations and procedures which implement these laws including M21-1, 38 Code of Federal Regulations, etc. to accurately adjudicate claims and develop for rating issues
• The interpretation of laws, rules, and/or regulations and the analysis of documents to determine eligibility for benefits, quality assurance, or perform auditor functions
• Communicate orally with people from a variety of backgrounds and with varying levels of understanding

Skills For Veterans Service Representative Rating Resume

• Communicate clearly and concisely in writing with individuals, both clients and co-workers, from a variety of backgrounds
• Work under stressful conditions. This includes the ability to work under time pressure and ability to maintain self-control
• Analyzes all claims including complex situations to determine if diseases and/or injuries were incurred or aggravated by military service in the line of duty for purposes of compensation, treatment, or hospitalization
• Determines service connection percentages of disabilities, permanent and total disability, and entitlement to compensation, pension, and vocational training
• Assures proper application of the Rating Schedule and other applicable instructions, and is fully accountable for proper analysis, development, and final rating determination
• Analyze (i.e., review and evaluate), comprehend, and apply a variety of information or data

Skills For Veterans Service Representative Resume

• Define work assignments; plan and carry out assignments; delegate authority; motivate, train, and develop; and maintain a high standard of work production
• Plans and assigns work priorities for his/her subordinates--usually a work team and has final technical authority over the final work product
• Responsible for the cost-effective use of resources to accomplish the teams' assigned outcomes
• Relocation expenses are authorized for this vacancy announcement.
• Analyzes and interprets laws, regulations, and rules as they affect the establishment of new policies, procedures and methods of operation
• Responsible for personnel administration and actions (e.g., develops standards and evaluates subordinates' performance, interviews and makes recommendations for position appointments, promotion, or reassignments; hears and resolves employee complaints, effects disciplinary actions, and identifies training needs.)
• Four week off-site training required
• Apply VBA laws, guidelines, regulations and precedent opinions in order to provide an accurate analysis and evaluation of entitlement determinations/benefit payment authorization
• Knowledge of analytical, qualitative and quantitative techniques sufficient to identify, evaluate, and recommend appropriate changes to management
• Knowledge of human resources management systems administered on Merit System Principles
• Supervise (plan, organize, direct, control, review, etc.) the work activities of subordinates
• Analyze (i.e. review and evaluate) to comprehend, and apply decisions derived from a variety of data or complex information
• Establish and maintain effective communication (oral and written) with person both within and outside an organization, from many different backgrounds and with different levels of education and competence
• Manage priorities and to adjust appropriately to department needs associated with workload
• Evaluate evidence and draw sound conclusions
• Evaluate evidence and allegations and draw sound conclusions
• Interpret and analyze material and make well-justified decisions from the analysis
• Skill in identifying problems, determining accuracy and relevance of information. This includes the ability to use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and to make recommendations
• Work with customers to assess needs, provide assistance, resolve problems, and satisfy expectations
• Interpret and apply established guidelines, laws and regulations and procedures to determine claimant eligibility for services and benefits
• Understand complex regulations and apply to the claim process
• Interpreting and applying Federal and State laws, including case law, existing statutes and procedures, and precedent rulings, to process claims pertaining to a service program
• Explaining Federal or State claims decisions to claimants, special interest groups, dependents, and/or representatives in an effort to gain acceptance of the determination. OR
• Manage and/or supervise (plan, organize, direct, control, review, etc.) the work activities of subordinates or groups
• Analyze (review and evaluate), comprehend and apply decisions derived from a variety of data or complex information
• Review and/or initiate quasi-legal, technical, administrative and general written communications
• Identify regulations, laws, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information pertaining to claims processing; analyzes information presented for claims and makes correct inferences and conclusions regarding eligibility for multiple types of benefits
• Make sound, well-informed and objective decisions concerning the claims review process; perceive the impact and implications of decisions; commit to action even in uncertain situations in order to assist customers and meet organizational goals
• Display a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing claims and other assignments in a timely manner; work independently with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; set well-defined and realistic goals that are in alignment with organizational goals and objectives
• Express information (facts, decisions, ideas) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); listen to others; ask questions and gains or shares information related to the claims review process
• Skill in using computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work. This includes tasks such as entering, sorting and retrieving data; analyzing data; researching information; monitoring work; and preparing correspondence and reports
• Prepare written correspondence to customers and co-workers via email, letters, reports, etc. using correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style; communicates information in a succinct and organized manner; provide information that is appropriate for the purpose and the intended audience
• Reasoning: Identifies regulations,laws, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information presented and makes correct inferences and conclusions
• Self-Management: Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works independently with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; sets well-defined and realistic goals that are in alignment with organizational goals and objectives
• Oral Communication: Expresses information (facts, decisions, ideas) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately
• Make sound, well-informed, effective, and timely decisions based upon analysis of information
• Claims Processing for a State or Federal Agency
• Insurance Positions which include Disability Insurance Claims Specialist
• Social Security Claims Specialist,
• Staff Registered Nurse, Physician, Physician Assistant, and Lawyer when the position involved evaluating medical evidence, collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team, and applying case management principles
• Interpret and apply established guidelines, regulations and procedures to determine claimant eligibility for services and benefits.
• Knowledge of human resources management systems administered on merit principals
• Analyze (i.e., review and evaluate), comprehend, and apply decisions derived from a variety of data or complex information
• Establish and maintain effective communication (oral and written) with persons both within and outside an organization, from many different backgrounds, and with different levels of education and competence

