How to Make a Resume in India: Complete Guide with Examples (2025)

Crafting a standout resume is essential for landing jobs in India's competitive market, where recruiters receive hundreds of applications for every opening. Whether you're a fresher graduating from college or an experienced professional looking to switch jobs, your resume is your first impression on potential employers at companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL, Accenture, or any MNC.

The process of making a resume involves several important steps: gathering pertinent information, selecting the right format, and tailoring the content to the job being applied for. In India, most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes, so understanding how to optimize your resume for these systems is crucial. A chronological, functional, or combination resume format may be chosen depending on your work history and the position desired.

Key Takeaways

• A resume is a pivotal tool for making a strong first impression on Indian employers and MNCs.
• Choosing the appropriate resume format (chronological, functional, or combination) is crucial for presenting your background effectively.
• Customizing content for each job application and optimizing for ATS enhances your resume's impact.
• Indian recruiters prefer concise 1-2 page resumes with clear formatting and relevant keywords.

Understanding the Purpose of a Resume

Before crafting a resume, it's crucial to recognize its function as a bridge connecting job seekers to potential employers, providing a critical first impression.

Defining a Resume

A resume is a formal document that presents an individual's professional background. This includes their work experience, skills, education, and notable achievements. In India, a resume is often used interchangeably with CV (Curriculum Vitae), though technically a CV is more detailed and commonly used for academic or research positions.

The Importance of a Resume for Job Search in India

For job applicants in India, a resume is the primary tool for landing an interview. With millions of graduates entering the job market annually, Indian recruiters often spend less than 30 seconds scanning each resume. This makes it essential to present your qualifications clearly and concisely. Whether you're applying through Naukri.com, LinkedIn, or directly to companies like IT giants (TCS, Infosys, Wipro), banking institutions (SBI, HDFC, ICICI), or startups, a well-prepared resume significantly influences your chances of getting shortlisted.

Preparing to Write Your Resume

Before one begins the resume writing process, it is essential to lay the groundwork. This preparation ensures that the resume will be tailored effectively to one's experience and the desired positions.

Identifying Your Skills and Accomplishments

It is important for individuals to reflect on their professional journey and make a list of their key skills and significant achievements. Skills should be categorized as either hard skills—specific, teachable abilities like software proficiency or language fluency—or soft skills such as leadership and communication. Achievements might include awards, successful project outcomes, or any measurable impact one has had in their roles.

Knowing Your Audience

Understanding the prospective employer and the industry is crucial for Indian job seekers. Research the company culture - for instance, IT companies like TCS and Infosys may value technical certifications, while startups might prioritize adaptability and multitasking. Tailor your resume to meet the expectations of the employer's corporate culture. This includes using industry-specific terminology (like data science, cloud computing, or digital marketing) and highlighting experiences that align with the job description.

Gathering Relevant Information

Before you start writing, collect all necessary information:

• Personal Details: Full name, phone number, email, LinkedIn profile, and city (full address is not required in India)
• Education: Degrees, institutions (IIT, NIT, state universities, etc.), graduation year, CGPA/percentage
• Work Experience: Previous job titles, company names, dates of employment, key responsibilities
• Skills: Technical skills, soft skills, tools, and technologies
• Certifications: AWS, Google, Microsoft certifications, or domain-specific credentials
• Projects: Academic projects, internship projects, or personal projects (especially important for freshers)

The goal is to create a comprehensive work history that can be easily adapted to suit the resume format chosen, be it a chronological, combination, or functional resume.

Structuring Your Resume

In crafting a resume, attention to structure is crucial. It shapes the first impression and guides the employer's focus. The structure encompasses choosing a format tailored to one's experience and the judicious design of the layout.

Choosing the Right Resume Format

Selecting an appropriate resume format is pivotal. There are three primary formats:

• Chronological Resume: Lists work history from most recent to oldest. Ideal for experienced professionals with 3+ years of continuous employment in IT, banking, or corporate sectors.
• Functional Resume: Focuses on skills rather than work history. Best for freshers, career changers, or those with employment gaps.
• Combination Resume: Merges both styles, emphasizing skills and employment history. Suitable for mid-career professionals applying for senior roles at companies like Amazon, Google, or Indian MNCs.

For most Indian job seekers applying to IT companies, banks, or consulting firms, the reverse-chronological format is preferred by recruiters and ATS systems.

