How to Write a Resume That Gets Interview Calls (Free Template)

A recruiter often looks at a resume for less than a minute. Many companies also use software, called an ATS (Applicant Tracking System), to sort resumes before a person sees them. Your resume must be easy for both to read. This guide gives you a simple, free template outline and clear steps.

Step by step: write your resume

1. Read the job post first. Note the job title, key skills and tools it mentions. You will use these words in your resume, if they are true for you.
2. Keep it short. One page for freshers. One to two pages for experienced people.
3. Use a simple layout. One column, clear headings, a common font such as Arial or Calibri, size 10–12.
4. Write results, not duties. ‘Cut billing errors by 20% in 6 months’ is stronger than ‘Handled billing’. Use real numbers only.
5. Start each point with an action word. Managed, built, sold, trained, reduced, taught, repaired.
6. Tailor it for each job. Change the summary and skills to match the post. It takes 10 minutes and makes a big difference.
7. Proofread. Read it aloud. Ask one person to check it. Spelling mistakes cost interview calls.
8. Save as PDF unless the employer asks for Word. Name the file clearly, for example Priya-Verma-Accountant-Resume.pdf.

ATS basics: get past the software

• Use standard headings: Summary, Skills, Experience, Education, Projects, Certifications.
• Avoid tables, text boxes, columns, photos of text and graphics for key details. Software may not read them.
• Put contact details in the main body, not only in the header or footer.
• Match keywords from the job post exactly (for example, ‘Tally ERP’ or ‘Customer Service’), but only skills you really have.
• Write dates in one clear format, such as Jun 2022 – Mar 2025.
• Spell out short forms once, for example ‘Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)’.

Free template outline: fresher

1. Name and contact: full name, mobile number, professional email, city, LinkedIn link (if you have one).
2. Career objective (2 lines): the role you want and what you offer. Example structure: ‘Commerce graduate seeking an accounts assistant role; skilled in Tally and Excel.’
3. Education: latest first. Degree, college, year, marks or CGPA if good.
4. Skills: 6–10 job-related skills. Include tools, software and languages you speak.
5. Projects / internships / training: what you did and the result.
6. Certifications: course name, issuer, year.
7. Achievements and activities: NSS, NCC, sports, volunteering, competitions (keep to 2–3 lines).
8. Optional: languages known. Leave out father’s name, religion, marital status and a full home address unless the employer asks.

Free template outline: experienced

1. Name and contact (same as above).
2. Professional summary (3–4 lines): years of experience, main area, one or two key results.
3. Key skills: 8–12 skills that match the job.
4. Work experience: latest job first. Job title, company, city, dates. Then 3–5 bullet points of achievements with numbers.
5. Education: degree, institute, year. Marks are usually not needed after a few years of work.
6. Certifications and training.
7. Optional: awards, publications, languages.
8. Career gap? Add one honest line, for example ‘2023–2024: Career break for family care; completed a GST course.’

Job portal tips

Naukri

• Fill every profile section. Write a clear resume headline with your role and years of experience.
• Keep your key skills list updated and matched to the jobs you want.
• Upload your latest resume and update your profile regularly; recently updated profiles tend to show up more in recruiter searches.
• Set your preferred location, notice period and expected salary correctly.

LinkedIn

• Use a clear, recent photo and a headline that says what you do, not just ‘Looking for job’.
• Write a short ‘About’ section in plain words.
• Make sure your job titles and dates match your resume.
• Use the ‘Open to Work’ setting; you can choose to show it only to recruiters.
• Connect with people in your field and ask former managers or teachers for recommendations.

National Career Service (NCS)

• The NCS portal is run by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. It says it charges no fee at any stage of registration, application or interview.
• Register as a jobseeker and complete your profile. It lists private, government and international jobs, plus job fairs and career counselling.
• NCS offers a free AI resume builder you can use to create a first draft.
• Helpline: 1514. Official email: [email protected]. Trust only messages from the official website.

Final checklist

• Name, phone and email are correct and work.
• Summary or objective matches this job.
• Every bullet starts with an action word; results have real numbers.
• Keywords from the job post appear where true.
• No tables, photos or graphics hiding key details.
• Length is one page (fresher) or up to two pages (experienced).
• No spelling mistakes; saved as a clearly named PDF.

Common mistakes

• Using one resume for every job.
• Listing duties instead of results.
• Fancy designs, many colours, or two-column templates that ATS cannot read.
• An unprofessional email address.
• Adding personal details nobody asked for, such as religion or marital status.
• Lying about skills, marks or experience. Background checks often catch it.
• Paying someone who promises a ‘guaranteed job’ with a resume package.

Official links

• National Career Service – free government job portal (helpline 1514)
• NCS AI Resume Builder – free resume tool
• Naukri.com – private job portal
• LinkedIn – professional network and jobs
• cybercrime.gov.in – report fake job offers or fraud (helpline 1930)

Last checked: November 2026