List of Typical Responsibilities For a Veterans Service Representative Resume

Responsibilities for rating veterans service representative resume.

• Communicate orally with customers both within and outside of an agency/organization to provide quality customer service
• Gather and analyze information or data and make decisions and/or recommendations
• Skill in oral and written communication which includes the preparation and explanation of reports, decisions, inquiries or letters to individuals with varying levels of understanding
• Independently interpret and apply complex regulations, principles, and concepts to analyze information in order to make sound conclusions
• Independently perform assigned tasks within established time frames
• Establish goals, priorities, plan, control, organize, assess status, identify viable solutions and ability to formulate and implement in-service training programs. This includes: a thorough understanding of Human Resources Management, EEO and Partnership Agreement
• Understand and further management goals as these affect day-to-day work operations; AND
• Develop improvements in, or design new work methods and procedures
• Demonstrate experience interpreting, regulations and applying laws required to explain, evaluate and recommend determinations of eligibility to claimant requests for services and benefits

Responsibilities For Supervisory Veterans Service Representative Resume

• Claims Processing for a State or Federal Agency,
• Knowledge of federal laws pertaining to compensation, pension and VA regulations and procedures that implement these laws to accurately rate claims
• Insurance Company, Worker's Compensation, Disability Retirement or Pension Program
• Quality Assurance Specialist Auditor
• Knowledge of human resources management systems administered on merit principles

Responsibilities For Veterans Service Representative Rating Ctap Eligibles Resume

• Analyze, manage, and/or supervise (plan, organize, direct, control, review, etc.) the work activities of subordinates
• Analyze (i.e., review and evaluate), comprehend and apply decisions derived from a variety of data or complex information; and
• Establish and maintain effective communication (oral and written) with persons both within and outside an organization, from many different backgrounds and with different levels of education and competence
• Assign and review work of subordinates, train and work effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and with different levels/areas of training
• REASONING: Identifies regulations, laws, rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions
• SELF-MANAGEMENT: Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing claims and other assignments in a timely manner; works independently with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; sets well-defined and realistic goals that are in alignment with organizational goals and objectives
• ORAL COMMUNICATION: Express information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information; listens to others; asks questions and gains or shares information

Responsibilities For Veterans Service Representative Rating Resume

• Interpretation of laws, rules, and/or regulations and the analysis of documents to determine eligibility for benefits, quality assurance, or perform auditor functions
• Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to
• Mandatory off-site multi-week training sessions
• Guide and counsel employees on technical and administrative matters
• Understand and implement management goals that affect day-to-day work operations

Responsibilities For Veterans Service Representative Resume

• ORAL COMMUNICATION: Expresses information (facts, decisions, and ideas) to individuals or groups clearly and concise, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); listens to others; asks questions and gains or shares information related to the claims review process
• COMPUTER SKILLS:Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work. This includes tasks such as entering, sorting and retrieving data; analyzing data; researching information; monitoring work; and preparing correspondence and reports
• Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society--Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies
• Worker's Compensation Specialist
• Decision Review Officers
• Express ideas and facts to individuals and/or groups in an effective manner, taking into account the receiving audience and the technical, sensitive, or controversial level of the information being communicated. Makes clear and convincing oral presentations and listens to others. Attends to nonverbal cues and body language, responding appropriately in the situation
• One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-07). Specialized experience is defined as experience which required interpretation of legal and medical documentation to determine claimant's eligibility for services and benefits programs. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to

Related to Veterans Service Representative Resume Samples

Account service representative resume sample, guest service representative resume sample, member service representative resume sample, director brand resume sample, pr resume sample, advertiser resume sample, resume builder.

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

How to complete any task on USAJOBS, step by step.

