How to make a good resume in 2026: the definitive step-by-step guide - cv creation

In the competitive job market of 2026, having an outstanding curriculum vitae (CV) is more crucial than ever. A well-written CV not only presents your experience and skills, but also acts as your first impression to potential employers. This comprehensive guide will provide the necessary steps to create a resume that stands out and brings you closer to the job of your dreams.

1. Understanding the 2026 Labor Landscape: Adapting Your CV

The world of work has evolved drastically in recent years, and 2026 is no exception. Automation, artificial intelligence, and new technologies have transformed the skills demanded by companies. Therefore, it is vital to adapt your CV to reflect these trends.

• Technical Skills: Demonstrate your mastery of tools and software relevant to your industry.
• Soft Skills: Highlight your ability to work in teams, communicate effectively, and solve problems creatively.
• Adaptability: Show your willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges.

2. The Ideal Format: Structure and Design for 2026

The presentation of your CV is as important as its content. A clean, professional, and easy-to-read format will make it easier for recruiters to quickly identify your qualifications.

2.1. Types of Resume Format

There are mainly three types of resume formats:

• Chronological: Ideal for those with a consistent and upward career trajectory. List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position.
• Functional: Focuses on your skills and competencies, ideal for people changing careers or with gaps in their employment history.
• Combined: Combines elements of the chronological and functional formats, highlighting both your skills and work experience.

2.2. Design and Layout

Use a modern and professional resume template. Avoid cluttered designs or hard-to-read fonts. Consider using graphic design software or online tools to create a visually appealing CV.

2.3. Key Design Elements

• Font: Choose a clear and legible font, such as Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica.
• Font Size: Use a font size between 11 and 12 points for body text, and larger sizes for headings and subheadings.
• White Space: Use white space to improve readability and prevent the CV from looking crowded.
• Color: Use color sparingly. A touch of color can help highlight certain sections, but avoid bright or flashy colors.

3. Essential Sections of Your Resume in 2026

Each section of your CV should be carefully written to highlight your strengths and capture the reader's attention.

3.1. Contact Information

Include your full name, professional email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile (if you have one). Make sure your contact information is up to date and accurate.

3.2. Professional Summary or Objective

A short paragraph (3-4 lines) that summarizes your skills, experience, and professional goals. Tailor this summary for each job application, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the position.

3.3. Work Experience

List your previous jobs in reverse chronological order, including the company name, your position, dates of employment, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements. Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments and quantify your results whenever possible.

3.4. Education

Include your academic degrees, the name of the educational institution, graduation dates, and any relevant awards or honors. If you have limited work experience, you can include additional information about your courses and academic projects.

3.5. Skills

List your relevant technical and soft skills for the position. Include sector-specific skills, such as programming languages, design software, or digital marketing tools. Also highlight your interpersonal skills, such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving.

3.6. Languages

Indicate your level of proficiency in each language you speak. Use terms like "native", "fluent", "advanced", "intermediate", or "basic".

3.7. Personal Projects and Volunteering

Including personal projects or volunteer activities can demonstrate your initiative, passion, and social commitment. Briefly describe the project or activity and highlight the skills you acquired or applied.

4. Optimizing Your Resume for ATS

In 2025, most companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes. It is crucial to optimize your CV so that it is compatible with these systems.

• Keywords: Research the keywords used in the job description and make sure to include them in your CV.
• File Format: Save your CV in PDF format to ensure it displays correctly across different systems.
• Avoid Graphics and Images: ATS may have difficulty reading graphics and images, so avoid including them in your CV.

5. Additional Tips for a Successful Resume in 2026

• Customize Your CV: Tailor your CV for each job application, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the position.
• Review and Edit: Carefully proofread your CV for grammatical and spelling errors. Ask a friend or family member to review it as well.
• Keep Your CV Updated: Regularly update your CV with your most recent work experience, skills, and achievements.
• Seek Feedback: Ask HR professionals or mentors to give you feedback on your CV.

6. The Future of the Resume: Trends for 2026 and Beyond

The curriculum vitae is constantly evolving. In the future, we are likely to see a greater focus on personalization, automation, and visual presentation. Consider exploring options such as:

• Video Resumes: Create a short video that presents your skills and experience in a creative way.
• Online Portfolios: Create a website or online portfolio to showcase your work and projects.
• Artificial Intelligence: Use AI tools to optimize your CV and tailor it to each employer's needs.

By following this step-by-step guide, you will be well equipped to create an outstanding curriculum vitae that will help you stand out from the competition and land the job of your dreams in 2026.