by A generic resume is often seen as the go-to option for many job seekers, but it’s essential to understand its key components and how to tailor it for maximum impact.
While this might seem like an easy solution, it requires thoughtful structuring to stand out among hundreds of other applicants.
In this article, we’ll break down the elements of a general resume format, offer tips for customization, and highlight best practices to ensure your document grabs attention.
What is a generic resume?
A general resume is a broad document that showcases your professional background, skills, and experiences in a way that is applicable to a wide range of job opportunities.
It serves as a representation of your qualifications, designed to be adaptable for different positions across various industries.
Unlike a tailored application, which is specifically crafted for a particular role, a generic resume is intended to be flexible and easily adjusted without needing to make extensive changes.
| Aspect | General Resume | Tailored Resume |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Designed to be versatile and used for a variety of positions. | Customized for a specific job or employer to highlight relevant qualifications. |
| Content | General information about skills, experience, and education applicable to many roles. | Focused on the description, highlighting specific skills and achievements. |
| Customization | Minimal; can be sent to multiple companies or industries. | Highly customized to match the posting and employer’s needs. |
| Effort | Requires less time to create; easy to update. | Takes more time to craft and adjust for each application. |
| Keywords | May lack job-specific or tailored phrasing. | Includes keywords from the description to pass through ATS and appeal to the employer. |
| Length | Usually concise and general, covering a broad range of qualifications. | Specific and detailed, focusing on relevant experiences and skills. |
- When to use a generic resume?
- Broad Applications: When considering a range of positions in different industries, a general resume can save time. It provides a well-rounded view of your skills that can appeal to a variety of employers without needing to tailor it each time.
- General Openings: For postings that aren't highly specific or don't require detailed information, this format works well.
- Networking: At events like job fairs, where you may meet multiple recruiters, having a generic resume ready is convenient. It allows you to quickly share your background with several companies.
- Online Applications: Many platforms allow you to upload one document for various postings. Using a general resume simplifies this process, especially when the roles share similar criteria.
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How to write a general resume format?
While it's essential to keep it broad enough to appeal to multiple employers, there are key components you should include to ensure the document provides a clear and professional representation of your qualifications.
Contact Information
Your contact details should be located at the top of the general resume for easy access. This part gives the HR direct ways to reach you. Make sure to add:
Full Name
John SmithPhone Number
+1 (555) 123-4567Email Address
john.smith@email.comLocation (City & State)
New York, NYLinkedIn or Personal Website (Optional)
linkedin.com/in/johnamith
Opening Statement
It should be concise, giving the reader a snapshot of your overall professional direction. It can highlight your general career goals or strengths.
Motivated and results-oriented professional seeking an opportunity in a dynamic company where I can leverage my skills in project management, customer service, and teamwork.
Experienced professional with over 6 years in customer relations and administrative support. Known for exceptional organizational skills, problem-solving ability, and team collaboration. Seeking a position where I can use my strengths to contribute to business growth.
Work Experience
In a generic resume, this part should focus on core responsibilities that are transferable across industries. Keep the job descriptions broad, focusing on the general skills used in each role.
Administrative Assistant
Wells Fargo | San Francisco, CA | June 2020 – Present
- Coordinate office activities and assist with scheduling meetings and appointments.
- Prepare reports and documentation for internal and client-facing meetings.
- Maintain communication with clients, vendors, and staff to ensure smooth operations.
Customer Service Representative
Target | Los Angeles, CA | January 2018 – May 2020
- Provided customer support via phone, email, and in-person interactions.
- Processed returns, managed inquiries, and handled customer concerns efficiently.
- Collaborated with various departments to resolve customer issues promptly.
Key Skills
This section should list abilities that are valuable across various job positions. Include both interpersonal and technical competencies that are widely applicable.