Manage Account

• Create a login.gov account
• Use login.gov if you have limited access to a phone or cell service
• Change the phone number you use to sign in
• Enter an international phone number when creating a login.gov account
• Update your primary email address
• Change or reset your password
• Sign into your account if you can't access your primary email
• Create a profile
• Delete a profile
• Fill out your education
• Answer questions about federal service
• Choose hiring paths in your profile
• Add languages in your profile
• Answer questions about military service
• Fill out your work experience
• Make your resume and profile searchable

Job announcement

• Understand a job announcement
• Understand announcement closing types
• Save a job announcement
• Remove a saved job announcement
• Contact an agency

Application

• Create an application
• Save an application
• Update an application
• Continue an application
• Check on the status of an application
• Archive an application
• Cancel an application
• View job applications
• Create a resume
• Build a resume
• Edit a resume
• Upload a resume
• Make a resume searchable
• Print a resume
• Upload documents
• Manage documents
• Fax documents
• Search by your preferences
• Save a search
• Sort search results
• Understand search results
• Unsubscribe from a saved search

Filter results by...

• Appointment type
• Hiring path
• Mission critical career field
• Security clearance
• Travel percentage
• Work schedule
• Zero job openings

Keyword and location

Get started.

USAJOBS posts all federal job opportunities with a position description and instructions how to apply. With USAJOBS.gov tools and resources, you can find the right federal job faster.

About USAJOBS

As the federal government's official employment site, USAJOBS has attracted over 16 million job seekers to create accounts to date.

How to Write a Resume for Today’s Job Market

To get more job interviews, you must create a resume that is optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS). Learn how in this step-by-step guide.

Customers Interviewed by:

Learning how to write a resume is a crucial skill for job seekers—it’s how you market yourself to potential employers.

A well-crafted resume summarizes your professional experience, skills, and achievements. It should grab the hiring manager’s attention and show them them why:

• You’re the perfect match for the job.
• The skills you have will make the company money.
• You’re qualified to solve the company’s problems.
• You’ll be worth your salary.
• Your accomplishments can be measured and verified.

But in today’s job market, it’s not enough to write an effective resume. You must also tailor each one to the job you’re applying for. Why? Because most companies today use applicant tracking systems, or ATS, to sort and filter the large volume of resumes they receive.

If you’re resume doesn’t contain the specific keywords hiring managers are searching for, it won’t be found—even if you’re qualified for the job!

In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a resume that stands out in today’s job market. We’ll show you how to present yourself as the ideal candidate, highlight the skills that will benefit potential employers, and ensure your resume is compatible with ATS.

How to write a resume that gets interviews

Here’s a quick overview of the basic steps for writing a professional resume. Follow these steps to make your resume clear, concise, and appealing.

Gather all relevant data about your work experience, skills, achievements, and education.

Select a format that’s right for you, whether it’s chronological, functional, or hybrid., clearly list your name, phone number, email, and key social media profiles., create a compelling headline that includes the job title you’re applying for., write a brief statement that summarizes your key achievements and value you offer., list the skills you have that align closely with the job requirements., detail your past job roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments., include your educational degrees, certifications, and relevant training., showcase any relevant honors, awards, and volunteer work., tailor your resume by focusing on the experiences and skills that are most relevant to the job..

Before you start working on your resume, remember that your resume is not your biography. You’re not telling the story of your life. Instead, your resume should be a targeted document meant to showcase the skills and experiences that match the job you want .

This means that if something is not relevant to your targeted job, leave it out . With this in mind, let’s start building your resume!

1. Gather your essential information before you start

Before diving into the actual resume writing, it’s crucial to collect all the necessary information you’ll need. This preparatory step ensures that the resume writing process is smooth and that you don’t miss any important details.

• Significant achievements : List standout accomplishments from previous roles that demonstrate your contributions and successes.
• Skills : Compile a list of your soft, hard, and technical skills that align with those required by the job you’re targeting.
• Employment history : Provide detailed information about past employers, including their names, your dates of employment, locations, job titles, and a clear description of your duties.
• Education : Document your academic qualifications like college degrees, certifications, or licenses that prove your expertise in relevant fields.
• Volunteer work : Include any voluntary engagements where you developed skills pertinent to the job you are seeking.
• Awards and honors : Mention any notable recognitions you’ve received that underscore your exceptional talents and commitment.

When you gather your information, include everything you can think of. You can cut information that’s not relevant to a specific job later.

2. Choose a resume format that’s right for you

A  resume format  is the way you organize, or lay out, your information. There is no one-size fits all resume format. Instead, there are three different types of formats to choose from – chronological, functional, and hybrid. Which format you choose depends on your particular situation.