Resume Layout and Design Basics

The layout and design of a resume must be professional and easy to navigate. Here are the key design principles for Indian job applications:

• Font: Use professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (10-12 pt size)
• Length: 1 page for freshers, 2 pages maximum for experienced professionals
• Margins: 0.5 to 1 inch on all sides
• File Format: PDF format to preserve formatting (unless company specifically asks for Word)
• ATS-Friendly: Avoid tables, graphics, headers/footers, and unusual fonts that ATS cannot read

Use bullet points to present achievements and responsibilities concisely. Each section should be clearly marked with bold headings. For color usage, stick to minimal accents - Indian recruiters generally prefer clean, professional looks over creative designs (unless applying for design roles).

Writing Compelling Content

Creating a standout resume involves more than listing your experiences and education—it requires strategic presentation and persuasive language that captures your professional journey effectively. A successful resume must be coherent and compelling to differentiate you from the competition.

The Art of Crafting a Professional Summary or Objective

A Professional Summary or Objective acts as your personal pitch, succinctly presenting your career goals and highlighting the attributes that make you an excellent candidate. Here's how to approach it:

For Experienced Professionals: Use a Professional Summary (3-4 lines) highlighting years of experience, key skills, and achievements. Example for an IT professional:

"Results-driven Software Developer with 5+ years of experience in Java, Spring Boot, and microservices architecture. Led development of payment gateway integration at HDFC Bank, improving transaction success rate by 15%. Seeking to leverage expertise in a Senior Developer role at a leading fintech company."

For Freshers: Use a Career Objective focusing on enthusiasm, academic achievements, and transferable skills. Example:

"B.Tech Computer Science graduate from NIT Trichy with strong foundation in Python, Machine Learning, and Data Structures. Completed internship at Zoho Corporation. Seeking to start career as Data Analyst where I can apply analytical skills and contribute to business insights."

For executive-level positions, the professional summary should illustrate leadership philosophy and core competencies with quantifiable achievements.

Describing Your Work Experience

Work Experience is the heart of your resume. Each job listing should start with the position title, employer name (well-known Indian companies like TCS, Infosys, Reliance, or Tata add credibility), location, and dates of employment. Follow the STAR method for describing achievements:

• Situation: Context of the challenge
• Task: Your responsibility
• Action: What you did
• Result: Quantifiable outcome

Examples for Indian professionals:

• "Developed RESTful APIs using Java Spring Boot, reducing API response time by 40% for 2 million daily users at Flipkart"
• "Managed GST compliance for 50+ clients, ensuring 100% on-time filing with zero penalties"
• "Led a team of 8 engineers at Infosys to deliver a banking module, saving ₹2 crore in operational costs"

Use quantifiable results such as percentages, rupee amounts (₹), or numbers to create a powerful narrative. Select responsibilities that align with the job you're targeting.

Detailing Your Education

Your Education section is particularly important in India, where academic credentials carry significant weight. Include:

• Degree: B.Tech, B.E., MBA, B.Com, CA, etc.
• Institution: University/college name (IITs, NITs, IIMs, central universities carry prestige)
• Graduation Year: Month and year
• CGPA/Percentage: Include if above 7.0 CGPA or 70% (many Indian companies have cutoff criteria)
• Relevant Coursework: For freshers, mention courses relevant to the job

Example:

B.Tech in Computer Science | Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi | 2023 | CGPA: 8.5/10

For experienced professionals with 5+ years, education can be brief. For freshers, this section should be detailed, including projects and academic achievements.

Highlighting Skills and Certifications

This subsection speaks to your Skills and Certifications which can set you apart in the Indian job market. Organize them clearly:

In-Demand Technical Skills in India (2025):

Industry	Hot Skills	Valuable Certifications
IT/Software	Python, Java, React, AWS, DevOps	AWS Solutions Architect, Azure, Google Cloud
Data Science	Python, SQL, Tableau, Machine Learning	Google Data Analytics, IBM Data Science
Digital Marketing	SEO, Google Ads, Social Media, Analytics	Google Ads, HubSpot, Meta Blueprint
Finance/Accounting	Tally, SAP, GST, Excel, Financial Modeling	CA, CMA, CFA, ACCA
HR	Recruitment, HRMS, Compliance, Employee Relations	SHRM, HRCI, LinkedIn Recruiter

Each skill and certification should directly relate to the job description. Indian employers highly value globally recognized certifications alongside domain expertise.