Hard skills:
- Data Analysis
- Project Management
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Programming (e.g., Python, Java, SQL)
- Graphic Design (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator)
- SEO Optimization
- Technical Writing
- Database Management
- Foreign Language Proficiency (e.g., Spanish, French)
- Social Media Marketing
Soft skills:
- Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Adaptability
- Teamwork
- Time Management
- Critical Thinking
- Leadership
- Conflict Resolution
- Creativity
- Emotional Intelligence
Education
Include your highest degree and any other relevant certifications. You may also mention courses or achievements that could apply to many job roles.
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Graduated May 2019Relevant Coursework: Marketing, Management, Organizational Behavior, Strategic Planning
Additional Sections
| Description | Example | |
|---|---|---|
| Awards and Honors | Highlight recognitions you've earned for exceptional performance, either professionally or academically. | Employee of the Month March 2019 |
| Volunteer Experience | List roles in volunteer work that demonstrate transferable skills like leadership and communication. | Volunteer Coordinator Los Angeles Food Bank March 2018 – Present |
| Languages | Mention any foreign languages you speak fluently, especially if they are beneficial in a globalized work environment. | Fluent in Spanish and French |
| Associations | If you’re part of any industry organizations, this can reflect your commitment to development. | Member, American Marketing Association (AMA) |
| Projects | Detail any personal or professional projects that showcase initiative, leadership, or creativity. | Developed a blog on digital marketing that reached 5,000 followers in 6 months |
| Publications | Include any written works you have contributed to, highlighting expertise in your field. | "Future Trends in Digital Marketing" Published in Marketing Today July 2020 |
| Personal Interests | Share hobbies or activities that convey skills or attributes relevant to your profile, such as teamwork or problem-solving. | Passionate about hiking, photography, and community volunteering |
Generic resume examples
Sample beginner general resume
John Young
+1 (555) 123-4567 | john.young@email.com | Los Angeles, CA | linkedin.com/in/johnyoungObjective
Recent graduate with a degree in Business Administration, eager to contribute strong analytical and communication skills in a customer service or administrative support role at a forward-thinking company.
Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Time management and multitasking
- Customer-focused with a solutions-oriented mindset
- Quick learner with strong attention to detail
Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA
Graduated May 2025
Work Experience
Customer Service Representative
Target | Los Angeles, CA | June 2024 – Present
- Provide exceptional customer service in-person and through various communication channels, including phone and email.
- Assist customers with product inquiries, returns, and exchanges, ensuring a positive shopping experience.
- Maintain accurate product knowledge to guide customer decisions, upsell, and cross-sell when applicable.
- Collaborate with the management team to resolve complex customer complaints and improve overall satisfaction.
Intern, Marketing Department
Ralphs Grocery Company | Los Angeles, CA | Summer 2023
- Assisted in organizing and coordinating promotional events to boost store sales and customer engagement.
- Conducted market research and competitor analysis to support the marketing team’s strategy development.
- Supported the creation of marketing materials such as flyers, posters, and social media content.
- Participated in email marketing campaigns and tracked engagement metrics to evaluate campaign effectiveness.
Certifications
- Customer Service Excellence | Customer Service Institute | 2025
- Google Analytics for Beginners | Google | 2024
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer Coordinator
Los Angeles Food Bank | Los Angeles, CA | March 2023 – Present
- Organize volunteer schedules for events and food distribution programs.
- Coordinate communication between volunteers and staff to ensure smooth event execution.
- Promote community awareness of hunger-related issues through outreach and social media channels.
Languages
- Fluent in Spanish and English
Generic resume template for mid-career specialists
Sarah Johnson
+1 (555) 234-5678 | sarah.johnson@email.com | Chicago, IL | linkedin.com/in/sarahjohnsonProfessional Summary
Marketing professional with experience specializing in digital marketing, content strategy, and social media management. Proven ability to develop effective marketing campaigns and collaborate with creative teams to achieve business goals. Looking to take the next step in a leadership role within a dynamic marketing team.