The chronological resume format

This is the most traditional resume format, especially for job seekers with lots of relevant experience.

The chronological resume format lists your work history in reverse chronological order , with your most recent jobs listed first. Your skills and education should come after your work history in this format.

• Have a strong work history showing steady career growth without significant employment gaps.
• Are staying in the same field and want to highlight your experience and advancements within that field.
• Want to highlight career progression and professional achievements over time.

The functional resume format

This resume format focuses on your skills rather than your work history. It helps you downplay your lack of experience in a particular field.

In this format, your skills and education should be emphasized over your work history.

• Are changing careers and want to emphasize transferable skills over past job titles.
• Have gaps in employment and want to focus on skills rather than work experience.
• Are new to the workforce and want to highlight skills, coursework, and internships.

NOTE : Generally speaking, we don’t recommend the functional resume format . Recruiters want to see some kind of work history. Instead of the functional format, try the next resume format—the hybrid.

The hybrid resume format

A hybrid resume is a combination of the chronological resume and the functional resume. It showcases both your work history and your skills.

In this format, your skills comes before your work history. But your work history is still the heart of your resume, just like in the chronological format.

• Have lots of skills that are relevant to the job you are targeting.
• Are climbing the career ladder within the same field.
• Are changing roles within the same industry and want to highlight your relevant skills.

We like the hybrid resume  because it offers the best of both worlds, combining the strengths of the chronological and the functional resume formats.

3. Put your contact information at the top of your resume

This section might appear simple, but it’s important. If hiring managers can’t contact you, you won’t get an interview.

• Phone number
• Location (City, State, Zip Code)
• Email Address
• LinkedIn profile URL

It’s surprising how often job seekers forget a crucial piece of contact information. Double-check to make sure it’s as easy as possible for recruiters to contact you for a job interview.

Here’s an example:

Contact information do’s and don’ts

• Include your full name, including your middle initial.
• Include a link to your professional website or online portfolio.
• Create a strong LinkedIn profile and be sure to include the URL on your resume.
• Don’t write your full address; only your city, state, and zip code.
• Don’t include a work phone number; only your personal number.
• Don’t add a photo of yourself . This can lead to bias or discrimination.

4. Create a compelling resume headline

Your resume headline comes right after your contact information. At the very least, your headline should clearly identify the title of the job you’re applying for.

Is putting the job title in the headline necessary? Yes! “Think of your resume as a maze,” says resume expert Laura DeCarlo . “It has to have a visible entrance or no one would ever get started.” Without a headline, “the prospective employer won’t know for which position you are applying.”

Your headline can also include years of experience and key qualifications. Here’s an example:

Resume headline do’s and don’ts

• Tailor your headline to each job you apply for.
• Keep your headline under ten words to make sure it packs a punch.
• Position yourself as an expert in your field.
• Don’t use clichés such as “hard worker” or “team player.” Be specific.
• Don’t be too salesy. Focus on giving a snapshot of your skills and experience.
• Don’t make your headline too long. Cut to the chase.

5. Write your resume summary

A resume summary is a brief paragraph that provides an overview of your qualifications for the role you’re applying for. Most expert resume writers today highly recommend using a summary.

“One of the most common mistakes I see in resumes is the absence of a targeted introductory paragraph at the beginning of the resume,” says career coach Suzanne Berger . “Keep in mind that recruiters or hiring managers only spend 10 to 20 seconds reviewing your resume, so it is important to make an impact from the start.”

As you can see from the following example, your summary goes right under your resume headline:

Your resume summary should include a concise overview of your key qualifications, professional achievements, and skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Here’s a formula you can use to write your summary, followed by an example:

[Your Professional Title] with [Years of Experience] years of experience. Proven track record in [Top Achievement 1] and [Top Achievement 2] . Skilled in [Skill 1] , [Skill 2] , and [Skill 3] . Known for [Unique Value or Strength] .

Marketing Manager with 8 years of experience . Proven track record in increasing online engagement by 40% and boosting lead generation by 30% . Skilled in content creation, data analysis, and strategic planning . Known for exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage and inspire teams to exceed corporate objectives .

Resume summary do’s and don’ts

• Use numbers to show that you are able to produce tangible outcomes.
• Incorporate keywords from the job description whenever possible.
• Write your resume summary last because you’ll then have a fuller picture of your experiences and skills.
• Don’t just list your job duties; instead focus on your accomplishments.
• Don’t use personal pronouns (I, me, or my).
• Don’t make your summary too long; keep it to no more than 3-4 sentences.

6. Create your skills section

When we talk about keywords, we are mostly talking about skills .