Customizing Your Resume

Customizing your resume is crucial in making a compelling case for why you are the best candidate for the job. It demonstrates to the employer that you have taken the time to understand the requirements and have the skills they are seeking.

Tailoring for the Job Description

Carefully read the job description and adjust your resume to reflect the most relevant experiences and skills. For instance, if applying for a customer service role at an Indian BPO like Genpact or Concentrix, highlight communication skills and customer handling experience. For a Java Developer role at TCS, emphasize your Java projects and related technologies.

Pro Tip: Create a master resume with all your experiences, then customize it for each application by selecting relevant points.

Incorporating Keywords for ATS

Most Indian companies, especially IT and large corporations, use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. To pass ATS screening:

• Extract keywords directly from the job posting (job title, required skills, qualifications)
• Use exact phrases - if the JD says "Java Spring Boot," use that exact term, not just "Java"
• Include variations - e.g., "Artificial Intelligence" and "AI," "Machine Learning" and "ML"
• Place keywords in your summary, skills section, and work experience
• Avoid graphics - ATS cannot read images, logos, or fancy formatting

For jobs on Naukri.com, LinkedIn, or company career portals, ATS optimization is crucial for getting shortlisted.

Finalizing Your Resume

Finalizing a resume is a crucial step to ensure it's polished and ready for potential employers. One must carefully proofread and solicit feedback before considering the document complete.

Proofreading and Editing

Proofreading is essential to catch grammatical errors, typos, and formatting inconsistencies. An error-free resume demonstrates attention to detail, a highly valued trait among employers. It's important to:

• Check spelling and grammar: Use tools like spellcheck and then read through manually to catch elusive mistakes.
• Examine formatting: Ensure fonts, headings, and bullet points are consistent throughout the document.

Getting Feedback

Obtaining feedback from trusted peers or mentors can provide valuable insights. They may notice areas that could be clearer or suggest improvements you hadn't considered. Consider these steps:

• Select appropriate reviewers: Share your resume with individuals who understand your industry and have experience hiring.
• Incorporate constructive criticism: Evaluate all the feedback and make revisions where necessary, prioritizing clarity and relevance.

Resume Samples by Industry

Looking for inspiration? Browse our collection of 400+ resume samples tailored for the Indian job market:

IT & Technology

• Java Developer Resume
• Python Developer Resume
• Data Scientist Resume
• AWS Cloud Engineer Resume
• DevOps Engineer Resume
• Business Analyst Resume

Finance & Banking

• Accountant Resume
• Financial Analyst Resume
• Bank Manager Resume
• Investment Banking Resume

Sales & Marketing

• Digital Marketing Manager Resume
• Sales Manager Resume
• Business Development Resume

Healthcare & Education

• Nurse Resume
• Teacher Resume
• Pharmacist Resume

Browse all 400+ resume samples →

Frequently Asked Questions

Crafting an effective resume is a key step in the job search process in India. Here are answers to common questions:

What are the essential steps to writing a resume in India?

Start by choosing the right format (chronological for experienced, functional for freshers). Then gather your information, write a strong summary, detail your experience with quantifiable achievements, list your education and skills, and optimize for ATS. Always proofread and save as PDF.

How can a fresher create a compelling resume?

Freshers should highlight academic achievements (CGPA, university rank), relevant coursework, internships, projects (academic or personal), technical skills, certifications, and extracurricular activities. Focus on potential and willingness to learn. Check our fresher resume guide.

What should someone include in a resume when they have no job experience?

Include educational achievements, internships (even short-term), academic projects, hackathon participation, volunteer work, certifications (Coursera, NPTEL, Udemy), and relevant skills. Many Indian IT companies hire based on aptitude and coding skills rather than experience.

What are some free tools for building a professional resume?

Use our free resume builder with templates optimized for Indian job applications. You can also explore our resume format templates for different industries and experience levels.

How long should a resume be for Indian companies?

For freshers: 1 page. For professionals with 2-5 years experience: 1-2 pages. For senior professionals (10+ years): 2 pages maximum. Indian recruiters prefer concise resumes that highlight relevant achievements.

Should I include a photo on my resume for Indian jobs?

Generally, no. Most Indian MNCs and IT companies prefer resumes without photos to avoid unconscious bias. However, some traditional Indian companies may still expect it. When in doubt, check the job posting or company culture.