Skills
- Digital marketing campaign management
- Content creation and copywriting
- SEO and SEM optimization
- Social media marketing and strategy
- Data analysis and reporting
- Project management and collaboration
- Team leadership and cross-functional coordination
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator)
Work Experience
Marketing Coordinator
Etsy | Chicago, IL | May 2020 – Present
- Manage digital marketing campaigns, including paid search, display advertising, and email marketing.
- Monitor campaign performance using Google Analytics and other tools to optimize and adjust strategies.
- Collaborate with design teams to develop compelling promotional content across digital platforms.
- Lead the planning and execution of seasonal campaigns and product launches, ensuring alignment with brand goals.
Digital Marketing Assistant
Trunk Club | Chicago, IL | June 2017 – April 2020
- Assisted in creating content for social media, blogs, and newsletters to increase brand visibility.
- Conducted keyword research and contributed to website SEO improvements to boost organic traffic.
- Coordinated email marketing campaigns, managing lists, segmentations, and A/B testing.
- Supported the marketing team with market analysis and customer feedback research to inform future campaigns.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Marketing
University of Illinois | Chicago, IL
Graduated May 2017
Certifications
- HubSpot Content Marketing Certification | HubSpot Academy | 2021
- Google Ads Certification | Google | 2020
Professional Associations
Member, American Marketing Association (AMA)
Chicago, IL | 2019 – Present
- Attend annual conferences and webinars to stay updated on the latest digital marketing trends.
- Participate in local networking events to build industry relationships and share marketing insights.
Publications
"How to Optimize Your Website for Better User Experience"
Published in Marketing Today | Chicago, IL | July 2021
- Authored an article on UX best practices and website design strategies to improve user experience and engagement.
General resume example for senior roles
Michael Roberts
+1 (555) 345-6789 | michael.roberts@email.com | New York, NY | linkedin.com/in/michaelrobertsProfessional Summary
Seasoned Senior Project Manager with experience in leading large-scale projects in the technology and finance sectors. Proven track record of delivering projects on time, within budget, and according to scope. Skilled in risk management, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication. Seeking an executive-level project management role to drive business success.
Skills
- Extensive experience in project management (Agile, Waterfall, Scrum)
- Budget management and resource allocation
- Risk identification and mitigation strategies
- Strong communication and negotiation skills
- Client relationship management
- Leadership and team development
- Cross-functional team collaboration
- Advanced Microsoft Project and JIRA proficiency
Work Experience
Senior Project Manager
IBM | New York, NY | January 2017 – Present
- Lead a team of 20+ professionals to manage complex technology projects for clients in the healthcare and finance industries.
- Develop and manage detailed project plans, ensuring all timelines, resources, and budgets are adhered to.
- Act as the primary point of contact for client communications, ensuring project goals align with expectations.
- Oversee risk management processes, addressing issues promptly to ensure the continued progress of projects.
Project Manager
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | New York, NY | March 2012 – December 2016
- Managed end-to-end project lifecycle, from initiation to delivery, for various financial service solutions.
- Worked with business analysts and senior leadership to define project scope, requirements, and deliverables.
- Coordinated internal and external resources, ensuring project milestones were completed on time and within budget.
- Implemented Agile methodologies to streamline project workflows and improve team collaboration.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
New York University, NY
Graduated May 2012
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
Columbia University | New York, NY
Graduated May 2008
Certifications
- Project Management Professional (PMP) | Project Management Institute | 2013
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) | Scrum Alliance | 2016
Languages
- Fluent in Spanish and English
Awards and Honors
Employee of the Year
IBM | New York, NY | 2020
- Recognized for outstanding leadership and successful completion of key projects under tight deadlines, contributing to a 15% increase in overall revenue for the division.
General resume template examples
Conclusion
A generic resume can serve as a useful starting point for your job search, but it’s crucial to customize it for the specific role you’re applying for.
By focusing on clear, concise, and relevant information, you can create a document that presents you in the best possible light.
Take the time to refine your general resume and adapt it to each application for the best chance at success.
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