There are two main types of skills— hard and soft . Hard skills are specific abilities you learn through education or training, like using certain software or speaking a foreign language. Soft skills are more about how you work and interact with others, such as teamwork, communication , and flexibility.

You should place your skills section under your resume summary. List your skill set using bullet points, either in columns or in a bullet-point format. Try to include 10 to 20 key skills in this section.

IMPORTANT! The way the same skill is worded in a job description can vary from company to company. This is why it’s crucial to tailor each resume to the job you’re applying to.

For example, here are three different ways of listing essentially the same skill:

• Customer Service
• Client Relations
• Customer Support

If the job description lists “customer support” and you have “customer service” on your resume, the hiring manager might not find your resume when searching through the ATS database — even though you do have that skill.

To make sure you’re using the right keyword skills, run your resume through Jobscan’s resume scanner . It compares your resume to the job description and tells you which skills to use.

You’ll also receive a resume score which tells you how closely your resume matches the job description. The higher your score the more likely you are to get an interview. Here’s an example of the report you’ll receive from the resume scanner:

The skills in red are missing from the resume. Add them to increase the resume score. You can read more about Jobscan’s resume scanner and how to try it for free here .

7. Create a compelling work history section

Now it’s time to get to the heart of your resume – the  work experience  section. This is the section employers will spend the most time looking at when they consider your resume.

Why is this section so critical? Because it’s where you provide the proof to support what you said about yourself in your resume headline, summary, and skills section.

Each job should include the following information and be listed in reverse-chronological order (latest job first).

• Company name and location – Include the full name of the company you worked for followed by the city and state of its location.
• Job title – Be as specific as possible to ensure that employers know exactly what your role was within the company.
• Start and end dates – Include the month and year for each position. If you only list the year, it may appear as though you are omitting information.
• Achievements and responsibilities – These can be listed using bullet points. Include hard numbers and metrics wherever possible.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when writing a resume is only listing their job responsibilities. These are tasks that you’re expected to perform as part of your job.

Listing your job responsibilities gives a potential employer an idea of what you did day-to-day. But it doesn’t reveal  how well you did it.

This is why it’s important to highlight your specific accomplishments. For example, if you increased sales, reduced costs, or implemented new processes or technologies, be sure to mention these accomplishments.

Here’s an example of a work experience section with measurable achievements :

To write strong bullet points for your work experience section, use Jobscan’s AI-powered bullet point generator. It creates bullet points based on the skills in the job description, highlighting your relevant qualifications. Try it for free here .

Work experience do’s and don’ts

• Use numbers to quantify your achievements whenever possible.
• Use action verbs to describe how you did something.
• Use the mm/yyyy format for resume dates .
• Don’t list more than 10 years of work experience unless it’s highly relevant.
• Don’t use the passive phrase “responsible for.” Instead, use active voice.
• Don’t list every single task you worked on; include only the most relevant.

8. Create your education and certification section

Your education section should appear after your work experience. If you’re applying to a job that requires extensive education (like medicine, law, or academia), you’ll need to be more detailed. But most job seekers can get away with providing only the following information on their resume:

• Name of the degree/certification: Write the full name of the degree or certification. Use commonly accepted abbreviations (e.g., B.A. in English, MBA, PMP).
• Institution name: Include the name of the university or institution that awarded the degree or certification.
• Location (optional): List the city and state if the location is relevant to the job or if the institution is well-known.
• Graduation date: Mention the month and year of graduation. For certifications, you can also include an expiration date if applicable.

Here’s an example of an education section on a resume:

Education section do’s and don’ts

• Bold your degree so that it stands out.
• List your education in reverse-chronological order.
• Include any relevant coursework, skills training, licenses, and certifications .
• Don’t mention your high school if you have a college degree.
• Don’t disclose your GPA unless you graduated recently and had a very impressive academic career (3.5 GPA plus).
• Don’t list an advanced degree if the job doesn’t require it.

9. Showcase honors, awards, and volunteer work

The key to this section is to only include honors and awards that are relevant to the job you’re applying to.

This can get a little tricky because if you do have honors or awards that are highly relevant, consider including them in your summary section. Otherwise, hiring managers might miss them if you only list them at the bottom of your resume.

If you have any  volunteer experience , it’s generally a good idea to add it to your resume.

According to a LinkedIn survey , 20% of employers say they have hired a candidate because of their volunteer experience. The survey also showed that job seekers who volunteer are 27% more likely to be hired than non-volunteers!

• The name of the organization.
• The dates of your service.
• A brief description of your duties and responsibilities.

Here’s an example of what this section of your resume can look like:

10. How can you tailor your resume to a specific job position?

Tailoring your resume to each specific job is not just recommended; it’s imperative . This is because most companies today use ATS computer software to manage and filter the enormous amount of resumes they receive.

When you submit your resume, it goes into an ATS database . Hiring managers search the ATS database for suitable resumes by typing keywords, or skills, into the ATS search bar. If your resume contains these keywords it will be found. If it doesn’t contain the right keywords, your resume will remain in the ATS database, unseen.

To tailor your resume, you must first read the job description. This is where you’ll find the keywords to add to your resume. Make sure you add those keywords exactly as they are written in the job description .

Unfortunately, tailoring each resume to the job description takes time and effort. The best way to speed up this process is to use an online tool like Jobscan’s resume scanner .

Just paste in your resume and the job description and click scan. You’ll receive a match report telling you how closely your resume matches the job ad. The report also tells you exactly which keywords to add to your resume to optimize it for the ATS. Try the scanner for free below:

Effective resume formatting tips

Properly formatting your resume makes it easy for hiring managers to find what they’re looking for. At the same time, good formatting helps the ATS understand your resume.

Remember, if the ATS can’t read your resume you won’t get the job!

Choose a professional, easy-to-read font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in size 10 to 12 for text and 14 to 16 for headings.

Clearly distinguish section headings with a larger font size, bold text, or underlining to guide the reader’s eye effectively through your resume., set your margins to at least 0.7 inches all around, ensuring that your resume looks balanced and does not appear overcrowded., avoid complex graphics, tables, headers, and footers, which can confuse ats software., break up blocks of text. a paragraph should never be longer than 5 lines., use standard headings like “work experience,” “education,” and “skills.” these are immediately recognizable to both hiring managers and ats., use the same style of bullets, text alignment, and line spacing throughout your document., align your text to the left. right-aligned or justified text can create irregular spacing between words, making your resume harder to read., save your resume file as a pdf to preserve your formatting across different platforms., proofread carefully one grammatical error can ruin your chances of getting a job., how to write a resume for students with no experience.

Creating a good resume without any work experience might seem tough, but you can still make a strong impression on employers by highlighting your skills and activities. Here’s how:

• Focus on your education : Put your education section at the top. Include details like your degree, major, relevant coursework, academic honors, and GPA if it’s above average.
• Include extracurricular activities : List any activities outside of class, like clubs, sports, or student government. Mention any leadership roles or responsibilities you’ve had.
• Add volunteer work and internships : Don’t forget to include volunteer positions, internships, or community service. These experiences show your willingness to work and learn.
• Highlight projects and academic achievements : Talk about any major projects or research you’ve done, especially if they relate to the job you want. Describe what you did and what you achieved.
• Skills section : Make a list of your skills, including technical skills (like computer software) and soft skills (like teamwork and communication).
• Professional summary : Start with a short summary that explains your career goals and your best qualities. Make it clear why you’d be a great fit for the job.

Here’s a sample of a resume for students with no experience:

How to match your cover letter to your resume

Matching your cover letter with your resume helps create a polished and cohesive application. Here’s how:

• Consistent formatting : Use the same font, header, and layout from your resume for your cover letter. This helps create a professional and unified appearance.
• Use similar language : Pick out key skills and phrases from your resume and include them in your cover letter. This reinforces your qualifications and aligns your application with the job requirements.
• Expand on key points : Choose one or two major achievements listed on your resume and elaborate on them in your cover letter. Explain how these experiences have equipped you for the job.
• Keep the tone the same : If your resume is formal, your cover letter should be too. If it’s more casual, your cover letter can be less formal as well.
• Address the job’s needs : Demonstrate how your experiences make you a good fit for the job. Show that you understand what the job involves and explain why you’re the right candidate.
• End with a call to action : Conclude by expressing your enthusiasm for the role and suggesting they look at your resume for more details. Ask them to contact you for an interview.

When you’re done writing your cover letter, run it through Jobscan’s  cover letter checker . This tool will tell you how to improve your cover letter. 

Hate writing cover letters? Use Jobscan’s  cover letter builder . This tool uses AI technology to generate an ATS-friendly cover letter with just one click.

10 standout resume examples to inspire you

These samples showcase a variety of styles and formats suited for different industries and career stages, giving you ideas on how to write a resume.

1. Sales manager resume example

2. Accountant resume example

3. Recruiter resume example

4. Bookkeeper resume sample

5. Digital marketing resume example

6. Teacher resume example

7. Customer service resume example

8. Office assistant resume example

9. Operations manager resume example

10. Technical writer resume example

Key takeaways

• Optimize for ATS : Today’s resumes must be tailored to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) by including specific keywords related to the job you’re applying for. This ensures your resume is seen by hiring managers.
• Tailored Resumes : Each resume should be customized to the job description, emphasizing relevant experiences and skills. This enhances your chances of standing out in a competitive job market.
• Resume Formats : Choose between chronological, functional, or hybrid formats based on your career history and the job requirements. Chronological is suitable for those with a strong, relevant job history; functional is best for career changers or those with gaps in employment; hybrid combines the strengths of both.
• Essential Elements : A resume should include a clear headline, a compelling summary, a detailed work history, relevant skills, and educational credentials. Each section should be crafted to showcase your qualifications and fit for the role.
• Skills and Keywords : Highlight both hard and soft skills that are directly relevant to the job. Using precise keywords from the job description in your resume ensures compatibility with ATS and increases the likelihood of your resume being selected.
• Quantifiable Achievements : Where possible, use metrics to quantify your accomplishments. This provides concrete evidence of your capabilities and impact in previous roles.
• Additional Sections : Including volunteer work, awards, and certifications can differentiate your resume. Ensure these are relevant to the job to keep the resume focused and impactful.
• Resume Building Tools : Utilize tools like resume builders and scanners (e.g., Jobscan) to construct a resume that matches job descriptions and optimizes for ATS, saving time and improving effectiveness.
• Format and Proofread : Proper formatting and thorough proofreading are essential to maintain professionalism. Ensure the resume is easy to read and free from errors, which can detract from your credibility.

Beginners can use the chronological format if they have some work experience, even if it’s part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work. However, if a beginner has little to no work experience, a functional format might be better. Include essential resume sections like contact information, a summary, education, and any relevant work experience or skills. Tailor your resume to the job by incorporating keywords from the job description. If you lack work experience, emphasize volunteer work, internships, and extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills and commitment. Always proofread for errors before submitting your resume.

To make your resume stand out to recruiters, start by tailoring it specifically for each job application, incorporating keywords from the job description to align closely with the requirements. Highlight your achievements by quantifying them with specific numbers and outcomes, such as “increased sales by 20%” or “reduced processing time by 30%,” to demonstrate measurable success. Begin with a compelling professional summary that succinctly outlines your key qualifications and what you bring to the role, clearly establishing why you are the ideal candidate. Ensure your resume has a clean and professional layout, with logical sections and easy-to-read fonts, to facilitate quick review and make a strong first impression.

1) Gather information 2) Choose a format 3) Write contact information 4) Craft a headline and summary 5) Detail your experience and education 6) Highlight skills 7) Add additional sections 8) Tailor for the job 9) Proofread and edit 10) Finalize and save

To create a resume with no work experience , start with a functional format that emphasizes your skills and education. Begin with a strong summary statement that highlights your career goals and key skills. Place your education section prominently, including any relevant coursework or projects. List both hard and soft skills applicable to the job, and include any internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your abilities and work ethic. Mention any significant projects or achievements, especially those relevant to your desired job. Also, include any professional affiliations that show your interest in the industry. Ensure the resume is well-organized and clearly formatted to highlight your qualifications effectively.

Use Jobscan’s resume builder , which is specifically designed to help you craft an AI resume that is both appealing to hiring managers and optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). This tool provides templates and real-time content suggestions, helping you tailor your resume effectively for each job application. You can also use ChatGPT to write a resume for free . Just be sure to edit and personalize the results you get.

1) Log into your Google account, go to Google Docs, and either start a new document or use the template gallery. Jobscan also offers free Google Docs resume templates . 2) Select a resume template that fits the job you’re applying for from the template gallery. 3) Replace the template’s placeholder text with your personal information, including contact details, educational background, work experience, and skills. 4) Tailor the content to the job by adding relevant keywords from the job description and adjusting the format—like fonts and spacing—for clarity and appeal. 5) Double-check your resume for any errors and consider having someone else review it too. 6) Once satisfied, download your resume as a PDF or DOCX file , or share it directly via email or a shareable link.

1) Start the program and select “New” from the file menu to access templates. 2) Type “resume” in the template search bar to see available resume designs. 3) Choose a template that suits your needs, then replace the placeholder text with your personal details, including work experience, education, and skills. 4) Adjust the content to match the job description, using relevant keywords and highlighting your qualifications. 5) Modify font size, style, and colors to ensure the resume is clean and professional. 6) Check for any errors, and consider having someone else review it. 7) Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and make sharing easy. 8) Print for physical submissions or save digitally for online applications.

In 2024, resumes should be designed for clarity and ATS compatibility . Start with a professional layout that includes plenty of white space and a logical structure. The top should have your contact information—just your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL , omitting a full address for privacy. Follow this with a concise professional summary, then list your work experience, skills, and education. The format should ensure easy readability for both human recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems, emphasizing a clean design without complex graphics or tables that could confuse the ATS software.

Choosing the right resume format depends on your career background: Chronological: Lists your work history in reverse chronological order, ideal for those with a solid work history. Functional: Focuses on skills rather than work history, suitable for career changers or those with gaps in employment. Combination: Mixes elements of both chronological and functional formats, highlighting skills followed by work history in reverse order. Good for those with significant skills and experiences.

The number of jobs you should include on your resume depends on your experience level and relevance to the role. Typically, if you’re early in your career with less than 10 years of experience, aim for 2-3 recent and relevant positions. For mid-career professionals, around 3-4 positions spanning the last 10-15 years is common. Experienced professionals may include the most pertinent roles from their extensive history, focusing on the past 10-15 years. Ensure each listed job directly relates to the position you’re applying for, prioritizing relevancy over quantity to present a focused and impactful resume.

A resume should typically be one to two pages long, with rare exceptions for highly experienced individuals or those in certain industries. Aim to keep it concise and focused on highlighting your most relevant qualifications and experiences for the position you’re applying for.

AI and machine learning have revolutionized resume screening by automating the process. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) use these technologies to quickly analyze resumes, searching for relevant keywords and qualifications. This saves recruiters time and ensures a more efficient screening process, helping them identify top candidates more effectively.

When writing a resume summary with no experience, focus on your education, relevant skills, and career goals. Highlight any coursework, projects, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate skills applicable to the job. Emphasize your enthusiasm, work ethic, and eagerness to learn. Keep it concise and impactful, showcasing how your background aligns with the position and company’s needs.

Crafting a simple resume involves starting with your contact information, followed by a brief summary statement. List your work experience, education, and relevant skills, ensuring consistency in formatting. Consider including optional sections like volunteer experience or honors/awards. Proofread carefully and tailor your resume to each job application.

Robert Henderson, CPRW, is a career advice writer and a resume expert at Jobscan.

Related Articles

June 17, 2024

June 12, 2024

June 11, 2024

June 4, 2024

May 23, 2024

Join 2 million job seekers who get bi-weekly job search tips

Get insider knowledge and ready-to-use job-seeking tips and hacks delivered to your inbox.

Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

How to Protect Yourself and Others

CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance  provides strategies you can use to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. These actions can help you lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission (spreading or catching COVID-19) and lower the risk of severe illness if you get sick.

Core Prevention Strategies

CDC recommends that all people use core prevention strategies to protect themselves and others from COVID-19:

• Although vaccinated people sometimes get infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines significantly lowers the risk of getting very sick, being hospitalized, or dying from COVID-19.
• Practice good hygiene  (practices that improve cleanliness)
• Take steps for cleaner air

When you are sick:

• Learn when you can go back to your normal activities .
• Seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness . Treatment may help lower your risk of severe illness, but it needs to be started within a few days of when your symptoms begin.

Additional Prevention Strategies

In addition, there are other prevention strategies that you can choose to further protect yourself and others.

• Wearing a mask and putting distance between yourself and others  can help lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
• Testing for COVID-19 can help you decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps  to lower your chances of spreading COVID-19 to others.

Key Times for Prevention

Using these prevention strategies can be especially helpful when:

• Respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV, are causing a lot of illness in your community
• You or those around you have risk factors  for severe illness
• You or those around you were recently exposed to a respiratory virus, are sick, or are recovering

Check Your Community

Find out if respiratory viruses are causing a lot of illness in your community. Data updated weekly.

Learn more about all three of these respiratory viruses, who is most at risk, and how they are affecting your state right now. You can use some of the same strategies to protect yourself from all three viruses.

Get the Latest on COVID-19, Flu, and RSV

• COVID-19 Testing
• COVID-19 Vaccines
• COVID-19 Treatments and Medications
• Preventing Respiratory Viruses
• Protect Yourself from COVID-19, Flu, and RSV

Additional Resources

• Respirators and Masks
• Improving Ventilation in Your Home
• Improving Ventilation In Buildings

Search for and find historical COVID-19 pages and files. Please note the content on these pages and files is no longer being updated and may be out of date.

• Visit archive.cdc.gov for a historical snapshot of the COVID-19 website, capturing the end of the Federal Public Health Emergency on June 28, 2023.
• Visit the dynamic COVID-19 collection  to search the COVID-19 website as far back as July 30, 2021.

To receive email updates about COVID-19, enter your email address:

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.